Breakfast at your hotel. Meet your guide for a full-day exploration of Hanoi, Vietnam’s graceful and historic capital. We begin with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, starting at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, located at Ba Dinh Square. This solemn site is the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, the beloved leader of Vietnam. (Note: The mausoleum is open from 08:00 to 11:00 on Tuesdays to Thursdays and weekends.) Afterwards, visit the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, a simple wooden structure built as a birthday gift in 1958. This residence reflects Ho Chi Minh’s modest lifestyle and his deep connection to the people of Vietnam. Just a short walk away is the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 by King Ly Thai Tong following a vision of the Goddess of Mercy sitting on a lotus flower. Though destroyed by the French in 1954, it was meticulously reconstructed in 1955.

Continue with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, founded in 1070. This tranquil and scholarly site provides insight into Vietnam’s rich academic traditions. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where you can sample some of Hanoi’s famous dishes.

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which offers a fascinating exploration of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through both indoor exhibitions and an outdoor collection of traditional houses. (Note: The museum is closed on Mondays.)

As the day ends, experience a Water Puppet Show, a captivating performance that brings Vietnamese myths and rural life to life through intricate puppetry performed over water. It’s a must-see cultural experience. Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide and embark on a transfer to Ninh Binh Province. Ninh Binh is renowned for its stunning countryside, characterised by towering limestone peaks, scenic rivers, and tranquil villages. It was also the first imperial capital of Vietnam during the Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasties.

Upon arrival, explore the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital — a historical site that covers an area of 300 hectares. In Hoa Lu, visit the two prominent temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, who played significant roles in Vietnam’s history. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant (on your own expense).

After lunch, take a boat trip to the Trang An Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This spectacular area is known for its 31 valleys, 50 caves, and lush landscapes, with impressive limestone mountains towering above tranquil waters. Trang An is home to 600 species of flora and over 200 species of fauna, making it a beautiful and ecologically rich destination. The boat ride will take you through the caves and valleys, offering breathtaking views of this picturesque region. After the boat trip, head back to Hanoi for your overnight stay. Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a scenic 3-hour drive through the lush (shared vehicle), rural landscapes of the Red River Delta as you make your way to Ha Long City. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, Ha Long Bay is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, featuring over 1,600 limestone karsts and islets that rise dramatically from the emerald waters. Upon arrival, board a traditional wooden cruise boat and set sail through this spectacular natural wonder. As you glide past soaring cliffs, hidden coves, and floating fishing villages, indulge in a freshly prepared seafood lunch served on board.

In the afternoon, enjoy some leisure time to swim in the clear, inviting waters of the bay or explore one of its enchanting limestone caves, filled with fascinating rock formations sculpted by millennia of natural processes. As evening approaches, your boat will anchor near a quiet island, providing the perfect setting for relaxation. Enjoy a delectable dinner served on board, and after, you can spend the evening stargazing from the deck or try your hand at night squid fishing. Overnight on board in Ha Long Bay.

Wake up to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay and enjoy the tranquil moments of sunrise over the water, a truly unforgettable start to your day. After a leisurely breakfast on board, continue cruising through the bay, venturing into quieter, less-visited areas. Take this opportunity for a refreshing morning swim, or simply relax on the sundeck and absorb the breathtaking scenery of limestone islets and calm waters one last time.

Around midday, return to the harbour, where your private driver will be waiting for the comfortable transfer back to Hanoi for a domestic flight to Hue. Hue, once the capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty, is renowned for its magnificent architecture, including citadels, palaces, royal tombs, and pagodas. Beyond its stunning historical sites, the city is also celebrated for its ancient traditions, which give it a unique, romantic charm. Upon arrival in Hue, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to relax and soak in the atmosphere of this historical city. Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a fascinating journey to discover Hue’s famous landmarks. We begin with a boat trip on the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda (Heavenly Lady Pagoda), one of the most iconic religious sites in Hue. Built in 1601, this serene pagoda is a must-see, offering both stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere that harmonises beautifully with the surrounding landscape.

After disembarking, continue your exploration with a visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. Stretching along the Perfume River, this mausoleum is one of the most picturesque sites in Hue. Designed by the emperor himself, it is the largest architectural work among the Nguyen Dynasty’s royal palaces and tombs, showcasing remarkable elegance and tranquility. Next, return to Hue city centre for lunch at a local restaurant (on your own charge), where you can savour traditional Hue specialities.

In the afternoon, visit the Hue Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, two of the most significant historical and cultural monuments in Vietnam. Built in the 19th century by the Nguyen Dynasty, the Citadel is a vast complex, with a 2 km wall encompassing three walled enclosures: the Citadel itself, the Yellow Imperial City, and the Forbidden Purple City — the former home to the royal family. If time allows, conclude your day with a stroll through Dong Ba Market, where you can shop for local handicrafts and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Hue. Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, we continue our scenic southward journey by road to Hoi An, a charming town in Central Vietnam. Once a bustling international commercial port in the 16th and 17th centuries, Hoi An is now celebrated for its peaceful beauty, eclectic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, with its iconic tailors and cosy cafes. As we drive, enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the way. We’ll make a stop at Lang Co Beach for a refreshing coffee break and some time to enjoy the beach. From there, we’ll drive up the spectacular Hai Van Pass, where you can admire breathtaking views of Lang Co Beach to the north and Danang City to the south.

Continuing on, we’ll stop in Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum, known for its extensive collection of ancient Cham art, as well as China Beach and the Marble Mountains, famous for their impressive caves, pagodas, and scenic views.

Upon arrival in Hoi An, you’ll be greeted by your first glimpse of this UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. The town’s tranquility and charm shine through its low tiled houses with Chinese influence, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and the colourful riverside market, making it one of Vietnam’s most delightful destinations. Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to Ba Na Hills, located 40 km from Da Nang City. Known for its unique climate, which features four seasons in a single day, Ba Na Hills offers a stunning mix of lush forests and panoramic views of Da Nang City. This destination is especially great for family holidays, with villas, restaurants, and an exciting game complex. Upon arrival, take a scenic cable car ride to the summit. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding forest, trees, and underground waterfalls. At the summit, visit the Old French Villas at an altitude of 1,138 metres to explore the architecture of the area.

Next, take a mountain climbing train to the Flower Garden, home to a variety of beautiful flowers. Continue your journey with visits to the Old Tree, stream, Great Buddha Statue, Suspension Bridge, and the Wine Tunnel, which stores a selection of wines. One of the highlights of the day is visiting the Golden Bridge, a stunning architectural masterpiece held up by giant hands, which has become one of the most photographed attractions in the region.

After lunch at a restaurant, enjoy more sightseeing and free time to relax or visit the Fantasy Theme Amusement Park, where you can try exciting 3D film experiences and games (at your own expense). Later, take the cable car back to the base and return to your hotel in Hoi An. You’ll have the evening free for your own activities and dinner. Overnight in Hoi An.

Hoi An – Da Nang – Departure flight (B)