Day 3 Monday, March 3rd

Hanoi

Vietnamese culture and history: 09:00 – 12:00

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a day of exploration: Temple of Literature, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, it became Vietnam's first university; Hoa Lo museum, known widely by the nickname Hanoi Hilton given to it by the Americans during the Second Indochina War; Hoa Lo Prison was originally established by the French colonial government in 1896 for the purpose of detaining political prisoners and formed part of a northern network of unjust and cruel prisons.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Hanoi Arts & Home Cocktail with Suzanne Lecht: 13:30 – 16:30

This afternoon we discover the fascinating world Vietnamese Arts. Visit the Green Palm Gallery, one of the most famous and prestigious institutes for Fine Arts in the country.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole ★★★★★

Room: Premium

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 Tuesday, March 4th

Hanoi -Ha Long/Lan Ha Bay

09:00 Meet your guide, transfer to Ha Long Bay. The driving distance is approximately 2.5 hours.

Prepare to embark on an overnight cruise in beautiful Lan Ha Bay. A quieter and more remote area of Ha Long Bay, the picturesque inlet is filled with surreal scenes of limestone karsts and emerald waters. On arrival at Tuan Chau Marina, you are welcomed by the crew and transferred to the cruise by tender.

12:15 Sip a refreshing welcome drink and watch the dramatic beauty of the bay unfold around you while enjoying your lunch on board. In the afternoon, head out for an excursion to Cat Ba Island where you can travel by bus to Trung Trang, a large cave with interesting stalactites that have been formed over the last 2,000 years. Continue to Tra Bau where you can enjoy swimming in the pristine ocean waters.

Return to the cruise boat for a cooking demonstration and Happy Hour at sunset. Enjoy dinner on board followed by an evening at leisure.

Note: for Spa treatments please book with our Cruise Manager directly.

Overnight on board.

Accommodation: Orchid Classic Cruise Lan Ha Bay (cruise)
Room: Premium Suite Balcony
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Wednesday, March 5^th

Ha Long Bay – Hoi An

Optional (for early risers): 06:30 Indulge yourself in the peaceful beauty of the bay with a tai chi session on the sundeck. Enjoy light refreshments, including tea, coffee and pastries in the dining room. Then explore the Ao Ech area where you can hop into a kayak out for a closer look at the bay’s tree-topped islets and golden beaches.

08:30 Return to the cruise ship and check out of your cabin. Make the most of your last moments on board with a final, leisurely brunch before disembarking at 11:30.

The above itinerary is subject to change at short notice and is dependent on weather and tide conditions.

At the pier, meet driver and transfer to Hanoi Airport. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Depart: Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi at 16:10 Flight No. VN 181

Arrive: Danang International Airport, Danang at 17:40 (Economy class)

We are met on arrival at Da Nang Airport and assisted with a 45-minute transfer to your hotel in Hoi An.

UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hoi An is a picturesque old town on the Thu Bon River with a rich cultural, culinary and creative heart. The diverse influence of Chinese, Japanese and European traders can still be seen today in the town's eclectic mix of architecture, where a Japanese bridge, a Chinese assembly hall grand merchants' houses and French colonial villas are some of the highlights.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai ★★★★★

Room: One Bedroom Villa

Meals: Refreshments, Brunch at Orchid Cruise

Day 6 Thursday, March 6th

Hoi An

Leisurely morning.

11:00 Guided transfer to the rural area of Hoi. We will visit a garden house owned by one of Vietnam's most celebrated chefs. Learn about his connection to MasterChef genius Gordon Ramsay.

14:00 – 17:30 After lunch, Hoi An walking tour:

Located 30KM south of Danang, the sublime riverside town of Hoi An is a feast for the eyes. Devoid of most forms of motorized transport, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of this ancient port is ideal for exploring on foot. Visit the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Bridge and the busy waterfront, where colorful fishing boats bob up and down on the Thu Bon River. This day tour finishes at a lantern making workshop.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai ★★★★★

Room: One Bedroom Villa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 Friday, March 7th

Hoi An - Hue

08:30 After checking out, our guide will meet and transfer us to Hue. The driving time is approximately 3.5 hours via the spectacular Hai Van Pass. On the way, stop to visit the Cham Museum in Da Nang.

Hue is a captivating city with an illustrious history. Once the center of imperial Vietnam, the city was the seat of the Nguyen dynasty emperors during their reign from 1802 until 1945. Today, the city still retains much of its majestic charm with the elaborate royal tombs and imposing citadel revealing the extravagant lifestyles of its former emperors.

