Vietnam with Ease

Day 1

arrive Hanoi

Upon arrival in Hanoi you'll be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, ranks amongst the world's most attractive and interesting cities. It was first the capital of Vietnam in A.D. 1010, and though the nation's capital moved to Hue under the Nguyen dynasty in 1802, the city continued to flourish after the French took control in 1888. In 1954, after the French departed, Hanoi was declared Vietnam's capital once again. The remnants of over 1,000 years of history are still visible here, with that of the past few hundred years wonderfully preserved.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2

Hanoi, City Tour

After breakfast, visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed Monday and Friday year-round and everyday throughout September to November), One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake before enjoying a walking tour of the Old Quarter and Dong Xuan Market.
Your afternoon is at leisure. There’s plenty to do and see or you may choose to find a spot on the lakeside and just watch the world go by - Hanoi is a truly unique city. In the evening you can choose from one of the many restaurants near Hoan Kiem lake or in the Old Quarter. Hanoi is also a fascinating city to enjoy an alfresco drink.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3

Halong Bay Cruise

After an early breakfast it’s a three hour drive to Halong Bay, passing through some typical North Vietnamese countryside and a number of small towns.
A natural wonder of the world and one of Vietnam’s five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the magnificent Halong Bay is home to three thousand jagged limestone islands that emerge from emerald green waters. While some islands are no more than large rocks others are far more substantial in size. From May to August the warm waters of the bay are ideal for swimming.
You will be welcomed aboard a traditional junk, the same style that has been travelling the bay for 100’s of years. During your cruise you will disembark at several locations allowing you to explore huge caves, relax on sandy coves and enjoy panoramic views from cliff tops. In the evening enjoy dinner and drinks in the dining cabin whilst watching the sunset over the bay. Throughout your cruise the food will be in plentiful supply and lovers of freshly caught seafood will be particularly happy.
Overnight on board.

More about your junk

Two night cruises
Many clients choose a two night cruise in Halong Bay, with the extra day affording a more relaxed experience and the chance to explore remote bays, islets and fishing villages. Please ask your consultant for details.

Your Choice of Junk
You have a choice of vessel for your cruise in Halong Bay. All have their advantages and it is very much a personal choice. The junks precise course can vary on a weekly basis as a means of protecting specific islands from the impact of tourism.

First Class Junks
We use a number of first class junks that vary in size, all with spacious en-suite cabins and with bay views. There is a foredeck as well as an enclosed dining cabin on the upper deck where guests can socialise throughout the journey. The sleeping accommodation is spotlessly clean, comfortable and spacious; the food on board is all top class and plentiful.

Deluxe Junks
In addition to the features listed above the deluxe junks (such as Paradise, Ginger & Jasmine) offer a range of luxurious accommodation, finished in Vietnamese hardwoods and traditional furnishings. They offer old-world imperial Vietnamese charm combined with modern comforts. As one would expect, the levels of service and the quality of the food are of the highest order.
In our opinion the key benefit of a deluxe junk is that you depart from a private port and, under most circumstances, you will sail a far more secluded course than the first class junks. Most agree that this enhances the Halong Bay experience. An upgrade to deluxe junk costs in the region of £50 per person.
Private deluxe junks can also be arranged.

The Emeraude
The Emeraude is the elegant replica of an early 1900’s Colonial paddle steamer giving clients access to a wide range of deluxe facilities including a restaurant, two bars and a large sundeck. All cabins are luxurious and spacious, offering air-conditioned, en-suite accommodation whilst retaining the character and charm of a golden age.
The Emeraude takes a very independent course due to its seaworthiness ensuring solitude for much of the journey. Perhaps on the down side, its deep hull prevents it from sailing into many of the shallow bays and therefore the opportunities to disembark during the cruise are limited.

Please note: Presently both the superior and deluxe prices of this holiday are based on the deluxe junk; all remaining categories are based on the first class junk. It is possible to upgrade, or downgrade, to an alternative choice if you would prefer.
Kayaking can be included for over 12's but must be pre-arranged and an additional cost will apply.

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Day 4

Halong Bay Cruise, Hanoi, Hue

In the early morning many of the islands are alive with the sound of various sea birds that nest in the thick green vegetation that engulf the limestone karsts. Enjoy coffee and breakfast onboard whilst cruising slowly back towards the mainland.
You will dock in the late morning and, having disembarked, you will transfer back to Hanoi in time for your connecting flight to Hue.
Hue remained Vietnam’s capital until 1945, when Bao Dai, the last of the Nguyen emperors, abdicated. Many of Hue’s attractions are found along the banks of the Perfume River that flows through the centre of town. After your evening arrival at your hotel, you’ll probably be ready for a new style of Vietnamese cuisine. Food in Hue is spicy hot, with lots of chilli. Reflecting its Imperial roots, it is often served in beautifully presented, taster portions, a kind of oriental nouvelle cuisine!
Overnight in Hue.

Day 5

Hue, Perfume River Cruise, Imperial City Tour

Take a morning boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River, passing the 10-metre thick protective walls of the Citadel on board a Vietnamese ‘dragon boat’. A short distance up river is perhaps Hue’s best-known religious site, the Thien Mu Pagoda with its distinctive seven-storey octagonal tower. Having explored the pagoda and its beautiful grounds, return to Hue via Dong Ba market.
After lunch visit the elaborate mausoleums of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, both extravagant complexes of pavilions, temples, courtyards and lakes. You can also walk through the heavily bombed remains of the Imperial Citadel, built along the lines of Beijing’s Forbidden City and from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945.
Overnight in Hue.

Day 6

Hue, Hai Van Pass, Danang, Hoi An

Morning departure for Hoi An, driving the stunning route via Hai Van Pass (Ocean Cloud Pass) and the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co before reaching Danang. Visit the beautiful Non Nuoc Beach and the Cham Museum containing the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world. You will also stop at the sacred hills known as the Marble Mountains, which contain dozens of Buddhist shrines.
After checking in to your hotel, the remainder of your day is at leisure.
Once known as Faifo, the UNESCO designated World Heritage town of Hoi An was one of the Orient’s major trading ports in the 16th and 17th centuries. Despite the passing of the years and the ravages of weather and war, the centre of Hoi An remains much the same as it did in its heyday. The town is undoubtedly one of the highlights of any visit to Vietnam with the laid-back atmosphere and the fine colonial architecture lining cobbled streets offering a glimpse of times gone-by. Explore the former merchants’ homes, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colourful market. Hoi An is one of the best places in Asia to shop for silks, handicrafts, antiques and art. The local tailors are also famous, for their high standards of work and can create anything to order in just 24 hours. A short distance from the town centre is Cua Dai Beach, popular with both locals and visitors for its sandy beach, warm sea and seafood stalls. Hoi An is famed throughout Vietnam for its fine cuisine and there are any number of sensational restaurants and cafes to choose from.
Overnight in Hoi An.