DAY 1: SAIGON

SAIGON ARRIVAL

Welcome to Vietnam! On arrival, you will be met just before immigration for your airport-assisted arrival service. Look for your airport host holding a welcome sign with your name and hand over your passport, and E-Visa. You will then be escorted to the immigration counter where your entry into Vietnam will be expedited. Your airport host will handle any airport formalities with immigration officials on your behalf, and you will be assisted with collecting your luggage, clearing customs, and exiting the terminal.

Your guide will meet you at Saigon (Tan Son Nhat) International Airport in the greeting area outside the exit doors of your arrival terminal for your private road transfer (up to 30 mins) to your hotel for check-in. Look for the welcome sign with your name and our logo visible on it and our representative wearing our company uniform."

TRADITIONAL MUSIC EXPERIENCE

Duration: 3 hours

This evening, we’ll visit the Mai family home where Mr. Truc and Mrs. Ngo (husband and wife), who along with the other members of the family, will share their expertise in playing traditional Vietnamese musical instruments such as the monochord zither, bamboo xylophone, and stone lithophone, among others. We are invited to spend an hour privately with them for a special journey back in time with an exclusive musical concert where we’ll learn the story of each musical piece performed for us. Then it’s our turn as we try our hand at playing the beautiful hand-crafted historic instruments in their collection. At the end of our exclusive time with these wonderful people, we will have gained unique personal insights into the culture and history of Vietnam. We’ll transfer to a great restaurant recommendation for dinner in Saigon (own expense). Our scooter and guide team will be ready outside as we switch pace for a little excitement for your transfer to the hotel.

Note: You will be a passenger on the back of a motorbike and a helmet will be provided

DAY 2: SAIGON

VIETNAM’S LOVE AFFAIR WITH COFFEE & CUISINE

Duration: 4 hours

Today is an exclusive gastronomic journey through Vietnam’s love affair with food and drink. Vietnamese love to eat and food is a coveted and shared social moment.

This morning, we’ll be focussing on the freshest ingredients and the best quality locations to experience such cultural enjoyment. First, to understand Vietnamese cuisine let’s discover together our favorite bustling market for interactive understanding of where ingredients come from, why and for what purpose they are used, and how they are purchased.

Ask any Vietnamese and they will brim with pride about how they are the second largest coffee producer and exporter in the world. To be a barista is a coveted role in Vietnamese culture, and so have arranged some one-on-one personal tutelage with one of our favorite baristas to share bean-to-cup knowledge.

Cho Lon is the perfect location to have a short cyclo ride and delve into the spice district that makes up this older area of Saigon.

Did you know that Vietnam also is a cacao bean producer? We’ll stop by the Marou team who will lovingly show you all about the bean-to-bar experience and answer all your questions about their crafted regional chocolate confectionery.

Approximately at 5 pm, arrive back at the hotel and have some downtime before heading out for dinner.

The private car, a professional driver, and our guide will be standing by to take you out to the dinner and transfer you back to the hotel until 9 pm.

DAY 3: SAIGON

CU CHI TUNNELS WITH VETERAN MEETING AND SPEEDBOAT

The morning will be spent exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels where the Vietcong dug 250 kilometers of passageways from the Cambodian border towards Saigon, eventually capturing the city. While heavily visited, it’s astounding what they constructed and you’ll have the opportunity to squeeze through most of these very narrow passageways. This visit gives an enduring appreciation for the tenacity and sacrifices of the Vietnamese people. A private speedboat is a fun way to make your outward journey from Cu Chi to Saigon with great views to be had from the river along the way.

Then continue with a private road transfer to the airport and ensure you arrive in time for your onward flight connection - Vietnam Airlines, VN130 departing Saigon at 13:10 and arriving in Danang at 14:40.

For an effortless and smooth departure, we have arranged for a special fast-track check-in service for you. Your airport host will facilitate and support you all the way through to the boarding gate.

DA NANG ARRIVAL

Welcome to Central Vietnam! Upon touchdown in Da Nang, collect your luggage and make your way to the arrivals hall where your friendly Hoi An host will be waiting for you. A transfer vehicle will be ready to take you to your hotel.

A lovely, culturally-endowed town, Hoi An is one of the most picturesque places in Vietnam. We can’t wait to show you its many charms!

Note: The drive from Da Nang International Airport to Four Seasons Nam Hai is around 40 minutes

DAY 4: HOI AN

CHARMING HOI AN WITH EARLY FISH MARKET

Duration: 6 hours

Hoi An is one of Vietnam's most elegant and historic towns. A major maritime trading center for centuries, Hoi An hosts beautifully preserved and diverse architecture, delicious food, and lots of opportunities for exploration. Today, we will bask in a little bit of everything that gives Hoi An its charm.

For early risers, visit the picturesque fish and central markets to watch locals as they prepare for their day. Afterward, we will take a drive to Tra Que Village, where you will be introduced to Vietnamese organic farming techniques and discover the typical countryside of central Vietnam, far from the touristy areas. You will interact with passionate locals who are enthusiastic about sustainable farming and protecting the environment. Learn how to make traditional Vietnamese rice pancakes (banh xeo) and then enjoy a delicious organic lunch. After lunch, a short drive to the ocean and the quintessential Central Vietnamese experience of rowing a coracle fishing boat (also known as basket boats). You’ll be surprised how tricky this little bamboo boat can be to maneuver; but don’t worry, our local friends will show you how it’s done.

For the remainder of the early afternoon, we will set out on a walking exploration of Hoi An town to discover some of its many interesting nooks and crannies.

DAY 5: DA NANG

ONE ROUND OF 18-HOLE GOLF COURSE FOR TWO PEOPLE 

Spend your leisure day at the golf course near your hotel at Montgomerie Links Golf Club which is located just 10 minutes away from Four Seasons Nam Hai.

Notes:
* Services are not included. We recommend contacting Four Seasons Nam Hai's concierge to book the tee-off time.
* Golf Club rental and Golf Cart are available with extra fees
* We recommend booking the limousine from/to the golf course with Four Seasons Nam Hai.

DAY 6: HANOI ARRIVAL

Time to say goodbye to Hoi An! You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Hanoi.

Welcome to Northern Vietnam and to the country’s capital city! Upon touchdown in Hanoi, collect your luggage and make our way to the Arrival Hall where your friendly Hanoi host will be waiting for you. A private vehicle will be ready to take you to your hotel.

Depending on the time of arrival, enjoy the evening at leisure in your hotel or get ready to hit the ground running and dive into Vietnam’s vibrant capital city.

MEET LEGENDARY PILOT NGUYEN HONG MY 

Visiting Hanoi wouldn't be complete without a special visit to former Pilot Hong My’s home. Nguyen Hong My was the first pilot to shoot down an American fighter jet in 1972. At that time, the American Air Force had no idea about the strength of the Vietnamese Air Force. In the same year, My’s MIG-21 was shot down by Daniel Edwards Cherry flying a F4. My’s two arms were broken and he was demobilized. He could not fly anymore, but returned to studying economics, got married, and had two children. Pilot My was later granted the Ho Chi Minh order after his victory for shooting down the first American fighter jet. He also met his adversary, Edwards, and visited the United States where he was honored on a postage stamp. My enjoys welcoming guests and chatting about the roller coaster of Vietnam-US relations, and how Vietnam has developed over the last few decades.

HALONG ARRIVAL

No trip to Northern Vietnam is complete without a visit to Ha Long Bay, a remarkable seascape of lush, rainforest-clad limestone islands and pillars jutting out of the surrounding emerald-blue water as far as the eye can see. And there is no better way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site than by sailing through the calm, scenic waters on board an
elegantly designed and high-standard Junk ship.

We will drive 2,5hr from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay where, upon arrival, your crew will welcome everyone aboard the ship and set sail into the Bay. Situate yourself on the deck and take in the never-ending parade of karsts, caves, and coves passing by on all sides.

