Unveiling Vietnam: culture, coasts & the Vietage luxury train

After enjoying complimentary airport lounge access, board your overnight flight to Vietnam's capital, Hanoi. On arrival, on day two, you'll receive a warm welcome from your driver and transfer to your hotel located in the central district of the city.

Today, you will delve into the heart of Vietnamese cuisine with a hands-on cooking class at Thom Culinary. Explore a local market, learn about traditional ingredients and how they contribute to the harmonious flavours that define Vietnamese cuisine, and create delicious dishes under the guidance of a passionate chef.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Hanoi's historical charm with a city highlights tour and the services of a private and knowledgable guide. Visit the Temple of Literature, the Hanoi Hilton – the city's notorious former prison – and the bustling Old Quarter, the oldest continuously developed section of Vietnam. Make sure you pay a visit to Giang Cafe for a chance to sample the city's iconic egg coffee.

After breakfast, depart by road on a 2.5-hour journey to Halong Bay. After meeting at Heritage Line’s welcome lounge at the Tuan Chau Marina, take a quick speedboat transfer to your luxurious floating home before starting a special journey exploring one of the wonders of nature – Lan Ha Bay, and its main island of Cat Ba. Enjoy a delectable lunch in the ship's panoramic restaurant, followed by relaxation on the terrace. As you cruise deeper into the bay, the landscape transforms into a breathtaking panorama of hidden coves, secluded lagoons and floating fishing villages. Take a plunge in the pool or get pampered with a selection of fine treatments and massages available in the onboard spa.

On reaching Cat Ba Island this afternoon, hop on bicycles for a short trip to the picturesque village of Viet Hai and an opportunity to meet local inhabitants and experience their daily life. Return to the ship for an interactive cooking class, unwind with a movie or simply admire the breathtaking sunset.

Relish a tranquil morning with a rejuvenating Tai Chi session on the terrace deck as dawn breaks around you. Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries await in the dining room to start the day. As the day unfolds, set sail for the secluded haven of Frog Lake, an idyllic spot for an invigorating excursion. Immerse yourself in the clear waters of the bay with a refreshing swim, or embark on a kayaking adventure through a labyrinth of jade-green waters, towering cliffs and lush, verdant islets. Return to the ship for a sumptuous breakfast as you cruise back towards the off-shore embarkation spot from which you'll be transferred back to the pier by speed boat. Back on land, you will be transferred to Hanoi airport for your short flight to Huế in the centre of the country. Meet your local guide and transfer by road to your hotel in time for check-in.

Today, you'll explore the sights and sounds of Huế, one of Vietnam's most famous cities. Start with its imposing Imperial Citadel, a testament to the city's imperial past and still the heart of modern-day Huế. Visits to the iconic Tiger Fighting Arena and the Lebadang Memory Space – a unique museum that celebrates the life and work of a renowned Vietnamese-French paper collage artist – are highlights of your first day, as is the evening foodie and cyclo tour, offering an insight into Huế cuisine, with visits to street food stalls, charming coffee houses and colourful dessert parlours. 

Start your day with breakfast followed by a leisurely cyclo ride to Kim Long village, unveiling the secrets of the so-called “Garden City”. Be welcomed to an ancient Garden House of a three-generation family who will not only share with you their lifestyle and traditions, but also warmly invite you to enjoy an authentic home meal. Indulge yourself with a relaxing herbal foot bath. Then, it is onwards to Hội An, as you transfer through spectacular coastal scenery via the Hai Van pass, checking in to your hotel located in the heart of this ancient city.

The following day, enjoy a guided walk through this pretty riverside town, wandering through its UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town as you marvel at the beautifully preserved merchant houses and serene temples, before sampling delicious green leaf cakes at the bustling market. Later in the afternoon, visit a driftwood village and participate in a unique wood-sculpting workshop.

From the charming, lantern-lit streets of Hội An to the coastal paradise of Danang, your next stop offers a delightful blend of sun, sand and culture. After a short transfer from Hội An, check into your hotel. Here, you'll enjoy the beauty of the unspoiled nature on your doorstep. With pristine beaches stretching for miles, opt to unwind on soft sands, indulge in water sports, or simply soak up the sun. For a taste of local culture, visit the city's ancient temples, explore the vibrant Han market, or admire the intricate artefacts at the Cham Museum. Don't miss the awe-inspiring fire-breathing shows at the iconic Dragon Bridge.

Today's early start is rewarded as you arrive at Danang station to board the Vietage luxury train. Originally constructed in the 1930s under French colonial rule, this iconic train has been lovingly restored to its former glory, with plush velvet seats, ornate woodwork and a warm lighting creating an intimate and luxurious atmosphere. Accommodating just 12 privileged passengers – each with the exclusivity of a private booth – you'll settle in and depart the hustle and bustle of the city, entering a land of emerald-green rice fields framed by breathtaking coastal vistas on one side and majestic mountains on the other. Enjoy warm pastries and aromatic local coffee as you take in the panoramic views, observing the everyday lives of villagers as you pass through. Later, a three-course feast awaits, where Vietnamese, French and international cuisines intertwine, complemented by a curated selection from the extensive wine list.

Unwind in the observation car between meals, where panoramic windows offer breathtaking views of the passing scenery. Throughout your journey, you'll be pampered with attentive service, from refreshing towels and complimentary snacks to a soothing massage. Perhaps, enjoy the company of fellow passengers at the crescent-shaped marble bar, indulging in its free-flowing drinks before arriving in Quy Nhon, where you'll disembark and transfer to your beach resort.

From your luxury beachside hotel near Tuy Hòa – surrounded by endless pristine beaches, forested hills and breathtaking mountainous scenery – enjoy a free day taking in the white-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs of this stretch of pristine Vietnamese coastline. There will be plenty of time and opportunity to indulge in spa treatments at the hotel and sample delicious local cuisine as you relax and rejuvenate. Speak with our specialists for additional recommendations.

Prepare for the last leg of your Vietnamese adventure as you check out after breakfast. Bookended by private transfers, catch a flight to the country's most populous city, Ho Chi Minh City. With nearly 8 million residents and an almost equal number of buzzing motorbikes, it is a non-stop symphony of urban energy. Often still affectionately called Saigon, it is a fascinating blend of old and new. Sleek shopping malls and trendy eateries coexist with bustling street markets and quaint coffee shops. After settling in and heading for lunch at a local restaurant, explore the city by private car, including visits to historic Dong Khoi Street, Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. 

The next day, visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, witnessing firsthand how the Vietnamese soldiers fought for the country’s reunification. The trip will include a speedboat trip to the tunnels on the Saigon River, providing a unique perspective. Later, as the sun sets, explore Saigon by night with a vintage Vespa, exploring the back streets, vibrant food stalls and intriguing local culture.

This morning is at leisure, before your local guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.