Vietnam Discovery: Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An & Hanoi

Located along the active Saigon River, the Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel provides a romantic, tranquil vibe within an easy walk of many of the city's prominent landmarks. This award-winning hotel offers 170 comfortable, stylish rooms with city or river views. Facilities include an entire floor dedicated to health and wellness, swimming pool, in-house bistro, sky bar and restaurant.

Synonymous with the Vietnam War and a testament to the determined spirit of the Vietnamese, the underground network of passages at Cu Chi is a fascinating day trip out of the city.

Work on the tunnels began during the war against the French in the 1940s and over the next 25 years as the conflict with America escalated, they were improved and expanded to create an underground city of meeting areas, storerooms, living quarters and much more. The tunnels allowed the Viet Cong to control a vital area of South Vietnam and at their height, extended for more than 200KM in length and stretched from what was then Saigon to the Cambodian border.

Preserved as a memorial park, a small section of this remarkable network is open to the public and there is the option to go below the surface to visit the tunnel first hand. There is plenty of interest above ground as well and it is recommended to bring good footwear, sunscreen and a hat. Please note you may get a little dusty if you decide to go underground.

Return to city for lunch at a local restaurant. The first stop on this afternoon's itinerary is Reunification Palace. Formerly named the Presidential Palace, this important city landmark was assured its place in history on 30th April 1975, when the first North Vietnamese tanks rumbled past, signalling the Fall of Saigon and ultimately the end of the Vietnam War. Now a museum complete with period meeting areas, war rooms and a basement communication centre, after your visit, walk the short distance to Notre Dame Cathedral. At the centre of HCMC's government district, this romantic church dates back to the late 19th century and is a popular backdrop for wedding photographs. Across the street from the cathedral is the city's striking French colonial-era post office, whilst Hotel de Ville de Saigon, officially Ho Chi Minh City Hall, is another of the city's most prominent buildings. The Museum of Vietnamese History is housed in yet another fine example of Sino-French architecture. Dating back to the 1920s, it contains an excellent series of exhibits dating from the Bronze Age to the Nguyen dynasty, the last ruling family of Vietnam.

As an alternative to the Museum of Vietnamese History, visit the elegant Fine Arts Museum with its impressive collection of ancient and modern art and sculptures, or the War Remnants Museum, which is primarily dedicated to the Vietnam War but also includes exhibits dating back to French colonialist period and the first Indochina War.

The final stop today is the unforgettable Jade Emperor Pagoda. With the pungent smell of incense hanging heavy in the air and an interior packed fall of ornate carvings and fierce-looking statues, this Taoist temple is one of the most atmospheric places of worship in the city. Transfer back to your hotel after your visit or alternatively be dropped off at Ben Thanh market for personal exploration and a spot of souvenir hunting.

Upon arrival, you will drive overland visiting the Cham Museum. Situated in a quiet area of Danang City, the Cham Museum was built in 1915. The kingdom of Champa controlled what is now south and central Vietnam from approximately 192 through 1697. At present, the museum houses 297 stone and terracotta sculptural works made between the 7th and the 15th centuries. These are impressive works typical of the Cham culture. From here, continue on to Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries with period architecture and relaxed lifestyle.

Established in 1991, the Hoi An Hotel is admired for its location, charm, and world-class facilities. Guests can access stunning Cua Dai beach, 4km East, by hopping on a shuttle bus that runs on the fifteen minutes. It is also a quick walk to the Old Town. Room design discards the minimalist fad of recent years. The hotel also offers use of a vast, outdoor pool with poolside recliners, Jacuzzi, tennis courts, souvenir shop and art gallery, beauty salon and tour desk.

