DAY 1: HANOI - ARRIVAL - INTERNATIONAL ARRIVAL WITH VIP FAST TRACK SERVICE

Duration: Flexible

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon touchdown at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport you will be met right at the airplane's arrival gate by friendly Fast Track Service staff. You will be whisked through immigration via the diplomatic lane, have your luggage retrieved and carried, and be delivered to your Hanoi host waiting for you in the Arrival Hall. A private vehicle will be ready to take you to your hotel.

Depending on the time of arrival, enjoy the evening at leisure in your hotel or get ready to hit the ground running and dive into Vietnam's vibrant capital city.

Inclusions: VIP Fast Track Service, English speaking host, one-way transfer by private vehicle, drinking water, snacks and cold towels, E-Visa.

* WELCOME LUNCH AT A STYLISH RIVERSIDE INTERNATIONAL BISTRO

* 90-MINUTE DEEP-TISSUE MASSAGES AT THE HOTEL'S AWARD-WINNING SPA

* WELCOME DINNER AT AN ELEGANT COLONIAL-VILLA VIETNAMESE FINE-DINING HOUSE

Duration: Afternoon & Evening

A gentle landing day: a reserved table at a polished international bistro favoured by Hanoi's connoisseurs, restorative 90-minute deep tissue massages at the hotel spa, and an evening reservation at a refined villa restaurant celebrated for elevated Vietnamese cuisine - each chosen for discreet service and standards suited to the most demanding travellers.

DAY 2: HANOI INSIDE OUT

Duration: 5 hours

Hanoi has been the Vietnamese capital since 1010 A.D so there are an endless amount of stories to be regaled from within the city's bustling alleyways and diverse quarters. Today, we'll turn Hanoi inside out as we immerse ourselves in these stories.

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. You'll then be chauffeured on the back of a scooter by one of our experienced motorcycle drivers and 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.

The sightseeing will be complemented by two essential Vietnamese experiences: slurping on a bowl of Noodle Soup (Pho) and sipping on some traditional Vietnamese ice coffee (Cafe Sua Da), or even egg-coffee (Ca phe trung) as a unique and delicious drink that originated in Hanoi.

HANOI - DINNER WITH LOCAL ARTIST

Duration: 2.5 hours

Enjoy a private dinner at the home of the surrealist, contemporary Hanoian artist. Known for eccentric dance and singing performances, producing stunning oil paintings, and creating grandiose art installments (including an unforgettable spectacle for the city's 1000 year anniversary in 2010), he has turned his home into a unique and unconventional art space. In addition to dinner, we can also arrange for a special performance by the artist himself. His performances are regarded as one of the most unique, spiritual, and surreal experiences in Vietnam.

Before becoming a performing artist, he was an officer in the Vietnamese police force, responsible to monitor artists and enforce strict state guidelines. His former self would probably take issue with his current approach, as he certainly pushes the boundaries of political and stylistic norms. An evening spent with him will certainly add a lot of color to your stay in Hanoi and provide fascinating insight into the bohemian underground of contemporary Vietnam.

DAY 3: HANOI - TEA HARMONY: A SPIRITUAL SOJOURN WITH LOCAL SIXTH-GENERATION TEA MASTER

Duration: 2 hours

Embark on an exhilarating exploration of Vietnamese tea culture and the profound intersection of Buddhism with journalist and sixth-generation Truong Xuan tea heir. As a disciple of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, his spiritual journey spans three transformative months in the U.S., and his insightful writings resonate in the realms of meditation and philosophy.

Meet the master for a unique tea meditation at his tea sanctuary, where the rich legacy of Truong Xuan tea comes to life. This experience promises a deep dive into Hanoi's tea culture and the enchanting philosophies of Buddhism. Sip carefully brewed tea, meditate, and unravel the mysteries of Vietnamese tea rituals, blending tradition with spiritual enlightenment. Join this extraordinary journey, where aromatic teas and timeless wisdom converge, creating a fusion of sensory delights and spiritual revelations. Hoang Anh Suong's tea meditation is an invitation to a world where tradition meets enlightenment, promising an unforgettable experience of culture and spirituality.

HANOI - EAT, DRINK VIETNAM

Duration: 3.5 hours

Grilled meats, fresh seafood, tangy salads and a cornucopia of sesame, garlic, cilantro, chilli and lime are just the starting point for one of Asia's darling cuisines. Today we'll enjoy an introduction to Vietnamese food and drink, the basic ingredients, various styles, and of course lots of sampling. Starting out on foot from our hotel in the old quarter, we'll make our way to one of the many fresh markets of Hanoi for a visual and sensory overload of produce. Sampling is key, and we'll make a couple of stops at cafes to experience a few bedrock culinary experiences: spring rolls, salad wraps and, of course, Vietnamese coffee.

We'll stretch out the walk, even peek into the Hanoi Hilton and then let loose on simply outstanding local cuisine. Lunch is a treat of local specialties - vermicelli noodles with tender grilled pork, broth and herbs, fresh garlic and chilies. Late afternoon is open, though we have several suggestions such as an art gallery stroll in the cathedral district, shopping, spa, or a nap. There is plenty of food still to find in the capital.

