After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day exploration of Hanoi, the elegant and historic capital of Vietnam. We begin at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, starting with the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, located at Ba Dinh Square – the final resting place of Vietnam’s beloved leader. (Note: The mausoleum is open Tuesday to Thursday and weekends from 08:00 to 11:00.) Next, visit the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, a modest wooden residence built as a birthday gift in 1958, symbolising his simple lifestyle and dedication to the nation. Nearby is the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 by King Ly Thai Tong after a vision of the Goddess of Mercy seated on a lotus flower. Though destroyed by the French in 1954, it was faithfully reconstructed in 1955.

We continue with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, dating back to 1070. This beautiful and historic site offers insights into Vietnam’s scholarly past.

In the afternoon, discover the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through both indoor exhibitions and a fascinating outdoor display of traditional houses. (Note: The museum is closed on Mondays.)

In the evening, sit back and experience the magic of a Water Puppet Show at the renowned Thang Long Theatre, where folklore and legends come to life through masterful puppetry performed over water — a true cultural gem of northern Vietnam. Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, set out for a full-day excursion to Ninh Binh, the former capital of Vietnam before Hanoi rose to prominence in the 11th century. This region is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and historical significance, including Tam Coc Caves and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, home to the age-old temples honouring King Dinh and King Le, rulers from the 10th century.

Begin your visit with a peaceful boat ride along the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc, where dramatic limestone karsts rise sharply from lush rice paddies, evoking comparisons to both Guilin in China and Halong Bay — hence the nickname "Halong Bay on land."

Continue your journey through history with a visit to Hoa Lu, the site of the royal palaces during the Dinh and Le dynasties. Here, you'll explore ancient temples nestled under shady canopies, notable for their intricate wooden carvings and rich historical atmosphere. Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon. Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic 3-hour drive through the fertile landscapes of the Red River Delta en route to Ha Long City. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, Ha Long Bay is renowned for its surreal seascape dotted with over 1,600 limestone karsts and islets rising dramatically from emerald waters. Upon arrival, board a wooden cruise boat and begin an unforgettable journey through this breathtaking bay. As we cruise past towering cliffs and floating villages, enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch on board. In the afternoon, take time to swim in the crystal-clear water and explore some of the bay's fascinating limestone caves. As the sun sets, the boat will anchor near a remote island, offering a serene atmosphere for relaxation. A delicious dinner will be served on board, followed by free time to stargaze or try your hand at night fishing. Overnight on board in Ha Long Bay.

Wake up to the tranquil beauty of the bay and enjoy the peaceful moments of sunrise over the water, followed by breakfast on board. The morning is reserved for further cruising to lesser-known corners of the bay, with opportunities for more swimming or simply soaking in the scenery. Around midday, return to the main harbour where our driver awaits to transfer you back to Hanoi for overnight. Overnight in Hanoi

After breakfast, you will be transferred by the driver to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. On arrival, you will be met and picked up to transfer to your hotel in Bangkok (the standard check-in time is after 14h00, the surcharge for early check-in is not included). Free time on your own. Overnight in Bangkok.

Today is dedicated to discovering the highlights of Bangkok, a city rich in culture, history, and magnificent golden temples. Our first stop is the Grand Palace, an architectural masterpiece and former royal residence built in the 1770s. This vast complex consists of three major sections: the Royal Residence, the Royal Office, and a series of ornate temples. The palace remains an important site for ceremonial and state occasions in Thailand. Within the palace grounds is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), one of Thailand’s most revered religious sites. The temple is admired for its stunning architecture and is home to the sacred Emerald Buddha statue, meticulously carved from a single block of jade. A short walk from the Grand Palace takes us to Wat Pho, Bangkok’s oldest and largest temple complex. It houses over 1,000 Buddha images, including the remarkable golden Reclining Buddha, which stretches an impressive 46 metres in length.

Next, we take a scenic boat ride along the Chao Phraya River, observing the vibrant daily life along the riverbanks. En route, we stop at Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)—a striking riverside temple known for its unique Khmer-style spires and beautiful location right on the river’s edge.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit our final destination, Wat Traimit, also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha. This temple is renowned for its impressive solid gold Buddha statue, weighing over 5 tonnes and showcasing Thailand’s rich spiritual heritage. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. The evening is at your leisure to explore the vibrant nightlife of Bangkok or simply relax. Overnight in Bangkok.

Early this morning, we depart southwest of Bangkok to visit the fascinating Maeklong Railway Market, a unique marketplace set along an active railway track. Watch as vendors swiftly move their goods and awnings aside just moments before the train passes through—an unforgettable sight. Take some time to stroll through the market, capture striking photos, and sample local snacks.

We then continue to the countryside to explore the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. En route, we board a traditional long-tail boat, cruising along narrow canals lined with wooden houses and lush greenery. Arrive at the vibrant market, where vendors sell fresh produce and local delicacies directly from their boats—offering an authentic glimpse of Thai rural life.

Afterwards, we return to Bangkok for an afternoon visit to the Jim Thompson House, a peaceful oasis nestled in the heart of the city. Discover the storey of Jim Thompson, an American entrepreneur who revitalised the Thai silk industry and mysteriously vanished in Malaysia in 1967. Explore his beautifully preserved traditional Thai-style teak home, which he meticulously constructed using historic buildings from across Thailand. The house also showcases an impressive collection of Southeast Asian art and antiques. Overnight in Bangkok.

06:00 – 07:15 hrs: Pick-up from your hotel and transfer to River City Shopping Complex, Siphraya. Morning by Coach 07:30 hrs: Depart Bangkok aboard the Grand Pearl luxury coach with an English-speaking guide. 09:00 hrs: Visit the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a former royal residence of King Rama V. The palace complex features a beautiful mix of Thai, Chinese, and European Gothic architecture. Highlights include: • Aisawan Thiphya-At Pavilion (Thai style teak pavilion on a lake) • Warophat Phiman Hall • Wehart Chamrun, the Chinese-style royal mansion

10:30 hrs: Arrive at Ayutthaya, Thailand’s ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its most iconic landmarks: • Wat Mahathat, famed for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots • Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the most important temple of the old royal palace • Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, housing one of Thailand’s largest bronze Buddha images

Afternoon by Cruise 13:15 hrs: Board the Grand Pearl Cruise Liner at Wat Chong-lom Pier (Nonthaburi). A sumptuous buffet lunch will be served onboard with a selection of Thai and international cuisine. Relax as you cruise down the Chao Phraya River, taking in picturesque views and riverside life. 15:00 hrs: Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while passing some of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks, including: • The Royal Barge Museum • Thammasat University • Siriraj Hospital • The Grand Palace • The iconic Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), with its 79-meter spire • Wat Kalayanamit, one of Bangkok’s most revered temples • 16:00 hrs: Arrive and disembark at River City Pier, followed by a comfortable transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Bangkok.

Breakfast is served at the hotel. Our driver will transfer you to Bangkok Airport to take your departure flight. End of services. Note: the check-out time is at noon, the surcharge for late check-out is not included.