Vietnam
ESSENCE OF VIETNAM
Experience the essence of Vietnam on this comprehensive 12-day journey that starts in Ho Chi Minh City in the south, continues to the central coast region which is home to imperial Hue and ancient Hoi An, and ends in the northern city of Hanoi including excursions to Ky Son village and Halong Bay. Witness spectacular countryside scenery and amazing landscapes while exploring places of historical interest and discovering local lifestyles and cultural traditions along the way.
Ho Chi Minh City – Hue – Hoi An – Hanoi – Halong Bay
12 days, 11 nights
ARRIVE IN VIETNAM’S COMMERCIAL CENTER
Ho Chi Minh City, which is commonly known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s commercial center and home to several landmark French colonial buildings. The city is alive with a buzzing street culture where locals dine and engage in various activities at the many local stalls that line the city streets. Upon arrival, you are fast-tracked through airport immigration and customs procedures to ensure you get a good start to your Vietnam journey. Your guide is waiting for you at the airport to transfer you to Park Hyatt Saigon, a French colonial style property where you will discover a sense of urban luxury with a combination of sophisticated design, handcrafted details and modern-day comforts. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: None
HISTORICAL LANDMARKS AND A CULTURAL PERFORMANCE
After breakfast, explore the landmarks of the city such as the Old Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Presidential Palace, Historical Museum and the Jade Emperor Pagoda. Then visit the bustling streets of Chinatown and discover some traditional herbal remedies. Stop by Thien Hau temple and join in a prayer service where the monks’ chanting creates an atmospheric mood. In the early evening, enjoy the A O Show, a cultural art performance at Opera House Theater. Commonly regarded as the “new circus”, the 60-minute show captures the imagination in a stunning visual feast of lighting and optical illusions. Experience the immense joy of being captured in a dream of Vietnamese life, survival, love and everything in between.
Overnight at Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast
A PERSONAL HISTORY OF THE CU CHI TUNNELS
Take a 2-hour-drive northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, through the lush countryside of southern Vietnam, to visit the Cu Chi tunnels. Dug in 1948, the tunnel complex was used by the guerrilla army against the French and also served as a communications route, food and weapons caches as well as hospitals and living quarters during the Vietnam War. Explore the underground passages to understand more about the history and the resilience of Vietnamese fighters during combat. You also have a unique opportunity to meet with a veteran who once lived in the tunnels to hear his personal account and learn about his experience of living in the confined space of the tunnel. Return to the city where you can enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast
AN IMPERIAL CITY IN CENTRAL VIETNAM
Check out of your hotel early this morning and transfer to the airport to catch a domestic flight bound for Hue in Central Vietnam. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the former imperial city was the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors from 1802 to 1945 and retains much of the cultural charms of that era. Intriguing palaces, shrines and other landmarks are scattered around the city, which is beautifully situated on the banks of the Perfume River. Upon arrival at the airport, meet your guide and transfer to La Residence Hotel & Spa for check in. A former colonial governor’s residence, the hotel overlooks the imperial citadel and is a landmark in itself. Spend the day relaxing, or explore the city at leisure.
Please note: Early check in is not included and is subject to availability.
Overnight at La Residence Hotel & Spa, Hue
Meals: Breakfast
HIGHLIGHTS OF HISTORICAL HUE
After breakfast, take a cruise on a dragon boat along the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda. The seven-tiered tower is one of Hue’s best preserved religious monuments. Then drive to the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden City where the Nguyen Emperors once ruled and stroll around the grounds to gain an understanding of imperial history. In the afternoon, take a short drive to see an elaborate royal tomb, the final resting place of Emperor Tu Duc, the 'poet Emperor'. Representing the height of the Nguyen Dynasty, the tomb is fittingly opulent and set within an exotic garden amid a landscape of pavilions and a lake. Later, a dinner of royal cuisine is served at a restored home of Nguyen Dynasty descendants.
Overnight at La Residence Hotel & Spa, Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
A SCENIC MOUNTAIN JOURNEY
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, then check out and prepare for departure at around 10:00. Embark on a 2.5-hour drive from Hue to Hoi An, passing the city of Danang on the way. The spectacular journey takes you along the scenic route over the Hai Van Pass where you are treated to spectacular panoramic views of the central coastline from the summit. Then, arriving in the historic port town of Hoi An, you are transferred directly to Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai. Reflecting the soul of Vietnam, the elegant property was built around an historic temple and is beautifully located on a private stretch of beach. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, exploring the old town or simply relaxing at the hotel.
Please note: Early check in is not included and is subject to availability.
