DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: UK to Hanoi
Fly overnight from the UK to Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi
After arriving in the stunning capital, you will be spending 2 nights at La Belle Vie, a lovely, small hotel offering incredible sunset views of the city over West Lake from its rooftop pool. Get your first taste of Vietnam as you go on a private street food tour being shown various fascinating food markets and trying local Hanoi dishes along the way ending with a stroll through the Old Quarter to watch a traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet show. Want to spend longer in Hanoi? We tailor all our holidays to you – call 01273 923100.

Day 3: Hanoi
Today our local guide will take you on a private tour of the capital to discover local monuments such as the Temple of Literature, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the West Lake where you will admire the sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda. Your afternoon and evening is free to do as you wish. Ask us about additional tours of Hanoi – from having dinner with a local family to a day spent at a homestay enjoying local activities. Please note that all our tours are private.

Day 4: Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Leave early morning to take the picture-perfect drive to Ninh Binh. Travelling over mountains, and past fertile valleys and traditional villages you will arrive at Tam Coc Gardens where you will be spending 2 nights. Situated in the heart of Tam Coc, this beautiful property provides a warm and welcoming service with stunning views of the many limestone formations and rice fields that surround it.

Day 5: Ninh Binh
A full day to explore the local area. Tam Coc offers a range of activities from fishing to sampan rowing excursions to traditional embroidery, bamboo basket weaving, kite-making, cooking and more! Alternatively head to Van Long Nature Reserve, the largest wetland in northern Vietnam, take a leisurely cycle around the area or take a walk up one of the surrounding limestone karst hills. The climb will take approx. 30 minutes and at the top you will be rewarded with the spectacular views.

Day 6: Ninh Binh to Halong Bay
You will head to the port this morning to board your Vietnamese Junk boat, Dragon Legend, where you will stay for 1 night. You will putter across the magnificent Halong Bay where you can swim, kayak or just soak up the views before enjoying dinner and retiring to your cabin for the night. Or visit Bai Tu Long Bay a stunning less-visited alternative to Halong Bay – ask us for advice on where would work best for you. Call 01273 923100.

Day 7: Halong Bay to Hue
Rise with the sun, partake in some Tai Chi on the boat and enjoy breakfast overlooking the bay before returning to land. A short flight from Hanoi International will take you to the imperial city itself, Hue. Here you will spend 2 nights at the Scarlett Boutique Hotel perfectly located in the centre of Hue. Tonight, you will jump on the back of a Vinatge Vespa and zoom off to explore the city, stopping at all the best local areas to try some authentic and delicious Vietnamese food: banh xeo – fried pancakes, Banh Beo – steamed rice cakes and more… Yum!!  Want to take things up a level in luxury? Ask us for our recommendations – call 01273 923100.

Day 8: Hue
After breakfast you’ll be taken on a guided private tour who will show you a more authentic side of the imperial capital by bike. You’ll travel through small villages, stopping to talk to farmers and the lovely locals. Make a stop at Tan My, a unique village where huge houses and villas line the streets and juxtapose the otherwise traditional setting. Continue through the countryside ending this amazing day watching the sunset over the Perfume River – a perfect Sundowner moment.

Day 10: Hoi An
Today you will travel through the Hai Van Pass, also known as the Pass of Ocean Clouds, to the picturesque town of Hoi An where you will stay for 3 nights at the Hoi An Central Boutique. This lovely hotel is in walking distance to the beautiful lantern-lit streets of the Ancient Town. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, offering advice into the best spots in town known only by locals.

Day 11 & 12: Hoi An
Two full days for you to immerse yourself in the beauty of Hoi An. After breakfast on the first morning, you will join a local chef and head to the morning market, browsing for fresh herbs, watching the negotiations, and getting a closer look at the local market culture.You will then get to grips with the wonderful flavours of Vietnamese cooking with a hands-on cooking class. The rest of the time is free for you to explore – we can arrange countryside cycling tours, visits to local temples or you may fancy visiting the beach for the day.

Day 13: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City
A short flight this morning from Da Nang will take you into the incredible Hoi Chi Minh City. Here you will be staying for 1 night at the The Silverland Yen where you will quickly drop your bags before a private exciting afternoon tour of the city. Getting the chance to visit famous monuments such as the former Presidential Palace, The Old Saigon Post Office, Opera House and the exhilarating Ben Thanh Market. Prefer the countryside to the city, swap Ho Chi Minh for the Mekong? Ask us to tailor this holiday to you – call 01273 923100.

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap
This morning you will head to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters (Viet Cong) during both the French and American wars. Later this afternoon you will check-in for your flight to Siem Reap. On arrival you will be met and transferred to Viroth’s Hotel where you will spend your last 2 nights. This stylishly designed, small hotel welcomes you in as soon as you enter the doors. With spacious rooms, impeccable service, and a fantastic location, this hotel provides a perfect welcome to Siem Reap.

Day 15: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat
Today you will be collected for your Private Full Day Angkor Wat Temple Complex Tour, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire. You’ll visit Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat. An amazing day. Add a day or two extra here for more exploring. Call 01273 923100.

Day 16: Siem Reap to the UK
Your last day in Siem Reap. You may have time before your flight to shop for souvenirs or simply explore a little more before you are transferred to the airport to check-in for your flight back to the UK.

Welcome home… What an adventure!