DAY 1: HANOI

PRIVATE ARRIVAL & TRANSFER TO CAPELLA HANOI

Upon early-morning arrival in Hanoi, your ground agent organized through your private charter will meet you at the arrival gate and escort you through customs and immigration. Then, meet your guide at the International Arrivals Terminal. You will be escorted to your driver for your private transfer to your hotel. Drive duration is approximately 30 minutes. Your e-Visas have been confirmed by our local partners.

Check in to your hotel, the Capella Hanoi, and rest up with most of the day at leisure. If you are up for stretching your legs, we recommend walking towards Hoan Kiem to see a bit of local Vietnamese life.

A WARM HANOI WELCOME: EAT, DRINK, AND CHAT

Duration: 4 hours

This afternoon, meet your guide in the hotel lobby to get acquainted with the heartbeat of Hanoi. The leafy boulevards and buzzing sidewalks set the stage until the grand Opera House appears before you. Waiting at its steps is your ride: a private open-top bus. But this isn't any old bus. On the rooftop, glasses of chilled sparkling wine, fresh juices, and playful canapes are waiting. Clink glasses, sink into the lounge seats, and let the city roll by beneath you.

As you glide past Hanoi's most iconic landmarks - the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the shimmering Tran Quoc Pagoda, the fairytale-like spires of St. Joseph's Cathedral - you'll see the city from a whole new angle.

After getting the lay of the land, step down into the narrow lanes where Hanoi's real life hums: scooters zigzagging past, vendors balancing baskets of fruit, smoky barbecues scenting the air. Here, the fun shifts gears again - vintage scooters pull up to whisk you away on a food adventure. From sizzling skewers and crunchy spring rolls to tangy herb-packed wraps and the creamy indulgence of Hanoi's famous egg coffee, you'll hop from stop to stop, tasting your way through the flavors that locals adore. The evening wraps with a dinner that's hearty, fresh, and distinctly Hanoian - vermicelli noodles topped with grilled pork, light broth, and just the right kick of garlic and chilies.

This activity is confirmed by our local partners and is prepaid. Refreshments and food are included.

DAY 2: HANOI

HANOI, INSIDE-OUT BY VINTAGE SIDECAR

Duration: 5 hours

This morning after breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for your insider tour of Hanoi.

Explore the city in style today, using multiple modes of transportation. Start with a vintage sidecar ride, drifting through the must-see sights of the Old Quarter. Then head to the West Lake area to visit some beautiful gardens and some of Vietnam's oldest Buddhist monasteries. We suggest visiting the Temple of Literature, strolling along the Parisian boulevards of the French Quarter, and, if you're up for it, exploring Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum complex and the historic Ba Dinh Square on foot.

The sightseeing will be complemented by two essential Vietnamese experiences: slurping on a bowl of noodle soup (pho) and sipping traditional Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da), or even trying egg coffee (ca phe trung) - a unique drink that originated in Hanoi.

After your morning of exploration, return to your hotel for some time at leisure.

This activity is confirmed by our local partners and is prepaid. Refreshments and lunch are included."

BAT TRANG CERAMICS & CA TRU OPERA

Duration: 5 hours

Later this afternoon, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and explore the heartbeat of Vietnam's living heritage. Drive duration to Bat Trang is approximately 40 minutes.

Begin by crossing the Red River into the countryside, where Bat Trang village has been shaping clay for over 700 years. You'll wander hidden alleys, duck into family-run studios, and meet artisans who carry centuries of craft in their fingertips. From kneading raw clay to brushing delicate patterns before the fire, every step has a story. You're welcome to try your hand at the wheel, laugh at your wobbly first attempt, and hear how Bat Trang has gone from royal supplier to global art.

After you get your fill of the pottery, head to a century-old heritage house - an atmospheric space that has witnessed generations of village life - for your dinner experience. Within its carved wooden beams and timeworn walls, you'll sit down to a beautifully prepared meal while the evening comes alive with Ca Tru, Vietnam's ""folk opera."" Once performed for emperors and scholars, this hauntingly elegant art form of voice, lute, and drum now plays just for you.

At the end of the evening, return to your hotel.

This activity is confirmed by our local partners and is prepaid. Refreshments and dinner are included.

