Day 1
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Welcome to Vietnam, as you arrive at Ho Chi Minh City Airport. Formerly known as Saigon, the city is Vietnam's most significant financial and business hub. Transfer hassle-free to the comforts of the Hôtel Des Art Saigon, a top-quality lifestyle hotel.
Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 2
Ho Chi Minh City
Start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel and proceed for the enticing Ho Chi Minh City guided tour. Visit the War Remnants Museum which contains exhibits relating to the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War, and wander the stately Reunification Palace, a historic landmark in Vietnam that was once the seat of the South Vietnamese government. Go on to spot the building from which U.S. citizens were evacuated by helicopter as Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese army.
The tour then proceeds to the Central Post Office which depicts classic elements of Gothic, Renaissance and French colonial design and Ho Chi Minh City Hall built in 1902–1908 in a French colonial style by architect Paul Gardès. Experience next, the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which serves locals and tourists fruits, vegetables and dry goods. It is one of the oldest and largest markets in the country located in the centre of Hồ Chí Minh City, Vietnam in District 1. Navigate stalls selling everything from electronics and handbags to fruits and spices, and more. Juices are tasty here, especially fresh sugarcane juice that you should try.
Later, gather for a welcome reception and dinner.
Overnight stay in the luxurious Hôtel Des Art Saigon.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 3
Cu Chi Tunnels
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel and proceed to the tour of the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. This is a 155-mile network of underground passageways used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. These are the tunnel bunkers that played a vital role in the victory of the North. It connected schools, residents, and hospitals, creating an intricate subterranean city. The tour then takes you to pay a visit to two Vietnamese Congress veterans at their homes, where you get to hear their extraordinary tales of the war.
Overnight stay at Hôtel Des Art Saigon.
(Breakfast/Lunch)
Day 4
Hanoi
After a wholesome breakfast, the tour goes to Hanoi by flight, the capital of Vietnam. The 1000-year old capital is a resounding experience of incredible architecture, one of Asia's most exciting street food scenes, and endless cultural sites to explore. You’ll find streets within the city centre with well-preserved colonial buildings, ancient pagodas, unique museums and more. Wander past tree-lined boulevards along serene lakes and embrace the pride of the capital city. A great city to explore on foot, this French-colonial capital is also known for its delectable cuisine, and vibrant nightlife.
The tour includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which serves as the resting place of Vietnamese Revolutionary leader and President Ho Chi Minh in Hanoi, Vietnam. Indulge next in the lively Hanoi Old Quarter, an important symbol of the Vietnamese spirit. While exploring the market keep a look out for many pagodas built by ancient traders. Watch vendors hawk all manners of trinkets where each of the 36 streets is dedicated to a particular trade. Immerse in the sizzle of roadside woks that mingles with the beeping of whizzing motorbikes.
We experience on the tour the peculiar “train street” where a railway track snakes through a densely packed neighbourhood in the heart of the Old Quarter. Finish the tour in the afternoon at a typical makeshift bar.
Overnight stay at the plush Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.
(Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 5
Hanoi
After breakfast, the tour proceeds to the famous Ngoc Son Temple, also known as the Pagoda of Jade Mountain. Take in the serenity and calm vibes of an attraction that is located in the Hoan Kiem lake. The lake's original name was Luc Thuy (green water lake) because of the emerald green coloured water that gives it a majestic appeal.
Take in culinary pleasures from Vietnamese iced coffee or a sample of a spicy sandwich called banh-mi that is served in a split baguette. The tour continues on an exploration of the Old Quarter that proceeds from the Gothic St. Joseph’s Cathedral to a colonial-era prison, known by American POWs as the Hanoi Hilton.
We then stop at the 11th-century Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university with its humongous courtyards and complex area. The sightseeing adventure continues to the sprawling Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is the historic seat of the Vietnamese monarchy.
Overnight stay in Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.
(Breakfast/Lunch)
Day 6
Ninh Binh
After breakfast, the tour proceeds south from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. This is a small city in the Red River Delta of northern Vietnam nicknamed “Ha Long Bay on land.” due to its magical riverine landscape. Here the tour will be joined by grantee Le Khac Quyet, a leading Vietnamese wildlife biologist and avid photographer. Interactions with him are a sheer delight as he will update you on his latest research.
Get aboard a sampan which is a flat-bottomed Chinese boat, to paddle past lush rice fields and towering limestone cliffs. Wander over a stone bridge and reach the Bich Dong pagoda which is mesmerizing with its incense influences. We then explore the Van Long Nature Reserve by bamboo rowboat. Feel amazed by the numerous bird species here as you drift past the grassy wetland that has a peaceful aura. Look out for the endangered Delacour’s langur, as you are in one of the primate’s last wild refuges.
Overnight stay at the classy Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 7
Cuc Phuong National Park
Relish a tasty breakfast and proceed today to spend the day in the lush Cuc Phuong National Park. This is Vietnam's oldest and largest natural reserve. The biodiversity of the park is a mind-blowing experience. Here we meet the director of the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre for a behind-the-scenes tour. We also visit Save Vietnam’s Wildlife Rescue Centre, a role model in animal welfare, rescue and rehabilitation. You see orphaned and injured pangolins, civets, mongooses, and other small carnivores that are rescued and rehabilitated to find themselves back in the wild. The rescue project is insightful to learn about and the efforts taken to reduce the demand for pangolin, the world's most trafficked animal is an important mission of the project. The efforts are led by the centre`s founder and grantee, Nguyen Van Thai.
Overnight stay in the pleasant Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).
Day 8
Ha Long Bay
Savour a breakfast meal and proceed north to Ha Long Bay on the tour. We explore the magical World Heritage Site aboard a traditional wooden junk. Cruise along the tranquil turquoise waters through the tiny forested islands. Stare amazed at the fantastic kart formations and enjoy an off-the-beaten-path experience along the secluded Lan Ha Bay. The experience continues to mesmerize with a chance for a quiet swim or kayak ride for you at the perfect Ba Trai Dao Beach before returning to our ship. You catch the most magnificent sunset views over the Gulf of Tonkin. Learn to cook local delicacies with the help of the ship`s chef. The night brings in further magic with the sky filled with stars that you can gaze at from the deck before turning in for the night in the comforts of a deluxe cabin.
Overnight stay at the Azalea.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 9
Ha Long Bay - Luang Prabang, Laos
Wake up to an early rise, as the magic on deck continues and enjoy breakfast. Partake in a relaxing tai chi session as the sunlight hits the bay and the floating villages alongside rising to another day. We discover the mystical Toi and Sang (Dark and Bright) caves by canoe. The aura and perfume of the rock-strung orchids are a delight. Keep an eye out for scampering monkeys here. Relish a hearty brunch on the ship and transfer to Hanoi Airport for a flight to Luang Prabang.
Overnight stay at the Luang Say Residence.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).
Day 10
Luang Prabang
After a breakfast meal, the tour explores the stunning Luang Prabang for you. This is nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers amid the jungle-covered hills. Visit the area’s most revered Buddhist temple. We visit the National Museum where the golden Prabang Buddha statue stands in pride. This is formerly the Royal Palace that houses the famous statue after which the town gets its name. Immerse yourself in the graceful Baci ceremony that happens in the home of the village chief. In this uniquely Laotian ritual, cotton cords are tied around the participants’ wrists to wish them good fortune, health, and prosperity.
Overnight stay in the comforts of The Luang Say Residence.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 11
Luang Prabang
After breakfast, the tour ventures south of Luang Prabang for a rural setting experience. The mountain villages of the Hmong and Khmu ethnic groups are an enthralling visit where you get to chat with the village chiefs. The day proceeds on a hiking adventure to the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfall. Feel the gush of the spray with its milky blue water as it falls into tiered limestone pools.
Enjoy the taste of a cookout lunch, prepared by locals with fresh ingredients. Later the tour takes you to see the endangered Asiatic black bears at the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre. Hear from a conservationist about -funded research and understand the threats faced by these gentle animals.
Overnight stay at the Luang Say Residence.
(Breakfast/Lunch)
Day 12
Luang Prabang - Siem Reap, Cambodia
After a healthy breakfast at dawn, experience the daily alms given to Buddhist monks ritual. This is a fascinating age-old Laotian tradition when hundreds of saffron-clad monks walk through the streets. They collect alms in their quiet demeanour. Offerings are given of fruits, rice and flowers from smiling faced locals.
Spend the rest of the time at leisure and proceed by flight to Siem Reap.
Overnight stay at the Jaya House River Park for a comfortable night.
(Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 13
Angkor
The exciting day starts with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Today the tour explores the magnificent World Heritage Site of Angkor. An archaeologist will be your guide to add to the mesmerizing experience. The capital of the Khmer Empire stands mysterious with massive towers, crumpled courtyards and enchanting murals. Built in the depths of the lush Cambodian jungle in the first half of the 12th century, this is an attraction to behold.
Wander the magnificent walled city of Angkor Thom, visit the Bayon temple and the Terrace of the Elephants, or explore the haunting Ta Prohm, tangled in thick banyan roots.
Proceed to tour the Angkor Conservation Centre and go behind the scenes with the centre’s director to view thousands of priceless statues recovered from the archaeological site. The sunset view as it dips behind the spires of the Angkor Wat temple is astounding. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu.
Rest the night at the Jaya House River Park.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 14
Banteay Srei - Kampong Khleang
Enjoy a tasty breakfast and set out on the tour for Banteay Srei. This is a 10-th century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located north of Angkor Wat. En route, we stop at the Golden Silk Pheach Preservation Centre. This is a fascinating Cambodian NGO that works to preserve the ancient Khmer silk production techniques.
Later, the tour takes you on a drive to Kampong Khleang village. Drift down in a wooden boat to the great Tonle Sap lake, a large freshwater lake with diverse ecosystems. Feel enamoured as you discover a buzzing floating city complete with markets, clinics, schools, and even basketball courts and karaoke bars.
The day ends with a farewell reception for you amid traditional Cambodian dance with music and dinner. Overnight stay at the Jaya House River Park.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 15
Siem Reap
After a delicious breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight home. Carry with you amazing memories of your vacation.
(Breakfast/Lunch)
EN | AED
Meals 
Travel Insurance 
Sightseeing 
Accommodation 
