VIETNAM IN STYLE 12 DAYS

After breakfast depart for an insider‟s tour of the capital. Your specialist street food guide and your private vehicle and driver will meet at the hotel. Drive to the centre of Hanoi. Once in the centre of town the tour will be mostly conducted on foot so be sure that you are wearing comfortable walking shoes.

Stroll through Old Quarter, past the old east gate to Thanh Ha market. Along the way delicacies, strange food items and an explanation of Vietnamese food practices will be given. This busy, eclectic market is alive with the sights and sounds of Hanoi and is the essence of Vietnamese culture. Continue through the streets of the Old Quarter to Dong Xuan market to sample some local treats such as pho tiu and bun dau. Your guide will explain the routine of Vietnam meal times and indigenous/unusual ingredients eaten. Stroll up „food alley‟ to see other dishes on offer. From here visit the food sections of Hanoi‟s main market, Dong Xuan. See dried goods and aromatics, the essentials of Vietnamese cuisine.

Walk down to Hang Than Street to view ceremonial cake stalls and taste a special French influenced dessert. An explanation on traditions and food gifts for celebrations will be given. Continue back into the Old Quarter via Hang Cot Street – check specially treated fruit which are dependable on the seasons and a common snack in Vietnam. Walk along Phung Hung Street through temporary market stalls where you can see the changing market scene in Hanoi and how modernization is shaping tradition. At the end of the tour stop at one of the Old Quarter busiest coffee shops for a well-earned sit down and coffee before transferring back to your hotel.

You’ll then spend an hour at the beautiful Ngoc Son Temple & Hoan Kiem Lake. The Temple is set on a tiny island on the Lake, with history dating back to the 13th century. The temple is reached by crossing the Huc Bridge which literally means the ‘Place Touched by Morning Sunbeams’. After a refreshment break the finale of today’s sightseeing is a Water Puppet show, a delightful performance of music, puppets and songs.

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Ha Noi.

Breakfast at hotel. A couple hours drive outside of Hanoi will take you deep into Vietnam‟s past and picturesque countryside: discover Hoa Lu, ancient capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties, before taking a sampan trip down the so called "Halong Bay on Land‟ - Tam Coc River, famous for its charming grottoes and limestone karst mountains. Along the way stop where you wish to take photographs of local villages and the stunning landscape.

After lunch board your private sampan to either Thung Nang (visited in summer) or Trang An (visited in winter). As the boat gently slices through the water, notice the enormous limestone karsts jutting out from the green rice fields giving rise to other name, "Halong on Land‟.

Should you feel adventurous climb up to Bich Dong Pagoda on nearby Ngu Nhac Mountain.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

We suggest 02 options for accommodation:

Breakfast at hotel. We depart for Ha Long city to visit Halong bay (a World Natural Heritage site and a New World’s wonder). Halong bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various sizes and shapes with 1969 islets. Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves, other support floating villages of fishermen. You have chance of observing scenic country side of Vietnam dominated by enormous lush rice field.

Upon arrival. Check-in between 11:30 - 12:00 at the boat port. Enjoy a refreshing “Welcome cocktail” upon check-in on the sun deck. Enjoy your lunch as the vessel sails to Halong Bay passing the Fighting cocks islet, the Elephant leg islet, the Castle islet, the Soi Sim Island. Arrive at Surprise grotto - one of the most famous grotto in the entire Halong, we will visit the cave by Tender. After taking a lot of photos and admire the beauty of the cave we will visit the fishing village by local rowing boat (1 hour) with the opportunity to interact with fishermen who have been living in the bay for almost three generations then we return to the vessel for free time at your leisure. You can swim in the clear emerald waters, soak up the sun over a cool beer on the top deck sun lounge or try your hand at some kayaking (your account) amongst the huge limestone outcrops that surround us. We retire to the junk and relax on the top deck and enjoy a refreshing drink from the bar. Enjoy and learn the Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the sundeck. Your delicious seafood dinner will be served at the restaurant. Stay overnight on cruise for a more in-depth experience.

(The itinerary above may be changed depending on the cruise we choose and weather permitting).

We suggest 03 options for accommodation:

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 hotel. Enjoy a walking around the historic town soaking up the atmosphere, exploring the many Chinese assembly halls and fascinating ancestral homes, some of which have been occupied by the same family for fifteen generations. One of the most spectacular Assembly Halls is the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, built in 1690. The pagoda inside contains intricate statues and artwork, in part dedicated to Thien Hau Than Mau, the Goddess of the Sea and protector of fishermen.

