VIETNAM EXPERIENCE

Ho Chi Minh City:

• Today we leave Ho Chi Minh exchanging fast paced city life for an energy that’s a little more quaint. Such is the contrasting beauty of Vietnam.

Mekong River Delta:

• Though this isn’t the first time we are seeing the Mekong Delta, our journey in a traditional boat will prove just how dramatically this river’s fringes can vary. We’ll see floating markets, visit a rice paper factory and sip some of Vietnam’s famous rice whiskey. A home-cooked meal and local musicians will round off our day as we settle in for a night at a local guesthouse.

Bay Thoi Homestay (or similar)

Mekong River Delta:

• After an early breakfast we’ll make our way back to Ho Chi Minh, detouring past Viet Cong’s Cu Chi Tunnels. See traps, hidden doors & some of the 250kms of tunnels that Vietnamese resistance fighters dug by hand, and even go down into the skinny tunnels to experience them first hand in this look into Vietnam’s staggering past.

Ho Chi Minh City:

• Back in the addictive mayhem of Vietnam’s biggest city you will have free time to carry on your explorations. Continuing to eat your way through Vietnam’s culinary highlights would be one wise way to use your time (we think).

Vien Dong Hotel (or similar)

Ho Chi Minh City:

• With some traditional R’n’R on our afternoon agenda, the morning can be used to put on our discovering boots. We’ll dabble in history and religion before taking flight to a coastal town overlooking the South China Sea.

Nha Trang:

• Golden sand beaches, turquoise waters and a bustling night life – this is Nha Trang. This afternoon why not book in for a mineral mud bath and hot thermal spring experience before heading out to dinner with your crew. Ah, the good life.

Nha Trang:

• We’ll travel North and take a short coastal drive we find ourselves in a canal town overflowing with beauty and ancient history.

Hoi An:

• With Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and European influences, Hoi An has no shortage of charm and architectural interest. Bike riding through the vibrant town, visiting an ancient house & ordering custom-made clothes at an artful tailor are just some of the activities that will colour our day. Tonight you can opt onto a Vietnamese cooking class, whipping up a storm of up to 4 traditional dishes.

Le Pavillon Paradise Hoi An Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Hoi An:

• Leaving Hoi An will be sad. But we’re heading to Hanoi, so there’s hardly an excuse to not be excited. We’ll grab a quick breakfast and head to Da Nang…

Da Nang:

• Fasten your seatbelts, folks. We’ll catch our internal flight to Hanoi from this quaint coastal town.

Hanoi:

• Welcome to the city where all the bustling magic happens! We bet you’re starving from all that travel. That’s why we’ll head straight to the KOTO restaurant – a unique dining experience that supports disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. And with our tummies happy and full, we’ll visit the Temple of Literature (AKA Vietnam’s first-ever university.) But the sight-seeing doesn’t end there. It’s time to make our way to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, dedicated to a Vietnamese revolutionary leader. In the evening, you’re free to explore the capital however you like.

Hanoi Larosa Hotel (or similar)

Hanoi:

• Next up, we’re heading to the epicentre of Vietnam’s show-stopping natural beauty.

Ninh Binh:

• Do you see them? Those lovely landscapes are all yours to admire and explore today. Get inside Vietnam’s legendary army jeep, or a vintage Vespa (if that’s your vibe) and let’s get going. Spend the day cherishing the crisp air and clear blue water. And if you love bird-watching, make sure to have your binoculars ready at all times.

Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort (or similar)

Ninh Binh:

• Up and about at the crack of dawn today! We’re climbing up 500 steps to the top of the Mua Cave to witness an incredible sunrise over the valley. (You certainly don’t wanna forget your camera for this one).

Halong Bay:

• A drive through stunning scenery will evoke plenty of ‘oh wow’s’, but it only gets better as we board our home for the night, a Chinese-style junk boat in Halong Bay. Feel the serenity kicking in immediately as we drift the limestone island seas of the Gulf of Tonkin. We’ll pass hidden lagoons, thick forests & dreamy grottos and also chill atop the Ti Top Island. A fresh seafood dinner and sunset at our docking spot will polish off a wonderful day packed with unforgettable moments and experiences.

Halong Bay:

• Today will be all about the leisurely vibes as we wake up to breakfast with a quick stop to explore the Sung Sot Caves. Make the most of your time on the junk boat – the views don’t get much better than this.

Hanoi:

• After heading back to Hanoi we find ourselves enjoying our final night together on tour. Save the choir of tears for tomorrow – this evening is all about making the most of your free time and staying positive so why not join us for one last family dinner and then onto Ta Hien to dance the night away.