Day 1: Arrival Hanoi
Meals Included: Dinner
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel. Later, we will have a welcome dinner to introduce Vietnam’s culinary diversity, hosted by Luke Nguyen. The evening will feature a multi-course meal inspired by Northern Vietnamese cuisine curated by Luke, with him providing insights into the history and preparation of each dish.
Arrival Transfer
- Included on an individually basis
- Included Activities
- Fast track service at arrival airport
- Welcome Dinner with Luke Nguyen
Accommodation
Oriental Jade Hotel – Sapphire Twin/ Double Old Quarter View or similar
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Day 2: Hanoi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, we transfer to move to the Temple of Literature - famous for being the first university of Vietnam. You will recognize that this is a popular place for Vietnamese students to take commemorative photographs when graduating. Drop into a traditional teahouse to taste some of the best Vietnamese flavoured green teas, and listen to thousand-year-old stories explaining the significance of tea leaves to local cultures.
Embark on a mysterious culinary adventure as Luke Nguyen unveils the hidden flavors of Hanoi. This exclusive tour takes you deep into the heart of the city’s vibrant street food scene, revealing secret alleyways and tucked-away stalls known only to locals. Luke will introduce you to rare dishes, unique ingredients, and stories behind recipes passed down through generations.
Included Activities
- Temple of Literature
- Talk with expert at Tea House
- “Savor the Hanoi's Flavor” Food Walk
Accommodation
Oriental Jade Hotel – Sapphire Twin/ Double Old Quarter View or similar
Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Begin your journey with a transfer from Hanoi's Old Quarter to Halong Bay, arriving at Tuan Chau Marina to check in and enjoy a welcome tea. Board the luxurious 5-star Amanda Cruise and settle into your cabin after a warm reception and safety briefing. As the cruise sets sail, delight in a gourmet lunch while passing stunning limestone formations and iconic landmarks like Finger Islet and Candle Islet.
In the afternoon, explore the tranquil Tra Bau area with kayaking and swimming, a scenic spot featured in Kong: Skull Island. Return to the cruise for a relaxing sunset party, happy hour, and a hands-on cooking demonstration of Vietnamese spring rolls. Dinner is a lavish affair on the sundeck, blending fresh ingredients with French neo-classical and Asian influences.
End the day with optional activities, including a herbal foot bath, bamboo dancing, an ethnic fashion show, or drinks at the Sky Bar. For a touch of adventure, try squid fishing under the peaceful night sky of Lan Ha Bay.
Included Activities
- Ha Long Bay overnight cruise & activities.
Accommodation
Amanda Luxury Cruises – Twin/ Double Junior Suite or similar[HN1]
Special Information:
You are recommended to bring an overnight bag to keep your necessary luggage. We are afraid that there is not enough space to store all the luggage of every passenger on board. Moreover, after an overnight stay on board, you will turn back to the same hotel in Hanoi, so your remaining luggage will be sure to be kept safely. It’s joint-in cruise and guide on board for 2D1N package.
Day 4: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Hue
Meals Included: Breakfast, Brunch
Begin your day with a refreshing Tai Chi session on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast amidst the tranquil surroundings as the cruise glides past stunning karst formations. In the morning, explore the serene Dark and Bright Cave, renowned for its pristine beauty. Capture memorable photos or embark on a bamboo boat or kayaking adventure to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of Lan Ha Bay.
Return to the cruise to check out and enjoy a delicious lunch as the boat sails through emerald waters surrounded by majestic limestone mountains. As the journey concludes, savor a delightful brunch while approaching Tuan Chau Marina. We then transfer back to Hanoi to take a short domestic flight to Hue. Transfer to hotel & relax.
Included Activities
- Ha Long Bay cruise activities
Accommodation
Silk Path Grand Hotel Hue – Deluxe Twin/ Double Room or similar
Day 5: Hue
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, visit the Imperial Citadel – the best-preserved remnant of a royal centre that once existed on this fortified site. The unique fortifications are fascinating to see, even though much of this place has sadly been destroyed by war. You’ll then visit the Forbidden Purple City, which was almost totally wiped out during the Tet Offensive of 1968. The gaping holes left by bombs give an idea of the shocking destruction that wreaked upon the country during the war. See the royal tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, which features a blend of Vietnamese architecture with Western styles.
Later, start with an exploration of Hue’s vibrant street foods feature with Luke's guidance iconic local dishes and their cultural roots. The journey then embarks on sunset cruise on Perfume River to a gourmet experience at a prestigious ancient restaurant, where street food favourites are reimagined as exquisite, imperial-style dishes.
Included Activities
- Hue Imperial Citadel
- Khai Dinh Tomb
- A Culinary Journey on Perfume River
Accommodation
Silk Path Grand Hotel Hue – Deluxe Twin/ Double Room or similar
Day 6: Hue - Hoi An
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travelling by bus this morning, heading south through coastal rice paddies, then through the Hai Van Pass in the mountains to Hoi An. Recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An is beautifully preserved and is perfect for strolling, with many beautiful Japanese houses and Chinese temples lining the narrow lanes. Parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago! It's also a shopping haven and the even the kids are sure to love the many shops and markets selling original paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery and lanterns. Hoi An has also become famous for its tailoring, with a great variety of fabrics and tailors
Enjoy a signature multi-course fusion dinner blending Vietnamese and international flavors featuring dishes curated by Luke Nguyen, showcasing regional ingredients from Central Vietnam. Each dish would highlight local flavors and offer a modern twist on Vietnamese classics.
Included Activities
- Hoi An Old Town walking
- Beachfront Taste of Hoi An Experience
Accommodation
Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness – Deluxe Twin/ Double Room or similar
Day 7: Hoi An
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free at your leisure to discover the town on your own.
Accommodation
Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness – Deluxe Twin/ Double Room or similar
Day 8: Hoi An – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Free at your leisure until being transferred to the airport to take your short domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh city.
Arrive and transfer to the city to check in the hotel. Room is at your disposal from 14:00.
Later in the day, travel through lively neighbourhoods on the back of a vintage Vespa, guided by local drivers and accompanied by Luke Nguyen, who introduces them to carefully selected locations. At each stop, guests savor iconic Vietnamese flavors, including the crispy delight of bánh xèo, unique snail dishes, and a fun beer tasting that captures Saigon’s lively nightlife.
Included Activities
- Vespa & Street Eats: Saigon's Bites After Dark with Luke Nguyen
Accommodation
Mai House Hotel - Premium Twin Room or similar
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The day is at your leisure.
Tonight, we will have a luxurious farewell dinner hosted at Luke Nguyen’s iconic Vietnam House restaurant in downtown Ho Chi Minh City.
Included Activities
- Farewell Dinner at Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam House
Accommodation
Mai House Hotel – Premium Twin Room or similar
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh - Departures
Meals Included: Breakfast
There is no plan today. Free at your leisure until the departure time for your flight home. Standard check-out time: 12:00. End of services!
Transfer
- Included on an individually basis
