08 NIGHTS TOUR OF VIETNAM

This morning meet your guide and driver early in the morning and head for Hoan Kiem Lake to join groups of local people practicing tai chi and aerobics – a regular morning routine! After visiting Ngoc Son temple in the middle of the lake, you head to a traditional café where you can try Vietnam’s local iced coffee, ca phe sua da, and if you’re feeling adventurous – the ‘egg coffee’. You then continue to a street food stall for a delicious banh mi – a typical baguette sandwich filled in with a variety of ingredients. Afterwards head to Hanoi’s Old Quarter where you will see some of the French colonial architecture of former times, including St. Joseph’s Cathedral – a French gothic building constructed in 1886. Next, walk to the Hoa Lo Prison, where Vietnamese as well as American and French prisoners of war were once held. Then it’s on to the Huu Tiep Lake, better known as ‘B-52 lake’, where the wreckage of a US B-5 bomber can still be seen. At noon, you stop to enjoy Hanoi’s traditional bun cha noodle dish, made with grilled pork and rice noodles. In the afternoon, you go to the Temple of Literature built in 1076, where Vietnam’s first university was established to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite – a fascinating glimpse into the country’s past. Last but not least, head to a street where the tracks of Hanoi’s railway pass only meters from the entrance to homes. Together with your guide, you can walk along the tracks and take some beautiful photos of the city. The day finishes with a refreshing glass of draught beer at a local bia hoi spot – a chance to mingle with the locals.

Overnight at Hotel De L’Opera Hotel

We will pick you up at your hotel after breakfast and drive to Halong. Enjoy the landscape of the Red River Delta country side. Stop in Hai Duong province for refreshment about 30 minutes.

11.30 – 12.00 Upon arrival at Emperor Cruises, located at No.28B of Tuan Chau International Marina, our team will welcome you in our lounge before boarding
12.00 – 12.15 Our Cruise Director will assist you with boarding to start cruising in Halong Bay
13.15 – 14.00 A set lunch menu will be served at our Panorama Restaurant on the 03rd deck. Enjoy delicious Vietnamese food while admiring the grace of the bay
14.45 – 15.30 The cruise approaches Nha Lat Area. This is time for guests to visit Me Cung Cave (Cave of Maze) – a spectacular destination with plenty of historical and archaeological values about Ha Long Culture from 10,000 years ago. Guests will be charmed by the magnificent complex structure with stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes and the most diverse ecological system in Halong Bay
15.45 – 16.30 And then, the tender takes the guests to Tung Sau Area, free time for guests to paddle on colorful kayaks to explore the stunning landscape of Halong Bay
17.00 – 18.30 Attend the Afternoon tea with music and Canapes on Sundeck and join in the cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking in a truly stunning setting
19.30 – 21.00 Enjoy our A La Carte course menu for dinner at Royal Palace Restaurant on board as you experience the charm of Halong Bay at night
21.00 – 22.00 Try your luck with interesting activity at night – Squid fishing

Overnight on Emperor cruise

06.00 – 06.30 Enjoy Vovinam exercise in the sunshine morning on sundeck
06.45 – 07.15 Enjoy light breakfast including tea, coffee, pastries, cookies, fresh juices... at our luxury restaurant
07.15 – 08.30 Visit Luon Cave. Sitting on a bamboo boat rowed by a local, you can see a variety of plants such as ferns, cycads, Benjamin’s fig trees, and many beautiful orchids
08.30 – 09.15 Finish packing all the luggage and check out
09.30 – 10.30 Enjoy brunch A La Carte in CAN CHANH restaurant on the 1st floor while cruising back to the mainland
11.00 – 11.15 Arrive in Tuan Chau International Marina and Emperor Cruises lounge for disembarkation your onward journey

Meet your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport to take the flight to Da Nang
Arrival at Da Nang airport, meet your driver and guide and head towards your hotel in Hoi An. Check-in and enjoy the evening free at leisure

Overnight at Boutique Hoi An

Hoi An walking tour with foodie experience
Meet our guide at your hotel in the afternoon for a walking tour through Hoi An’s Old Town with its hundreds of historic houses, congregation halls, pagodas and other notable structures. A key trading port from the 15th to 19th century, Old Town’s wide range of architectural styles reflect its indigenous and foreign influences, leading to the city becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. There is plenty to see, such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, the 200-year-old Tan Ky House, Chua Ong Pagoda and the vibrant local market. You will visit all of these places on this walking tour, so be prepared! You will also have the opportunity to paint your own traditional mask – a memorable souvenir to take home with you. While you are walking, you can try some of the local street food, including, Vietnamese coffee; the best banh my in Vietnam; banh bot lọc, clear shrimp and pork dumplings; banh it, sticky rice dumplings; bánh khọt, savory coconut pancake; balut egg; cao lau noodles; and sliced pork wrapped with rice paper, among others

Overnight at Boutique Hoi An

Full day at leisure at the beach

After early breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Danang airport to take the flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City – Tan Son Nhat airport, your driver and guide will meet you and they will transfer you to hotel

Ho Chi Minh Half-day Sightseeing
Meet with our guide at your hotel after breakfast and get ready to explore Saigon. Your first stop will be the Reunification Palace, the residence of South Vietnam’s former president before 1975. Next, you will visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Post Office. Saigon is the country’s most dynamic city – a vital economic hub bustling with life. The city could be described as a reconciliation of Chinese and American influences, while retaining its distinct Vietnamese charm and character. Modern office skyscrapers, next to Chinese pagodas, street markets, food vendors and imposing colonial buildings – they all create a fascinating dynamic urban landscape. Later you head to the War Museum, one of Vietnam’s most popular museums, which focuses primarily on the American side of the Vietnam War. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel

Overnight at Hotel Des Arts

Exploring the tributaries of the Mekong Delta
This morning depart for your journey, around 2.5 hours, to Ben Tre in the heart of the Mekong Delta. On arrival stop at the vibrant My Long market where you will witness the daily activities of locals as they sort and sell a myriad of fresh fish and local produce and see the specialty rice paper cake being made. Board your boat as you cruise the waterways, through coconut jungles with a canopy of palm trees and along small canals. Stop at a local farmers house to observe how coconut jam is skillfully crafted. Here, you'll enjoy the flavors of tea and jam while enjoying the charming ambiance. Next a tuktuk ride will take you through local villages where you will stop to see the art of coconut processing in a local workshop. You'll also have the privilege of connecting with local villagers who will regale you with tales of the community's way of life. Enjoy a journey on a wooden rowboat as you gently glide along the shaded waters of some small canals. The picturesque scenery will provide ample opportunities to capture truly mesmerizing photographs. Lunchtime beckons, and you'll be treated to a feast of local specialties at a charming riverside restaurant. Here, you can unwind and savor the culinary delights in a serene setting. Following your meal, your boat journey will lead you back towards Ben Tre where you'll make a stop at a traditional brick kiln. Here you will gain an insight into the intricate art of handcrafting bricks and experience more of the local industry. After another short cruise you will be met by your driver for the trip back to Ho Chi Minh city

Overnight at Hotel Des Arts

Today, you will be transferred to airport for flight home