Short Escape: Vietnam

Arrive in the elegant Vietnamese capital, greeted by A&K’s fast track services and transfer to your hotel.

Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi

Spend your morning experiencing the many sides to this enthralling city. Begin your tour at the mausoleum of Vietnam’s revered revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh. Linger over the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, then, visit Hoa Lo Prison, used to detain political prisoners of the French and later nicknamed “Hanoi Hilton” by prisoners of the Vietnam War. Most of the buildings here were demolished in the 1990s, but the gatehouse remains open for visitors.

After lunch, stroll through the complex of atmospheric halls, pavilions and courtyards of the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. Afterwards, take a cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) into the Old Quarter to explore its network of narrow, 15th century streets. Each street bears a name that reflects the business once conducted there, such as Silk Street, Rice Street, Paper Street and Jeweller's Street.

Next stop is the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, or “Lake of the Returned Sword” and Ngoc Son, a temple dedicated to Tran Hung Dao who defeated Mongolian troops on three unique occasions in the 13th century.

Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi | Meals: BL

Today you will transfer by road to Ha Long Bay. Board your deluxe traditional Halong Bay junk and enjoy lunch as you drift over emerald waters past towering rocky outcrops, some more than 100 metres high. Venture south into the maze of Lan Ha Bay, an extension of Halong Bay, to explore the interesting limestone formations at Dark and Bright Caves by bamboo boat or kayak. Then continue to Tra Bau where you can enjoy swimming in the pristine ocean waters. Back on board, enjoy a cooking demonstration before taking your place on the terrace deck to watch the sun sink behind the bay’s myriad islands.

Ginger | Meals: BLD

Rise early for an optional Tai Chi class on the deck, or simply drink in the first rays touching the water. Afterwards, hop on a small bamboo boat rowed by locals, or paddle by yourself in a kayak through an endless sea of islands. Back on board, enjoy a leisurely brunch with more spectacular views as you drift back to port. Transfer to Noi Bai airport for the short flight south to Danang and transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage listed waterside town of Hoi An

Anantara Hoi An | Meals: B

Spend your morning at leisure. Later, take an afternoon walking tour to discover this charming historic town, a major south-east Asian trading post in the 16th and 17th centuries and now a living museum. Roam narrow cobbled lanes where Dutch and French colonial houses are squeezed between Chinese tea warehouses and Japanese temples – a clue to the town’s mixed heritage. Inhale the aromas and flavours of Hoi An’s lively market stalls. Step inside the Old House of Duc An and Fukia Assembly Hall. After an afternoon wandering beneath the luminous lanterns, it’s time to make your own as you learn the traditional art of lantern making.

Anantara Hoi An | Meals: B

Transfer to Danang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. This evening, see and taste the city from the back of a vintage Vespa. Enjoy a unique view of the city after dark as your weave through buzzing streets. Plunge into the maze of narrow alleyways to savour the sizzling street food at places only locals know. Then, journey downtown for a taste of Banh Xeo, a local delicacy. Stop at a hidden coffee shop for a taste of Vietnamese acoustic music before finishing the evening with a drink at the city's top live music venue.

Hotel des Arts Saigon | Meals: BD

Skim along the Saigon River this morning on a private luxury speedboat passing mangroves and palm trees on your way to a small community northwest of Ho Chi Minh City and its famous wartime landmark – the Cu Chi tunnels. This incredible network of narrow tunnels was built during resistance to the French colonisation and used extensively throughout the war. Take a guided exploration of the complex network, discovering underground storage, make-shift hospitals and sleeping quarters.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch before a visit to the Reunification Palace where the official handover of power took place during the Fall of Saigon in 1975. Then choose between the History Museum or the War Remnants Museum. Built in 1929, the History Museum houses a collection of artefacts illustrating the evolution of Vietnamese culture since ancient times, while the War Remnants Museum contains an at-times grisly display of wartime photographs and relics including an American tank, an original 20th century French guillotine and a UH-1 "Huey" helicopter.

Finish the day on a peaceful note as you venture into Cao Dai Temple, to learn about a unique religion of Southern Vietnam, the result of a colourful range of several religious philosophies. You may wish to stop for a complimentary refreshment at a local place along the way. Return to the hotel driving past Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post office en route.

Hotel des Arts Saigon | Meals: BL

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your onward flight.

Meals: B