DAY 3: HA LONG BAY & HOI AN

HA LONG BAY EXCURSION BY PRIVATE SEAPLANE & LUXURY YACHT

Duration: Full Day

This morning after breakfast and check-out, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for your private transfer to the airport. There, board your private seaplane for a flight to Ha Long Bay. Leave your luggage with the hotel bell team, so your private flight crew can collect and load your bags onto your plane for your next stop, Hoi An. Drive duration to the airport is approximately 30 minutes.

Fly from Hanoi Airport to the Tuan Chau Island Marina, the gateway to Ha Long Bay's legendary cruises. Along the way, enjoy fabulous aerial views over the Red River Delta. The flight will be extended to offer you an additional 15-minute scenic tour over the bay. Seaplane flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

Upon arrival, touch down on the water, board your private luxury yacht and set sail into the Bay. Situate yourself on the deck and take in the parade of karsts, caves, and coves passing by on all sides.

The day's itinerary on the yacht will look something like this: transfer from the seaplane to the yacht by speed boat, with a brief overview of the itinerary and safety guidelines, then sail to the Trong Mai islet in the Hoa Cuong area; enjoy lunch on a floating raft; cruise to a private area for free time to enjoy the scenery, swim, and explore by kayak, bamboo boat, or water car; cruise through the islands of Ha Long Bay (Ngon Tay islet, Con Sau islet); then transfer by speed boat back to your seaplane and return to Noi Bai International Airport.

After your return to the Hanoi Airport, fly to Hoi An under your own arrangements. Flight duration is approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. Upon arrival in Da Nang, your ground agent will meet you at the arrival gate and escort you to meet your guide, then your driver for your private transfer to your hotel (drive duration approximately 1 hour).

Check in and enjoy dinner at your leisure. Evening dinner reservation at the resort's beachside bistro - this beachside venue celebrates the soul of Vietnamese cuisine elevated by classic French culinary techniques, confirmed through the hotel concierge.

This activity is confirmed by our local partners and is prepaid. Refreshments and food are included.

DAY 4: HOI AN

HISTORIC HOI AN

Duration: 4 hours

This morning after breakfast, meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby for a day of exploration in the Old Town of Hoi An.

With its historical buildings and blend of European and Asian architectural styles, there's plenty to admire during a leisurely walk through the ancient town. Set out on a walking exploration of interesting nooks and crannies, observe the locals as they prepare for the day, and enjoy a must-have Vietnamese treat: ca phe sua da. Enjoy lunch among the locals.

After exploring the old town, spend some time learning about the history, shape, and color of the lanterns for which Hoi An is famous, and create your own lantern to bring home under the guiding eye of a local artisan.

Today, you will also have the opportunity to visit Reaching Out Vietnam. Nestled in the heart of Hoi An's historic Old Town, Reaching Out Vietnam is a unique social enterprise dedicated to empowering artisans with disabilities. Here, you'll find an elegant gallery and teahouse where every handcrafted item - including lanterns, ceramics, textiles, and jewelry - reflects both artistry and advocacy. Profits are reinvested into sustaining employment, skills training, and community integration for the team of artisans. Please know that there is no pressure to purchase anything.

Head back to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Your driver is at your disposal for 3 hours this evening to bring you to and from dinner. Evening dinner reservation at the resort's refined Japanese omakase restaurant - combining the translations of "dream" and "love," it offers curated omakase menus by an acclaimed chef, confirmed through the hotel concierge.

This activity is confirmed by our local partners and is prepaid. Refreshments and food are included.

DAY 5: HOI A

HOI AN'S MARKETS (OPTIONAL DAWN VISIT)

Duration: approx. 3 hours

For early risers, a visit to the fish and central markets is like stepping back in time when daily life in Hoi An revolved around these bustling hubs. Return to the hotel for breakfast before heading out again.

If you would like to visit the fish market, please let your guide know the day prior.

HOI AN - COUNTRYSIDE HOI AN

Duration: 5 hours

This morning after breakfast, meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby for a day of exploration in and around Hoi An.

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, bask in a little bit of everything Hoi An has to offer.

Take a short drive to the peaceful countryside of Go Noi. From here, hop on bikes and cycle around 6 miles through the village, soaking in the serene rural landscape. Along the way, gain insight into the daily lives of farming communities, explore organic vegetable gardens, and enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by a picnic lunch next to the riverbank.

Finish your excursion in the early afternoon, then enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

This activity is confirmed by our local partners and is prepaid. Refreshments and food are included.

HOME COOKING WITH A RENOWNED LOCAL CHEF

Duration: 3 hours

Early this evening, meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby to transfer to your chef's private home for a lively cooking demonstration and dinner.

