Day 1: Arrival Hanoi, Vietnam

Xin Chao – Welcome to Hanoi

On arrival, we will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Hanoi. At night we will bring you out for a welcome dinner in an authentic local restaurant. It is a great start to learn about the local cuisine and at the same time go through the programme for the following days.

Included: Private Airport Transfer, Accommodation

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

After breakfast, you will start on a city tour around Hanoi. The tour includes visits to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside view), Ba Dinh Square, The old residence of Ho Chi Minh, One Pillar Pagoda, Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Ethnological Museum, Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple. Afterwards, we will walk around the Old Quarter of Hanoi. The tour will give you a good understanding of the locals’ life and their businesses.

Included: City Tour, English Speaking Guide & Accommodation Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Hanoi – Hai Phong – Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay (Sample Itinerary, depending on cruise line)

Early morning we take a drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay, one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of Nature.

12h15
Transfer by tender.

12h30
Welcome guests onboard and then check-in, enjoy Welcome Drink, receive cruise briefing, safety instructions and check-in. Start cruising and explore Halong Bay – one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

13h00
The cruise proceeds to Da Chong islet, where you can see a lighthouse built by the French over 100 years ago. Have an International Buffet Lunch while passing via the islets of Con Vit area. These amazing limestone karst formations rise up out of the sea in an impressive manner. This area is untouched, as not many cruise ships use the route via the Cat Ba Island – Thoi Quyt area – Coc Ngoi islet – through Gia Luan area where it belongs to Cat Ba National Park.

14h15
We progress to Trung Trang cave by bus on Cat Ba island which is located in the middle of Cat Ba National Park with Kim Giao forest around the cave. Trung Trang Valley is the largest valley on Cat Ba Island. The valley covers an area of approximately 300 hectares, has a depth of 10m to 30m and is around 15km in the middle of Cat Ba National Park. Trung Trang Cave measures 300 m lengthwise through the mountains. The cave was carved by nature for more than 2000 years. The cave has many stalactites that take on various shapes that will awe and inspire visitors to use their imagination.

17h00
The cruise gets to the less populated area at Tra Bau which is located in Lan Ha Bay. You will enjoy the green emerald and cold water by swimming.

17h45
Returning to the boat, you can watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Onboard you may join a traditional cooking class. The chef will instruct you in the making of some Vietnamese dishes. In the early evening, the boat has its Happy Hour deal.

19h30
Sumptuous Candlelight Deluxe Dinner Set Menu served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff. This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting.

21h30
Enjoy the landscape of the bay at night up on the top deck. Relax while enjoying drinks from the bar. Try your hand at night squid fishing, or watch a movie in the restaurant. Overnight on board.

23h00
End of Day One program

Note: Above program is a sample for a 5* cruise operator (Luxury Package) and will be changed if choosing another cruise. The cruise program might change without prior notice depending on tide level, weather, authority etc.

Included: Transfer to Halong Bay, English Speaking Guide, Cruise & Accommodation on Cruiseship

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue

Wake up early to witness the bay at its very best while enjoying an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck; after which we serve breakfast. Upon completing breakfast continue our journey and head out to explore the bay in the area where Ao Ech is situated.

7h45
Enjoy kayaking at Ao Ech area to discover the hidden charm of Lan Ha Bay

9h30
Back on board, and it is time for checking out.

10h00
While cruising back, you can enjoy a delightful brunch.

10h30
Tea Ceremony is served at the restaurant. You will learn how to enjoy Vietnamese tea and Vietnamese culture at this ceremony.

11h35
Return to the quayside in the south of the bay. Disembark and bid farewell. We will pick you up and escort you to Hanoi airport for your flight to Hue. Arrival Hue airport, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel.

Note: Above program is a sample from a 5* Cruise operator (Luxury Package) and will be changed if choosing another cruise. The cruise program might change without prior notice depending on tide level, weather, authority etc.

Sunset, Ha Long Bay, Stellar Of The Seas

Included: Cruise, Transfer to Hanoi Airport, Airport Transfer Hue, Tour, & Accommodation

Meals: Breakfast, & Brunch

Day 5: Hue Tour

After breakfast, we start on today’s tour. The itinerary includes visits to Cau Ngoi Village, the countryside market, The Hue Old Citadel, which contains the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City, Thien Mu Pagoda, Minh Mang Tomb. Afterwards, return to the hotel for your refreshment. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Included: Tour, English Speaking Guide & Accommodation

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Hue – Hai Van Pass – Danang – Walking Tour of Hoi An

After breakfast, we will take a drive south along the coast road with stops at the Hai Van pass (Cloudy Pass), the Cham Sculpture Museum, Non-Nuoc Beach, and Marble Mountain. Then proceed to Hoi An. Upon arrival, check-in before we continue on a walking tour to the most interesting sites in Hoi An, which include the Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese Assembly Halls, Tan Ky Ancient House, and The vibrant market. Afterwards, return to the hotel before having a nice dinner in a local restaurant in the ancient town.