After rendezvousing at Cafe Zoom in downtown Hoi An, this evening's culinary tour by vintage Vespa scooter begins with a drink and a small selection of street food nibbles to whet the appetite. Then, heading off around sunset, you will ride pillion along the riverfront and through the backstreets of this ancient town, sampling scrumptious and flavorsome specialties along the way. After sampling two of Hoi An's most famous dishes, White Rose (translucent white dough filled with spicy minced shrimp or pork) and special crispy wantons, it's time to head to the river and travel by slow boat to nearby Cam Nam Island. Join with locals in a rustic setting and enjoy a delicious seafood starter and a glorious view of the Thu Bon River with Hoi An in the background.
Zipping along the riverfront, a Vietnamese-style hotpot in a lively local restaurant is next on the agenda, before moving onto the last venue on the itinerary. A welcome addition to Hoi An's vibrant dining scene, the final port of call this evening is a Vietnamese restaurant beautifully located in the heart of luxuriant paddy fields. Sample succulent BBQ specialties accompanied by quaff-able cold beer and rounded off with a delicious dessert of Banh Flan, a light version of creme caramel inherited from the French. Fit to burst, you will be ridden back to your hotel or resort at the evening's close.

Nestled in the lush tree-lined charming diplomatic Tran Phu Street, merely few steps from the quaint Hanoi Old Quarter, the AIRA Boutique Hanoi Hotel and Spa's signature style is perfectly suited either your upscale business stay, a pampered vacation or a romantic getaway.

With 60 luxurious, elegantly appointed rooms, the hotel is large enough to offer a full array of high end services such as 360 degree panoramic view sky bar, award-winning restaurant, bakery and coffee shop, spa service, boutique shop, a gym and all-season infinity pool, yet small enough to provide you with personalized attention you deserve. Step off the bustling streets of Hanoi and enter a serene retreat, prepare to be pampered at most.

Visit Ba Dinh Square where silent sentries guard the marble mausoleum in which Ho Chi Minh lies in state. Subject to opening hours, the interior of the mausoleum may be visited. Continue to the modest stilted wooden bungalow where Uncle Ho lived and worked, before visiting Ho Chi Minh Museum. Dedicated to the 'father of the country', the museum chronicles the evolution of Vietnamese independence.

French architecture features prominently in Hanoi and the nearby former Governor's Residence is a fine example. Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda with a history steeped in folklore. The final stop is the Thang Long Royal Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 11th century during the Ly Viet Dynasty. This important historical site served as the capital of Vietnam for eight centuries.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your exploration of the city, resplendent with French colonial architecture including the exquisite, Opera House. Pass Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the 'Lake of the Restored Sword' after the legend that surrounds it, en-route to one of the city's many fascinating museums: choose from History Museum, Military Museum, Hoa Loa Prison or Fine Arts, depending on your personal interests. Continue to the Temple of Literature, a serene retreat from the busy streets outside. Built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, it became Vietnam's first university.

The best way to experience Hanoi's Old Quarter is on foot and next, take a walking tour through an area of the city known as '36 Streets'. The oldest continuously developed area of Vietnam, this densely populated section of Hanoi was once an important centre of commerce where goods were sold on the street name of a particular guild. The labyrinthine alleyways are perfect for exploring on foot with names such as Sugar Street, Tin Street and Paper Street.

Leaving Hanoi early this morning, you will be driven to Halong City, a journey time of approximately 3.5 hours. On arrival, you will transfer to a junk (a traditional sailing ship) for your cruise on Halong Bay. Translated as the 'Bay of Descending Dragons' and located in the Gulf of Tonkin, the mystical landscapes of Halong Bay are one of Asia's most iconic sights. Some 1,600 islands and islets form a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars (known as karsts), lush islands and emerald waters and the day is spent discovering this national treasure.

There will be opportunities to stop at some of the numerous grottoes and caves on the islands and explore on foot. Ascending one of the surrounding hills will afford memorable panoramic views of the verdant islands and shimmering waters below. One of the most beautiful places on earth, this magnificent feat of nature rarely fails to impress. Breathtaking beyond words, Halong Bay is justifiably one of the world's natural wonders and more than deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status.

A mouth-watering lunch will be served on board during the cruise. After disembarking the boat in the afternoon you will return to Hanoi by private vehicle, where you will arrive in the early evening.