Vietnam Luxury

Itinerary in details

• DAY 1: ARRIVAL - HANOI

  On arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport. Be met by the AHT guide and transfer by private car through the city to the hotel.

  Overnight at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel.

• DAY 2: HANOI (B,L)

  This tour starts at 08:30am.

  Drive past the historical Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Vietnam in 1945. Next up is the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, built in the 11th century and added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2010. Venture inside and explore the underground war bunker that played an important role in the armed conflict with America.

  Continue the Hanoi landmarks tour with a stroll through areas where sewing shops have been in family hands for generations, and people still practice the old ways, or admire the daily life of local people in the alley of Hanoi. Proceed to the millenia-old Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a temple.

  If preferred, make a stop at the last courtyard where Vietnamese traditional instruments contribute to the oriental feel. For travellers who are musicians, opportunities to play some notes will present themselves, all under the guidance of the artists.

  In the afternoon, head to the highly-acclaimed Vietnam Women’s Museum, offering wonderful insight into the lives of Vietnamese women. Learn historic and modern-day traditions centred on birth, weddings, motherhood, spirituality and more. Towards the end of the tour, embark on a walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Witness the ancient commercial street names, mirroring the crafts and businesses dating back over a thousand years.

  Visit a family living in a typical ‘tube house’ in Hanoi's Old Quarter, built during the 19th century. Learn just what makes these houses unique, and how old tax laws resulted in this typical architecture. Make it back to the hotel, rich with new experiences from Hanoi.

  Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

  Overnight at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel

• DAY 3: HANOI - NINH BINH (B,L) HANOI - (100KM): 2 HOURS

  Depart the hotel this morning at 08:30am for a 2.5 hours drive through rural northern Vietnam to Ninh Binh province, one of the most beautiful parts of Vietnam with its dramatic scenery and historical temples. The rice fields here are beautiful and the mountains have earned the area the nickname ‘Dry Halong Bay’, a moniker borne out by the limestone karsts which dominate the landscape.

  Upon arrival, begin a leisurely 5 - 15 km biking trip around Tho Ha village passing by peaceful villages and enjoying the rustic countryside landscapes. Continue to Dong Tam Hamlet to join in some engaging agricultural activities such as catching crabs, fishing, transplanting and watering vegetables, etc.

  Enjoy lunch before boarding the sampan for a 1.5 hour boat trip to float over a small canal among the paddy fields for 1km, then strolling along the curling rocky path of the foot for 200m and going up 20 steps to reach the Galaxy cave gate. Get inside the cave and admire the spectacular stalactites above the cave ceiling. Continue to discover Thien Thanh and But Hien Cave, and be attracted by many natural sparkling stalactites with shapes and figures which inspire curiosity before returning on the same route.

  Overnight at Emeralda Ninh Binh Resort.

• DAY 4: NINH BINH - HAI PHONG - LAN HA BAY ( B,L,D) (160KM): 3 HOURS

  After breakfast leave Ninh Binh for an overnight boat trip on Lan Ha Bay. Journey there through the rich farmlands, observe everyday life of Vietnamese villagers as they work the rice fields, take pigs to the market on bicycles and plough the fields with their water buffaloes. Arrive in Hai Phong City late morning and board your traditional wooden junk for the overnight journey into the Bay. Lunch is served on board.

  Towards the end of the day set anchor for the night. As the sun sets over the bay dinner is served on board with fresh seafood, salads, and fruits.

  Overnight on board in Lan Ha Bay.

• DAY 5: HAI PHONG - HANOI - DANANG - HOI AN (B,L) (140km): 2 hours 30 minutes Danang airport – Hoi An (40Km) : 50 minutes

  On your return to Hanoi enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations. Upon disembarkation your driver will meet you for the transfer to Hanoi Airport for the flight to Danang. On arrival your guide will welcome you for the 40-minute drive to Hoi An.

  Overnight in Hoian.

• DAY 6:  HOI AN ( B,L)

  Today’s tour starts at 08:30am for a guided walking trip around Hoi An’s charming narrow streets to admire the various must-see attractions including the historical Japanese Covered Bridge and Quang Dong Communal Hall. Then at 09:30am (or 2:30pm), meet the Conservation Center representatives to explore this trading port dating back to the 15th century from another perspective.

  Get familiar with their restoration work knowledge and their behind-the-scene challenges to retain this ancient treasure and its unique cultural vibes for the next generations. Meander through the old streets packed with houses reflecting the architectural styles of the major historical trading partners -  China and Japan as well as France.  Discover Kazik square where Hoi An people pay tribute to the Polish archaeologist and architect who gave valuable contribution to the restoration of this ancient town. Explore an over 150-year-old merchant house highlighting the before and after the restoration scene. Get a rare insight into life of the local residents and how they cope with the annual flooding, urbanisation and the support from the local government.

  Then visit a museum situated in the largest ancient house with different architectural styles for a glimpse of the preservation works at the 300-year-old merchant mansion.

  (Note: if there are other ongoing projects on the ground during the visit, the specialist will take guests to visit).

