Hanoi Arrival With Airport Assistance (Own ticket) Located in Vietnam’s north, Hanoi is the country’s capital and second most populous city, with a population of approximately 11 million. Compared to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi is more traditional, renowned for its thriving arts scene and beautiful French architecture. While it is rapidly developing, the city has retained many of its attractive architectural features and cultural traditions. As soon as you deplane, our Immigration Officer and guide will meet you at the end of the jet bridge, holding a signboard with your name(s) on it. Be escorted through the immigration/customs formalities and introduced to your guide, who will be waiting outside the terminal. Our representative will also collect your luggage from baggage reclaim and return it to you. Your guide will come to meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The regular check-in time is at 1400; early check-in is NOT included and subject to availability.

Guide: Included for the day

Accommodation:

• Luxury Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

In the morning, follow your tour guide through the city’s bustling streets to the “standing newspaper” where your guide will tell a fascinating story of a time when newspapers were considered a luxury in Hanoi. Next, stop at a local coffee shop to observe the rush of daily life in the Old Quarter, before transferring to Gioi Market – the corner where thousands of trade goods are sold. From kitchenware to motorcycle parts, this market has everything! Continue your exploration by driving to the rail station in a Hanoi suburb and catch a local train back to the city centre. After a 10-minute train ride that passes over the first French bridge built on the Red River, follow your guide and walk through "cuisine street" where you can find many tasty dishes and discover a life beat of the Old Town in these modern days. After lunch, if you are willing to get your hands dirty, it's a fantastic way to learn about rural life as well as to lend a hand to the farmers. Drive 15 km southwest of Hanoi to a small village where farmers mainly grow flowers and deliver to the wholesale markets in Hanoi. Follow the canal road along the Red River to the village, you can see vast flower fields. Stop at rustic house nested right in the middle of a flower field and talk to the local family. Roll up your sleeves and share the daily tasks with them, from clearing grass, watering flowers, cutting flowers and loading up the motorbike.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Luxury Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Early morning or late afternoon, wind your way to a peaceful pagoda situated on the bank of West Lake, which is the perfect location for a serene yoga and meditation experience. Meet with your yoga & meditation instructor who has been practicing for more than 5 years with a great passion to share with you the spiritual meditation. Join her to learn the best way to breath in and breath out, bend your body with a great combination of mind and spirit interaction. After breakfast at your hotel, depart Hanoi for a 1.5hr drive to Duong Lam, a typical agricultural village in the northern Red River Delta. Duong Lam has the honour of being the birthplace to two Vietnamese kings and is the first village in Vietnam to be recognised by UNESCO for its Cultural Heritage Conservation. Take a 5km (3mi) bicycle tour along Duong Lam’s narrow alleyways showcasing rural life and ancient Vietnamese architecture dating back 400 years. Visit Mong Phu Temple in Mong Phu hamlet, the only hamlet whose original village entrance gate remains intact, dedicated to national heroes. Continue cycling around the village to observe the daily life of the villagers. A home-hosted lunch is served in a historic 300-year-old home while chatting with the friendly owners about the way of life in Duong Lam. Continue biking to visit the Ngo Quyen Temple and Phung Hung Temple dedicated to two national heroes, and the 15th century Mia Pagoda known for its 287 ancient statues. The tour concludes at the old Catholic Church. Drive back to Hanoi in the late afternoon.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

• Luxury Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel

Arrive at the Legacy Yen Tu resort and enjoy a private Aromatherapy (essential oil therapy) workshop, a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Have lunch at a restaurant before checking in and embarking on a 2 hours mountain discovery trek (walking up and returning by cable car). After your trek, receive a quick foot massage before dinner, and if desired, continue on to watch a village cultural show. The nightly show is held at Hanh Huong Village, only a 5 minutes walk from Legacy Yen Tu, and offers a 7 day per week program of various performances (subject to weather conditions) from 08:30- 9:30. Alongside the traditional performances, a village night market with street food is also available. Overnight at Legacy Yen Tu.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Luxury Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel

Start the day with a yoga and breathing meditation session at the wellness centre, equipped with dedicated meditation rooms and a large outdoor pool inspired by 5th century baths discovered in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Afterwards, savour a delicious breakfast and continue on to enjoy excellent herbal spa treatments, including a herbal steam bath in large ‘kiln’ brick steam rooms, infused with local herbs, roots and floral essences. Also enjoy herbal body scrubs, using various types of herbs for therapies and skin exfoliation. Cool off in mineral pools made from the stones and gems extracted from Yen Tu Mountain, said to contain beneficial magnetic properties. Drive to Ha Long Bay and check in Y Lang Cruise. Your luxurious floating home sets sail around noontime. As our unique journey begins, lunch is served in the light-flooded dining room on the terrace deck offering panoramic views of the passing scenery. We pass an ancient lighthouse built by the French more than a century ago. Heading deeper and further south into the maze of Lan Ha Bay, there is time to enjoy our activities offered onboard - take a plunge in the pool, enjoy from our selection of signature beverages at the bar, or settle into relaxing bliss and let us pamper you with one fine treatments and massages available in our expansive Ylang Spa. Our first anchorage spot is a local pier at Southern Cat Ba Island which is the entry point for a visit of a charming local village named “Viet Hai”. We hop on bicycles (or electric cars) for a scenic exploration along small paved pathways, which meander through the lush tropical forest towards the local village nestled in the valley. Meet and interact with the local inhabitants doing their daily work around their homes or gardens and get to know the life of this remote area where time seems to stand still. Back on board, we set sail to at a tranquil place for our overnight mooring. Our chef will serve a multi-course dinner and overnight on Cruise

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Luxury Accommodation: Heritage Line - Ylang Cruise

For those who awake with the sun, coffee, tea, and pastries are offered. To get the full wellness experience from Ylang, a Tai Chi session is held on the sun deck to ease mind and muscles with the first rays of the sun. Or sign up for a guided yoga class in our dedicated yoga room. Once energized, breakfast is served at the dining room or to your suite before we set off to visit one of the few remaining local floating fishing villages. Get a close view of how the families live and work on the water in their unique community. We continue to the shore and travel a short distance along scenic island roads to the Cat Ba National Park. A leisurely hiking tour brings you close to the elements of this lush national park with its jungle-like nature. Learn more about the endemic fauna and flora as well about the island itself as Northern Vietnam’s largest island in the Golf of Tonkin. During lunch, Ylang continues to sail through the bay to a secluded spot in the bay. The afternoon is at your own pace and choice: you may like to swim and sun bath on a natural beach, or join in on a kayak tour – or a bit of both, or just kick-back on board and treat yourself from our wide selection of wellness offerings. After dinner you may like to engage in our presentation and quiz with interesting facts and insights about both Lan Ha and Halong Bay or simply kick-back on your private balcony enjoying the serenity of Lan Ha Bay.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Luxury Accommodation: Heritage Line - Ylang Cruise

Start early again with a nice and tasty traditional Vietnamese coffee, of which we hope will become part of your future morning routine to remember this special place on earth. Join for another open air session of Tai Chi or take part in some Yoga indoor. Ylang moors this morning to offer to our guests some more kayaking or refreshing early morning swim - conveniently from the ship’s platform. Take these final moments to fully emerge with the sense the Bay has to offer before Ylang gently glides back to its harbor. Whilst we pass back through Lan Hay Bay towards the pier, we serve a hearty breakfast, and leaving you some relaxed time on the deck day-dreaming before we have to say our final goodbyes. Drive back to Hanoi by your private vehicle to take the flight to Hue. While imperial rule ended more than six decades ago, the central city of Hue still bears the marks of its royal past. From 1802 to 1945 Hue was home to 13 Nguyen emperors, whose palaces and tombs provide fascinating glimpses into the luxurious and secretive world of the court. During this period, the Imperial City was built according to the practices of Feng Shui that dictates the location and shape of spaces in harmony with both the physical and spiritual. Visitors may explore the red-lacquered pavilions of the Citadel, wander through ancient garden houses, or feast on delicacies once served in the royal palaces.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Luxury Accommodation: Ancient Hue Garden Houses

