Your Exclusive Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Hanoi
Settle-in to your Deluxe Hanoi View Rooms at the 5-star InterContinental Westlake, wonderfully situated on the shores of the city’s largest lake.
Day 2 – From Ancient Monuments to Avant Garde Art
Hanoi is a distinctive city, with its own unique rhythm and feel. You’ll be captivated by scenes of everyday life everywhere you turn – bustling sidewalk cafes, pavement barbers, and bicycle-filled streets lined with elegant Colonial French mansions.
Starting after breakfast at your hotel, today’s in-depth sightseeing explores the city across the centuries from the Temple of Literature, built in 1076, to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing edifice of granite and concrete modeled after Lenin’s tomb. Stroll the atmospheric lanes of the Old Quarter, now home to many artists’ studios and stop by one of these galleries for a private afternoon wine reception, spending time with the artist and his work. Today you’ll also experience the timeless traditions of the city... a cyclo ride along charming streets and a water puppet performance. You’ll dine tonight at Wild Lotus Restaurant. Meals B,L,D
Day 3 – Out and About in the Countryside
This morning’s leisurely journey into the northern countryside takes you first to Thay Pagoda. Just 25 miles from Hanoi, this Pagoda is especially popular with city residents during festival times, and is famed for its finely carved statues of Buddha, ornamented with lacquer and gold.
Continue to Duong Lum, a quiet village surrounded by ride paddies and widely recognized for the remarkable preservation of its old homes and temples. Explore along the curving alleyways, pause to visit one of these ancient houses and then continue into the surrounding paddy fields. Enjoy lunch in this timeless setting before returning to Hanoi in the late afternoon. The balance of the day is free to explore or relax as you wish. Meals B,L
Day 4 – Journey to Ha Long Bay
for an Overnight Cruise
After breakfast, you journey to Ha Long Bay. The scenic drive is just a few hours, but the breathtaking scenery that greets you will feel worlds away from the city. Ha Long Bay is filled with thousands of limestone islands, forested peaks, hidden coves, secret caves, and emerald green waters that stretch forth as far as you can see. Traditional sailing junks and local fishing boats ply these waters and here awaits the Bhaya Classic, styled after the grand junks once reserved exclusively for the Emperor.
You board around Noon and have plenty of time to settle-in to your superior, air-conditioned outside stateroom before enjoying a welcome drink as you set sail. After a buffet lunch, the afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy as you cruise through the magnificent scenery exploring along tranquil coves and past limestone caves to visit a selection of islands. As weather and sea conditions permit, you might swim, snorkel or kayak during the afternoon. Of course, there’s plenty of time to just relax onboard, enjoying the vistas, and socializing with fellow passengers. Dinner is served onboard. Meals B,L,D
Day 5 – Arise in Ha Long Bay and Travel to Hue
Early risers can invigorate with Tai Chi on deck as the sun casts its first light across the peaks and coves of this magnificent bay. After a leisurely buffet breakfast and time to take-in the scenery, you step off ship around mid-morning and return to Hanoi for your flight to Central Vietnam. Upon arrival in Hue, you’ll be met and escorted to La Residence Hotel & Spa. Meals B,D
Day 6 – Getting to Know Hue
Founded more than 300 years ago, Hue has long been an important cultural, religious, and educational center for Vietnam. Setting out early this morning after breakfast, your exploration takes you along the Perfume River, across its tranquil waters, and on a pleasant stroll along peaceful shaded pathways. Visit the tomb of Emperor Gia Long, founder of the Nguyen Dynasty, and also Tu Hieu Pagoda – surrounded by the lush tropical vegetation of the countryside.
After lunch, tour the Imperial Citadel, an impressive complex of buildings, lakes, and tranquil gardens – all laid out in a series of concentric circles. You’ll also visit the Forbidden Purple City, built in the 1800’s for the personal use of the Emperor and staffed exclusively by eunuchs who posed no threat to the Royal Concubines.
Your touring ends on a high note, with a specially arranged visit to the former home of Princess Ngoc Son. It’s been lovingly preserved and is perhaps the finest traditional garden house in the region. Here you’ll meet the present owner Mr. Phan Thuan An, a direct descendent of the Imperial Court. A former history professor, Mr. An has written several books, including a respected review of Hue’s history and culture. After visiting Mr. An, journey by boat down the Perfume River, passing peaceful sampan villages on the way back to your hotel. Meals B,L
Day 7 – Across the Hai Van Pass to Hoi An
This morning’s journey takes you across the scenic Hai Van Pass through Danang and past the Marble Mountains to the historic port city of Hoi An. Check-in to your deluxe beachfront resort, The Victoria Hoi An, with time to freshen-up before lunch at the Morning Glory Restaurant.
