After breakfast, meet your tour director for a full-day exploration that delves into the heart of Vietnam’s history and culture. Your journey begins at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, a site of immense national importance. Here, you’ll visit the grounds of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum before wandering through the park to see the elegant Presidential Palace and the humble, traditional Stilt House where the revered leader once lived.
Find a moment of peace at the Temple of Literature, a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture and the country’s first university, founded in the 11th century. Continue your discovery at the fascinating Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country’s diverse ethnic groups. The tour then moves to the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, where you’ll cross the iconic red Huc Bridge to visit the 18th-century Ngoc Son Temple, a sanctuary perched on a small island.
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.
Tonight, you will be formally welcomed to Vietnam with a special dinner at a local restaurant. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with your fellow travellers and share the excitement of the journey ahead while enjoying authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 75 minutes (21.3km)
Today marks a highlight of your Vietnamese adventure as you journey from the city to the coast for an unforgettable overnight cruise on the spectacular, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay. Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Marina, you’ll step aboard the magnificent Capella Cruise, your luxurious floating hotel for the night. After a welcome drink and a briefing from the cruise manager, you’ll settle in and discover the ship’s incredible facilities, including six decks, a pool, and a jacuzzi.
Enjoy a delicious lunch in the restaurant as you begin to glide out into the bay, watching as hundreds of jungle-topped limestone karsts rise majestically from the tranquil, emerald waters. The afternoon is yours to indulge; take a dip in the pool, make a splash on the thrilling waterslide, or find a spot on the expansive sundeck to watch a dazzling sunset over the bay. For those who have booked the Superior Upgrade, this moment is made even more special with an included hour of free-flow drinks. Your day culminates with dinner onboard before the vessel anchors for a magical night spent floating in a quiet cove, surrounded by the bay’s dramatic limestone peaks
Travel time: Driving – approx. 2.5 hours (250km)
Ha Long Bay overnight cruise on Capella
Start your morning on the expansive and luxurious Capella I cruise sundeck with fresh tea and coffee, enjoying the dawn on the bay. 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. Admire your surroundings with premium amenities 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 to embark on your flight from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Da Nang International Airport (DAD).
Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the coastal city of Hoi An for an evening at leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours / Flight – approx. 1.5 hours
This morning, your guide will lead you on a walking tour through Hoi An’s enchanting ancient town. You’ll visit the iconic 16th-century Japanese Covered Bridge , the Museum of Sa Huynh Culture where you can unearth the region’s Iron Age history , the 200-year-old Tran Family Chapel , and the traditional Fujian Assembly Hall, a 17th-century structure later repurposed as a temple for the sea goddess Thien Hau.
The afternoon is yours to relax and explore at your own pace. You may wish to indulge in your included spa treatment at Ginger Wellness today (available from 2:00 PM), or save this rejuvenating experience for tomorrow. For your evening, you could choose to join an optional street food tour to sample local specialties (surcharge applies) , or perhaps a half-day tour to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed My Son Sanctuary, a religious complex of ancient temples.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 15 minutes
Enjoy a full day at leisure to soak up the unique atmosphere of Hoi An and create your own adventure. This is another opportunity to use your included spa treatment if you haven’t already. You could also choose from several exciting optional excursions to enhance your day (surcharges apply).
Embark on a full-day trip to Ba Na Hills to see its spectacular landmarks, including the famous Golden Bridge held aloft by giant stone hands. Alternatively, immerse yourself in Vietnamese cuisine with a half-day Cooking Class & Biking Tour, or explore the peaceful countryside by eco-friendly buggy on a Hoi An Craft and Countryside tour, visiting traditional carpentry and pottery villages. The day is yours to design before your journey continues south tomorrow.
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning exploring the charming streets of Hoi An before being transferred to Da Nang International Airport (DAD) for your onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City, historically known as Saigon. Upon arrival, you will check into your five-star accommodation.
The evening is at your leisure to explore the city’s incredible dining scene on your own.
Travellers who have booked a Superior Upgrade will enjoy a special included dinner tonight at ST25 by KOTO, a unique restaurant that supports disadvantaged youth by providing culinary training, where locally sourced ingredients are transformed into a flavourful feast.
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours / Flight: – approx. 1.5 hours
Your day of discovery begins with a morning journey to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels , located 60 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City. Considered a powerful remnant of the Vietnam War, this legendary city beneath a city is an extraordinary testament to the ingenuity of the Viet Cong. You’ll have a fascinating opportunity to explore the vast underground network and learn about its crucial role in the country’s history.
