Romantic Vietnam: Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ninh Van Bay & More

On arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi you will be transferred to your centrally located hotel.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and the country’s second largest city. Hanoi is situated on the west bank of the Red River, which flows from southwest China through northern Vietnam, to the Gulf of Tonkin.

Located 1760 kms (1,090 mi) north of Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi is also 120 kms (75 mi) west of Hai Phong, the third largest and one of the most important port cities in Vietnam.

Although under various dynasties and names through its history, Hanoi has held it title as capital for over 1000 years. Occupied by the French in 1873, Hanoi became the capital of French Indochina in 1887, and is home to the first established Western-style universities in Indochina, making it the largest education centre in Vietnam today.

The balance of the day is at leisure.

Enjoy a half-day explore the Westlake area and the surroundings by private vintage Jeep. You will observe the contrast between traditional residential quarters versus the new architecture in the developing areas. Stop by a much less-visited pagoda where daily worship is still practiced and enjoy the ambiance and culture of this religious site. Mingle with locals at a coffee shop to watch daily life passing by.

Then drive further to the war memorial - Huu Tiep Lake. It features a US B-52 bomber that was shot down in 1972 during the Vietnam War. What special about this B-52 bomber is that it was shot down before it dropped any bomb. There were around 47 bombs collected from the wreck.

Walk back to the main road and continue your vintage jeep trip toward Hoang Hoa Tham Street. This area is full of bonsais, flowers and pet shops. Chance to enjoy the hustling and bustling vibe between the buyers and sellers. On the way back to your hotel, pass by the lively Old Quarters and the stunning Opera House. The vintage jeep brings you back to the hotel with vivid memories.

Transfer from your hotel to the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake area, which transforms early evening into a haven for exercise, romantic walks and people watching, join the locals for a stroll to a nearby rooftop bar, a perfect Old Quarter vantage point to enjoy the sunset and watch the lights of Hanoi come alive with a drink or cocktail & nibbles. Your guide can then point out the 360-degree overview of Hanoi and the surrounding areas before we head back down onto the streets.

The street vibe changes at night and a little electric buzz fills the air as locals come out to eat and vendors try to make their last sales of the day. It can be overwhelming but with your guide to assist in haggling and with local info, this becomes a fun, enchanting environment. The "blue stool" experience is next as you sample the translated local dishes, engage in banter with your stool neighbors and marvel at the passing trade. You will be fascinated by local life and encouraged to ask and discuss any burning questions about real-life in, and the history of, this fascinating country. Followed by a dinner with authentic Vietnamese cuisine in an elegantly cozy ambiance.

Transfer back to your hotel.

You will be transferred by road from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay. After meeting at Heritage Line's welcome lounge at the Tuan Chau Marina, take a quick speedboat transfer to your luxurious floating home before starting the unique journey of exploring one of the wonders of nature - Lan Ha Bay and its main island of Cat Ba.

The first highlight of the cruise is lunch, which is served in Ginger's nearly 360-degree light-flooded restaurant. The live cooking in the open kitchen is a one of a kind experience - enjoy the culinary display along with fantastic panoramic views of the passing scenery. Relax on the terrace deck and soak in the enchanting aura which emanates from the surreal seascape.

While cruising along in the early afternoon, there is time to enjoy some unique facilities on board. Take a plunge in the pool with infinity-like vistas or get pampered with a selection of fine treatments and massages in spa area of the ship. As you reach the shore of a small lagoon on Cat Ba Island, hop on a bicycle (e-cart transfers are also available) for a leisurely ride along small paved roads towards the Viet Hai village. Little has changed in Viet Hai since the ancestors of the 80 households settled here centuries ago. Situated in a valley within the Cat Ba National Park and surrounded on all sides by thick forest and mountains, the locals are isolated from the island's other villages and towns. The only access is via sea. The community is self-sufficient, as the residents provide for themselves by cultivating vegetables and fruits in the fields, grow rice in the valley, and fishing out in the bay. This is truly a unique and authentic opportunity to meet local inhabitants and experience their local daily life. Get a glimpse of local households and see how they make medicine organically from a tree bark.

Back on board, the chef offers an interactive cooking class in the restaurant's big open kitchen. Learn about local ingredients as well as the preparation of classic Vietnamese dishes. As the sun sets, arrive at the tranquil anchor spot for the night. Kick back and reflect on today's adventures as night falls gently over the bay. After a delicious dinner, unwind at the bar, watch a movie in the cinema or join the crew in fishing for squid, before retiring to your room.

