HONEYMOON IN VIETNAM 15 DAYS

After breakfast depart for an insider’s tour of the capital. Start with a tour of the Long Bien Bridge (originally name Doumer Bridge) which was built in 1902 by Sir. Gustave Eiffel. Take a walking tour of this fascinating structure to learn more on how this bridge helped shape Hanoi’s future.

From Long Bien, drive by vehicle to the capital’s Old Quarter. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It's a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities all around you. It is here in this area that lies the soul of the city, one the most ancient capitals of Southeast Asia. A mixture of village and old way of life amidst a modern and growing city offer amazing contrasts.

Continue to the Temple of Literature - Vietnam's first university, also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past.

For sunset continue to West Lake and one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in Hanoi, Tran Quoc. The romantic Than Nhien causeway where the pagoda and temple are situated makes an excellent backdrop for photographs. Dine tonight at Bobby Chinn restaurant - one of Hanoi's best tables.

After breakfast leave Hanoi for an overnight boat trip on Halong Bay. Journey there through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta, observe everyday life of Vietnamese villagers as they work the rice fields, take pigs to the market on bicycles and plough the fields with their water buffaloes. Arrive in Halong City late morning and board your traditional, private wooden junk for the overnight journey into the Bay. En-route lunch will be served.

Following cruise by rock formations with such names as Sail, Dog and Dinh Huong (incense pot). Towards the end of the day set anchor for the night. As the sun sets over the bay dinner is served on board with fresh seafood, salads, and fruits. Overnight on Halong Bay

On your return to Halong City enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations. Upon disembarkation your driver will meet you for the transfer to Noi Bai Airport for the flight to Danang.

En route visit Thanh Chuong Palace, the home and studio of Thanh Chuong who is one of the most celebrated painters in Vietnam today is an architectural gem showcasing Vietnamese traditional cultural objects and structures. A living space rather than a museum which showcases Vietnamese archaeology, art, history and other culture values.

Flight to Danang, uopn arrival you are welcome by our guide and then transfer to Hoi An town.

After your breakfast it's time to discover Hoi An. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the centre of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday. A walking tour is the best way to see this marvellous town.

Lunch at one of Hoi An’s best restaurants which serves original and creative cuisine that can only be described as Vietnam-Latin American-Japanese fusion. With a combination of refreshing flavours, beautiful presentations and a relaxing atmosphere this eatery has won the heart of many loyal and happy customers.

This afternoon is free to relax with car and guide at disposal. Browse for souvenirs in Hoi An's art galleries and silk shops, or maybe cycle to the nearby Cua Dai Beach.

Today spend time with a local farming family to learn about their daily lifestyle and to discover the flavours of fresh Vietnamese cuisine. From the hotel ride a bicycle along shady lanes and by rice fields to Tra Que Village, see the farmers as they work on their organic herb garden. Join in at making tam huu, a local delicacy before sitting down for a light, home cooked meal including bang khoai, a speciality savoury pancake wrapped in rice paper. At the end of the afternoon return to Hoi An by vehicle.

Afternoon free at leisure

After brekfast. Take a short flight to Vietnam's beach capital Nha Trang which has every single activity that a sun worshipper may want (in Nha Trang the airport – resort transfer will be by hotel guide and vehicle). Besides the pre-requisite golden stretches of land and crystal clear waters, the coast is dotted with many islands each with their own distinct character. The turquoise waters play host to a variety of marine life, and snorkeling and scuba diving are perennial favorites.

The next two days are free at leisure.

Free at leisure

Depart for Nha Trang Airport after breakfast for the short flight to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals.

Take an orientation tour of the city in a classic Citroen car which will include a visit to the former Presidential Palace, the War Remnants Museum and the Old Saigon Post Office. For lunch try some traditional Saigon fare. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to discover Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace.

After breakfast, depart for the Mekong Delta. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind as you travel through Vietnam’s picturesque countryside with its rice paddies and rural villages. Upon arrival in the Delta board the private ‘Song Xanh’, modelled after a traditional sampan. The boat’s small size allows you to discover the smaller canals and tributaries of this region. Your visit includes the home of Mr. Huyen Thuy Le, a character from the novel ‘The Lover’ by Marguerite Duras as well as Thien Hau Pagoda. Return to the boat for lunch. Continue to Can Tho stopping en-route at a Cao Dai Temple. Cao Daism is indigenous to South Vietnam and the colourful and unusual murals that cover the temple’s interior will blind you with their brilliance.

Before sunset, the last stop is at a splendid 19th century house where an unforgettable dinner will be served. After dinner, proceed for one hour to Can Tho where your sampan will be moor for the night. Overnight aboard the Song Xanh Boat

Crossing the Mekong on the way to Cai Rang Floating Market, take in traditional sights such as rice barges, wooden ship building yards and even fruit drying along the Mekong's banks

After visiting the colourful floating market transfer to Can Tho Airport for the flight to the island of Phu Quoc. On arrival at the islands sleepy airport, transfer to La Veranda Resort. Many properties in Asia claim to be 'boutique', but few fit the bill so perfectly as La Veranda. The resort features sumptuous villas, a wonderfully indulgent spa and a pristine sandy beach. The rest of your day is at leisure to kick back or enjoy the resorts facilities as you please.

Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is one of Asia's least developed beach destinations. The island's clear waters, undiscovered beaches, forested interior and charming local character make for an ideal holiday escape. Spend the next three nights in Phu Quoc enjoying the perfectly laid backed surroundings. Recommended touring options (on own account) are diving and snorkelling trips to the outer laying reefs and visits to the islands infamous fish sauce factories and if you desire, a trekking to discover the islands interior consisting of pristine rainforest.

Free at leisure.

Today is departure day. Enjoy some free time before the short flight back to Ho Chi Minh City and your onward departure from Vietnam. If time allows it is possible to transfer back into Ho Chi Minh City for last purchases or simply relax at the airport before your onward flight.