When you arrive in Vietnam, it is important to remember that your travel documents should have a Visa-on-Arrival letter. This letter should be packed in your carry-on luggage and presented to Customs upon entering the country.

Upon arrival at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, a hostess will be there to welcome you. She will be holding a sign with your name on it and will assist you with fast-track security services. Once you have obtained a stamp for your Visa and collected your luggage, the hostess will then lead you to your guide and vehicle.

During your stay, you will have a professional driver and an English-speaking guide who will provide private transportation between your accommodations and Hanoi Airport.

Hanoi’s rich Imperial history spans over a millennium, and the city’s tapestry is woven with a diverse array of local ethnic groups. Begin your day on the outskirts of the city with a visit to the Museum of Ethnology, which offers insight into Vietnam’s history through photos and artifacts of the country’s 54 ethnic groups. Afterward, head to the Temple of Literature, a Confucian temple dating back to 1070. For lunch, dine at Bun Cha Huong Lien, where President Barack Obama ate with Anthony Bourdain.

In the afternoon, explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square, an important pilgrimage site in Vietnam. This area is filled with gardens, monuments, and pagodas, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, a simple cottage where he lived during his early years as a revolutionary. Then, head to Ngoc Son Temple, a pagoda on an island in Hoan Kiem Lake. End your day by strolling through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, admiring the colonial architecture and sampling local snacks. Your guide and driver will accompany you back to your hotel, or you can make your own way back at your leisure.

Start your day by transferring from Hanoi's Old Quarter to Halong Bay, a journey that takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Along the way, take the opportunity to admire the local scenery. Once you arrive at the port, a speedboat transfer will take you to your cruise ship.

Welcome aboard the Orchid Cruise! Begin your cruise experience with a refreshing welcome cocktail and an introduction to the ship. Boarding time is at around 12:15 PM.

Afterwards, hop on a bus to Trung Trang Valley and Cave on Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the Halong Bay area. This valley spans approximately 300 hectares and is located 10 miles into the heart of Cat Ba National Park. With depths ranging from 25 to 60 feet, the valley is a stunning natural wonder. Trung Trang Cave, measuring 980 feet in length, is an impressive geological marvel. Over the course of more than 2000 years, nature has created numerous stalactites in various captivating shapes.

Later in the afternoon, the Orchid Cruise will venture into the less-crowded Tra Bau - Lan Ha Bay area. Here, you can take a leisurely swim in the emerald green waters and try your hand at kayaking to explore the beautiful karst rock formations up close.

In the evening, take advantage of the ship's "Enjoy the Happy Hour (buy 1 get 1) at the bar" while admiring the sunset over the bay. Alternatively, you can indulge in a relaxing massage. Remember to book your massage directly with the Cruise Manager.

As the day comes to a close, return to the cruise ship and witness the breathtaking sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Join in a traditional cooking class conducted by the chef, who will guide you through the preparation of delicious Vietnamese dishes. Savor a delectable dinner featuring local cuisine, expertly prepared by the onboard catering staff. For a stunning nighttime view, head up to the top deck and admire the bay's landscape. You can also try your hand at squid fishing or enjoy a movie in the restaurant. Rest overnight on board the cruise ship.

Start your day with a Tai Chi class on the sundeck in the early morning, followed by breakfast onboard. After breakfast, take a canoe to explore the Dark & Light Caves in the bay.

Next, visit the Ao Ech area, which is home to the Sang Toi Cave. Experience the cave by kayaking or on a bamboo boat. The Dark and Bright (Day and Night) grotto is known for its stunning limestone structure and interesting natural habitat.

Return to the boat in the morning for brunch as the vessel cruises back to the harbor. Meet your professional driver for a transfer back to Hanoi.

For your convenience, a professional driver and English-speaking guide will privately transfer you between your accommodations and Hanoi Airport.

Catch a direct flight from Hanoi to Danang, with a flight time of approximately one hour and 20 minutes.

Enjoy a scenic transfer from Danang to Hoi An with a private vehicle and an English-speaking guide. The transfer takes around 40 minutes.

