Explore the charming city of Hanoi, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’, with its yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes.
Visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument of marble and granite built to house the preserved body of beloved revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known to the Vietnamese as “Uncle Ho”.
Visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple built in 1049 of wood in the shape of a lotus blossom and set on a single stone pillar. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11 th century. The picturesque temple is an example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000Vietnamese dong banknote.
In the afternoon, visit the fascinating Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays) which houses an extensive collection of traditional costumes and artefacts from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups. Drive back to central Hanoi for a walking tour through the famed Old Quarter known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares” named after the original 36 artisan guilds that date as far back as the 13 th century.
Conclude your day by watching an entertaining water puppet performance, a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form said to have originated in the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta where villagers entertained themselves by manipulating puppets over the water. The show uses colourful wooden puppets

Depart Hanoi for a 2hr drive to the Trang An LandscapeComplex in Ninh Binh Province. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, Trang An is famed for its spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks whose sheer vertical walls rise abruptly 200m (656ft) above the surrounding land and water. Dense rain forest covers the landscape, even clinging to the cliffs and peaks, blending naturally with rice paddy fields and rivers, creating a picturesque patchwork of color. Within the complex, visit Vietnam’s ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the country’s first centralized feudal state from the end of the 10th century. While the ancient citadel has largely disappeared, the temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties still stand surrounded by rice paddies.
Continue to Tam Coc, known as “Halong Bay on Land”, where a skilled rower will take you on a 2hr slow journey on the winding river and canals. Enjoy the views of the beautiful karst formations as you enter three of the many natural caves formed under the hills. Visit Thai Vi temple on the way back to Tam Coc for lunch. Return to Hanoi late afternoon.

08:30 Meet client at hotel and transfer Hanoi – Halong by road in approx. 2.5-hour drive.

Embark on an enchanting Halong Bay journey as you acquaint yourself with the amenities on board our vessel. Witness the breath-taking scenery from the sun deck during our initial hours of cruising.

Start our journey with a pass by Cua Van Relic, a former floating fishing village in Halong Bay, where fishermen once used it as a base for their fishing and aqua cultural activities. Glide through this serene area in a small bamboo boat rowed by locals, offering a glimpse into the village and understand how once whole families used to live on water here. For the more active ones, take a kayak and paddle around the floating hamlet for a very personal exploration (complimentary only for 2-night stays).

Next, we transfer by tender to Tien Ong cave, providing evidence of human civilization dating back to 10,000 – 8,000 BC. This small cave provides some fascinating understandings of Halong Bay's geological history. Returning to the ship, we sail to the overnight mooring area, where the "blue hour" unveils Halong Bay's magical beauty. Relax on the sun deck with your favourite drink, absorbing the tranquil moment.

Engage in a cooking class with the chef, practicing classic Vietnamese recipes to impress your loved ones at home later. As evening descends, a multi-course à la carte dinner is served. If you like, join in later for an on-board presentation about the bay's unique features and secrets. Alternatively, try your hand at squid fishing with our staff for a delightful and entertaining experience. Spend the rest of the evening embracing the magical landscapes in the heart of Halong Bay, where once upon a time, sparkling jewels cascaded from heavenly dragons.

Awaken to the gentle waves and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, complemented by pastries in the dining room. Engage in the morning Tai Chi class on the sun deck for a harmonious start into the day. Enjoy breakfast onboard before starting a day boat outing to explore some truly interesting sights of Halong Bay.
Spanning 10,000 square meters, Sung Sot features two chambers with the outer one adorned with stalactite chandeliers and the inner chamber known as the grand "opera house." Marvel at the pond, plant life, and stunning rock formations crafted over millions of years. We had back to the boat for some relaxing time before you have the chance to explore the marine landscape by kayak. The cliffs stretch vertically out of the water and you feel a sense of freedom while meandering through this green medley of water and tree-topped islets.
Continue the journey to a floating pearl farm, where you'll discover the intricate process of cultivating, harvesting, and processing various pearls. Witness a skilled technician delicately implanting seeds into oysters. Although the odds are low, successful outcomes yield beautiful gemstones after several years. Sail back to the mothership to return to your suite offering time for sunbathing, spa, or embracing the captivating "blue hour” on the open deck.
After dinner you have another chance to join the crew for a funny squid fishing activity or you just recline on a lounger, absorbing the serenity of Halong Bay before retiring for the night.

