Upon arrival in Hanoi, be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel. Please note: * Estimated distance from hotels in the Old Quarter to the airport or v.v: ~25-30km Estimated driving time: ~30mins - 40mins. * International arrivals: Please proceed through immigration and customs, and make your way to the exterior arrivals area, using the exit indicated for your flight on the arrival’s marquee (either exit A1 or A2). Our representative will be waiting here for you holding a Pick-up sign. He will then escort you to your vehicle to take you to your hotel. * Domestic arrivals: Please collect your baggage, proceed through the baggage check, and then make your way into the arrivals hall. Our representative will be waiting here for you holding a Pick-up sign with your name. He will then escort you to your vehicle to take you to your hotel. Meals: Dinner Hotel: Hotel De L'Opera Hanoi Hotel (Deluxe)

Today you’ll experience the very best Hanoi has to offer with this full-day tour of the city. You will head to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum where you’ll hear all about the man whose name adorns the museum and his leadership of Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. Ho Chi Minh dedicated his life to the liberation of his country from foreign rule before passing away in 1969. His body has been preserved for later generations. Each year the mausoleum closes it doors in October for upkeep. The grounds are well worth a wander, check out the one-pillar pagoda and the presidential palace. Next, visit the 11th-century relic, the Temple of Literature, which was built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius. This afternoon you will experience lunch like no other at the Koto Restaurant, a social enterprise that provides training to disadvantaged and street children. KOTO has trained over 700 students in Hanoi and Saigon, with 200 of them currently enrolled. Come on a culinary journey and enjoy the aroma and the flavors of Vietnamese and South-East Asian specialties, before sitting down to enjoy a tthree-course meal where you can try a selection of traditional dishes. Then, Visit the Museum of Ethnology, often considered as the best in the country. It has an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. "Today you will be meeting with one of our Vivu Local Legends. These are a collection of locally selected superstars each with a memorable story to share of their impressive lives, crafts or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide. Egg coffee has been woven into the fabric of Hanoian culture since its inception at the famous Hotel Metropole. More than just sampling a cup we will come to understand the significance of this drink through the eyes of our Local legend: Mr Khoa Heading down a narrow corridor and up an ancient stone staircase you will soon come into what was Mr Khoa's home and what is now the setting for his cafe. Take a moment away from the hectic street life below and enjoy a cup of Egg Coffee (Cà phê trứng) whilst Mr Khoa regales you with stories of times gone by. It is through these stories of hardship and devotion that your egg coffee experience will truly take on a unique quality. NOTE: Our Local legend Mr Khoa is not always available early mornings and on weekends' Black out date: 23 Jan 2023 to 27 Jan 2023 Finally, you’ll head over to Hoan Kiem Lake. Discover how the island got its name from the legend of an emperor, a magic sword and a giant turtle. Please note: * Estimated pick-up time: 8.00AM - Estimated duration: 8hrs * A long waiting time in line is required to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum especially in high season (March and April) and on rainy days. You can’t visit other places in the complex without visiting the Mausoleum. * The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every afternoon as well as on Mondays and Fridays. During closure, the Ho Chi Minh Residence and other places in the complex can be visited as normal. * From 15th June to 14th August, the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum will be closed for the annual renovation. Presidential Palace and the Resident of the complex remain opened at normal schedule for your visit.

Today we head to the holy mountain of Yen Tu where a former Vietnamese King from the Tran dynasty gave up a life of royalty and achieved Buddahood founding a Zen Buddhist school in the process. We will explore the grandiose valley, take a trip to the peak and soak up the panoramic views, try our hand at traditional crafts, sample the local cuisine and sit down for an aroma meditation class in this most tranquil of settings. We will leave Hanoi at around 8:00 AM and head to peaceful Yen Tu, After arriving we will participate in a traditional handcraft class which will comprise either conical hat making, Bamboo mask painting or a traditional Dong Ho print session. We will then visit one of the local restaurants designed to offer a culinary experience in the spirit of Zen with ample vegetarian options available. After a hearty lunch, we will begin our ascent to the summit of Yen Tu Mountain, Taking around 4 hours to ascend on the way we will stop off to see the Golden Stupas, the Hoa Yen Pagoda nestled on the mountaintop and the One Roof Pagoda seemingly carved out of the mountainside. After learning about the significance of these sites and enjoying the vistas we will catch a cable car back down the mountain. This evening is largely at your leisure and exploring the moonlight lake, Zen mirror and Minh Tam Square is worthwhile. Should you prefer you can also head to the wellness oasis of Am Tuệ Tĩnh spa center for treatment. We will reconvene around 8 PM to enjoy a cultural performance this evening of either folk music or dance. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch Hotel: Legacy Yen Tu (Superior room Mountain view)

