Day 3: Ho Chi Minh – Da Nang – Hoi An
Formerly known as Saigon, the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh is an extraordinary fusion of old and new with both colonial and Chinese influences. Today’s guided tour takes in the highlights including the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Saigon Opera House and Dong Khoi Street. We then transfer to the airport for our flight to Da Nang where we’ll be met by a local guide who’ll accompany us to our hotel in Hoi An.
Day 4: Hoi An
Today’s exploration of Hoi An starts with a boat ride to the mouth of the Thu Bon river where local fishermen can be seen throwing their nets and trading the day’s catch. In a small fishing village, we take to small bamboo crafts called coracles for the next part of our journey into the mangrove forest to try our hand at fishing for crabs. After a delicious BBQ seafood lunch at a local house we return to Hoi An whose well-preserved Old Town is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The architecture here reflects the melting-pot history of this former port and as we stroll through the small streets, we’ll see a mix of eras and styles, from wooden Chinese shophouses and temples, to colourful French colonial buildings, ornate Vietnamese tube houses and the iconic Japanese bridge.
Day 5: Hoi An – Da Nang – Hue
This morning we transfer to Da Nang railway station where we meet Mr Nguyen Ngoc Thanh, a former captain of guest transportation, who has worked with Vietnam’s railways for 41 years. Enjoy a soft drink, tea or coffee as he explains about the improvement of railways in Vietnam before stepping aboard the train for our journey to Hue. Relax and take in the scenery including the stunning panoramic views through Hai Van Pass looking out across Vietnam’s beautiful coastline. On arrival in Hue we check-in to our hotel for a two night stay.
Day 6: Hue
Hue, which sits on the banks of the Perfume river, was once the capital of the Nguyen emperors and our exploration starts with a visit to the Imperial Citadel. Hue’s garden houses are a typical representation of dynasties past, built to the precise rules of geomancy. Experience the serenity as we visit one of these houses that have become an iconic symbol of the city. With his 36-year reign Emperor Tu Duc was the longest reigning monarch. We’ll visit the beautiful Tomb of Tu Duc located in a picturesque valley on the outskirts of Hue. Our final visit takes us to the Tu Hieu Pagoda with the tombs of some royal mandarins.
Day 7: Hue – overnight train to Hanoi
Enjoy time at leisure to further your exploration of Hue before we transfer to the station for our overnight train to Hanoi.
Day 8: Hanoi
A local guide will meet us in Hanoi and accompany us to our hotel where early check-in has been arranged. After breakfast we enjoy a full day tour taking in the highlights of the Vietnamese capital. See the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the humble, traditional stilt house where the leader lived. Admire the 11th century One Pillar Pagoda said to represent a lotus flower growing up out of the water and the Temple of Literature, which is a superb example of traditional-style Vietnamese architecture. We also visit the Vietnam Museum of History as well as the former Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the Hanoi Hilton. From the comfort of an open-sided, eco-friendly electric vehicle we then explore the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.
Day 9: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay
Today starts with a short train journey from Long Bien station taking us through the city and into the countryside where we alight at Gam Giang. From here we continue by road to Ha Long where we embark a traditional junk for a two night cruise on the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch as we start our cruise taking us between the extraordinary limestone karsts cloaked in green that rise majestically from the bay’s emerald green waters.
Day 10: Ha Long Bay
From the moment the sun rises above the horizon, we’ll be treated to an extraordinary kaleidoscope of stunning scenery. Today’s simply about relaxing on deck and enjoying the hospitality on board. There are activities and tours available on board and you are free to do as much or as little as you like.
Day 11: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi
This morning we disembark the junk and return to Hanoi on a road lined with typical rice fields of the Red River Delta. We’ll stop in Yen Duc village, which is one of the birthplaces of traditional Vietnamese water puppetry. Enjoy a performance of this unique art form where the rice cultivating, buffalo herding, fishing, and singing and dancing to celebrate an abundant harvest, portray the everyday life of the locals. There is time to stroll around this authentic village before we continue our journey to Hanoi and check-in to our hotel.
Day 12: Hanoi – London
Today is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy Hanoi before the transfer to the airport for our overnight flight.
Day 13: London
This morning we arrive in London Heathrow.