For early risers, tea, coffee and pastries are available in the dining room and a Tai Chi class is offered on the sun deck to awaken your mind and muscles.
We set sail to the small “Ti Top Island”. Formerly named Cat Nang, the island received a name change after former president Ho Chi Minh and the second man to orbit the Earth, Russian astronaut ‘Gherman Titov’, toured Halong Bay together in 1962. Since the cosmonaut was so fascinated with this picturesque islet, Uncle Ho would rename the island to honour Mr. Titov and as a gesture of friendship between their two countries.
Once arriving at Ti Top, you can go for a refreshing morning swim on a sandy beach or - if you prefer to be more active - climb 400 steps (20 min.) to the island’s top with stunning, panoramic views over the bay. Back on board, you can take a shower and freshen up. Enjoy the final moments of sailing as we head back to the harbour while breakfast is served. Relax on the sun deck or while savouring the last views of this iconic site.
Disembark and meet the guide at the pier, then transfer to Hanoi airport by private car
Flight to Hue

Once the imperial capital of the Nguyen Lords from the 17th to the 19th centuries, Hue’s splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas, and the remains of the Citadel contribute to its undeniable royal charm. Enjoy a short cyclo ride from your hotel to the Imperial Citadel at the center of the Complex of Hue Monuments, inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Enter through the towering main gate and appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains the events and the intrigue surrounding the former royal court.
Despite being heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, there are some incredibly well-preserved sections intact and others which are being carefully restored. After leaving the citadel, there’s time for a short visit to the Royal Antique Museum. Drive to the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s best-preserved religious monument. Built in 1601, the seven-storied tower pagoda, perched on top of a hill overlooking the Perfume River, is one of Vietnam’s most
recognizable icons.
In the afternoon, visit the elaborate Khai Dinh Royal Tomb. Its architecture showcases elements of Eastern art and Western design. Notice the tomb’s blackened concrete exterior and colorful mosaic interior. Continue to the Dong Khanh Royal Tomb, a transitional architectural masterpiece blending traditional Vietnamese style with Western influences. Built intermittently between 1888 and 1923, the tomb reflects a mix of imperial dignity and colonial charm with intricately decorated altars and tranquil surroundings. Transfer back to your hotel with a stop
for a drink at a café near Vong Canh hill’s peak. Then we will transfer to the peak of the hill, which offers an amazing view of breathtaking scenery. The hill itself is now covered with pine trees and daisies.

Start with a visit to the Dragon Bridge - Danang's fiery new success symbol then head to Han market, which was originally a spontaneous trading area, and later on became 576 stalls and 36 kiosks market located right in the city center. Next, make a stop at the informative Cham Museum which houses the best collection of Champa Kingdom ruins in Asia. The artifacts here date from the 2nd to 15th centuries. Finally, head a few miles south to the Marble Mountains - a cluster of 5 marble and limestone mountains which rise dramatically from the flat land along the coast of the Eastern Sea. The mountains contain numerous caves and tunnels and it is possible to reach one of the summits. After your summit, heading back to your hotel.

Between the 15 th and 19 th centuries, Hoi An known then as ‘Faifo’, was a prosperous trading port, attracting Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish ships amongst others. Today, this World Heritage ancient town is recognised for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets and distinctive local cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. Hoi An’s narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour of its many atmospheric sights including: old merchant houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese
architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, first built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with its intricate woodcarvings; and the colourful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two.
Enjoy an hour-long boat trip on the Thu Bon River for up close views of fishing boats and country villages before returning to your hotel.

Transfer by private vehicle to Ta Prohm, this beautiful temple, built in 1186 as a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of Jayavarman VII, is one of Angkor’s jewels and is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. One of the largest temple sites in Angkor it took almost 80,000 people to maintain the temple.
Drive a short distance to Ta Keo, which would have been one of the finest temples in Angkor had it been completed.
Continue to Angkor Thom, not a temple, but an entire walled city of 9 square kilometres and the royal Capital from 1181. With a population of 1 million, it was far bigger than any city in Europe at the time. The centre piece is Bayon temple crowned with 216 giant, smiling faces of King Jayavarman VII. Also visit the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, which houses almost perfectly preserved carvings. Return to your hotel to relax and have lunch (on your own).
After a leisurely break your exploration continues as you enter the rear gate of Angkor Wat (early 12th century).
Surrounded by 190-metre-wide moat 1.5 kilometers by 1.3 kilometers it is claimed to be the largest religious building in the world. The temple, which took 30 years to construct & used the labours of 300,000 workers was built as the earthly representation of the universe with its' central tower symbolizing Mt Meru which, Hindus believe, is at the centre of the Universe. Later, return to your hotel late afternoon.

Set out to a truly local village to catch a glimpse of day-to-day life and experience some truly local traditional crafts, at Krabei Riel Village.
This village is quietly secluded from the main town of Siem Reap and the way of life is primitive, yet hopeful and happy. You will have a chance to walk and talk with the villagers, see their local schools and visit the many children who attend. Ride on a local vehicle and take in the beauty of rural Cambodian life! Outside of term time, you will be greeted by these youngsters as you walk throughout their village or in the market and they are keen to
share their smiles with you!
Also, you will have the chance to learn some time-honored traditional skills such as palm leaf weaving as you spend your time engaging in the real life of a Cambodia village.