Vietnam is a unique and special destination with a charm and atmosphere like no other. Travelling at your own pace and starting in Hanoi you will really discover this extraordinary city, so Vietnamese and yet still so French. You will see the limestone scenery that made the classic French film ´Indochine´ famous when you visit Hoa Lua and feel the full panorama of its romance while cruising on Halong Bay.

The central area is the cultural heart of the country and also where you will sample some of Vietnam´s most exquisite cuisine. Here you will drink tea in the ancient fishing village of Hoi An, cruise along the Perfume River, wander through the forbidden city in Hue and discover the ancient empire of Champa. Waiting in the south is the Mekong Delta, the mouth of the dragon. You will discover Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City, a city of contrasts where modern and ancient Asia compete openly on the streets. Far from the city we will take you on a private and truly memorable overnight cruise through the tropical delta on a Vietnamese sampan. Wake up in the Mekong Delta, slide through the boats, fruit and sweet savories to be the first customer at the floating market. 

PROGRAM IN DETAILS:

Day 01: Arrival Hanoi

On arrival at Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport, reception and transfer by private car through the city to your hotel, the Intercontinental  Hanoi.

Day 02. Hanoi (Breakfast & Lunch included)

After breakfast depart for an insider's tour of the capital. Long hidden from the international community, Hanoi's cultural scene is thriving. Visit the best galleries, pagodas, cultural sites, markets and other hidden gems with your specialist guide. Enjoy lunch at Cha Ca La Vong. Listed in the travel book '500 places to see before you die' this specialty fish restaurant has been serving the same dish for the past 3 decades. In the evening, you'll enjoy water puppets show.

Day 03: Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc - Hanoi (Breakfast & Lunch included)

Today you will drive through rural districts of northern Vietnam to the site of Vietnam's first capital, Hoa Lu. After visiting the two remaining sanctuaries of the ancient citadel, take a sampan (a relatively flat bottomed wooden boat) on a river through the rice paddies to the grottoes of the sacred Tam Coc Caves. Here enormous limestone karsts jut out from the green rice fields giving rise to this place's other name, 'Halong on Land'. In the afternoon return to Hanoi. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi

Day 04: Hanoi – Halong Bay (Breakfast, Lunch & Diner included)

Today you leave Hanoi by road for Halong Bay. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board a wonderful classic wooden junk, the Paradise Cruise. Have lunch as you cruise among hundreds of islets to discover unspoilt pockets of Halong Bay and visit 'Sung Sot', one of the most imposing grottos of the Bay. After sunset, enjoy dinner before retiring to your cabin for a good night’s sleep.

Day 05: Halong Bay - Hanoi – Danang – Hoi An (Breakfast & Lunch)

For early risers enjoy a Tai Chi class on the sundeck between 6:00am and 7:00am. A wholesome breakfast will be served in the restaurant before cruising back to Halong City. Arrive back at Paradise Cruise's private pier at 11:00 for disembarkation. Drive back to Hanoi. Lunch in Hanoi then free time before transfer to the airport and flight to Danang , a major port city in the South Central Coast of Vietnam, on the coast of the South China Sea Arrival and transfer to Hoi An. Accommodation at the luxurious Palm Garden Resort, a luxurious, traditional Asian style resort regarded as one of the best new hotels of 2007.

Day 06: Hoi An – Hue (Breakfast & Lunch)

After your breakfast drive to the ancient port town of Hoi An. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the centre of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday. A walking tour is the best way to see this marvelours town. For lunch sample some of Hoi An's delectable cuisine at Morning Glory, one of the town's finest restaurants. Leave Hoi after lunch and head for Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Hue is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the cultural treasures of Indochina. Arrive in Hue late in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel, the La Residence Hue Hotel & Spa.

Day 07: Hue (Breakfast, Lunch & Diner included)

Rise for an early breakfast followed by a visit to the city's vibrant Dong Ba Market and then onto The Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. After exploring the ruins of this wonderful monument, depart for the Hue Royal Fine Arts Museum and one of Hue's beautiful garden houses where you will have a private lunch. Your afternoon is free at leisure to enjoy the hotel's facilities (the spa is highly recommended). In the evening take a private sunset dinner cruise on the Perfume River. A superb 3-course meal will be served whilst you gaze over some of Vietnam's most iconic sites. Return to your hotel.

Day 08: Hue – Ho Chi Minh City (Breakfast & Lunch included)

After breakfast, depart for Hue Airport for the short flight to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals. Take an orientation tour of the city which will include a visit to the former Presidential Palace, the War Remnants Museum, the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office. For lunch try some traditional Saigon fare at 'Com Nieu Sai Gon'. Accommodation at the Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel.

Day 09: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta (Breakfast & Lunch included)

Today you depart for the Mekong Delta, leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind to travel through Vietnam's picturesque countryside with its rice paddies and rural villages. Upon arrival to the Delta board the 'Song Xanh', modelled on a traditional sampan, the boat’s small size allows you to discover the smaller canals and tributaries of this region. You will enjoy a gentle cruise from Cai Be to Sa Dec as part of a leisurely exploration of the Mekong River and its hidden treasures before gliding onto Can Tho. Overnight on board the Song Xanh Boat.

Day 10. Mekong Delta (Breakfast & Lunch included)

Crossing the Mekong on the way to Cai Be Floating Market, you will take in traditional sights such as rice barges, wooden ship building yards and even fruit drying along the Mekong's banks. After paying a visit to the colourful floating market, check-out and disembark before your return to Ho Chi Minh City. Your private car and guide will be at your disposal until your transfer to Ton Son Nhat Airport for your return flight home. End of services

Special offer:  Upon request at info@luxuryprivatetravel.com

Accommodation:

City in Vietnam	Hotels
Hanoi	Intercontinental*****
Halong	Paradise Cruise*****
Hue	La Residence Hotel & Spa*****
Hoian	Palm Garden Resort*****
Saigon	Park Hyatt Saigon*****

Our price includes:

ü       Accommodation in 5 star deluxe hotels,

ü       Water puppets show in Hanoi - First class

ü       All tours and transfers in private with an English speaking guide,
Meals as indicated in the itinerary, domestic flights in economy class,

ü       Deluxe 1 night cruises and all taxes included.

Our price excludes:
  ü       Tips & gratuities to driver & guide

ü       Meals not specified and travel insurance are not included.

ü       Business class and First class air ticket quotes provided upon request.