HALONG

Embark on an enchanting Halong Bay journey as you acquaint yourself with the amenities on board our vessel. Witness the breath-taking scenery from the sun deck during our initial hours of cruising. Our first destination is Cua Van, a floating fishing villages in Halong Bay, which some fishermen still use as a base for their fishing and aquacultural activities. Glide through this serene area in a small bamboo boat rowed by locals, offering a glimpse into the village and understand how once whole families use to life on water here. For the more active ones, take a kayak and paddle around the floating hamlet for a very personal exploration (complimentary only for 2-night stays).

Next, we transfer by tender to Tien Ong cave, providing evidence of human civilization dating back to 10,000 8,000 BC. This small cave provides some fascinating understandings of Halong Bay's geological history. Returning to the ship, we sail to the overnight mooring area, where the ""blue hour"" unveils Halong Bay's magical beauty. Relax on the sun deck with your favourite drink, absorbing the tranquil moment. Engage in a cooking class with our chef, practicing classic Vietnamese recipes to impress your loved ones at home later.

As evening descends, a multi-course à la carte dinner is served. If you like, join in later for an on-board presentation about the bay's unique features and secrets. Alternatively, try your hand at squid fishing with our staff for a delightful and entertaining experience. Spend the rest of the evening embracing the magical landscapes in the heart of Halong Bay, where once upon a time, sparkling jewels cascaded from heavenly dragons.

Overnight on board.

DAY 7: HALONG

PRIVATE CHARTER (DAY 2)

SUNG SOT CAVE - KAYAKING - PEARL FARM - MOORING

Awaken to the gentle waves and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, complemented by pastries in the dining room. Engage in the morning Tai Chi class on the sun deck for a harmonious start amid the scenic surroundings. Embark on the day boat outing to explore the some truly unique sights of Halong Bay. During the sailing to our first stop, the impressive Sung Sot Cave,
breakfast is served on our day boat.

Spanning 10,000 square meters, Sung Sot features two chambers with the outer one adorned with stalactite chandeliers and the inner chamber known as the grand "opera house." Marvel at the pond, plant life, and stunning rock formations crafted over millions of years. We had back to the boat for some relaxing time before you have the chance to explore the marine landscape by kayak. The cliffs stretch vertically out of the water and you feel a sense of freedom while meandering through this green medley of water and tree-topped islets.

Continue the journey to a floating pearl farm, where you'll discover the intricate process of cultivating, harvesting, and processing various pearls. Witness a skilled technician delicately implanting seeds into oysters. Although the odds are low, successful outcomes yield beautiful gemstones after several years. Sail back to the mothership to return to your suite offering time for sunbathing, spa, or embracing the captivating "blue hour” on the open deck. After dinner, you have another chance to join the crew for a funny squid fishing activity or you just recline on a lounger, absorbing the serenity of Halong Bay before retiring for the night.

DAY 8: HALONG

PRIVATE CHARTER (DAY 3)

HALONG BAY - HANOI AND DEPARTURE BY A PRIVATE SEAPLANE

For early risers, tea, coffee and pastries are available in the dining room and a Tai Chi class is offered on the sun deck to awaken your mind and muscles.

We set sail to the small “Ti Top Island”. Formerly named Cat Nang, the island received a name change after former president Ho Chi Minh and the second man to orbit the Earth, Russian astronaut ‘Gherman Titov’, toured Halong Bay together in 1962. Since the cosmonaut was so fascinated with this picturesque islet, Uncle Ho would rename the island to honour Mr. Titov and as a gesture of friendship between their two countries.

Once arriving at Ti Top, you can go for a refreshing morning swim on a sandy beach or - if you prefer to be more active - climb 400 steps (20 min.) to the island’s top with stunning, panoramic views over the bay. Back on board, you can take a shower and freshen up. Enjoy the final moments of sailing as we head back to the harbour while breakfast is served. Relax on the sun deck or while savouring the last views of this iconic site.

SEAPLANE FLIGHT FROM HALONG BAY TO HANOI & VIETNAM - SEE YOU AGAIN!

Time to say goodbye to Vietnam! You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport for your onward flight.