Timeless Vietnam: From Elegant Hanoi to Imperial Hue

We leave the city's hum behind as your private limousine (or private vehicle) carries you through the Red River Delta, a journey to the coast. You'll board your luxury cruise, your floating sanctuary for the night. As the spectacle of Halong Bay unfolds—thousands of limestone karsts draped in green, rising from the emerald water—your Lunch will be served with Indian Meal (with a wonderful selection of fresh, local seafood and other delicious options also available). This afternoon is for deep exploration. You'll be paddled on a traditional sampan boat—or you can choose to kayak yourself—through the quiet entrance of the Dark & Bright Cave. This is a "hang" (cave) that opens into a stunning, hidden lagoon, a "world within a world" surrounded by towering cliffs. Later, you can connect with the bay, swimming in its refreshing waters. As the sun begins to set, join a cooking demonstration on deck to unlock a few secrets of our cuisine. Dinner tonight is a special affair, served at the onboard Indian Restaurant (or you may choose from the chef's curated menu of local and international cuisine) under a sky full of stars.

Greet the day with the gentle, flowing movements of Tai Chi on the sundeck as the first light washes over the bay. After a light breakfast, you’ll have a chance for one last quiet paddle or swim in the beautiful Tra Bau area, a tranquil corner of the bay. You'll then enjoy a full Brunch (BR), featuring an Indian selection alongside a variety of international and Vietnamese dishes, as the ship cruises back to the harbor. After a fond farewell to the crew, your private transfer will be waiting. We'll take you on a seamless journey directly back to Noi Bai Airport (HAN) for your evening flight into the past—to Hue, the former Imperial capital, a city of poetry and emperors. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel.

Today, we walk through history. Your morning is dedicated to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Imperial City (Hoang Thanh). You’ll pass through the magnificent gates and explore the sprawling courtyards, temples, and palaces, finally stepping into the exclusive, silent world of the Forbidden Purple City (Tu Cam Thanh), once reserved only for the emperor and his concubines. Next, we board a classic dragon boat for a gentle trip up the legendary Perfume River. Our destination is the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's spiritual icon, its seven-tiered tower overlooking the water. In the afternoon, we visit a tomb unlike any other: the elaborate Khai Dinh Tomb. It’s a stunning, almost theatrical blend of Eastern and Western architecture, a final, decadent statement from Vietnam's second-to-last emperor.

Prepare for one of the most spectacular coastal journeys in the world. Your private vehicle will carry you south from Hue, beginning the dramatic ascent up the Hai Van Pass. This "Ocean Cloud Pass" is a ribbon of road that hugs the mountainside, offering breathtaking views of the coastline below. We’ll stop at the crescent-shaped Lang Co Beach for photos before descending into the vibrant, modern city of Danang. You'll arrive at your beachfront oasis: the Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa. This isn't just a hotel; it's a sprawling sanctuary of soft sands and flowing pools, a place designed for you to truly exhale. The rest of your day is for just that: breathing in the sea air, relaxing by the pool, and settling into the rhythm of the coast.

Today, we ascend into the clouds. We’ll take the modern cable car up to Ba Na Hills, a journey that glides over pristine jungle. You’ll emerge into a different world. The highlight, of course, is walking across the Golden Bridge, held aloft by two giant, moss-covered stone hands. You'll have the day to explore this mountain-top resort, from the beautiful Le Jardin D’Amour flower gardens and the old Debay Wine Cellar to the serene Linh Ung Pagoda. Explore the charming French Village and, for a bit of fun, join the games at Fantasy Park before descending back to your coastal haven.

A day of two perfect halves. This morning, we dive into Vietnam's rustic charm at Cam Thanh Village. You'll board a "thung chai," a unique bamboo basket boat, and paddle through the tranquil water coconut forest, learning how locals have lived in harmony with this ecosystem for generations. In the afternoon, we journey to the timeless, magical town of Hoi An. On your walking tour, you'll feel the history in the air. We’ll visit the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the beautifully preserved Old House of Tan Ky, and a vibrant Chinese Assembly Hall. You'll get lost in its enchanted, lantern-lit lanes before returning to the modern comfort of your coastal haven in Danang.

Your Vietnamese story comes to a close. Enjoy one last breakfast at the resort, perhaps a final walk on the beach. At your leisure, your private driver will transfer you to Da Nang Airport (DAD) for your departure flight, carrying with you the stories, the flavors, and the spirit of our homeland.