North Vietnam, Bangkok & Pattaya (3 Star)

On arrival in Hanoi, you will be collected by a private driver at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. Your first evening is at leisure to head out and explore the Vietnamese capital.

Hanoi, set along the banks of the Red River, is one of the world’s most ancient capitals. The city is known for its blend of well-preserved colonial buildings, traditional pagodas, historic temples and distinctive museums, many of which you will discover on today’s included group tour.

Begin with a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century. Standing on Golden Fish Island in West Lake, it's one of the city's most impressive landmarks. From here, continue to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you have the chance to view the embalmed body of President Ho Chi Minh and explore the gardens and two modest houses where he lived and worked between 1954 and 1969. Nearby, see the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique structure dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. Please note that modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is required when visiting the mausoleum, pagodas and temples. The mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, as well as for annual maintenance from mid-June to mid-August, although the grounds remain open for visits and photographs.

Next, you visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which provides fascinating insight into the culture of the country’s 54 ethnic groups. On Mondays, when the museum is closed, you instead visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum.

A traditional Vietnamese lunch follows, featuring a variety of local dishes. In the afternoon, continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, established in the 11th century. Your final stop is Hoa Lo Prison, originally built by French colonists to hold political prisoners, and later used to detain American prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. It was during this time that it became known to American POWs as the “Hanoi Hilton”. The tour concludes with a return to your hotel.

Please note: Today's included sightseeing takes place as a group excursion, meaning you will join other travellers, not just those in your booking party.

Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Hanoi. Today's included group tour begins with a hotel pickup in Hanoi before departing for Ninh Binh. Your first stop is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam between 968 and 1010. Here, you explore the historical site and learn about the Dinh, Le and Ly dynasties that shaped the country’s early feudal system. From there, enjoy a cycling trip around the village, taking in the scenery and getting a glimpse of everyday life in the local community.

A buffet lunch awaits at the Ninh Binh Excursion Restaurant, with a wide selection of regional dishes such as goat meat, spring rolls, fish, chicken, fried rice and fresh salads. Vegetarian options are also available.

In the afternoon, take a bamboo boat ride along the waterways of Tam Coc. The 1.5-hour trip reveals a breathtaking landscape of rice paddies, limestone mountains and caves – a scene so striking it has earned the name “Halong Bay on land”.

Afterwards, return by bus to Hanoi, arriving back at your hotel in the early evening.

Please note: Today's included sightseeing takes place as a group excursion, meaning you will join other travellers, not just those in your booking party.

Hanoi - Halong Bay. In the morning, check out from the hotel and meet the cruise team for your transfer to Halong Bay. The journey takes you along one of the most scenic routes in northern Vietnam, passing through the Red River Delta with its emerald-green rice paddies stretching to the horizon.

On arrival at the pier, board your cruise and set sail among the striking limestone formations and karst grottoes of Halong Bay. A freshly prepared seafood lunch is served on board, after which there is time to relax on the sundeck and take in the views.

In the afternoon, the cruise anchors in a quiet spot where you can enjoy kayaking or swimming, giving you the chance to explore the grottoes up close. As evening falls, return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by free time to either join optional onboard activities or simply relax. The night is spent onboard.

Please note: In the event of bad weather, if the cruise is not permitted to depart or to overnight at sea, the Halong Bay tour may be cancelled at short notice. In such cases, an alternative tour or a refund will be offered, depending on the circumstances.

Please also note: On the Halong Bay cruise, you will join other travellers, not just those in your booking party.

Halong Bay - Hanoi - Da Nang - Hoi An. Rise early this morning to watch the sunrise over this natural wonder, with breakfast served in the dining room. A Tai Chi session on the sun deck follows, gently awakening both mind and body.

You then explore a limestone cave, home to striking stalagmites and stalactites, before returning to the boat to check out and enjoy brunch as the cruise sails back to the harbour. From here, transfer back to Hanoi. After a short rest, you continue to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. On arrival, transfer to the hotel in Hoi An.

Today you will enjoy a group Cam Thanh Basket Boat & Lantern Making excursion. This will take place either in the morning (9:00 - 12:30) or the afternoon (15:00 - 18:30). The rest of the day is at leisure in Hoi An. A driver and guide will collect you from your hotel in Hoi An for the journey to Cam Thanh Coconut Village and a lantern-making class.

Begin with a visit to local craftsmen, who will demonstrate the art of creating brightly coloured lanterns. With their guidance, you will have the chance to make your own lantern to take home as a special keepsake.