Lunch at a local restaurant. (a la carte, self-paid)

Hue Ancient & Modern: 13:00 – 16:00

Hue is already famous for the old and traditional; apart from the historic landmarks, the journey brings you to another world of the new art legacy and impressive architecture blended with nature. Explore Lebadang Memory Space, which is the realization of artist Lebadang’s, a world-renown Vietnamese French painter, engraver and sculptor who received the title of the Art Master of the Orient and the West.

Transfer to the hotel for check in.

Accommodation: Azerai La Residence ★★★★★

Room: Deluxe River View

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Nestled on the edge of the fabled Perfume River, Azerai La Residence Hue is built around a colonial mansion from the 1930s and was once home to the French Resident Superieure.

Musical Heritage & Gastronomy: 17:00 – 21:00

Boat cruise on Perfume River -- The graceful hostess, one of the sixth-generation descendants of Emperor Minh Mang, and her husband – a retired Swiss UBS Banker, are both native of Hue. Enjoy a private Récital performance of the hostess that will bring you to East-meets-West variations on Hue royal tunes, original Vietnamese folk melodies and Western classical songs. Followed by a fusion dinner.

Dress code: Smart Casual is required.

Day 8 Saturday, March 8th

Hue – Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast at your hotel and then check out.

08:30 – 10:30 Half day excursion to Tu Duc and Khai Dinh Royal Tombs.

Located along the banks of the Perfume River, the tombs are architectural wonders and the final place of rest of the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Light lunch at a local restaurant.

11:40 Transfer to Phu Bai Airport for your departure flight towards Ho Chi Minh City.

Depart: Phu Bai Domestic Airport, Hue at 13:40 Vietnam Airlines Flight No. VN 1373

Arrive: Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City at 15:20 (Economy class)

On arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, your guide will meet and transfer you to the hotel for check in. The driving distance is approximately 35 minutes.

Accommodation: The Reverie Saigon ★★★★★

Room: Deluxe

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known by its former name of Saigon, is the bustling and vibrant economic center of Vietnam's south. Full of contrasts, the city is known for its cosmopolitan vibe and energetic pace which is unlike any other city in Vietnam.

This evening we offer an optional tour: Evening Saigon Night Street Eats with Vespa Wanderers: 18:30 – 22:30

The darker the night gets; the more vivid Saigon becomes! Riding a pillion on a vintage Vespa is the best way to feel the city like the locals do. Meet up with your driver around 6.30 pm, and hop on an authentic vintage Vespa with the drivers’ models dating from the 1960s-1970s.  Return to your hotel around 10.30pm.

Day 9 Sunday, March 9th

Ho Chi Minh City

09:00 – 12:30 China Town:

Translating to ‘big market’, Cholon is located southwest of the city’s center and is the core of its Chinese community. Here you will find Mandarin speakers, ancient pagodas and Chinese script adorning shopfronts. Proceed to visit an old community of craftsmen quarters where you will have a chance to meet and interact with the local artisans to understand about their daily life. Next, visit the Thien Hau temple. Thien Hau is the Lady of the Sea and it is believed that she can skim across the high seas, locating and rescuing those in trouble. Quick visit to the Cha Tam Church, where President Ngo Dinh Diem sought refuge prior to his assassination in 1963, before heading into the hustle and bustle of Binh Tay market where we finish this tour.

Lunch at a local restaurant (a la carte, self-paid)

14:00 – 17:00 Half Day City Tour:

Beginning in the center of the city, the first stop is Reunification Palace. Formerly named the Presidential Palace, this important city landmark was assured its place in history on April 30th 1975, when the first North Vietnamese tanks rumbled past, signaling the Fall of Saigon and ultimately the end of the Vietnam War. Now a museum showcasing period meeting areas, war rooms and a basement communication center, after your visit, walk the short distance to Notre Dame Cathedral. At the center of HCMC’s government district, this romantic church dates back to the late 19th century and is a popular backdrop for wedding photographs. Across the street from the cathedral is the city’s striking French colonial-era Post Office, whilst Hotel de Ville de Saigon officially Ho Chi Minh City Hall, is another of the city’s more prominent buildings. The Museum of Vietnamese History is housed in yet another fine example of Sino-French architecture. Dating back to the 1920s, it contains an excellent series of exhibits dating from the Bronze Age to the Nguyen dynasty, the last ruling family of Vietnam.