Wander around the Imperial Citadel in the magical early morning light, located at the centre of the Complex of Hue Monuments — a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enter through the towering main gate and appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains the events and the intrigue surrounding the former royal court. DA delicious ending to a peaceful morning, enjoy light snack and green tea at Co Ha Garden, a place where Kings and royals would rest and relax, before transferring back to your hotel for breakfast. This afternoon, visit to the elaborate Khai Dinh Royal Tomb whose architecture showcases elements of Eastern art and Western design. While smaller than many of the other tombs, the Khai Dinh Royal Tomb is more flamboyant, with the largest dragons in the country forming the side walls leading up to the tomb. Drive to the Tu Duc Royal Tomb, the most impressive of all the royal mausoleums, built by Emperor Tu Duc between 1864 and 1867. Interestingly, Tu Duc had 104 wives and countless concubines but left no heirs to the throne. While the complex does include a tomb, together with pavilions and temples, no one knows exactly where Tu Duc was buried, as all 200 servants who buried the king were beheaded to keep his final resting place a secret from grave robbers. Located a short ten minute drive from Hue’s downtown, Vong Canh hill offers an amazing view of both breath-taking scenery and ancient relics. The hill itself is covered with pine trees and daisies. Aside from the hill, visitors can head to Van Nien Water Plant, which is the oldest in the region and was constructed by a French architect following the oriental style. Wander through the idyllic hillside and enjoy panoramic views of the mountains, before settling down for romantic cocktails amidst the stunning natural beauty.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Luxury Accommodation: Ancient Hue Garden Houses

Kim Dai Pagoda, is an ancient pagoda that was built by the great monk, Dai Sum, in 1748. It is located in Chau Chu village, Huong Thuy district, about 7km southwest of Hue. Today, pay a visit to Kim Dai pagoda. After strolling around the pagoda, enjoy a cup of tea and interact with the head monk, Thich Nguyen Dai, to get a glimpse of the Buddhist movement, monks’ life experiences and their charitable work for the community. Then discussing spiritual meditation with the monk and how it forms part of his day. It is in this tranquil setting that you will learn the best breathing techniques and physical flexibility, which are the optimum combination for balanced interaction between mind and spirit. Followed by a pure vegetarian lunch made from natural ingredients, learn what monks usually have for a meal (your guide will join you for lunch to help translate). Later, bid farewell the monk and drive back to hotel.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

• Luxury Accommodation: Ancient Hue Garden Houses

Situated on a hill just outside of Hue, Zen House is a complex with a number of ancient buildings and gardens. This is a spiritual center where people are asked to dress respectfully, speak softly, treat everything with the gentle spirit of Buddhism. Drive 15 minutes to Zen house where you explore “Nha Ruong”, a typical architectural house in Hue, the traditional living environment, way of life and spiritually connected cuisine of Hue. Join the host in an intimate hands-on experience learning how to prepare two vegetarian dishes which you can enjoy with your meal at the end of the class. Before and after your lunch, take part in a short meditation and Tai Chi. Refresh with a cup of unique brown rice tea and dried ginger before saying farewell to the host.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

• Luxury Accommodation: Ancient Hue Garden Houses

Take a 2.5 hours e-bike ride from Hue to Hai Van Pass. Enjoy the ride and observing the daily life of Vietnam countryside. On the way, you can see traditional villages with green fields, the life of fishermen on Tam Giang Lagoon. Cross the Hai Van Pass along the mountain on the left and the ocean on the right. Reach the top of the Pass and take a short break, you will have opportunity to admire Lang Co Bay from the far distance. You are experiencing one of the most beautiful road in Vietnam. Continue to Danang city, go along the coastal road to Hoian, and stop en route at Marble Mountains. After that, continue to Hoian and check in at the hotel.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Luxury Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An

Cam Thanh Village is now an urban ward of Hoi An city. It is known for dense water coconut jungles and immense rice fields. During the Vietnam war, Cam Thanh was a shelter for local people and soldiers. Nowadays, this place is the main supplier of seafood, vegetables and rice for the area. This morning, meet your guide and transfer to the picturesque Co Co river for a bamboo basket-boat ride to Thanh Dong village which is the first and only organic farm in Hoi An. Get a glimpse about the history and customs of this charming village. Meet local farmers who will introduce you about the traditional methods of chemical-free farming and its positive effects on the environment. Then venture into the garden and get your hands dirty – you may like to borrow the farmers’ clothing provided by the villagers and experience daily activities of the farmers through activities on the farm. Enjoy cassava and green tea after the activities before transferring back your hotel.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Luxury Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An

Today is a free day for you to join the various activities of Four Season The Nam Hai’s spa from Spa Service to Wellness service or relaxation experiences.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Luxury Accommodation: Ancient Hue Garden Houses

