Wake up bright and early and head towards Cu Chi, just one hour’s drive from Ho Chi Minh City. Considered a powerful remnant of the conflict that once threatened Vietnam, this place is legendary for its seemingly endless serpentine tunnels beneath the earth. Glimpse beyond the rice paddies, ducks and water buffaloes to uncover the city beneath a city, a place of solemn pilgrimage for innumerable travellers, and an extraordinary testament to the Viet Cong’s ingenuity.
After your tour around this historic site, return to Ho Chi Minh City for an afternoon visit to the confronting War Remnants Museum. Here, the harsh truths of Cu Chi are placed in sobering context as you uncover the stories of the Vietnam War and the country’s historic conflicts.
As evening descends, set out on your BONUS Vespa tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Your adventure begins with sunset drinks and snacks at a stylish rooftop bar before you zip through bustling streets on your vintage Vespa, watching the city come alive. Taste fresh seafood and local treats including banh xeo pancakes at street food vendors. The night culminates with live music at two distinct venues, one an intimate cafe and the other a lively hotspot, before returning to your hotel.
Travel time: Driving – approx. four hours
BONUS Vespa tour of Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, join your guide for a street tour of the city’s many landmarks, such as the soaring Notre Dame Cathedral and impressive Ho Chi Minh City Hall. Choose a picturesque postcard and make your way to Saigon Central Post Office to post it home, taking a moment to gaze up at the beautiful ceilings and intricate detail of this historic building. Later, learn about the tumultuous history of Reunification Palace, where a convoy of tanks broke through in 1975.
Make one last stop by bustling Ben Thanh Market to browse the colourful stalls, then gather your energy with lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to the airport for your onward flight to Hue (HUI). Upon arrival, transfer to your grand hotel for an evening at leisure in supreme comfort.
Travel time: Flight – approx. 90 minutes
Enjoy a full day of guided touring in Hue. As the former capital of the country for over 140 years, this city boasts a wealth of ancient temples, imperial buildings and French-style edifices, all dating back to its establishment in the 17th century.
Your exploration begins with a serene boat trip to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest in Vietnam. Its iconic seven storeys stand tall against the skyline, making it recognisable as the unofficial symbol of Hue. This sacred site is a testament to the city’s spiritual heritage.
Next, journey to the heart of Hue to explore its historic Imperial City, a vast complex that once served as the seat of power for the Nguyen Dynasty. Modelled after the Forbidden City of Peking, this citadel boasts a rich history that spans centuries. Though many of the original structures were lost to the ravages of war, the remaining monuments offer a captivating glimpse into the opulent life of bygone eras.
After lunch, venture into the countryside, discovering the serene beauty of the Tomb of Tu Duc. Built by the longest-reigning Vietnamese emperor to be his final resting place, this elegant shrine was completed during his lifetime and used as a retreat for meditation, contemplation and artistic pursuits before his passing. Wander through the tranquil grounds, where graceful pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds offer a glimpse into this 19th-century emperor’s legacy.
As night falls, return to the city and don your provided traditional ao dai in preparation for an unforgettable dining experience. Sit down with your fellow travellers and give over your senses to the colours, aromas and complex tastes of Hue royal cuisine. Each dish is an harmonious blend of fine flavour and elegant plating, designed to capture the long history of Hue’s coveted culinary tradition.
Depart historic Hue this morning to the enchanting city of Hoi An, but not before experiencing one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking sights – the Hai Van Pass. Navigate the winding turns and sudden bends of this iconic mountain pass as you make your way to Da Nang, where you’ll stop for lunch and a brief chance to explore. From beaches immortalised by American soldiers during the Vietnam War to quirky bridges and the remarkable Museum of Cham Sculpture, Da Nang offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past and present.
Back on the road, pause to stretch and take in views of the imposing Marble Mountains, a group of limestone structures dotted with caves, pagodas and unbeatable views. Arrive in Hoi An with time to check in to your spectacular accommodation and enjoy the rest of your afternoon as you please.
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours
Once a bustling trade port, Hoi An is still a powerful melange of cultures, influences and traditions. Beautifully preserved Japanese merchant houses and historic Vietnamese trading warehouses rub shoulders with grand Confucian temples and modern offices to form a colourful tapestry.
Start your day with a guided tour and visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, first constructed in the 16th century and surviving even the imported French fascination with automobiles. 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 that houses important relics. 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.
