Day 1
Hanoi

HANOI ARRIVAL

After arriving at the Noi Bai International airport, you are welcomed by your guide and transferred to the Hotel. Relax on your own for the rest of the day.

Overnight: Hanoi

Day 2
Hanoi

HANOI: CITY TOUR (B, L)

Depart the hotel to visit the Temple of Literature, or Quoc Tu Giam. Built in 1076, The Temple of Literature was Vietnam's first university and 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. Next, visit Hanoi’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. The Citadel was constructed on a Chinese fortress dating back from the 7th century and re-built in the 11th century by the Ly Viet Dynasty. The historical site and remains reflect a unique South-East Asian culture between influences from China in the north and the ancient Kingdom of Champa in the south. You also visit The One Pillar Pagoda, which was founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure is one of Vietnam’s smallest but most iconic temples. Close by is the mausoleum of the  historic father figure of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, and the former presidents house on stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969. Afterwards, continue to Hanoi’s picturesque West Lake area and the sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda. From here transfer (or stroll along the lakeside) to the nearby Taoist temple of Quan Thanh dedicated to Tran Vu, one of the principal deities in Taoism. Next, visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter, also known as the ‘36 streets’ area. Take a walking tour through charming Hang Be Market and around Hoan Kiem Lake. 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. Finish the day with a Water Puppet show. This is a uniquely North Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history

Overnight: Hanoi

Day 3
Ninh Binh

HANOI – NINH BINH (B, L)

After breakfast drive through northern Vietnam to the site of Vietnam´s first capital, Hoa Lu. Visit the temples that are dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty. After visiting Hoa Lu, take an half-hour walk up of one the surrounding limestone karst hills, the climb is rewarding with spectacular views. Depart for Tam Coc Town for a Vietnamese lunch and on the way you can take pictures of local villages and the stunning landscape. After lunch, you visit Trang An Landscape Complex which was listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a relaxing boat ride on a peaceful river passing through a series of caves. Tran An is a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks permeated from valleys, some of which are submerged and surrounded by steep cliffs. As the boat gently slices through the water, notice the enormous limestone karsts jutting out from the green rice fields. In order to get more out of your adventure, climb up to Bich Dong Pagoda, established on the Ngu Nhac Mountain and dated back to 1428. After that, you drive back to Tam Coc town. Transfer to your hotel and the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.

Overnight: Ninh Binh

Day 4
Ninh Binh

NINH BINH – THNH HOA – NINH BINH (B, L)

Depart to visit the remote and less visited Ho Citadel which was declared as an UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011, situated in nearby Thanh Hoa Province. Ho Citadel remains consist of the Inner Citadel, La Thanh Outer Wall and the Nam Giao Altar, which are designed for a centralized imperial city. The use of large stone walls with traditional Feng Shui principles is the main characters that represent the almost intact Ho Citadel. Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch after the visit and then transfer back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free time. You can relax and enjoy the facilities at your hotel, take a walk or a bicycle ride through the rice paddy fields that surround your hotel to soak up the beauty of the country side.

Overnight: Ninh Binh

Day 5
Halong Bay

NINH BINH – HALONG BAY (B, L, D)

Leave Ninh Binh early in the morning in order to drive to the Halong Bay, designated Vietnam´s most famous and most popular UNESCO World Heritage site! The name ‘Ha Long’ means the dragon descending into the sea and owes its origins to a Vietnamese myth. The towering limestone karsts represent the dragon´s back, surrounded by jade green water creating an unforgettable site. Arrive at the Halong Bay jetty and check in before boarding for your unforgettable overnight cruise. After you have been welcomed on board, a lunch will be served while cruising. Enjoy some visits and activities or just spend some time relaxing on board afterwards. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.
   
Overnight: Ship

Day 6
Hoi An

HALONG BAY – HANOI – HOI AN (B, BR)

Enjoy the morning in the middle of Halong Bay as the sun rises and breakfast is served while the vessel cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards the port. After the boat will return to shore, transfer to Hanoi Airport for the mid-late afternoon flight to Danang in Central Vietnam. Arrive in Danang and drive to the nearby historic Hoi An town. Hoi An was a major Asian trading port from the 15th to the 19th centuries which architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. The Hoi An Ancient Town was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Overnight: Hoi An

Day 7
Hoi An

HOI AN: MY SON (B, L)

