Essential Vietnam

Day 1 : Saigon

On arrival into Saigon, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 : Saigon

Saigon is the country’s commercial centre and, with over nine million inhabitants and five million motorbikes, a city that never sleeps. Despite the well-documented hustle and bustle, Saigon retains its connections with the past. A walking tour to admire Saigon’s historic landmarks is a must.

Transfer to Dong Khoi Street, or Rue Catinat as it was known in the time of the French occupation, to discover some of the beautiful French colonial buildings built in the late 19th and early 20th century. Appreciate the splendidly restored exteriors of the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville, which are still two of the finest buildings in Saigon. Wander up to the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires based on the original construction from Paris. Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, designed by the French architect, Gustav Eiffel, before he had risen to fame for the Eiffel Tower.

The former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American War, is a short drive away and reveals the history of Saigon during its turbulent recent past. Head out of the city centre on a short 6 km drive to District 5 to visit Thien Hau temple, built by the Cantonese congregation in the early 19th century to honour the Goddess of the Sea. The temple’s ornate interior courtyard is always full of life as worshippers from the local Chinese community come to offer their prayers. Take time to make a wish, write it on a small card and attach it to one of the incense coils in the local custom.

Continue to FITO, the first museum of traditional medicine in Vietnam, offering an insight into how traditional medicine was used in the past, before returning to your hotel.

Day 3 : Saigon > Cai Lay (Mekong Delta) > Saigon

Depart early from Saigon and head two hours to the southwest. Along the way watch the city scenes slowly merge into lush rice paddies and fruit farms. Embark on a fascinating motorboat excursion past stilt houses, fish farms and scenes of countryside living en route to Turtle Island. Sample freshly picked fruit and coconut milk while interacting with a local farming family before visiting a family-run coconut candy workshop.

Explore more of the Delta from a rowing sampan through a network of small canals. Enjoy country hospitality as you sip a cup of honey tea while taking in a traditional folk song performance. A local lunch of local specialties will be served at the town of My Tho before returning to Saigon in mid-afternoon.

Day 4 : Saigon > Danang > Hoi An

Time at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your flight to Danang. On arrival, meet your guide and transfer by private car to your Hoi An hotel.
Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a prosperous trading port. Today, this World Heritage-listed ancient town boasts well-preserved buildings, pedestrian streets and unique cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past.

Day 5 : Hoi An

The narrow lanes of Hoi An are ideal for a guided walking tour. There is plenty to visit including the old merchants’ houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400 year old Japanese Covered Bridge; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with outstanding wood carvings; and the colourful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be tailored into fashionable garments within a day or two.

Lanterns, simple yet colorful items, are now an essential part of Hoi An culture. Lanterns here are hand-made by local artisans and are meant to bring good fortune. A recent revival of the art has been led by an experienced artisan who will give you a brief introduction to the history, shape, and colour of the lanterns as well as the stages of production. Try creating your own lantern and take it home as a souvenir.

Day 6 : Hoi An

Enjoy a full day at your leisure.

Day 7 : Hoi An > Danang > Hanoi

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Hanoi. On arrival, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Day 8 : Hanoi

With ochre-colored colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes, Hanoi is full of charm. Start your tour at the historic Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) Mausoleum, an imposing monument lavishly built using marble and granite, and where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” resides. A short walk from the mausoleum is the lotus shaped One Pillar Pagoda – resting on a single stone pillar emerging from the water. Wind your way afterwards to the Temple of Literature, the first university for the sons of mandarins, for an overview of Hanoian culture and appreciation for ancient Vietnamese architecture.

In the afternoon, visit the serene Museum of Ethnology, a 20 minute drive out of town that offers a fascinating insight into Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups. Drive back to central Hanoi for a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter to enjoy the bustling local life, then cap off the day with a show at the water puppet theatre – a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes of rural life and episodes of national history.

Day 9 : Hanoi > Halong Bay

This morning embark on a 3.5 hour drive to Halong Bay with a quick rest stop at Hong Ngoc Centre – the best place to stop and stretch your legs en route. On arrival in Halong Bay, board your deluxe junk, settle into your cabin and prepare your appetite for an enjoyable lunch on deck.

Mid-afternoon you will visit the mysterious atmosphere of Tien Ong Cave, adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, then continue to the Cua Van fishing village, the largest community on the bay. This will allow a closer look into the lives of local fishermen before you transfer to a bamboo boat and are rowed slowly through the village with a museum and a school among the floating houses. Back on the boat, a cooking class is offered with the chef while your boat leisurely cruises. Or simply enjoy sunset cocktails and canapes on the top deck before being served a wonderful dinner on board.

Day 10 : Halong Bay > Hanoi

Wake up early and partake in a Tai Chi class which is held on the upper deck. Visit Soi Sim Island, where you can relax in the azure water of Halong Bay or climb up 200 steps for a panoramic view of the whole bay. Return back to the boat and cruise towards the port while brunch is served.

Arrive at the jetty late morning and transfer to the airport in Hanoi for your departure flight.