DAYS 1 & 2

A blend of the modern with the mystery and charm of past centuries, Hanoi offers an air of elegance and harmony with nature. Today’s sightseeing begins with a visit to the Temple of Literature. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, it is one of the best surviving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Next, see the miniature One Pillar Pagoda, and the nearby Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, containing a museum and Ho Chi Minh’s final resting place. Stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a network of narrow alleys and shophouses also known as The 36 Streets. This is a wonderful place to watch the local life and peruse items from fabrics to crafts to exotic medicines. Later enjoy a delightful water puppet show, a fascinating art form that originated in northern Vietnam. (B)

Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake, Hanoi

DAY 3

Today drive to Ha Long Bay, an area of picturesque islands, floating villages and pearl fisheries. Take a relaxing private boat excursion on a traditional wooden boat and cruise on the emerald waters between craggy limestone cliffs. (B, L)

Novotel Ha Long Bay, Ha Long Bay

DAYS 4 & 5

Drive to Hanoi for your flight to Hué. Sightsee in the Old Imperial City and visit the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the 1800s. With a six-mile wall and a surrounding moat, it was modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing. See the Flag Tower and the imposing Ngo Mon Gate entrance to the complex. In the spacious courtyard area visit the Dien Tho Palace, Thai Hoa Palace, Hall of Mandarins, and the original Nine Dynastic Urns. Travel into the countryside to see the Tomb of Tu Duc. The longest reigning Vietnamese emperor, Tu Duc designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for meditation, reading and theater performances. Explore a local incense-making village before embarking on a boat excursion down the Perfume River to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower that has become Hué’s most widely recognizable monument. (2B)

 La Residence Hotel & Spa, Hué

DAYS 6 & 7

Drive south over scenic mountainous roads to Da Nang. Stop at the dramatic Hai Van Pass and admire the spectacular views. Just south of Da Nang stop to explore Hoi An, a picturesque riverside town. Your walking tour of Hoi An includes visits to the Japanese Covered Bridge, constructed in 1593, and the nearby Sa Huynh Museum. Stop at a lantern-making workshop to observe locals making the silk cloth for the lanterns. The next morning, explore the Hoi An Market to mingle with the local vendors and shop for ingredients for today’s cooking class. Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River to the Red Bridge Restaurant and Cooking School. Learn to cook and help prepare five traditional dishes to enjoy for lunch. You will also be entertained and taught some special techniques at the fruit and vegetable carving demonstration. (2B, L)

Furama Resort, Da Nang

DAYS 8 & 9

Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, where colonial buildings and traditional temples stand beside the emerging modern skyline. Learn about Vietnam’s recent history at Reunification Palace. Visit the War Remnants Museum featuring a detailed photographic exhibition and vast collection of planes, tanks and weapons. See the Emperor of Jade Pagoda and Notre Dame Cathedral before ending the day at the Ben Thanh Market. Drive into the heart of the Mekong Delta to Cai Be, and embark on one of the local boats to explore Cai Be Floating Market, with its lively market of fruit and vegetable barges. Continue along smaller waterways and canals, stopping at the Mekong River Islands to visit the local orchards and cottage industries, with the chance to sample the local delicacies. Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. (2B)

Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, Ho Chi Minh City

DAY 10

Today you are taken to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination. (B)

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake
Hanoi, Vietnam

sublime style on the banks of Hồ Tây Lake, the new InterContinental Westlake Hanoi overlooks the 800-year-old Golden Lotus Pagoda on Hanoi's largest lake. It is the only hotel in Vietnam to be featured on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2008 Hot List, garnering the honour for a “sublime” waterfront locale. The historic city centre is within a 10-minute ride, as is a wide range of shopping and cultural venues. The hotel is just 40 minutes by taxi from Noi Bai International Airport.

The hotel has a fully-equipped fitness centre located in its own building so you can workout away from the hotel. The fitness centre features the latest cardio and weight equipment as well as Tai Chi, Yoga, Aerobic and Pilates classes so you can design the workout that’s perfect for you.

Guestrooms showcase contemporary Vietnamese design at its best. The spacious interiors feature cream walls and dark timber, complemented by rich textures and vibrant colors. All rooms are equipped with LCD televisions and large private balconies.

Novotel Ha Long Bay Hotel
Ha Long, Vietnam

This contemporary hotel is overlooks the stunning Ha Long Bay, Its polished stone, glass and marble are set against delicate Asian textures silk, wickerwork and carved wood-accentuated by splashes of bright colors and elaborate design centerpieces. The hotel’s sweeping windows feature panoramic views of the bay and its spectacular seascapes. The hotel services include a business center, laundry service and there are three restaurants to choose from casual dining to local culinary creations.

Your spacious deluxe air-conditioned room has panoramic bay windows that overlook the bay or city. Room amenities include an in-room safe, mini bar, IDD telephone, satellite TV, tea/coffee maker and a bathroom with separate tub and show, bathrobes and a hair dryer.

La Residence Hotel & Spa
Hué, Vietnam

La Residence Hotel & Spa is located on the river banks of the Perfume River in the center of Hue. Its incredible location overlooking the Citadel and the Perfume River gives this resort its uniqueness embracing total serene tranquility.

Art Deco inspired rooms are stylishly decorated with lovely details of the great 1920’s & 1950’s era. The La Residence hotel features 122 rooms fully equipped with modern facilities: A/C, IDD telephone, satellite TV, electronic mini safe, tea & coffee making facilities, writing desk, vanity mirror, hair dyer and private balcony or terrace.

Furama Resort
Da Nang, Vietnam

Renowned for its pristine beaches and clear blue ocean waters, this deluxe international resort has a prime beachfront location overlooking Da Nang’s “China Beach.” French colonial-style blends charmingly with traditional

The formal and al fresco restaurants and bars serve a rich variety of authentic Asian and international cuisines. There is a whole range of sports activities including the “Fantasy Island” swimming lagoon, every type of water sport, tennis courts, beach volleyball and a golf driving range. Scuba diving excursions can be arranged at the hotel.

Enjoy the Vietnamese architecture in your luxurious Ocean View room that features a spacious private balcony or terrace. Your air conditioned room amenities include a walk-in closet, separate sitting area, direct-dial phones cable/satellite TV, mini bar, complimentary high-speed Internet access, coffee/tea maker and a marble bathroom with bathrobes, slippers and a bathroom scale.

Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant business and entertainment district, Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers is a haven of convenience, connecting you with colleagues and friends. Conduct business meetings in style or enjoy the sights and sounds of the city in our central location.
The hotel’s 472 spacious hotel rooms, studios, and suites are designed to provide comfort and style with personalized service and convenient amenities. Find a great retreat in the 112 beautiful studios and suites of our newly renovated, 25-story Grand Tower. Or simply relax in the 360 guest rooms of the main hotel complex.

During your time with us, experience superb cuisine in one of eight stylish restaurants and bars. Continually voted as one of the city’s Top 10 places to see, our outdoor Wine Bar on Level 23 is an unforgettable place to watch a stunning sunset over the city while enjoying a world-class wine list.

Lounge by the pool, energize in the state-of-the-art fitness centre, or simply relax in our Aqua Day Spa. Get out and explore the Opera House and Reunification Palace. Look for bargains at the Ben Thanh markets, and experience boutique shopping on the famous Dong Khoi Street.

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