VIETNAM LUXURY ESCAPE – 21 DAYS

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to the exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting in the lobby, holding the Youin Travel signboard with your name on it. Your guide will come to meet you up and transfer you to the hotel.

The regular check-in time is at 14:00; early check-in is NOT included and subject to availability 

Meals: None 

Accommodation: MAY DEVILLE PREMIER HOTEL 

Luxury Upgrade Option: PAN PACIFIC HOTEL 

High-end Upgrade Option: HOTEL DE L’OPERA HANOI

Morning is free at leisure. No Car and Guide at disposal

2.00 p.m. meet your guide in the hotel lobby and start your exploration

Gain deeper insights into Vietnam’s history by visiting two of Hanoi’s most popular museums. Housed in two buildings which were once the French Ministry of Information, the Fine Arts Museum provides an excellent overview of contemporary Vietnamese art and its development. Next, choose one of the following two sites to visit: (1) the Museum of Ethnology which houses an extensive collection of traditional costumes and artefacts from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups ranging from simple, everyday objects such as fishing tools to prized items such as jewellery. The museum also features an outdoor area with ethnic long houses; or (2) the thought-provoking Hoa Lo Prison (also known as the “Hanoi Hilton”) to learn about its use by the French between 1896-1954 to imprison Vietnamese political prisoners before it housed American POWs including Sen. John McCain and Pete Peterson, a pilot who later became the first United States Ambassador to Vietnam. While only part of the original complex is left, the displays present a Vietnamese perspective in photographs and writings on the foreign powers involved in Vietnam’s recent history.

Note:

• Tour duration: 03 hours

Meals: Breakfast  

Accommodation: MAY DEVILLE PREMIER HOTEL 

Luxury Upgrade Option: PAN PACIFIC HOTEL 

High-end Upgrade Option: HOTEL DE L’OPERA HANOI

9.00 a.m. meet your guide in the hotel lobby and start your exploration

Depart Hanoi for a 1.5hr drive to Duong Lam, a typical agricultural village in the northern Red River Delta. Duong Lam has the honour of being the birthplace to two Vietnamese kings and is the first village in Vietnam to be recognized by UNESCO for its Cultural Heritage Conservation. Home to approximately 300 houses built nearly 400 years ago, Duong Lam’s narrow alleyways showcase rural life and ancient Vietnamese architecture. The cultural and historical vestiges of Duong Lam include the Mong Phu Communal House in Mong Phu hamlet – the only hamlet whose original village entrance gate remains intact, here dedicated to national heroes, the 15^th century Mia Pagoda known for its 287 ancient statues and the Old Catholic Church. The village well, a traditional feature of communal life, is also a fascinating stop. Finish your tour at an ancient house where you can chat with the friendly owners over a cup of tea before returning to Hanoi.

Note:

• Tour duration: 05 hours. 

Remainder of afternoon and evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: MAY DEVILLE PREMIER HOTEL 

Luxury Upgrade Option: PAN PACIFIC HOTEL 

High-end Upgrade Option: HOTEL DE L’OPERA HANOI

Transfer from Hanoi to Tuan Chau

Get acquainted with the facilities on board as we set sail for your Halong Bay experience. Savour your first hours in the bay on the sun deck and simply let your eyes wander over the breathtaking scenery during our first hours of cruising.

We arrive at Cua Van, one of the last remaining floating fishing villages in Halong Bay, and which some fishermen still use as a base for their fishing and aquacultural activities. With a small bamboo boat rowed by locals, we have a look at the floating structures in this calm and secluded area to gain some insight into village life. If you prefer to be more active, borrow a kayak (complimentary for 2-night cruises) and paddle around by yourself. This is the perfect way to freely move about and explore this part of the bay. The fishing village also hosts the Cua Van Cultural Center, operated by local residents to preserve and introduce visitors to the village’s history and culture. On display are many archaeological artifacts and photographs depicting life in Cua Van.

By tender, we transfer to the nearby Tien Ong cave. The cave shows evidence of human civilization dating back to 10,000 – 8,000 BC. Fossil evidence also proves that the cave was part of the mainland continent ages ago before Halong Bay became the marine wonder it is today. Tien Ong cave reaches a depth of 50 metres and covers a total area of roughly 1,000 square metres. Follow our guide as we loop though and learn interesting details about this cavern.

The cruise programs are subject to change without prior notice due to the weather and tides…

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: PEONY CRUISE

Luxury Upgrade Option: ORCHID PREMIUM CRUISE

High-end Upgrade Option: STELLAR OF THE SEAS

Wake up at dawn to the lapping of the waves and the smell of freshly brewed coffee, which is available with pastries in the dining room. If you wish to begin your day active, join the early morning Tai Chi class on the sun deck and merge with the surrounding scenery – a truly unique experience. For today’s exciting explorations we board our cozy day boat, named Sunset. Breakfast is served as the ship sails for Sung Sot, the largest cave in Halong Bay.

