Vietnamese elegance

Xin Chao and welcome to the modern and cosmopolitan city of Ho Chi Minh City, fondly known by its more evocative name, Saigon. Upon arrival to Tan Son Nhat Airport, our driver will greet you and transfer you to the city center to the Hotel des Arts. Set in the busy District 3 with the famous Notre Dame Cathedral just minutes away, the hotel’s location is the perfect introduction to Vietnam.

Enjoy the day free at leisure to acquaint yourself with the city, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of Vietnam before boarding the Bonsai River Cruise to bask in sunset views and delicious, freshly cooked cuisine as dance performances and music play throughout the night.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Des Art Saigon

Begin your exploration of Saigon with a walking tour of the historical heart and colonial area.  Stop at the photogenic Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly known as Rue Catinat), Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica,  City Hall, and of course, the Opera House. On either side of the Opera House you will see Graham Greene’s favourite haunt of the Hotel Continental as well as the Hotel Caravelle, a favorite of correspondents during the American-Vietnam War.

Visit the Craig Thomas Gallery or San Art to discover modern and contemporary art mixed with Vietnamese motifs. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy your evening indulging in the fabulous nightlife and restaurant scene of the city.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Des Art Saigon

After breakfast, journey 1.5 hours north of Ho Chi Minh City to experience one of the most powerful symbols of the city and its recent history, the Cu Chi Tunnels. Return to the city center to enjoy a Southern-styled lunch and then visit the War Remnants Museum with a quick stop at the former Presidential Palace, which can be viewed from the outside only on certain days.

In the late afternoon you are free to peruse the many charming boutiques and shops on Dong Khoi Street until your evening booking at the contemporary and incredible A O Show, Saigon’s must-see cultural performance.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Des Art Saigon

Settle in for a 3-hour car ride this morning to the Mekong River Delta’s largest city, Can Tho, and board your Bassac overnight cruise. Amble along the waterfront lined with French colonial shops and houses and sample the ripe, juicy fruits harvested by locals. On board the cruise, sample southern Vietnamese cuisine as you watch everyday life pass you on both sides.

In the afternoon, stop to wander through the rice paddies, sugar cane, and fruit orchards tended by small villages before returning to your ship to cruise down the many different tributaries of the Mekong. Sip cocktails from the sundeck and watch as the sun goes down from the comfort of your cabin.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Bassac Cruise

Wake up as the boat begins to cruise at sunrise and have a French breakfast as you get closer to Cai Be Floating Market. Board a mystic sampan and explore the wholesale market, watching sellers display all manner of fruit, vegetables, and handicrafts. As you roam the small alleys and canals of the Mekong, admire the exotic and fertile landscape.

Make the return 2-hour journey from Cai Be and back into the concrete jungle of Ho Chi Minh City. An early afternoon flight from Tan Son Nhat Airport flies you north to the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue.

Upon arrival to Hue, check-in to Pilgrimage Village, situated in the quiet countryside with lush gardens, reflecting a subtle combination of traditional Vietnamese style and modern accents.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Pilgrimage Village

Gain an in-depth insight into the history of Vietnam by visiting the ancient citadel in the early morning to view the grandeur of the emperors. Although the ancient citadel was badly damaged by the Second Indochina War, it is still possible to catch a glimpse of what used to exist here hundreds of years ago. Explore the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City and the Emperor’s Private Residence before boarding a boat for a journey down the poetic Perfume River to walk through the beautiful landscaped tombs of Emperor Tu Duc and Emperor Ming Mang.

Hopping into a cyclo to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda and Emperor Khai Dinh’s tomb before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Pilgrimage Village

Have a sleep-in before catching a scenic 30-minute seaplane flight from Hue to Da Nang, following the incredible Hai Van Pass.

Check-in to the trendy Fusion Maia  in Vietnam’s premiere beach destination, Da Nang. With its stunning beachfront location, complimentary spa services, and breakfast served anytime, anywhere, this hotel is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Fusion Maia Da Nang

Spend the morning at leisure before driving 30-minutes south to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An.

Cross the Thu Bon River on an afternoon walking tour and learn about the history of the town and admire the interesting mix of Vietnamese, French, Chinese, and Japanese architecture. Pause for an evening tea at the Reaching Out Teahouse, a lovely old-fashioned teahouse providing work for the hard of hearing, serving up delicious tea samplers and home-made snacks.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Fusion Maia Da Nang

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Fusion Maia Da Nang

Your day is free until your transfer to Da Nang Airport to catch your onward planned travel arrangements.

Meals: Breakfast