Your Itinerary In Detail
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This itinerary has been tailor-made for you. No two itineraries are the same and we are always able to make changes if something isn't quite right.
Saturday 2nd November 2024
Welcome to Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi
Historic architecture, buzzing markets and the gateway to spectacular Halong Bay — Hanoi offers a whirlwind journey like no other.
On the banks of Asia’s Red River you’ll find Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital and a must-visit destination. The city is known for its eclectic architecture, from French colonial buildings and well-preserved temples to towering skyscrapers, and a lively yet sophisticated vibe. Hop in a tuk-tuk and whizz around the city on a whistle-stop tour; get lost in a sea of colour, souvenirs and aromatic street food at one of the many markets; or just stretch your legs and watch the world go by on a wander around meandering Old Quarter streets.
Private Vehicle from Noibai International Airport to Peridot Grand Hotel
Private Vehicle from Noibai International Airport to Peridot Grand Hotel
Upon arrival at Hanoi – Noi Bai airport, there will be an Out Of Office representative holding a sign with your name ready to take you to your hotel.
Peridot Grand Hotel for 3 nights
Peridot Grand Hotel for 3 nights
Being an oasis of tranquility in the hustle and bustle of Hanoi Old Quarter, the 5-star Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel stands out as an artistic and urban-chic place by merging natural elements, as well as combines sophisticated luxury with captivating grandeur and promising services. Inspiring deep emotion of enchantment and fascination, Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel are renowned for its unparalleled services, warm atmosphere and sense of elegant uniquely combined in a charming setting and natural environment, inviting its guests to experience moments of pure luxury.
Your room: Deluxe Room
Spacious, quiet room on the third floor with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the city. Each room has one King-sized bed and an en-suite bathroom equipped with luxurious amenities for your comfort and convenience.
Sunday 3rd November 2024
Half Day Ying-Yang Cooking with top 5 Master Chef
Half Day Ying-Yang Cooking with top 5 Master Chef
Meet up with a top-five Vietnam Master Chef, who follows the healthy culinary concept of Yin-Yang equilibrium in the makeup of dishes, in the human body, and with the environment. Set off together for a trip to a local market to enjoy the sights, sounds, and aromas.
Then stroll through a zig-zag alley to the chef’s tiny yet cozy home nearby. Upon arrival, you can engage in a personal chat with her over a cup of tea about her ambition from a helper to a recognised chef, her interesting journey during the Master chef competition, and the lifestyle of a young family in Hanoi.
Get ready to roll up your sleeves for a private hands-on cooking class, while your chef shares the tips of Ying and Yang balance in Northern cuisine. Enjoy your labor of work through tasty seasonal dishes and the typical Hanoi dessert of egg coffee.
Eating and drinking is an art form, where culinary delights showcase regional diversity and elegant presentation.
Half Day Hanoi Landmarks with cyclo
Half Day Hanoi Landmarks with cyclo
Enjoy a brief orientation of Hanoi, its tree-lined streets resplendent with French colonial architecture, including the exquisite Opera House; and the legendary lake of the Restored Sword.
Continue to the Temple of Literature, a serene retreat from the busy streets outside. It is known as the first national university in Vietnam and the symbol of Vietnamese architectural values.
Cap off the trip with a cyclo ride through the labyrinthine alleyways of the Old Quarters. This oldest continuously developed area of Hanoi was once an important centre of commerce where goods were sold on the street name of a particular guild. Stop at a roadside coffee shop, mingle with the locals and enjoy the daily life passing by.
Monday 4th November 2024
Half Day Hanoi City tour with Water Puppet Show at Artists Home
Half Day Hanoi City tour with Water Puppet Show at Artists Home
Visit Ba Dinh Square where silent sentries guard the marble mausoleum in which Ho Chi Minh lies in state. Usually crowded with Vietnamese of all ages wishing to show their respects the interior of the mausoleum may be visited, subject to opening hours.
Continue to the modest stilted wooden bungalow where Uncle Ho lived and worked, a symbol of his simplicity and gentleness. Nearby visit Ho Chi Minh Museum, dedicated to the late Vietnamese leader.
Also known as the 'father of the nation’, the museum chronicles the evolution of Vietnamese independence.
French architecture features prominently in Hanoi and the nearby former Governor's Residence is a fine example. Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda with a history steeped in folklore. The final stop is the Thang Long Royal Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 11th century by the Ly Viet Dynasty. This important historical site served as the capital of Vietnam for eight
centuries.