With an astonishing area of 10,000 square meters, Sung Sot is comprised of two chambers. The outer chamber welcomes visitors with stalactites acting as chandeliers hanging from the 30-metre (98 ft) high ceiling. A connecting 3-metre (10 ft) wide path then opens onto the inner chamber, known as the grand “opera house”. This magnificent room features a clear pond, plentiful plant-life, splendid stalagmites, stalactites and rock formations formed over millions of years, and the chorus of birds singing, water flowing and sometimes, monkeys frolicking.

The ship continues the journey to a floating pearl farm. We learn how the various kinds of pearls cultivated here are grown, harvested and processed. Watch as a skilled technician uses precision tools to carefully and gently open an oyster before implanting a seed and returning it into the water. The odds of success are low and the fascinating process requires several years, but if mother nature gives her blessing, the oyster then produces a gorgeous round gemstone. After the visit, we leisurely sail back to the mothership, where you have time for sunbathing, a relaxing spa treatment or, of course, the must-watch “blue hour”.

Enjoy your dinner aboard (subject to the vessel you are cruising on – see our dining options from Day 1) and afterwards, join our crew once again in catching squid, which we are happy to prepare for you fresh as a late night snack. Our bar is open late and eager to serve a drink of your choice as you relax on a lounger and enjoy the serenity of Halong Bay before retiring for the night.

The cruise programs are subject to change without prior notice due to the weather and tides…

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: PEONY CRUISE

Luxury Upgrade Option: ORCHID PREMIUM CRUISE

High-end Upgrade Option: STELLAR OF THE SEAS

For early risers, tea, coffee and pastries are available in the dining room. Once again, a Tai Chi class offered on the sun deck to awaken your mind and muscles. In the morning, we set sail to the small Ti Top Island. Formerly named Cat Nang, the island received a name change after former president Ho Chi Minh and the second man to orbit the Earth, Russian astronaut ‘German Titov’, toured Halong Bay together in 1962. Since the cosmonaut was so fascinated with this picturesque islet, Uncle Ho would rename the spectacle Ti Top Island to honour Titov and as a gesture of friendship between their two countries.

Once arriving at Ti Top, you can go for a refreshing morning swim on a sandy beach beneath towering rock formations. If you prefer to be a bit more active, climb 400 stone steps (which takes about 20 minutes) to the island’s top and be rewarded with stunning, panoramic views over the bay. There is also a viewing platform about half-way up with great vistas framed by lush greenery – perfect for photos.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hue. 

Upon arrival at Phu Bai Airport, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to exit gate and look for your driver who will be waiting at the lobby, holding the Youin Travel signboard with your name on it and transfer you to hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: WHITE LOTUS HOTEL 

Luxury Upgrade Option: PILGRIMAGE VILLAGE BOUTIQUE RESORT & SPA

High-end Upgrade Option: AZERAI – LA RESIDENCE HUE HOTEL & SPA 

9.00 a.m. meet your guide in the hotel lobby and start your exploration

Once the imperial capital of the Nguyen Lords from the 17^th to the 19^th centuries, Hue’s splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the Citadel contribute to its undeniable royal charm. Enjoy a short cyclo ride from your hotel to the Imperial Citadel at the centre of the Complex of Hue Monuments inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Enter through the towering main gate and appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains the events and the intrigue surrounding the former royal court. Despite being heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, there are some incredibly well-preserved sections intact and others which are being carefully restored. After leaving the citadel, there’s time for a short visit to the Royal Antique Museum. Drive to the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s best-preserved religious monument. Built in 1601, the seven-storied tower pagoda, perched on top of on a hill overlooking the Perfume River, is one of Vietnam’s most recognisable icons. In the afternoon, visit the elaborate Khai Dinh Royal Tomb. Its architecture showcases elements of Eastern art and Western design. Notice the tomb’s blackened concrete exterior and colourful mosaic interior. Continue to the Tu Duc Royal Tomb, the most impressive of all the royal mausoleums, built by Emperor Tu Duc between 1864 and 1867. Transfer back to your hotel with a stop for a drink at Vonh Canh hill which offers an amazing view of breath-taking scenery and ancient relics. The hill itself is now covered with pine trees and daisy.

Note:

• Tour duration: 08 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: WHITE LOTUS HOTEL 

Luxury Upgrade Option: PILGRIMAGE VILLAGE BOUTIQUE RESORT & SPA

High-end Upgrade Option: AZERAI – LA RESIDENCE HUE HOTEL & SPA 

Transfer from your Hue hotel to a Hoi An hotel. Check in your hotel.

