Vietnam Explorer

Day 1: Hanoi

Welcome to vibrant Vietnam, a world of colour, culture and food. Enjoy the day at leisure and settle into a two-night Special Stay at your iconic hotel. This colonial ‘grand old lady’ of Hanoi boasts luxury rooms and amenities with an exceptional staff to cater your needs and comforts.

Day 2: Hanoi

Rise and shine to a day of exploration in this nostalgic city with your first Scenic Freechoice.Scenic Freechoice: Choose to visit the Imperial Citadel and Hoa Lo Prison. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that represents Hanoi’s political and cultural centre for over 1,000 years. The site features extensive archaeological remains, royal foundations, ancient artifacts and exhibition spaces illustrating Vietnam’s history from the imperial era through to the colonial period. Continue to Hoa Lo Prison, which was used by the French for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for prisoners during the Vietnam War. Alternatively, visit Ho Chi Minh Quarter and his Mausoleum (viewed from outside, closed on Mondays & Fridays), the resting place of Ho Chi Minh himself before visiting the Temple of Literature, originally built in 1070 as a university dedicated to Confucius, scholars and sages. Then discover the charm of the Old Quarter with its narrow alleys and stop at a local coffee shop to savour one of the local favourites, an egg coffee. Thirdly, visit the ancient village of Bat Trang, a traditional porcelain and pottery community. Interactively learn the intricate steps involved in making these ceramic works of art. Afterwards at a house where locals worship their ancestors, a local elder explains the unique aspects of Vietnamese culture and its spiritual beliefs. Conclude the trip by learning all about Bánh Cuon or rice pancakes, a dish of northern Vietnam that you’ll enjoy as part of a tasty self-made lunch of local specialties.Enjoy a “green” electric car tour through Hanoi’s old quarter to tonight’s Enrich activity.Scenic EnrichFor your Enrich Activity, attend a customary performance of Hanoi’s famous water puppets. As a VIP ticket holder, you will have premium seating as well as the opportunity to learn the secrets behind this illusionary show thanks to your special backstage pass.

Day 3: Hanoi > Halong Bay Cruise

After breakfast, checkout of your luxury accommodation and begin your four-hour journey to Halong Bay. Along the way you will drive through the prosperous farmlands of the Red River Delta before joining a two-night cruise onboard the new luxury Bhaya Soul for an awe-inspiring trip through the picturesque waters of this spectacular World Heritage-listed icon. This stunning vessel provides a first-class experience from beginning to end. The luxurious features and suites allow a comfortable and exquisite way to explore Halong Bay reaching areas of the bay far beyond the day trippers and overnight cruises.

Day 4: Halong Bay Cruise

After breakfast, enjoy a Tai Chi lesson on the Sun Deck as the ship sails deeper into the National Park. Take control and jump into a kayak to paddle your way through a limestone cave system and later take a bike ride on Cat Ba Island. Cat Ba Island has to be one of the hidden beauties of the region. Twined with jungle and wildlife, the island remains mainly untouched from large development. After your adventure ashore head back to the ship to enjoy an exclusive to Scenic guests Sundowners activity whilst at anchor. Soak up the aromas in a wine tasting set against the backdrop of the karst Islands at sunset. Later, after enjoying the fine local cuisine in the onboard restaurant, try your hand at some squid fishing from the boat.

Day 5: Halong Bay Cruise > Hanoi

Relax during your morning cruise back to the harbour. After stopping for lunch and shopping en-route back to Hanoi, arrive back for another night at tyour hotel. Later join a historical bunker tour at the hotel to learn about its place in the history of this capital city, a history that spans over 1000 years.Scenic Freechoice Dining: Tonight, you have a choice of venues for your dinner through Scenic’s Freechoice. Angelina Restaurant, located within your hotel, showcases the vibrant flavours of Southern Europe and the Mediterranean, offering a sidewalk terrace and lively bar to an upstairs dining experience. Or indulge in Vietnamese dishes with a meal with a Hanoian Family. Experience Hanoi the local way. Spend an evening in a family home, sharing stories and learning about their life in the capital. Dine on traditional dishes prepared by the hosts and savour the authentic flavours of a home cooked meal. For the more adventurous, ride tandem on the back on a Vespa with a guide for a foodie tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, stopping at local food haunts for authentic Hanoi Street food with free flow drinks enabling you get a feel of the nightlife and vibe of the local Hanoi culture.

