Welcome to Hanoi and Vietnam, a country full of breathtaking scenery and fascinating culture offering a unique blend of east and west. Hanoi may certainly be a bustling city, but it still retains the mystery and charm of the past centuries and French colonial influence, with its narrow lanes and traditional shop houses that invite one to explore. Its many beautiful public areas, lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments give the city a touch of elegance and a harmony with nature. We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 5:00pm. Tonight we’ll have the chance to mingle with our fellow travellers at the group welcome dinner and get our first taste of Vietnam’s famed cuisine!

We’ll discover another side of Hanoi during a half day tour in Long Thuong Village, home to a community of bronze casters since the 13th century. Explore the village and observe how the families create a range of products, including incense-burners and flower vases. Walking alongside fields of rice paddies, we’ll reach the nearby 200-year-old Nom Village. Exploring the narrow brick roads, we’ll see the antique houses and enjoy a cup of tea with a local villager. Here we’ll learn about the local life and the traditions that define this community. One of the village’s highlights is Nom Pagoda, one of the most impressive in the region, dating back to the 17th century. The pagoda is known for its collection of well-preserved statues, intricate wooden carvings and peaceful atmosphere, offering a fascinating insight into traditional Vietnamese Buddhism. This afternoon we’re in for a special treat! We’ll be met at our hotel by a private chef from the Rose Kitchen and taken to a bustling local market, where we’ll learn about traditional ingredients and even try our hand at a little friendly haggling to pick up the fresh produce needed for our lesson. Back at the kitchen, we’ll get hands our hands dirty, learning how to prepare classic Vietnamese dishes from scratch. Our hard work will pay off when we sit down to enjoy the meal we’ve just created!

We’ll have an early start this morning to discover Hanoi as the city awakens, a great way to see how the locals begin their day. Our tour begins at the photogenic flower market and moves onto the Old Quarter — a fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses, also known as 'The 36 Streets'. Each street has been named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics and crafts to medicines and tombstones. This is also a great time of day for us to stroll along the majestic Hoan Kiem Lake as it stirs to life — a favourite spot among locals to practise Tai Chi in the tranquil half-light. We can either watch these practitioners or join in ourselves. Breakfast today includes a traditional Vietnamese ‘banh mi’, followed by a visit to a local coffee shop. Experiencing some of the unique highlights of the city, our orientation tour will include Long Bien Bridge, St Joseph’s Cathedral and the grand Hanoi Opera House. Continuing on, we’ll view the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex comprising of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the beautiful Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s neighbouring traditional Stilt House, where the former Prime Minister lived from 1954 to 1969. We’ll also see the One Pillar Pagoda before heading to the Imperial Citadel & Flag Tower, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010. After lunch, we resume our tour at Vietnam’s first university, the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, which is also host to the ‘Imperial Academy’. Then we’ll get a fascinating insight into the lifestyle and customs of Vietnamese woman at the Women’s’ Museum, before exploring the Tran Quoc and Ngoc Son Temples. Our final stop is the notorious Hỏa Lò Prison, nicknamed ‘Hanoi Hilton’. Formerly used by the French colonists for political prisoners, it later housed the imprisoned US pilots that were shot down during the Vietnam War, and today the remnants of the gatehouse remain as a moving museum.

This morning, we travel from Hanoi to the breathtaking Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed seascape renowned for its dramatic beauty. Dotted with thousands of towering limestone karsts and jungle-clad islets rising from emerald-hued waters, the bay feels almost otherworldly. Formed over millions of years, this natural wonder is steeped in local legend and offers one of Vietnam’s most iconic and photogenic landscapes. Cruise Embarkation: We’ll board our cruise vessel and enjoy lunch while witnessing the incredible views. After a delicious lunch on board, we’ll step ashore to explore Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island. Hidden within lush national park surrounds, the cave stretches for hundreds of metres and is filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites sculpted by nature over millennia. Later, we’ll cruise to the peaceful waters of Tra Bau in Lan Ha Bay, a quieter extension of Halong Bay known for its pristine scenery. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the calm emerald waters or simply relax and soak up the serenity of this spectacular setting — the choice is all yours! Returning to the ship, we’ll enjoy some time to relax and watch the sunset on the deck before dinner. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking in hot and humid conditions.