Walking tour of the ancient town center takes us to the sites of former merchants’ homes, the 400-year old Japanese Covered bridge - The symbol of Hoian. The Japanese Covered bridge was the first bridge in Hoian and was constructed in 1593. It was built by the Japanese community of Hoian to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream.

We will enjoy Amazing Sunset Cocktail cruise on Thu Bon river. Admire a glorious sunset while enjoying cocktails with family and friends. A perfect way to start the evening. The sun is low in the sky and the wind is gentle. Excellent calm water cruising. A complimentary cocktail is served upon boarding, having some snack and setting the scene for the unforgettable evening ahead. On board, we also served food with set menus and A la carte menu, so you can order your dinner.

Free your time to relax or discover the hidden charm of Hoian town.

Breakfast at hotel. We will leave Hoian to Hue imperial city. On the way, you’ll have a brief look at the remarkable Hindu statuary in the Cham museum - One of the largest collections of Cham sculpture and artwork in the world. The museum is officially known as the Museum of Champa Sculpture. We continue to visit a nearby stone-cutting craft village.

We travel through the “Pass of the Ocean Clouds”, on to the former imperial city of Hue. Keep your camera handy for the incredible coastal views and rolling green hills along the way.

Afternoon: We will visit the Hue Citadel Complex including Royal Citadeland Forbidden Citadel - UNESCO World Heritage Sites, set up by Nguyen Dynasty from 1805 to 1945, is now one amongst the relics of the Hue ancient capital.

The sightseeing continues with a walk to the bustling Dong Ba market - fantastic to wander boulevards, verdant parks and ochre buildings that retain an old-world around. It sells all manner of items and is a lively place to spend a couple charm, Dong Ba is also famous for the best conical hats in Vietnam.

Tonight you will have a chance to enjoy “Royal dinner” at Royal Park restaurant. Enjoy a delicious food while listening to melodious music and having a feeling of being the King and Queen. All wear traditional royal clothes. All the served food is royal including dishes reminding dragon, phoenix, or peacock...Overnight in Hue.

We suggest 03 options for accommodation:

Breakfast at hotel. This morning an excursion boat trip along the romantic Perfume river carries us through a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes, where Hue’s best known religious sites are located. We will visit Thien Mu pagoda - one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious work ship in Hue. We continue to visit the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. This impressive landmark reflects the beautiful architecture, intricate decor and mysterious statues. Afterwards we take a short drive though the rolling hill to see the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc - One of the most beautifully designed complexes among the tombs of the Nguyen dynasty. Embedded in a lush pine forest, this tomb is the final resting place of Emperor Tu Duc (1848-83) who had the longest reign of all emperors of the Nguyen dynasty. Have your lunch at Tinh Gia Vien restaurant.

Transfer to the airport to take a flight to Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon - 1,5 hour).

You are welcome at the airport then transfer to your hotel. Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Saigon.

We suggest 03 options for accommodation:

Breakfast at your hotel. We begin our day by first visiting Chinatown (Cho Lon district) and the Thien Hau Pagoda, followed by visits to the former Presidential Palace, the War Remnants Museum and theNotre Dame Cathedral.

Have your lunch at Vietnam House restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels. Upon arrival, we have an opportunity to watch a brief introductory documentary. This black and white film tells of the American War (as named by the Vietnamese) from a different perspective; which is always interesting. Following this film, we will take a walk through the compound to experience what life was like for the 10,000 Viet Cong who took part in the 1968 Tet Offensive. You may even have a chance to crawl through the tunnels yourself. We return to Saigon in the late afternoon. Overnight in Saigon.

Breakfast at your hotel. The Cuu Long region, which translates as 'Nine Dragons', otherwise known as the Mekong Delta is a great place to discover Vietnam. Amazing waterways hidden amongst vibrant tropical fruit gardens, bustling floating markets that offer a cornucopia of items and acres of emerald rice fields are what make this region so unforgettable. The private Victoria Boat (former name Song Xanh boat) is designed as a traditional sampan and its small size allows you to discover the smaller canals, rivers and tributaries of this region. Cruise Cai Be's & Cai Rang's colourful floating markets; vissit Sadec, the Mekong town made famous from Marguerite Duras' novel 'The Lover', enjoy an unforgettable dinner in a 19th century house and the sights of sounds of this fascinating region.

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‟, modeled 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 colorful 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 candlelight dinner will be served.

After dinner, proceed for one hour to Can Tho where your sampan will be moor for the night. Overnight aboard Victoria boat (former name 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, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Saigon.

Breakfast at hotel. Free your time until you are transferred to the Tan Son Nhat airport for your departure flight.