A Luxury Vietnam Vacation –Hoi An, Halong Bay, Hanoi,  Ninh Binh, Phu Quoc, HCM City 

Day 1 Arrive Hanoi
Upon arrival in Hanoi, be met and transferred to your hotel for your next 2 nights’ accommodations. 

Day 2 Hanoi
This morning, enjoy a city tour of Hanoi. We’ll start with the Museum of Ethnology, dedicated to preserving the cultural traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Next head to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university built in the 1970s followed by Hoa Lo Prison where the late John McCain was held captive for 5 years. Continue to Train Street and enjoy a bit of interaction with local street vendors before sitting down to enjoy a cold drink. Cap off the morning with a cyclo (rickshaw) ride through the famed Old Quarters, a local market place that dates back to the 13th century that comprises of a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways, each named after the goods that were traditionally sold there, such as silk, silver, or herbs. Today, these streets are still bustling with activity, with vendors selling all kinds of goods, from clothes and souvenirs to food and household items. We’ll Stop at a roadside coffee shop, mingle with the locals and enjoy the daily life passing by. Return to the hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure to freshen up or explore the lively area around your hotel.

This evening, enjoy a night foodies tour for which Hanoi is known. We’ll start with a walk through the maze of bustling streets of the city’s famed Old Quarter. Join the locals and pull up a plastic stool at a pavement stall to try  some Vietnamese snacks starting with the famous Hanoi dish Banh Cuon (Vietnamese rice rolls), followed by two barbeque stalls featuring meat, vegetable, and bread specialties grilled over hot coals. Then, it’s time for dessert. Venture down a small alley and try a cup of fresh fruit smothered with crushed iced and condensed milk. Stop a hidden café with stunning views over the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, for a cup of coffee (or a beer) before ending your foodies adventure of Hanoi. (B,D)

Day 3 Hanoi / Ninh Binh 
This morning, journey south on a scenic adventure to Ninh Binh. Often referred to as “Dry Halong Bay”, this idyllic region features imposing limestone karsts that majestically emerge from lush emerald-green rice fields, evoking scenes from a fairy tale. Start your morning with a leisurely bike ride between 10-15km (can be adjusted based on your preference/energy level) to appreciate the immersed rice fields and agriculture life. Then roll up your sleeves, put in your boots, and take part in the fun daily life activities with local fishermen and farmers. Here, you’ll have a chance to catch crab and mudfish using traditional rattan tools, or try your hand at planting rice in the fields. Engage in a casual talk with the local farmer to get an insight into his family and lifestyle. For lunch, take part in a hands-on cooking demo with the chef before enjoying some Ninh Binh specialties.

Later this afternoon, get on a row boat and glide along the tranquil river to Galaxy Cave. Recently discovered in 2007 due to its small size and hidden location, the cave is beautifully untouched with natural formations of stalagmites & stalactites in shimmering colors. Continue by riverboat along the tranquil river beautifully complemented with stunning views to die for. Overnight in Ninh Binh. (B,L)

**Note: Cycling distance is approximately 13-15km approximately on flat terrain and does not require technical abilities. This portion of the trip is optional for those who prefer to tour by foot/car or if conditions do not permit. 

Day 4 Ninh Binh / Halong Bay 
This morning, travel by road (4-hours) for Halong Bay, yet another UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its emerald waters and nearly 2,000 limestone karst islands in mesmerizing seascape. Here, we’ll enjoy a day of bliss aboard a small luxury ship for a tantalizing cruise around Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay (depending on ship). Highlights include shore excursions to several islands, cave exploration, kayaking and swimming. Lunch and dinner are served on board. (B,L,D)

**Note: cruise routing and shore excursions vary slightly by cruise company though experiences will be similar. 

Day 5 Halong Bay / Hoi An
For the early riser, join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck while tea, coffee and assorted pastries are served. Later, enjoy kayaking activities followed by brunch on board before disembarking your cruise. Transfer to Hanoi Airport for your afternoon flight to Danang. Transfer to your resort in Hoi An for your next 3 nights’ accommodations (B)

Day 6 Hoi An
Enjoy a morning tour of Hoi An’s beautiful Old Town. This exquisitely preserved merchant town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its colorful shophouses and temples reflect a diverse heritage dating back to the 16th and 17th century, when it was a major port for Western, Chinese and Japanese traders. Here, wander through the cobbled streets, past low tile-roofed buildings, the bustling central market and the small harbour where colourfully painted boats are moored. The walking tour will include visits to a private house, where members of the same family have lived continuously for centuries in a traditional setting; to one of the family chapels built by prominent merchants and official families as centres for ancestor worship; and to a typical Chinese-style Pagoda or assembly hall. Continue to Sa Huynh Museum containing exhibits from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history followed by the Japanese Covered Bridge constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi. Board a local boat and cruise down the Thu Bon River, enjoying the unspoiled countryside, visiting a local village en-route. Afternoon at leisure to relax and explore Hoi An on your own. (B)

Day 7 Hoi An 
This morning, go off the beaten path on an electric scooter to explore Hoi An’s countryside. Upon arrival at Cam Nam Port, take a 45-minute boat ride for Duy Hai Fishing Village to observe local fishermen brining in the day’s catch. Take a stroll through the local fish Market then continue riding to a farm village where you’ll mingle with local farmers and learn about their agricultural techniques – even a chance to participate in some rice cultivation. After sampling a home cooked meal at the village, return to your hotel and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B,L)

Day 8 Hoi An/ Phu Quoc Island
Transfer for your flight to beautiful Phu Quoc Island. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your resort for your next 3 nights’ accommodations. In the evening, be sure to venture out to Dinh Cau Night Market lined with seafood restaurants, colorful stalls and mouth-watering street food stands. (B)

Day 9 Phu Quoc Island
Today’s around-the-island tour begins with a bit into the history of the island with a visit to the ruins of the infamous Coconut Prison where prisoners were kept during French colonial times.  Visit the bustling port of An Thoi strolling thru local markets and residential areas to catch a glimpse of life on the island. Then, embark a motorboat for a  scenic cruise to discover its archipelago offshore. Sit back and enjoy the scenery or get up to do some fishing, swimming or snorkeling. Enjoy lunch on board before continuing to Ham Ninh, a local fisherman village nestled on the west coast of the island. Here, watch the fishermen bring in the day’s catch while locals shop for the day’s meal. Stroll thru the local market before continuing on to a pepper farm for which the island’s pepper product is renowned throughout Asia. Return to your resort and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B,L)

Day 10 Phu Quoc Island
Full day free at leisure in Paradise. (B)

Day 11 Phu Quoc Island / Ho Chi Minh City 
Transfer for your short one-hour flight to HCM City. Affectionately known as Saigon and the “Paris of the East”, this dynamic metropolis has emerged as a thriving hotspot in Asia, boasting Vietnam’s finest cuisine, a bustling nightlife, and top-notch accommodations. We’ll tour the historic former Presidential Palace, walk pass some of the most impressive French-colonial architectures around town including Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office and City Hall (Hotel de Ville). Visit the Fine Arts Museum before heading to Ben Thanh market for some souvenir hunting. Return to your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. 

This evening, enjoy the spectacular A O Show, a 60-minute production that depicts the transformation of modern Vietnamese society, taking the audience from the serenity and peacefulness of rural village life to the mayhem and frenzy of city dwelling through the medium of dance and music.  (B,L)

Day 12  Ho Chi Minh City (Cu Chi Tunnels)
This morning, travel outside the hustle and bustle of Saigon and take tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Vietcong built a 200km long network of tunnels connecting command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Return to the city and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 13 Return Home
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home, connecting in Hong Kong. Arrive the same day. (B)

****END OF PROGRAM****

• Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
• Prices includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotels taxes & service charges
• Price excludes transpacific airfares, personal expenses, beverages and gratuities to guides and drivers.
• Holiday surcharges and/or compulsory gala dinners at hotels apply between Dec. 20 – Jan. 05
• A visa is required for Vietnam. Not included in package.
• All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation