Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our guide and driver at the pickup lobby. You’ll then enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi, passing over the Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city’s unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic.

9:00: Begin your day at the Ho Chi Minh Complex with an exterior view of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the shaded Presidential Botanical Gardens, passing by the Presidential Palace from the outside only, before continuing to Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, where he lived and worked in simple surroundings. The walk concludes at the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s most distinctive symbols.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, founded in the 11th century under the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius and educate royal scholars. Stroll through its peaceful courtyards to admire Khue Van Cac, a celebrated symbol of Hanoi. Visit the UNESCO-recognized stone steles, engraved with the names of outstanding scholars, and explore Quoc Tu Giam, regarded as Vietnam’s first national university.

For lunch, enjoy a refined traditional Vietnamese meal at a Michelin-listed restaurant, where authentic flavors are presented with contemporary elegance.

After lunch, indulge in a gourmet interlude with a cup of egg coffee, a creamy Hanoi specialty created during the French colonial era and quickly embraced by locals. While coffee is found everywhere in the city, this version — topped with delicately whipped egg yolk — is truly unique. Settle into a small stool inside a traditional tube house and savor this intimate, unmistakably Hanoian experience.

In the afternoon, visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum. Spend time learning about Vietnam’s modern history and the conflicts of the 20th century. Built by French colonists in 1896 to detain Vietnamese political prisoners, Hoa Lo later became known to Americans as the “Hanoi Hilton” when it held captured U.S. pilots during the war.

Relax and recharge with a soothing body massage at a local spa. Through gentle pressure and flowing, rhythmic movements, your therapist melts away deep tension, improves circulation, and brings both body and mind into a state of calm. The use of essential oils and subtle aromas enhances the experience, helping you fully unwind from the day’s travels. It’s the ideal way to ease sore muscles and restore your energy for the journey ahead.

8:00 - 8:30: The driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi, and from there, we’ll begin our journey to Halong City with a scenic drive through the Red River Delta. The trip takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, with an optional stop along the way for a short break.

11:00 – 11:30: Arrive at Lot 32 - Tuan Chau Port, where you'll check in at the waiting lounge. Enjoy a warm welcome with a cup of special tea as you settle in.

11:45 – 12:00: Board a speedboat for your transfer to Orchid Cruises. Once aboard, you'll be greeted with welcome drinks before gathering in the restaurant for a cruise briefing and essential safety instructions.

12:45 – 13:00: Enjoy a delicious lunch as we cruise through the stunning Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

15:00 – 15:30: Prepare to be captivated by the hidden charm of Ao Ech – a peaceful haven tucked away from the outside world. Glide through calm waters on a kayak, surrounded by untouched nature that feels like a secret realm waiting to be discovered. This tranquil escape invites you to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and connect deeply with the serene beauty of Lan Ha Bay.

17:00 – 17:30: Orchid Cruises will anchor for an overnight stay in Tra Bau, Lan Ha Bay. Immerse yourself in the serene landscape and enjoy the natural beauty of the bay.

18:00 – 18:15: Join us for a cooking demonstration on board and take advantage of our Happy Hour (buy one, get one free) at the bar while soaking in the stunning sunset views over the bay.  

Optional: For those interested, a massage service is available—please book directly with our Cruise Manager.

19:15 – 19:30: Indulge in a fusion dinner crafted from the freshest ingredients, served in a sophisticated setting adorned with elegant French neoclassical style and traditional oriental touches.

21:00 – 21:30: As night falls, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the bay under the stars. Our bar on the sundeck and the restaurant are ready to welcome you. Try your luck at squid fishing, enjoy a movie in the restaurant, or challenge yourself with chess and card games.

23:00: Settle in for an overnight stay on board, surrounded by the enchanting atmosphere of the bay.

06:00 – 06:30: Start your day with a refreshing Tai Chi session on the sundeck, where you can soak in the tranquil beauty of the bay. If you're eager to catch the dawn, rise early between 5:30 and 6:00, depending on the season, and feel free to consult our sailors for guidance.

06:45 - 07:00: Join us for breakfast at the restaurant as we continue our scenic cruise.

07:15 – 07:30: We’ll journey by bus to Trung Trang Cave, nestled in the heart of Cat Ba National Park, surrounded by the lush Kim Giao forest. Located 15 kilometers northwest of Cat Ba Town, Trung Trang Cave stretches 300 meters through the mountain, showcasing a captivating beauty shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Inside, you’ll find an array of uniquely shaped stalactites that spark the imagination and leave visitors in awe.

09:45 – 10:00: Welcome back aboard Orchid Cruises as we prepare for check-out. Treat yourself to a delightful brunch at our restaurant.

11:00 – 11:30: Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina, share your best wishes, and conclude your unforgettable cruise with us.

Upon your arrival at Da Nang airport, our local driver will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation in Hoi An, a journey of approximately 1 hour. 

8:15: Begin your day with a warm welcome drink at Hai Scout Café (98 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street), your meeting point in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town.

From here, take a guided walk through Hoi An’s vibrant central market, where colors, aromas, and daily life come together. Stroll among the stalls, interact with local vendors, and discover the remarkable variety of fresh herbs, spices, and ingredients that define Vietnamese cuisine.

Next, board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely 25-minute cruise along the Hoi An River. This gentle journey offers a glimpse into local river life — fishing boats, riverside homes, and lush scenery — an ideal moment for photography and quiet observation.

Upon arrival at the Red Bridge Cooking School, explore the school’s herb and vegetable garden, where many of the ingredients used in class are grown. Your hands-on cooking lesson lasts approximately two hours, during which the chef demonstrates several of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s signature dishes, followed by your own guided preparation of each dish.

The experience also includes a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving and plate decoration, adding an artistic touch to the culinary journey.

