DAY 1: SAIGON - ARRIVAL & EXPLORATIONS

Duration: 4 hours

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon touchdown at Saigon's Tan Son Nhat 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 private Saigon host waiting for you in the arrivals hall. A transfer vehicle will be ready to take you to your hotel.

Today, we will hit the town of District 1 of Saigon. Your host will discuss with you on spot based on your interest of where to explore today.

Time: Flexible - Guide and Driver at your disposal into the evening
Meals: Lunch and Dinner (On your own accounts)

DAY 2: THE HEARTBEAT OF SAIGON

Duration: Full day (flexible)

HCMC (Saigon) is an eclectic mix of old and new architecture, history and culture. It is an energetic and exciting city with pockets of calm to escape the hustle and bustle of the main streets whenever needed. Feel the heartbeat of Vietnamese life in this amazing city whilst hanging out with your host. Everything happens over coffee in Vietnam, so let’s begin there and decide where to go before diving into exploring the alleyways, parks, markets and historical highlights.

We recommend:
• Cao Dai Temple
• Bunker Cafes
• Must try: Pho Hung
• Chinatown District

DAY 3: FLY TO HANOI

WELCOME TO HANOI

Duration: 3.5 hours

Welcome to Northern Vietnam and to the country's capital city! 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, have your luggage handled, and make your way to the Arrival Hall where your friendly Hanoi host will be waiting for you. A private vehicle will be ready to take you to your hotel.

This afternoon, we'll head out to explore the hotel's neighborhood and step into vintage Hanoi with a little historical overview, a traditional Vietnamese coffee, and a glimpse of Hanoians at work, rest, and play around the city's largest natural landmark. There is no better place to get oriented. We'll cap off the evening with some mouth-watering authentic Vietnamese cuisine at one of the city's excellent restaurants. After dinner, join your host for a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, joining the locals for an evening out. We are fortunate that it's the weekend, as the area transforms into a walking street and night market.

DAY 4: HANOI INSIDE OUT BY VINTAGE SIDECAR

Duration: 6 hours (time is flexible)

Hanoi has been the Vietnamese capital since 1010 A.D., so there are endless stories to be told from within the city's bustling alleyways and diverse quarters. Today, we'll delve deep into Hanoi as we immerse ourselves in these tales.

Let's explore Hanoi in style today, using multiple modes of transportation. We'll start with a vintage sidecar ride, drifting through the must-see sights of the Old Quarter. Then, we'll head to the West Lake area to visit some beautiful gardens and some of Vietnam's oldest Buddhist monasteries. We suggest visiting the Temple of Literature, strolling along the Parisian boulevards of the French Quarter, and, if you're up for it, exploring Ho Chi Minh's Museum complex and the historic Ba Dinh Square. You can even discover the train village where locals live right next to the in-use railway and the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton by the POWs during the Vietnam War.

The sightseeing will be complemented by two essential Vietnamese experiences: slurping on a bowl of noodle soup (phở) and sipping traditional Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá), or even trying egg coffee (cà phê trứng) - a unique and delicious drink that originated in Hanoi.

Inclusions: English speaking host, transportation and logistics, plenty of snacks and soft drinks
Meal: Lunch

PRIVATE WATER PUPPETS

Water puppetry is uniquely Vietnamese but has recently been limited to large theaters. However, there's a local family of skilled artisans who've honed the craft for three generations. They've transformed a house floor into a mini theater where we can witness a private 30-minute puppet performance. It's an authentic and memorable way to support local artists preserving this traditional art. This family, with three generations of expertise, even has a water puppet showcased at the Louvre Museum.

Join us for a private 30-minute puppet performance, followed by a hands-on experience of puppet manipulation and an exploration of the intricate craftsmanship rarely seen in larger venues. Enjoy the intimate ambiance of their home while savoring warm tea and conversing with our friendly hosts. To reach the artist's residence, you'll stroll through narrow alleyways, delving into the authentic daily life of a Hanoian.

DAY 5: HANOI TO HA LONG BAY

EMPEROR CRUISE DAY 1

Transfer 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 Junk ship. (Optional en route: Bat Trang Ceramic Village - museum, teapot workshop & kiln visit, ceramic market - with a separate host and transfer, rejoining the group at the pier.)

First day on this boat, which was built following the traditional style of the junk boat with the influence of the last royal kingdom of Vietnam, the Nguyen dynasty. Once you settle into your room, have lunch prepared by the head chef while we slowly cruise further out into the bay, navigating the maze of karst islands and islets. Enjoy every moment with spectacular views from any corner of the boat, best enjoyed from the rooftop sundeck.

Our first stop will be Thien Can Son cave, one of the most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay. You will leave the boat for a short walk up to the island via the sandy beach to explore this natural wonder. Return to the boat to move further to the Cong Do area, where we will anchor for the night. Once the boat is anchored, join our chef for a Vietnamese food cooking demonstration and enjoy a sunset happy hour on deck before sitting down for dinner.

Your day unfolds with the fun activity of night squid fishing. Sleep well.

DAY 6: EMPEROR CRUISE DAY 2

For early birds, go up to the sundeck and try a Vovinam exercise (Traditional Vietnamese martial art). Tea and coffee will be ready afterward as you enjoy the spectacular scenery of the New7Wonders of Nature.

After a panoramic breakfast at Can Chanh Palace Restaurant, get ready to venture further into the bay, even to some of the less-traveled areas of Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, with our day activities of kayaking or even swimming in the South China Sea.

Our kayaking destination today is Thay Cave, a spectacular site with significant historical and archaeological value related to Ha Long Culture from 10,000 years ago. Here, you will find proof and artifacts of an ancient civilization.

Another special experience here is to get on a bamboo boat and slowly move between all the floating houses to understand how the locals live in one of the many floating villages. Spend the afternoon enjoying a massage service on board or join a special display of art and history featuring Pham Luc's paintings or Emperor Bao Dai's palaces, which inspired Emperor Cruise.

After dinner, if you are ready, gear up again and put your skills to the test with night squid fishing.

DAY 7: EMPEROR CRUISE DAY 3 & FLY TO DA NANG, TRANSFER TO HOI AN

The beauty of spending the night on the junk in Ha Long Bay is the changeable view. It's never the same, whether from your bedroom window or the sundeck; every corner will be different every time. This morning, why not join us for a Vovinam exercise (Traditional Vietnamese martial art) in the sunshine on the sundeck?

After breakfast on the boat, let's visit the Ha Long Pearl Museum, a floating house out in the bay, to understand how pearls are cultivated here.

Return to the junk and make your way back to shore for the drive to Noi Bai Airport to catch the flight from Hanoi to Da Nang, and then on to our next destination, Hoi An.

Welcome to Central Vietnam! A lovely, culturally-endowed town, Hoi An is one of the most picturesque places in Vietnam. We can't wait to show you its many charms!

DAY 8: EVERYTHING HOI AN

Duration: 6 hours

Hoi An is one of Vietnam's most elegant and historic towns. A major maritime trading center for centuries, Hoi An hosts beautifully preserved and diverse architecture, delicious food, and lots of opportunities for exploration. Today, we will bask in a little bit of everything Hoi An has to offer.

For early risers, a visit to the fish and central markets is like going back in time when life in Hoi An centerd around these markets. Watch locals preparing for their day, then set out on a walking exploration of interesting nooks and crannies. Next, hop on a bike and head further afield to the countryside where, after enjoying the Vietnamese rural scenery along the way, we’ll stop at the village of Go Noi. Here we’ll get an insight into the life of farming communities (growing incredible organic vegetables), receive a cooking demonstration and dig into a local gourmet feast.

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

Note: We will be biking 10-20 kilometers on flat, paved countryside roads.

DAY 9: THE CENTRAL'S PEARL - A THRILLING ADVENTURE THROUGH STORIES OF DANANG

Duration: 5 hours

This morning, we will drive along the scenic coastal road of China Beach, heading towards the unique Dragon Bridge-the only one of its kind in the world! This bridge is a famous weekend attraction for local residents, especially at night when the dragon comes to life. Our journey then continues to Tho Quang fishing village, where the local vibe blends perfectly with modernity. Take a short stroll along the beach and watch skillful fishermen prepare for their day. If you're up for it, hop on a basket boat and learn how to navigate the waves like a true local.

After some ocean fun, delve deeper into history and myths with a visit to Linh Ung Pagoda. Known as one of the most sacred shrines in Danang, this place has been a valuable spiritual support for the local community for generations. Wrapping up the morning, we will switch to a vintage jeep, taking in all the fresh breezes on the way to the peak of Danang city. Later in the day, enjoy a short scenic ride back to the city center for exciting foodie adventures on scooters.

This afternoon is designed as a great day that focuses on two of our favourite things about Vietnam: scooters and food. Don’t worry, you don’t’ have to drive; relax from the pillion position while our expert chauffeurs take you through this cool town. Hop on and off as you savor some special noodle dishes, rice pancakes, do-it-yourself fresh rolls, crispy shrimp dumplings, banh mi sandwiches, and more. Seated on tiny chairs along the side of the road (quintessential Vietnam!) and cruising through the town’s back streets, we’ll show you what a day of eating and driving like a local looks like.

Notes
The motorbikes are normal motorbikes to provide maximum safety, flexibility and tailored experiences. The experienced drivers are English speaking students majoring in English/Tourism in college & university, hoping to become guides and guests are contributing to the future of tourism which we are passionate about and stand behind.

DAY 10: PRIVATE COOKING CLASS WITH A CELEBRATED LOCAL CHEF

Duration: 2 hours

Today, partake in a Vietnamese Culinary Class led by a celebrated local chef. His journey began as a dishwasher at a 4-star resort, but he swiftly ascended, honing his expertise at distinguished establishments, culinary schools, and luxury five-star beachfront venues. Today's session is all about full engagement, education, culinary craftsmanship, and, naturally, relishing iconic central Vietnamese fare.

Morning brings a market excursion, illuminating the selection and composition of ingredients vital to the delectable local delicacies you've savored. Subsequently, we'll transition to the kitchen, delving into the intricacies of preparing revered central Vietnamese dishes. Your hard work culminates in a gratifying reward - lunch! Indulge in the fruits of your culinary labor.

VESPA THROUGH HOI AN AND DINNER ON BAMBOO RAFT - WOW MOMENTS

Duration: 5.5 hours

As the sun bathes this town in gold, a squad of vespas will be in position when you step out of Four Season, ready to take you gliding through the beautiful countryside of Hoian. Hop on the unique perspective of our vespa, the perfect vantage point from which to immerse yourself in the real Indochina. Stop wherever and whenever for the perfect photo op. Then, head to the Co Co River and experience the unique mode of transportation of Central Vietnam by rowing a coracle fishing boat (also known as basket boats). You'll be surprised by how tricky this little bamboo boat can be to maneuver, but don't worry, our local friends will show you how it's done before you get on the bamboo raft, where you'll have your BBQ dinner while exploring the magnificent scenery of the countryside and the vast water coconut forest along the Hoi An River.

Meal: BBQ dinner

DAY 11: DEPARTURE FROM VIETNAM

Time to say goodbye to Hoi An! You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Da Nang airport for your onward flight. Upon arrival at the terminal, airport representatives will be on hand to expedite you through check in and security processes before escorting you to the boarding gate.

Note: The drive from Hoi An to Da Nang International Airport is around one hour.