Remainder of afternoon and evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: EMERALD HOIAN RIVERSIDE 

Luxury Upgrade Option: BOUTIQUE HOIAN RESORT

High-end Upgrade Option: ANANTARA HOIAN RESORT

9.00 a.m. meet your guide in the hotel lobby and start your exploration

The UNESCO World Heritage Centre of My Son is the site of Vietnam’s most extensive Cham structural remains. My Son is the former capital of the ancient Champa civilization which ruled Central Vietnam from the 2^nd to the 13^th centuries. Morning departure from Hoi An on a scenic 1.5hr drive to the My Son complex and explore the 20 temple towers still standing today (from a total of at least 68 original structures), set in a verdant jungle valley surrounded by hills and overlooked by massive Cat’s Tooth Mountain. Stroll around the temple complex, rediscovered in the late 19^th century, to learn about the fascinating Cham culture, architecture and civilization. Notice the strong ties to Hindu divinities, namely Shiva, regarded as the founder and protector of Champa’s dynasties, before returning to Hoi An.

Note:

• Tour duration: 05 hours
• There are public Champa dance performances at the performance hall on site at 09:30/10:30 and 14:30.
• 2.00 p.m. meet your guide in the hotel lobby and start your exploration

Between the 15^th and 19^th centuries, Hoi An known then as ‘Faifo’, was a prosperous trading port, attracting Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish ships amongst others. Today, this World Heritage ancient town is recognised for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets and distinctive local cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. Hoi An’s narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour of its many atmospheric sights including: the old merchant houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, first built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with its intricate wood carvings; and the colourful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two

Note: 

•  Tour duration: 02 hours.

•  The Hoi An entrance ticket is valid for entry to 5 sightseeing spots in Hoi An including merchant houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, museums, pagodas and assembly halls for 24 hours. It also provides entry into Hoi An Ancient Town for as long as you are in Hoi An. Please keep the entrance ticket with you at all times should you independently visit Hoi An later in the evening or on another day.

Evening is free at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: EMERALD HOIAN RIVERSIDE 

Luxury Upgrade Option: BOUTIQUE HOIAN RESORT

High-end Upgrade Option: ANANTARA HOIAN RESORT

8.30 a.m. meet your guide in the hotel lobby and start your exploration.

The flat, quiet roads around Hoi An are ideal for exploring by bicycle. Your adventure starts with a short boat trip crossing the river from Hoi An and you will have a chance to take photographs of many fishing boats and country villages. On arrival, start cycling along quiet inland trails to discover how wooden river boats are made, learn the secret of weaving the colorful straw “Hoi An” sleeping mats. Try the renowned Vietnamese basket boats. You will observe the workers in the rice fields. And explore the sumptuous landscapes and meet wonderful people. You may wish to stop Tra Que Vegetable Village to observe local farmers working the organic fields using traditional methods that date back hundreds of years. The rich soil from this village produces some of the most flavor some vegetables and herbs in all of Hoi An. If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, spend time to help water the plants or fertilize the land before cycling back to your hotel.

Note:

• Tour duration: 5.5 hours.
• Biking distance: 20km/12mi.

Evening is free at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: EMERALD HOIAN RIVERSIDE 

Luxury Upgrade Option: BOUTIQUE HOIAN RESORT

High-end Upgrade Option: ANANTARA HOIAN RESORT

Free at leisure

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: EMERALD HOIAN RIVERSIDE 

Luxury Upgrade Option: BOUTIQUE HOIAN RESORT

High-end Upgrade Option: ANANTARA HOIAN RESORT

Free at leisure until transfer to airport for taking flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival, transfer from airport to resort.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: LIBERTY CENTRAL NHA TRANG

Luxury Upgrade Option: THE ANAM RESORT

High-end Upgrade Option: ANA MANDARA CAM RANH

Free at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: LIBERTY CENTRAL NHA TRANG

Luxury Upgrade Option: THE ANAM RESORT

High-end Upgrade Option: ANA MANDARA CAM RANH

Transfer from your Hoi An hotel to Danang airport for taking flight to Saigon.

Upon arrival Tan Son Nhat airport, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to exit gate and look for your driver who will be waiting at the lobby, holding the Youin Travel signboard with your name on it and transfer you to hotel.

6.30 p.m. meet your guide in the hotel lobby and start your exploration

The darker the night gets, the more vivid Saigon becomes! Follow our scooters to discover the life of our city after sunset, and let us share with you the stories of Saigon, from its golden days of 1960s to its modern days of century 21st. Learn how our local cuisine has changed after years by stopping at some authentic food stalls, restaurants and bars. Uniquely customized for curious minds who love to get their footprints off the beaten track, the flexible menu introduces you to different courses including most popular local delicacies, coffee and signature cocktails tasting. Let us know your special interest and we can customize a unique route to fulfil your appetite. 