Day 6: Hanoi > Hoi An

After breakfast, check-out and transfer to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival continue south past Marble mountains to the ancient trading port town of Hoi An. Here enjoy a three-night stay, within walking distance to Hoi An markets. After you have settled into your little slice of heaven, take the opportunity to enjoy a range of carefully selected dining venues for your Scenic Freechoice dining. Scenic Freechoice Dining: Dine on Vietnamese street food style dishes at Morning Glory Signature Restaurant. Or choose Mango Mango Restaurant nestled in the heart of Hoi An’s Ancient Town. Alternatively, nestled amongst the surrounding farmland, dine in the middle of rice paddies in a cosy and romantic setting whilst enjoying traditional Vietnamese and fusion cuisine at The Field Hoi An Restaurant and Bar.

Day 7: Hoi An

Step back in time as you take a walking tour of Hoi An’s World Heritage-listed Old Quarter, visiting the Japanese Bridge and central market where you can experience its incredible sights and aromas. Afterwards try some local street food specialties of Hoi An such as Com Gà, Cao Lau and Bánh Mì at a local restaurant. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps to get a massage using your included spa treatment, swim in the hotel’s large resort style pool or continuing shopping in the old town, visiting the many tailors the town is known for.Scenic Sunset DrinksBefore dinner attend your Scenic Sunset Drinks, a time to relax at Ember & Sip Bar with included beer and wine.

Day 8: Hoi An

Start the day refreshed and ready to join your Scenic Freechoice activity.Scenic Freechoice: The option of a half day drip to My Son provides a glimpse into the area’s ancient history and a truly cultural highlight of Central Vietnam. The remaining structures of the Tower Temples provide an atmospheric image of the majesty of the Champa Kingdom. Stroll through the ruins and visit the small museum at the entrance to My Son before a local lunch. The second option is to ride a bicycle to a local village to learn about the local lives of Hoi An’s fishermen. Climb into a small, round bamboo fishing basket and learn to cast a fishing net in the traditional way. Then continue to an area filled with water palms and coconut trees and learn about the history of this part of Hoi An. Round off the adventure with a scenic boat trip back to Hoi An, savouring lunch on board. Thirdly meet with the representative of Reaching Out, an NGO established in 2000 and gain an insight into their efforts in providing opportunities for people with disability to learn skills and gain meaningful employment. Undertake a Lantern Making Class at their workshop located at an old merchant house and get a glimpse into how this NGO helps the disabled to integrate fully with their communities and lead independent and fulfilling lives. Alternatively, you have the choice of participating in a Vietnamese cooking class at Red Bridge Cooking School, located along the banks of the Thu Bon River, just 3 kms from central Hoi An.After your morning of adventures, arrive back at your hotel where you are then free to head back into town to explore on your own.

Day 9: Hoi An > Hue

This morning travel via the breath-taking Hai Van Pass to Hue, the former imperial capital. During an inspiring visit to Duc Son Pagoda, talk with the nuns and learn how they are supporting their orphanage through different initiatives, including the proceeds from your Vegetarian lunch at Tinh Tam Restaurant. In the afternoon, wander through the grandeur of Hue’s Imperial Citadel ruins and the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc before enjoying a cyclo ride back to the hotel. Afterwards check into your hotel, your home for the night.Scenic EnrichTraditional Vietnamese cuisine is served family style at the private Garden House accompanied by Royal Hue court music and a glass of wine.

Day 10: Hue > Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast head to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. After your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, transfer to your hotel for the next two nights. Before dinner take a leisurely walk around Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, and the Central Post Office.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels and spend the morning learning about the development and establishment of this hidden covered tunnel network that the Viet Cong soldiers hid in for months on end. Return to the city for a Pho lunch with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.Scenic Freechoice Dining: Tonight, choose your Scenic Free Choice dining option from an exhilarating Vespa ride at night as your experienced driver winds in and out the hectic traffic of the streets, stopping at all the best local spots for the most scrumptious Vietnamese cuisines. Sample the best authentic street food and an unlimited supply of drinks and eating however much your stomach desires. Alternatively, dine at Mandarine Restaurant, designed in the style of the Hue imperial court serving individual Vietnamese dishes. Or for something totally different dine at Noir Dining in the Dark, a restaurant dedicated to helping the blind and visually impaired community (closed on Mondays). Other choices include experiencing the street food and bars of Saigon on a Vintage Jeep or enjoying the offerings at Buffet 19 at your hotel.

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City

It is time to bid farewell to your fellow travellers and Scenic team as you get ready to depart Vietnam for your homeland or extended travels. Transfer to the airport and leave with a full camera and stunning memories to treasure.Rivers and waterways are subject to variations in water levels. While every effort is made to adhere to the planned itinerary, changes in river conditions, ad hoc local government regulations or local festivities may require journey modifications. These will be made based on the advice of local authorities or for safety reasons. Hotels are indicative and are subject to change.