Known as Faifo to early western traders, Hoi An was one of Asia’s major ports during the 17th to 19th centuries, home to Japanese, Indian, Chinese and Portuguese merchants. Today, Hoi An is remarkable for its collection of original Chinese temples and impressive homes built by these wealthy merchants of earlier times.
This afternoon, explore with your guide through this ancient seaport; it’s easy to imagine yourself a sailor of the 18th century, when Hoi An was one of the busiest ports in all of Asia. Wander through the old town center to admire these old merchants’ homes, the art galleries that now draw visitors from all over the world, and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge. Your dinner reservations this evening are at the charming Brothers Café, located on the riverfront. Meals B,L,D
Day 8 – In and Around Hoi An
Today we’ve arranged for a cooking class at the Red Bridge Cooking School & Restaurant, starting with a morning boat ride along the Thu Bon River into the countryside. After a refreshing welcome drink at the pier, your chef will introduce you to the ingredients and methods of Vietnamese cuisine in general, and the regional Hoi An style in particular. A number of specialties will be prepared as you watch and learn. Then, retreat to the riverfront to dine al fresco, sampling the dishes your chef has prepared. Before returning to your resort, visit the peaceful village of Cam Thanh to experience the ordinary rhythms of daily life here… children returning from school, water buffalos being fed, and farmers returning to the fields after the midday heat has passed. Meals B,L
Day 9 – From the Ruins of My Son to Bustling Saigon
After an early breakfast, a scenic morning drive brings you to My Son. This astounding archaeological site was the religious capital of the Champa Kingdom, which flourished from the 4th to 13th centuries. This unique Hindu-based culture left behind more than 70 religious monuments. But with the ravages of time and war, only 25 partial structures remain today. They are, nevertheless, spectacular and with UNESCO recognition as a World Heritage Site, extensive conservation efforts are underway to protect these fascinating jungle ruins.
Then fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) where you’ll be met and escorted to the brand new InterContinental Asiana Hotel. Meals B,D
Day 10 – Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and Sites of Saigon
An enriching day begins this morning at the Cu Chi Tunnels, the incredible underground network that once stretched for 210 miles. Marvel at secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living quarters, and even conference rooms. You’ll have ample opportunity to view the excavated areas from above. The more adventurous can even explore the deeper second and even third-level tunnels.
Then return to Saigon for lunch and an afternoon of sightseeing, including Reunification Hall - formerly known as the Presidential Palace. It was towards this modern building that Communist tanks rolled on the morning of April 30, 1975, as Saigon fell. Stop by the General Post Office, a picturesque Colonial-era landmark, City Hall, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Then stroll along Le Cong Kieu Street, famous for the many shops and galleries selling “antiques” – both old and new! Your specially arranged dinner this evening explores the French heritage of the country. At Au Manoir de Khai, you’ll enter into a stunningly restored French Colonial home for an elegant dinner of fine French cuisine. Meals B,L,D
Day 11 – Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia
Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Siem Reap where you’ll be greeted and escorted to the Sofitel Royal Resort. Meals B
Day 12 – The Glory of Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom
Set out with your guide after breakfast to begin your in-depth exploration of the magnificent jungle ruins of Angkor, once the royal seat of the mighty Khmer Empire. This morning you’ll explore imposing Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world with a volume of stone equaling that of the Cheops Pyramid in Egypt. Inspired by 12th century Hinduism, it took an estimated 30 years to build Angkor Wat, including the intricately carved bas-relief which adorns all four sides of the temple.
After a relaxing lunch, you’ll discover the monumental magnificence of Angkor Thom – the last capital of the Khmers, with its Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the stunning Bayon temple. This 12th century masterpiece lies at the very centre of Angkor Thom and is an archaeological wonder of symmetry and grandeur. Late in the day, your guide will lead you to a prime vantage point to witness the sun set over Angkor, a magnificent and unforgettable spectacle. Meals B,L,D
Day 13 – Ruins of Angkor - Exploring Farther Afield
This morning’s expertly guided exploration focuses on the less-visited but equally impressive sites of Angkor, including Ta Prohm. Dedicated in 1186, this vast temple complex has been largely left in its natural state, surrounded by the massive roots and limbs of the encroaching jungle. Return to your resort at midday before afternoon sightseeing in town, including Wat Bo Temple. There’s time to freshen up before this evening’s farewell dinner at a particularly atmospheric restaurant, Viroth’s. Meals B,D
Day 14 – Depart Siem Reap
Bid adieu as your tour concludes this morning. Meals B
