Meet your tour director this morning and set off to explore Hanoi. Visit the grounds of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and view the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh in its glass case. Wander through the park to the Presidential Palace, then stop by Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the leader’s historic private residence which still stands just as it did over 50 years ago.
Next, enjoy a guided experience through the Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university – built in the 11th century. Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, then venture across the Huc Bridge for a visit to the 18th-century Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake. From here, you can view the recognisable Turtle Tower, one of Vietnam’s most enduring architectural symbols.
Today, drive to the Tuan Chau Marina, where you’ll embark on an overnight cruise through Ha Long Bay. The five-star Paradise Grand is your opulent vessel, boasting four floors of elegant facilities including a piano lounge, La Espacia fusion restaurant, a premium spa and an expansive sun deck complete with a plunging jacuzzi.
After a brief meet-and-greet with the captain and their crew, enjoy a tea or coffee before lunch is served as you set sail through striking emerald waters. Witness the majesty of the bay’s jungle-topped limestone islands and anchor late this evening for a night floating between Ha Long’s towering cliffs.
Travel time: Drive – approx. 2.5 hours
Ha Long Bay overnight cruise
This morning, enjoy dawn on the expansive sundeck with fresh tea and coffee. Energise your body and soul during a tranquil tai chi class, watching the sun rise over the bay.
Continue your morning cruising among the tree-trimmed cliffs of Ha Long Bay’s Natural Preservation Zone. You’ll have the opportunity to admire your surroundings as you sail through this pristine environment, before packing up your things and preparing to disembark. Once the vessel arrives back at Tuan Chau Marina, rejoin your coach for the ride from Ha Long back to Hanoi Airport (HAN) and a flight onward to Da Nang (DAD).
Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the coastal city of Hoi An for an evening at leisure.
Travel time: Drive – approx. three hours / Flying – approx. 80 minutes
Rise and shine for a half day of leisure before your guided tour of town in the evening. You may wish to fill your morning or afternoon with an optional activity (surcharges apply).
In the evening, follow your guide as you visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, first constructed in the 16th century. Nearby, pay a visit to the Museum of Sa Huynh Culture and unearth the region’s Iron Age-history with a collection of local artefacts, including an impressive exhibit of burial jars.
Discover the Chinese- and Japanese-influenced architecture of the Tran Family Chapel, a 200-year-old ancestral hall. Conclude your tour with a stop at the traditional Fujian Assembly Hall, constructed in the 17th century and later repurposed as a temple for worshipping Thien Hau, a powerful Chinese sea goddess.
As you wander the streets of Hoi An, follow your guide’s expert advice and sample fragrant local dishes, from hearty cao lau noodle soup to fresh banh mi and invigorating Vietnamese coffee. Taste Hoi An’s best culinary offerings and enjoy an included cold beer before returning to your hotel.
After breakfast at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to spend freely. Take the chance to explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed district. Perhaps choose to visit the merchant residence Tan Ky House – filled with antiques and eye-catching architecture – or check out Hoi An Night Market.
After breakfast, enjoy a final hour or two exploring Hoi An before being transferred back to Da Nang Airport (DAD) for your return flight to Ho Chi Minh City, historically known as Saigon. On arrival, you will check into your luxurious five-star stay at Sofitel Saigon Plaza to enjoy an evening of leisure exploring the hotel.
This French-inspired hotel occupies a dazzling perch above Ho Chi Minh’s city lights. Make the most of the glittering Saigon skyline with dips in the rooftop pool, treat yourself to sumptuous treatments at the spa or choose tonight to dine at your choice of three onsite restaurants. Alternatively, the lively streets of HCMC are at your doorstep.
Travel time: Drive – approx. 45 minutes / Flying – approx. 90 minutes
Join your director in the hotel lobby and set off for your Saigon street tour of the city’s many landmark buildings, such as the War Remnants Museum, the soaring Notre Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh City Opera House and City Hall. Gaze upon the intricate detail of Saigon Central Post Office, then learn about the history of the Reunification Palace, where a convoy of tanks broke through in 1975.
The rest of your day is yours to explore at leisure. Consider a trip to the colonial-era Fine Arts Museum, the delicately carved Jade Emperor Pagoda, or simply settle in at one of the city’s many cafes and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee.
Wake up bright and early and head towards Cu Chi, just 60 kilometres south of Ho Chi Minh City. Considered a powerful remnant of the conflict that once threatened Vietnam, this city is legendary for its seemingly endless tunnels. Uncover the city beneath a city, an extraordinary testament to the Viet Cong’s ingenuity.