Then take a short drive to visit the house of the most famous and experienced water puppet artisan, who devoted more than 20 years of his life to water puppetry. He changed 10 square meters on his 4th
floor into a mini-home theater where he can introduce you to the unique traditional art form of Vietnamese water puppetry. After a short tea break with the host, we’ll have opportunity to watch his own water puppet plays telling both ancient and modern stories of traditions and normal daily life. This also presents the opportunity to experience how the water puppet show performed in a mini-home theater differs from that performed in traditional stage.
When the show ends, it’s your turn to get involved with the puppets and try them out before returning to your hotel.
Tuesday 5th November 2024
Private Vehicle from Peridot Grand Hotel to Lan Ha Bay
Private Vehicle from Peridot Grand Hotel to Lan Ha Bay
Meet your Out Of Office representative in the hotel lobby and for your private transfer from Hanoi to Tuan Chau jetty for your Halong Overnight trip
Orchid Cruises for 2 nights
Orchid Cruises for 2 nights
As the first specific cruise at Lan Ha Bay, Orchid Cruises are like charming orchid petals falling into the bay. Same as the bay that is described as an orchid, the popular flower in the area, falling and landing in Hai Phong City, to have its name (Lan Ha: landing orchid).
Located in Northern of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay takes only 2 hours from Hanoi centre instead of 4 hours to touristic Halong Bay. Lan Ha Bay does not have many tourist boats ventures, meaning a more exclusive appeal. Compared to Halong Bay. With a rough density of 400 limestone islands, many of which are thick and still very primitive, or covered with trees and vegetation. It also has a lot of pristine and clean beaches, a floating unknown lagoon, caves and fishing villages.
With over 25,000 species, orchids are the largest family of blooming flowers. Not only renowned for their varied size, orchids are also impressive for their bright colours and unique shapes gathering in an elegant beauty that no other flower looks quite like them.
Orchid Cruises bring the charm of Lan Ha Bay and the grace of orchids into one elegant world. As soon as getting on board, you are welcomed by the enchanting scent of orchids everywhere. Then it comes the scent of elegance.
As Leonardo Da Vinci said “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”, Orchid Cruises aims to bring the ultimate elegance from the simplicity. It comes from simple chic design of the wooden furniture, fine black and white pictures to every delicate detail in the boat as well as spacious cabins. With 14 elite cabins, Orchid Cruises are among a few to offer 5-star cruises at the bay, offering large luxurious boats including a bar, a restaurant, a gym, a spa, and a sundeck. The spacious deck under the sail offers a great view especially in sunrise and sunset as well as a relaxing sunbath among the sea.
Like an orchid that has a long-lasting bloom, Orchid Cruises still preserves its elegant colour and sweet fragrance as if blooming on the first day, to attract travellers hoping for an amazing trip.
Located in Northern of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay takes only 2 hours from Hanoi centre instead of 4 hours to touristic Halong Bay. Lan Ha Bay does not have many tourist boats ventures, meaning a more exclusive appeal. Compared to Halong Bay. With a rough density of 400 limestone islands, many of which are thick and still very primitive, or covered with trees and vegetation. It also has a lot of pristine and clean beaches, a floating unknown lagoon, caves and fishing villages.
With over 25,000 species, orchids are the largest family of blooming flowers. Not only renowned for their varied size, orchids are also impressive for their bright colours and unique shapes gathering in an elegant beauty that no other flower looks quite like them.
Orchid Cruises bring the charm of Lan Ha Bay and the grace of orchids into one elegant world. As soon as getting on board, you are welcomed by the enchanting scent of orchids everywhere. Then it comes the scent of elegance.
As Leonardo Da Vinci said “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”, Orchid Cruises aims to bring the ultimate elegance from the simplicity. It comes from simple chic design of the wooden furniture, fine black and white pictures to every delicate detail in the boat as well as spacious cabins. With 14 elite cabins, Orchid Cruises are among a few to offer 5-star cruises at the bay, offering large luxurious boats including a bar, a restaurant, a gym, a spa, and a sundeck. The spacious deck under the sail offers a great view especially in sunrise and sunset as well as a relaxing sunbath among the sea.
Like an orchid that has a long-lasting bloom, Orchid Cruises still preserves its elegant colour and sweet fragrance as if blooming on the first day, to attract travellers hoping for an amazing trip.
Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay has become well known as a quieter alternative to the more famous Ha Long Bay and is located further to the east of Cat Ba Island. This World Biosphere Reserve’s recent geological development is thought to date back roughly 18, 000 years and just like Ha Long Bay it is a panoramic seascape of magnificent karst topography.
