You fly to Hanoi.

Today you reach Hanoi, Vietnam’s lively capital on the Red River. You are met individually at the airport and taken to your hotel. There, your tour guide or a welcome host is on hand to help you settle in and inform you about the rest of the day. Depending on your flight time, an early check-in is recommended so that you can move straight into your room and freshen up at your leisure (optional, bookable in advance). Your start in Hanoi is deliberately flexible: if you arrive early, you can gather first impressions of everyday life in Hanoi in the morning on an orientation walk around the hotel and through a local market. Over a shared lunch at a local restaurant afterwards, you get to know the first facets of Vietnamese cuisine with the traditional pho soup. In the afternoon, the whole group meets and you discover the city’s highlights together: you stroll through the lively Old Quarter with its narrow lanes and visit Hoan Kiem Lake with the Ngoc Son Temple, among other places. This way – depending on your arrival time – you can spend your first day flexibly and start your travel experience without any idle time. In the late afternoon, you drive to West Lake. Here you enjoy a refreshing drink in a relaxed atmosphere – the ideal moment to get to know your fellow travellers and toast the journey ahead. 2 nights in Hanoi. (L) (Distance: approx. 30 km; driving time: approx. 1 hr)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Located in the heart of Hanoi, The Q Hotel, with its stylish and cosy French architecture, is one of the best boutique hotels in the Vietnamese capital. The Q Hotel’s restaurant offers an extensive menu with a variety of fine dishes and is open around the clock. The modern rooms offer free Wi-Fi, a minibar and a desk, among other amenities.

After breakfast, the morning is at your leisure. Spend the time just as you like, whether on a relaxed walk, an individual stroll through the city or some rest at the hotel. Afterwards, you explore Hanoi’s most important sights together. These include the house and the mausoleum of the famous revolutionary Ho Chi Minh, who is still very popular in Vietnam (exterior visit). Experience the unusual architecture of the One Pillar Pagoda and visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national academy. (B)

This morning, you continue your Vietnam tour towards Halong Bay. You travel part of the way by train and stop in a traditional village outside Hanoi. You watch a water puppet show, an art form with a long tradition here that depicts the daily life of the farmers in the delta: rice growing, buffalo keeping, fishing, singing and dancing to celebrate a rich harvest. After the performance, you have some time to explore the village on foot and gain an insight into rural life and local crafts. After a lunch of regional delicacies prepared by a local family, you continue to Halong. You drive past rice fields and, depending on the season, can see farmers working the fields with their water buffaloes. 1 night in Halong. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 200 km; driving time: approx. 4 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast Your hotel, the “D’Lecia Ha Long”, is located in Halong’s popular Bai Chay district. Just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel you will find various hotspots of the city, such as the Cai Dam seafood market, the Sun World amusement park and picturesque Bai Chay Beach, which stands out above all for its turquoise water. Your hotel has everything you need for a perfect stay: in the D’Lusso Lounge you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail or a delicious coffee in a cosy, relaxed atmosphere. In the hotel’s “Chopsticks Restaurant”, you can enjoy various Vietnamese specialities prepared at live cooking stations. The rooms are cosily furnished and impress with beautiful wood tones. Room facilities include air conditioning, a smart TV and free Wi-Fi.

After breakfast, you head to Tuan Chau Island and board your ship for the cruise in Lan Ha Bay, the somewhat quieter part of famous Halong Bay. Jungle-covered karst cones and steep rock towers rise from shimmering green water, often veiled in a delicate haze, and together with countless islands they create an otherworldly landscape. It is little wonder that UNESCO declared Halong Bay a World Natural Heritage Site back in 1994. Enjoy lunch on board as the ship glides through the bay. Look forward to various stops during the day that bring you even closer to the fascinating surroundings: on one island you can climb up to a spectacular viewpoint or relax on the beach, and on a visit to a cave the impressive rock formations and crystal-clear water will leave you amazed. After exploring the fascinating bay at length, you relax on your modern and comfortable ship. In the evening, an excellent dinner of seafood and all kinds of other regional delicacies awaits you. With a view of the setting sun, this is surely the perfect end to the day. 1 night on board. (B/L/D)

Start the day early and enjoy the sunrise among the mystical rocks from the deck. If you are interested, you can join a morning tai chi session on deck. After a tasty breakfast, a visit to another fascinating cave is on the programme. You also enjoy a brunch, which serves as an early lunch today, before leaving the ship in the late morning and driving back to Hanoi. Your next destination is Hanoi airport, from where you fly to Danang in central Vietnam. You are then transferred to your hotel in the picturesque coastal town of Hoi An, where you stay for the next three nights. 3 nights in Hoi An. (B/L) (Distance Halong – Hanoi: approx. 130 km; driving time: approx. 2.5 hrs; Danang – Hoi An: approx. 30 km; driving time: approx. 1 hr)

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast The exceptional Legacy Hoi An Resort welcomes you in Hoi An. The resort is set amid rice fields and an impressive natural backdrop that also creates a calming atmosphere. The resort’s traditional décor is reflected in the air-conditioned rooms too. Another special feature is the outdoor pool, which offers you a picturesque view of the surrounding countryside. Treat yourself to one of the many wellness treatments and relax in this green oasis.

