Alluring Vietnam & the Temples of Angkor with Bangkok

Your Small Group Discovery tour begins! Welcome to Hanoi, the nation’s capital and one of Southeast Asia’s most engaging cities, rich in Vietnamese history and full of opportunities to experience the traditional culture. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.

The Streets of Hanoi & Uncle Ho Take a [LOCAL FAVORITE] cyclo ride and walking tour through the Old Quarter. Then, look at the life of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam. Visit the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next on the agenda are visits to the One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Museum. You will also visit the ancient Temple of Literature, more than 900 years old and Hanoi’s first university, followed by the infamous Hanoi Hilton (H?a Lò Prison). After lunch at a local restaurant, roll up your sleeves and design your own art! At a sustainable workshop that works to preserve and support Vietnamese traditions, you will learn to create your own souvenir using the Zo paper making process. Tonight, join your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program created to teach local children restaurant skills for stable employment opportunities. (B,L,D) LOCAL FAVORITE PEDALING & PEDDLING The ancient Old Quarter is comprised of 36 streets, which was once the thriving center of the city. The best way to explore this fascinating area is by cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi) and foot. Here, peddlers trade as they have for centuries and you can find them based on the street name, which reflects their trade - Fish Sauce, Silk, and Bamboo. Along the way, stop for an egg coffee, a Hanoi specialty! ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE Consider an optional outing to see a famed Hanoi water puppet performance. Dating back to the 11th century, water puppetry originated with farmers entertaining their family after the rice harvest.

A Pearl of a Day Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark on your overnight cruise of Ha Long Bay. This afternoon, visit a pearl farm to learn the process of pearl cultivation before stopping at one of the islands for a swim or stroll. (B,L,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CAYS, CAVES & BAYS Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Ha Long Bay is dotted with more than 1,600 islands, limestone pillars carved into fanciful shapes by water and coastal erosion. Tunnels, caves, and uniquely shaped outcroppings with creative names can be found on many of the small islets that are sprinkled across the bay. Your overnight cruise explores the caves and is an opportunity to admire the beauty and scale of the many secluded bays. SHIP SPOTLIGHT SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Like a floating first-class hotel, the Paradise Elegance is your home for one night while cruising through the stunning sights of Ha Long Bay. With just 31 luxurious cabins for an intimate experience, you'll enjoy world-class cuisine, available spa services, and gracious Vietnamese hospitality.

Peaceful Meeting Place This morning, rise early for a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck if so moved before a visit to one of the many caves found in the bay. Explore the caverns and their dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. Disembark the ship later this morning and drive to Hanoi and board your flight to Danang, on Vietnam’s historic central coast. Continue to nearby Hoi An, a cultural fusion and well-preserved trading port. The local cuisine and architecture here reflect the influence which Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French, and British traders had on Vietnam. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Located on the banks of the Thu Bon River, the Hotel Royal Hoi An features a rooftop pool, bar and restaurant overlooking the enchanting river, providing the perfect blend of historic charm and modern facilities, with a mix of Vietnamese and Japanese influence.