DAY 1: HANOI

WELCOME TO VIETNAM!

Upon touchdown at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, you will be met right at the airplane's arrival gate by friendly Fast Track Service staff. You will be whisked through immigration via the diplomatic lane, have your luggage retrieved and carried, and be escorted to your Hanoi host waiting for you in the Arrival Hall. A private vehicle will be ready to take you on an adventure back to Hanoi centre.

With its wide boulevards, ancient pagodas and tree-lined lakes, Vietnam's capital is also the country's most atmospheric and beguiling city. There is an energy and charm here arising from the genteel mix of French colonialism and Asian grace and tradition. Enjoy a showcase of synchronised t'ai chi at Hoan Kiem Lake; stroll around the lively Old Quarter with its narrow streets with traders and hoards of scooters weaving in and out, and don't miss the chance to see a water puppetry show. Other places to visit include the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Perfume Pagoda temple complex and the Hanoi Opera House in the heart of the French Quarter.

This afternoon head out to explore the hotel's neighbourhood area and step into vintage Hanoi with a little historical overview, a traditional Vietnamese coffee, and a glimpse of Hanoians at work, rest and play around the city's largest natural landmark. There is no better place to get oriented. We'll cap off the evening with some mouth-watering authentic Vietnamese cuisine at one of the city's excellent restaurants.

DAY 2: HANOI

HANOI INSIDE OUT BY VINTAGE SIDECAR

Duration: 6 hours (time is flexible)

Hanoi has been the Vietnamese capital since 1010 A.D., so there are endless stories to be told from within the city's bustling alleyways and diverse quarters. Today, we'll delve deep into Hanoi as we immerse ourselves in these tales.

Let's explore Hanoi in style today, using multiple modes of transportation. We'll 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 Museum complex and the historic Ba Dinh Square.

The sightseeing will be complemented by two essential Vietnamese experiences: slurping on a bowl of Noodle Soup (Pho) and sipping traditional Vietnamese iced coffee (Cafe Sua Da), or even trying egg coffee (Ca phe trung) - a unique and delicious drink that originated in Hanoi.

DAY 3: HANOI

HANOI, EAT, DRINK

Duration: 5 hours (time is flexible)

Grilled meats, fresh seafood, tangy salads and a cornucopia of sesame, garlic, cilantro, chilli and lime are just the starting point for one of Asia's darling cuisines. Today we'll enjoy an introduction to Vietnamese food and drink, the basic ingredients, various styles, and of course lots of sampling. Starting out on foot from our hotel in the old quarter, we'll make our way to fresh market for a visual and sensory overload of produce. Sampling is key, and we'll make a couple of stops at cafes to experience a few bedrock culinary experiences: spring rolls, salad wraps and, of course, Vietnamese coffee.

We'll stretch out the walk, even peek into the Hanoi Hilton and then let loose on simply outstanding local cuisine. Lunch is a treat of local specialties vermicelli noodles with tender grilled pork, broth and herbs, fresh garlic and chilies. Late afternoon is open, though we have several suggestions such as an art gallery stroll in the cathedral district, shopping, spa, or a nap. There is plenty of food still to find in the capital.

DAY 4: HOI AN

ONWARDS TO HOI AN, BBQ DINNER ON BAMBOO RAFT

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Then, you'll be met at the hotel lobby by your guide and driver for a private transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Danang (flight duration approximately 1 hr 25 min, Business Class). Upon arrival in Da Nang International Airport, your host and private vehicle will be waiting and taking you to your hotel in Hoi An. The drive usually takes around 45 mins. Sit back, relax, enjoy a swim and get ready for the next adventure in Vietnam.

Hoi An, on Vietnam's central coast, is enchanting. This once-bustling port town offers a colourful blend of French, Chinese and Japanese-influenced architecture, canals, bridges and temples, and the lack of noisy traffic (no cars are allowed on the main streets) means you can discover the town in relative peace and quiet. Its waterfront area is alive with boutique hotels, eateries, tailor shops, and art and craft shops. As you walk through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter, consider visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200-year old Tam Ky ancestral house and the Japanese Bridge.

Romantic BBQ dinner on bamboo raft: there is no better way to warm up the together-journey with your beloved one than enjoying the unique romantic dinner on a boat trip to Cua Dai estuary while exploring the magnificent scenery of the countryside and the vast water coconut forest along Hoian River.

The evening (approximately 3 hours in total): a private van brings you to Cua Dai in the late afternoon; around one hour of basket boat riding on the river, meeting a hidden floating bar and enjoying the beautiful scenery of river life and sunset; a BBQ dinner served over roughly one and a half hours on a private bamboo raft on the river (if it rains, dinner will be served in a charming bamboo house on the paddy field); then return to your hotel.

DAY 5: HOI AN

EVERYTHING HOI AN

Duration: Full-day, approximately 6 hours

Hoi An is one of Vietnam's most elegant and historic towns. A major maritime trading centre 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 Hoi An has to offer.

For early risers, a visit to the fish and central markets is like going back in time when life in Hoi An centred around these markets. Watch locals preparing for their day, then set out on a walking exploration of interesting nooks and crannies. Next, hop on a bike and head further afield to the countryside where, after enjoying the Vietnamese rural scenery along the way, we'll stop at the village of Go Noi. Here we'll get an insight into the life of farming communities (growing incredible organic vegetables), receive a cooking demonstration and dig into a local gourmet feast.

The afternoon is clear for shopping, beach time or just taking in the atmosphere in this charming town.

DAY 6: SAIGON

ONWARDS TO HO CHI MINH CITY, EVENING SCOOTER ADVENTURE

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Then, you'll be met at the hotel lobby by your guide and driver for a private transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Saigon (flight duration approximately 1 hr 30 min, Business Class). It takes approximately 45 minutes to transfer to Danang International Airport.

Today Ho Chi Minh City has a cosmopolitan and energetic atmosphere, and having actively welcomed the new capitalist principle, the business-minded spirit of the people is much in evidence. Although relatively modern, it has still managed to hold onto its Asian character, and fine restaurants, smart hotels and chic bars line the sidewalks crammed with noodle stands, markets and shoeshine boys.

As the sun sets, enjoy an evening scooter adventure. We'll take Saigon by storm and experience the amazing energy and movement of the southern capital via a colourful scooter journey (you'll be chauffeured by professionals!). We'll whizz around the historical district taking in all the sights, sounds and smells of a city relaxing after work. Street-side food is a delicious culinary adventure in and of itself and provides a perfect view of Saigon's motorcycle medley. If you fancy a nightcap, we can head up to one of Saigon's rooftop bars and observe the city's frenzy from above.

DAY 7: SAIGON

BRACE YOURSELF FOR SAIGON

Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as most locals call it, moves at a pace that may be a shock to the system at first, though it won't be long until you catch up with Saigon's pulse where endless streams of motorcycles, a unique mix of historical architecture, diverse neighbourhoods and a metropolitan vibe coalesce to form one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant and dynamic cities.

Today you have a full day to explore Saigon, starting at the Cu Chi Tunnels where the Vietcong dug 250 kilometers of underground passageways from the Cambodian border towards Saigon, eventually capturing the city. It's astounding to see what they constructed and you'll have the opportunity to squeeze through some of these very narrow tunnels. This visit builds an appreciation for the tenacity and sacrifices of the Vietnamese people.

Depending on the time we reach the city we'll check out one of the worthwhile museums, located mostly in and around the old quarter.

DAY 8: SAIGON

SAIGON'S CHINATOWN AND HISTORICAL DISTRICT

Today we'll hit the town by three-wheeled cyclo. A vintage and slow-paced way of getting around we'll head to Cholon, Saigon's Chinatown, where we can roam around the old spice district as well as the colorful and sensory Binh Tay Market. We will also get pedaled to Giac Lam Pagoda, one of the city's oldest Buddhist temples.

The morning ride through markets will no doubt leave us building up an appetite. Lunch will be one of the most classic and ubiquitous of Vietnamese dishes: pho noodle soup. Saigon is considered by many to have the best pho in Vietnam. We'll let you be the judge before enjoying a coffee in the park and continuing our exploration of Saigon's historical district on foot in the afternoon.

DAY 9: MEKONG RIVER

BOARD THE AQUA MEKONG (My Tho - Ho Chi Minh)

After a leisurely breakfast, spend the morning at leisure. Late morning/midday you will be collected and transferred to The Reverie Saigon Hotel to meet with the other Aqua Mekong guests. A light lunch, snacks and drinks will be available at a cafe lounge on the 6th floor. The shared transfer then departs early afternoon heading to My Tho port, around 2 hours' drive, embarking Aqua Mekong mid-afternoon. Board the Aqua Mekong for your four day cruise down the Mekong to Siem Reap.

You will be welcomed aboard the Aqua Mekong. Settle into your floating retreat, with its window wall unveiling an endlessly captivating panorama. Enjoy these private Mekong moments on your California King bed, terrace or daybed.

DAY 10: MEKONG RIVER

BINH THANH / SA DEC - MY AN HUNG

Begin the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village to bike through local markets, fruit plantations, and fish farms. Guests can also take it slow and opt to visit Sa Dec where we will peruse the vibrant markets with our chef, along with a visit to the Lover House and Kien An Cung. In the afternoon, visit a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung where we will walk through verdant plantations. We will be invited to a local's home to taste local fruits while hearing traditional folk songs performed by villagers followed by a unique unicorn dance. A 17-kilometer biking option is also available.

DAY 11: MEKONG RIVER

CHAU DOC - VINH XUONG - KA'OM SAMNOR BORDER

Travel by skiff along Bassac Canal to the vibrant border town of Chau Doc where we'll take a rickshaw called xe loi for a ride around the local town and market. We head off by van to Long Son Pagoda for a panoramic view atop Sam Mountain. Ask the monks about their age-old Mahayana Buddhist practices. Return via the bustling morning market. Optional 18-kilometers bike ride on Long Khanh Island to see paddy fields and get a snippet of local life. After lunch, relax by the pool, try a traditional Khmer massage, or learn to cook Mekong-inspired dishes while we cross the border - the farewell to Vietnam as the voyage continues into Cambodia.