Timeless Vietnam

Welcome to the land of dragons, Vietnam. Upon arrival to Noi Bai Airport, our driver will greet you and transfer you to the city center to the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Set along the magical Hoan Kiem Lake, the atmosphere of the Old Quarter is just steps away, transporting you to a place somewhere between ‪‎Hanoi’s glamourous past and new modernity.

Enjoy the day free at leisure to acquaint yourself with the capital, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the city center by discovering the beauty and historical significance of the area of Ngọc Sơn Temple and the “Turtle Tower” just outside the hotel.

The adventurous can dare to brave the labyrinth of streets dubbed the “Old Quarter”, famous to international guests and locals alike due to its chaotic but photogenic and charming nature. Visit the 36 streets by cyclo or foot as you meander past bamboo, silver, silk, gold, and fruit sellers.

Meals: No meals

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Dive into the history of Hanoi by visiting the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, designed to resemble a blooming lotus flower, commissioned by the legendary King Ly Thai To in 1049. Just a stone’s throw away lies the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a monument and tribute to Ho Chi Minh, the “uncle” of modern Vietnam, as well as his preserved stilt house and a small museum dedicated to his life.

Pass by Vietnam’s first university, Quoc Tu Giam, otherwise known as the Temple of Literature. The grounds offer a quiet oasis in the center of Ha Noi and will show you an interesting glimpse into the cultural elite’s past, dating back from 1076.

Have lunch at Koto Training Restaurant, a social enterprise dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty faced by many youths in the city, empowering them by training them in the culinary arts and hospitality training.

After lunch, view the scenic West Lake by electric car as you take in the incredible views of the immense lake, stopping at Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda and Quan Thanh Taoist Temple on the quaint Truc Bach Lake.

End your day perusing the carefully curated collections of tribal art, clothing, jewelry, and full-size replica houses at The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. All displays are clearly labeled in English, French, and Vietnamese, with guides available at the main entrance for those who want to hear more in-depth information.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy your evening free to shop and wander the Old Quarter independently.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Leave the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and journey 2 hours south to the charming countryside town of Ninh Binh. You may recognize some of the backdrop of the 2017 Hollywood blockbuster hit “Kong: Skull Island” as it was filmed here.

Start with an unusual row-boat ride in Van Long and enjoy the view of the romantic countryside as water buffalo graze, farmers work and children play.

Joining in optional afternoon activities such as a bicycle ride to Hang Mua, a picturesque mountainside spot with a cave and beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area, dotted with karst mountains and sparkling rice fields.

Return to Hanoi  in the late afternoon, free to explore independently. Don’t forget to stop by one of many rooftop bars in the city to catch a different glimpse of the city, while shopaholics will have to buy another suitcase as they go from boutique to boutique snatching all the incredible items for sale.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Depart from the capital this morning and head for the mountains, terraced rice fields, and ethnic minority tribes of Vietnam in the hill station of Sapa. The 5-hour journey winds through incredible scenery, small villages, and steep mountain peaks before arriving to the acclaimed mountainside resort Topas Ecolodge.

Experience the best of mountain hospitality as you take in the 360 degree unobstructed view of mountains, valleys, and rice fields from the jaw-dropping infinity pool or from the comfort of your bungalow terrace.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Topas Ecolodge Sapa

Discover the best of North Vietnam’s scenery with a day-trip into Hoang Lien National Park. Begin the trek near Sin Chai Village, taking in the exquisite views of mountains, waterfalls, and valley.  Before long, arrive to the Red Dao village of Nam Nhiu, meeting the tribe, enjoying a cup of green tea in their home, and learning about their lives. Pass rice terraces on either side as you leave Nam Nhiu, continuing to the remote Nam Cang Village for lunch.  Marvel at the women of the Red Dao tribe who wear some of the most colourful and elaborate costumes of all of Vietnam’s ethnic groups. Accompanied by your guide, explore the village and learn how the local villagers make rice paper, jewelry and embroidery. You can also learn about their highly regarded skills such as herbal baths and local medicine.

Return to the ecolodge in the afternoon, and perhaps try an herbal bath of your own at the spa to see how truly magical it is.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Topas Ecolodge Sapa

Enjoy your last morning in Sapa at leisure before returning to Hanoi on a 5-hour journey out of the tranquil mountains and back to the chaotic city. Arrive in the evening and return to the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi for rest and relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay this morning on a 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi. Arrive to Tuan Chau Pier and get your first introduction to this land of fairytales and legends from a bird’s eye view during a 25-minute scenic seaplane tour. 

Then, check-in to your cabin on the luxury cruise liner, Paradise Elegance, to experience the bay in all her glory. Activities include cooking demonstrations, kayaking to a pearl farm, and exploring Sung Sot Cave.

At the end of the day, the boat will anchor while guests enjoy the cocktail happy hour and fresh seafood dinner. Stargaze before retiring to your cabin for a restful sleep.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It is a truly a good morning in Vietnam when you wake up in the middle of Halong Bay. Try Tai Chi on the sundeck as the sun rises or simply enjoy breakfast before swimming and another cave visit at Titop Island. In the afternoon, explore by kayak or bamboo boat the floating fishing village of Cua Van.

Curl up on the sundeck and stargaze after dinner, listen to live music at the piano bar, or retire to your cabin for a restful night’s sleep.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up to your last morning in Halong Bay. Try Tai Chi on the sundeck as the sun rises and munch on a light breakfast, savoring the views as the boat gently glides through the incredible rock formations towards the dock.

Disembark from the cruise and journey back to Hanoi by car, transferring to Noi Bai Airport for a short flight to the central region of the country, Nha Trang Airport. Check-in to the Amanoi, a luxurious jungle retreat spilling out on to the exclusive and private beaches of Vinh Hy Bay. Get comfortable in your plush villa and soak in the incredible surroundings of central Vietnam.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Amanoi Resort

Spend the day with your toes in the sand, feeling the warm sun on your face as you lounge by the gorgeous infinity pool or in the picture-perfect sea. Optional excursions for the adventurous include cycling through the gorgeous Thai An countryside or hiking in Nui Chua National Park’s incredible jungle and mountains.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Amanoi Resort

Wake up to the sunshine and sound of the waves crashing on the beach at your luxurious accommodation. Spend the day relaxing poolside, testing the immaculate spa menu, and working on your tan. Optional excursions include a kayaking trip to a secluded picnic spot as the resort’s chefs prepare you a meal of perfection.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Amanoi Resort

Your day is free until your transfer to Nha Trang Airport to catch your onward planned travel arrangements.

Meals: Breakfast