Later, join an aromatic culinary experience as you delve into Hoi An’s thriving food culture, meeting chefs and small business owners to learn about the sustainable practices and rich flavours for which the city is renowned. From new Vietnamese and fusion dishes to homemade delights with fresh local produce, your flavour journey will see you touring the town by electric car, venturing out to the tranquil rice fields that surround Hoi An. Sample organic herbs of Tra Que, visit a riverside cafe and step inside the house of a fermentation master.
After tasting your way through Hoi An’s finest cuisine, stop by a private gallery for a glimpse at the unique art collection, featuring works from local artists across the country.
Today, set out for a day of discovery in Hoi An with your BONUS cooking class and bicycle tour. Departing your hotel at 8.30am, pedal to Hoi An’s bustling market to meet local vendors to learn about the region’s fresh ingredients. The learning continues at Tra Que Vegetable Village with a garden tour before a hands-on cooking lesson with a chef, where you’ll prepare and enjoy traditional dishes including banh xeo, Hoi An-style spring rolls and clay pot fish or chicken.
The rest of the day is spent at your leisure, but be sure to leave time for your included two-hour spa treatment just a short distance from your luxurious hotel. You may like to walk through Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed district.
Perhaps choose to visit the masterfully maintained merchant residence Tan Ky House, filled with antiques and eye-catching architecture, or check out the vibrant Hoi An Night Market as twilight falls.
BONUS cooking class and bicycle tour
After checking out of your hotel, transfer to Da Nang International Airport (DAD) for your onward economy class flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s kaleidoscopic capital and northern cultural hub. On arrival, you will be taken to your sophisticated hotel for an evening of plush luxury.
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours / Flight – approx. 90 minutes
Vietnam’s electric capital offers layers of Chinese and French influence, gaggles of scooters and a wealth of world-class restaurants. With the help of your tour guide, unearth the best of Hanoi, starting with a visit to the grounds of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to view the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh in its glass case. Wander through the park to the historic 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. Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, then make your way to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, built in the 11th century.
Break up your whirlwind itinerary with a special tea ceremony at the house of a tea master. Unfurl the secret art of Vietnamese tea drinking, starting with a cup of hot lotus-flavoured tea prepared by expert Minh Hien. Listen as Hien explains the long history of tea, from its origins to its present-day usage, and taste the distinctive quality with each sip.
Later, venture across the vermilion 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.
Tonight, return to your hotel for the chance to refresh ahead of your exclusive dinner with renowned master Chef Ai, who found even greater success after placing in the top five of MasterChef Vietnam in 2014. Embrace traditional northern flavours and experience the invigorating applications of spice during a cooking session with Chef Ai, then try your hand at preparing the city’s signature ‘egg coffee’. Afterwards, sit down with your masterful teacher and share in the fragrant flavours and fascinating stories that drive her impeccable cooking.
Tea ceremony at tea master’s house
Today, drive through the countryside to the Tuan Chau Marina, where you’ll board your luxury vessel to embark on a two-night cruise through Ha Long Bay.
After a brief meet-and-greet with the captain and his crew, lunch will be served as you set sail through striking emerald waters. Witness the majesty of the bay’s jungle-topped limestone islands and make the most of an eventful afternoon exploring this spectacular landscape. Delve into Ha Long’s mysterious caves, visit a floating farm or relax on the beach, then return to your ship to soak up the scenery from the sundeck. Anchor late this evening for an unforgettable night of sumptuous food, all the while floating between Ha Long’s towering cliffs.
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours
Ha Long Bay two-night cruise
Rise early and take in the crisp morning air of Ha Long Bay. Start your day with tai chi on the sundeck to balance the body and mind. The rest of the day is spent adventuring through Ha Long’s dazzling waters and verdant islands, returning with abundant time to recline in style on your luxury cruiser.
Ha Long Bay two-night cruise
Wake to another tai chi session in the fresh bay air, then indulge in a refreshing brunch as you make your way back to the port. Bid farewell to enchanting Ha Long Bay and take your coach transfer back to Hanoi, where your afternoon is spent freely exploring.
This evening, join your fellow travellers for a grand farewell dinner at La Table Hanoia – formerly known as Press Club – and the chance to send off your Vietnamese adventure in fine-dining style.
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours
La Table Hanoia fine dining farewell dinner
Your Vietnamese voyage ends after breakfast as you wave goodbye to your fellow travellers and take your transfer to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) for your onward flight.