  Take lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, get ready to enjoy a private 30-minute tuong performance at a simple traditional theater. Enjoy this ‘behind-the-scenes’ experience, watching characters from the play wear different masks to convey various emotions that are portrayed in the telling of a Vietnamese legend. All the while, enjoy the privilege of superior access to both the performance itself and the performers for an unforgettably intimate cultural experience.

  Next, experience a hands-on Vietnamese mask-making lesson. Begin with a walk through Hoi An Ancient Town to meet a paper mask artist at his workshop. His craft is steadily disappearing as newer forms of entertainment have gradually taken over. Learn how this artist contributes to the effort of preserving his craft for future generations.

  Then, create a traditional folk mask under his guidance. Using specific patterns and colours, these masks communicate a vast array of character emotions in ‘tuong’- a form of classic Vietnamese theatre which has been performed for more than eight centuries.

  Overnight in Hoi An.

• DAY 7: HOI AN - HUE(B) - 150km - 3 hours

  After breakfast, leave Hoi An for Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. In Danang visit the Cham Museum, before climbing over the ‘Pass of Ocean Clouds’. Arrive in Hue and transfer to hotel. Enjoy free time at leisure

  In the late afternoon, take a delicious Hue food tour begins with a 5:30pm pickup from the hotel in Hue by vintage Vespa motor scooter. First stop is for a refreshing drink and a briefing by the guide at a bar located in the popular area of Hue. Continue to a nearby local restaurant to sample some favourite Hue specialities like Banh Beo, Banh Nam and other Banh Uot (literally wet cakes). The local guide will explain these different dishes and how and when they are normally eaten.

  Next, take a ride into the Imperial Citadel Ramparts to get a feel of the evening local entertainment and taste some delicious local pizza accompanied by beef skewers. Take a short stroll in the grounds of the historic Citadel near the Flag Tower to see how it transforms at night. Food stalls and various games are quickly installed to entertain the many locals. Riding pillion on the back of the motor scooter at a leisurely pace allows guests the chance to fully soak up the atmosphere of the city at night in a similar manner as the locals experience their city in the early evening hours.

  Ride around the Citadel and reach the centre of Hue where it is possible to try some famous local BBQ dishes including some more adventurous options. Top off this tasty evening discovery with a delicious local dessert in a small back street, before returning to the hotel at about 9:30pm.

  Overnight in Hue.

• DAY 8: HUE - HUE’S AIRPORT - SAI GON (20km): 40 minutes Saigon’s airport - City (12Km) : 30 minutes

  Transfer to Hue domestic airport for the 40-minute flight to Saigon. Upon arrival in the afternoon, start with a visit to the iconic Saigon Central Post Office built between 1886 and 1891. Based on the design of famous French architect Gustave Eiffel, it is now considered a symbol of Saigon and one of its most famous landmarks.

  If he is available, stop for a chat with Mr. Duong, who enjoys local notoriety for his professional love-letter skills.

  Walk along Dong Khoi street, formerly la rue Catinat and pay a visit to Gialong Palace – Ho Chi Minh City Museum for its beautiful architecture and listen to its history through times. Continue to ‘Le Loi Street’ to meet a local artisan who specialises in traditional engravings.

  Next, stroll through the old central market (if needed, the vehicle will be available for a drive instead)  before arriving at the city’s oldest colonial-era apartment built in 1886, and see what the young creative Vietnamese are up to creating funky boutiques and coffee shops. Sit down at one of the stylish coffee shops and interact with a local resident who moved here in 1975.

  Leave the compound and have a look at the building on the other side, which used to be "Banque de l'Indochine" (Indochina Bank) during the 1920s. It’s a stunning example of the ‘Indochinois’ east/west fusion style of architecture that this area is known for. After this last stop, head back to the hotel.

  Overnight at the hotel

• DAY 9: SAIGON - CAI BE (120KM)  2,5HOURS

  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.

  Depart from the hotel at 08:00am to the Cai Be on a 2.5 hours journey, boarding the private Victoria Boat (former name Song Xanh boat) designed as a traditional sampan. Its small size allows you to discover the smaller canals, rivers and tributaries of this region. Cruise Cai Be's and Cai Rang's colourful floating markets; visit Sadec, the Mekong town made famous from Marguerite Duras' novel 'The Lover', enjoy an unforgettable dinner in a 19th century house and the sights and sounds of this fascinating region.

  After breakfast, depart for the Mekong Delta. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and travel through Vietnam’s picturesque countryside with its rice paddies and rural villages. Upon arrival in the Delta board the private ‘Song Xanh’, modelled after a traditional sampan. The boat’s small size allows it to weave through smaller canals and tributaries of this region. The 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 colourful and unusual murals that cover the temple’s interior are blinding with 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 the sampan will be moored for the night.

  Overnight aboard Victoria boat (former name Song Xanh Boat).

• DAY 10: MEKONG DELTA - HO CHI MINH CITY - Departure(B,L) - 200km - 4hours HCMC – airport (12Km) : 30 minutes

  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, return to Ho Chi Minh City by 4pm.

  The private car and guide will be at disposal before a transfer by private car to Tan Son Nhat Airport for international flights or a domestic extension

  End of the service!