16 Days - VIETNAM LUXURY ESCAPADES

DAY 01: HANOI ARRIVAL  [ D ]
On arrival at Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport your guide will greet and transfer you by private car through the city to your hotel. Note: normal check in time for hotels is 1400 and schedule of this day will be adapted to your international flight arrival time. Vietnam’s quaint capital is a city of wide tree lined boulevards with tranquil lakes and colonial villa’s and a more sedate pace than other Asian cities. Hanoi offers something for everyone and will leave you wishing that you had longer to explore this enthralling capital. This afternoon wind down and indulge in the city's best spa followed by a Vietnamese dinner with a French touch in one of Hanoi's most charming restaurants, housed in a beautiful villa. Overnight at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel in Hanoi.

DAY 02: HANOI  [ B , D ]
After breakfast depart for an insider’s tour of the capital. Start with an insider’s tour of the Long Bien Bridge (originally name Doumer Bridge), which was built in 1902 by Sir Gustave Eiffel with specialist guide Douglas Jardine. Born in Connecticut in the United States, Historian Douglas Jardine has lived in Hanoi for 4-years and is a Professor of History at Hanoi University. He is endlessly fascinated with the beauty of Hanoi where he spends time researching history, art, architecture as well as social studies. Take a walking tour of this fascinating structure to learn more on how this bridge helped shape Hanoi’s future. The afternoon is dedicated to the discovery of the Old Quarter of Hanoi on foot but you will also take a tour by cyclo, a chauffeur-pedalled tricycle through the area formerly known as the '36 streets'. It is here in this area that lies the soul of the city, one the most ancient capitals of Southeast Asia. A mixture of village and old way of life amidst a modern and growing city offer amazing contrasts. For sunset continue to West Lake and one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in Hanoi, Tran Quoc, and the nearby Taoist temple of Quan Thanh which dates from the Ly Dynasty. The romantic Than Nhien causeway where the pagoda and temple are situated makes an excellent backdrop for photographs. Dine tonight at one of Hanoi's best tables. Overnight at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel in Hanoi.

DAY 03: HANOI – HALONG BAY  [ B , L , D ]
After breakfast leave Hanoi for an overnight boat trip on Halong Bay. Journey there through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta, observe everyday life of Vietnamese villagers as they work the rice fields, take pigs to the market on bicycles and plough the fields with their water buffaloes. Arrive in Halong City late morning and board your traditional, private wooden junk for the overnight journey into the Bay. En-route lunch will be served. Following cruise by rock formations with such names as Sail, Dog and Dinh Huong (incense pot). Towards the end of the day set anchor for the night. As the sun sets over the bay dinner is served on board with fresh seafood, salads, and fruits. Overnight on Indochina  Sails Junk in Halong Bay.

DAY 4: HALONG BAY – DANANG – HOI AN  [ B , L ]
On your return to Halong City enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations. Upon disembarkation your driver will meet you for the transfer to Noi Bai Airport for the flight to Danang. En route visit Thanh Chuong Palace, the home and studio of Thanh Chuong who is one of the most celebrated painters in Vietnam today is an architectural gem showcasing Vietnamese traditional cultural objects and structures. A living space rather than a museum which showcases Vietnamese archaeology, art, history and other culture values. Have lunch here before exploring the monuments at this fascinating museum. Flight to Danang and transfer to Hoi An. Overnight at The Nam Hai Luxury Resort in Hoi An.

DAY 05: HOI AN  [ B , L ]
After your breakfast it's time to discover Hoi An. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the centre of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday. A walking tour is the best way to see this marvelous town. Lunch at one of Hoi An’s best restaurants which serves original and creative cuisine that can only be described as Vietnam-Latin American-Japanese fusion. With a combination of refreshing flavours, beautiful presentations and a relaxing atmosphere this eatery has one the heart of many loyal and happy customers. This afternoon free to relax with car and guide at disposal. Browse for souvenirs in Hoi An's art galleries and silk shops, or maybe cycle to the nearby Cua Dai Beach (on own account). Overnight at The Nam Hai Luxury Resort in Hoi An.

DAY 06: HOI AN  [ B , L ]
Today spend time with a local farming family to learn about their daily lifestyle and to discover the flavors of fresh Vietnamese cuisine. Bike along shady lanes to the village of Tra Que and join the farmers as they work on their vegetable garden. Join in at making tam huu, a local delicacy, at the end of today’s excursion. From the hotel ride a bicycle to a local farm in Tra Que Village. Take a trip around the vegetable garden and join the farmers in preparing the land and fertilising it with seaweed. Continue gardening activities such as raking, sowing, watering greens, picking greens etc. After farming activities you will be shown how to prepare tam huu, a local delicacy before sitting down for a home cooked meal including bang xeo, a speciality savoury pancake wrapped in rice paper. before the ride back to Hoi An. Afternoon free at leisure. Overnight at The Nam Hai Luxury Resort in Hoi An.

DAY 07: HOI AN – NINH VAN BAY  [ B ]
It's time to hit the beach. Take a short flight to Vietnam's beach capital Nha Trang which has every single activity that a sun worshipper may want (airport – resort transfer will be by hotel guide). Besides the pre-requisite golden stretches of land and crystal clear waters, the coast is dotted with many islands each with their own distinct character. The turquoise waters play host to a variety of marine life, and snorkeling and scuba diving are perennial favorites. Check into the exclusive and outstanding Six Senses Hideaway Ninh Van Bay (your resort can only be reached by sea) and your private pool villa which will be your home for the next 3 nights. A private butler is assigned to every villa to arrange all your wishes. Overnight at Anlam Ninh Van Villas in Ninh Van Bay.