This morning, on a walking tour, you discover the diversity of the historic town of Hoi An (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage) and have the unique opportunity to gain an insight into the local craft of lantern making. In a lantern workshop, you learn how the colourful lanterns are made and can make your own lantern as a unique souvenir. Around midday, you take an excursion to a herb village outside the town that is known for its organic farming methods. Villages like this in the area are usually non-profit farming cooperatives whose members receive land free of charge as long as they farm it organically. Learn about the herbs native to the area, which also play an important role in medicine. Look forward to a freshly prepared lunch of local specialities, which you can help to prepare, followed by a relaxing herbal foot massage. You can spend the evening entirely as you wish. An evening visit to Hoi An’s Old Town is definitely worthwhile, when countless colourful lanterns light up the narrow lanes at nightfall. Try the culinary delights of the local restaurants or stroll through the illuminated streets with a drink in hand. As a relaxing alternative, you can of course also simply put your feet up at the hotel in your free time. (B/L)

Today is at your leisure. Head out again to explore the town and its surroundings on your own, or rent a bike and cycle leisurely along the many paths through the fields and to the beach. Of course, you can also simply relax for a day, put your feet up by the hotel pool and treat yourself. The choice is entirely yours. (B)

You leave Hoi An towards Hue and first make a short stop at the Marble Mountains on the way. Here you visit some natural grottoes in which Buddhist sanctuaries have been built over the centuries. Through picturesque landscapes, you next reach the Hai Van Pass (Cloud Pass), the natural border between northern and southern Vietnam. During an extended break at Lang Co Lagoon, you can stretch your legs on the beach and enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood before continuing to Hue. After arriving in the old imperial city, you take a short walk along the Perfume River. There are various theories about how the river got its name. One says that the countless pollen grains and blossoms that cover the water in spring give the river a strong scent – almost like a fragrant perfume. Your walk takes you past impressive sights of the city, such as the railway station, the city hall and the Hai Ba Trung High School. Finally, you have the opportunity to stroll around Dong Ba Market and marvel at the variety of goods at the small stalls. 2 nights in Hue. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 165 km; driving time: approx. 3–3.5 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Cherish Hue Hotel is a charming, modern hotel in the heart of Hue! It is ideally located near the Perfume River and the famous Citadel and is the perfect base for exploring the historic city. In the spa you can treat yourself to massages and spa treatments, or work out in the fitness centre, which has all the equipment you need. There is also a pool to cool off in. The restaurant serves Vietnamese and international dishes, and in the wine bar you can round off the evening with a delicious drink. The Cherish Hue Hotel offers first-class comfort and warm hospitality. The standard rooms are stylish and cosy and offer the ideal retreat after an eventful day. They have a private bath or shower/WC.

Today you take a tour of the imperial city of Hue (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage) and experience the glorious past of the Nguyen dynasty. Around 40% of all Vietnamese still bear this family name today. After breakfast, you visit the Citadel with the Imperial Palace, which was built on the model of the “Forbidden City” in Beijing. You then visit an old mandarin house built in Hue’s traditional style. During a short tea break with snacks, you meet the hosts and hear many interesting stories about the culture and life of the people of Hue. Now sit back, relax and let the atmosphere of the city sink in on a cyclo ride. During the ride, enjoy the charming, hilly landscape around Hue until you reach the Thien Mu Pagoda. As one of Hue’s landmarks, the famous seven-storey pagoda stands on a small hill and is dedicated to the Heavenly Lady. To round off the day, you visit the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh and enjoy the evening atmosphere at sunset. (B)

