DAY 1: HOIAN

ARRIVAL

Upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport, you'll be met at the aircraft gate by friendly Fast Track staff. They will escort you through immigration via the diplomatic lane, assist with retrieving and carrying your luggage, and accompany you to your private Hoi An host waiting in the arrivals hall.

DAY 2-4: HOI AN

DAY AT LEISURE

This is the horizontal segment of your journey- a chance to unwind and recharge. You may wish to relax by the beach, stroll through Hoi An's atmospheric Old Town, or explore the city's many shops- Hoi An is especially known for its affordable, tailor-made clothing.

DAY 5: HOIAN

EVERYTHING HOI AN

Explore Hoi An Old Town in the morning to beat the crowd, on foot and by cyclo, a three-wheeled bicycle taxi. Visit the museums and temples and learn the history of Hoi An, known as Faifo back in the day. After the Old Town exploration, head back to the hotel to rest before the afternoon adventure.

Your afternoon begins as a fleet of sidecars whisks you through Hoi An's picturesque countryside to Thanh Dong Organic Farm for a hands-on farming experience, followed by a short bike ride to the river. Hop aboard traditional coracle boats and float to The Field Restaurant for a scenic and memorable stop.

Conclude the day with dinner at TOK, our suggested restaurant, then transfer back to your hotel.

DAY 6: HUE

HISTORIC CITY

Duration: 6 hours

Known as the Imperial City, Hue was the political, cultural and religious heart of the Nguyen Dynasty- Vietnam's last royal family (1802–1945)- and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our journey begins at the Forbidden Purple City, once reserved for the elite of imperial Vietnam and modeled after the Forbidden City in China. From there, we'll venture outside the city to the elaborate tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, the dynasty's longest-reigning monarch.

The day continues at Bunker Hill, where remnants of hidden American war bunkers offer a glimpse into Hue's role during the Vietnam War and sweeping views of the Perfume River and its lush floodplains. We'll pause to savor delicate local-style dumplings for lunch before heading back.

DAY 7: HOIAN

HOI AN VESPA FOOD ADVENTURE

Duration: 4 hours

This unique evening adventure takes you off the beaten path to uncover Hoi An's hidden culinary gems that only the locals know. From savory bites to sweet treats, each dish you sample tells a delicious story rooted in the town's rich food heritage.

As you ride through town on the back of your Vespa, you'll be captivated by the bustling markets, lantern-lit streets, and the warm smiles of the locals. The tour concludes with a tranquil boat ride along the Hoai River- a complete immersion into the culture, traditions, and flavors that make this town so special.

DAY 8: DA NANG

DANANG CITY HIGHLIGHTS

Duration: 5 hours

Your first stop is the Son Tra Peninsula, where the winding road climbs to the revered Linh Ung Pagoda and its towering Lady Buddha, with panoramic views stretching from the mountains to the sea.

The journey continues to the Cham Museum in the heart of Da Nang, where sculptures tell stories of Hindu deities and the once-mighty Champa Empire- a rare glimpse into Vietnam's richly layered past.

As the afternoon light softens, head south to the enigmatic Marble Mountains- five mystical peaks named after the natural elements- ascending stone steps through cool grottoes and hidden pagodas where shafts of sunlight illuminate ancient shrines.

DAY 9: HOIAN TO HANOI

HANOI ARRIVAL, EVENING HANOI EAT & DRINKS

Upon touchdown in Hanoi, collect your luggage and meet your Hanoi host in the Arrival Hall, a private vehicle takes you to your hotel.

Evening (Duration: 4 hours): an introduction to Vietnamese food and drink with lots of sampling. Starting on foot from our Old Quarter hotel, we'll visit one of Hanoi's fresh markets for a sensory overload of produce, with café stops for spring rolls, salad wraps, and Vietnamese coffee. The night peaks with a unique local experience - sipping "bia hoi" on the pavement, surrounded by the authenticity of local encounters.

DAY 10: HANOI

HANOI INSIDE OUT BY CYCLO

Duration: 3 hours

The must-sees of the Old Quarter are best explored in a cyclo: a bicycle-powered rickshaw driven from behind by a native Hanoian! Drift elegantly through the busy inner streets, taking in the hustle and bustle on all sides. Today we'll also visit the Temple of Literature, the Parisian boulevards of the French Quarter, and, if you're up for it, Ho Chi Minh's Museum complex and the historic Ba Dinh Square.

Complemented by two essential Vietnamese experiences: a bowl of Phở and traditional Vietnamese iced coffee (Café Sua Da), or even egg coffee (Ca phe trung).

DAY 10: HANOI

MEET AN EXTRAORDINARY VIETNAM WAR VETERAN

Duration: 3 hours

Step into the Hanoi home of Mr. Dzung, a Vietnam War veteran with a remarkable story. Serving from 1970 to 1975, he played a key role in defending Vietnamese skies, fighting in battles such as Khe Sanh and the Hồ Chí Minh Campaign. His missile unit was vital during the 1972 ""Battle of Hanoi's Skies"" and the infamous Christmas bombings.

