Vietnam Heritage Essence: From Northern Legends to Southern Legacy

This morning is dedicated to Hanoi's profound history. You'll visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex (outside view) before diving into the nation's artistic soul at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, a treasure trove of Vietnamese art from ancient sculpture to modern masterpieces. In the afternoon, explore the serene West Lake area, a spiritual center for the city. You'll visit the ancient Quan Thanh Temple, dedicated to a Taoist deity, and the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, standing peacefully on its own island.

After breakfast, your private transfer takes you south to Ninh Binh, a landscape known as "Halong Bay on land." Here, you will board a traditional sampan boat for a mesmerizing journey through the Trang An (UNESCO site), gliding silently through water caves and past towering limestone karsts. We then step back in time at the Dinh & Le Temples, the site of Vietnam's ancient capital in the 10th century. The day's highlight is a climb up the 500 steps of Mua Cave for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire river and mountain landscape.

We journey east to the coast to board your 5-star floating sanctuary in Halong Bay. Enjoy Lunch (with Indian/other options) as the ship glides out into the bay, a spectacle of thousands of limestone cliffs rising from emerald water. This afternoon, connect with the bay's serene beauty, perhaps by kayak or bamboo boat. As the sun sets, enjoy sunset cocktails on the deck, followed by a fine dining dinner onboard.

Greet the dawn with a gentle Tai Chi session on the sundeck. After a final, relaxing morning, you'll enjoy a full Brunch (BR) as the cruise returns to the pier. Upon disembarking, your private driver will provide a seamless, direct transfer to Noi Bai Airport (HAN) in Hanoi for your afternoon flight to Hue (HUI), the former imperial capital. You'll be transferred to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

A full day dedicated to the poetry and grandeur of imperial Vietnam. Your morning is for the Imperial Citadel (Hoang Thanh), a vast, moated complex of palaces, temples, and courtyards, including the exclusive Forbidden Purple City. In the afternoon, you'll board a dragon boat on the Perfume River to visit the iconic, seven-tiered Thien Mu Pagoda. We conclude the day at the poetic Tu Duc Tomb, a vast, tranquil royal retreat designed by the emperor himself.

This morning, we journey south on one of the world's most beautiful coastal roads: the Hai Van Pass. Your private transfer will stop at the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. We descend and continue to the enchanting, lantern-lit town of Hoi An. After checking into your hotel, you'll enjoy a walking tour of the Ancient Town, visiting the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the preserved Tan Ky Old House, and the vibrant Phuc Kien Assembly Hall.

Enjoy a final morning at leisure in Hoi An. You might choose to relax by the pool, go shopping for silks, or join an optional tea ceremony or lantern-making workshop to connect with the local artisanal culture. In the afternoon, your driver will transfer you to Danang Airport (DAD) for your short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the heart of this kinetic, modern metropolis.

This morning, we journey back in time with a drive to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels. This incredible underground network provides a deep, unforgettable look into the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people during the war. We'll return to HCMC for an afternoon city tour. You'll visit the Reunification Palace, a time capsule of 1970s history, followed by the city's colonial jewels: the (outside view of) Notre Dame Cathedral and the magnificent Central Post Office. We end the day with a dive into the bustling energy of Ben Thanh Market.

An early start for your final chapter. We depart from your hotel for a day excursion to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta. Here, you'll board a boat to explore the "rice bowl" of Vietnam, visiting local workshops to see how rice paper and coconut candy are made. A highlight is a rowing boat journey through the small, peaceful canals shaded by water palms. In the afternoon, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City. Your private driver will transfer you directly to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) for your onward departure flight.