Romantic Vietnam: Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ninh Van Bay & More

On arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi you will be transferred to your centrally located hotel.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and the country’s second largest city. Hanoi is situated on the west bank of the Red River, which flows from southwest China through northern Vietnam, to the Gulf of Tonkin.

Located 1760 kms (1,090 mi) north of Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi is also 120 kms (75 mi) west of Hai Phong, the third largest and one of the most important port cities in Vietnam.

Although under various dynasties and names through its history, Hanoi has held it title as capital for over 1000 years. Occupied by the French in 1873, Hanoi became the capital of French Indochina in 1887, and is home to the first established Western-style universities in Indochina, making it the largest education centre in Vietnam today.

The balance of the day is at leisure.

At the beginning of the trip, take a journey to many parts of Hanoi that you would not otherwise see, from the maze of zigzagging streets to the black market and life along the train tracks. On the way, you visit must-see places and famous city landmarks such as Ho Chi Minh mausoleum-the Mecca of Vietnamese, The 1000-year-old Buddhist temples of Tran Quoc, the romantic lake of Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Opera House, the enchanting French Quarter and the bustling Old Quarter. Not only do do you see the city center but you also take you to outskirt villages around West lake and Truc Bach lake, worlds away from the busy city center. Last but not least, en route, you will stop at different authentic restaurants, eateries and food stalls of Hanoi to sample local specialities.

Depart Hanoi early this morning at approximately 8:30am for the Bhaya Cruise Centre at Tuan Chau Island (approximately two-and-a-half hours' drive on the new expressway). Upon arrival, transfer to the pier and board your privately chartered traditional junk boat. A delicious lunch will be served as you begin cruising through emerald waters, past rocky islets and lush islands. Halong Bay is blessed with numerous grottoes, hidden pools and mystical islands, and this afternoon there will be the chance to disembark the boat and explore the region further (off-boat excursions are usually made by the ship's tender). Visits to nearby caves or sandy beaches may also be on the agenda. Or you might choose to simply remain on board and take in the glorious scenery from the spacious sundeck. As night falls, the boat will drop anchor in a peaceful spot. Enjoy a refreshing drink before sitting down to a leisurely dinner, served either on deck or inside the dining room depending on weather conditions.

Early risers may have the opportunity to witness sunrise over the bay. After breakfast, there will be further opportunities to discover the bay with its stalactite and stalagmite filled caves, swimming beaches and secluded coves that are perfect for kayaking. Available activities are dependent on the specific boat. Lunch and dinner will be served onboard.

Returning to harbor, you'll have the opportunity to savor the glorious scenery of Halong Bay one final time while enjoying your breakfast. You may even start your morning with some Tai Chi exercise if you're an early riser. Arriving back into port mid-morning, you will be met by a driver and transferred back to the airport at Hanoi.

Fly to Danang (flight not included in price) and transfer to Hoi An, approx. 45 minutes south of Danang.

The balance of the day is at leisure to explore Hoi An at your own pace.

Located 30KM south of Danang, the sublime riverside town of Hoi An is a feast for the eyes. Devoid of most forms of motorised transport, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of this ancient port is ideal for exploring on foot. Discover beautifully preserved old merchant houses, atmospheric temples and lively markets as you stroll through the back streets of this enchanting destination. You will visit the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Bridge and the busy waterfront, where colourful fishing boats bob up and down on the Thu Bon River. There will also be time to peruse the numerous boutiques and galleries that line the narrow streets and perhaps make a purchase or two. During the walk, a quick visit at the market to find out well-known local cakes in Hoi An market such as Banh It la Gai or Banh Dau Xanh.

This evening you'll be collected from the lobby of your hotel and will head out to enjoy a memorable dinner in Hoi An. Dine in a small private bamboo hut in a rice field along the banks of the Coco River.
You may select either fresh seafood/daily catch or fresh vegetables collected from the organic garden nearby. Before dinner, you'll have a chance to experience a short basket boat ride on the Coco River to enjoy the most beautiful sunset in Hoi An. During the basket boat ride, you will be introduced to the daily life of the local fishermen and learn how to catch fish using traditional fishing methods.
Following dinner, you'll be transferred back to your hotel.

A full day at leisure to discover the wonders of ancient Hoi An.

Following breakfast, transfer to Danang for the flight to Nha Trang (flight not included in price).

On arrival you will be met by a representative of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay and transferred to the resort by road (approx. 60 mins) and then by boat (approx. 20 mins). The resort is only accessible by water. 

The balance of the day is at leisure.

Three full days to explore the area or simply relax and enjoy the resort's facilities.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (flight not included in price).

On arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport transfer to your hotel in central Ho Chi Minh City.

This afternoon's tour begins in the centre of the city, the first stop on today'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 more 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 the 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 full 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.

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.

This evening, take in unforgettable views of Ho Chi Minh City from the Saigon Skydeck and enjoy a sumptuous dinner of Vietnamese culinary delights at a local restaurant.

Located on the 49th floor of the tower, Saigon Skydeck offers unprecedented 360-degree vistas of Ho Chi Minh City. Experiencing the elevator, which travels at 7 metres per second, is a must but equally breathtaking are the incredible views from the public observation platform, 187 metres above the city. This is especially the case at night and after ample time for taking photos, you will return to the ground level once more.

With a profusion of rich flavours and delicious ingredients, Vietnamese food is renowned as one of the finest cuisines in the world and at the heart of the country's culinary scene is Vietnam's largest and most vibrant city, Ho Chi Minh. The city is home to an impressive array of excellent restaurants and this evening's dining experience affords the opportunity to savour exquisitely prepared dishes in a relaxed and sophisticated setting. Transferring the short distance from Saigon Skydeck to the restaurant, you will dine on authentic local and regional cuisine in one of the finest establishments in town. The evening will end with a transfer back to your hotel.

Transfer to the Ho Chi Minh City airport for you onward flight.