Itinerary

Day 1 Hanoi

Hanoi is nestled on the banks of the Red River, it is a beautiful city that retains an air of French colonial elegance with pretty yellow stucco buildings lining leafy streets. Hanoi is also a city of lakes, which adds to its air of sleepy grace. In the middle of the city lies the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake with the 18th-century Ngoc Son Temple sitting on an island in its center. To the north of Hoan Kiem Lake is the Old Quarter, a fascinating maze of small antiquated streets lined with markets and pavement restaurants and cafes. Also worth a visit, the former Ville Française was the old French administrative center and is characterized by enormous colonial-era châteaux and wide spacious boulevards. It also houses Hanoi’s most popular attraction, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

You will be met and transferred between the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle with an English speaking driver.

Almost unique amongst Asian capital cities, Hanoi's French quarter is now fully recognized as an important part of Vietnam's heritage. Yet much of the history behind it still remains a mystery to most. Today, you will take a tour exploring the French Quarter through the ideas of its architects and the shape of its stones. It sets about unraveling all threads of civilization, which have left their mark on the area, beginning with recent reminders in a Soviet style. Discover a different world altogether as will visit the Buddhist pagoda of Quan Su, the centre of Vietnamese Buddhism and Tran Hung Dao streets. Learn about the French approach to justice and punishment and hear tales of daring Vietnamese resistance to the repressive regime. Finish your walking tour with a nice cup of Vietnamese coffee.

The exquisite Metropole in Hanoi, which was built by the French in the colonial style in the early 1900s, combines old-world charm with modern convenience. With its rich history and evocative public spaces, it is easy to imagine the days when Graham Greene propped up the bar and intrigue radiated from every room. Located in the heart of downtown, the hotel features 363 rooms and suites and a beautiful interior garden. Le Beaulieu serves fine French cuisine while Hanoi specialties are served at the Spices Garden. A swimming pool and fitness center are available and the beautiful city of Hanoi is just at the doorstep, ready for you to explore its sights and sounds.

Overnight at Sofitel Legend Metropole.

Day 2 Hanoi

Visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh and his former residence, One pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. After lunch, continue your city tour to one of Hanoi's many museums: Fine Art, History, Revolutionary, War, Ethnology (of your choosing), then head to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Experience a one hour cyclo ride. Finish your day off at the Thang Long Opera Theatre for a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show.

Overnight at Sofitel Legend Metropole.

Day 3 Halong Bay

Ha Long Bay is located 160km (100 miles) north of Hanoi, this is an amazing complex of 3000 chalk islands rising out of the South China Sea. The area is strange, eerie and very beautiful. Many of the islands contain bizarre cave formations and grottoes. An entire culture of floating villages has evolved with interlinked boats that can move from island to island.

You will be picked up at 8am for your private transfer to Halong City. This takes roughly 3 hours. You may stop enroute to admire the local scenery. Arrive at the port around 11:30am and board the ship. Begin sailing and pass through magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragons’ teeth. After lunch, take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay dotted with golden sails, go swimming on a quiet beach or sunbath on the sundeck. Later in the afternoon, you will visit an interesting fishing village with an opportunity to interact with local people who have been living in the bay for almost three generations. Back on board enjoy a lavish dinner. Overnight on board.

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Halong Violet is the newest five star junk on Halong Bay. The ship is fitted out in the 1930’s Indochine style. It featured a boutique dinning room, library & lounge, Spa & Gym and 6 individual theme cabins with marble bathroom, jacuzzi & balcony. The junk also cruise its own routine away from the crowd to untouched areas of the bay.

Overnight at Halong Violet.

Day 4 Hue

Hue was the capitol of Vietnam, from 1744 until 1945, when the last emperor abdicated. The city was severely damaged in the war, but many architectural gems remain. The city features the old Imperial complex, the Citadel and the Forbidden city, pagodas, and the many tombs of the emperors that lie a few kilometers south of the city. Each tomb is a walled compound containing temples, palaces, and lakes. Hue is divided between the older fortified Citadel, containing almost everything interesting, and the new, smaller sprawl that has developed across the river. The new side contains most of the facilities, the hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and banks. It is a quiet, relaxing city, big enough to be interesting but small enough to bicycle around.

Wake up to Tai Chi exercises on the sun deck and continue cruising the bays. Breakfast buffet will be served in the restaurant, then you will visit the limestone grotto. Disembark in Halong City around 11am and transfer back to Hanoi with your private vehicle, guide and driver.

You will be met and transferred between the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle with an English speaking driver.

Relax during this short domestic flight travelling between Hanoi and Hue, Vietnam.

Airport transfer with private guide, driver and vehicle.

La Residence Hotel & Spa is brilliantly located on the river banks of the Perfume River in the centre of Hue. Its incredible location overlooking the Citadel and the Perfume River gives this resort its uniqueness, embracing total serene tranquility. Art Deco inspired rooms are stylishly decorated with lovely details of the great 1920's and 1950's era. Dine at Le Parfum restaurant, ideal for breakfast and dinner buffets, and have a tantalizing cocktail at the lobby bar. Indulge your senses at La Flamboyant Spa, or merely laze around the pool all day and gaze out toward the river.

Overnight at La Residence (5*).

Day 5 Hue

In the morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to visit the Hue Citadel - Vietnam’s former imperial capital and a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site. With an area of 500ha and a system of three circles of ramparts, this citadel is far more elaborate than those constructed by previous empires. After lunch (included), continue your tour with a boat cruise along the Perfume River. Enjoy this romantic cruise and visit the Minh Mang Tomb. Finish up at Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue.

Enjoy a dinner in a Royal Residence with a descendant of Vietnam's Imperial Family. Dinner includes private transportation and guide.