We travel on to the mysterious. Halong Bay, which literally means 'where the dragon descends into the sea'. Optional Tour SCENIC FLIGHT OVER HALONG BAY Upon arrival, enjoy a breathtaking scenic flight over Halong bay. Taking off and landing on the water at Tuan Chau Marina, our 25-minute scenic flight showcases the highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, offering a completely different perspective than from a cruise ship. From the air, the many islands appear like mountain ranges, the embodiment of "Ha Long", meaning "descending dragon". Board your Halong bay overnight cruise, set in your cabin and follow cruise's itinerary. In the afternoon we take a boat trip through Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This beautiful nature reserve is the result of centuries of erosion and is unique in the world. The bay contains no less than 1969 beautiful and photogenic islands, often consisting exclusively of mysterious rocks, even more mysterious caves and beautiful tropical beaches. It is not surprising that many poets, ainters and writers found their inspiration here for their works. The lunch and dinner will be on the ship. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Hotel: Indochine Premium Ha Long (Junior Suite)

Wake with the sun and enjoy coffee, tea and cookies on board as the horizon brightens. This morning if weather permits, in the summer, visit a pearl farm to see how these precious 'stones' are farmed or in winer you can visit Ti Top Island. Back en route to the port, pass by Halong Bay and its stunning islets before disembarking and then heading back to Hanoi airport to take your flight to Hue Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Please note: Estimated distance from the station to hotels in city center or vice versa: around 2km - 8km - Estimated driving time: around 10 - 20 minutes. Meals: Breakfast / Dinner Hotel: Pilgrimage Village Hue (Deluxe)

Today explore Hue’s dynastical past on a full-day tour. Begin with a visit to the former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty at the Imperial City, modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. The Imperial City is home to a number of palaces, temples which, although a number had been destroyed during war and conflict, have been restored to their former glory. After your visit to the Citadel, take a short journey to the surrounding countryside where you will visit the Royal Tombs of two previous Emperors before taking a short boat ride on the Perfume River to see the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda. Lunch included today. Take a moment to yourself and relax as a Tea Master introduces you to the art of making an ancient White Lotus royal tea. You will stop by a charming hidden teahouse which honours the craft of brewing the perfect cup. Upon arrival you will be greeted by the owner, of Chinese descent, her ancestors were granted land for their services to the emperor to grow tea, and their family has honoured this tradition ever since. Your host will treat you to a history of tea in Vietnam and you will come to learn more about these leaves. After which you will learn the stories of some of the tea practices and preferences of the royal court in Hue. Your host will then show you how to brew and compose the perfect cup of White Lotus tea. The leaves infused in the centre of a Lotus provide you with a taste of a bygone era. After witnessing how it is made you will try and brew the perfect cup yourself. After your Tea making class take a moment to enjoy the tranquil teahouse and enjoy your cup of tradition. Black Out Dates: Tet Holiday This tour is best enjoyed in the morning from 09 AM to 11 AM and the tea-making lasts around 60-90 minutes. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch Hotel: Pilgrimage Village Hue (Deluxe)

In the morning, you will visit Minh Mang Tomb and Khai Dinh Tomb then "Enjoy a slower pace to life and drink in the scenic views as you enjoy an afternoon tea on the Perfume river. Sometimes, there can be no better way to enjoy a city and its charm than from the waterways. On this afternoon's experience, we will enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea on a river boat taking in the mountainous backdrop of Hue and the imperious Citadel as it flanks the river. For your afternoon tea, enjoy a couple of savoury bites and a trio of sweet dishes to go with the view. If you have booked the upgraded experience you will be joined by traditional folk music artists who will play music to encapsulate the heritage of Hue. A truly special way to enjoy the afternoon's leisurely cruise. Please Note: menus may vary, please notify us of any dietary requirements well in advance. Cruise starts at 3:30 PM Meals: Breakfast / Lunch Hotel: Pilgrimage Village Hue (Deluxe)