Included: Tour, English Speaking Guide & Accommodation

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Countryside Tour

Early rise, today you will take a short drive to Cam Thanh Coconut Village, where you get a feel for what village life is like. Upon arrival, board a bamboo basket boat and float along the river to the Water Coconut Forest. Here you can try your luck at catching fish, crabs, and shrimps. Continue to Tra Que Herb Garden, try your hand at hoeing, finding uses for seaweed, transplanting and watering vegetables. You can also join the villagers in a cooking class to prepare your lunch traditionally. In the afternoon we return to the hotel.

Included: Tour, English Speaking Guide & Accommodation

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Danang – Ho Chi Minh City Tour

Today transfer to Danang airport for a short flight to Ho Chin Minh City. On arrival, we will be meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Then we proceed on a half-day city tour to the most interesting places in Ho Chi Minh City, which include:
Riding a rickshaw through different local markets, visiting FITO Museum (traditional Vietnamese medicine), walking through small alleys and small local market to explore the real Ho Chi Minh City and taking a walk around the walking square to Saigon river and Bitexco building.

Included: Tour, English Speaking Guide & Accommodation

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Can Tho

Today we will leave the busy city behind us and take you to Tam Vu in the Mekong Delta. This is a very fertile area with a huge production of vegetables, fruits and flowers. We will also visit both dragon fruit and coconut plantations. There is also time to visit the local market with colourful flowers, fruits, vegetables, and fish. This is a very good way to experience the daily life of the locals. In the afternoon drive to Can Tho city to stay for the night.

Included: Tour, English Speaking Guide & Accommodation

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Cai Rang Floating Market – Ho Chi Minh – Siem Reap, Cambodia

Wake up early and enjoy the beautiful sunrise, before we board a sampan (local boat) to visit Cai Rang floating market. After visiting the market, we transfer to Ho Chi Minh Airport and fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia for more adventures. On arrival, we pick you up and transfer you to your hotel.

Included: Tour, English Speaking Guide, Airport Transfers & Accommodation

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Tour of Angkor Wat Temple

After breakfast, we will show you the most exciting sites in Siem Reap. Today’s experience includes the Angkor Thom Complex (including Southern Gate, Bayon Temple, the Elephant Terrace, Ta Prohm Temple). The Angkor Wat Temple was once home to the Khmer Kingdom in the 9th century, and until today, it continues to be at the heart of Cambodian culture. In the afternoon we return to the hotel.

Included: Tour, English Speaking Guide & Accommodation

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 12 : Tonle Sap Lake – Floating Villages – Fly to Luang Prabang

In the morning transfer to the harbour for a boat ride on the biggest lake in Southeast Asia, Tonle Sap Lake. During the boat ride, you will pass by floating villages, floating schools, temples and markets. After the cruise, transfer to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. On arrival, we will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel.

Included: Tour, Airport Transfers, English Speaking Guide & Accommodation

Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – Kuangsi Waterfall

You may want to wake up early and participate in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black Alms-giving bowls being given offerings from the local people, including the ubiquitous sticky rice.
After breakfast we will take you on an amazingly long-tail boat journey along the Nam-Ou and Mekong Rivers, through the beautiful Laotian countryside all the way to Luang Prabang, Laos, passing by the local villages and seeing the real everyday life of the villagers going about their chores including fishing, trading and washing along the rivers on our 5-hour journey. We will stop on the way to see the fascinating Pak Ou Caves, which in fact are a cave system of two interlinked caves, crammed full of Buddha statues left behind by pilgrims over generations and then we will observe the traditional process of rice wine distillation in Ban Sanghai, before returning to Luang Prabang by the same cruise.
After lunch we continue to Khuang Si Waterfall and Bear Rescue Center, about 30 mins from Luang Prabang, the waterfall is set in a natural jungle setting, and you will have plenty of time to relax or swim in its turquoise cool pools. Return to Luang Prabang and for those with some extra energy climb Phousi Hill. The 328 steps to the top are certainly worth it. Once at the summit you will have a fabulous panoramic view over the town centre, the mighty Mekong River and beyond. Return to the hotel late afternoon. In the evening explore the Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textiles by local and hill tribe people surrounding the Luang Prabang area.

Included: Tour, English Speaking Guide & Accommodation

Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Luang Prabang City Tour & Departure

We start the day with a morning visit to the Phou Si Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpetre among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Luang Prabang is a fascinating historical city, with a delightful mix of Buddhist temples and French Colonial buildings. In fact, it is still very much a rural kind of city in comparison to neighbouring countries. Our first stop is Wat Visoun, which is a replica of an older Temple which was erected in the same place back in 1513. The temple houses numerous religious art treasures. Next, we head to Wat Xieng Thong, a royal temple built in 1559 on the banks of the Mekong river. The temple is decorated extensively with impressive carving, murals, and mosaics. Also, visit the Laotian Royal Palace officially known as Haw Kham which was built during the French colonial era for the King and his family. The site was chosen so that official visitors to Luang Prabang could disembark from their river voyages directly at the palace. In 1975, the monarchy was overthrown and the palace was then converted into a National Museum. Today it houses many artefacts which showcase the richness of Laotian culture. We will continue to enjoy the atmosphere at Wat Mai built in 1796 and sits at the foot of Mount Phousi.

After the city tour transfer to the airport for your departure flight back home.

Included: Tour, Airport Transfer & English Speaking Guide

Meals: Breakfast