Vietnam - Paradise for Couple

On arrival at Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport an ExoAsia Travel guide will greet and transfer you by private car through the city to your hotel. Note: normal check in time for hotels is 1400 and schedule of this day will be adapted to your international flight arrival time.

Vietnam’s quaint capital is a city of wide tree lined boulevards with tranquil lakes and colonial villa’s and a more sedate pace than other Asian cities. Hanoi offers something for everyone and will leave you wishing that you had longer to explore this enthralling capital.

This afternoon wind down and indulge in the city's best spa followed by a Vietnamese dinner with a French touch in one of Hanoi's most charming restaurants housed in a beautiful villa.

Overnight at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Take a walking/street food tour of Hanoi’s best culinary spots with a food blogger. A local hospitality industry insider who has an enormous passion for his country's food and culture, his blog is where he started to document his food and culture adventures since 2005. Quirky observations also found their way into both local and international media and his experience managing some of Hanoi 's finest dining establishments along with his special interest in street-food (he's shared many hours trawling the street stalls and markets) make him the genuine, local authority on  Hanoi 's food scene.

This morning, stroll through the Old Quarter past the old east gate to Thanh Ha market. Along the way try delicacies, strange food items and listen to an explanation of Vietnamese food practices. This busy, eclectic market is alive with the sights and sounds of Hanoi and is the essence of Vietnamese culture.

Continue through the streets of the Old Quarter to Dong Xuan market to sample some local treats such as pho tiu and bun dau. Your guide will explain the routine of Vietnam meal times and indigenous/unusual ingredients eaten. See dried goods and aromatics, the essentials of Vietnamese cuisine.  Stroll up ‘food alley’ to see other dishes on offer.

Walk down to Hang Than Street to view ceremonial cake stalls and taste a special French influenced dessert. An explanation on traditions and food gifts for celebrations will be given. Continue back into the Old Quarter via Hang Cot Street – check specially treated fruit which are dependable on the seasons and a common snack in Vietnam. Walk along Phung Hung Street through temporary market stalls where you can see the changing market scene in Hanoi and how modernization is shaping tradition. At the end of the tour stop at one of the Old Quarter busiest (yet smallest) coffee shops for a well-earned sit down and coffee before transferring back to your hotel.

Notes: This tour can be taken in the morning or afternoon. The tour may be subject to change due to weather conditions etc. The tour will be mostly conducted on foot so be sure that you are wearing comfortable walking shoes.

In the afternoon, depart the hotel for the Temple of Literature. In 1076 Quoc Tu Giam - Vietnam's first university, also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past.

The One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 will be visited next. This structure is one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. Close by is the mausoleum of the historic figure and father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh (viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Oct-Nov; possibility to visit without supplement before 11.00. Order of the visit may be changed to realize this cost saving) and the former presidents house on stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969. Visit his former home, which illustrates the modesty of this Vietnamese revolutionary.

At the end of the afternoon visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter also known as the ‘36 streets’. Take a walking tour through charming Hang Be Market and around Hoan Kiem Lake. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It's a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities all around.

Finish the day with a Water Puppet show. This is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history.

Enjoy dinner with the finest traditional Vietnamese food with inspired contemporary cuisine at Home Restaurant. Set within a former French residence in the charming Truc Bach neighbourhood, Home is the unique Vietnamese restaurant situated between the historic labyrinth of the old trading quarter and the expansive serenity of West Lake.

Overnight at the Sofitel Legend Hotel Hanoi

After breakfast leave Hanoi for an overnight boat trip on Halong Bay. Journey there through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta, observe 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 City late morning and board your traditional, private wooden junk for the overnight journey into the Bay. En-route lunch will be served. Following cruise by rock formations with such names as Sail, Dog and Dinh Huong (incense pot).

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 Halong Bay

On your return to Halong City enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations. Upon disembarkation your driver will meet you for the transfer to Noi Bai Airport for the flight to Danang.

Note: Depending on timing of the onward flight and your interest, guide will be flexible to offer optional stops (Con Son/ But Thap/ Bat Trang Ceramics village) or take you back to Hanoi for extra sightseeing/ tea time/ early dinner before heading to the airport. All entrance fees/ drinks/ meals are on your own ‘s account)

Flight to Danang and transfer to Hoi An.

Overnight at the Anantara Resort, Hoi An.

After your breakfast it's time to discover Hoi An. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the center of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday. A walking tour is the best way to see this marvelous town.

Lunch at one of Hoi An’s best restaurants which serves original and creative cuisine that can only be described as Vietnam-Latin American-Japanese fusion. With a combination of refreshing flavours, beautiful presentations and a relaxing atmosphere this eatery has won the heart of many loyal and happy customers.

