Vietnam, a Coastal Odyssey

Set off on a half day tour of Hanoi’s highlights. Visit to the Temple of Literature, explore the incredible compound which was constructed in 1076. Listen to stories of the buildings’ history, getting a glimpse into the past when it served as a university and temple. Next up is a short drive away to Vietnam Women’s Museum. This highly acclaimed museum highlights the country’s vast cultural diversity and educate on the significant role of women in Vietnamese society. And then walk through the Old Quarter, learning about Vietnam’s traditional ways of life while crossing the maze of streets and lanes. Continue walking through busy Hang Be Market and around Hoan Kiem Lake. Snap some photos and chat with the locals on the way. Make a stop at Thuong Tra tea house nested in an old apartment building, just to escape from Hanoi’s bustling life and learn about the importance of drinking tea in Vietnamese society shared by your guide, over a cup of tea.
Lunch is at a local restaurant before driving 1 hour to the outskirts of Hanoi where Nom ancient village is located. 
First stop on the way is Long Thuong Village, which has been the home of a community of bronze casters since the 13th century. Explore their village and observe how different families create products such as tripod cauldrons, incense-burners and flower vases. Engage with the locals and learn about the history of their community through stories of the war.
Then, head on a 20-minute walk on a hardened road between rice paddies to visit the 200-year-old Nom Village with typically cultural architectural of a common house, an ancient well and a banyan tree. Conclude the trip with a visit to the holiest place in the village, Nom Pagoda, embedded in a century-old pine forest which is famous for its ancient Buddhist statues.
Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Hanoi for the road trip to Halong Bay. Journey through the Red River Delta, observing everyday life of Vietnamese villagers as they work the rice fields, take pigs to the market on bicycles and plough the fields with their water buffaloes. Arrive in Halong pier around midday and board the selected junk boat for the overnight journey into the bay. Lunch will be served en route. Towards the end of the day, set anchor for the night. As the sun sets over the bay, dinner is served on board with fresh seafood, salads and fruits.
Overnight on board in Halong.


 

Wake up at dawn to the lapping of the waves and the smell of freshly brewed coffee which is available with pastries in the dining room. Join the Tai Chi morning class on the sun deck which is truly a one-time experience. By following the moves of our instructor you merge with the surrounding scenery.
Move on day cruise which will take you to the hidden gems of the bay. Let’s enjoy the beauty created by mother’s nature. Join in some activities such as: kayaking; swimming. Return to the main boat in the late afternoon for relaxing. As the boat cruises back to Halong port, enjoy brunch on board while the myriad of limestone rock formations glide by.
Upon disembarkation, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to Noi Bai airport for flight from Hanoi to Da nang.
Arrival in Danang, private car and driver will pick you up and transfer to your hotel in Hoi an.
Overnight in Hoi an.

Spend your morning in Hoi an, a charming destination with two faces – the old-world trading port of narrow streets with traditional houses, and the beaches with new resorts and clean white sand. In keeping with Hoi an’s heritage as a trading port, the town’s tiny shop houses host a range of craft shops and the best tailors. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the centre of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday. Take a walking tour to visit former merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Bridge, a Chinese communal hall and the colorful market.
Overnight in Hoi an.

Today, leave the hotel for a short ride to the organic farm. Located about 3km from the Old town centre, this quietly tucked away farm was established by an expert in nutrition and the love of food and local cuisine. Be greeted by the passionate team at the farm and start the experience today.
Just like the varied landscape of Vietnam, the cuisine contains a brilliant balance of aromatics, heat, sweetness, sourness, and umami flavor from the use of fish-sauce. The cuisine is all about the balance between yin and yang; the sweet and the salty, the cool and the warmth, the fresh and the fermented. Follow the expert in nutrition and explore the farm while listening to inspiring stories about how to use food and vegetables for healthy living. Pick-up some ingredients before heading to the lovely kitchen to make dishes. 
There will be five dishes to learn. Have a chance to get hands-on on making rice flour with the old stone grinder, rice paper with copper vessels and invent a personal organic juice recipe. Once ready, sit down and feast on a delicious meal of authentic local cuisine.
After filling up on these home-cooked delights, return to Hoi an for the afternoon.
Overnight in Hoi an.

Leaving Hoi an behind, transfer to Danang airport for your flight to Nha Trang.
On arrival in Cam Ranh airport, our driver will pick you up and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Nha Trang.

Today is free at leisure to relax at the sandy beach or by the pool. 
Overnight in Nha Trang.

Today is free at leisure to relax at the sandy beach or by the pool.
Overnight in Nha Trang.

Today is departure day. Enjoy some free time before transferring back to the airport for onward departure flight from Vietnam.
End of services.