Tuesday 5th November:
Upon arrival at the pier, enjoy a quick speedboat journey to your vessel where you will be welcomed aboard! You will be served lunch while cruising the emerald waters past the bay’s ubiquitous limestone
islands. Depending on your cruise itinerary, you will be able to enjoy activities either this afternoon or the following morning to explore caves and grottos, visit pearl farms, or take in picturesque island
beaches. Some cruises also include kayaking. After sunset, enjoy a Vietnamese cooking demonstration before enjoying a delicious dinner. At the end of the day set anchor for the night among the karst formations.
Wednesday 6th November:
Awaken your senses early this morning with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck or simply relax on board and take in the magnificent surroundings.
Today the main cruise vessel is required to return to port, therefore, cruise activities today will be conducted on a smaller day-trip boat. Guests will not have access to their cabins until late afternoon when the main cruise vessel returns so make sure you have everything you need for the day.
After breakfast, board a smaller day-trip boat and cruise to the shores of a small lagoon on Cat Ba Island. Hop on bicycles (e-cart transfers are also available) for a leisurely pedal along small paved roads
to Viet Hai village. Situated in a valley within the rugged Cat Ba National Park and surrounded on all sides by steep mountains covered in forest, the locals here are isolated from the island’s other busier
towns and villages. This self-sufficient community provides for themselves by cultivating vegetables and fishing out in the bay and despite modern infrastructure changing the villages lifestyle since their ancestors first settled the island centuries ago, there are still chances to glimpse their traditional way of life, especially in how they make homemade liquors! Back on board cruise to the overnight mooring spot in the splendid surroundings of Lan Ha Bay.
Thursday 7th November 2024
Transfer from Tuan Chau to Noibai International Airport
Transfer from Tuan Chau to Noibai International Airport
After enjoying another morning of Thai Chi or just taking in your surroundings you will cruise back to the pier for your transfer to Hanoi airport.
Flight on VN 255
Flight on VN 255
| From | To |
|---|---|
| Noibai International Airport (HAN) |
Tansonnhat Airport (SGN) |
| Departs | Arrives |
| 07-Nov-2024 16:00:00 | 07-Nov-2024 18:15:00 |
| Airline | Cabin |
| Vietnam Airlines | Economy |
Private Vehicle from Tansonnhat Airport to La Siesta Premium Hang Be
Private Vehicle from Tansonnhat Airport to La Siesta Premium Hang Be
Upon arriving at the airport you will be met by an Out Of Office representative to transfer you to your hotel.
La Siesta Premium Hang Be for 3 nights
La Siesta Premium Hang Be for 3 nights
The imposing white façade of La Siesta Premium 27 Hang Be Street overlooks one of Hanoi Old Quarter’s vibrant streets. In ancient times, this was where ‘be’ – a very basic type of wooden boat – was traded. Now the Street is buzzing with a myriad of cafes, restaurants, tailoring shops and traditional souvenir stalls.
La Siesta Premium Hang Be embodies classic charm with Asian touches, traditional features and elegant period furnishings creating harmony and balance. A calm neutral color scheme enhanced with splashes of warm colors and mood lighting makes it a tranquil place to relax.
Your room: Executive Double
Located at the back side of the hotel but featuring a French balcony looking to Gia Ngu street, your Executive Room is perfect for your comfortable stay or getaways in Hanoi.
Friday 8th November 2024
Half Day Saigon City Landmarks and Local Taste
Half Day Saigon City Landmarks and Local Taste
Discover Saigon city landmarks and enjoy typical local taste in an interactive way.
Start by visiting the exhibition, From Norodom Palace to Independence Place, housed in an old French mansion within the Independence Palace premises.
Explore the birth of the Norodom Palace and the lives of Saigonese during the French colonial period. Then stroll through a local park and Han Thuyen street dotted with charming colonial villas toward a shady Book Street. Immerse yourself in a peaceful space between the hustle and bustle of the city and watch the lives of young generations passing by.
Choose one of your favorite Saigon postcards as a souvenir (this is included in the tour) and walk over to the historic Saigon Old Post Office, where you can admire original wall paintings, old telephone booths, and glue pots for stamps. Write a postcard to your beloved friends or family members and send it from this iconic venue.
Make sure you take a picture of the impressive architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral across the street.
