Upon arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam, and we transfer to our 5-Star hotel in central Hanoi, where we can check in to relax and adjust to our new environment.

Hanoi, once the capital of French Indochina, is filled with colonial architecture. One of its most unique sights is 'Train Street,' where a train squeezes through a narrow street almost brushing the shops. It’s a short walk from our hotel, but note that trains are more frequent on weekends.

Remaining time at your leisure. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the area at your own.

We start the day with breakfast at our 5-Star hotel, then visit Ba Dinh Square, home to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This grand monument honors the revolutionary leader who declared North Vietnam’s independence in 1945.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant where we savor authentic Vietnamese dishes before embarking on a three-hour tour of the city. We visit the Confucian Temple of Literature, a 10th-century structure that honors Vietnam’s greatest scholars. The well-preserved architecture includes landscaped courtyards and an ornate altar beneath a red-wood pagoda.

Our tour ends with a stop at a local coffee shop for refreshments, and the evening is free for personal exploration. You might want to visit the lively International Crossroads area or enjoy dinner at one of Hanoi’s excellent restaurants.

After breakfast, we transfer to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Halong Bay’s towering limestone karsts, sandy beaches, and jungle-covered islands are a highlight of our trip. Unlike day boats, our overnight cruise lets us explore quieter, iconic spots.

After lunch on our luxury junk, we arrive at Cat Ba Island, where you can opt for a relaxing stroll around the bay or a gentle bike ride to Viet Hai, a village nestled in a national park. Our boat features deluxe dark-wood cabins with balconies, a stunning sundeck, and other great places to unwind and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Early risers can enjoy a sunrise tai chi session amidst the limestone towers, with breakfast served afterwards. One of the bay’s highlights is Trinh Nu Cave, a vast cavern filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. You can explore the cave on foot or join a kayak trip.

After brunch, we return to Hanoi by coach and attend a traditional water puppet show, an art form rooted in Vietnamese folklore and historically performed in flooded rice fields.

We board the Reunification Express in the evening for an overnight journey to Hue. This route commemorates the unification of Vietnam in 1976 and connects Hanoi in the north with Ho Chi Minh City in the south.

The Reunification Express arrives in Hue in the morning. Hue, smaller and calmer than Hanoi, offers a relaxing start with an early check-in at our luxurious 5-Star hotel. Enjoy the hotel’s pool or explore before an afternoon sightseeing tour.

Hue’s main attraction is the Imperial Citadel, the Nguyen dynasty’s capital from 1802 to 1945. Modeled after Beijing's Forbidden City, the complex is surrounded by moats and features lavish pagodas, intricate dragon motifs, and well-kept gardens.

We also visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, a seven-storey Buddhist temple built in 1601 that is a symbol of Vietnam. We return to our hotel for dinner.

This morning, we visit the lively Dong Ba Market, Hue’s oldest market, where we find everything from fresh produce to conical hats with woven poems.

We then board the Reunification Express for a journey south to Da Nang, known for its beaches and rich history. We visit the Cham Museum, which showcases the art and sculptures of the Champa civilization, and explore the Marble Mountains, a group of five limestone and marble hills with Buddhist and Hindu grottoes.

We check in to our 5-Star hotel in Hoi An for two nights. Hoi An, renowned for its lantern festivals, night markets, and custom tailors, offers an Art Nouveau-style hotel with a pool and rooftop bar with spectacular views.

We begin with a guided tour of Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most picturesque towns. Visit the Tan Ky Old House, a 1741 structure reflecting Japanese, Vietnamese, and Chinese influences, and the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge with its intricately decorated temple and statues.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we participate in a lantern-making workshop. Hoi An’s Old Quarter is beautifully illuminated at night by colorful lanterns. Spend the evening exploring or enjoying a meal at one of the town’s excellent restaurants.

We reboard the Reunification Express in Da Nang, enjoying the scenic journey south through rolling hills and lush landscapes. Our destination is Nha Trang, a vibrant resort town known as the 'Pearl of the East Sea.'

After checking into our 4-Star hotel overlooking the palm-lined beach, we have dinner and relax, taking in views of the sapphire sea and Hon Tre island.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to relax, stroll, or swim before boarding the Reunification Express for our journey to Ho Chi Minh City. Whilst on the train, we enjoy, passing rugged coasts and historic sites.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is a bustling metropolis with a blend of modernity and rich history. Our French colonial-style hotel, built in 1930, features a pool, rooftop lounge, and bar.

We delve into Vietnam’s recent history with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network used during the wars. You can explore the tunnels, field hospitals, and weapons factories.

After lunch, we tour Ho Chi Minh City, visiting the Central Post Office and the Independence Palace, where a North Vietnamese tank’s dramatic entrance in April 1975 marked the end of the Vietnam War.

The evening is free to explore bustling night markets or dine at one of the city’s excellent restaurants.

We travel to Cai Be to visit a floating market and a family business making rice paper and corn flakes. A river excursion offers a glimpse into life along the Mekong Delta, with houseboats lining the fertile banks.

Lunch in Vinh Long is followed by a transfer to our 5-Star hotel in Can Tho, featuring relaxing pools and beautiful gardens by the Hau River.

Enjoy a free day to relax at our hotel or explore Can Tho. Visit temples like the Ong Temple or the Munirensay Khmer Pagoda, or simply enjoy the hotel’s pool and spa.

We start early to visit Cai Rang, one of the largest floating markets. After breakfast, we board an express boat for a scenic journey up the Mekong into Cambodia, crossing the border and arriving in Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh, known as the 'Pearl of Asia,' is where the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac rivers converge. The city blends French-influenced streets with vibrant markets and a stylish atmosphere. Our central hotel offers modern amenities including a pool and rooftop bar.

Our full-day tour includes visits to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, set in a sprawling park of golden temples and manicured gardens. After lunch, we explore the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, providing insight into Cambodia's tragic recent history under the Khmer Rouge.

The evening is free to explore local markets, sample Cambodian street food, or dine at excellent restaurants.

We journey by coach through Cambodia’s countryside. We arrive in Siem Reap, a town famous for its proximity to Angkor Wat.

Our 5-Star hotel in Siem Reap offers a luxurious stay with an expansive pool and tranquil gardens. Enjoy the evening relaxing or exploring the town.

Today’s highlight is a full-day tour of Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious structure. We explore Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire, and Angkor Wat itself, a stunning temple complex overgrown by jungle. Afterward, we receive a blessing from a Buddhist monk and enjoy a dinner with a traditional Apsara dance performance.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Siem Reap before transferring to the airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City. We say goodbye to Cambodia and its awe-inspiring temples.

We board the flight from Ho Chi Minh City to back home. As we reflect on our journey, we remember the highlights—from the vibrant streets of Hanoi and enchanting Halong Bay to the majestic Angkor Wat and dynamic Phnom Penh.