VIETNAM LUXURY 09 DAYS

Breakfast at your hotel. Start the tour at the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument lavishly built using marble and granite, and where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” resides. (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every Monday & Friday, all afternoons and from early September until mid November). Behind the Mausoleum, you can see Ho Chi Minh's House. The simple house where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked is made of wood and enjoyed a tranquil setting, with a view of a lotus pond. Ho Chi Minh’s belongings are on display and you can walk up the steps of his house to see his bedroom. A short walk from the mausoleum is the lotus shaped One Pillar Pagoda – resting on a single stone pillar emerging from the water. Wind your way afterwards to the Temple of Literature, the first University for the sons of mandarins, for an overview about Hanoian culture and appreciation for ancient Vietnamese architecture.

Have your lunch at Quan An Ngon restaurant.

The rest of the day is at your leisure.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, depart for a 3.5-hour journey to Halong Bay stopping for a break at Hong Ngoc Center – the best place to stop and stretch your legs en route.

On arrival in Halong Bay, board the Halong Violet, settle into your cabin, and prepare your appetite for an enjoyable lunch on deck. In mid-afternoon, visit the mysterious Tien Ong Cave, adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, and then continue to the Cua Van fishing village, the largest fishing community on the bay. Head back to the boat, participate in a cooking class with the chef or enjoy sunset on the top deck before dinner.

Rise early and greet the day with another refreshing Tai Chi class on the upper deck. Transfer from the main boat to a small beach on Ti Top Island. Those wanting a bit of exercise can climb to the top of the island (20 minutes). Later, board the main boat and enjoy a delicious buffet brunch while cruising back to shore. Arrive at the jetty in late morning then transfer back to Hanoi. Light snack provided en route. Option to stop at a small pottery workshop en route.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be transferred straight to Noi Bai International Airport to catch a flight to Danang. You are welcome at the airport then transfer to Hoi An ancient town for check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Breakfast at your hotel. Free your time at leisure.

Hoi An is a pretty little town, with history written all over it. Blending Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and European influences, this former port town is an unusual mix of architectural styles. You’ll get a real feel for this town when you walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Listed old quarter with our local guide, who’ll tell you the story behind the old merchant shops, the 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge and the pretty pagoda.

As the sun sets, we head out on bikes with a local guide into the surrounding countryside for a look at the gorgeous scenery. Cruise past rice fields and traditional homes before riding riverside back into town. Enjoy a Vietnamese cooking class tonight at Red Bridge and taste why this food has such a good reputation. Cook up 4 traditional dishes - you’ll even get to enjoy eating them afterward.

Breakfast at your hotel. it’s free time to either relax back at the hotel pool or get some clothes made. Hoi An is known for its beautiful cloths and colourful silks, and there are loads of tailors ready to whip up some made-to-order threads in record breaking time. One tip is to bring some clothes you like from home with you - the tailors can make almost exact copies of the patterns! They also have designs in their shops to choose from.

The morning is free at your leisure until you meet your guide at the hotel’s lobby and transfer back to Danang. Fly further to the south of Vietnam to Saigon. On arrival, your local guide in Saigon will transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Breakfast at your hotel. We will visit the busy Ben Thanh Market, considered by many to be the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Sitting across from some of downtown’s tallest buildings, the market hosts vendors selling everything from blue jeans to raw fish. In the produce section you will pick out all your ingredients to use in your class, but don’t worry your chef will on hand to guide you through all the weird and wonderful vegetables and herbs.

With your ingredients bagged, head to the Mai Home cooking class for a hands-on cooking lesson in a large traditional home. Vietnamese food is healthy and simple to cook, using many local fresh herbs, spices and vegetables. The class is made up of small groups allowing for personalised attention and lots of fun. Try your hand at creating some typical dishes like fresh spring rolls or a claypot! After all the dishes have been made, sit down to lunch and taste your handiwork.

We continue a city tour to admire Saigon’s historic landmarks including the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires based on the original construction from Paris (It is only possible to visit inside when no service is being performed). Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, designed by the French architect, Gustav Eiffel. Continue to visit the former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American war, revealing the history of Saigon during its turbulent recent past. Further, drive to visit the War Remnants Museum for a vivid insight of the American war through the local’s eyes.

Dinner at Nam Phan Restaurant.

This newest addition to the dining scene is elegantly decorated offering some of the most exquisite Vietnamese dishes in all of Saigon. Khai, a local Vietnamese business entrepreneur who made his riches from designer silk clothes, has brought fine dining to traditional Vietnamese cuisine in the heart of the city. His designer flare is obvious once you enter the interior with its eclectic mix of traditional and antique furnishing and Vietnamese art decorating the walls.

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Saigon.

Breakfast at hotel. Free your time to discover Saigon streets or shopping at Ben Thanh market - the symbol of Ho Chi Minh city until you are transferred to the Tan Son Nhat airport for your departure flight.