As an alternative to the Museum of Vietnamese History, visit the elegant Fine Arts Museum with its impressive collection of ancient and modern art and sculptures, or the War Remnants Museum, which is primarily dedicated to the Vietnam War but also includes exhibits dating back to the French colonialist period and the first Indochina War.

Finish your tour with a visit to a tiny Cao Dai temple hidden away in the center of the district, where a small group of Caodaist members from this monotheistic religion worship daily.

18:30 – 21:30 Optional tour “Cocktail experiences”:

Transfer from your hotel to the starting point in the heart of downtown. Explore hidden venues, some of which are unknown to even seasoned bar-hopping locals. You might find yourself at an apartment turned into an artsy cafe, a speakeasy run by one of the best mixologists in Vietnam, or an experimental bar focused on local craft spirits. Each venue has its own story, enjoy the selected delicious cocktails featuring exotic Asian ingredients with some locally inspired snacks and some special creations. This is a walking experience that will also allow you to see some of the major sites of Saigon. Transfer back to your hotel.

Accommodation: The Reverie Saigon ★★★★★

Room: Deluxe

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 Monday March 10th

Ho Chi Minh City

8:30 -14:00 Drive through Historic Cu Chi Tunnels, and private Speed Boat.

The tunnels of Cu Chi were dug with bare hands or very simple tools during the French occupation in the 1940s, and further expanded during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. Enjoy a private meeting with an Insider who has a personal connection with the Cu Chi Tunnels and their history.

Return to Saigon through a comfortable and close-to-nature journey of a 1.5-hour private speedboat trip. Then, transfer by vehicle to Tan Son Nhat International Airport in time for your onward flight.

Fast track service is arranged for your departure at Tan Son Nhat Airport.

Depart: Tan Son Nhat Intl Airport, Ho Chi Minh City at 16:20 Vietnam Airlines Flight No. VN813

Arrive: Siem Reap International Airport, Siem Reap at 17:30 (tickets in Economy class)

Fast track service is arranged for your arrival at the Siem Reap Airport.

Meet your guide in the arrival’s hall of Siem Reap International Airport and transfer directly to your hotel in Siem Reap for a one-and-a-half-hour drive (subject to traffic).

A flourishing provincial town, Siem Reap is best known as the gateway to the treasures of Angkor. A collection of jungle-covered temples dating as far back as the ninth century, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat, one of the most impressive examples of the lost Khmer civilization's architectural and artistic grandeur.

Evening at leisure.

Accommodation: Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang ★★★★★

Room: Terrace Villa

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 Tuesday, March 11th

Siem Reap, Cambodia

08:45 - 12:30 Witness the wonder of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 12^th century, and explore the crowning achievement of Khmer art and architecture.

Note: Please dress appropriately when visiting temples and religious sites. Short skirts or short trousers are not permitted as shoulders and knees should be covered.

Enjoy a Khmer set menu lunch at Mahob Restaurant or similar.

Experince the vibrant heartbeat of Siem Reap aboard a traditional tuk tuk (open-air, three-wheeled vehicles). At around 14:00hrs, your journey starts as you meander through the city's historic streets, tracing the serene path along the Siem Reap River, flanked by ancient pagodas and wats (temples). As you traverse, marvel at the architectural remnants of the French Protectorate era, manifested in the colonial buildings adorning the Old Market area. Continue your exploration to Satcha, a newly opened center for Cambodian creativity and an incubator for local artisans to showcase their talents.

Phare Circus Experience

19:30 – 21:30 Transfer to Phare Ponleu Selpak, meaning “the brightness of art”, originated in 1986 in Site 2 Refugee Camp on the Thai border.

Accommodation: Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang ★★★★★

Room: Terrace Villa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 Wednesday March 12^th

Siem Reap

09:00 Visit to Ta Prohm, a lost-in-the-jungle temple that was once a monastery for kings. Wander courtyards lined with stone-carved lintels that are cradled in the roots of tall trees and strangler figs. Return to Siem Reap town where you have time for lunch at leisure.

Uncover more lost-world wonders at Angkor Thom, the great walled city that was the last and most enduring vestige of the Khmer empire. Enter through the South Gate, visit the Bayon, a temple in the center of the city, and explore the grand Baphuon temple and parkland that leads to Preah Palilay and Phimeanakas, the private temple of King Jayavarman VII.

Please note: Please dress appropriately when visiting temples and religious sites. Short skirts or short trousers are not permitted as shoulders and knees should be covered.

Enjoy a Khmer set menu lunch at Malis Restaurant (or similar).

