Your Itinerary
Fly to Saigon, Vietnam's largest and most evocative city. The rest of the day is yours to relax, refresh or begin your explorations. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
See the sights of the city the morning, admiring the colonial architecture of the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, visiting the fascinating Reunification Palace, and viewing the exhibits of the War Remnants Museum. Later, discover the reality of guerrilla warfare at the Cu Chi Tunnels, which were central to the Viet Cong's military operations, including the Tet Offensive. For a truly authentic insight into the war, meet a Vietnamese veteran and hear his story.
Day 3: Discover the Mekong Delta
Travel to the Mekong Delta, taking to the canals and palm-lined waterways by boat, to admire its verdant and bountiful beauty and catch a glimpse of daily life. Return to Saigon, stopping en route at a chocolate factory, where you’ll learn about the bean to bar production process.
Transfer to the airport and board a flight to Danang. On arrival, transfer to the charming Hoi An, where the rest of the afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish.
Head out on a walking tour of Hoi An, a wonderfully atmospheric, laidback and traditional city, wandering the cobbled streets of the old town to spot hidden temples, historic merchant houses and to visit the famous Japanese Bridge. At Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, a special experience awaits in the form of personalised blessings presented in symbolic red envelopes.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Hanoi, Vietnam's capital city. On arrival, visiting the fascinating Museum of Ethnology before hopping into cyclos for a ride through the streets of the city's vibrant Old Quarter.
Head out on foot to explore Hanoi's rich history and culture. Starting at the 11th-century northern gate, the entry point of the imperial citadel of Thang Long, continue to Cua Bac Church and along Phan Dinh Phung, considered Hanoi's most beautiful street. Pause to discover Quan Thang Temple, walk along the West Lake and browse the stalls of Chau Long market. Later, meet with a local master for a workshop with traditional zo paper, using brush pens and ink stones to learn the art of calligraphy. Pay a visit to a Yen Thai community.
Travel to Halong Bay and board your river cruise vessel, enjoying lunch before setting sail into the beauty of this UNESCO-listed bay. This evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail on deck surrounded by spectacular scenery, anchoring in a sheltered bay.
Day 9: Explore Halong Bay
Spend the morning sailing on turquoise waters among limestone islands and rock formations. Stop at Viet Hai Village, boarding an electric buggy to explore the vegetable gardens and typical rural houses. Back on the water, cruise towards Lan Ha Bay to visit a floating fishing house then, if the weather is good, sip a cocktail on a beautiful beach.
Take to the waters yourself in a kayak or board a local basket boat rowed by a fisherman to visit 'Dark and Bright Cave', entering it by water to admire the massive stalagmites hanging for the ceiling. This afternoon, bid farewell to Halong Bay and enter the Kinh Thay River, dropping anchor near Hai Phong.
Observe life on the Kinh Thay River, a key commercial waterway, as you cruise. This afternoon, visit the Thanh Ha Commune, the place considered to be the birthplace of Vietnam's famous water puppets. Take a stroll through the village before settling under a shady tree by a pond full of lotus and lilies to enjoy a private water puppet show.
Sail along the Lower Red and Day rivers this morning. Get better acquainted with your cruise vessel with a ship tour before lunch onboard. Head ashore to explore Co Chat silk village, where you can meet local craftspeople and watch them make silk by hand and visit the local markets to browse the wares.
Sail towards Ninh Binh, mooring at Khanh Thien Village. Disembarking to visit Phat Diem and its cathedral which blends Vietnamese and European architectural styles. Explore Khanh Thien Village and discover some lovely local handicrafts, like water hyacinth weaving, rice paper and cakes. This evening, enjoy a performance of 'Chau Van' singing by the local, an ancient artform of the area.
Experience 'Halong Bay on Land' at Ninh Binh, boarding small bamboo rowing boats to pass through a river landscapes of lush paddy fields, limestone peaks and caves. Return to the ship and sail upstream on the Red River, towards Hanoi.
Arrive back in Hanoi and experience the city from a different angle. Tour what remains of the notorious 'Hanoi Hilton' prison before soaking up the tranquillity of the Temple of Literature and learning at the life of revolutionary leader and president Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum. Then walk through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, stopping to enjoy the delights of a Vietnamese delicacy, egg coffee, seeing how it is made and how good it tastes. Return to the ship for a relaxed evening and dinner.
Day 16: Bat Trang Village
Visit Bat Trang ceramic village which has produced ceramics famous throughout Vietnam for generations. Returning to the ship, a local dance troupe will perform a lion dance on the pier. Set sail for the upper reaches of the Red River, a less explored area, stopping at a village dedicated to the production of 'non la', Vietnam's famous conical hat. Then, stop at the lakeside 11th-century Thay Pagoda to explore its exquisite temples and the surrounding village.
Disembark at the UNESCO-recognised Duang Lam, a beautifully preserved example of a traditional Vietnamese village, to admire the intricate architecture and fascinating culture. This afternoon, visit the smithing village of Ly Nhan to see traditional production methods. Sail upstream while enjoying a farewell dinner this evening.
Bid farewell to your river cruise vessel and begin the journey back to Hanoi. En route, visit Hung Lo Temple where you can enjoy a performance of traditional folk music and a stroll through this traditional town. Sit down for lunch at a local restaurant. This evening in Hanoi is at leisure.
Days 19-20: Fly from Hanoi to Australia
Transfer to the airport and fly home to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
