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

Day 1 Depart USA
Depart USA for Danang via Cathay Pacific Airways, connecting in Hong Kong.

Day 2 Arrive Hoi An
Upon arrival at Danang Airport, be met and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An for your next 3 nights’ accommodations. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure to relax and explore beautiful Hoi An on your own.

Day 3 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 4 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 5 Hoi An / Halong Bay
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, travel overland on a 3.5 hour scenic drive for Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check-in to your hotel for overnight. (B)

Day 6 Halong Bay / Hanoi
This morning, board your privately chartered “junk” for a fantastic cruise through Ha Long Bay with fresh seafood lunch on board. Visit the Heavenly Palace Grotto and Driftwood cave, plus a chance to kayak or take a dip in the Bay. Afternoon transfer to Hanoi and check-in to your hotel. (B,L)

Day 7 Hanoi
Today, tour the city of Hanoi with visits to the city’s famed Old Quarters, One Pillar pagoda, Temple of Literature, and Hao Lo Prison (a.k.a. “The Hanoi Hilton”). Afternoon at leisure to relax and explore the local area on your own. As the sun sets, enjoy a “Foodies Tour” to observe and sample the city’s culinary delights. Walk around the narrow streets and then pull up a plastic stool at some of the outdoor street cafes and try Vietnamese favorites such as grilled skewers, several kinds of Pho, or hot pot during the cooler winter months. Finish off with a cup of Vietnamese coffee or a glass of sweet sugar cane juice. Overnight in Hanoi. (B,L)

Day 7 Hanoi (Ninh Binh) 
This morning, journey south on a scenic adventure to Ninh Binh, dubbed the "Dry Halong Bay" where the breathtaking scenery and rural Vietnamese culture abound. Today's adventure commences with a visit to Hoa Lu Citadel, home to Vietnam's first capital dating back to the 10th century. From there, we hop on our bikes riding through local villages, rice fields and karst mountains toward Tam Coc. Here, glide along green waterways on a hand-rowed sampan passing under three caves. All around us, dramatic limestone formations rise sharply out of green rice paddies and wetlands. The boat ride lasts approximately 2 hours. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Return to Hanoi in the afternoon. (B,L)

**Note: Cycling distance is approximately 13-15km approx 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 8 Hanoi / 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)

***Note: airport transfers in Phu Quoc provided by hotel shuttle on join basis***

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. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of Old Saigon. Visit a thriving local market to see how these bustling and vibrant markets play a major role in the daily lives of Vietnamese people. From here stroll through the colorful back alleyways lined with flower shops and breathe in the aromas of the freshly cut blooms. Pass through another street where mechanics specialize in restoring vintage Vespa scooters. Take in the scenes of local life as you wander these narrow lanes. Stop for a refreshing traditional iced at the oldest coffee shop in Saigon, this old fashioned establishment has a colorful history stretching back over seven decades. Continue the walk through some other back lanes the go along to another famous street filled with shops selling locally-made guitars. (B)

***Note: airport transfers in Phu Quoc provided by hotel shuttle on join basis***

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 Ho Chi Minh City (Mekong Delta at Ben Tre)
Immerse yourself fully in the local culture of the Mekong Delta with a day out to rustic Ben Tre. A journey of about two and a half hours will bring you to a peaceful area of lush orchards, green rice paddies and coconut fields. The fresh sweet coconut juice is said to be the best in the country. Hop on a bike for a ride along the shady paths to visit the home of local antique collector, Uncle Six. This friendly older man will welcome you into his home from where he also sells his ceramics. If you’re feeling fit, Uncle Six will even show you how to climb the coconut trees using just your bare hands.

Continue your two-wheeled exploration along rural pathways that wind their way alongside dense vegetation and small tributaries of the Mekong. Board a rowing boat and cruise along the small canals under the shade of the coconut trees. Then change your mode of transport to a motorised boat. After a delicious lunch of local specialties cooked by the host, visit some local workshops to see how rice paper and sticky coconut sweets are made. Return to your hotel in the afternoon. (B,L)

Day 14 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 personal expenses, beverages and gratuities to guides and drivers.
• Holiday surcharges and/or compulsory gala dinners at hotels apply between Dec. 20 – Jan. 05
• For Air & Land Option:
  • When Trans-Pacific travel takes place on a weekend (Friday-Sunday), add $50 per person each direction.
  • *Jun-Aug rates apply for departures between May 24-31 due to peak season airfares
  • **Airfare supplement of $500 (West Coast) | $600 (East Coast) applies for departures between December 10 – 31
  • U.S. & Foreign departure taxes, fees and fuel surcharges are not included (Approx. $200 – subject to change).
• Land only cost includes intra-Asia flights per itinerary
• A visa is required for Vietnam. Not included in package.
• All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation