Insight Vacations Spirit of Vietnam

• Mekong Delta: Meet Mr. Sau Tuong, a former soldier who survived four years fighting the deadly Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, at his home and see how he and his wife earn a living making rice paper.
• Hue: Enjoy a private VIP visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Imperial Citadel, before it opens to other travellers. Learn about its traditional architecture and history from a renowned historian.
• Hue: Meet the headmaster of the Vietnamese Royal Martial Arts Academy and learn what it takes to become a practitioner of this standard. See a performance showcasing different martial arts techniques.
• Dao Thuc: Accompanied by a live orchestra, enjoy a water-puppet performance, set in a lotus pond. Meet the artisan who makes the puppets in his workshop and see how the Vietnamese have been bringing performances of this nature to life since the 10th century.
• Hanoi: Meet a renowned scholar at the Temple of Literature and learn about Hanoian culture and Vietnamese architecture, before touring the temple grounds.

• VIP door-to-door transfer service – taken directly from your door to departing airport.
• Airport transfers at a destination.
• Quality accommodation as per itinerary.
• Experiences & quality dining as per itinerary.
• A coach with more legroom, air-conditioning, sound system, video & Wi-Fi.

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City

On arrival at the airport, you will be greeted and transferred to the hotel. At 19:00, join your Travelling Concierge for a cocktail reception with traditional dance performances at the Art Salon Saigon, followed by your Welcome Dinner, enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere with live music for a night to remember!

Day 2: The best of Saigon

See the best of Saigon as you travel from the city’s glittering skyscrapers to the green paddy fields scattered along the Saigon River.

Day 3: Cruise the Mekong Delta

Cruise the Mekong Delta aboard a private charter. At your first stop see coconut production and processing, then enjoy a taste of the freshest juice possible.

Day 4: Hue in royal splendour

Marvel at vistas of lush countryside, as you fly to Hue for the next chapter of your journey. Enjoy a cycle ride through rice fields to Thanh Toan village and visit the Vietnamese Agriculture Museum for an insight into rice production.

Day 5: Highlights of Hue

Rise early for a private VIP visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Imperial Citadel, before it opens to the public. Enjoy an escorted journey on a state-of-the-art electric cart, as a renowned local historian guides you through the towering main gates and shows you the majestic architecture and splendid gardens of the former royal court.

Day 6: Romantic Hoi An

Enjoy a scenic drive over the spectacular Hai Van Mountain pass to reach Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During your walking exploration of this ancient town, see the old merchant’s houses, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, Assembly Hall and the market where stalls are brimming with local specialities

Day 7: Learn from the locals in Hoi An

Visit the beautiful Cam Thanh Village with its dense coconut jungles that were once a shelter for local people and soldiers during the Vietnam War.

Day 8: Hanoi

Board a morning flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s glistening capital city known for colonial-style architecture, ancient temples and vibrant culture. Enjoy a ride aboard an electric cart to see the historic Opera House, avenues lined with French mansions, Sword Lake and the 18th century Jade Mountain Temple.

Day 9: Cruise along Halong Bay

Travel to Halong Bay, known as the bay with a thousand islands and glistening emerald water. Step aboard a deluxe junk for a memorable overnight cruise.

Day 10: Halong to Hanoi

Start the day with a session of Tai Chi on the upper deck, or enjoy an early morning swim, or perhaps venture to a white sandy beach and climb the hilltop for views over Halong Bay.

Day 11: Sightseeing in Hanoi

Visit the Temple of Literature, built in 1076 as the first university for the sons of mandarins. Meet a scholar who will share their insights into this famous institution. Learn about Hanoian culture and Vietnamese architecture before exploring the temple grounds

Day 12: Farewell Vietnam

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.