Begin the day with an optional Tai Chi session on deck, moving gently through slow, flowing motions as the sun rises over the limestone karsts of Halong Bay. Pretty unforgettable, right? Or if you prefer to take it slow, simply settle in with a coffee and watch this extraordinary seascape drift by as we continue cruising through the bay’s maze of islands. After a light breakfast on board, we’ll disembark and travel on to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital and home of the Nguyen emperors from 1802 to 1945. Sitting on the banks of the Perfume River, Hue has a super relaxed, easy-going feel, with plenty of history woven into everyday life. From its impressive citadel and royal tombs to its pagodas and tree-lined streets, the city offers a fascinating look at Vietnam’s imperial past. Flight time will be approximately 1.5 hours. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

This morning we’ll explore Hue during a sightseeing tour, including the bustling Dong Ba Markets and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Citadel in the old Imperial City, modelled on Beijing’s Forbidden City. It was completed in 1833, and from here the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty ruled Vietnam until 1945. Entering the citadel via a stone bridge you can see the Thai Hoa Palace, an important venue for official receptions and other important court ceremonies. The ostentatious columns supporting the roof are lacquered and inlaid with gold. There is a pair of smaller halls behind the Thai Hoa Palace used by mandarins — scholar-officials in the Confucian hierarchy — to prepare for court ceremonies. After lunch and some time to explore further at our own pace, we continue our afternoon with a cruise by dragon boat along the tranquil waters of the Perfume River. These traditional vessels are long and narrow, decorated with brightly painted scales and finished with an ornate dragon head at the bow and tail at the stern. Deeply rooted in local custom, dragon boats are believed to bring good fortune — historically used during festivals to ward off evil spirits and promote health and prosperity. Tonight we have the opportunity to join a family for dinner in their home! We’ll enjoy a glimpse into everyday living as we connect with our hosts and even lend a hand in preparing a delicious dinner of regional specialities.

Our day begins with a visit to the imperial tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Emperor Tu Duc, who ruled from 1848–1883, had the longest reign of the Nguyen dynasty. Despite having over a hundred wives and concubines, he was unable to father a son and was left to write his own epitaph — a duty he considered a bad omen. His epitaph can still be found on the stele, the largest of its type in Vietnam, in the pavilion to the east of his tomb. Each tomb reflects the unique personality of its emperor, with Tu Duc’s surrounded by peaceful gardens and lakes, while Khai Dinh’s is more ornate, blending traditional Vietnamese design with European influences. In the afternoon, we make our way to Hoi An, travelling along the stunning Hai Van Pass. Winding its way through dramatic mountains and hugging the coastline, this raised scenic route is often called the “Ocean Cloud Pass” and marks both a geographical and cultural boundary between northern and southern Vietnam. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the South China Sea, lush forests and small villages tucked into the hillsides. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Hoi An was known as Faifo to early western traders, and it was one of Southeast Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. This ancient town remains a well-preserved mix of both indigenous and foreign influences, with architecture styles pulled from Chinese, Japanese and later European, designs. Our walking tour this morning includes a visit to the Culture and History Museum to learn more about this charming town before taking a stroll along the main street where we’ll come to the Chinese Assembly Hall of Fujien Chinese Community. This was built in 1697 as a place of worship dedicated to Thien Hau — the Goddess of the Sea. Strolling along the banks of the river we’ll come to the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, first built by the Japanese community in order to link the town with the Chinese quarters on the other side of the river.

Special Experience

Visit the colourful local market before taking a short cruise along the Hoi An River to the secluded Red Bridge Cooking School for an aromatic and informative cooking class.

This afternoon we’re in for a real treat. We’ll meet at a local café to enjoy a refreshing drink before heading to a vibrant market, where we’ll shop for fresh ingredients for our cooking class. Our guide will introduce us to the colourful produce and spices, giving insight into how locals go about their daily routines and make their meals.

Cruising along the famed Hoi An River, we’ll arrive at the cooking school and explore the on-site herb garden before diving into a hands-on class, learning to prepare some of Hoi An and Vietnam’s most famous dishes. During the lesson, we’ll also be introduced to Vietnamese food carving, discovering the art of plate decoration that adds a signature touch to every dish. And of course, no cooking class is complete without tasting your own creations — so get ready to dig in and enjoy the fruits of your labour!

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking in hot and humid conditions.

Today is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy the resort and local surrounds or explore the old city at your own pace. An ideal town to discover by foot, why not immerse yourself in Hoi An’s history by strolling through the historic, brightly painted yellow streets, or perhaps you’d like to take to the water with a boat ride on the Thu Bon River, either by day or at night. A popular activity here is releasing brightly coloured lanterns, creating unforgettable photo opportunities! If last night’s cooking class has awakened your inner foodie, today is the perfect opportunity to explore Hoi An’s regional flavours. A total must-try is cao lầu, a local specialty from the Da Nang region, consisting of thick rice noodles, barbecued pork, fresh greens and crispy croutons — yum!

Optional Excursion

My Son - Travel to My Son, the former religious centre of the Champa Kingdom, a sophisticated civilisation which held sway over the region from the 2nd to the 13th centuries. The Cham religion was primarily derived from Indian Hinduism. The ruins of the five archaeological sites are located among green hills and winding streams. After a brief visit to the Visitor’s Centre for an overview of Cham history and culture, walk along the forested paths to explore the ruins. 3 ½ hours – from US $60pp (private including transfers).

Optional Excursion

Ba Na Hills – Explore Ba Na Hills amusement park, board one of the world's longest non-stop single-track cable cars. Enjoy scenic views whilst floating over ancient rainforests and waterfalls up to the summit. Walk amongst the clouds along the iconic Golden Bridge, wander through the Le Jardin D’Amour Flower Garden and the French Village before descending the summit. 5 hours – from US $135pp (private including transfers).

