Classic Vietnam Tour

Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your Superior Hotel for a two night stay in a Deluxe Room on Bed and Breakfast basis. The rest of the day is free to relax or to begin exploring the city.

After breakfast visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex containing the Mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh, his former home The Presidential Palace and the One Pillar Pagoda followed by the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.

In the afternoon, a cyclo tour of the bustling Old Quarter. Overnight at the Melia Hotel. [B]

After breakfast, drive to Halong Bay (approximately 2 hours). Board a refurbished wooden sailing junk for a cruise among hundreds of islets found in the Halong Bay area, where you will enjoy a seafood lunch and a swim (weather permitting). In the afternoon, a visit to a grotto before dropping anchor for the night on Halong bay.

Overnight on junk boat. [B,L,D]

Spend the morning cruising through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Halong Bay (return to wharf before noon). On the way back to Hanoi, stop at a small village known as the birthplace of water puppetry in the Red River Delta. You will take delight in watching an authentic outdoor water puppet performance whilst sampling on local delicacies. Local artisans will then present you a wooden water puppet as a souvenir. [Brunch]

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Hue. On arrival, transfer to Superior Hotel for 2 nights in a Deluxe Rom on Bed and Breakfast basis. [B].

In the morning, take a short boat ride down the Perfume river and start exploring the tranquil countryside by bike. Visit some of the handicraft villages where wooden block paintings and paper flowers are made. In the afternoon visit the Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda.

In the evening, a dinner is arranged at Tha Om Garden House. [B,D]

Visit the mausoleums of emperor Tu Duc and Khai Dinh before taking a private transfer to Hoi An. Your drive will take you along the coast, through emerald-green paddy fields and over the spectacular Hai Van Mountain pass. En route, visit Danang�s Cham Museum, holding the world�s finest collection of Cham artwork.

Upon arrival in the ancient port of Hoi An transfer to your Superior Hotel for your 3 night stay in a Superior Room on bed and breakfast basis. [B]

After breakfast, experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of Hoi An market on a personally-guided tour with the chef of Red Bridge Restaurant (seat in coach half day tour). Interact with the stall holders and purchase fresh ingredients for the day�s meals. After completing your morning's shopping, take a boat cruise along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. Learn about Vietnamese herbs and spices, local ingredients, and the art of food decoration the Vietnamese way. The chef will demonstrate how to prepare some of Vietnam�s most delicious dishes and guests will have a chance to create their own meals under the chef�s guidance. Enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal of Vietnamese and Hoi An specialties.

In the afternoon, embark on a half-day walking tour of this quaint town visiting ancient merchants� houses, a Hokkien temple, a 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the vibrant riverside market. Following your guided walk, guests will be taken to a workshop to learn the techniques involved in making Vietnamese lanterns and a chance to create your own. [B]

Morning at leisure.

Afternoon, drive to Tra Que village for a visit to a kindergarten that was built by our local representatives in Vietnam. Join the pupils in planting trees before walking to a farm to discover traditional gardening methods.

Taste the local specialty �Tam Huu� spring rolls and indulge in a traditional herbal foot bath.

Rest of the day evening at leisure. [B]

Depart Hoi An for Danang to catch your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, transfer to your Superior Hotel for your 1 night stay in a Superior Room on bed and breakfast basis.

In the afternoon, take a half-day city tour taking in visits to the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Chinatown, Binh Tay Market and Thien Hau Temple.

Evening at leisure. [B]

The morning is free for shopping before transferring to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure. [B]