DAY 1: HANOI

ARRIVAL

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 escorted to your Hanoi host waiting for you in the Arrival Hall. A private vehicle will be ready to take you on an adventure back to Hanoi center.

DAY 2: HANOI

HANOI INSIDE OUT

Duration: 6 hours

Hanoi has been the Vietnamese capital since 1010 A.D., so there are endless stories to be regaled from within the city's bustling alleyways and diverse quarters.

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), a delicious drink that originated in Hanoi.

DAY 3: HANOI

HANOI EAT & DRINKS

Duration: 5.5 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, with lots of sampling. Starting on foot from our hotel in the Old Quarter, we'll visit one of Hanoi's fresh markets for a visual and sensory overload of produce, with café stops for spring rolls, salad wraps and Vietnamese coffee.

We'll stretch out the walk, even peek into the Hanoi Hilton, then enjoy outstanding local cuisine - vermicelli noodles with tender grilled pork, broth and herbs. Late afternoon is open: an art gallery stroll in the cathedral district, shopping, spa, or a nap.

DAY 4: HALONG BAY

HANOI TO HA LONG BAY (DAY 1)

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 emerald blue water. And there is no better way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site than by sailing aboard an elegantly designed, high-standard Chinese Junk ship.

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

DAY 5: HALONG BAY

HA LONG BAY TO HANOI & FLY TO DANANG

Wake up early and witness the sunrise over Ha Long Bay. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee as your ship gently steers over the still, dark waters and morning mist gathers. Before you know it, the cliffs, karsts, and trees towering over the emerald blue ocean are illuminated by the rising sun. Let it all sink in as the ship heads back to shore. Before noon we'll disembark from the junk and drive back to Hanoi airport for your flight to Danang.

DAY 6: HOIAN

EVERYTHING HOI AN

Duration: 6.5 hours

Hoi An is one of Vietnam's most elegant and historic towns, a major maritime trading center for centuries with beautifully preserved architecture and delicious food.

For early risers, a visit to the fish and central markets is like going back in time. Watch locals preparing for their day, then set out on a walking exploration. Next, hop on a bike to the countryside village of Go Noi for an insight into farming communities (growing incredible organic vegetables), a cooking demonstration and a local gourmet feast.

The afternoon is clear for shopping, beach time or just taking in the atmosphere.

DAY 7: HOIAN

MY SON, A TASTE OF ANCIENT VIETNAM

Duration: 5 hours

Fifty kilometers from Hoi An you'll find the ancient ruins of My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage Site - once the heart of the powerful Champa Empire, whose rulers built impressive Hindu temples between the 4th and 13th centuries. My Son Sanctuary is now a mystery-shrouded collection of abandoned temples nearly swallowed by jungle and nearly destroyed by carpet bombing during the Vietnam War.

Getting there is half the fun! Mounted on motorbikes driven by professionals, we'll take the back roads - small concrete paths amongst rice paddies, villages and local shrines - for a feel of what "off the tourist path" really means.

After exploring My Son, we head back to the city via motorboat down the Thu Bon River, observing country life along the river.

DAY 8: SAIGON

ENJOY A DAY AT LEISURE

Enjoy a day at leisure.

DAY 9: SAIGON

CU CHI TUNNELS & MORNING SAIGON CITY HIGHLIGHTS

Cu Chi Tunnels (Duration: 2.5 hours):

an incredible 250 km network of clandestine underground passageways dug by the Viet Cong from the Cambodian border towards Saigon, eventually enabling them to capture the city. You'll have the opportunity to squeeze through many of these very narrow passageways - an endearing appreciation for the tenacity and sacrifices of the Vietnamese people. Option to visit the American War Remnants Museum if time permits. Note: approx. 1.5 hours each way from Saigon.

Morning Saigon City Highlights (Duration: 4.5 hours): 
using a variety of urban transportation, we start with a great history lesson at the War Remnants Museum, visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda for insight into spiritual Vietnam, continue to Giac Lam Pagoda - one of the oldest in the city, typical of southern pagodas - and wrap up exploring Chinatown, the old spice district, and the stimulating Binh Tay Market area before the evening foodie adventure.

DAY 10: SAIGON

SAIGON EVENING SCOOTER ADVENTURE

Duration: 3 hours

As the sun sets, immerse yourself in an exhilarating nocturnal foodie extravaganza in Saigon. Embark on a vibrant exploration of the southern capital, weaving through the city's lively streets on a thrilling combination of driving and walking, commencing from the historic district and absorbing the enchanting sights, sounds, and scents of the city's post-work relaxation.

Venture into a culinary odyssey along the street-side, where every bite becomes a delectable adventure - a tantalizing glimpse of Saigon, often hailed as the "Paris of the East." For a perfect finale, ascend to one of Saigon's rooftop bars and witness the city's electrifying energy unfold beneath you.

DAY 11: VIETNAM - SEE YOU AGAIN!

It's time to say goodbye to the vibrant energy and rich culture of Saigon as we depart via Tan Son Nhat airport for our onward flight home. Take one last look at the city's bustling streets and colorful markets before boarding your plane, knowing that you've experienced the best of what Vietnam has to offer. Though the journey may be over, the memories of this incredible trip will last a lifetime.