Note:

• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Special note: the itinerary is subject to change during Tet holidays.
• Remark about traffic in Saigon
• If you have never visited Saigon – the city on the move, then it is a good idea to discover this city by motorcycles. Get well prepared that the traffic moves in a different way that at home. The roads are always busy with motorbikes, cars and buses. But take it easy, Saigonese knows how to handle all the turns. You will sit behind experienced drivers who understand their vespa and the traffic like the back of their hands. Only by sitting on a motorcycle that you can zig zag through the narrow alleys, bustling residential area to capture the real night life of Saigonese.

Meals: Breakfast, Street food 

Accommodation: EDEN STAR SAIGON HOTEL

Luxury Upgrade Option: HOTEL MAJESTIC SAIGON

High-end Upgrade Option: HOTEL DES ARTS SAIGON

8.30 a.m. meet your guide in the hotel lobby and start your exploration

From Saigon, take a 2hr drive northwest to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels started in 1948 to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. The tunnels also served as living quarters, communication and supply routes, and housed hospitals, food and weapons caches. Touring the underground compounds will provide a better understanding of the history of the tunnels, the hardship of life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese resilience during combat. Return to Saigon.

Note:

• Tour duration: 05 hours

1.00 p.m. meet your guide in the hotel lobby and start your exploration

With over eight million inhabitants and four million motorbikes, Saigon is truly a city that never sleeps. Despite its modernity, Saigon maintains a strong link to the past and our city tour takes in some of Saigon’s most historic landmarks including the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires constructed from materials imported from France (entrance is only permitted when no services are being performed). Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, completed in 1891. A short drive away is the former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American War. Continue to the War Remnants Museum for a vivid perspective of the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese. (Please note that some of the displays are very graphic.) Experience Saigon’s famed street coffee culture while your guide provides a brief language lesson as well as insights into daily life of a Saigonese before returning to your hotel.

Note:

• Tour duration: 04 hours
• Outside visit only due the renovation at Notre Dame Cathedral until late 2023

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: EDEN STAR SAIGON HOTEL

Luxury Upgrade Option: HOTEL MAJESTIC SAIGON

High-end Upgrade Option: HOTEL DES ARTS SAIGON

8.00 a.m. meet your guide in the hotel lobby and start your exploration

Depart for the 1.5hr drive from Saigon to Ben Tre, situated in the Mekong River Delta, exchanging city scenes for lush rice paddies and fruit farms. At the pier, embark on a fascinating motor boat excursion past stilt houses, fish farms and scenes of countryside living. Arrive at Turtle Island, and sample freshly picked fruit and coconut milk while interacting with a local farming family. Tour a family-run coconut candy workshop which utilises Ben Tre’s famous coconuts. Explore more of the Delta’s many canals from a rowing sampan and enjoy country hospitality as you sip a cup of honey tea while taking in a traditional folk song performance. A local lunch will be served at the town of My Tho before continuing on a 2hr drive to your Can Tho hotel where you will have the evening free.

Note:

• Tour duration: 04 hours
• Estimated arrival time at Can Tho: 17:00.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: VICTORIA CAN THO RESORT

Luxury Upgrade Option: VICTORIA CAN THO RESORT

High-end Upgrade Option: AZERAI CAN THO RESORTS

Rise early and board a local boat to explore the famed Cai Rang floating market, where dozens of boats laden with fruits, vegetables and fish from all over the Delta jostle for trade. Notice the long poles with sample products for sale tied to the top. This vibrant wholesale market on the water makes for excellent photo opportunities, especially from the unique vantage point of your boat.

Continue cruising to Ba Lang hamlet where you’ll exchange boat for bicycle as we leisurely cycle 7-14km (4-9mi) to explore peaceful rice fields and fruit gardens up close, stopping at a local home for tea and to interact with the host before taking a local ferry ride and cycling back to the Ba Lang pier where we cruise back to Can Tho.

The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure or you may take an optional excursion to the Binh Thuy Ancient House. Constructed in 1870, the ornate home features French colonial and Chinese architectural elements and was famously used in the Indochine film “The Lover” by producer J. Annaud.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: VICTORIA CAN THO RESORT

Luxury Upgrade Option: VICTORIA CAN THO RESORT

High-end Upgrade Option: AZERAI CAN THO RESORTS

Free at leisure until transfer to Saigon.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: EDEN STAR SAIGON HOTEL

Luxury Upgrade Option: HOTEL MAJESTIC SAIGON

High-end Upgrade Option: HOTEL DES ARTS SAIGON

The regular check-out time is at 12:00; late check out is NOT included and subject to availability

Free at leisure until transfer to airport for taking home flight.

Meals: Breakfast