DAY 1: SAIGON

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVAL WITH FAST TRACK SERVICE

Duration: 35 minutes (airport to city approx. 20-35 minutes)

Upon touchdown at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, friendly Fast Track Service staff will meet you at the airplane's arrival gate. You will be whisked through immigration via the diplomatic lane, have your luggage retrieved and carried, and be escorted to your host waiting for you in the Arrival Hall.

Evening: Dinner for 2 - a concierge-confirmed table at a celebrated heritage-villa restaurant, renowned for refined Vietnamese fine dining in an elegant colonial setting worthy of the most discerning travellers.

DAY 2: SAIGON

CU CHI TUNNELS

Duration: 5 hours

The Cu Chi Tunnels are an incredible 250 km network of clandestine underground passageways 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.

SAIGON'S CHINATOWN AND HISTORICAL DISTRICT

Duration: 4 hours

Today we'll hit the town by three-wheeled cyclo. A vintage and slow-paced way of getting around, we'll head to Cholon, Saigon's Chinatown, where we can roam around the old spice district as well as the colorful and sensory Binh Tay Market. We will also get pedaled to Giac Lam Pagoda, one of the city's oldest Buddhist temples.

The morning ride through markets will no doubt leave us building up an appetite. Lunch will be one of the most classic and ubiquitous of Vietnamese dishes: pho noodle soup. Saigon is considered by many to have the best pho in Vietnam. We'll let you be the judge before enjoying a coffee in the park and continuing our exploration of Saigon's historical district on foot in the afternoon.

Evening: Dinner for 2 - a concierge-confirmed table at an acclaimed French-Indochinese fine-dining address set in a restored historic courtyard, a favourite of connoisseurs of contemporary Vietnamese cuisine.

Day 3: SAIGON & HANOI

DEPARTURE SAIGON, FLY TO HANOI - ARRIVAL WITH FAST TRACK SERVICE

Indulge in a tranquil breakfast experience at your hotel, savoring the moment before your departure. Following check-out, delight in a seamless transition as you are personally escorted to the Tan Son Nhat airport for your onward journey to Ha Noi.

Upon touchdown at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, friendly Fast Track Service staff will meet you right at the airplane's arrival gate. 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 the Hanoi center.

Day 4: HA LONG BAY

LAND TRANSFER HANOI - HA LONG BAY & VIOLET PRIVATE CHARTER DAY 1

(Transfer duration: 3 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.

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 à 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. Overnight on board.

DAY 5: HA LONG

VIOLET PRIVATE CHARTER DAY 2 & SUNG SOT CAVE · KAYAKING · PEARL FARM

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. Although the odds are low, successful outcomes yield beautiful gemstones after several years. 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: HA LONG & HANOI

VIOLET PRIVATE CHARTER DAY 3 & TRANSFER BACK TO HANOI

(Transfer duration: 3 hours)

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 body.

Enjoy the final moments of sailing as we make our way back to the harbor while breakfast is served. Relax on the sun deck or savor the last breathtaking views of this iconic landscape.

Afterward, the cruise will dock, and our host will escort you for your transfer back to Hanoi.

DAY 7: VIETNAM - SEE YOU AGAIN!

Duration: 45 minutes

As your time in the vibrant heart of Vietnam comes to a close, it's time to bid farewell to the enchanting Vietnam. With cherished memories in tow, your departure for the onward flight marks the end of a chapter filled with cultural discoveries, historic wonders, and the warm hospitality that defines Vietnam.