ITA Travel - Vietnam 9D/8N : EMPEROR CRUISE … WHERE ROYAL GLAMOUR & HERITAGE COMBINE

Emperor Cruises introduces the first ever exclusive, all-inclusive Vietnamese cruise experience, a world where everything is included.

In Halong and Bai Tu Long Bay, Emperor Cruises’ fleet of vessels will combine classic elegance with modern comfort. The newly built, custom-designed, traditional imperial cruise ship will feature three decks that house 02 smart restaurants, two bars, a small library, a gym, a kids corner, 02 massage rooms, plus 10 luxurious en-suite cabins with private balconies.

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam (D)

Welcome to Hanoi! Upon your arrival at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport, you'll be warmly greeted by your own personal tour guide. They'll assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Take this time to relax and recover from your journey or venture out to explore the vibrant city at your own pace.

O/N in Ha Noi – Apricot boutique resort 5* or similar

Day 2: Hanoi | Explore the City & Enjoy a Water Puppet Show (B, L)

Today marks the beginning of your exciting journey through Vietnam. We'll introduce you to the captivating history and culture of the country. Our first stops include the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, and the One Pillar Pagoda.

Next, we'll immerse you in the daily life of Hanoians with a visit to the bustling Old Quarter. Your taste buds are in for a treat as you savor local cuisine, including Vietnamese sandwiches, egg coffee, rice cakes, and the famous pho!

In the late afternoon, relax and enjoy a traditional water puppet show—a unique and delightful Vietnamese art form.

O/N in Ha Noi – Apricot boutique resort 5* or similar

Day 3: Halong Bay | Overnight Cruise Emperor (B, L, D)

After a refreshing breakfast, we'll embark on a journey to the stunning Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you'll find a perfect blend of natural beauty, onboard services, and opportunities for activities like kayaking, swimming, and diving.

EMPEROR EXPERIENCE 3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS

DAY 3 : HANOI – TUAN CHAU MARIA -> HALONG BAY -> LUON CAVE -> TITOP ISLAND -> RANG DUA (SLEEPING AREA).

11:30 – 12:00 Upon arrival at Emperor Cruises, located at No.28 of Tuan Chau International Marina, our team will welcome you in our lounge before boarding.

12:15 – 12:30 Our Cruise Director will assist you with boarding to start cruising in Halong Bay.

13:15 – 14:00 A set lunch menu will be served at our Can Chanh Palace Restaurant on the main deck. Enjoy delicious Vietnamese food while admiring the grace of the bay.

15:15 – 16:15 The cruises vessel approaches Hang Luon Area (Luon cave). This is free time for guests to paddle on colorful kayaks or bamboo boat to explore the stunning landscape of Halong Bay.

16:30 – 17:15 The cruises l approaches Titov Island. Guest can swim in the crystal-clear water or climb to the top of the island for a bird eye view of Halong Bay.

17:30 – 18:30 Attend the Afternoon tea with music and Canapes on Sundeck and join in the cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking in a truly stunning setting.

19:30 – 21:00 Enjoy our A La Carte course menu for dinner at Royal Palace Restaurant on board as you experience the charm of Halong Bay at night.

DAY 4: VIET HAI VILLAGE -> BA TRAI DAO BEACHS -> RANG DUA (SLEEPING AREA).

06:15 – 06:30 Enjoy Vovinam exercise in the sunshine morning on sundeck.

08:00 – 08:30 Luxury breakfast is served at Can Chanh Palace Restaurant.

09:00 – 13:30 Transfer to a speedboat/dayboat to visit Viet Hai Village. Take a bicycle ride or electric car through a rainforest tunnel that leads to a rice-field vista. Visit a traditional house in a village deep in a national park where you can observe the lifestyle of the local people and enjoy lunch in the village/on the restaurant of the dayboat. Return to the speedboat/dayboat to visit Lan Ha Bay.

13:30 – 15:00 Visiting the Cat Ba Archipelago, cruise through Cai Beo floating village and then go to the Ba Trai Dao beaches where you can visit secret cave and beaches, enclosed by vertical cliffs (if the weather and tide permit) or just swimming and kayaking in Tra Bau area.

16:00 – 17:00 Enjoy massage service or join special tour of art and history about Pham Luc’s paintings or Emperor Bao Dai’s palaces.

17:30 – 18:30 Attend the Afternoon tea with music and Canapes on Sundeck and join in the cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking in a truly stunning setting.

19:30 – 21:00 Enjoy our A La Carte course menu for dinner at Royal Palace Restaurant on board as you experience the charm of Halong Bay at night.

21:00 – 22:00 Try your luck with interesting activity at night – Squid fishing.

DAY 5: ME CUNG CAVE – TUAN CHAU MARIA – HANOI – DANANG – HOIAN (B,L)

06:15 – 06:30 Enjoy Vovinam exercise in the sunshine morning on sundeck.

06.45 – 07.15 Enjoy light breakfast including tea, coffee, pastries, cookies, fresh juices… at our luxury restaurant.

08:00 – 08:45 Discover Me Cung Cave (Cave of Maze) – a spectacular destination with plenty of historical and archaeological values about Ha Long Culture from 10,000 years ago. Guests will be charmed by the magnificent complex structure with stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes and the most diverse ecological system in Halong Bay.

09:00 – 09:15 Finish packing all the luggage and check out.

09:30 – 10:30 Enjoy brunch A La Carte in CAN CHANH restaurant on the 1st floor while cruising back to the mainland.

11:00 – 11:30 Arrive in Tuan Chau Marina and Emperor Cruises lounge for disembarkation your onward journey.

14:30 – 15:00 you will be dropped off at Hanoi by private car.

Transfer  to the airport for your onward flight to Danang. In just a 40-minute car ride, you'll arrive in the enchanting town of Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoian  – La siesta 5* or similar

Day 6: Hoi An | Fun Cooking Experience (B,L)

Today, immerse yourself in the cultural charm of Hoi An. Your tour guide will lead you to key sites such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Fujian Assembly Hall, and Old House of Tan Ky.

Enjoy a simple lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the Chen Family Chapel. Later, prepare for a delightful cooking session outside the ancient town at Hai Scout Café, led by a chef from Red Bridge Restaurant.

Overnight in Hoian  – La siesta 5* or similar

Day 7 : Hoi An - Danang - Ho Chi Minh City (B,D)

After breakfast, it's time to transfer to Danang for your morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Despite its modernity, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) exudes nostalgic charm with its colonial-era buildings, quaint street-side cafés, and leafy boulevards. Take a leisurely stroll downtown to discover landmarks such as the General Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the former Presidential Palace.

Next, visit the War Remnants Museum for a vivid perspective on the war through the eyes of the Vietnamese. Please note that this part of history can be emotionally impactful due to its sensitive nature.

Evening enjoy the dinner cruse on Saigon river.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh – The Myst  5* or similar

Day 8, Ho Chi Minh - My Tho - Ho Chi Minh, (B, L)

After two hours by road from Ho Chi Minh’s bustling streets, we start venturing into the watery world of the Mekong Delta. As a highlight of the trip, we take a cruise along narrow waterways through the lush vegetation to an orchard garden where we have the opportunity to visit local homes as well as enjoy a lunch followed with seasonal fruits. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh – The Myst 5* or similar

Day 9: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City (B)

After breakfast, you'll have some free time to enjoy at your leisure. Your private tour guide will then pick you up and transfer you to the airport. Have a safe and pleasant flight home, and we hope to welcome you back soon