In the afternoon, we visit Banteay Srei, a pre-Angkorian temple located in the quiet countryside northeast of Siem Reap.

Optional: Visit Night Market & Dinner with Apsara Dance Show

Have a taste of the essence of Siem Reap with an evening of cultural and culinary delights. Your excursion starts at 18:00 as you head to the Angkor Night Market, the longest-running bazaar in the city. Housed within Khmer-style huts, it offers an eclectic array of souvenirs, Cambodian handicrafts, textiles, paintings and jewelry. As the evening unfolds, continue to a local restaurant to savor local flavors and be entertained by an Apsara Dance, a classical Khmer performance art inspired by Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Starting at 20:00, this hour-long performance will transport you to a world of enchantment. Note: Your guide and transportation are available until 21:00hrs. only.

Accommodation: Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang ★★★★★

Room: Terrace Villa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13 Thursday March 13^th

Siem Reap

Enjoy a morning at leisure at the hotel, or venture out for an optional excursion of the city.

Enjoy a Cambodia set menu lunch at Phum Baitang.

After checking out of the hotel, meet your guide in the lobby for transfer to Siem Reap International Airport, which is approximately a one-and-a-half-hour drive (subject to traffic).

Fast track service is arranged for your departure at the airport.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Trip Includes:

• Visa fees for Vietnam and Cambodia
• Fast Track service on arrival at the airport in Hanoi & Siem Reap
• Fast Track service on departure at the airport in Ho Chi Minh City & Siem Reap
• Accommodation as per above itinerary in King/Twin share/double rooms with daily breakfast
• Transfers and tours as specified including entry fees in air-conditioned vehicles
• Services of a Local English-Speaking Guide for all included sightseeing in the language stated in the service description
• 3 Domestic/regional flights: HAN⇒DAD, DAD⇒SGN and SGN⇒REP (in Economy class)
• 2D1N Orchid Classic Cruise based on group excursion
• Meals as specified in the itinerary (food only, drinks are not included)
• Government tax and service charge
• Bottled water provided on transfers and sightseeing tours

Not included and optional:

• International airfares
• Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry etc)
• Tips or gratuities to Guides/drivers/porters/hotel, restaurant or boat staff etc
• Drinks or personal expenses or entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities
• Meals and services other than those mentioned in above inclusion
• Any optional sightseeing excursions or additional visits not outlined in the itinerary
• Excess baggage fees or charges levied by the airlines
• All that is not specifically described in the text of this itinerary is not included.
• Hotel room early check-in before 14.00 hours and late check-out after 12.00 hours.
• All expenses incurred due to flight cancellations/delays or due to other causes beyond our control (Force Majeure)

TRAVEL PREP/INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE

Multiple airlines and several Asian carriers are among the airlines that can be used for this trip. We recommend booking at least 9 months in advance if you want to use frequent flyer miles for free tickets, upgrades, or the Platinum American Express Travel Program. We can assist you with your international air booking in Business or Coach class. Please ask us to quote for you. We often have favorable rates. There is a standard $35 fee per ticket ticketing for this service.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Please ensure your passport is valid more than 6 months from the date of return for every country you are visiting. Please also ensure there is sufficient space in your passport to allow for all immigration procedures. All Southeast Asian countries require at least 2 blank pages, as they have a full-page visa. All Visa fees on arrival in Vietnam and Cambodia are included.

For the Vietnam Visa, we will need a valid passport copy at least 3 months before the trip. This is required in order to process the Visa Approval Letter which normally takes 1-3 weeks to apply. Once the Visa Approval Letter is ready we will send it to you via email. You will have to bring this letter with you and have it upon arrival at the Vietnam’s airport. All Visa stamping fees will be handled and paid by airport’s representatives as we already included Fast track service. You would need to present 2 passport sized photos at each country, so please plan accordingly.

For Cambodia you won’t need any pre-trip documents except the arrival/departure forms, as well as a customs declaration form for immigration upon entering the country. These forms, as well as the visa application form, are available on the aircraft. Please request them from the flight attendant/cabin crew and have them ready before landing.

HEALTH

The Center for Disease Control suggests that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccines. Please consult your primary physician regarding your travel plans.

MINIMUMS

All departures are guaranteed on a minimum number of participants. A Tour Manager will accompany a tour based on a minimum number of participants. This tour can be operated as a Private Tour, or can be customized/priced based on a final itinerary. Rates are based on a minimum participation of 16 people.

PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION

A pre-departure e-mail will be sent to you approximately three weeks prior to departure day.