ARRIVE HANOI

On arrival in Hanoi, clear Customs and Immigration, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

HANOI

Begin your day visiting the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minh's final resting place, as well as a museum and other memorials. Continue through the park to Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days in 1969. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Continue to the miniature One Pillar Pagoda. Dating from the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954.

Visit the Temple Of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and one of the best serving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university.

Continue to one of Hanoi's famous museums, the Museum Of Ethnology, which brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art and artifacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Inside the museum are detailed descriptions of minority groups, with examples of their traditional clothing and way of life. Outside are faithful reconstructions of traditional longhouses, cemeteries and other distinctive ethnic buildings.

This afternoon, visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, located in heart of Hanoi, which contains an islet with the tiny Tortoise Pagoda. En route, pass other colonial landmarks such as the magnificent Opera House (seen from the outside only) and St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

Today transfer from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island in Halong Bay. You are welcomed on board a traditionally designed Paradise Cruise ship to explore Halong Bay. Set sail and view the picturesque Ba Hang floating village while a Vietnamese lunch is served. Visit Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), the most famous grotto in Halong Bay. Return to the ship to continue exploring. Rest your eyes on the azure waters of this magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragon's teeth.

Later this afternoon there will be options for kayaking. Join the chef for a cooking demonstration to learn about Vietnamese cuisine.

In the evening, experience a unique dinner in Tien Ong cave.

HALONG / HANOI / HUE

Continue your cruise aboard the Paradise Cruise ship through Halong Bay. Start the day early with a Tai Chi class on the top deck with an opportunity to admire the magnificent scenery during sunrise over the sea. Visit the charming lagoon of Luon Cave by traditional bamboo rowboat. Enjoy a buffet brunch on board before arrival to the dock.

After you disembark, transfer from Halong to Noi Bai Airport for your flight from Hanoi to Hue. On arrival in Hue you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

HUE

Sightseeing today includes an excursion to The Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda and Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang with a boat trip. In the morning visit The Imperial Citadel in the heart of Hue; a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to the bombing during the Vietnam-American War. The monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty.

You will approach the citadel past the striking Flag Tower, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds. Visit Dien Tho Residence or Dien Tho Palace where the Queen mother lived. Visit Thai Hoa Palace, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the Halls of The Mandarins, and the original Nine Dynastic Urns, among other sites.

Continue sightseeing with a leisurely boat ride down the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower which has become Hue's most widely recognizable monument. Cruising into the countryside you see the Imperial Tomb of Minh Mang before transferring back to your hotel.

HUE / DANANG

Transfer from Hue to Danang. On departing Hue you will journey over scenic mountainous roads with spectacular views of the coastline. Halfway between Danang and Hue lies the dramatic Hai Van Pass, the high dividing line between the climate zones of north and south Vietnam. Continue southwards past Lang Co, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the South China Sea.

After arriving in Danang, tour the Cham Museum, an elegant colonial building which now houses the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world. Briefly pass Non Nuoc Beach, a famous spot for American soldiers during the Vietnam-American War. Visit the Marble Mountains, five stone hillocks, once islands, that now rise sharply from the surrounding rice fields. Riddled with caves and shrines, they are said to each represent one of the five elements of the universe.

DANANG / HOI AN / DANANG

Depart Danang this morning to visit Hoi An, a picturesque riverside town south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early western traders, it was one of South East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Now, this beautifully preserved historic city is best seen on foot. The walking tour includes the Japanese Covered Bridge Pagoda. The first bridge on this site was constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. The bridge was provided with a roof so it could be used as a shelter from rain and sun.

The Sa Huynh Museum is located near the Japanese Covered Bridge and contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An's history. The Tran Family Chapel, a house for worshipping ancestors, was built about 200 years ago with donations from family members. The Tran family traces its origins to China and moved to Vietnam around 1700. The architecture of the building reflects the influence of Chinese and Japanese styles.

Phuoc Kein Assembly Hall is a Chinese pagoda built around 1690 and then restored and enlarged in 1900. It is typical of the Chinese clans that were established in the Hoi An area. The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau - Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen. Visit one of the lantern workshops in Hoi An to observe the local workers fitting silk cloth over the pre-made lantern framework.

This afternoon you will have a cooking Class at the Red Bridge Restaurant with a visit to the market. Start with a drink at the Hai Scout Cafe and then proceed to the Hoi An Market to purchase ingredients for cooking, chatting with the local vendors and experiencing the sights, smells, and action in this colorful market. Participants then enjoy a leisurely twenty-minute boat cruise up the Thu Bon River, weather permitting, to reach the Red Bridge Restaurant and Cooking School. Prepare five traditional dishes to enjoy for dinner. There is also a demonstration of fruit and vegetable garnish carving.

HOI AN / DANANG / HO CHI MINH CITY

Today you will transfer to the Danang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). On arrival you will be met and transferred for your excursion to Cu Chi Tunnel. Never discovered by American forces, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the Vietnam-American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Today, you can walk through the area and learn about the day-to-day life of the Viet Cong, see the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists.

Transfer to farms near Cu Chi, to meet with the Chairman of the Cu Chi Farmers' Association. Afterwards, continue for field visits to various farms, including an orchid farm, an eggplant or bamboo farm and a traditional family rice field, with time for a discussion at each destination.

HO CHI MINH

Today you will have sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh and Cholon or Chinatown. A vibrant metropolis, the city teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the meeting of traditional and modern life.

Begin exploring this exciting city with a tour of the historic center, strolling along Dong Khoi Street, formerly known as the Rue Catinat. It is the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville) and the old Opera House (viewed only from the outside now). Pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

Next, dive into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60’s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the actual tanks remain on display near the entrance gates.

Continue to the harrowing War Remnants Museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam-American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. Afterwards drive to the historic center to visit Emperor of Jade Pagoda, one of Saigon's most interesting pagodas.

In the afternoon, head out to Cholon or Chinatown. Explore the highlights of this fascinating area, beginning with a walking tour through streets dedicated to various merchandise; garment district, cloth wholesale market; traditional medicines, etc. Visit Cha Tam Church, built around the turn of the 19th century and continue to Thien Hau Pagoda, built by the Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess of the sea. End your day of touring at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste.

This evening transfer to pier for a dinner cruise aboard the Bonsai River Cruise. Cruise aboard a traditional wooden barge along the Saigon River. Dine on an extensive selection of Asian and Western cuisine, enjoy a mix of live western jazz, classical and traditional Vietnamese music as well as a dance performance. Following the dinner cruise you will have a transfer from the pier to your hotel.

HO CHI MINH CITY

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or on to you next destination.