This morning, board a flight to Saigon. Ho Chi Minh City, in southern Vietnam, is a sprawling metropolis of approximately 12 million people. Formerly known as “Saigon” prior to 1975, today the city is Vietnam’s commercial centre. The city’s dynamic energy is apparent in the bustling street scenes with thousands of people on motorbikes constantly on the move. Although Saigon has rapidly developed into a modern city with skyscrapers and shopping centres, there are still remnants of its past visible in the historic landmarks and beautiful French colonial buildings dotted throughout the city.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Luxury Accommodation: Park Hyatt Saigon

Wake up early this morning and start your day like a real Saigonese! Your guide will show you things that make Saigon so different compared to other parts of Vietnam. Your first stop is a Vietnamese bread stall which is believed to be the first bread stall in Saigon. Sit down together with the local people inside a small alley to enjoy this simple, yet delicious breakfast. After breakfast, zig zag through the alleys and stop at a market for a cup of tea or coffee in Saigon’s oldest café. This coffee shop, now in its 78th year of operation, and is something of a Saigon landmark. Continue to wind your way through nearby street markets to see how people bargain for fresh vegetables, seafood and other local food. Carry on to the “flower alleys” - the biggest flower market in Saigon. Take the opportunity to see the colourful blossoms, and interact with the sellers. Stop at some vendors to try some favourite Saigonese snacks and desserts such as sponge cakes and sweet soups before heading back to your hotel. Be picked up at your hotel at about 16.00 and start a meaningful afternoon tour. In a developing country such as Vietnam, children with disabilities often do not have access to the many services common in the West. Bung Sang is a small private home and school for over a hundred blind orphans in Saigon. This afternoon, visit Bung Sang and talk with the care-takers to learn about the school. Meet the children and listen as they sing and play music. Afterwards, transfer to Noir Restaurant for a unique dining in the dark experience. The pitch black experience may at first be disconcerting, but aims to encourage diners to use their other senses of taste, touch, smell and sound to identify flavours, textures and ingredients in the gourmet meal. Return to your hotel.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Luxury Accommodation: Park Hyatt Saigon

Pulse reading is considered one of the most important diagnostic tools in Vietnamese medicine, demanding assiduous study and innate talent. Visit the Museum of Traditional Medicine for insight into the history and methods of this ancient practice. Continue on a walking tour of Chinatown with its many herbal medicine shops to learn about the multiplicity of active chemicals in a single herb as well as how herbs are combined for traditional therapies. You may also choose to stop at a local traditional medicine shop and have a pulse diagnosis by the practitioner, who will provide you with an overview of your health based on the pulse readings and external observations of your eyes, tongue and skin. Drive back to your hotel and free at leisure until picking up in the afternoon for Cu Chi tour. The Cu Chi tunnel complex was dug in 1948 for the guerrillas to hide from French air and ground sweeps. It also served as communication routes and food and weapon caches as well as hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the American war. Visit the underground villages with a VC veteran who used to live there, to better understand the tunnels’ history, life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese’s resilience during the war. Listen to the veteran’s experiences of living in the subterranean hamlets where a lack of air, food and water made life incredibly hard. Your guide will be on hand to translate the veteran’s experiences. Drive back to your hotel.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

• Luxury Accommodation: Park Hyatt Saigon

Early morning departures leave from Saigon for a 1.5hr drive to Ben Tre, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Escape the high-energy city for a day of exploring sprawling rice paddies and colorful fruit farms. Arrive at the quaint An Khanh hamlet, where travelers will visit a small home factory that makes the traditional dish of sticky rice covered by coconut leaves. Meet with the owner and her hard-working team who will show you how they use century-old traditional methods to make this special and tasty cake. Continue on this rural journey of discovery with a short drive to meet a local family in Quoi Son village. After wandering though the lush gardens of this village, visit a local ship building workshop and meet the owner who has perfected his craft, learning from the three generations of river boat-makers before him. With passion, he is devoted to preserving the traditional craft and supporting the local community. Trade the boat for a bicycle and enjoy a relaxing ride over easy, level terrain as you travel through narrow village lanes lined with fruit orchards and traditional cottages. Stop at a local orchard to sample exotic fresh fruits. Here you can also choose to ride on either a horse-drawn cart or tri-motorcycle through the lush surroundings of the fruit orchards, before boarding a sampan for a ride along the narrow canals of the Mekong. Finish your excursion at a local farmer's house, where a lunch of Mekong Delta specialties will be served, before driving back to Saigon.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

• Luxury Accommodation: Park Hyatt Saigon

Free until transfer to the airport for your departing flight home or your next destination The regular check-out time is at 1200; late check-out is NOT included and subject to availability

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast