DAY 1: HANOI

ARRIVAL

From the remarkable beauty of Sam Mountain and Halong Bay to the numerous sacred temples and pagodas, Vietnam has a lot to offer - exotic culinary delights, breathtaking scenery, tranquil rice paddies contrasting with bustling cities, the well-preserved colonial buildings of Hoi An, hill-tribe crafts of Sapa, verdant jungles, lush mountains and an enticing coastline of golden, palm-lined beaches.

DAY 2: HANOI

WELCOME TO HANOI

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, whisked through immigration via the diplomatic lane, and escorted to your Hanoi host with a private vehicle ready.

With its wide boulevards, ancient pagodas and tree-lined lakes, Vietnam's capital is also the country's most atmospheric and beguiling city - a genteel mix of French colonialism and Asian grace. Enjoy synchronised t'ai chi at Hoan Kiem Lake, stroll the lively Old Quarter, and don't miss a water puppetry show at the Thang Long Puppet Theatre.

This afternoon (time to be confirmed) head out to explore the hotel's neighbourhood 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. We'll cap off the evening with mouth-watering authentic Vietnamese cuisine at one of the city's excellent restaurants.

DAY 3: HANOI

HANOI INSIDE OUT BY VINTAGE SIDECAR

Duration: 6 hours

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.

We'll start with a vintage sidecar ride through the must-see sights of the Old Quarter, then head to the West Lake area to visit 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.

The sightseeing will be 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 unique drink that originated in Hanoi.

DAY 4: HANOI

HANOI EAT & DRINK

Duration: 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 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 5: HOIAN

HOI AN ARRIVAL & BBQ DINNER ON BAMBOO RAFT

After breakfast, private transfer to the airport for your flight to Danang; on arrival, a 45-minute private drive to your hotel in Hoi An.

Hoi An, on Vietnam's central coast, is enchanting - a once-bustling port town with French, Chinese and Japanese-influenced architecture, canals, bridges and temples, and car-free main streets. From the 16th to 18th centuries it was a thriving international commercial port trading high-grade silk and ceramics. Consider visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200-year-old Tam Ky ancestral house and the Japanese Bridge.

Romantic BBQ dinner on bamboo raft - schedule:
• Pick up at the hotel, private van to Cua Dai
• Basket boat ride on the river, hidden floating bar, sunset scenery
• BBQ dinner served on a private bamboo raft (if it rains, dinner is served in a bamboo house on the paddy field)
• Back to your hotel

DAY 6: HOIAN

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 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: SAIGON

SAIGON ARRIVAL & SAIGON EVENING SCOOTER ADVENTURE

After breakfast, private transfer (approx. 45 minutes) to Danang International Airport for your flight to Saigon.

Ho Chi Minh City, better known by its former name Saigon, is a brazen, industrious and dense metropolis - the largest city in Vietnam and the business capital of the country: crowded, noisy, exciting and historic, the essence of the nation.

As the sun sets, enjoy an evening scooter adventure, chauffeured by professionals, whizzing 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 8: SAIGON

BRACE YOURSELF FOR SAIGON - CU CHI TUNNELS

Today you have a full day to explore Saigon, starting at the Cu Chi Tunnels where the Vietcong dug 250 kilometers of underground passageways from the Cambodian border towards Saigon, eventually capturing the city. It's astounding to see what they constructed, and you'll have the opportunity to squeeze through some of these very narrow tunnels. This visit builds an appreciation for the tenacity and sacrifices of the Vietnamese people.

Depending on the time we reach the city, we'll check out one of the worthwhile museums located in and around the old quarter.

DAY 9: SAIGON

SAIGON'S CHINATOWN AND HISTORICAL DISTRICT

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, roaming the old spice district and the colorful, sensory Binh Tay Market, and get pedaled to Giac Lam Pagoda, one of the city's oldest Buddhist temples.

Lunch will be one of the most classic 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.

DAY 10: MEKONG

BOARD THE AQUA MEKONG

After a leisurely breakfast, spend the morning at leisure. Late morning/midday (time TBC) you will be collected and transferred to The Reverie Saigon Hotel to meet the other Aqua Mekong guests (light lunch at Café Cardinal, 6th floor, 12.30-1pm). The shared transfer departs at 1.30pm for My Tho port (around 2 hours' drive), embarking Aqua Mekong at 3.30pm for your four-day cruise down the Mekong to Siem Reap.

You will be welcomed aboard the Aqua Mekong. Settle into your floating retreat, with its window wall unveiling an endlessly captivating panorama - enjoy these private Mekong moments on your California King bed, terrace or daybed.