After your tour around this historic site, return to Ho Chi Minh City.
This evening, travellers who book a Superior Upgrade will enjoy a special dinner at ST25 by KOTO, where locally sourced ingredients are transformed into a flavourful feast.
Today marks the end of your shared tour and the start of a relaxing five nights in Ho Tram.
After breakfast, you will board your transfer to Ho Tram, a vibrant beach town known as Vietnam’s ‘entertainment capital’. Once arrived, settle into your five-star, all-inclusive stay at Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort.
Awarded the Best Resort in Vietnam by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards, this beachfront oasis boasts some of the region’s most decadent dining. Your next five nights will be spent in an impeccable Junior Suite Ocean View with the luxury of a furnished balcony overlooking the resort’s pristine beachfront.
Your Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort inclusions:
- All-inclusive daily dining and free-flow drinks
- In-room minibar refreshed daily
- One 60-minute massage per adult at YHI Spa
- Daily return transfers from hotel to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN)
- Daily return shuttle service to Ho Chi Minh City, based on the resort’s schedule
- Return shuttle service to Vung Tau with a takeaway lunch, based on the resort’s schedule
- Daily wellness activities
- Complimentary cooking classes with local market visits
- Daily two-hour use of resort bicycles, subject to availability
- Daily complimentary use of non-motorised water sports
Travel time: Drive – approx. two hours
Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort stay
Your next four nights will be spent in an impeccable Junior Suite Ocean View with the luxury of a furnished balcony overlooking the resort’s pristine beachfront.
Your Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort inclusions:
- All-inclusive daily dining and free-flow drinks
- In-room minibar refreshed daily
- One 60-minute massage per adult at YHI Spa
- Daily return transfers from hotel to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN)
- Daily return shuttle service to Ho Chi Minh City, based on the resort’s schedule
- Return shuttle service to Vung Tau with a takeaway lunch, based on the resort’s schedule
- Daily wellness activities
- Complimentary cooking classes with local market visits
- Daily two-hour use of resort bicycles, subject to availability
- Daily complimentary use of non-motorised water sports
Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort stay
Your next three nights will be spent in an impeccable Junior Suite Ocean View with the luxury of a furnished balcony overlooking the resort’s pristine beachfront.
Your Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort inclusions:
- All-inclusive daily dining and free-flow drinks
- In-room minibar refreshed daily
- One 60-minute massage per adult at YHI Spa
- Daily return transfers from hotel to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN)
- Daily return shuttle service to Ho Chi Minh City, based on the resort’s schedule
- Return shuttle service to Vung Tau with a takeaway lunch, based on the resort’s schedule
- Daily wellness activities
- Complimentary cooking classes with local market visits
- Daily two-hour use of resort bicycles, subject to availability
- Daily complimentary use of non-motorised water sports
Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort stay
Your next two nights will be spent in an impeccable Junior Suite Ocean View with the luxury of a furnished balcony overlooking the resort’s pristine beachfront.
Your Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort inclusions:
- All-inclusive daily dining and free-flow drinks
- In-room minibar refreshed daily
- One 60-minute massage per adult at YHI Spa
- Daily return transfers from hotel to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN)
- Daily return shuttle service to Ho Chi Minh City, based on the resort’s schedule
- Return shuttle service to Vung Tau with a takeaway lunch, based on the resort’s schedule
- Daily wellness activities
- Complimentary cooking classes with local market visits
- Daily two-hour use of resort bicycles, subject to availability
- Daily complimentary use of non-motorised water sports
Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort stay
Savour your last night in an impeccable Junior Suite Ocean View with the luxury of a furnished balcony overlooking the resort’s pristine beachfront.
Your Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort inclusions:
- All-inclusive daily dining and free-flow drinks
- In-room minibar refreshed daily
- One 60-minute massage per adult at YHI Spa
- Daily return transfers from hotel to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN)
- Daily return shuttle service to Ho Chi Minh City, based on the resort’s schedule
- Return shuttle service to Vung Tau with a takeaway lunch, based on the resort’s schedule
- Daily wellness activities
- Complimentary cooking classes with local market visits
- Daily two-hour use of resort bicycles, subject to availability
- Daily complimentary use of non-motorised water sports
Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort stay
Your Vietnam tour ends after breakfast, as you wave goodbye to your fellow travellers and make the private, two-hour journey back to Ho Chi Minh City for your flight.
Travel time: Drive – approx. two hours