HANOI - SPA AFTERNOON

DINNER AT AN ACCLAIMED HOME-STYLE NORTHERN VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

LATE TABLE AT THE CAPITAL'S MOST STORIED JAZZ LOUNGE

Duration: Evening

An unhurried afternoon of spa treatments at the hotel, followed by a hosted evening: dinner at an intimate restaurant revered by Hanoi gourmets for refined, home-style Northern Vietnamese cooking, then a reserved table at a legendary jazz lounge - a hosted escort accompanies the party from hotel to restaurant, on to the jazz lounge and back. Both venues are hand-picked for their authenticity, discretion and consistently world-class standards.

DAY 4: HANOI - HALONG BAY - HANOI TO HA LONG BAY

Duration: 2.5 hours

No trip to Northern Vietnam is complete without a visit to Ha Long Bay, a remarkable seascape of lush, rainforest-clad limestone islands and pillars jutting out of the surrounding emerald blue water as far as the eye can see. And there is no better way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site than by sailing through the calm, scenic waters on board an elegantly designed and high-standard Chinese Junk ship.

We will drive from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay where, upon arrival, your crew will welcome everyone aboard the ship and set sail into the Bay. Situate yourself on the deck and take in the never ending parade of karsts, caves, and coves passing by on all sides. In the afternoon we'll explore a couple of the area's deep caves before a sunset kayak paddle, followed by relaxation and dinner.

Note: It is a two-and-a-half hour drive to reach Ha Long Bay from Hanoi.

HALONG BAY - CRUISE DAY 1: MARINA - CUA VAN - CAVE - MOORING

Duration: Full day

Embark on an enchanting Halong Bay journey as you acquaint yourself with the amenities on board our vessel. Witness the breath-taking scenery from the sun deck during our initial hours of cruising. Our first destination is Cua Van, a floating fishing village in Halong Bay, which some fishermen still use as a base for their fishing and aquacultural activities. Glide through this serene area in a small bamboo boat rowed by locals, offering a glimpse into the village and understand how once whole families used to live on water here. For the more active ones, take a kayak and paddle around the floating hamlet for a very personal exploration.

Next, we transfer by tender to Tien Ong cave, providing evidence of human civilization dating back to 10,000-8,000 BC. This small cave provides some fascinating understandings of Halong Bay's geological history. Returning to the ship, we sail to the overnight mooring area, where the ""blue hour"" unveils Halong Bay's magical beauty. Relax on the sun deck with your favourite drink, absorbing the tranquil moment. Engage in a cooking class with our chef, practicing classic Vietnamese recipes to impress your loved ones at home later.

As evening descends, a multi-course a la carte dinner is served. If you like, join in later for an on-board presentation about the bay's unique features and secrets. Alternatively, try your hand at squid fishing with our staff for a delightful and entertaining experience.

DAY 5: HALONG BAY - CRUISE DAY 2: SUNG SOT CAVE - KAYAKING - PEARL FARM - MOORING

Duration: Full day

Awaken to the gentle waves and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, complemented by pastries in the dining room. Engage in the morning Tai Chi class on the sun deck for a harmonious start amid the scenic surroundings. Embark on the day boat outing to explore some truly unique sights of Halong Bay. During the sailing to our first stop, the impressive Sung Sot Cave, breakfast is served on our day boat.

Spanning 10,000 square meters, Sung Sot features two chambers with the outer one adorned with stalactite chandeliers and the inner chamber known as the grand "opera house." Marvel at the pond, plant life, and stunning rock formations crafted over millions of years. We head back to the boat for some relaxing time before you have the chance to explore the marine landscape by kayak. The cliffs stretch vertically out of the water and you feel a sense of freedom while meandering through this green medley of water and tree-topped islets.

Continue the journey to a floating pearl farm, where you'll discover the intricate process of cultivating, harvesting, and processing various pearls. Witness a skilled technician delicately implanting seeds into oysters. Sail back to the mothership to return to your suite offering time for sunbathing, spa, or embracing the captivating "blue hour" on the open deck.

After dinner you have another chance to join the crew for a funny squid fishing activity or you just recline on a lounger, absorbing the serenity of Halong Bay before retiring for the night.

DAY 6: HALONG BAY - CRUISE DAY 3: MOORING - TI TOP ISLAND - MARINA

Duration: Morning

For early risers, tea, coffee and pastries are available in the dining room and a Tai Chi class is offered on the sun deck to awaken your mind and muscles.

We set sail to the small "Ti Top Island". Formerly named Cat Nang, the island received a name change after former president Ho Chi Minh and the second man to orbit the Earth, Russian astronaut Gherman Titov, toured Halong Bay together in 1962. Since the cosmonaut was so fascinated with this picturesque islet, Uncle Ho would rename the island to honour Mr. Titov and as a gesture of friendship between their two countries.

Once arriving at Ti Top, you can go for a refreshing morning swim on a sandy beach or - if you prefer to be more active - climb 400 steps (20 min.) to the island's top with stunning, panoramic views over the bay. Back on board, you can take a shower and freshen up. Enjoy the final moments of sailing as we head back to the harbour while breakfast is served.

HALONG BAY → AIRPORT - HA LONG BAY - NOI BAI AIRPORT, DEPARTURE

Duration: 2.5 hours

Disembark and travel by road to Noi Bai Airport for your onward flight.