Early in the morning you will be picked up by a jeep from your hotel to travel to another of Central Vietnam´s UNESCO World Heritage sites - the temple complex My Son Sanctuary. Enjoy the trip toward the ruins of My Son which turns the day into an unforgettable outing. My Son was the homeland of the grand Champa Kingdom which built dozens of red brick towers during the 7th - 13th centuries. The sanctuary is situated in an impressive location surrounded by hills. It is not as spectacular as the great Angkor complexes in Cambodia, but the remaining structure are atmospheric enough to conjure images of the majesty of the Champa Kingdom. Venture around the paths, visiting the numerous ruins and soaking in the atmosphere of the historic site. Begin in the afternoon to drive back to Hoi An along a different road that run parallel to the Thu Bon River. In the afternoon light casts a different hue on the farms, water and roads which is great for photos or as a scenic backdrop for the jeep ride. Reach Hoi An just in time for a sunset walking tour. The centre of Hoi An remains much the same today as it was in its heyday, when it was one of Asia´s busiest trading ports. The wooden-fronted houses that once belonged to the town´s prosperous merchants, the Japanese-covered Bridge and the wonderful market as well as the silk, handicrafts, antique shops and galleries that take you back in time.

Overnight: Hoi An

Day 8
Hue

HOI AN - HUE (B, L)     

Become more familiar with Vietnamese culture through the art of Vietnamese cooking by joining a cooking class. This experience combines a market tour, an overview of ingredients common in Vietnamese food and a hands-on cooking class that ends with each participant making their own multi course meal. After the cooking class, depart from Hoi An through Hai Van Pass to Hue where the former citadel of the very last Nguyen Dynasty is located.

Overnight: Hue

Day 9
Hue

HUE: CITY TOUR (B, L)

After breakfast depart for a city tour of Hue to explore another UNESCO World Heritage – the Complex of Hue Monuments. The structures of The Complex of Hue Monuments are carefully placed within the natural setting of the site and are aligned cosmologically with the Five Cardinal Points, the Five Elements and the Five Colours. The Imperial Citadel is where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. This ancient citadel reflects the pomp and ceremony of the dynastic rulers, as well as the scars of many years of turmoil. Both ancient and modern but retains a sense of grace and majesty, even today, and is an outstanding example of an eastern feudal capital. Take a cycle and drive through Dai Noi "Old City" to Tinh Tam Lake, where the emperor used to come to relax. Full of lotus flowers and many local style coffee shops are around the lake. Continue to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, constructed in 1601, where the 21 meter tall tower is the centrepiece of the pagoda and represents seven reincarnations of Buddha. In the grounds of the Pagoda is the Austin Car, that begun to be famous in 1963. In the afternoon see the tomb of the former emperor Minh Mang which is located in a setting of gardens and ponds. If time permits travel on to Khai Dinh´s Tomb which is designed with European influences, making it unique from the other tombs in Hue. On the way back to Hue visit Ho Quyen, an arena that is a rarity of Asian architecture and is still intact. It was built in 1830 during the reign of Minh Mang emperor and was an arena, a stage of yearly battles between an elephant and a tiger. Before heading back to your hotel take time to stroll around Dong Ba Market with your guide. The market is another of the must-sees in Hue.

Overnigt: Hue

Day 10
Dong Hoi

HUE – DONG HOI (B, L)

During your trip to Dong Hoi, you stop at a couple of historic sites and monuments to gain more understanding of the history of the Vietnam War. Drive across the Hien Luong Bridge and over the Ben Hai River which demarcated North and South Vietnam, where some of the heaviest fighting during the war was. Doc Mieu Firebase played a major role in the South defence and was for a while the command post for calling in airstrikes along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The journey to Vinh Moc Tunnels is scenic. After you leave the main highway, pass through quaint villages and skirt along Cua Tung Beach. The village of Vinh Moc found itself tragically positioned in one of the most heavily bombed areas of Vietnam. In order to escape this bombardment, the villagers constructed approximately 2,8 km of underground tunnels which they used as a refuge to survive the bombings Last stop today is the Truong Son National Cemetery where the remains of some 15,000 Vietnamese soldiers and civilians have been laid to rest. Sadly many tombstones bear no name. Drive back to your Hotel in Dong Hoi.

Overnight: Dong Hoi

Day 11
Dong Hoi

DONG HOI: PHONG NHA-KE BANG NATIONAL PARK (B, L)

After breakfast, drive to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park that was declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. The National Park contains and protects caves and underground rivers, making it one of the most outstanding limestone karst ecosystems in the world. The karst landscape is not only complex but also ancient, with high geo-diversity and geomorphic features of considerable significance in the world. After arriving in Phong Nha visit firstly the Paradis Cave which was opened to the public in 2010. Here you have a chance to see one of the largest and most impressive accessible caves. See the large entrance of this cave, after you climb over 400 stairs. Descend into the cave on a wooden walkway that is made to protect and preserve the fragile cave formations. After lunch board your private boat for a leisure boat trip down the Son River to the mouth of the Phong Nha cave. Pass by the entrance to the Cave of Teeth and Wind and enter the mystical tunnels, filled with giant stalactites and stalagmites and crystal clear waters.

