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Day 1 ARRIVE HANOI (2 NIGHTS)

Welcome to Vietnam. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and local appetisers. Welcome Reception Hotel Melia Hanoi

Day 2 HANOI SIGHTSEEING

Start the day with a visit to the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument where the preserved body of 'Uncle Ho' resides. A short walk from here is Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts, a Cultural Insight, where he lived intermittently between 1958 and 1969. Continue to the Temple of Literature, the first university for the sons of Mandarins, for an overview of Hanoian culture. After lunch enjoy a walking tour through the Old Quarter to embrace the bustling local life. In the evening, see a traditional water puppet performance, a Cultural Insight. This northern Vietnamese art form beautifully illustrates scenes of rural life and natural history.

Day 3 HANOI – HALONG BAY CRUISE

This morning, drive through green rice paddy fields to Halong Bay to board your Authentic Accommodation, a traditional Vietnamese Junk sailing boat. Cruise among the hundreds of islets of Halong Bay, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage listed site. Mid afternoon visit Vung Vieng fishing village by rowing boat to get a closer look into the lives of the local fishermen. Drop anchor later in the evening for a Regional Meal and a peaceful overnight stay. Regional Meal Hotel Bhaya Cruise Authentic Accommodation

Day 4 HALONG BAY – HANOI – HUE (2 NIGHTS)

Begin your day as the locals do during a morning T'ai Chi class with a Local Specialist, on the deck of the traditional Junk boat. Then explore Sung Sot grotto where stalactites hanging from the high ceiling take on numerous shapes and forms. Return to the boat to indulge in a delectable brunch as you continue cruising amongst the islands. Disembark and drive back to Hanoi, stopping at the Dong Trieu Ceramic factory, a Cultural Insight. Later enjoy early dinner; a delicious Regional Meal at Thanh Chuong Palace, an architectural gem. Continue to Hanoi Airport for your evening flight to Hue, and transfer to your hotel upon arrival. Regional Meal Hotel Imperial

Day 5 HUE SIGHTSEEING

Start the day with a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's best-preserved religious monument. Standing on the riverbank with its seven-storey tower, it is an amazing sight. Then take a local dragon boat trip along the Perfume River to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage designated site. Enjoy a cyclo ride from here to the Hope Centre which runs vocational training and assists in finding work opportunities for disadvantaged and disabled people, a Cultural Insight. Continue by cyclo to the house of the former Princess Ngoc Son for a Be My Guest lunch. It is one of the great remaining garden houses of Hue and although no longer owned by royalty the current owners have maintained it largely in its original form. Chat with a family member to get a glimpse of their life in this historic house and enjoy lunch prepared by the family. This afternoon enjoy some free time or take part in an Optional Experience. Be My Guest Dining

Day 6 HUE – DANANG – HOI AN (3 NIGHTS)

This morning depart Hue and drive over the scenic Hai Van Pass stopping en-route at Red Beach were American Marines first landed in Vietnam during the war before continuing to Danang. On arrival visit the Cham museum, a Cultural Insight, to learn about the ancient Champa civilisation. Continue to the ancient town of Hoi An and your resort hotel. This afternoon join a Vietnamese cooking class including a boat trip to the schools location on the banks of the An Hoa River and learn about the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. After the class take the opportunity to savour the dishes you have prepared for your own Regional Meal. The rest of the evening is yours to wander the peaceful lantern lit streets of this picturesque town. Regional Meal Hotel Royal Hoi An

Day 7 HOI AN SIGHTSEEING

This morning enjoy a walking tour around the ancient town of Hoi An. Today this ancient UNESCO World Heritage designated town boasts well-preserved buildings, pedestrianised streets, narrow lanes and a colourful market, a Cultural Insight. See the old merchants houses and the 400 year old Japanese Covered Bridge. Later visit Tra Que Organic Village for a Cultural Insight. Spend some time helping local farmers and learning about their daily working routines, before indulging in a relaxing foot massage. After lunch return to Hoi An Village for the rest of the day and evening at leisure. Regional Meal

Day 8 HOI AN FREE TIME

This morning enjoy some free time to relax at the hotel or explore Hoi An further. In the afternoon your choice of activities gives you two Cultural Insight opportunities: to join a Traditional Arts Workshop which will include a lantern making class or a Fishing Life Tour (subject to weather conditions) to learn about the lives of the local fishermen and have a go at casting your own fishing net.

Day 9 HOI AN – DANANG – HO CHI MINH CITY (3 NIGHTS)

This morning, fly to Vietnam's largest metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Upon arrival enjoy some free time to stroll around the city before lunch at KOTO restaurant; a non profit social enterprise that provides training to disadvantaged young people in the hospitality industry. Meet a senior staff member who will explain more about the work of KOTO and enjoy a meal served by some of the senior trainees who are on their internship within the training programme. Next transfer to Dong Khoi Street for the start of a walking tour. See the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville. Wander up to the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office, designed by the French architect, Gustave Eiffel. Continue to visit the War Remnants Museum for a vivid glimpse of the war through the eyes of the locals. Conclude the day at Ben Thanh market before arriving at your centrally located riverside hotel this evening. Hotel Renaissance Riverside

Day 10 MEKONG DELTA

Today take a day trip to My Tho situated in the Delta of the Mekong River. Transfer to a small sampan boat and discover the maze of small canals before stopping for a Regional Meal of delicious Mekong Delta specialities. Take a short walk along village roads to visit the house of a former soldier, a Local Specialist who survived fighting the Khmer Rouge. Now he and his wife live on making rice paper and have some fascinating stories to tell. Later return to Ho Chi Minh City for an evening at leisure. Regional Meal

Day 11 HO CHI MINH CITY FREE TIME

Today is a free day to enjoy Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace or to join an Optional Experience to visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels with a Local Specialist. This evening join your fellow travellers in an exclusive Farewell at the home of the former American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s, Mr. Henry Cabot Lodge, a Cultural Insight. Farewell

Day 12 ARRIVE SIEM REAP (3 NIGHTS)

Transfer to the airport for the short international flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Have some free time this afternoon to relax and enjoy the hotel's facilities. Hotel Tara Angkor

Day 13 ANGKOR WAT & SIEM REAP SIGHTSEEING

This morning, visit Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important religious monuments in the world, with a renowned Khmer Scholar Local Specialist. Take a stroll through the elaborate carved hallways of Angkor Wat as the Khmer Empire is brought to life through the scholar's explanations of the various stories contained in each of the bas reliefs and murals. Next head to Banteay Srei temple which is one of Angkor's most significant structures. Made of red sand-stone, its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings and it is in an amazing state of preservation. Make a stop for lunch at a local Khmer restaurant before taking a guided walk around the fascinating corners of the Old Town of Siem Reap. Visit Artisans d'Angkor, for a Cultural Insight into the training school and shop which creates job opportunities for young people living in rural areas, while at the same time reviving traditional Khmer craftsmanship. Cross picturesque Siem Reap River to Wat Damnak, a living temple, and receive a special blessing from one of the monks, which includes the tying of a blessed string around the wrist. Walk back across the Pedestrian Bridge to the Old Market and be lead through the maze of undercover stalls selling fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and household goods as well as an array of local handicrafts and souvenirs. In the evening perhaps take an Optional Experience sunset cruise on Tonle Sap Lake to see Siem Reap's famous floating village and to observe the lifestyle of the people living on the lake.

Day 14 ANGKOR SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

Start the day with a visit to two other UNESCO listed sites - Angkor Thom the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire and its centrepiece, the Bayon Temple. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army. Next head to the picturesque temple of Ta Prohm which was used as the location for the film ‘Tomb Raider'. The magnificent tree roots have merged with the temple remains over the years, giving the feeling of a forgotten city. Return to Siem Reap and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. This evening consider completing your trip in style with an Optional Experience Farewell accompanied by traditional Apsara Dancing.

Day 15 DEPART SIEM REAP

After breakfast, transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for your onward flight.

Day 1 Welcome to Saigon!

Say hello to Vietnam! Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you will meet with a guide carrying an ICS Travel Group sign with your name. Your guide will present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation and vouchers and all contact information of your guide and local offices. 

Transfer to your hotel in Saigon and spend the rest of the day at leisure. A vibrant metropolis, Saigon teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you will see the convergence of traditional and modern life.

Day 2 Saigon

Today you will explore the must-see sites in Saigon on a full-day tour! Begin the day in Saigon's historic center as you pass relics of French rule, then head to Reunification Palace, home to the sobering War Remnants Museum. End the day in Chinatown (Cholon), a feast for your eyes and nose!

Day 3 Saigon - Hoi An

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Danang. Once you arrive, transfer to your hotel in Hoi An and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 4 Hoi An

Today you will tour Hoi An, an exquisitely preserved merchant town that was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Wander its charming cobblestone streets as you admire its colorful houses and temples. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride down the Thu Bon River.

Day 5 Hoi An - Hue

Today you will travel from Hoi An to Hue, stopping in the city of Danang along the way. As Vietnam's third largest city, Danang is quickly becoming a popular destination for its beaches, mountains, and resorts.

Day 6 Hue

Begin the day with a boat cruise on the Perfume River to Thuy Bieu Village, where you will enjoy a walking or bike tour in the village. Later in the day, take another boat to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's most recognizable monument.

Day 7 Hue - Hanoi - Halong

Before departing Hue, visit the Imperial Citadel, providing a fascinating look into court life during the Nguyen dynasty. Transfer to Hue airport for your flight to Hanoi where you will then transfer by vehicle to Halong.

Day 8 Halong - Hanoi

Board a wooden boat (also called a junk) for a private, half-day tour along the stunning Halong Bay. Gaze upwards at the massive limestone rock formations jutting out of the sea!

Later you will transfer to Hanoi, stopping en route to But Thrap Pagoda.

Day 9 Hanoi

Spend a day sightseeing in Hanoi, Vietnam's modern-day capital. Tour the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Stilt House, the Museum of Ethnology, and the city's old quarter. End the day with a water puppet show.

Day 10 Depart Vietnam

It's departure day! Transfer to Hanoi airport for your flight home.