After returning to Ho Chi Minh City, you will embark on a guided tour of the city’s most important landmarks. You’ll see a fantastic blend of history and architecture, from the soaring Notre Dame Cathedral and the intricate detail of the historic Saigon Central Post Office to the grand Ho Chi Minh City Opera House and City Hall. The tour also includes a visit to the poignant War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace, where the war famously ended with the fall of Saigon in 1975. After a comprehensive day of sightseeing, the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. one hour
Enjoy your final full day in Vietnam with a day of leisure to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. You can spend the day shopping for souvenirs, revisiting a favourite landmark, or choosing from one of the exciting optional experiences available.
You could embark on a full-day optional excursion to the lush, watery world of the Mekong Delta, where you’ll cruise along canals, visit local workshops, and cycle through village paths to see a different side of Vietnamese life (surcharge applies). Alternatively, coffee lovers can immerse themselves in the city’s renowned cafe culture on a half-day ‘Vietnamese Coffee Culture Unveiled’ tour, sampling everything from traditional filter coffee to the famous local egg coffee (surcharge applies).
Tonight, your incredible journey through Vietnam concludes with a memorable farewell dinner. You and your fellow travellers will share stories, reflect on the highlights of your adventure, and toast to the experiences you’ve shared.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 1.5 hours
After breakfast, wave goodbye to your fellow travellers and make your way to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) for your included flight to Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC). Upon arrival, a transfer will bring you to your home for the next five nights, the Meliá Vinpearl Phu Quoc, a five-star sanctuary set on the tranquil sands of Vietnam’s Pearl Island.
Settle into your luxurious villa with a private pool and take time to relax before enjoying your first included meal at one of the resort’s signature restaurants. Plus, with unlimited free-flow drinks, make a toast to your stay in paradise as the sun sets.
Travel time: Driving – approx. one hour / Flight – approx. one hour
Your Meliá Vinpearl Phu Quoc inclusions:
- All-inclusive daily dining and unlimited free-flow drinks
- One 60-minute massage at YHI Spa per adult
- Return shared airport transfers
- Complimentary resort activities including yoga, dance classes and more
Please note: To arrange transfers from Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) to Meliá Vinpearl Phu Quoc, you must contact the resort directly.
Meliá Vinpearl Phu Quoc stay
For the next four nights, unwind at your indulgent five-star stay, the Meliá Vinpearl Phu Quoc. With private pool villas nestled beside lakes and tropical gardens, this coastal haven invites you to spend your days exactly as you please. Start with a buffet breakfast at Jarana, then fill your time with resort activities – join a morning yoga session, try a dance class, or head to the beach for kayaking and jet skiing. Cool off with a swim in your private pool or the oceanfront resort pool before retreating to YHI Spa for your included 60-minute massage.
Afternoons are made for beachside lounging and slow lunches at Cape Nao or Jarana, followed by more time to explore or simply unwind. As the sun sets, enjoy complimentary cocktails by the sea before settling in for a movie night at the open-air beach cinema. Each evening, take your pick from international fine dining at Cape Nao, relaxed bites at Mixture Bar or Vietnamese favourites at Jarana. With all meals, free-flow drinks and shared airport transfers included, this leisurely stay lets you savour Phu Quoc at your own pace.
Your Meliá Vinpearl Phu Quoc inclusions:
- All-inclusive daily dining and unlimited free-flow drinks
- One 60-minute massage at YHI Spa per adult
- Return shared airport transfers
- Complimentary resort activities including yoga, dance classes and more
For the next three nights, unwind at your indulgent five-star stay, the Meliá Vinpearl Phu Quoc.
Your Meliá Vinpearl Phu Quoc inclusions:
- All-inclusive daily dining and unlimited free-flow drinks
- One 60-minute massage at YHI Spa per adult
- Return shared airport transfers
- Complimentary resort activities including yoga, dance classes and more
For the next two nights, unwind at your indulgent five-star stay, the Meliá Vinpearl Phu Quoc.
Your Meliá Vinpearl Phu Quoc inclusions:
- All-inclusive daily dining and unlimited free-flow drinks
- One 60-minute massage at YHI Spa per adult
- Return shared airport transfers
- Complimentary resort activities including yoga, dance classes and more
Enjoy one final day at your indulgent five-star stay, the Meliá Vinpearl Phu Quoc.
Your Meliá Vinpearl Phu Quoc inclusions:
- All-inclusive daily dining and unlimited free-flow drinks
- One 60-minute massage at YHI Spa per adult
- Return shared airport transfers
- Complimentary resort activities including yoga, dance classes and more
After breakfast, your indulgent stay comes to an end. You’ll be transferred to Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) for your onward journey.