Overnight: Dong Hoi

Day 12
Ho Chi Minh City

DONG HOI – HO CHI MINH CITY (B, L)

Take an early morning flight to your next destination. After arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, often referred to by the locals as Saigon, you meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for check in. In the afternoon, join a city Tour to unveil the histories behind the vibrant metropolis Vietnams. Your program includes the Reunification Hall, formerly known as the Presidential Palace. This fascinating building is filled with history, still fresh in the minds of many.  From there stroll to the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City: the old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall. After this historical visit continue to the War Remnants Museum where exhibition halls display imagery of both the French and American wars. Continue to the Jade Emperor Pagoda located on the fringes of district 1. Build in 1909 by Cantonese Buddhists that was designed using Feng Shui principals, showcasing ornate statues and effigies.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 13
Ho Chi Minh City

HO CHI MINH CITY: CU CHI TUNNELS – HO CHI MINH CITS FOOD TOUR (B, L, D)

Start the day with the Cu Chi Tunnels tour on one of the luxurious modern speedboats, while learning about the life on the river and gliding through the floating hyacinths. Explore the historic war site of Cu Chi with its weapons and underground bunkers. Before going underground, a short introduction video shows how the tunnels were constructed. If you are feeling extra adventurous, you can even crawl through the authentic Viet Cong tunnels and try the local cassava root, which the fighters sustained themselves on for years. After a blast from the past of the Cu Chin Tunnels, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch right by the river. Then drive back to Ho Chi Minh City for some relaxing. Start your Food Tour late afternoon to get the best of the beaten trek. While cruising through the bustling streets on the back of a scooter, see the sites that you would never find on your own. Learn about things such as small family business in the big city, the Chinese community and their influences of medicine, Vietnamese custom and religion and more.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 14
Mekong Delta

HO CHI MINH CITY – MEKONG DELTA – SONG XANH CRUISE (B, L, D)

Drive through the beautiful Mekong delta to Cai Be this morning. Upon arrival, check in Song Xanh boat cruise. Observe from the comfort of your boat life as it plays out on the riverbanks – the people, the stunning landscapes, while your attentive crew serves rea and seasonal fruit. Before arriving at Sa Dec, go ashore to visit a pottery factory where everything is made by hand and all is recycled. Arrive in Sa Dec and take a stroll to the outdoor market. Visit the local celebrity: the ancient house of Huynh Thuy Le, a real-life character of the novel and film "The Lover" by Marguerite Duras. Lunch is served on board while cruising towards Can Tho along a narrow canal. You will pass monkey bridges and tiny villages before stopping for a visit to Cao Dai temple. Cycle or row in a small boat surrounded by pure nature. Your last stop before sunset is at an ancient house, a Nha Cogoing dated back to the 19th Century. The owner welcomes you and a candle light dinner is served in this authentic countryside setting. After dinner return on board and cruise towards Hau River.

Overnight: Ship

Day 15
Phu Quoc

CAN THO – PHU QUOC (B)

Wake up early in order to visit the famous Cai Rang floating market which operates daily. Each boat usually sells one particular item, whether it is pumpkins, pineapples or sugar cane. In order to alert customers where to stop, vendors hang up their item from the highest part of the boat. Breakfast is served on board while the Song Xanh navigates towards the market among barges loaded down with fruits and vegetable from the delta. Disembark from private jetty and then drive to Can Tho airport for your flight to Phu Quoc Island. Upon arrival at Phu Quoc airport, drive to your hotel.

Overnight: Phu Quoc

Day 16
Phu Quoc

PHU QUOC (B)

Spend the day relaxing, letting your day unfold naturally as you slip into the steady rhythms of laid- back beach life. Phu Quoc´s palm-fringed, white sand beach and warm waters are the perfect setting for a culminating point of Vietnam tour.

Overnight: Phu Quoc

Day 17
Phu Quoc

PHU QUOC (B)

After breakfast, enjoy the rest of the day on your own and explore Phu Quoc or just relax.

Overnight: Phu Quoc

Day 18
Phu Quoc

PHU QUOC (B)

Today is another day that you can spend on your own.

Overnight: Phu Quoc

Day 19
Phu Quoc

PHU QUOC – HO CHI MINH CITY DEPARTURE (B)

The morning is at leisure before checking out. Then drive back to the airport for your departure flight to Ho Chi Minh City, from where you can continue your trip or fly back home.