This afternoon is free to relax with car and guide at disposal. Browse for souvenirs in Hoi An's art galleries and silk shops, or maybe cycle to the nearby Cua Dai Beach (on own account).

Overnight at the Anantara Resort, Hoi An

Today, enjoy a half day cooking class with a culinary master in Hoi An. Chef and proprietor Duc from Mango Rooms' creates eclectic and innovative flavors reflective of his worldwide culinary journey. Born in what was then Saigon in 1968, Duc went the long way round — via Texas, Latin America, Japan, New Zealand, Europe, and Australia. Fifteen years later, armed with learned skills and dedication, Duc returned to Vietnam to open Mango Rooms Hoi An in 2004. A passionate and extremely talented chef with in depth knowledge on the Hoi An food scene Duc will take you on a half day culinary journey embracing a combination of refreshing flavors, beautiful presentations as well as a visit to Hoi An Market to meet the vendors who supply him daily with some of the finest and freshest ingredients in Vietnam.

Depart from your hotel early to meet Chef Duc at Hoi An Market at 0800 to choose some of the ingredients that will be used in the days lesson. Duc will introduce the various ingredients on sale at the market that he uses in his cooking as well as his favorite produce. The fish section (not for the faint hearted as the smell can overwhelm) is a hive of activity and it’s fascinating to see the range of seafood on offer.

After visiting the market stroll through the ancient streets of Hoi An to Mango Mango Restaurant where the hands on cooking class will take place. Learn how to season and make Duc’s signature dishes: Lust in Translation: tuna rolls double layered with nori and rice paper sheets served crispy and topped with yogurt, passion fruit, and mint, Pearl of China Sea: large prawns battered Japanese-Vietnamese Style tossed in with onion, green bell pepper, garlic, and butter, Mangnum Opus: blue fin tuna steak seasoned in garlic, onion, ginger, basil, sesame seeds, pan seared and served with mango salsa. Following the class sit down to enjoy your creations!

Return to your hotel, afternoon free at leisure

Overnight at the Anantara Resort, Hoi An

It's time to hit the beach. Early morning, take the only flight in day to Vietnam's beach capital Nha Trang which has every single activity that a sun worshipper may want (in Nha Trang the airport – resort transfer will be by hotel guide and vehicle). Besides the pre-requisite golden stretches of land and crystal clear waters, the coast is dotted with many islands each with their own distinct character. The turquoise waters play host to a variety of marine life, and snorkeling and scuba diving are perennial favorites. Check into the exclusive and outstanding Six Senses Evason Hideaway (your resort can only be reached by sea) and your private pool villa which will be your home for the next 2 nights. A private butler is assigned to every villa to arrange all your wishes.

Overnight at Six Senses Evason Hideaway, Nha Trang

The next two days are free at leisure. True to the Six Senses Resorts & Spas philosophy, the Evason Hideaway creates wonderfully innovative and enriching experiences in a sustainable environment. The Evason Hideaway occupies a unique site near to Nha Trang on Ninh Van Bay accessible only by boat. The impressive rock formations, coral reef and sandy beach give the sense of being luxuriously at one with nature. The architectural style reflects the traditions of Vietnam and the 53 pool villas provide generous personal space and an uncompromised standard of luxury. The resort's restaurant features the best of East meets West fusion cuisine.

The Six Senses Spa, nestling among rocks beside a gently cascading stream, has an international team of therapists on hand providing signature treatments together with individual rejuvenation specialties of the region.

Overnight at Six Senses Evason Hideaway, Nha Trang

Free at leisure. Overnight at Six Senses Evason Hideaway, Nha Trang

Depart for Nha Trang Airport after breakfast for the short morning flight to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals.

For the afternoon, explore Ho Chi Minh City by vintage Vespa. Our Vespa tours of Ho Chi Minh City will give you a view of greater Saigon unlike anything you'll see from a tour bus, and much more of the city than you could see on your own. We're longtime residents of Saigon, and we know exactly how to take in the must-see sights while also getting you off the crowded tourist trail. Guests ride pillion behind our experienced drivers and helmets are provided.

The half-day tour takes a unique look at familiar and not-so-familiar landmarks in modern-day Ho Chi Minh City, to reveal the city’s culture, architecture, religious practices and fascinating history.

On morning tours, head to Tao Dan Park to catch the bird lovers club (morning only, 0600 – 1000). Enjoy a local coffee while your tour guide explains about the history and practice of keeping birds in Saigon.

The next stop is the monument of Thich Quang Duc, a Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist monk who burned himself to death on June 11, 1963 to protest against the persecution of Buddhists by South Vietnam’s Ngo Dinh Diem administration.

