A Taste of Vietnam

On arrival in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, be met at the airport and transferred to the Grand Mercure Hanoi, only a short walk from the Old Quarter. Tonight, relish a multi-course Vietnamese Welcome Dinner.

Insider Experience – Grand Mercure Hanoi

Nestled in the lively core of Vietnam’s bustling capital, Grand Mercure Hanoi is conveniently close to the Old Quarter. This hotel provides a genuine and immersive experience, blending modern elegance with traditional Vietnamese charm. Its design is a tribute to local heritage, incorporating elements such as rice-themed patterns, vibrant pottery, handcrafted lacquerware, and impressive architecture, resulting in a truly soulful ambience.

Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Hanoi, taking in the most famous historical and cultural sites. Visit Ba Dinh Square, one of the largest squares in Vietnam, and drive past the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. Then, explore charming Mural Street before continuing to the Temple of Literature, a beautiful example of Vietnamese architecture and the first university in Vietnam. Afterwards, two Insider Experiences await. With the afternoon and evening at leisure, perhaps enjoy one of our select experiences.

Insider Experience – Hanoi's Old Quarter by Cyclo

Weave through Hanoi’s bustling city streets like a local on a tour of the city’s Old Quarter aboard a cyclo. 

Insider Experience – Lunch at KOTO

Savour authentic flavours and feast on a soulful Vietnamese lunch at KOTO (Know One, Teach One). This restaurant was established as Vietnam's first social enterprise, dedicated to empowering at-risk and disadvantaged local youth through hospitality training.

Enhance Your Journey – Folk Art Class

Journey to one of Vietnam’s most renowned silk-weaving villages and connect with the inspiring individuals behind Vụn Art, a social enterprise managed by people with disabilities. The Vụn (meaning 'scrap') Art Cooperative was established to empower people with disabilities by offering vocational training and creating stable employment opportunities. Hear inspiring stories of the challenges faced in founding this initiative, and enjoy the chance to create your own folk painting on a tote bag to take home.

Enhance Your Journey – Street Food Tour

Discover Hanoi’s street food scene and uncover the quintessential culinary flavours of Vietnam’s capital city. Wander the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter, sampling local specialties such as savoury pork buns and fragrant phở, before concluding with a visit to one of Hanoi’s best-kept secrets – a cafe overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.

Enhance Your Journey – Water Puppets and Street Food Style Dinner

Take your seat at one of the city’s traditional water puppet theatres and immerse yourself in this ancient art form – unique to northern Vietnam and once performed in villages and rice paddies. Accompanied by a traditional Vietnamese orchestra of drums, cymbals, horns, and bamboo flutes, the enchanting performance unfolds against a mesmerising soundtrack. Afterwards, savour a mouth-watering selection of Vietnamese street food at a local restaurant set in a charming colonial villa.

Enhance Your Journey – Cooking Workshop and Dinner

Immerse yourself in a vibrant local market with a seasoned chef, selecting fresh ingredients for a hands-on cooking workshop. Discover the diverse techniques and ingredients that have made Vietnamese cuisine famous for its fresh, fragrant and aromatic flavours, then savour your culinary creation for dinner.

Start your journey early towards Tuan Chau Harbour, where you will board the Bhaya Classic, your home for the next two nights. Upon arrival, meet your crew and sail among the enchanting limestone islets. Savour a Vietnamese multi-course lunch while soaking in the breathtaking views of the bay. Explore the Tung Sau area by kayak, a serene region surrounded by cascading mountains and known for its pearl farming. As the day ends, catch the stunning sunset on board as you cruise towards your anchorage for the night. Enjoy a delightful dinner, followed by options for squid fishing, sipping cocktails, or simply relaxing in your cabin. 

Insider Experience - Ha Long Bay Cruise

See Ha Long Bay on a two-night cruise on board Bhaya Classic. World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay is made up of over 1,600 limestone pillars, and is an ideal playground for exciting activities and relaxation.

Board rowing boats to visit the Luon Cave area, listen to the ancient folklore and enjoy close views of the magnificent limestone karsts. Visit Cua Van Floating Village in the heart of Ha Long Bay, by kayak or traditional rowing boat. Enjoy lunch on board while cruising to Trinh Nu. Spend time relaxing at the private beach or visit one of the finest sunlight caves with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Later, gather for a flavourful dinner.

Explore Sung Sot Cave, the 10,000-square-metre cave threaded by a 500-metre paved passageway. Also known as Surprise Cave, every twist and turn within its depths reveals something new. Return to Tuan Chau and transfer to Hanoi airport. From here you'll fly to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An.

