Arrive Hanoi Airport. After customs and immigration formalities you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to rest and recover after you flight, or start to explore the area around your hotel.
OVERNIGHT:
Hanoi hotel
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Hanoi – pre-tour, Single room supplement (VEFAFA)

Today you’ll enjoy a full day guided tour around Hanoi. We start with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex including the Mausoleum, his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Next we stop at the the Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070, before take a break to try a local Vietnamese lunch.
In the afternoon we visit the Museum of Ethnology, widely acknowledged as the best in the country, containing an extensive display of life-size structures dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority peoples. We also explore Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake – the Ngoc Son Temple is set on a tiny island on Hoan Kiem Lake, its history dating back to the 13th century. Later in the afternoo we enjoy a one-hour cyclo tour through the narrow, chaotic streets of the Old Quarter – a must for any visitor to Hanoi!
In the evening we take in a traditional performance of the famous Vietnamese water puppets.
OVERNIGHT:
Hanoi hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast

This morning starts with a visit to the Hanoi Cooking Centre to begin your day of Vietnamese cooking. You will enjoy a special ‘La Han’ Vietnamese welcome tea, followed by a brief introduction to Vietnamese cuisine, including highlighting the contents of a traditional Vietnamese meal. Then take a short walk to Chau Long Market, where you will be shown around by the Chef who will explain the interesting goods on sale. Anything from livestock to silk worms are available to buy.
Upon arriving back at the HCC the cooking class will begin and you will be able to sample some local goods, as well as getting all of the recipes printed for you to take home.
On completion of the cooking class, enjoy the meal you have prepared. This gives you a chance to chat to the chef in the comfort of the HCC dining area and enjoy a drink whilst you relax.
After the lesson receive a HCC ‘Going Home’ gift and you can also purchase some of the Vietnamese spices, tools and books that you have used during the day.
OVERNIGHT:
Hanoi hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch

Today we head east on a four hour drive to the coast and Halong Bay. We board the beautifully restore junk boat and start exploring the jade green waters of the bay. After lunch a secluded bay perfect for swimming and kayaking around the limestone cliffs. In the evening you can enjoy a freshly prepared seafood dinner and watch the sun set over the bay.
OVERNIGHT:
Halong Bay junk boat
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we board a smaller boat to explore Lan Ha, a remote corner of the bay. Here we visit the Leaning Tower, a popular rock climbing cliff, then off at some small floating fishing villages to see the farm pens that hold a variety of fish, shrimps and crabs that the locals farm in the bay. Later in the morning there is more time for swimming or to explore the area in a kayak. After lunch the boat cruises to Three Peaches beach, a beautiful white sandy beach, where there is plenty of time top up your tan, weather permitting!
OVERNIGHT:
Halong Bay junk boat
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy an early morning swim followed by breakfast. The tour then visits the “Cave of Surprises” before cruising back to the main harbour for the return drive to Hanoi.
In the evening you are transferred to the train station for the overnight journey on the Reunification Express southwards to Danang. Accommodation aboard the train in four berth shared cabins, which are simple but comfortable.
Note: Day use room in Hanoi is not included.
OVERNIGHT:
On board sleeper train
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch

Upon arrival in Danang , transfer directly to your hotel in Hoi An. Early check-in is based on room availability.
From the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants. Today, Hoi An is a quaint riverside town, renowned for its silk and popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, tailors shops and numerous cafes. Some of the buildings in the narrow streets have remained unchanged for more than a century and much of the town is now heritage-listed.
After lunch, enjoy a half day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house and the Japanese Covered Bridge.
OVERNIGHT:
Hoi An hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast

This exciting full day tour gives you an insight into the lives of the farming and fishing communities in this beautiful region of Vietnam.
Begin your adventure by cycling out into the countryside through emerald green rice paddies. After a short ride you will arrive at the village of Tra Que. This charming little settlement, on the edge of Hoi An, is famous for its sweet scented green vegetables that spice up Hoi An’s famous delicacies such as Cao Lau and Mi Quang. On arrival you will be introduced to the history of the village and the cultivation of the vegetables they grow. Continue with a walk around the vegetable garden and join the farmers in preparing the land and planting some crops. Finish off your village experience with a fun cooking demonstration.
Later, return to Hoi An and board the Eco Tour boat for a river cruise to meet and engage with local fisherman. You are sure to enjoy the hands on experience of river net fishing with the locals. Next, you have the opportunity to paddle a unique bamboo basket boat, known as a coracle, as you explore the area’s coconut palmed waterways.
OVERNIGHT:
Hoi An hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch

As you stroll along the beautiful streets of the old town at night, you will no doubt have seen the flickering lights of the many beautiful lanterns.
Today we cycle from you hotel to the home of a local craftsman, where you will learn about the history, shape and colour of the lanterns and the many stages of their production. Next you get the chance to create your own lantern, which will be yours to keep as a souvenir.
At the end you’ll enjoy the gentle cycle ride back to your hotel.
OVERNIGHT:
Hoi An hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch

Spend the day at leisure on the beach or having clothes made by one of the famous, inexpensive tailors Hoi An is famous for.
OVERNIGHT:
Hoi An hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast

Transfer to the airport in Danang. Take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you are met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. You can spend the afternoon exploring Saigon’s bustling city streets at your leisure! Places of interest include Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. Or just relax at a street side cafe or noodle shop.
OVERNIGHT:
Ho Chi Minh City hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast

Early morning we depart from the hotel and take a speed boat ride along the Saigon River to the Cu Chi tunnels. After watching a short introductory video on the construction of the tunnels, the next hour is spent exploring the maze of tunnels, accompanied by the guide. Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500-pound bombs from B52 bombers.
Next we take a short drive through the countryside to a cricket farm. Many locals consider crickets a real delicacy and folk lore says the hungry soldiers ate them to help their nutrient-poor diets. At the farm you’ll explore the life cycle of these versatile insects and of course you’ll get a chance to sample some wrapped up in a tasty spring roll!
After lunch we head back to Ho Chi Minh city where the rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore the city more.
OVERNIGHT:
Ho Chi Minh City hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch

At leisure, until you are transferred from the hotel to the airport for your departure flight.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Cambodia Extension, Extra day in Ho Chi Minh – post-tour