Roll through China town to Nhi Phu temple built in the end of 17th century by Chinese immigrants from Fukkien Province. Although the exact construction date is unknown, an inscription on the pagoda's ancient bell dates the pagoda to pre-1765. Nhi Phu Temple is built in a “Khau” (gate) architectural style with an open yard in the center. Its roof is covered with tubular tiles lined with bas-relief mosaics made from broken ceramics, depicting the eight immortals of Taoism including apricot trees, orchids, bamboo and  of course dragons and phoenix.

Continue with a short walk through the alley full of tailor’s supplies. Then back to Nhi Phu temple to return to district one by bike. On the way stop at a Chinese Medicine shop for an explanation about “Thuoc Bac - medicine from herbs” or” Thuoc tau – medicine from China.”

Leaving China town, we drive through the tunnel to District Two where we see downtown Saigon from a different perspective and we have a chance to see a developing Ho Chi Minh City.

Visiting a local market before heading back to district 1 for a twin set of neighboring landmarks: the Post Office, noting the architecture and in particular the map of Saigon that shows where this modern city has come from, followed by Cathedral of Notre Dame (“Our Lady”).Moving then to the remarkable Reunification Palace and the previous CIA Office before a drive down Dong Khoi Street (it means “people’s revolution”) allows us to correct a modern myth. We reveal the place where, in 1975, during the dying days of the former regime, the iconic photograph was taken of a helicopter lifting people out of Saigon.

A stop at the historic Opera House (now the Municipal Theatre) lets us talk about the history the square represents from the time it was the main road into the Bat Quay, to the French invasion, to the filming of Phil Noyce’s “The Quiet American”.

The final stop is an outside view of HCM City People’s Committee (formerly Hotel de Ville) which is one of the most photographed buildings in Vietnam - notable for its gardens, ornate facade and elegant interior lit with crystal chandeliers. End the tour at the hotel.

Dine to night at the Dining Room restaurant.

Overnight at the Reverie Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City

The Cuu Long region, which translates as 'Nine Dragons', otherwise known as the Mekong Delta is a great place to discover Vietnam. Amazing waterways hidden amongst vibrant tropical fruit gardens, bustling floating markets that offer a cornucopia of items and acres of emerald rice fields are what make this region so unforgettable.

The private Song Xanh is designed as a traditional sampan and its small size allows you to discover the smaller canals, rivers and tributaries of this region. Cruise Cai Be's and Cai Rang's colourful floating markets; visit Sadec, the Mekong town made famous from Marguerite Duras' novel 'The Lover', enjoy an unforgettable dinner in a 19th century house and the sights of sounds of this fascinating region.

After breakfast, depart for the Mekong Delta. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind as you travel through Vietnam’s picturesque countryside with its rice paddies and rural villages. Upon arrival in the Delta board the private ‘Song Xanh’, modeled after a traditional sampan. The boat’s small size allows you to discover the smaller canals and tributaries of this region. Your visit includes the home of Mr. Huyen Thuy Le, a character from the novel ‘The Lover’ by Marguerite Duras as well as Thien Hau Pagoda. Return to the boat for lunch. Continue to Can Tho stopping en-route at a Cao Dai Temple. Cao Daism is indigenous to South Vietnam and the colorful and unusual murals that cover the temple’s interior will blind you with their brilliance.

Before sunset, the last stop is at a splendid 19th century house where an unforgettable candlelight dinner will be served. After dinner, proceed for one hour to Can Tho where your sampan will be moor for the night.

Overnight aboard the Song Xanh Boat 

Crossing the Mekong on the way to Cai Rang Floating Market, take in traditional sights such as rice barges, wooden ship building yards and even fruit drying along the Mekong's banks.

After visiting the colourful floating market transfer to Can Tho Airport for the flight to the island of Phu Quoc. On arrival at the islands sleepy airport, transfer to La Veranda Resort. Many properties in Asia claim to be 'boutique', but few fit the bill so perfectly as La Veranda. The resort features sumptuous villas, a wonderfully indulgent spa and a pristine sandy beach. The rest of your day is at leisure to kick back or enjoy the resorts facilities as you please.

Overnight at La Veranda Resort, Phu Quoc

Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is one of Asia's least developed beach destinations. The island's clear waters, undiscovered beaches, forested interior and charming local character make for an ideal holiday escape.

Spend the next three nights in Phu Quoc enjoying the perfectly laid backed surroundings. Recommended touring options (on own account) are diving and snorkeling trips to the outer laying reefs and visits to the islands infamous fish sauce factories and if you desire, a trekking to discover the islands interior consisting of pristine rainforest.

Overnight at La Veranda Resort, Phu Quoc

Free at leisure. Overnight in Phu Quoc

Free at leisure. Overnight in Phu Quoc

Today is departure day. Enjoy some free time before the short flight back to Ho Chi Minh City and your onward departure from Vietnam. If time allows it is possible to transfer back into Ho Chi Minh City for last purchases or simply relax at the airport before your onward flight.