Hoi An, a former fishing village on the Thu Bon River, is rich in history and charm. Its Chinese and Japanese influences are evident in its architecture and culture. Your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel to start your half-day exploration. Due to the narrow streets, cars are not allowed in the old town. Begin by visiting the well-preserved Tamky House, which has been in the same family for seven generations. Then, walk to the Museum of Trade Ceramics, where you can see pottery artifacts from Asia and the Middle East. Stroll through the historic town to the Chinese Chua Ong Pagoda, surrounded by buildings with Chinese influences. Finally, visit the vibrant Hoi An Market, known for its fresh produce, fish, and silk.

Hoi An has a diverse cuisine and great street food. The morning markets are lively as locals stop by food stalls on their way to work. Your driver and guide will take you on a walking tour of the historic area of Hoi An old town. Sample local specialties like banh vac and banh bao. Try cao lau, a Japanese-style noodle dish. You will sample 10 dishes while learning about food culture and traditions. The food stalls and restaurants are clean and use fresh ingredients. Take a break for a foot massage to recharge before the afternoon.

You will be transferred from Hoi An to Hue by a driver and guide. The travel time is approximately three hours and 30 minutes.

Your guide will pick you up at the hotel in the morning to visit the Hue Citadel, which is Vietnam's former imperial capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The citadel consists of three circles of ramparts: Kinh Thanh Hue, Hoang Thanh, and Tu Cam Thanh, with a total area of 500 hectares. Afterward, you'll go on a cruise along the Perfume River. The surrounding countryside of Hue, being the former royal capital, is home to several tombs of the Nguyen Emperors, including the famous Minh Mang Tomb. Along the Perfume River, you'll also visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery with a long history dating back to 1601. Lastly, before heading back to the hotel, you'll have the opportunity to stop by the Dong Ba Market for some shopping.

A professional driver and English-speaking guide will transfer you between your accommodations and Hue Airport. The flight from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes. Upon arrival, you will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Ho Chi Minh Airport.

Ho Chi Minh City has a rich history influenced by the Chinese and French. Start your visit with your private driver and guide in the Dong Khoi Area, where you can experience the French colonial presence. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a Catholic Basilica made entirely of imported French building materials. Then, explore the Saigon Central Post Office, a stunning architectural marvel with Gothic, Renaissance, and French influences. Next, discover the Jade Emperor Pagoda, built by the Cantonese community and dedicated to Buddhist and Taoist deities. This historic landmark is still used for worship today. Lastly, explore Cholon, the city's Chinatown, known as the largest Chinatown in the world by area.

Vietnam has been marked by years of French occupation and a lengthy war with the United States since the late 19th century. One remarkable feat of wartime engineering is the Cu Chi Tunnels, located in the countryside near Ho Chi Minh City. Take a private driver and an English-speaking guide and travel approximately an hour and a half from the city to explore this symbol of perseverance. Gain insight into the prolonged struggle against invading armies and appreciate the resilience and spirit of the Vietnamese people. The residents of Cu Chi took the war underground, constructing a highly developed network of tunnels that extended as far as Cambodia and included meeting rooms, kitchens, and triage areas. These tunnels were indistinguishable from the ground, allowing opposing armies to roll their tanks over the bunkers without damaging the tunnels below. Living conditions were harsh, with residents facing not only the challenges of war but also scarce food and oxygen, venomous insects, and cramped living spaces.

Return to the city and have a local lunch. In the afternoon, visit the War Remnants Museum, which is a must-see for anyone interested in war or history. Immerse yourself in the images and sounds of Vietnam's long history of wars with the French and Americans. The museum showcases an extensive collection of machinery, weapons, and photos from the Vietnamese perspective of the war. It also pays tribute to the journalists, civilians, and soldiers who lost their lives during the war and provides a critical examination of biological warfare, weaponry, and global peace movements. This visit is truly moving, but it may not be suitable for the faint-hearted. Afterward, proceed to the Reunification Palace, also known as the Independence Palace. This was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until the end of April 1975, when the Fall of Saigon occurred. It was at this palace that the Vietnam War came to an end, when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates, leading to the formal reunification of the two sides.

A professional driver and an English-speaking guide will privately transfer you between your accommodations and Ho Chi Minh Airport.