Day 3
Today, our tour continues to some of the most interesting sites in the Vietnamese capital. We visit the One Pillar Pagoda, named after its unusual architecture, built on a single pillar. Built in the 10th century to look like a lotus flow, the national flower of Vietnam, it's planted in the middle of a lotus pond.
Showcasing a rare example of well-preserved Vietnamese architecture is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. Founded in 1070, by Ly Thanh Tong, as a temple to worship the Chinese philosopher Confucius, his son established The Imperial Academy as a royal school for the elite just six years later.
There is an included option to visit one of the museums in Hanoi. The Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, home to a collection of around 2,000 objects and artworks, including 9 national treasures. Or the Vietnamese Women’s Museum showcasing the heritage, culture and the pivotal roles women have in Vietnamese society celebrating female history and empowerment that has shaped Vietnam to what it is today. Both museums are walking distance from our hotel. Alternatively, a short journey by taxi is the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology that explores the diverse mix of ethnic groups living in Vietnam (visits are subject to museum opening days).
In the evening, we are treated to a traditional water puppet show where the art of puppetry is performed by puppeteers in water, accompanied by music.
Day 4
We depart early this morning as the journey continues. Take photos of the picturesque landscapes as we travel through the countryside of Northern Vietnam before arriving to Mai Chau in the early afternoon.  Â
Uncover the beauty of the Mai Chau district in the surrounding villages of Lac and Pom Coong as we explore on foot. Meandering alongside rice paddy fields and traditional stilted houses, our walk through the area gives a unique chance to observe a way of life that has changed very little over the centuries.
Day 5
Explore Mai Chau in more depth, absorb the picturesque rural areas with verdant valleys and stunning mountainous backdrop as we drive through quaint villages, seeing local markets and pass by the rich vegetation of rice paddies and colourful patches of wildflowers. See ribbons of paths that connect clusters of stilt houses making up the scattered small communities of the Thai and Muong ethnic minorities that inhabit this scenic valley.
Day 6
Today we head southeast towards Ninh Binh nestled in the Red River Delta of northern Vietnam.
As we approach the area of the Hoa Lu Valley, we visit the temple of King Dinh (or King Le) built in the shape of Chinese characters following a traditional architectural style. This location served as the ancient capital of Vietnam before King Ly relocated it to Thang Long-Hanoi, and it has retained the grey stone architecture for over 1000 years.
We stop in the area known as dry Ha Long Bay for a scenic ride in a sampan. Once on board these flat-bottomed wooden boats, sit back and enjoy drifting along waterways powered by paddle. Famed for breathtaking scenery, the dramatic monolith type limestone rock formations spring up from the green rice paddies and wetlands of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 7
Today is a tour highlight as we journey to the coast to Ha Long Bay for a two-night cruise of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site protected for its outstanding natural beauty and biodiversity.
Arriving early afternoon our cruise ship is moored in Tuan Chau International Marina. The dedicated crew are there to welcome you with amuse-bouche and drinks, show you to your cabin and familiarise you with all aspects of our home for the next two nights. While you relax and enjoy a Vietnamese fusion lunch, we sail towards the southwest of Ha Long Bay. Sight-see around the Cua Van Floating Cultural Centre, described as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Seen by a traditional rowing boat or kayak, discover how the locals live in this stunning location as you glide through the floating houses.
The journey continues towards Bai Tu Long Bay passing through Phao Dai Islet. Enjoy a set menu dinner while admiring Vietnamese cultural dances. Spend the evening as you please, whether that's watching a film at the Moonlight open cinema, sipping cocktails on the sundeck or playing board games in the lounge.
Day 8
For early risers, there is the opportunity to rejuvenate your body and soul with an included optional Tai Chi lesson as the sun rises or start your day with a hearty breakfast aboard your cosy floating hotel.
We explore Cat Ba Island by bicycle and pedal to the small village of Viet Hai nestled in the heart of Cat Ba National Park. Follow a local guide through an ancient Vietnamese house and learn about the Viet Hai Community Farm and Save the Langurs, two of the ship’s community projects.
Whilst taking lunch on board admire the sights of the beautiful karst towers of Lan Ha Bay. After lunch we take an excursion to the sunlight-filled Trinh Nu Cave. The area covers 2,000 square metres, with an assortment of stalactites and stalagmites. Considered by many locals to be the heart of Ha Long Bay, the cave is said to be the setting for a romantic legend. Here you can choose to explore, take a swim in the azure-coloured water or sunbathe on a tiny beach nestled behind the cave.
In the evening, there’s the chance to take part in a culinary experience.
Day 9
In the early morning, explore Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave inside Ha Long Bay. Covering an area of 10,000 square meters, it’s home to thousands of stalactites and stalagmites, and threaded by a 500-meter paved passageway.
After a traditional morning Vietnamese Tea Ceremony, it is time to disembark and fly to Da Nang arriving later in the afternoon.
Day 10
You’ll be taken to the airport for your overnight return flight via Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 12
Sit back and relax on Da Nang's vast beach, sample the fragrant street food or take one of the optional excursions exploring the surrounding area of central Vietnam. It’s completely up to you during our 4-night stay in Da Nang, a laid-back coastal city, nicknamed ‘the city of bridges’.  Set against the backdrop of rolling mountains, religious relics and deep blue waters, you'll have plenty of time to reflect on your experiences of this vibrant, ancient culture.Â
During your free time, choose from a number of optional excursions, including a day visit to the Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located on the banks of the Perfume River, Hue offers a rich history as one of the royal capitals. Uncover ancient ruins and engaging museums that educate you on its imperial legacy. Alternatively take a day visit exploring Da Nang in a morning and a walking tour of Hoi An in the afternoon. Once a trading port, dated from 16th to 18th century, Hoi An Old Town is full of fascinating shophouses and weathered pagodas with a mix of Japanese, Chinese and French architectural features. Or consider just opting for a half day walking tour of Hoi An. To get a flavour of the outdoors and local life embark on a half day visit to Tra Que Village gaining an insight of rural life with local herb and vegetable cultivating techniques. Nestled in Da Nang’s Na Ba Hills, 1500 metres above sea level is a 150 metre long walking bridge, ’The Golden Bridge hands’, an architectural breathtaking structural feat.