A passionate and extremely talented chef with in-depth knowledge of the Hoi An food scene, he will lead a culinary journey embracing a combination of refreshing flavors, beautiful presentations, and delicacies made from the finest and freshest ingredients in Vietnam. Savor the great food and listen to the chef's legendary life adventure, from fleeing Vietnam as a boat person to studying engineering, and how he has become one of the greatest chefs in Hoi An.

This activity is confirmed by our local partners and is prepaid. Refreshments and food are included.

DAY 6: SAIGON 

TRANSFER TO DA NANG AIRPORT & PRIVATE FLIGHT TO SAIGON

This morning after breakfast and check-out, meet your guide and driver for your private transfer to the Da Nang Airport. Drive duration is approximately 1 hour. Fly to Saigon under your own arrangements. Flight duration is approximately 1 hour 6 minutes.

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, your ground agent organized through your private charter will meet you at the arrival gate and escort you to meet your guide at the Domestic Arrivals Terminal. You will be escorted to your driver for your private transfer to Ben Duoc. A separate luggage car will bring your bags to the hotel, so they're waiting for you when you arrive. Drive duration is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

CU CHI TUNNELS
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

This afternoon, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels where the Vietcong dug over 150 miles of passageways from the Cambodian border towards Saigon, eventually capturing the city. Now preserved for visitors, take in their impressive engineering and consider squeezing through some of the very narrow passageways.

You'll also have the opportunity to meet with a local veteran of what the Vietnamese call the "American War."

After your time in Ben Duoc, board a private speedboat and enjoy a picnic with refreshments on the return journey to Ho Chi Minh City, still locally referred to as Saigon. Return to the hotel for check-in in the early evening.

Evening dinner reservation at a renowned chef-owned modern Vietnamese restaurant - after working abroad in Hong Kong, Chicago and Bangkok, the chef-owner returned to Vietnam to open this restaurant in a lively market, applying modern cooking techniques to authentic street food recipes to create enticing flavors. Confirmed by the hotel concierge; a deposit has been prepaid to be applied to your final bill; located approximately 10 minutes from your hotel, and your driver will be at your disposal for 3 hours this evening. Cancel 48 hours prior to avoid penalty.

This activity is confirmed by our local partners and is prepaid. Refreshments and food are included.

DAY 7: SAIGON

CHINATOWN AND HISTORICAL DISTRICT

Duration: 6 hours

This morning after breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a day familiarizing yourself with Saigon.

Head out on a three-wheeled cyclo, a vintage and slow-paced way of getting around. Start your tour in Cholon, Saigon's Chinatown, and roam around the old spice district as well as the colorful and sensory Binh Tay Market. Then, pedal to Giac Lam Pagoda, one of the city's oldest Buddhist temples.

Lunch will be one of the most classic and ubiquitous of Vietnamese dishes: pho. Saigon is considered by many to have the best pho in Vietnam. There will also be plenty of time for shopping!

After lunch, recharge with a coffee in the park and continue exploring Saigon's historical district on foot in the afternoon. Today's tour also includes Cao Dai Temple and the War Remnants Museum.

Return to your hotel this afternoon for a bit of time to relax.

This activity is confirmed by our local partners and is prepaid. Refreshments and food are included."

WALKING STREET FOOD ADVENTURE AND VIETNAMESE CIRCUS

Duration: 4 hours

Early this evening, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a lively evening on the town.

Spend an elegant evening at the Saigon Opera House to take in the spectacular A O Show, which translates phonetically as the ""aah-ooh show."" This fantastic display of creativity is the first performance using a contemporary circus approach in Ho Chi Minh City. It depicts the charming beauty that Vietnam is known for, including the richness of its culture through its urbanization, using a mix of athleticism, acrobatic acts, and theatrical visual drama.

Then, continue your evening discovering downtown Saigon and its surrounding districts on foot. Try special local cuisine at a few different locations, chat with your guide and other locals, and learn about daily life. Your guides are the experts, and they will discuss the plan for the evening with you in advance to put together a night to look forward to.

This activity is confirmed by our local partners and is prepaid. Refreshments and food are included. The show tickets have been prepaid, but you may choose to keep exploring with your guide instead.

DAY 8: VIETNAM - SEE YOU AGAIN!

This morning after check-out, meet your guide and driver for your private transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Airport. Drive duration is approximately 30 minutes. You may coordinate directly with your guide to arrange a time that best suits your schedule and local traffic.