Wake up early and join a Tai Chi session on the terrace deck to ease your mind and muscles with the first rays of the sun touching the water. Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries await in the dining room to start the day. It is time for Heritage Line Ginger to lift her anchors and cruise to a place called "Frog Lake", a secluded area which is perfect for our energetic morning excursion. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the bay or explore this captivating marine landscape in a kayak. The cliffs stretch vertically out of the water and you feel a sense of freedom while paddling through this labyrinth of jade-green water, rocks and vivid tree-topped islets. Back on board, enjoy a hearty breakfast while cruising back to the off-shore embarkation spot. From here transfer back to the welcome lounge at the pier by speed boat. Savour the last moments of this unique journey while relaxing on comfy sun beds on the terrace deck. Transfer by road back to Hanoi.

Returning to harbor, you'll have the opportunity to savor the glorious scenery of Halong Bay one final time while enjoying your breakfast. You may even start your morning with some Tai Chi exercise if you're an early riser. Arriving back into port mid-morning, you will be met by a driver and transferred back to the airport at Hanoi.

Fly to Danang (flight not included in price) and transfer to Hoi An, approx. 45 minutes south of Danang.

The balance of the day is at leisure to explore Hoi An at your own pace.

Nested along the central coast, Hoi An is a city that blends history, culture and natural beauty into a captivating destination. With its well-preserved ancient architecture of 15th-19th century, colorful lantern-lit streets, vibrant traditional textile workshops, Hoi An offers a journey back in time. Without most forms of motorized transport, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of this ancient port is perfect for exploring on foot. Explore beautifully preserved old merchant houses, atmospheric temples, and lively market as you stroll through the back streets of this enchanting destination. Pay a visit to the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Bridge and the busy waterfront, where colorful fishing boats bob up and down on the Thu Bon River. During the walk, make a stop at a market to taste well-known local green leaf cakes in Hoi An. Wrap up the tour by visiting a Tea House that supports disadvantaged youth. The majority of the staff are hearing impaired, making for a unique experience as you communicate your order of tea or coffee or home-made cookies by writing it down or using wooden blocks with words.

Embark on a vintage Vespa adventure and explore the countryside of Hoi An. The journey begins with a pick-up at your hotel in Hoi An, followed by a ride over the bridge to Cam Kim island. Discover the beautiful rural countryside with en-route stop at an ancestral house and a traditional boat builder's yard (if weather permits) before setting off to explore the sleepy island villages. During the ride, you will zig-zag through breathtaking scenery of rice paddies (seasonal) and farmland. Learn the art of mat weaving, farming, and how to make rice cracker from friendly local families. After a snack, continue to the coast at the Thu Bon river mouth, riding along roads lined with Casuarina Pine and Cashew Nut Trees. In a small village, stop at a local cafe to enjoy some local drip coffee and learn about the art of coffee roasting. Next, it's up high and over the new bridge, offering spectacular panoramic views of Hoi An, and head to the water coconut palm-fringed Cam Thanh. Wrap up the trip with a delicious local lunch before returning to your hotel.

Following breakfast, transfer to Danang for the flight to Nha Trang (flight not included in price).

On arrival you will be met by a representative of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay and transferred to the resort by road (approx. 60 mins) and then by boat (approx. 20 mins). The resort is only accessible by water. 

The balance of the day is at leisure.

Three full days to explore the area or simply relax and enjoy the resort's facilities.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (flight not included in price). On arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport transfer to your hotel in central Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Today's adventure will take you on a journey to discover some of the most beautiful colonial gems and iconic landmarks of Saigon, all while riding in a vintage sidecar. As you venture out into the bustling streets of Saigon, your experienced driver will take you on a scenic route, passing by the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral and stopping at the striking colonial-era post office. From there, you will drive along the Nguyen Hue pedestrianized boulevard, which leads to the Saigon river, where you can explore a small riverbank fruit market.

Next, visit the War Remnants Museum, which houses a haunting exhibition of artifacts and imagery from the French colonial period to the Vietnam War. Take a break at the unique Do Phu Cafe, built above a secret bunker, before continuing your adventure to witness the charm of Old Saigon at one of the city's iconic 1970s apartment blocks. Then continue to the colorful and fragrant flower market before heading to Chinatown, where you can discover the lively Binh Tay market, selling everything from roosters to second-hand motorbike parts.

Return to the city center by following the Tofu Canal, ending the trip with vivid memories of the vibrant Saigon city.

The A O Show (pronounced Ahhh! Ohhh!) has been performing to rapturous acclaim since February 2013. The 60-minute production depicts the transformation of modern Vietnamese society, taking the audience from the serenity and peacefulness of rural village life to the mayhem and frenzy of city dwelling through the medium of dance and music. Using acrobats, contemporary dancers, jugglers and martial arts experts, the performance is accompanied by an ensemble of harmonious instruments, some of which are rare these days and played only by a handful of musicians. Performed in the French colonial-era Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon Opera House, the show is essential viewing for anyone with an interest in performing arts.

Transfer to the Ho Chi Minh City airport for you onward flight.