Overnight at La Residence (5*).

Day 6 Hoi An

Hoi An is a small town in Central Vietnam famous for its wooden houses, for its family chapels, for its Assembly Halls and for its silk shops. The town of Hoi An, known as Faifo in Europe, played a central role in the commerce between Vietnam and the rest of the world from the 16th to the 19th century. Nowadays the town attracts tourists from all the continents.

Transfer between Hue and Hoi An with private car and English speaking Driver.

Take a half day walking tour of Hoi An, discover the historic town which used to be a prosperous seaport city during the 16th to 18th centuries. Visit Hoi An's colourful local market, Tan Ky old house, Fukien Assembly Hall, and the 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge.Travelers can also see local residents raise silkworms and produce silk for Hoi An's burgeoning textile industry.

The Nam Hai Hotel, Hoi An is located 30 minutes by car from Danang International Airport and 15 minutes from the picturesque town of Hoi-An. The Nam Hai features 60 One-Bedroom Villas and 40 Pool Villas, all offering views of the South China Sea and feature large bedrooms and living spaces, en-suite bathtubs, walk-in closets and luxurious bathrooms. The hotel's restaurants are sure to please with delectable dishes and lovely cocktails. The Nam Hai Hotel is self-contained luxury, meeting a guest's every need on-site with a spa and numerous recreational facilities, such as tennis courts, beachfront swimming pools and a library.

Overnight at The Nam Hai.

Day 7 Hoi An

Pick up in the morning for a transfer to visit My Son - Vietnam's most important Cham site. My son became a religious center in the late 4th century and lasted till 13th century – the longest period of development of any monument in Southeast Asia.

Overnight at The Nam Hai.

Day 8 Nha Trang

The city of Nha Trang is becoming more popular with tourists in recent years. Yet, with a population of 300,000, Nha Trang still retains its small town atmosphere. This resort town is well known for its miles of beach and the friendliness of its people. The city is flanked by nearly ten kilometers of prime beach where the water is warm year round. The average temperature in Nha Trang is 26 C. It is 1,287 km south of Hanoi, 624 km south of Hue and 442 km from Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon). Nha Trang has several famous islands. Most notable are Hon Tre, Hon Yen, Hon Rua and the Spratly islands.

Airport transfer between Danang airport and Hoi An with private vehicle, Driver, and English-speaking guide.

Relax during this short domestic flight travelling between Danang and Nha Trang, Vietnam.

Enjoy a private transfer between Nha Trang airport and your hotel.

You will be picked up by private car and English speaking driver today for a visit to see Nha Trangs' major sights. Start at Cham tower and its surrounding areas. Continue on to visit Por Nagar Tower, the Oceanographic Institute, and the Hon Chong Rock formation. Finish your day off with a visit to the local Dam market.

Set in the cool climate of the rural highlands of Central Vietnam, Evason Ana Mandara comprises 17 French colonial villas, each originally constructed between the 1920's and 1930's and lovingly restored to their former glory, with all care taken to preserve original design, décor and charm. The surrounding countryside and town provide beautiful views from all areas of the gently sloping hillside property. Rest in the comfort of your spacious and peaceful villa and enjoy privately arranged in-room dining while relaxing to the breeze of the refreshing mountain air coming through your window.

Overnight at Evason Ana Mandara & Six Senses Spa (5*).

Day 9 Nha Trang

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Evason Ana Mandara & Six Senses Spa (5*).
    
Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is more modern than other Vietnamese cities, and has retained its French colonial influences. The streets are jam-packed with mopeds and scooters, often carrying whole families. Highlights in the city include the colorful Emperor of Jade Pagoda, an excellent example of a Chinese temple. The Hôtel de Ville is a wonderful example of French colonial architecture. The twin towers of Notre Dame Cathedral have been a familiar landmark in Ho Chi Minh City since the 1880s. The War Remnants Museum bears witness to the suffering inflicted on the Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 1970s. Other sites relevant to that era are Reunification Hall and the former US Embassy. An interesting excursion from Saigon is a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels in which the South Vietnamese Communists concealed themselves and from which they launched attacks on US soldiers.

Enjoy a private transfer between Nha Trang airport and your hotel.

This short domestic flight travels from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Enjoy a private transfer with English Speaking Driver between Ho Chi Minh City airport and your hotel.

The Park Hyatt is centrally located at Lam Son Square, near the elegant Opera House in downtown Saigon, The 252-room Park Hyatt Saigon hotel is within walking distance of business, shopping, entertainment and main tourist attractions. The colonial style rooms feature beautiful wooden floors, white marble baths with a luxurious walk-in rain shower and stunning pool view. Overlook Lam Son Square while dining at the casual yet contemporary Morocco Restaurant or at Square One, featuring simple and authentic Vietnamese and Western cuisine. Situated next to the beautifully landscaped pool, The Xuan Spa is an oasis of tranquility within the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City. Pamper yourself in this luxurious and peaceful setting and allow the treatments to inspire your senses and renew your spirit.

Overnight at Park Hyatt .

Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City

Tay Ninh is home to the unique Cao Dai sect. The religion is a hybrid of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity. The Cao Dai Temple at Tay Ninh has been described as a Walt Disney fantasia of the East. The interior is truly engaging as statues of Jesus, Buddha and the Hindu god, Brahma, stand side by side. Depart your hotel early morning by private vehicle and English speaking Driver and take the opportunity to watch the worshippers in their white long tunics during noon mass. After lunch, visit Cu Chi tunnels, an amazing complex of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam war. Lunch is included.

Overnight at Park Hyatt .

Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy a private transfer with English Speaking Driver between Ho Chi Minh City airport and your hotel.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from Ho Chi Minh City International airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.

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