Insider Experience - Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa

Rest and unwind in the luxurious surrounds of the Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa.

Start your day with an immersive Insider Experience. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Insider Experience – Morning Glory Cooking School

Discover the art of cooking Vietnamese cuisine with the Morning Glory Cooking School. Take a guided tour of Hoi An’s market, prepare a selection of dishes, and sample your efforts.

Explore Hoi An at your leisure today, with a range of select experiences on offer. For dinner, perhaps choose one of the select experiences for a truly authentic insight into Vietnamese cuisine.

Enhance Your Journey – Guided Eco Tour

Discover the time-honoured farming and fishing traditions of Tra Que Vegetable Village, where sustainable techniques have been practised for over 300 years. Stroll through rows of organic herbs and vegetables as you learn the art of cultivation passed down through generations. Then, meet a local fisherman to learn how the region's distinctive bamboo basket boats are crafted before trying your hand at paddling one across the water.

Enhance Your Journey – Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills

Journey from Da Nang to Ba Na Hills to see the striking Golden Bridge. Ride the cable car directly to the bridge, taking in sweeping views of the coastline along the way. Perched 1,414 metres above sea level, the 150-metre walkway seemingly floats in the sky, held aloft by two colossal, stone hands rising from the mountainside.

Enhance Your Journey – Lune Theatre Show

Lune Production offers a captivating glimpse into the beauty and cultural richness of Vietnamese rural life amid rapid urbanisation. In an intimate theatre setting, the show blends acrobatics, contemporary dance, live music, and traditional bamboo circus techniques.

Enhance Your Journey – Rêu Restaurant

This vibrant venue offers beautiful views to enjoy as you dine on traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Enhance Your Journey – The Hoianian

Savour a three-course dinner showcasing a blend of contemporary Vietnamese and fusion flavours.

Travel over the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, offering spectacular views of Lang Co Beach, before arriving in Hue. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the former Imperial capital of Vietnam, nestled along the picturesque Perfume River. This evening, savour regional cuisine.

Explore the grand Imperial Citadel, stroll among its monuments, and listen to stories of former royal inhabitants. Afterwards, take an included flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon. A delicious dinner awaits you tonight.

Insider Experience – Two Nights at Le Méridien Saigon

Experience an unforgettable stay at the unique Le Méridien Saigon. Nestled on the banks of the Saigon River in bustling District 1, this contemporary hotel is perfectly situated just moments away from Bến Thành Market and Independence Palace.

Visit the Cu Chi tunnels, built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the Vietnam War. The tunnels were used as hiding spots during combat, and they also served as communication and supply routes, hospitals and living quarters for numerous guerrilla fighters. Take the opportunity to crawl through a section to understand the cramped conditions experienced by the soldiers who lived and fought here. The afternoon and evening have been left free for you to explore at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience touring and dining options.

Enhance Your Journey – Ho Chi Minh City by Foot

Explore the bustling city on this walking tour, passing the Saigon Opera House, People’s Committee Building, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Saigon Central Post Office. 

Enhance Your Journey – History of Saigon

Delve deeper into Ho Chi Minh City’s turbulent history. Start at the Reunification Palace, visit the War Remnants Museum and see the Burning Monk Memorial.

Enhance Your Journey – Shopping Tour by Coach

Seek out the city's boutiques as only a local knows and discover locally made items such as clothing, mementos and jewellery.

Enhance Your Journey – Street Food Tour by Motorbike

Embark on a thrilling motorbike tour through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, guided by a knowledgeable local. Savour three courses of classic Vietnamese street food, beginning with a steaming bowl of traditional noodles, followed by a bánh mì, and concluding with a fried rice flour cake – served with fresh juice or a smoothie. Finish at HỢP Sky Bar, a stylish rooftop venue offering panoramic views of the city’s dazzling lights, where you’ll enjoy a drink and a snack.

Enhance Your Journey – Hoi An Sense

Indulge in the authentic specialties of Hoi An in a unique culinary setting, complete with Vietnamese music and warm hospitality.

Enhance Your Journey – Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro

Offering traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist, this bistro draws inspiration from the theme of 'propaganda', enchanting guests with its lively ambience and striking hand-painted murals.

Your adventure ends after breakfast. Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.

Insider Experience – Morning Walking Tour

Step out on an early morning guided walk to watch the busy streets come to life and gain a deeper understanding of what drives this urban centre.