Today you will be meeting with one of our Vivu Local Legends. These are a collection of locally selected superstars each with a memorable story to share of their impressive lives, crafts or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide. Today's Local legend is a family of fisherfolk who own an Oyster farm on a tranquil Lagoon. Heading down an unassuming path we will stop by the banks of the shore and be taken out into the clear waters and head to the shelter on stilts where our gregarious hosts will meet and greet us, telling us about their lives. We will then explore the lagoon itself as our hosts demonstrate local fishing techniques and how they grow and harvest Oysters. Learn what it takes to grow Oysters naturally and, more importantly, what it tastes like. Freshly shucked, Oysters don't get much fresher! After our exploration, we will then get to indulge in a seafood lunch or dinner with our hosts. Transfer by road to Hoi An, south of Hue. Your journey will take you over the scenic Hai Van Pass * Estimated driving distance: ~130km - Estimated driving distance: 3hrs Optional Tour HOI AN MEMORIES SHOW Take a 400-year journey through the history of Hoi An at this beautifully orchestrated show. We will pick you up from your accommodation and transport you to the setting for tonight’s performance in one of Central Hoi An’s islets. Here you will witness the Hoi An Memories production. Delivered in five acts by a cast of around 100, this 1-hour performance will be a beautifully choreographed story. At first, we are treated to the story of the birth of Hoi An, followed by its life under the Champa people through a famous Champa wedding. We will then embark on a different love story and into the tales of the sea-faring people of Hoi An and the subsequent busy trading port it became. The finale will focus on the mix of old and new with the traditional Ao Dai (Ow Zai) clothing that the women of Vietnam still wear and which is synonymous with Vietnam. Awe struck by the impressive performers, stories and choreography this is sure to be a lasting memory in Vietnam. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch Hotel: Hotel Royal Hoi An MGallery Collection (Deluxe)

Hoi An Ancient Town’s impeccable preservation has earned it recognition as a UNESCO heritage site. On today’s walking tour we will gain an insight into the kaleidoscope of cultures that have shaped this former port city and what keeps it thriving today. Your guide will start by taking you to the iconic 16th Century Japanese covered bridge with pagoda (Chùa Cầu). If you are experiencing déjà vu, this bridge is an important symbol of Vietnam’s history and is featured on the 20,000VND note. We will then come to learn the history behind the bridge's origin and how it still functions as a place of worship today. Meandering through the Ancient town towards our next stop your guide will help you to recognize all the cultures that have influenced the designs of the building, both indigenous and foreign. We will then get the opportunity to go into one of Hoi An’s ancient homes where we will meet the 14th generation still living in this house. From vibrant past to bright future, we will finish our tour by visit Quynh’s shop. At one of her stores, we will come to learn how she set about starting a tailor shop, the mistakes she made along the way and the school she has set up to help support those wanting to start a career in the industry. More than just meeting the owner we will get to see where the magic happens and meet the faces behind the incredible clothing. We will then enjoy a delicious local lunch. Traditional Vietnamese theatre is often accompanied by a series of decorative and elaborate masks. But the number of people dedicating their lives to preserving the art of mask making is few and far between. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to meet one of these individuals who has dedicated over thirty years to perfecting their craft. You will get to understand the origin of the masks and the passion of the people responsible for keeping the art alive. Afterwards, take part in a workshop and get to paint your very own mask based on traditional designs or something more contemporary. This mask will then become a unique souvenir to take home. Then we will finish today's tour by going to a local teahouse which supports people with disabilities to learn skills and gain meaningful employment. Here the teahouse is a silent haven from the hustle and bustle of Hoi An. Enjoy your local tea in this restorative setting before we head back to our hotel. BOD: Tet, 4th November. Only runs on Monday & Thursday. Experience dinner in a truly unique setting at the Distillerie d'Indochine. This picturesque beachfront distillery located in South Hoi An is the humble home of world-renowned Sampan Rum and tonight, after our tour of the rum distillery, we shall enjoy a BBQ in this idyllic setting. On this evening's tour, we shall start with an array of welcome cocktails before going behind the scenes to discover how the facility uses centuries-old distillation techniques to transform local, freshly pressed sugarcane into award-winning white rhums and dark rhums. After our tour, we will then indulge in a White Rhum tasting with our gregarious hosts. Then we shall indulge in a 2 course BBQ dinner and soak up the ambience of the Distillerie d'Indochine. Running time: Pick up at 5:30 PM for 6 PM arrival. Closed on Mondays Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Hotel: Hotel Royal Hoi An MGallery Collection (Deluxe)

Today you will be meeting with one of our Vivu Local Legends. These are a collection of locally selected superstars each with a memorable story to share of their impressive lives, crafts or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide. In the morning, set off for a 1 hour drive from Hoi An to Ky Anh Tunnels and follow in the footsteps of Mr Ta, one of the witnesses during wartime to discover the tunnel networks. This incredible Ky Anh Tunnel network sits underneath the village of Thach Tan and while there are numerous entrances to the network of tunnels scattered throughout local villages, the main access is found here. In the past, there were as many as 32 kilometers of tunnels stretching through the area, although now the restored sections are much shorter, totalling a few hundred meters. There are a couple of entrances to the tunnel network in Thach Tan, one at the local communal house or Dinh, and another in the backyard of a local house. Afterwards we will travel to the beautiful and remote village of Loc Yen. An ancient village lying in a beautiful valley in the Tien Canh commune, surrounded by rivers, streams, and mountains and where you will enjoy a wonderful cycling experience. En route to Loc Yen, you will cycle along winding roads and through vibrant rice fields. Upon arrival, you will find many ancient houses in typical traditional Vietnamese architecture surrounded by beautiful lush gardens. This pretty village of Loc Yen is unique with its stone alleyways, canals and terraces and the residents of the village are truly Vietnamese, friendly, welcoming and hospitable. Lunch will be prepared and served by a member of a local family residing in one of the ancient houses. Enjoy your delicious lunch and wonderful local experience before continuing to Tam Ky City. The total distance of cycling required on this tour is approximately 8km. Following lunch, we will begin our journey back to Hoi An via the Heroic Mother Thu statue. She stands 18.6m high and 120m wide and was designed to resemble Mrs Nguyen Thi Thu, who sadly lost 12 children and grandchildren during the Vietnam War. Our final stop will then be by Tam Thanh village, where the mural project in the village has transformed this remote fishing village into a fascinating artwork gallery, where more than 100 houses have been painted to reflect the local culture, people and nature. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch Hotel: Hotel Royal Hoi An MGallery Collection (Deluxe)

Be met by your guide and transfer by road to the airport for your onward flight. Please note: Estimated distance from the airport to hotels in Hoi An old town or vice versa: around 30 - 35 km - Estimated driving time: appx. 45 - 50 minutes. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Please note: * Estimated distance from hotels in city center to the airport or v.v: ~8km - Estimated duration: 40 mins * Domestic arrivals: Please collect your baggage, proceed through the baggage check, and then make your way into the arrivals hall. Our representative will be waiting here for you holding a Pick-up sign with your name. He will then escort you to your vehicle to take you to your hotel. Optional Tour COUNTRYSIDE SCENIC CYCLING TO AN ORGANIC RICE FARM Today you will be meeting with one of our Vivu Local Legends. These are a collection of locally selected superstars each with a memorable story to share of their impressive lives, crafts or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide. We will be exploring the idyllic countryside that surrounds Hoi An and we will start by peddling across the Thu Bon river and into the peaceful island of Cam Kim, a suburb of Hoi An. Here, on an island renowned for craft making, we will get to see a local weaving demonstration and watch as ladies who have dedicated themselves to this craft have perfected the art. We will then continue our journey taking in the peaceful rural setting on our way to meet our Local Legend. Upon arrival, we will park our bikes and cool off in the shade as we enjoy a healthy welcome drink and the opportunity to enjoy the splendid views over the Paddy fields of our Local Legends home. The Farm is entirely organic and the predominant crop here is Black Rice. Our host will then greet us and share her story. How she has gone from being advised against her lifestyle change to running a successful farm, drinks shop and a free educational program to help others who wish to change to organic farming practice. After learning about the life of our captivating host we will then be taken to one of the paddy fields nearby for a quick demonstration of the rice farm life cycle, where you will be encouraged to get stuck in should you so wish! We will then enjoy a delicious farm-to-table meal made by our hosts using ingredients grown from the land and enjoy the views from the shade of the cafe. You will then jump back onto your bikes and make your way back to your accommodation. Worth Noting: This is an authentic working farm and the view of the paddy will vary depending on the season. Please also note that the bathroom facilities are rudimentary. Start time: 8:30 AM Finish time: 13:00 PM Block Out Dates; Tet Holiday, 1st JAN, 01OCT- 31NOV Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Hotel Des Arts Saigon Mgallery Collection (Deluxe)

