10 Days Luxury Adventure: Vietnam Tour Package 
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Priced From: $3,450 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Sep - Dec

Join us as we journey from the island-studded waters of Ha Long Bay to Imperial Hue, perfectly preserved Hoi An and the lush tributaries of the Mekong Delta. With exclusive activities ranging from a culinary tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s morning market to making paper lanterns with artisans near Hoi An, this trip is dazzling in its diversity.

We start the day with a rickshaw ride through the old French Colonial quarter, where shuttered villas are juxtaposed with age-old temples, then we stroll through the merchant district where the streets are named after guilds of artisans from the 13th century. We enjoy dinner at the elegant Seasons of Hanoi, and then retire to the old-world charm of the Sofitel Metropole.

Hotel: Sofitel Metropole
Meals: D

Day 2 - Hanoi, Vietnam

This morning we explore the city highlights: the Temple of Literature, (where we enjoy a private cultural talk with Hanoi’s well-known historian, Dr. Huu Ngoc), the One Pillar Pagoda and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Afternoon options include a private tour of local art galleries, a market tour and cooking class with a leading chef, or a chance to make pottery with the artisans of Bat Trang. This evening we are treated to a private water puppet show (with a chance to chat with the puppeteers) and then dinner at the renowned restaurant Indochina.

Hotel: Sofitel Metropole
Meals: D

Day 3 - Hue , Vietnam

We fly south to Hue where we are invited to the home of a well-known academic for lunch, followed by a quiet afternoon cruise along the banks of the Perfume River and visits to the elaborate tombs of past emperors. Other options include a guided visit to the Forbidden Purple City, a casual stroll through Dong Ba Market, or simply relaxing by the pool at the comfortable Morin Hotel.

Hotel: La Residence
Meals: BLD

Day 4 - Hue , Vietnam

This morning after breakfast we continue with our Hue sightseeing. We enjoy a boat ride on the Perfume River upstream to see the Thien Mu pagoda, the most preserved religious monument standing along the river bank. Later in the morning we visit the most elaborate tombs of the Nguyen dynasty, including Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Lunch is hosted at the royal house of Vinh Tu, where we enjoy authentic royal cuisine. The afternoon is free at leisure for your own exploration.

Hotel: La Residence
Meals: BL

Day 5 - Hoi An, Vietnam

After a morning exploring the tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh or joining local students at the Hue Fine Art School for a painting class, we transfer over the scenic Hai Van Pass to Danang. Here we visit the renowned Cham Museum with Prof Le Ba Dat, a Cham specialist and professor at Danang General University. After stopping for a dip at China Beach, we finish the day in charming Hoi An, where we settle in for two nights at the Hoi An Life Resort.

Hotel: Hoi An Life Resort  
Meals: BLD

Day 6 - Hoi An, Vietnam

Today we explore this exquisite old fishing village with a member of the Hoi An Restoration Committee, strolling past ancient buildings and charming shops. After a light lunch, afternoon options include a leisurely bike ride to Cam Chau village to learn lantern making, a boat ride on the Thu Bon River, or a visit to a local tailor for some bespoke silk outfits. Dinner tonight is on your own. 

Hotel: Hoi An Life Resort   
Meals: BLD

Day 7 - Mekong Delta, Vietnam

After a morning exploring the tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh or joining local students at the Hue Fine Art School for a painting class, we transfer over the scenic Hai Van Pass to Danang. Here we visit the renowned Cham Museum with Prof Le Ba Dat, a Cham specialist and professor at Danang General University. After stopping for a dip at China Beach, we finish the day in charming Hoi An, where we settle in for two nights at the Hoi An Life Resort.

Hotel: Hoi An Life Resort  
Meals: BLD

Day 8 - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

This morning’s options include a short bike ride along the small canals or a cruise to the floating market of Cai Rang and a visit to a Bun Tau noodle factory. After lunch we return to Saigon, where we enjoy a stroll through the old China Town before checking in at the famous Caravelle Hotel, centrally located in the midst of Ho Chi Minh City's business, shopping, and entertainment district.

Hotel: Caravelle Hotel  
Meals: BL

Day 9 - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) & Cu Chi, Vietnam

The day starts with a dawn visit to the Ben Thanh central market with one of Vietnam’s most famous chefs, Ms Cam Van, a Vietnamese TV celebrity for the past 16 years. After shopping for fresh ingredients, we visit her beautiful home, where we are treated to a private cooking lesson in her kitchen. This afternoon we enter the incredible Cu Chi tunnels in the company of Viet Cong veterans, who lived there during the war, to explore the vast underground complex and learn about life in the tunnels. The day concludes with a farewell feast at the superb Mandarin restaurant.

Hotel: Caravelle Hotel  
Meals: BL

Day 10 - Home

Trip Finishes. We say our goodbyes and tam biet to Vietnam, as some return home while others stay on for a few days in Cambodia.

Meals: B

Grand Colonial Hotels

Sofitel Metropole, Hanoi: The exquisite Metropole in Hanoi, built by the French in the early 1900s, is one of our favourite trip hotels. Combining old-world charm with modern convenience, it is easy to imagine the days when Graham Greene propped up the bar, and intrigue radiated from every room.
 
Morin Hotel, Hue: Possessing unique colonial architecture and exquisite service, The Morin Hotel has become the choice of celebrities, intrepid adventurers and discriminating businessmen.
 
Hoi An Life Resort, Hoi An: Located in the French colonial quarter of the UNESCO world heritage town Hoi An, the Hoi An Life Resort is truly unique. The harmony of services, surroundings, culture, cuisine and body and mind treatments will naturally bring all your senses to life. 

Majestic Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City:  Located in the heart of the city, overlooking the Saigon river, Hotel Majestic welcomes you in its original French colonial architecture, and invites you to discover the charms of Saigon.
 
The Victoria Hotel, Can Tho: The hotel opened in October 1998 as the flagship of the Victoria Hotels & Resorts Chain in the Mekong Delta. Set in magnificent gardens, Victoria Can Tho is a splendid colonial style hotel situated on the banks of the Hau River, one of the nine estuaries of the Mekong Delta. The location and services offered have been carefully planned to allow guests to experience the opulence of the local culture, the beauty of the area and the diversity of the region and its people. Victoria Can Tho Hotel is the Mekong Delta's first luxury hotel with an aim to provide guests with an enchanting and relaxing setting in an epicurean atmosphere, offering a courteous and efficient service.

12/08