From the Mekong Delta to Halong Bay

SAIGON
A full day to discover the city of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit its historic sites, the Cho Lon Chinese quarter, and Binh Tay market.
Visit to Kim Lien pagoda and a meeting with a Buddhist calligrapher for an introduction to calligraphy. To end this day at the heart of Vietnamese life, a traditional music performance awaits.

CRUISE ABOARD THE BASSAC
Boarding the “Bassac”, you will immerse yourself in life along the Mekong Delta, staying one night in a fully equipped cabin, on a full-board basis.
The “Bassac” will anchor for the night near Tra On floating market. An ideal spot to soak up the atmosphere of Cai Rang floating market from first light, followed by a sampan ride through the canals. You will then cycle to Binh Thuy temple and the Khmer pagoda.

HOI AN
Flight from Saigon to Danang, then on to Hoi An.
Three days to discover Hoi An, one of four Vietnamese sites listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
To begin, a walking tour of this museum-like town with its remarkable charm. Then a bike ride to the vegetable village of Tra Que.
This off the beaten track excursion offers insight into the growers’ way of life, including a chance to take part in picking the aromatic herbs this village is known for.
You will then have a free day in Hoi An to wander the town’s lively streets and enjoy the beach…

HUE
Departure towards Hue, crossing the Pass of Clouds.
Visit the imperial citadel by cyclo to take in the relaxed, refined atmosphere of the old town.
To enjoy the magnificent scenery, a pleasant bike ride takes you to Phu Mong village and Thien Mu pagoda, followed by a boat cruise to the Minh Mang Mausoleum.
On the way back, a visit to the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and Tu Hieu pagoda is a must, where you may also witness a prayer ceremony.

HANOI AND SURROUNDINGS
Morning flight to Hanoi.
By cyclo and on foot, you will discover the peaceful city of Hanoi, from its historic heart to Hoan Kiem Lake, the city’s symbol. You will then all the more appreciate a well-deserved massage.
Next, a bike excursion into the surrounding countryside and along the Red River Delta banks to visit the old, traditional village of Duong Lam, where you’ll experience a warm welcome, before finishing at the revered pilgrimage site of Thay pagoda.

HALONG BAY
Departure towards Halong Bay, another Vietnamese site listed as Unesco World Heritage.
Aboard a beautiful wooden junk, you will discover Halong Bay on a 24-hour cruise. It is the ideal way to appreciate the poetic beauty of Halong Bay, encircled by lace-like limestone peaks rising from emerald waters.

5-night kayaking extension in Halong Bay
By devoting more time to it, you can further appreciate the breathtaking, extraordinary scenery by sea kayak and explore the hidden caves that are among the bay’s treasures.
The magic only deepens the further you venture…

Optional 6-day / 5-night extension to Mai Chau, northwest of Hanoi
Spending two nights with a local family, in a stilt house. An off the beaten track incursion into the heart of Vietnamese life.
Visits to villages and surroundings, a bike ride along the winding river path (7h).
And a discovery of some of Vietnam’s most picturesque villages on the road to Ninh Binh.

In summary:
– 1 night in Saigon with breakfast
– 1 night aboard the Bassac on a full-board basis
– 1 night in Can Tho on a full-board basis
– 3 nights in Hoi An, two nights with breakfast and one night on a half-board basis
– 2 nights in Hue with breakfast
– 2 nights in Hanoi, one night with breakfast and one night on a half-board basis
– 1 night in Halong Bay aboard a junk on a full-board basis
– 1 night in Hanoi with breakfast

Halong Bay kayaking extension summary:
– 4 nights aboard a junk in Halong Bay on a full-board basis
– 1 night in Hanoi with breakfast

Mai Chau extension summary:
– 2 nights in Mai Chau with a local family on a full-board basis
– 1 night in Ninh Binh with breakfast
– 1 night aboard a junk in Halong on a full-board basis
– 1 night in Hanoi with breakfast