Vietnam Essentials: From South to North

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hue, the former Imperial capital. A charming and peaceful city, Hue is renowned for its stunning architecture, including the citadel, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas, and temples, all built during the Nguyen dynasty along the picturesque Perfume River.

Upon arrival at Hue Airport, proceed to the exit gate where your guide will be waiting for you, holding a welcome sign with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel by private vehicle. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the city at your own pace. Alternatively, you may join our Hue Insight Tour*, which includes visits to the Imperial Citadel, the Tu Duc Tombs, and an incense-making village. Overnight stay in Hue

*Optional Half-Day sightseeing tour of Hue: Explore the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire its stunning architecture and gardens while learning about the royal court's history. Despite extensive damage during the Vietnam War, much of the citadel remains well-preserved. Next, visit the Royal Tu Duc Tomb, a tranquil resting place surrounded by pine woods and a lakeside pavilion. This was once a retreat for the emperor, who enjoyed fishing, music, and poetry here. On the way back to downtown Hue, stop at a family-run workshop to see how incense sticks are made.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, check out and head to Hoi An, enjoying a scenic drive along the coastline. Pass over the Hai Van Pass, offering breathtaking views of lush mountains, clear blue skies, and the beautiful Lang Co Beach. From the mountain top, Lang Co appears as a picturesque scene, framed by green trees, crystal-clear waters, and the misty mountains above.

Once a thriving trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries, the riverside town of Hoi An still retains many traces of its prosperous past, seen in its lively market, numerous souvenir shops, and tailor establishments. What makes Hoi An so remarkable is the preservation of its Old Quarter. The streets are lined with traditional tile-roofed shop houses, shaded pagodas, and colourful communal halls, contributing to its UNESCO World Heritage status.

This afternoon, enjoy a half-day guided walking tour of Hoi An ancient town, known for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-friendly streets, and local cuisine. Stroll through the historic merchant houses, ancient pagodas, and places of worship, all reflecting influences from Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese cultures. Begin with a visit to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, over 400 years old, originally built by the Japanese community in the 1590s to connect with the Chinese quarter across the water. Then, head to the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation, where you can admire the intricate wood carvings on the beams, walls, and altar, while your guide shares untold stories of the Chinese community's time in Hoi An. Continue exploring the town’s backstreets, where the gentle hum of sewing machines fills the air. Hoi An is famous for its tailor shops, and while the origins remain a mystery, you can stop at a tailor shop to have clothes made to order. Overnight stay in Hoi An.

Breakfast at your hotel. Spend the day at your leisure exploring the charming town of Hoi An, or consider visiting the scenic Ba Na Hills and the iconic Golden Bridge*. Overnight stay in Hoi An.

*Optional visit to the scenic Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge: Today, drive for about 1.5 hours from Hoi An to Ba Na Hills, a scenic mountain area with cool temperatures year-round. Take a ride on the modern cable car for stunning views of the landscape, then walk on the Golden Bridge, supported by giant hands emerging from the mountain. Enjoy free time to explore the area, with options to visit European-style villas, indoor games, flower gardens, pagodas, and the French Wine Cellar (extra cost).

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you will meet your driver in the hotel lobby and depart by shuttle bus (an escorted guide from Hanoi is provided for groups of 10 or more) for the journey to Halong Bay (or Lan Ha Bay, a part of Halong), a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, renowned for its thousands of breathtaking limestone islets and grottoes rising from the clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink on board before checking in to the Halong Bay Cruise. Lunch will be served as the boat, a traditional junk, cruises past numerous stone islets, floating villages, and small beaches. Visit a floating fishing village and unwind on the sundeck. Dinner will be served as the boat anchors in a tranquil, designated overnight area. Night on board.

Important: The cruise operator will follow only one itinerary to either Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay. Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions or local administration regulations. There will be no guide on board.

This morning, wake up early to witness the sunrise over the bay with a cup of tea or coffee in hand on the sundeck. Afterwards, enjoy a gentle Tai Chi session. Savour brunch in the fresh air of the bay while the boat cruises through some of the most serene and scenic areas. Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room, taking in the stunning views as the boat makes its way back to the wharf. The vehicle will be ready to transfer you back to Hanoi as soon as you disembark. Overnight stay in Hanoi.