Where Time Stands Still

The names are at once exotic and yet familiar . . . Hanoi . . . Danang . . . China Beach . . . the Mekong Delta. This is Vietnam, a land touched by great beauty and marked by poignant memories, a place where the present is a healing balm for the past. Her people are a breath of fresh air in a sultry tropical climate, and her markets, rivers, and pagodas provide a link between Vietnam's fascinating history and the country's future as a cultural destination.

Hideaways couldn't pass up the opportunity to partner with one of our preferred adventure tour leaders for this very personal, highly customized 10-day trip to Vietnam called "The Pearl of Indochina," and based on the desires of just two travelers rather than a busload of tourists. You'll enjoy the undivided attention of an experienced guide as well as local experts and specialists while you make your way from bustling Hanoi in the north—where you'll start your day with a rickshaw ride through the old French Colonial quarters—to the rice fields of the Makong Delta in the south.

Where We Sleep . . .

SOFITEL METROPOLE:
The exquisite Metropole in Hanoi, built by the French in the early 1900s, is one of our favorite trip hotels. Combining old-world charm with modern convenience, it is easy to imagine the days when Graham Greene propped up the bar, and intrigue radiated from every room.

MORIN HOTEL:
Possessing unique colonial architecture and exquisite service, The Morin Hotel has become the choice of celebrities, intrepid adventurers, and discriminating businessmen.

HOI AN LIFE RESORT:
Located in the French colonial quarter of the UNESCO world heritage town Hoi An, the Hoi An Life Resort is truly unique. The harmony of services, surroundings, culture, cuisine and body and mind treatments will naturally bring all your senses to life.

VICTORIA CAN THO:
Set in magnificent gardens, Victoria Can Tho is a splendid colonial style hotel situated on the banks of the Hau River, one of the nine estuaries of the Mekong Delta. The location and services offered have been carefully planned to allow guests to experience the opulence of the local culture, the beauty of the area, and the diversity of the region and its people.

CARAVELLE HOTEL:
The Caravelle has been at the center of Saigon society since the hotel was opened in 1959. With commanding views of the city and an enviable location opposite the Opera House, the landmark hotel is at the heart of a city once renown as the Pearl of the Orient.

The Trip

Day 1 - Hanoi, Vietnam
We start the day with a rickshaw ride through the old French Colonial quarter, where shuttered villas are juxtaposed with age-old temples, then we stroll through the merchant district where the streets are named after guilds of artisans from the 13th century. We enjoy dinner at the elegant Seasons of Hanoi, and then retire to the old-world charm of the Sofitel Metropole. Accommodations: Sofitel Metropole; Meals: D.

Day 2 - Hanoi, Vietnam
This morning we explore the city highlights: the Temple of Literature, (where we enjoy a private cultural talk with Hanoi's well-known historian, Dr. Huu Ngoc), the One Pillar Pagoda and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Afernoon options include a private tour of local art galleries, a market tour and cooking class with a leading chef, or a chance to make pottery with the artisans of Bat Trang. This evening we are treated to a private water puppet show (with a chance to chat with the puppeteers) and then dinner at the renowned restaurant Indochina. Accommodations: Sofitel Metropole; Meals: BLD.

Day 3 - Hue, Vietnam
We fly south the Hue where we are invited to the home of a well-known academic for lunch, followed by a quiet afternoon cruise along the banks of the Perfume River and visits to the elaborate tombs of past emperors. Other options include a guided visit to the Forbidden Purple City, a casual stroll through Dong Ba Market, or simply relaxing by the pool at the comfortable Morin Hotel. Accommodations: La Résidence; Meals: BLD.

Day 4 - Hue, Vietnam
This morning after breakfast we continue with our Hue sightseeing. We enjoy a boat ride on the Perfume River upstream to see the Thien Mu pagoda, the most preserved religious monument standing along the river bank. Later in the morning we visit the most elaborate tombs of the Nguyen dynasty, including Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Lunch is hosted at the royal house of Vinh Tu, where we enjoy authentic royal cuisine. The afternoon is free at leisure for your own exploration. Accommodations: La Résidence; Meals: BL.

Day 5 - Hoi An, Vietnam
After a morning exploring the tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh or joining local students at teh Hue Fine Art School for a painting class, we transfer over the scenic Hai Van Pass to Danang. Here we visit the renowned Cham Museum with Prof Le Ba Dat, a Cham specialist and professor at Danang General University. After stopping for a dip at China Beach, we finish the day in charming Hoi An, where we settle in for two nights at the Hoi An Life Resort. Accommodations: Hoi An Life Resort; Meals: BLD.

Day 6 - Hoi An, Vietnam
Today we explore this exquisite old fishing village with a member of the Hoi An Restoration Committee, strolling past ancient buildings and charming shops. After a light lunch, afternoon options include a leisurely bike ride to Cam Chau village to learn lantern making, a boat ride on the Thu Bon River, or a visit to a local tailor for some bespoke silk outfits. Dinner tonight is on your own. Accommodations: Hoi An Life Resort; Meals: BLD.

Day 7 - Mekong Delta, Vietnam
After an early flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), we board a private sampan for a cruise down the Mekong River to the fish market, Unicorn Island, and a fresh fruit garden for a succulent tasting of fruit and teas with bee honey. After a relaxed lunch in the verdant garden of the Ngoc Gia Trang Restaurant, we visit the stork sanctuary in Bang Lang, and then continue on to Can Tho, where we will stay in the colonial charm of the luxurious Victoria Can Tho. Accommodations: Victoria Can Tho Hotel; Meals: BLD.

Day 8 - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam
This morning's options include a short bike ride along the small canals or a cruise to the floating market of Cai Rang and a visit to a Bun Tau noodle factory. After lunch we return to Saigon, where we enjoy a stroll through the old China Town before checking in at the famous Caravelle Hotel, centrally located in the midst of Ho Chi Minh City's business, shopping, and entertainment district. Accommodations: Caravelle Hotel; Meals: BL.

Day 9 - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) & Cu Chi, Vietnam
The day starts with a dawn visit to the Ben Thanh central market with one of Vietnam's most faous chefs, Ms. Cam Van, a Vietnamese TV celebrity for the past 16 years. After shopping for fresh ingredients, we visit her beautiful home, where we are treated to a private cooking lesson in her kitchen. This afternoon we enter the incredible Cu Chi tunnels in the company of Viet Cong veterans, who lived there during the war, to explore the vast underground complex and learn about life in the tunnels. The day concludes with a farewell feast at the superb Mandarin restaurant. Accommodations: Caravelle Hotel; Meals: BLD.

Day 10 - Home
Trip finished. We say our goodbyes and tam biet to Vietnam. Meals: B.

Dates:

Jan - Apr / Sep - Dec

Length:

9 nights / 10 days

Start

Hanoi, Vietnam

Finish:

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Price per person:

$3,850USD pp/double

What's Included:

Level of Activity

Moderate: Strolling through city streets, optional sea kayaking, rickshaw riding, junk sailing, and other amusing diversions. Suitable for most ages and abilities, with some opportunities for extended walks or other optional activities.

To Book:

Contact your Hideaways Travel Specialist today:
800-843-4433 or email ts@hideaways.com

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