Day 1 Arrive Hanoi (Welcome to Vietnam): Arrive in Vietnam’s capital, where you’ll be met by your private guide and transferred to your luxury hotel for a two-night stay. Settle in and enjoy the lively energy of the city at your doorstep. 

Day 2 Hanoi (History, Culture & Flavor): Set out on a curated excursion that traces the heart of Hanoi’s culture and history. Explore world-class museums and temples, hear stories of resilience at Hoa Lo Prison, and glide through the Old Quarter’s maze of alleys on a cyclo, each corner alive with the hum of daily life that has echoed for centuries. Pause for coffee at a local café before returning to your hotel for a leisurely afternoon.

As night falls, dive into Hanoi’s legendary street food culture on a guided foodie adventure. Pull up a plastic stool beside locals in the Old Quarter, sampling signature dishes like silky bánh cuốn, smoky barbecue skewers, and refreshing fruit desserts. End the evening at a hidden café with views overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, savoring coffee—or beer—as the city glimmers below. (B,D)

Day 3: Hanoi / Ninh Binh (Limestone Peaks & Rural Traditions) Today’s adventure brings a heavy dose of Vietnam’s scenic and cultural charm. A landscape of karst cliffs and emerald rice paddies, Ninh Binh reveals Vietnam’s pastoral beauty and enduring ways of life. Pedal through rice paddies, mingle with farmers in the fields, glide by sampan into hidden caves, and discover dramatic limestone peaks.

A two-hour drive in the comfort of your private vehicle takes you to Ninh Binh, also known as “Halong Bay on Land”. Begin the morning with an invigorating bicycle ride through rice paddies and riverside villages, where daily life flows in rhythm with the land. Join farmers in their fields—try planting rice, or help fishermen catch crab and mudfish using traditional tools. For lunch, take part in a hands-on cooking demonstration with your local hosts, preparing regional specialties.

Afterwards, glide by hand-rowed sampan into Galaxy Cave, a hidden wonder discovered in 2007. Stalactites glitter overhead as you drift deeper inside, before continuing along tranquil waterways framed by soaring karsts. Check in to your countryside retreat with time to relax and soak in the peaceful surroundings. (B,L)

Note: Cycling distance is approximately 13–15 km on flat terrain and requires no technical ability. This portion is optional and may be replaced with touring by foot or car if preferred or if conditions do not permit.

Day 4 Ninh Binh / Halong Bay (From Picturesque Landscape to Dreamy Seascape): This morning, set out on a scenic four-hour drive to Halong Bay, renowned for its emerald waters and nearly 2,000 limestone karst islands rising dramatically from the sea. Upon arrival, step aboard your intimate luxury vessel and ease into a day of serenity and discovery. Cruise through enchanting waterways framed by soaring cliffs and secluded coves, each turn unveiling new vistas of breathtaking beauty.

Enjoy shore excursions to picturesque islands and ancient caverns, with opportunities to kayak or swim in tranquil lagoons. Onboard, savor freshly prepared lunch and dinner featuring regional flavors, accompanied by sweeping views of the bay. As evening falls, the calm waters and gentle rhythm of the ship set the stage for romance and quiet relaxation. (B,L,D)

Note: Cruise routing and shore excursions vary slightly by vessel, though experiences remain equally captivating.

Day 5 Halong Bay / Hoi An (From Emerald Waters to Ancient Alleyways): For the early riser, join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck while tea, coffee and assorted pastries are served. Later, enjoy a final chance to kayak or simply relax on deck before savoring brunch on board. Disembark and transfer to Hanoi Airport for your afternoon flight to Danang, then continue by private transfer to Hoi An, where lantern-lit streets and historic architecture welcome you for the next three nights. (B)

Day 6 Hoi An (A Living Museum): This morning, take a guided walking tour of Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Free of most motorized traffic, the town invites you to stroll along lantern-draped lanes lined with merchant houses, temples, and bustling markets. Visit the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Bridge and the colorful waterfront where fishing boats bob gently on the Thu Bon River. Along the way, sample local specialties such as green leaf cakes, and pause at a local tea house before returning to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to relax, dine, or continue exploring at leisure. (B)

Day 7 – Hoi An (Connect with the Locals): Today, tailor your experience of Hoi An’s enchanting countryside with one of two immersive excursions:

Option 1: Countryside by Bicycle – Pedal through Hoi An’s serene countryside on a leisurely 5-mile ride past canals, rice paddies, and timeless hamlets. Along the way, meet friendly fishermen, try your hand at casting a traditional net, and continue on to Cam Thanh village, a peaceful haven embraced by coconut palms and bamboo thickets. This journey captures the essence of rural Vietnam in a gentle, immersive way. **Note: A similar program by Vespa is also available. Please inquire with your Vietnam travel specialist.