Drive to the edge of the city center, where you will visit a local home that doubles as a coffee studio. Meet with a certified barista and savor an aromatic cup of coffee while learning about the rich history of
Vietnamese coffee dating back to the 19th century. You'll then engage in a hands-on coffee brewing workshop that's both fun and informative. Learn how to roast coffee beans, master the pour-over and hand-drip techniques, and even create your own latte art designs. The barista’s purpose is to share the true essence of coffee, the art of making it, and how it can lead to a life of happiness and success.
After immersing yourself in the local coffee culture, head back to your hotel with a lovely souvenir gift to remember this interesting experience.
Evening Saigon Night Street Eats with Vespa Wanderers
Evening Saigon Night Street Eats with Vespa Wanderers
The darker the night gets; the more vivid Saigon becomes! Riding pillion on a vintage Vespa is the best way to feel the city like the locals do. Get ready for a fascinating journey tonight to discover Vietnams largest and one of the worlds most iconic cities after the sun sets and the streets really come alive.
Meet up with your driver around 6.30 pm, who will assist you with fitting your helmet and hop on an authentic vintage Vespa with the drivers’ models dating from the 1960s-1970s, real classics!
Our first stop is at a small Vietnamese Banh Mi bakery popular with the locals, so there is usually a line, but we promise it's worth the short wait, before heading to a very special local coffee shop with a fascinating history for a briefing.
Keep on riding to a hidden rustic seafood restaurant and mingle with locals over a glass of beer while enjoying tasty seafood treats. Saigon’s seafood restaurants have the most diverse ways of cooking to bring out every delicious flavor, including delicious snail recipes. Snail-eating has become an irreplaceable part of Saigon Street food culture and there are many varieties and flavours, all of which are delicious! There are other authentic traditional dishes you can enjoy if you are not a fan of snails and shells.
We then continue our ride, zigzagging through the back streets and bustling boulevards, through the brightly lit perfumed flower market to a fascinating old apartment complex that becomes extremely lively at night with hundreds of food and drinks stalls. Take a break at a 3- generation dessert shop to try different hand-made sweet soups from lotus seeds and seasonal fruits.
End your night at a cozy speakeasy tucked away in a quiet alleyway to relax over a cocktail and unwind with the locals. Return to your hotel around 10.30pm and bid farewell to your friendly Vespa driver.
Saturday 9th November 2024
Full day Classic Ben Tre – Mekong delta
Full day Classic Ben Tre – Mekong delta
The Mekong Delta is a rich fertile region of farmland interlaced with countless waterways and immerse coconut gardens. Embark on 2,5-hour drive from Saigon and upon arrival, get on board a traditional
wooden motorized boat to explore Ben Tre. Cruise along the Ham Luong River with the option of visiting a few venues that offer a glimpse into traditional economy. These venues can get busy but if you are interested in the traditional cottage industry we would suggest one or several of the following:
Walking around a brick kiln factory where the baking methods have not changed for centuries.
A visit to a coconut processing workshop where you can sample fresh coconut and see how every single part of this versatile nut is turned into food and other products.
Observe straw mats are woven using a hand loom.
Stop at a typical village for a short walk to see more of local life in the community before travelling by bicycle or motor-tricycle through fruit orchards before stopping at a rustic riverside restaurant for lunch.
The lunch will feature local specialties such as elephant ear fish and river shrimp.
After lunch, take a rowing boat along narrow canals back to the main boat where you'll return to the pier in Ben Tre and transfer back to Saigon.
Sunday 10th November 2024
Transfer from La Siesta Premium Hang Be to Tansonnhat Airport
Transfer from La Siesta Premium Hang Be to Tansonnhat Airport
This morning you'll be met in the hotel lobby by your private transfer to Saigon Airport.
Flight on VN 813
Flight on VN 813
| From | To |
|---|---|
| Tansonnhat Airport (SGN) |
Siem Reap Angkor (SAI) |
| Departs | Arrives |
| 10-Nov-2024 16:20:00 | 10-Nov-2024 17:30:00 |
| Airline | Cabin |
| Vietnam Airlines | Economy |
Private Vehicle from to Shinta Mani Angkor
Private Vehicle from to Shinta Mani Angkor
An Out Of Office representative will meet you at the airport to transfer you to your next hotel.
Shinta Mani Angkor for 3 nights
Shinta Mani Angkor for 3 nights
Welcome to Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas.
An upscale boutique property created by acclaimed architect Bill Bensley, this exceptional hotel enjoys a tranquil and leafy setting within the French Quarter of Siem Reap.
Having brought to life Shinta Mani Angkor, Bill Bensley wanted to take the Shinta Mani experience to a more luxurious proposition, so he created an exclusive set of 10 villas with private pools.
Set within the Shinta Mani Angkor Gardens, the Bensley Collection Pool Villas have their own facilities and Bensley Butlers to look after your every need.
Your room: Bayon Room
Bayon Rooms are located within footsteps of the swimming pool and tropical surrounds, or on the first floor of the courtyard style resort and have balcony views over the swimming pool and tropical gardens.
Monday 11th November 2024
Angkor Wat Sunrise and Full Day Temples Exploration
Angkor Wat Sunrise and Full Day Temples Exploration
Angkor Wat Sunrise
Wake up early this morning to depart at 4:45 AM, to see the amazing sunrise at Angkor Wat, a must do on any trip to Siem Reap, the pre-dawn view provides a different and tranquil feeling in the cool of the
morning. We will then return to your hotel for Breakfast.
Full Day Temples Exploration
We start today with a visit to Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire with its centrepiece; the Bayon temple. Although it may look like a shapeless mass of stone, further scrutiny reveals towers with enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII.
Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army and the Terrace of the Leper King, which holds perfect carvings winding along a narrow passageway that leads to the Baphuon complex.
Next head to the picturesque Ta Prohm. This temple is considered to be Angkor’s most beautiful structure and is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling.
Enjoy Lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Angkor Wat.
In the afternoon, visit the most famous of all the temples on the Angkor plain: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks, the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat
symbolizes the ocean beyond.
Tuesday 12th November 2024
Kulen Mountain Waterfalls By Trekking and Kampong Phluk Stilted Village Experience
Kulen Mountain Waterfalls By Trekking and Kampong Phluk Stilted Village Experience
Kulen Moutain Waterfalls by Trekking
After having the breakfast at the hotel you will be met in the lobby and begin the tour to the Phnom Kulen (Lychee Mountain), a sandstone plateau considered sacred by the Khmers. This place is widely regarded as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire.
We stop at Rattanak Tey Pagoda, from here we will conquer Kulen Mountain by foot. After 88 steps we reach Pres Ang Chup and stop for a short break.
After a well-earned rest, we continue 100 steps of stare and 4Km to big Nevena (Pres Ang Thom) passing the river of 1000 Linga.
Enjoy your lunch near the waterfall.
We hike back to the pagoda where our car is ready to transfer you to your next destination. On the way, you will stop visiting at Peurng Chhrounh, is the nice view with big stone.
Kampong Phluk Stilted Village Experience
This afternoon, visit the local lives of the Cambodian people who are living on the edge of the Tonle Sap Lake. We head to Kampong Phluk Village, a cluster of three villages of stilted houses built within
the giant floodplain of the Tonle Sap about 20 km southeast of Siem Reap, where we will board a local boat and weave through the narrow channels through the village.
The Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and the lifeblood of rural life in Cambodia. The villages are primarily Khmer and have about 3,000 inhabitants between them. Flooded mangrove forests surround the area and are home to a large variety of wildlife.
Take the chance to jump into a kayak alongside local people who will take you around the village and flooded forest, stopping at a pagoda used for religious ceremonies along the way.
Before arriving at the boat pier we visit a local market to witness the sale of local fresh produce being traded by the locals who have been trading in this way for many years.
Wednesday 13th November 2024
Transfer from Shinta Mani Angkor to Siem Reap Angkor
Transfer from Shinta Mani Angkor to Siem Reap Angkor
After breakfast this morning your private transfer will collect you from the hotel and take you to Siem Reap Angkor airport to start your journey home.
What's Included
Your itinerary includes
Important Information
Travel Advice
It is important to seek independent and up-to-date advice when travelling to any foreign country. Many of our customers ask us to keep them up-to-date on the existing legal position regarding LGBT rights in the country to which they are travelling. You can find up-to-date details on our website under the country which you are travelling to. They are provided as a guide only and laws can change frequently. You should seek advice from the relevant authorities and embassies before travel (if applicable).
Travel Insurance and Terms and Conditions
It is a condition of booking with Out Of Office that you have adequate insurance cover for your trip at the time of booking. Please also ensure you have referred to our terms and conditions which can be found at www.outofoffice.com/terms-and-conditions. Please note that as each booking is tailor-made for you we only confirm the itinerary once we have received a deposit. There is a small chance that availability on some items quoted may change. If this is the case we will book similar accommodation and let you know.