Next, immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings of Cam Thanh Village. Enjoy a basket boat ride through the coconut forest, take part in traditional fishing activities, and try your hand at round-net and cast-net fishing with the help of local fishermen. You can also learn to paddle the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat, watch an entertaining basket-boat performance, and join in crab catching.

You then return to a fisherman’s house, where - if a cooking class is taking place - you will join a cooking demonstration, complete with a fire performance from the master chef. Finally, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, featuring seven traditional dishes and mineral water, then transfer back to the hotel.

Please note: Today's included sightseeing takes place as a group excursion, meaning you will join other travellers, not just those in your booking party.

Today is free for you to explore Hoi An at your own pace. A popular way to see the town is by hiring a bicycle from the hotel and cycling through the streets towards the riverside or the beach. At the beach, you will find small cafés where you can relax with a fresh fruit drink after a swim in the warm, calm sea.

Hoi An is also famous for its tailoring. You may wish to visit one of the many tailor shops, where skilled craftsmen can create clothing, bags or shoes - often ready by the following day.

In the evening, we recommend a stroll through the Old Town, which is especially atmospheric when the lanterns are lit.

Hoi An - Da Nang - Bangkok (Thailand). Enjoy the final moments in Hoi An before your private driver transfers you to the airport in Da Nang for your included flight to Bangkok. On arrival, you will be met by your driver and taken to your accommodation in the city. The remainder of the day is free at leisure.

Today's private sightseeing in Bangkok begins with a pick-up from your hotel to explore Wat Traimit, home to the Golden Buddha. This remarkable statue, dating back to the Sukhothai period, stands 3 metres tall, is made entirely of solid gold and weighs 5.5 tons. Continue to Wat Pho, one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok. Built by King Rama I more than 200 years ago, it houses the striking Reclining Buddha - 49 metres long and 12 metres high, with intricately inlaid mother-of-pearl soles.

The tour also takes you past some of the city’s notable landmarks, including Sanam Luang (the Royal Field), Democracy Monument, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, Ananta Samakhom Palace and the Parliament. End with a visit to Wat Benchamabophit, often called the Marble Temple, renowned for its graceful architecture and its main building, constructed from Italian marble during the reign of King Rama V. The tour ends back at the hotel, and the rest of your day is at leisure.

Bangkok - Damnoen Saduak - Bangkok. At 8:00, you will be collected from your hotel in Bangkok to embark on a private excursion southwest to Ratchaburi province, where the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market awaits. On the way, stop at a local palm sugar factory to see how sugar is made from palm trees, a craft that has been passed down through generations.

You continue to the pier and board a long-tail boat for a ride through the narrow canals. Along the journey you will catch a glimpse of daily life on the waterways, passing wooden houses and locals going about their routines by the water’s edge.

Arriving at the floating market, you can watch vendors skillfully paddle their boats loaded with fruit, vegetables, flowers and handmade goods, selling directly to customers on the banks. This is also a great opportunity to try local snacks such as coconut juice and tropical fruits, or browse for souvenirs to take home. You'll head back to Bangkok for the night.

Bangkok - Pattaya. After breakfast at the hotel, the morning is free for you to relax before checking out. Your private driver will then transfer you to Pattaya, a lively beachside city around two hours away. The afternoon is free to spend as you wish - perhaps with a stroll along the beachfront or a visit to one of the city’s colourful markets.

Today is at leisure in Pattaya or you can opt to join an optional group excursion to a local elephant sanctuary. You will be collected from your hotel in Pattaya by minivan and welcomed at the sanctuary with an introduction to the rescued elephants. The experience begins with preparing fruit and vegetables before meeting the elephants up close, feeding them, and hearing their individual stories.

Guided by the staff, you will then walk alongside the elephants in their natural surroundings, observing them as they forage, cool off in the pool, and enjoy a mud bath. A freshly prepared vegetarian buffet lunch or dinner is included, giving you time to relax and take in the tranquil atmosphere of the sanctuary before returning to your hotel.

Please note: The elephant sanctuary visit takes place as a group excursion, meaning you will join other travellers, not just those in your booking party.

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is free for you to enjoy Pattaya at your own pace. You may choose to relax by the beach, unwind at the hotel, or explore the city’s many attractions independently.

Options include a boat trip to nearby Coral Island (Koh Larn), discovering local temples, sampling street food, or shopping at the city’s lively markets. If you prefer a slower pace, you might opt for a traditional Thai massage or simply relax at a beachfront café and watch the world go by.

Pattaya - Bangkok. Your tour comes to an end today. After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time before your private driver collects you for the return journey to Bangkok. You will be transferred directly to Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) for your departure flight.