After the war, Dzung studied at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, became fluent in English and French, and served in Vietnamese embassies abroad. He met Nelson Mandela and interpreted for General Vo Nguyen Giap, and advised on the documentary series The Vietnam War.

In this private visit, hear firsthand accounts of Vietnam's history, resilience, and transformation through Dzung's personal journey from soldier to diplomat.

DAY 10: HANOI

HANOI BACKSTREETS ADVENTURE BY VINTAGE MINSKS

Duration: 2 hours

Hop on the back of a vintage Soviet-era Minsk motorbike with professional riders to explore the backstreets of Hanoi and get to know the innards of the city and its people.

We'll head into narrow, winding, zigzagging alleyways, turn up at the biggest second-hand mechanics and electronics market in Vietnam (where you could buy anything from a pistol for a US Army Jeep to the pedal of a Chinese bicycle), then visit a Hanoian family to see how locals live and how Hanoi has changed over the decades.

The adventure continues to West Lake and Truc Bach Lake, and a hidden village with family-run food stalls for the most authentic local foods. On the way back, stop for a unique egg coffee- the "cappuccino of Vietnam".

DAY 11: HALONG BAY

EMPEROR CRUISE DAY 1

Welcome at Emperor Cruises lounge, No.28B Tuan Chau International Marina.

The Cruise Director assists with boarding to start cruising Halong Bay.

Set lunch at the Panorama Restaurant on the 3rd deck.

Visit Me Cung Cave (Cave of Maze)- historical and archaeological values of Ha Long Culture from 10,000 years ago, with stalactites, stalagmites and the most diverse ecological system in Halong Bay.

Tender to Tung Sau Area; free time to paddle colorful kayaks.

Afternoon tea with music and canapés on the Sundeck; cooking demonstration of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

À la carte dinner at Royal Palace Restaurant on board.

Night squid fishing.

DAY 12: HALONG BAY TO SAIGON

EMPEROR CRUISE DAY 2 & FLY TO SAIGON

Vovinam exercise on the sundeck.

Light breakfast at the cruise's luxury restaurant.

Visit Luon Cave on a bamboo boat rowed by a local- ferns, cycads, Benjamin's fig trees and beautiful orchids.

Pack and check out.

À la carte brunch in CAN CHANH restaurant while cruising back to the mainland.

Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina; your host and driver transfer you to Noi Bai (Hanoi) airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Arrival in Saigon: assisted through visa formalities by Fast Track Service staff, expedited through the priority lane, and delivered to your private Saigon host in the arrivals hall.

DAY 13: SAIGON

SAIGON EVENING SCOOTER ADVENTURE

Duration: 5 hours

As the sun sets, enjoy an evening scooter adventure. We'll take Saigon by storm and experience the amazing energy and movement of the southern capital via a colorful scooter journey, chauffeured by professionals! We'll whizz around the historical district taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of a city relaxing after work. Street-side food is a delicious culinary adventure in itself, and if you fancy a nightcap, we can head up to one of Saigon's rooftop bars.

DAY 14: SAIGON

CU CHI TUNNELS

Duration: 5 hours

For that extra little bit of adventure and excitement, we have arranged for you to go by private Former American Jeep.

The Cu Chi Tunnels are an incredible 250 km network of clandestine underground passageways that the Viet Cong dug from the Cambodian border towards Saigon, eventually enabling them to capture the city. While heavily visited, it's astounding what they constructed, and you'll have the opportunity to squeeze through many of these very narrow passageways. This visit gives an endearing appreciation for the tenacity and sacrifices of the Vietnamese people. There is an option to visit the American War Remnants Museum if time permits.

DAY 14: SAIGON

SAIGON CITY EXPLORATION BY MULTI-TRANSPORT

Duration: 5 hours

Everything happens over coffee in Vietnam, so let's begin there before diving into the alleyways, parks, markets, and historical highlights. We'll hit the town for an hour by three-wheeled cyclo- a great way to experience Saigon through all the senses!

For 2 hours we'll ride a Russian-built motorcycle with sidecar (most popular in Vietnam from the 1920s to 1960s) on a French Colonial adventure, safely weaving through the daytime traffic.

The itinerary is flexible: highlights can include Notre Dame Cathedral, the floating market in District 4, the wholesale flower market in District 10, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and Chinatown.

Highlights to visit: War Remnants Museum, Bunker Cafe, Pho Binh (a mini-museum upstairs).

DAY 15: VIETNAM - SEE YOU AGAIN!

The morning is yours to enjoy at a gentle pace. You may choose to sleep in, or rise early for a morning meditation, a yoga session, or a quiet walk during one of the most serene moments of the day. After breakfast, there will be time to settle your belongings before departing by private vehicle for the airport in time for your outbound flight.