Option 2: Cooking Fun in the Countryside – Start your morning at Hoi An’s vibrant market, choosing fresh herbs and produce with local guidance before drifting down the Thu Bon River by boat. At Red Bridge Cooking School, set among tranquil gardens and waterways, join a chef for a fun, hands-on lesson in Vietnamese cuisine. Learn to prepare regional favorites and then sit back to enjoy your creations over a leisurely lunch amid lush countryside views.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish—relax on the beach, wander Hoi An’s Old Town, or simply unwind by your resort’s pool. (B)

Day 8 Hoi An / Phu Quoc (From Ancient Town to Tropical Bliss): Fly south to Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s island jewel of palm-fringed beaches and turquoise seas. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your luxury resort for three nights of barefoot bliss. The balance of the day is yours to enjoy the beach or venture out to Dinh Cau Night Market, where colorful stalls brim with fresh seafood, sizzling street food, and island specialties. (B)

Day 9 Phu Quoc (Adventure Your Way): Choose Your Island Adventure – from cultural immersions and hands-on cooking to kayaking treks, snorkel escapes, and sunset cruises around Phu Quoc. These half-day excursions promise rich experiences and still leave ample time to unwind on the beach. (B)

Option 1: History & Culture – Discover Phu Quoc’s past with visits to the Pearl Museum, Coconut Prison, bustling An Thoi port, and tranquil Sao Beach—where culture, history, and island bliss converge.

Option 2: Sunset Squid Fishing – Enjoy a free day at leisure. This afternoon, cruise into twilight on a private boat, try squid fishing with local experts, and savor your fresh catch by starlight—a perfect mix of romance and adventure.

Option 3: Island Cooking Class – Visit bustling markets and an organic garden, then learn to craft authentic Vietnamese dishes with a chef—an immersive, hands-on culinary journey to savor and share.

Option 4: Jungle Adventure:  Combine culture and adventure: visit farms, trek forest trails, and kayak the serene Cua Can River—an active day celebrating Phu Quoc’s wild landscapes and traditions. 

Day 10 Phu Quoc (At Leisure in Paradise): A full day of leisure awaits in paradise. Bask on powder-soft beaches, dip into crystalline waters, or indulge in the amenities of your resort. Whether you prefer exploring the island on a scooter, pampering spa rituals, or simply lounging by the pool with a cocktail in hand, Phu Quoc offers the perfect balance of relaxation and rejuvenation for couples and families alike. (B)

Day 11  Phu Quoc / HCM City (From Beach Escape to Big City Vibes): A short flight takes you to Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately called Saigon and long known as the “Paris of the East.” A city of striking contrasts, it combines timeless colonial architecture with cutting-edge towers, luxury hotels, and a vibrant street culture. Get acquainted with the city by visiting its iconic landmarks, including the Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and City Hall. Then, enjoy some souvenir hunting at the city’s famed Ben Thanh Market, a lively hub for street snacks, spices, and local crafts before hotel check-in. (B)

Day 12 HCM City (Cu Chi Tunnels & Evening Show): This morning, take a short drive outside the city to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels. First dug in 1948, this vast underground network grew into an elaborate 200-kilometer system stretching toward the Cambodian border. Serving as hiding places, communication routes, storage depots, and even field hospitals during the Vietnam War, the tunnels remain one of Vietnam’s most extraordinary historic sites. Here, you’ll have the option to descend below ground to experience the tunnels firsthand. The afternoon is yours to relax, shop, or discover more of Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. 

In this final chapter of your bespoke Vietnam journey, be captivated by this evening’s A O Show—a dazzling 60-minute performance blending acrobatics, dance, and music to portray Vietnam’s evolution from serene village life to vibrant modern cities. (B,L)

Day 13 Depart HMC City (Farewell Vietnam): Your private transfer brings you to Tan Son Nhat airport, where your guide ensures a seamless departure for your flight—concluding a Vietnam journey of comfort, discovery, and unforgettable experiences. (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