DAY 08 & 09: NINH VAN BAY [ B ]
The next two days are free at leisure. True to the Six Senses Resorts & Spas philosophy, the Hideaway creates wonderfully innovative and enriching experiences in a sustainable environment. It occupies a unique site near to Nha Trang on Ninh Van Bay accessible only by boat. The impressive rock formations, coral reef and sandy beach give the sense of being luxuriously at one with nature. The architectural style reflects the traditions of Vietnam and the 53 pool villas provide generous personal space and an uncompromised standard of luxury. The resort's restaurant features the best of East meets West fusion cuisine. The Six Senses Spa, nestling among rocks beside a gently cascading stream, has an international team of therapists on hand providing signature treatments together with individual rejuvenation specialties of the region. Anlam Ninh Van Villas in Ninh Van Bay.

DAY 10: NHA TRANG – HO CHI MINH CITY  [ B , L ]
Depart for Nha Trang Airport after breakfast for the short flight to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals. Take an orientation tour of the city in a classic Citroen car which will include a visit to the former Presidential Palace, the War Remnants Museum and the Old Saigon Post Office. For lunch try some traditional Saigon fare. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to discover Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. Overnight at Park Hyatt Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 11: HO CHI MINH CITY – MEKONG DELTA [ B , L , D ]
The Cuu Long region, which translates as 'Nine Dragons', otherwise known as the Mekong Delta is a great place to discover Vietnam. Amazing waterways hidden amongst vibrant tropical fruit gardens, bustling floating markets that offer a cornucopia of items and acres of emerald rice fields are what make this region so unforgettable. The private Song Xanh is designed as a traditional sampan and its small size allows you to discover the smaller canals, rivers and tributaries of this region. Cruise Cai Be's and Cai Rang's colourful floating markets; visit Sadec, the Mekong town made famous from Marguerite Duras' novel 'The Lover', enjoy an unforgettable dinner in a 19th century house and the sights of sounds of this fascinating region. After breakfast, depart for the Mekong Delta. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind as you travel through Vietnam’s picturesque countryside with its rice paddies and rural villages. Upon arrival in the Delta board the private ‘Song Xanh’, modeled after a traditional sampan. The boat’s small size allows you to discover the smaller canals and tributaries of this region. Your visit includes the home of Mr. Huyen Thuy Le, a character from the novel ‘The Lover’ by Marguerite Duras as well as Thien Hau Pagoda. Return to the boat for lunch. Continue to Can Tho stopping en-route at a Cao Dai Temple. Cao Daism is indigenous to South Vietnam and the colorful and unusual murals that cover the temple’s interior will blind you with their brilliance. Before sunset, the last stop is at a splendid 19th century house where an unforgettable candlelight dinner will be served. After dinner, proceed for one hour to Can Tho where your sampan will be moor for the night. Overnight aboard the Mekong Song Xanh Private Junk/Boat.

DAY 12: MEKONG DELTA – CAN THO – PHU QUOC  [ B ]
Crossing the Mekong on the way to Cai Be Floating Market, take in traditional sights such as rice barges, wooden ship building yards and even fruit drying along the Mekong's banks. After visiting the colourful floating market transfer to Can Tho Airport for the flight to the island of Phu Quoc. On arrival at the islands sleepy airport transfer to La Veranda Resort. Many properties in Asia claim to be 'boutique', but few fit the bill so perfectly as La Veranda. The resort features sumptuous villas, a wonderfully indulgent spa and a pristine sandy beach. The rest of your day is at leisure to kick back or enjoy the resorts facilities as you please. Overnight at Verande Resort on Phu Quoc.

DAY 13 TO 15: PHU QUOC ISLAND [ B ]
Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is one of Asia's least developed beach destinations. The island's clear waters, undiscovered beaches, forested interior and charming local character make for an ideal holiday escape. Spend the next three nights in Phu Quoc enjoying the perfectly laid backed surroundings. Recommended touring options (on own account) are diving and snorkelling trips to the outer laying reefs and visits to the islands infamous fish sauce factories and if you desire, a trekking to discover the islands interior consisting of pristine rainforest. Overnight at Verande Resort on Phu Quoc.

DAY 16: PHU QUOC ISLAND – HO CHI MINH CITY DEPARTURE [ B ]
Today is departure day. Enjoy some free time before the short flight back to Ho Chi Minh City and your onward departure from Vietnam. If time allows it is possible to transfer back into Ho Chi Minh City for last purchases or simply relax at the airport before your onward flight.

THE PRICE INCLUDES:
- Accommodation in twin/double room at selected hotels
- Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
- English-speaking guide (for other languages a supplement applies)
- Tours and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles as mentioned
- Boat trips as mentioned
- Domestic flight Hanoi – Danang;  Danang – Nha Trang;  Nha Trang – Saigon;  Can Tho – Phu Quoc;  Phu Quoc – Saigon
- Entrance fees for mentioned visits

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals other than mentioned in the itinerary
- Camera/video entrance fees
- Early check in fees
- International flight tickets
- Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
- Visa stamping fee for Vietnam (ca. 40 USD)
- Travel and medical insurance
- Anything not mentioned under The Price Includes

All prices quoted are per person and refer to a shared double or twin occupancy. Peak season surcharges and/or compulsory meals may apply during Christmas and New Year periods. Changes to the itinerary may also need to be arranged during these times.

Travel guides in other languages other than English are available for a supplement, please only ask for a quote to one of our Travel Advisors. At the moment of raising a travel request with one of our Travel Advisors, this itinerary may be subject to small adaptations due to the impossibility to perform specific activities on specific days or other (such as museum visits on closing days, bank holidays, religious festivals, etc.). If this is applicable, the revised itinerary and rates will be clearly communicated in the travel proposal that you will receive once you have raised the travel request. If you wish to find out more about the policies that apply to reservations, payments, cancellations and other, please read our General Terms and Conditions.