At the end of the class, sit down and enjoy the dishes you have prepared, freshly cooked and beautifully presented.

In the afternoon, discover the timeless charm of Hoi An Ancient Town on a guided walking tour.

Begin at the Museum of Antiquities, home to a compact yet insightful collection of Cham artefacts and ceramics, offering a deeper understanding of Hoi An’s layered cultural heritage.

Continue on foot to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a 17th-century wooden structure and enduring symbol of the town’s historic role as an international trading port.

Your walk concludes at Quan Thang Ancient House, one of Hoi An’s best-preserved merchant residences, admired for its elegant architecture and refined wood carvings that reflect the prosperity and aesthetic sensibilities of a bygone era.

8:30: Pick-up from your hotel, then travel to Hue by passing Da Nang along the sea road. Once you arrive in Da Nang, stop to visit the Cham Museum which preserves the most important Cham culture collections in the world. Then, walk to My Khe beach where you can enjoy the view of giant Goodness of Mercy statues in the Linh Ung Pagoda. Take photos of fishermen by the beach then continue driving along the coastline to Hue ancient capital. Make a stop at top of the Hai Van pass to enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean. 

In the afternoon, we'll explore the Imperial Citadel, the last remaining symbol of what was once Vietnam’s imperial capital. Inspired by Vauban-style fortifications, the complex is divided into three distinct sections: Kinh Thanh (the Capital City), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial City), and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). Within these walls lie many of Hue’s most remarkable landmarks, including the Flag Tower, the imposing South Gate, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the temples dedicated to past dynasties, and the former royal residential quarters.

Before the day comes to a close, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Dong Ba Market. As you wander its lively aisles, you’ll encounter colourful produce stalls, aromatic spice vendors, traditional conical hats, and local snacks prepared fresh before your eyes. It’s an ideal place to meet friendly shopkeepers, observe the rhythm of everyday commerce, and gain an authentic insight into daily life in Hue.

8:30: Begin the day with a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s oldest and most revered spiritual landmarks, founded in 1601. Overlooking the gentle flow of the Perfume River, the pagoda’s elegant octagonal tower has become an enduring symbol of the city. The serene setting offers a meaningful introduction to Hue’s spiritual life and cultural identity.

Continue to the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, constructed over 11 years (1920–1931) on Chau Chu Mountain. Distinct from the tombs of other Nguyen emperors, Khai Dinh’s mausoleum is remarkable for its bold fusion of Eastern and Western architectural influences. Ascending nearly one hundred stone steps, you reach the main worship hall, where intricate porcelain and glass mosaics, a richly painted ceiling, and a small collection of royal artefacts reflect the emperor’s refined and eclectic taste.

Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, our local driver will greet you at the pickup area and transfer you to your hotel in the city.

8:30: Begin the morning with a visit to the Independence Palace, once the residence and workplace of the Presidents of the former Republic of Vietnam. Preserved in its late 1960s and 1970s style, the palace offers insight into a pivotal period of modern Vietnamese history, from its formal reception rooms and presidential offices to the underground command bunker with original communication equipment and strategic maps.

Continue to the FITO Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine, a refined and intimate cultural space dedicated to centuries of healing knowledge. Housed in a beautifully crafted wooden building, the museum showcases an extensive collection of medicinal herb recipes, traditional remedies, ancient medical texts, and rare pharmaceutical tools. As you explore its quiet galleries, gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s holistic approach to health, where balance between body and nature has long been central to daily life.

In the evening, discover Ho Chi Minh City after dark. To start off this Saigon night tour, enjoy drinks at our Vespa-themed café, Café Zoom, to watch “as the world goes by” (as said in the Lonely Planet guide book)

Throughout the night, try a variety of food and drinks at 2 local restaurants and samplings of Saigon’s best authentic local food.

Zoom past the famous must-see sights of Ho Chi Minh City while in the bustling traffic. We’ll also go to a Vietnamese-style coffee shop with special live music, and then wrap up the evening at an exciting music bar where the new generation of Vietnamese unwind and flaunt their unique styles.

Guests ride pillion behind our drivers to enjoy and experience the Vietnamese nightlife with friends. This tour includes free flowing drinks and all you can eat, so come with an appetite!

At the end of the tour, drive back to your hotel.

8:00: Start your day with a 2.5 hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre, a province famous for its coconut groves and lush waterways. 

Upon arrival, step aboard your private boat and begin cruising through the quiet canals that wind their way across the delta. Along the way, you’ll see how local life is shaped by the river: fishermen casting their nets, children playing on the banks, and coconut palms swaying in the breeze.

Your first stop is a small island where you can stroll through a coconut garden and refresh yourself with a drink straight from the fruit. Continue your journey to visit a family-run workshop, where coconuts are still processed by hand using traditional methods. From here, hop on a bicycle and pedal along peaceful village paths, stopping at a centuries-old brick kiln to learn how clay is shaped and fired in time-honored fashion.

Later, change pace with a rowing sampan ride through narrow, shaded canals – one of the most atmospheric ways to experience the delta. Arriving at a local family’s home, you’ll be welcomed with tea and a variety of homemade sweets, including coconut and banana candies. This is also a chance to learn about daily life in the countryside, where families earn their living from farming and fishing.

Back on land, climb into a xe loi (a traditional tri-motor cycle) and enjoy a fun ride along rustic village lanes before stopping for a leisurely lunch at the charming Mango Home Restaurant. 

Afterward, take a short walk or cycle ride to meet local artisans. One family will show you how they produce rice wine, while another will demonstrate the delicate art of making rice paper – a key ingredient in Vietnam’s famous spring rolls. Of course, you’ll also get to taste the crispy rice paper fresh from the fire.

Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport.