Highlights of Vietnam

Hanoi has served as a capital city and the seat of government in Vietnam for over a thousand years. While this stimulating city is quickly transforming with modern skyscrapers rising up and beeping horns from its frenzied traffic, you can peel back its layers of history and discover a bubbling cauldron of French and Chinese influence. Explore exotic ancient monuments and remnants of colonial imperialism . In the passages of its Old Quarter, there are affable merchants to be found in night markets and at bustling street food stalls. Surrounded by lush green countryside, there is also a tranquil side to Hanoi, seen when city dwellers practice the ancient martial art of tai chi or as families sit on the pavement to slowly enjoy steaming bowls of pho (noodle soup). Located on the banks of Red River, you can enjoy a cooler climate than in the south.

Experience Hanoi’s cultural attractions on this day-long city tour as you stroll down the city’s beautiful tree-lined avenues walking past colonial villas, national monuments, and pretty lakes. Pay your respects to ‘Uncle Ho’ at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, as the nation’s beloved revolutionary leader is called. Afterward, drop by the exquisitely beautiful 9th century Buddhist temple, One Pillar Pagoda, built in the shape of a lotus on a single stone pillar. Stop by Vietnam’s first national university, the 11th century Temple of Literature known for its characteristic Vietnamese architecture. Later in the afternoon, gain an insight into the country’s numerous ethnic groups at the Museum of Ethnology with its display of traditional costumes and artifacts. Walk down the winding alleyways of Hanoi’s Old Quarter reveling in the vibrant atmosphere of the neighborhood. Known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’, the quarter dates back to the 13th century. End the day with a fascinating water puppet performance, unique to northern Vietnam, accompanied by a traditional live orchestra. (Full Day; Time of Day: Morning; Duration: 7 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Please note that the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will be from outside as they are every Monday & Fridays .Between September until December the Mausoleum remains opened only in the morning The Museum of Ethnology is closed on Mondays)

Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkins is a dazzling world. The name’s literal translation is the Bay of Descending Dragons, which perfectly encompasses the mysterious and mythical nature of its waters. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can witness the dense cluster of over 3,000 limestone islands as they rise spectacularly from the ocean. Several of the islands have grottos and caves, which boast spectacular stalactites and stalagmites and lead to secret freshwater lakes. Some islands, often named due to the interpretation of their unusual shapes, support floating villages that house local fishermen. With calm, crystal clear waters, coral reefs and beaches, you will understand why this is considered a most magnificent natural splendor. Geologically an extension of Halong but set in another province, Lan Ha Bay is just as beautiful as Halong Bay but far more isolated. Numerous aquatic animals inhabit these pristine waters and in addition, the bay offers several pristine white-sand beaches where you can soak up the sun. The ideal way to explore these magical destinations? Aboard a traditional junk!

Hoi An plays testament to its remarkable history as a major port town, booming with grand architecture of old Japanese merchant houses, pale yellow houses draped in bougainvillea, shopfronts lit with glowing silk lanterns, and ageing tea warehouses. Set alongside a charming river and to the backdrop of fisherwomen in conical hats, Hoi An is the epitome of a picture postcard, and unique in that it has no congestion or hullabaloo. This is in part due to Thu Bon River becoming silted in the 19th century, which prevented passage to trading ships, but also because cars are forbidden on its main roads. Motorcyclists rarely use their horns, unlike in the rest of Vietnam. With noteworthy culinary excellence you can expect the finest Vietnamese food. To top it off, the city also boasts its own pleasant beach.

The ancient Imperial Capital of Hue, lies at the mouth of the Perfume River and is considered the fulcrum of Vietnam's two rice baskets - the Red river delta and the Mekong delta. The city is bisected by the Song Huong, or Perfume River, named after a scented shrub that grows there. Hue makes a good base for exploring the Demilitarized Zone and is an important literary and cultural center.

Immerse yourself in the royal charm of Hue. Take a cyclo to the Imperial Citadel, within the protected Complex of Hue Monuments. Listen to historical events of this former royal court. Next door, at the Long An Palace, is the Museum of Royal Antiquities that showcases the life and style of the Nguyen Dynasty. Later, drive to the 17th century Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic seven-storied monument perched on a hilltop overlooking the Perfume River. In the afternoon, explore the hillside Khai Dinh Royal Tomb that has Vietnamese and European influences in its architecture. Past the carved and blackened exteriors, admire the intricate ceramic mosaics inside. Continue to the Tu Duc Royal Tomb that features pleasure pavilions, lakes, an island and a palace. Finally, ascend the Vong Canh hill to enjoy the sunset over a drink. Covered in pine forests, daisies and ancient relics, it offers panoramic vistas of the Perfume River and the lush mountains beyond. (Duration: 7hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Meals Not Included; Fitness Level: Easy)

A popular beach destination in Vietnam, Nha Trang has long stretches of beautiful coastline, miles of white sandy beaches framed by the dramatic backdrop of mountain ranges. The sea is the main attraction here, with coral reefs backed by palms and firs, and a riot of restaurants and cafés dotted along the seafront. Nha Trang enjoys a warm, clear weather and for most of the year the sea is a brilliant turquoise color and is an ideal destination for the trip weary to unwind in.

Ho Chi Minh City or HCMC, as it is affectionately called by citizens and travelers alike, is a city on the move. The dynamic energy of this pulsating Vietnamese capital has long since shot ahead of the tumultuous years of its former avatar – Saigon. Today, it’s the epicenter of Vietnam’s culture as well as its commerce and industry, offering a happy balance of tradition and modernity. Beautiful French colonial buildings and other historic landmarks lounge comfortably in the shadows of towering skyscrapers and glitzy malls. The intermingling of Saigon’s yesterday and today are reflected in its cosmopolitan citizens as well. Local women in traditional Vietnamese tunics stroll past trendy boutiques, while street stalls and high-end eateries dish out equally delicious food. Dive into the city’s electric nightlife and discover modern shopping paradises beautifully juxtaposed against traditional floating markets.

Enjoy a day out in Ho Chi Minh City, admiring its French colonial architecture and modern vibe. Accompanied by your expert insider guide, explore Saigon's historic attractions. See the restored exteriors of the Saigon Municipal Opera House and the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon. Drop by the grand Saigon Central Post Office, and hopefully meet the famous Duong Van Ngo, who has been writing letters by hand for three decades. Head to the Reunification Palace, which has become a symbol of the Fall of Saigon in 1975. Make your way to the War Remnants Museum that houses war artefacts and highly graphic exhibits. It offers a Vietnamese perspective of the American War, and conflicts with France and China. Before returning to your accommodation, experience Saigon's famed street coffee culture. Pick up a few Vietnamese phrases and gain insights into the daily life here. (Duration: 4 hrs; Time: Morning/Afternoon; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy; Kindly note that the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon can be seen only from the outside due to renovations)