DAY 4 – HANOI - HOA LU - TAM COC - HANOI

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we have to get up early because we will leave Hanoi at 8.30 am to head to Ninh Binh province. After 2/3 hours (depending on traffic), we will arrive in Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam around the 10th century. Along the way, we will contemplate countless rice fields dotted with karst rock formations and limestone caves (This area is also known as the Dry Halong). Visit Hoa Lu - the former royal capital of Vietnam. Visit the 10th century King Dinh Temple and King Le Temple, discovering the heroic stories of these two kings in the Chinese wars. Arriving at Tam Coc, (which means three caves), we will board a typical boat where the locals paddle with their feet. We will take a ninety-minute ride through beautiful scenery of rice fields and the famous three caves: Hang Ca, Hang Giua and Hang Cuoi.

DAY 5 - HANOI – HALONG BAY
 

After breakfast,depart by road towards Halong Bay, a journey through the rich agricultural lands of the Red River Delta, its landscape of rice fields and water buffalo, an example of rural and traditional life, will be your first encounter with the authentic Rural Vietnam. Arrival in Halong and embarkation aboard the 5* Paradise Elegance Cruise a traditional wooden boat, "junco". After lunch, we will continue sailing and discovering the many islands of the Bay such as that of the Turtle, that of the Dog, the Head of Man, etc.

Enjoy free time. Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the sun terrace. Dinner onboard.

DAY 6 - HALONG - HANOI - HOI AN

We continue sailing through the bay enjoying its unique landscapes. At sunrise and for those interested there is a Tai Chi class on board on the solarium terrace. We will have a good brunch to recharge our batteries and start our return to land. We disembark at the Halong Pier, from where we transfer to Hanoi by road to the airport to take the flight to Danang. Upon arrival, we have the direct transfer to Hoi An for check in at the 5* Hotel Royal Hoi An, MGallery. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

DAY 7 - HOI AN

After breakfast, proceed for visit of the city of Hoi An, an important commercial port of Asia in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle have changed little in recent years, we will take a boat ride on the Thu Bon river , passing through the small villages that border the river. Arrival in the old quarter, from where we start the walk through the center of the old city to visit Phung Hung (Old house of the merchants), the Japanese covered bridge, with more than 400 years old, the Phuc Kien room, the old Casa Tan Ky, with traditional architecture, the silk workshop and the history museum of the city “Sa Huynh”. Free afternoon to enjoy the beach, stroll through the colorful downtown market or do some shopping.

DAY 8 - HOI AN – BA NA HILLS – GOLDEN BRIDGE – HOI AN

After breakfast, pick up at your hotel and departure to Ba Na Hills. Shortly after we will arrive at the cable car station. Experience the pristine scenery of Ba Na Mountain that will leave you happily amazed. The Golden Bridge is part of the Sun World theme park. Here you can visit a replica of a medieval French town with gardens and old wine cellars, plus the Linh Ung pagoda with a 27m high Buddha statue. We now head to the second cable car station, to go to the top of Ba Na and enjoy a spectacular view of Da Nang, then we visit the Golden Bridge. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

DAY 9 - HOI AN - DA NANG – HUE

Breakfast at the hotel. Then transfer to Da Nang, panoramic visit to Danang city, Linh Ung Pagoda with the beautiful view of the city and the charming coast of the Son Tra Peninsula. We will continue by road to Hue, ancient Vietnamese imperial capital, through the Hai Van pass (ocean of clouds) and the picturesque beach of Lang Co. Upon arrival, we will visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and check in at the 5* Pilgrimage Village Hue. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

DAY 10 - HUE

Breakfast at the hotel. City day tour at the UNESCO-Heritage Imperial Citadel. Continue to discover the tranquil gardens and traditional buildings of the region. Visit the tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, a Nguyen Dynasty ruler well known for his opposition to any French involvement in Vietnam. Explore his remarkable tomb, admiring the imposing architecture and gorgeous forest setting while learning more about this historic leader. Continue to Khai Dinh’s tomb for a tour of this equally remarkable complex. Admire the blend of traditional Vietnamese design with European touches, which makes it unique from the other tombs in Hue. Continue the trip with a visit to An Dinh Palace, the private residence of Khai Dinh, Vietnam’s last emperor who ruled until 1955. It was built in 1917 with French architectural styles. After the war, the building was seriously damaged, and it was recently restored as part of a German Government aid project. Get a chance to get an overview of life of a Royal family through the bedroom, entertainment rooms and library. Before heading back to the hotel, take time to browse the stalls at Dong Ba Market. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

DAY 11 - HUE - HO CHI MINH

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh City (former Saigon). Upon arrival transfer to the 5* Sofitel Saigon Plaza for check in. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

DAY 12 - HO CHI MINH - CU CHI TUNNELS - HO CHI MINH CITY

After breakfast, transfer to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an impressive complex of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War, then we return to Ho Chi Minh City. In the afternoon we visit Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, where we will see: the Reunification Palace (exterior visit), the old Central Post Office, Nguyen Hue Street, and the City Hall. Later you can have an authentic Vietnamese “coffee”. which is the best way to end the day. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

DAY 13 - HO CHI MINH – MEKONG DELTA - HO CHI MINH CITY

Breakfast at the hotel. Pick up from your hotel and depart for the spectacular Mekong Delta. The delta is about two hours’ drive from the bustling and lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Once in the Mekong Ben Tre, we will take a boat that will take us through the narrow canals, surrounded by dense vegetation to the heart of the Delta. It is a particular world where life develops around the river. Throughout the day, we will taste various local products, such as exotic native fruits grown in the Delta’s orchards, or coconut candies handmade in family-owned factories. Then we will return to the riverbank from where we will take a ride in a typical vehicle in the area to see closely the characteristics of the place; then we will take a boat with oars through the channels where we can appreciate from the inside the life of the delta and quiet day to day. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

DAY 14 - HO CHI MINH

Breakfast, check out of rooms and time at leisure until the time of transfer to the airport to take your departure flight back to Malta.

DAY 15 – MALTA

Arrival in Malta.