Follow in the footsteps of the Quiet American, one of the most iconic novels set in Vietnam, depicting the end of French colonialism and the beginning involvement of American forces in Vietnam. Start your tour by being picked up and transferring to the Continental Hotel. First, head to the Notre Dame Cathedral, which Graham Greene famously described as “…the hideous pink cathedral…” despite its beautiful design. Continue through Dong Khoi street (also known as Catinat) where you will pass by Direction de la Police et de la Sûreté, the workplace of Inspector Vigot who investigates the death of the title character, CIA Agent Alden Pyle. Next, see the site where the last helicopter famously left Saigon, taking the last people out of southern Vietnam at the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Turn down Charner/Nguyễn Huệ boulevard towards the Rex Hotel, one of Saigon’s most luxurious hotels and the headquarters of the United States military command’s daily press conference. From here, return back down Dong Khoi Street and pass the Theatre, Grand Saigon, a symbol of 60s Saigon. End your tour with a refreshing cocktail at the Majestic Hotel, where Quiet American British journalist, Thomas Fowler, would often come for drinks. Starting time: 08:30 AM or 02:00 PM Ending time: 11:30 AM or 05:00 PM Today you will be meeting with one of our Vivu Local Legends. These are a collection of locally selected superstars each with a memorable story to share of their impressive lives, crafts or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide. Today we will head to the home of our Local Legend Mr Dau, his house is made from recycled wood and it is the location of an impressive collection of musical instruments spanning the length and history of Vietnam. This collection of instruments includes items representing all 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups, and it is the music of these ethnic groups that is Mr Dau's true passion. Born and raised in Hanoi, his interest in music started young when he grew up next to a Theatre. Abandoning his parent’s desire for him to follow a career in law or medicine you will learn the story of this gregarious musician and his family as they treat you to a private musical performance in their home. Start time: 09:00AM or 13:30PM Finish time: 11:00AM or 15:30PM Block Out Date: Tet Holiday and Evenings. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch Hotel: Hotel Des Arts Saigon Mgallery Collection (Deluxe)

Depart from Saigon and drive about 2 hours from to the township of Cai Be to board the Cai Be Princess. The crew welcomes you aboard with cold towels and a refreshing drink as the Cai Be Princess Sampan sets off for its leisurely cruise on the busy waterways of the Mekong Delta. On the river, all sorts of boats ply the water, from small fishing boats to cargo barges loaded with fruit and vegetables. Observe a little of river life as it plays out on the banks - noting the people and the stunning landscapes - while your attentive crew serves you tea and seasonal fruit. At Tan Phong Islet board a little rowing boat to explore the canal’s hidden mangroves. Return to your sampan to visit an ancient house built in the 19th century. Make stops along the way to provide glimpses of local cottage industries, including factories for the production of coconut candy and puffed rice (the local equivalent of popcorn), products that provide a living for the river people. Your cruise ends at Le Longanier Restaurant. Lunch is served in this exquisite colonial-style villa set in a lush tropical garden by the river, surrounded by fruit trees, giving you a sense of life during the Indochina of yesteryear. After lunch, take a short walk along a small canal, towards the Ba Bon Bridge where your personal vehicle awaits to drive you to Ho Chi Minh City. * Estimated duration: 10hrs Meals: Breakfast / Dinner Hotel: Hotel Des Arts Saigon Mgallery Collection (Deluxe)

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight. * Estimated distance from hotels in city center to the airport or v.v: ~8km - Estimated duration: 40 mins Meals: Breakfast