The Very Best of Vietnam

Those flying with Emirates to Hanoi will travel via Dubai. On arrival we transfer to our hotel, the delightful Pan Pacific Hanoi, which is our home for the next three nights. This evening, our Tour Manager hosts a welcome drink so we can get to know our fellow travellers and learn more about the adventures which lie ahead.

After breakfast, we embark on an enriching journey through Hanoi’s cultural heritage. We start at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where we gain an understanding of the diversity across the country. Wander through the meticulously arranged exhibits showcasing the ingenuity and artistry of Vietnam’s indigenous peoples. Next, we head to the Old Quarter for a unique calligraphy lesson, taking guidance from our master calligrapher. Our lunch is served in this charming old French building before a short cyclo (similar to a rickshaw) ride to explore the backstreets and colonial architecture of the area. We finish our day of sightseeing at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, dating back to the 11th century. We have the chance to stroll through its serene courtyards and ancient pavilions before returning to our hotel.

Today, we visit Dai Yen Village, which is now a living museum, where time-honoured traditions and craftsmanship are still thriving. Here, we delve into the ancient art of paper-making, learning how to apply the traditional techniques in the modern world. Our afternoon has been left free so you can continue to enjoy the delights of the city at your own pace. You may wish to join a specialist cookery class to explore the five fundamental tastes of Vietnamese cuisine.

This morning, we embark on a picturesque journey from Hanoi to the enchanting rural provinces of Nam Dinh and Ninh Binh. We stop in Co Chat Village, renowned for the ancient art of silk weaving, where we admire the skilled artisans at work. Following lunch, we travel to Hong Quang Village, where we are mesmerised by the traditional art of water puppetry. Unique to Vietnam, this classic art form comes to life in one of the most authentic settings, where the artform has been preserved by the villagers for generations. We travel onwards to Ninh Binh and our hotel for the next three nights, Jiva Hoa Lu Retreat.

We journey to Hoa Lu this morning, once the ancient capital of Vietnam. We explore its historic temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties, surrounded by towering limestone karsts, before continuing to Bich Dong Pagoda, a serene temple complex nestled in the mountainside. For those that wish, a climb to the top will reward with stunning views. Following lunch, we travel back to our hotel for an afternoon to relax and soak up our surroundings.

Start your day, if you wish, with a Tai Chi lesson on the sun deck, before we cruise through the spectacularly serene Lan Ha Bay. Arriving at Cat Ba Island, we venture to Viet Hai Village, where we learn about community life in the heart of Cat Ba National Park. Trinh Nu Cave, with its stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites, is our next destination, at the heart of picturesque Ha Long Bay. Our evening is reserved for a delicious on-board barbecue with fellow passengers.

After breakfast we head to Ha Long’s famous Sung Sot Cave, before returning to the mainland whilst soaking up the beautiful panoramas. Disembarking, we return to Hanoi Airport for our flight to Da Nang. On arrival, we journey to Hoi An and check in to our hotel for the next three nights, the Allegro Hoi An.

Today has been left free, so you may choose how to spend your time. Perhaps visit the local community of Tra Que Village and learn about the techniques used by its farmers, then enjoy a delicious lunch made from locally-grown ingredients. Alternatively, you may prefer to visit the ancient temples of My Son, shop for souvenirs or simply relax and enjoy our hotel’s facilities.

Today is all about Hue’s imperial history. We start at the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, faced with ancient walls and regal palaces, giving us a glimpse into the grandeur of a bygone era. We wander through the site enjoying the An Dinh Palace, a unique garden house with French influences, and engage with the former head of the Conservation Centre Hue to gain exclusive insights into the royal abodes. After lunch at the home of our guide, we explore Minh Mang Tomb, a serene site for the famous king. The tomb is a masterpiece of intricate carvings, pavilions, and courtyards, surrounded by picturesque gardens. As late afternoon arrives, we relax on a scenic boat cruise along the Perfume River and indulge in afternoon tea. A wonderful way to end a fascinating day.

Following a leisurely morning, we head to the airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City, and transfer to the Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel or Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel, where we stay for the next two nights. Often referred to by its former name, Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a cosmopolitan metropolis where the past is entwined with modern skyscrapers. The remainder of the day is ours to enjoy at leisure. Our hotel is ideally located only a short stroll from Nguyen Hue walking street, perfect for an afternoon stroll.

We leave the city behind us this morning as we head for the Cu Chi Tunnels, once the stronghold of the Viet Cong. We explore the narrow tunnels that were so integral to the conflict, being living quarters, supply routes and hospitals. Following lunch, we return to the city and take a drive along Dong Khoi Street, featured so prominently in Graham Greene’s famous novel, The Quiet American, passing Saigon Opera House, the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. We discover the Reunification Palace, a former bastion of the South Vietnamese Government frozen in time. Our day finishes with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, providing thought-provoking insight into the war and its devastating impact on human life.

After breakfast, we travel by tuk-tuk to delve deeper into local life in Tra Vinh. Our first stop is at a local family home where we watch rice cake making, and enjoy tea and lively conversation with our welcoming hosts. We then visit a Khmer artist who crafts statues and masks for temples, and take part in a private blessing at the 900-year-old Ang Pagoda, ensuring us the best of luck for our onward travels. We enjoy a delicious Khmer lunch prior to visiting a Wax Coconut farm, a hidden gem only found in Tra Vinh.

After a leisurely breakfast, we return to Ho Chi Minh City and the Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel or Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel. Our afternoon is free to relax, or for those who want to squeeze a little more into their holiday, you may decide to partake in a brewery tour and tasting, or a dinner cruise on the Saigon River.

As our flight departs in the early evening, there is further time to explore Ho Chi Minh City or to purchase any last-minute souvenirs. We head for the airport to embark on our return flights with Emirates via Dubai or Singapore Airlines via Singapore.

We arrive into our chosen airport this morning. With the fantastic memories created on our journey, our Vietnamese adventure has come to an end.