We’ll transfer to the airport today for our flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). The largest city in Vietnam, the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese life is visible everywhere in Saigon. It is a city of contrasts, with towering skyscrapers standing alongside traditional markets and ancient temples and a vibrant street food scene that reflects its diverse cultural influences. The city is constantly moving, yet within this teeming metropolis are 300 years of timeless traditions and the beauty of an ancient culture.

Special Experience

Go off the beaten track to discover Saigon’s best food spots. Touring by vespa, we'll taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine as the locals do.

Ready to dive into Saigon like a local? Tonight, each of us will have a dedicated vespa driver to whisk us around to the city’s best foodie spots. We’ll start at a stylish rooftop bar with sweeping skyline views for a refreshing drink, before weaving through the bustling streets and hidden alleyways to taste some local delicacies and favourites at two delicious locations!

To cap off the evening, we’ll stop at a music bar to enjoy a drink while soaking up live performances by local musicians. With the city lights, flavours and sounds all around us, this night is sure to be one of the most memorable experiences of the tour.

Flight time will be approximately 1.5 hours.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and immerse yourself in the peaceful charm of the lush Ben Tre province in the Mekong Delta. On arrival, we’ll take a short walk through a local village before cruising the hidden waterways, along narrow canals and tributaries onboard a traditional sampan-style boat observing daily life along the riverbanks. We’ll stop at a local coconut garden to enjoy fresh coconut water, before continuing on to a family-run coconut processing operation to see how local products are made. Next, we will hop onto a xe lôi — a motorbike with a passenger cart — for a ride through the village of Huu Dinh, stopping at a traditional brick-making factory, all before visiting the home of a local family. Here, we’ll enjoy tea while learning about the life of a typical Mekong Delta family. After lunch at a riverside restaurant, we’ll continue our village exploration, visiting a local rice wine maker before meeting a former Viet Cong soldier, where we’ll also see a demonstration of traditional rice paper making. Today involves approximately 1.5 hours of walking in hot and humid conditions. Your travel time today is approximately 6 hours.

A half day city tour is on our agenda today! We’ll begin at the historic Rex Hotel and set off on a walking tour to discover some of Saigon’s most iconic sights. Our first stops are the iconic Dong Khoi Street, the Municipal Theatre, Hotel de Ville and Nguyen Hue Boulevard. We’ll then head to the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office before hopping on our coach to finish our tour. Our final sights in the city centre include the impressive Presidential Palace (Re-unification Palace) with its lush gardens and secret rooms and the War Remnants Museum, a sobering reminder of the brutal effects of war on civilian populations. Lastly, we’ll visit the Ngoc Hoang (Jade Emperor) Pagoda, one of Saigon’s most atmospheric and intriguing spiritual sites. Built in the 19th century, this Taoist temple is dedicated to the Jade Emperor, the supreme god in Taoist belief, and is filled with richly decorated statues, incense coils hanging from the ceiling and intricately carved altars. After soaking up the sights and sounds of this vibrant temple, we’ll head to a nearby local restaurant to enjoy lunch. This afternoon we depart for Vung Tau, which became home to the Australian Army during the Vietnam War. Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking in hot and humid conditions. Your travel time today is approximately 3 hours.

A popular seaside destination for locals, expats and tourist alike, Vung Tau is the ideal getaway to relax by the beach that surrounds the resort town on three sides. We’ll learn more about the Vietnam War today, beginning with visits to Long Tan-Long Dat, where the first Australian Task Force was established in 1966 and the former Nui Dat Task Force. Little remains of this military base today except for the columns of the main gate. We’ll also visit the old bunkers, Kangaroo Pad, SAS Hill, Nui Dat Hill, Luscombe Airfield and the Battalions Flagpole. Next, we’ll see the Nui Dat Kindergarten, built for children of the village by Australian veterans. Continuing, we’ll visit the Long Tan Cross Memorial, site of the most talked about battle of the Vietnam War for Australians and New Zealanders. We finish with a stop at the Long Phuoc Tunnels, which acted as meeting areas, first-aid stations and fighting pits during the war.

We’ll return to Saigon today, where your day is free to explore more of this lively city, or simply unwind at our hotel. You may wish to visit the Ben Thanh Market, a busy market in the heart of the city. With more than 1,500 stalls, it’s one of the largest and oldest markets in Saigon, and you’ll find everything here from clothing, accessories and souvenirs to fresh produce and street food stalls. Afterwards, take a short stroll to the iconic Saigon Central Post Office — the perfect place to write and send a postcard of your travels home! Later, we’ll take in the city skyline as we relax with a sundowner atop a rooftop bar, before our group dinner, where we’ll bid farewell to beautiful Vietnam. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Our tour of the spectacular Vietnam concludes after breakfast this morning. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!