Overnight at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
DISCOVERING AN ANCIENT CIVILIZATION
Discover the ancient Cham civilization which thrived in the 2nd century. Begin with a visit to the Cham Museum to discover splendid examples of ancient art from that period. Then take a short drive to My Son to explore the magnificent ruins of Champa temples located in a 2-kilometer valley surrounded by mountain ranges. Once the site of religious ceremonies for the Champa kings, the My Son temple complex was also used as a burial place of royals and national heroes. Return to Hoi An for a leisurely afternoon exploring the pedestrianized streets of the old town and visiting some important historical landmarks. You may also meet with a member of the Hoi An Relics Conservation Center for an interesting cultural interaction.
Overnight at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
A CITY OF MANY WONDERS
After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Hanoi, the beating heart of Vietnam. A bustling, beautiful city, Hanoi is a city of many wonders, characterized by a rich blend of Chinese, French and other Southeast Asian influences. Its well-preserved colonial buildings stand alongside ancient pagodas, fascinating cultural museums and lively local markets. Upon arrival, your guide is waiting to greet you and accompany you to the grand Sofitel Legend Metropole, an iconic heritage property featuring colonial and neo-classical elements, conveniently located in the old city. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing at the hotel or exploring the city at leisure.
Overnight at Sofitel Legend Metropole, Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast
A TASTE OF HANOI
A light breakfast is recommended as there is lots of food to taste today. First, visit the mausoleum and cottage house of General Ho Chi Minh, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Then explore Hanoi’s culinary scene with the head of Hanoi Gastronomy Club and editor of Culinary Art magazine. Taste Banh Goi, a delicious pan-fried parcel, and Bun Cha, the famous local noodles. At Hang Da market, try assorted sweet fried fruits called O Mai. Stop for lunch at a rustic restaurant, Cha Ca La Vong, for their grilled fish in saffron-infused oil. Continue to the Temple of Literature and walk or ride a cyclo around the Old Quarter. Then head to Ngoc Son temple, in the middle of a lake. Later, enjoy a show at the Water Puppet Theater.
Please note: All the museums are closed on Monday and Friday and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed from September to December each year for re-embalmment of the body and can only be visited from outside.
Overnight at Sofitel Legend Metropole, Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
VILLAGE LIFE IN AN ANCIENT LANDSCAPE
Leave the city behind today to experience the charming countryside of northern Vietnam. Take a leisurely drive through the scenic landscape to explore the peaceful village of Ky Son and its nearby farming communities. Then visit Duong Lam ancient village to see Mia Pagoda and the Mong Phu Communal House and cycle along the rural pathways of Thang Thac village to discover the tomb and temple of Ngo Quyen. Enjoy a local lunch at Moon Garden Homestay followed by a hand spa where your fingers are dipped in a fragrant lime bowl and massaged with traditional herbs. Later, try some local drinks and snacks while a foot bath of ginger, salt and mugwort medicinal herbs is prepared for you. Return to Hanoi in late afternoon.
Overnight at Sofitel Legend Metropole, Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
CRUISING THROUGH A HEAVENLY SEASCAPE
Drive 3.5 hours to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, a seascape of towering limestone karsts surrounded by emerald waters. Experience this slice of heaven on Paradise Peak, one of the most elegant vessels in the bay. After boarding at 12:30, sip a welcome drink while the crew deliver a safety briefing and assist with check in. Enjoy lunch on board while cruising through the beautiful bay and a treatment at Paradise Spa if you wish. Later, visit Sung Sot Cave or kayak to Luon Cave. Return to the boat for afternoon tea followed by happy hour. Then enjoy a cooking demonstration and dinner on board. The boat anchors at Coconut Tree Island overnight where you can try squid fishing or watch a movie in the cabin.
Please note: Although you may encounter large crowds while boarding at the dock, you will leave the crowds far behind once the boat sets sail. Sunbathing or swimming is subject to weather conditions and please keep in mind that November to February is cold season.
Overnight on Paradise Peak Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A FINAL FAREWELL AND DEPARTURE
Rise early to experience the serene morning atmosphere of the bay and enjoy an invigorating tai chi session at 06:30, followed by light refreshments. Then visit Titov Island and return to the boat for a la carte breakfast. Check out of your cabin as the boat continues sailing towards the mainland, arriving at the pier at 10:30. Then it’s time to disembark and bid farewell to the crew. On the transfer back to Hanoi, stop at a small village surrounded by rice fields and visit a local house with a colorful garden to experience a traditional way of life. Meet with the owner and chat over a cup of tea. Continue driving, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch