Embark on a full-city tour of town. You will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, One Pillar Pagoda & HCM stilt house and the tranquil Temple of Literature – an oasis of calm in the heart of town. You will also visit the Museum of Ethnology to learn more about the diverse heritage of Vietnam. Afterward, enjoy some lunch at KOTO restaurant, an excellent establishment which lives by the philosophy of 'know one, teach one'. It supports the underprivileged local youth by giving them a chance at making a career in the hospitality industry. 

In the afternoon, you will be treated to a traditional Hat Xam performance – this is truly an experience like no other. Hat Xam is an art form of Northern Vietnam dating back to the Tran Dynasty. Originally, this was performed by blind performers and was enjoyed by local working-class audiences, right up until the late 1950s when a wave of communism deemed all art forms to be corrupting influences. Today this style of performance occurs rarely, but you and your group will be taken to a private club house for an exclusive performance; one of the few places where such 

artists still perform acoustically. The performance includes some story telling aspects and possible interaction with guests, so be ready to get involved!

Accommodation 

Thien Thai Hotel – Classic - http://www.thienthaihotel.com/ or similar

Included Activities

• Hanoi - Temple of Literature

• Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex

• Hanoi - Lunch at KOTO

• Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology

• Hanoi – Hat Xam performance

* Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken by car to another fascinating land – the gem of north Vietnam – Halong Bay. There the group will board a beautiful overnight tour boat. Visiting the bay, you will experience the magic of one of the 7 new wonders of nature. 

Upon boarding, enjoy lunch while cruising in the magnificent Ha Long Bay, admiring the fascinating surroundings, then anchor in the Titop Island area. You will enjoy a guided visit to Sung Sot Cave (also called Amazing Cave), one of the biggest and the most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay. Climb to the peak of Titop Island for the panoramic view of the bay then relax on the beach or swim in the crystal clear waters. Upon returning to the boat, enjoy the sunset while relaxing with happy hour drink discounts. Take part in a cooking demonstration and food décor with our Chef then enjoy dinner. 

Learn more about the luxury boat here https://www.orientalsails.com/itinerary/oriental-sails-cruise-tour-2-days-1-night/

Included Activities

• Halong Bay – overnight cruise & activities

*Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Special Information: 

It is recommended to only bring an overnight bag with just your necessary luggage. There is just not enough space to store all the luggage of every passenger on board. After the overnight stay on board, you will return to the same hotel in Hanoi, where your remaining luggage will be kept safely.

Enjoy a Tai Chi session on the sundeck in the morning with a light breakfast of tea, coffee and pastries. After breakfast, enjoy your time to sunbathe and relax in the fascinating background of the bay. Around 11:30 enjoy brunch on the boat. Before you leave the memorable scenery behind, it’s time for one last stop. The Green Life Centre which is committed to turning Halong Bay’s trash into treasure by collecting discarded items and skillfully turning them into beautiful handicrafts. Meet the team behind this important cause and learn how to transform rubbish into a useful and reusable bag. After your visit, return by bus to Hanoi (approximately 3.5 hours). 

Arrive late this afternoon and enjoy free time until tonight’s train voyage. Be sure to grab a bowl of pho while you’re in town and slurp down this local specialty made from broth, noodles and meat. Maybe chill by Hoan Kiem Lake until you board an overnight train to Hue this evening.

Accommodation 

Thien Thai Hotel – Classic - http://www.thienthaihotel.com/ or similar – day use hotel (1-4 pax/room until 

18:00 only)

Overnight sleeper on train: 1 – 6 pax/cabin

Special Information: 

Sleeper trains typically have four or six berth compartments with bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travelers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Depending on the configuration of the group, you may have to share with people of different 

genders or passengers who aren’t part of the group. Your leader will coordinate the best possible arrangement and give further information on the trip. Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple food, but we recommend that you stock up on snacks and drinks before departure.

Welcome to Hue. This city is Vietnam’s former royal capital and its cuisine is considered by many Vietnamese as the best in the country. The food is influenced by its imperial heritage (small dishes and a focus on aesthetic presentation) and its strong Buddhist heritage, reflected in the high proportion of vegetarian restaurants in the area. Your leader will help you chose a local, tasty breakfast option this 

morning after you disembarks the overnight train.

After leaving your luggage at your hotel (room is at your disposal from 14:00), embark on a tour of the city by cyclo. Stop past Thien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery since 1601, where you'll see a car that belonged to one of the self-immolating monks of the 1963 protests. After some time exploring, 

you’ll take a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River before stopping for a special plant-based Buddhist lunch. You’ll enjoy a meal specially prepared for you by a chef who is the descendant of the royal family in the garden of their beautiful family home. After a delightful meal, you’ll finish your day of sightseeing with a visit to the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. Then, the evening is free for your own adventure.  

Included Activities

• Hue - Highlights & back streets by cyclo tour

• Hue - Perfume River cruise

• Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc

• Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda

Meals included

-*lunch

Accommodation 

Emm Hue - Superior - https://emmhotels.com/en/hotels/emm-hotel-hue - or similar

Loosen your belt and ready your appetite as today you will be diving into Hue’s fabulous culinary scene. First up, head to a street food eatery for a seriously tasty breakfast – Bun Bo Hue. This spicy noodle soup is an absolute must-try while in Hue. Then, meet with a local chef and explore a bustling local market where you will taste and smell all the wonderful herbs and ingredients that bring local dishes to life, all while learning more about the culture of Vietnamese cuisine along the way. Continue to the local chef’s delightful home where you will learn how to cook up some simple and delicious dishes using the fresh ingredients you picked up at the market. Take your new knowledge and local recipes back home with you so you can recreate meals that will take you straight back to Vietnam.

Later in the afternoon you will visit the Imperial Citadel with a guide. A complex of historic imperial buildings located in the center of Hue that were first constructed in 1804.

Included Activities

• Hue - Imperial City entrance and guided visit

• Hue - Market Tour and Cooking Class

• Hue - Bun Bo Hue breakfast

Accommodation 

Emm Hue - Superior - https://emmhotels.com/en/hotels/emm-hotel-hue - or similar

This morning travel by bus through coastal rice paddies and the spectacular Hai Van Pass (approximately 3 hours). After a photo stop en route, arrive into Hoi An. Today, you’ll really get to know Hoi An, with a day filled with authentic experiences. First up, your leader will take you on an orientation walk around the Ancient Town. Then you’ll discover Reaching Out Tea House, a nonprofit organization that 

supports the local deaf and mute community by providing employment and vocational training. The peace and quiet of this café stands in stark contrast to the bustling streets outside. While here, you’ll sip delicious teas in total silence – a tranquil experience you won’t soon forget. After a little time to relax, take a boat trip on Thu Bon river to enjoy the sunset. 

Included Activities

• Hoi An - Tea Tasting in Silence

• Hoi An - Old Town walking tour

• Hoi An – sunset boat on Thu Bon River

*Breakfast

Accommodation 

Emm Hoi An - Superior - https://emmhotels.com/en/emmhotels/emm-hotel-hoian or similar

This morning your leader will guide you around My Son Cham, a collection of temples constructed by the Kings of Champa and dating back to the 4th century. In the afternoon, head out to the Thanh Ha Pottery Village – dating back to the 16th century, this is one of the oldest pottery villages in Vietnam. Stop by the home of an artisan couple, now both in their 90s. They were once the only artisans in the village and have passed down their traditional techniques and practices. Continue your explorations of the village, meet descendants of the artisan couple and find out how traditional pieces are made. Finally, sit down with a cup of tea and perhaps take the chance to test out your own skills and paint on a traditional pottery mask. Return to Hoi An for an evening at your leisure.

Included Activities

• Hoi An - My Son Tour

• Hoi An - Pottery Village Experience

*Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation 

Emm Hoi An - Superior - https://emmhotels.com/en/emmhotels/emm-hotel-hoian or similar

In the morning you will have a few hours to explore more of Hoi An. Then take an included short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 1.5 hours). Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City has a fascinating history and is arguably Vietnam’s capital of commerce and culture. After landing the group will transfer to the hotel and the rest of the day is yours to do as you wish. 

Included Activities

• Flight and hotel transfer

• Breakfast

Accommodation 

Acnos Grand Hotel - Grand Deluxe - http://acnoshotel.com/en/home-english/ or similar