Early in the morning, a transfer takes you to Hue airport, from where you continue your tour south. You reach your next destination, the metropolis of Saigon, after a short domestic flight. Experience the modern metropolis and watch the armies of mopeds and cyclos that are everywhere in Ho Chi Minh City, as Saigon is officially called. Worshippers pray in quiet backyards, young people meet in noodle restaurants and many locals relax with walks and exercise in one of the many parks. Marvel at the city’s architectural diversity as you explore it past modern skyscrapers, colonial buildings and traditional temples. Sights such as the Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the City Hall, the Opera House (all exterior visits) and the Post Office are on the programme. In between, you take a short break at one of your tour guide’s favourite cafés and try a local coffee speciality. Whether “egg coffee”, Hanoi’s speciality, the latest trendy drink “salted coffee” or the classic Vietnamese “drip coffee” with sweetened condensed milk – you are sure to broaden your coffee horizons here. You then continue to Chinatown to visit the Binh Tay market hall and the Chinese Thien Hau Temple. You also see the old St Francis Church and the “medicine street” before heading back towards the centre. In the evening, you enjoy a sundowner at a trendy rooftop bar and feel the pulsating metropolis around you and at your feet, high above the city’s rooftops. 1 night in Saigon. (B)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The Happy Life Grand Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Saigon, just a few minutes’ walk from the city’s main sights. Besides its prime location, the hotel impresses with its modern and elegant architecture. Every room has a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this 4-star hotel, whose large outdoor pool, rooftop bar and fitness centre contribute to your well-being. Treat yourself to culinary delights at the in-house restaurant, which offers a selection of international dishes and local specialities. The hotel offers you the perfect balance between exploring and relaxing.

Today you leave the city behind and immerse yourself in Vietnam’s unique nature, as your tour takes you into the mighty river delta of the Mekong. Also known as Vietnam’s “rice bowl”, several million tonnes of rice are produced here every year. The flat land you cross is dotted with green rice fields, and gradually you cross more and more bridges over the branches of the Mekong. You reach the district of Vung Liem in the Mekong Delta and check into your lodge. After lunch and some free time to explore the area on your own and enjoy the scenery, your bike tour through the delta begins. Over a distance of 8 km, you cycle past coconut palms, rice fields and river branches through the uniquely beautiful landscape. Alternatively, for a small surcharge of USD 5 per person, you can be driven through the countryside in a motorised tuk-tuk. During the tour, you visit the home of a delta resident to watch the traditional process of making puffed rice and gain insights into this old technique. Experience his daily life first-hand and get to know his craft. You then stop at another household to harvest and weave water palm leaves, which are used for building in the Mekong Delta. You cycle on through the rice fields and visit a dragon fruit plantation on the way. Enjoy the sunset before returning to the lodge to freshen up before dinner. End the day with a cooking class in which you learn to make Vietnamese pancakes. You then enjoy dinner in the lodge restaurant. 2 nights in Vinh Long. (B/L/D) (Distance: approx. 180 km; driving time: approx. 3.5 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Coco Riverside Lodge welcomes you in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Located right on the river in idyllic, quiet surroundings, it is the perfect place to relax. Enjoy the atmosphere and watch the fishing boats go by. The lodge restaurant serves local dishes. All bungalows have a private bathroom, air conditioning and a mosquito net. Each bungalow also has its own terrace overlooking the lush green countryside and the river.

While yesterday you mainly admired the beauty and uniqueness of the landscape, early this morning a visit to a local market awaits you. All kinds of goods are traded here – fruit, vegetables, fish or meat, there is surely everything your heart desires. You then visit a Cao Dai temple, which belongs to the Cao Dai religion that unites Buddhism, Taoism and Christianity. Inside and out, the temple shines in a variety of pastel shades and delights with ornaments and artistic decorations – a real eye-catcher! You also visit a nearby coconut factory on the river, where you can watch coconuts being turned into ropes and carpets. You then return to the lodge to relax a little or cool off in the pool. Lunch is served in the lodge restaurant. In the afternoon, you set off on a sampan ride through the canals to explore another village and experience the quiet, simple life there. You visit the home of Mrs Toa, a “Heroic Mother” who hid communist fighters during the war. After the war, these comrades, who later became government officials, helped to build a small memorial house for her. Over a snack, coconut juice and conversation with the family, you can soak up the atmosphere before returning to the lodge. In the evening, you visit the home of Mr Hai Luong, a war veteran who shares his memories of the Vietnam War. Finally, you walk back to the lodge with torches made of dried coconut leaves and enjoy dinner there. (B/L/D)

Depending on your departure time, you have one more opportunity today to enjoy the relaxed Mekong atmosphere at your idyllically located accommodation. At the appropriate time, you transfer to the airport in Saigon for your return flight – or have you opted for an extension in Vietnam? (B) (Distance: approx. 150 km; driving time: approx. 3 hrs) Day 15: You arrive back in your home country with wonderful memories in your luggage.