Hanoi

Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be met as you depart the plane by our Fast Track arrival staff, escorted though immigrations and chauffeured to the Sofitel Legend Metropole - a luxury landmark in the historic French Quarter.

This morning your personal car, driver and guide will be waiting to show you the highlights of their home town. Begin your sightseeing at the impressive Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a grand monument of marble, granite and precious hardwoods. Continue to the Presidential Palace, a Beaux Arts landmark built between 1900 and 1906, and then delve into much earlier chapters of Vietnam’s history at the distinctive One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature – founded nearly 1,000 years ago.   In the afternoon, your private city tour continues at the Museum of Ethnology where extensive exhibits offer fascinating insight into the 54 ethnic peoples that call Vietnam home. Then hop aboard a traditional pedi-cab for our Cyclo Adventure through the city’s charming Old Quarter. Admire the lovely Colonial-era architecture as you travel along busy streets still named for the vendors that have traditionally sold their goods here; indeed, many markets along Tin Street and Bamboo Street still specialize in these same wares!   Then continue to Ngoc Son Temple, set on a tiny island in the middle of picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. Enjoy this lovely setting as your engaging guide shares a colorful Vietnamese legend about a mighty emperor, a magic sword and a mythical turtle! End your day with a Water Puppet performance, a traditional and uniquely Vietnamese art form which started centuries ago, possible in the nation’s flooded rice fields.  Meals B   [Note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every afternoon and on Monday and Friday. The Museum of Ethnology is closed on Monday and the Vietnamese New Year.]

This entire day is yours to enjoy, relax and explore as you wish. If you prefer additional organized sightseeing, you can pursue your own interests with any of these available privately-guided tours. Discover the Legends of Ninh Binh: Discover the enchanting beauty and rich history of Ninh Binh on a captivating full-day tour. Depart from your Hanoi hotel and embark on a picturesque journey to the "Halong Bay on land." Glide along the serene Ngo Dong River, surrounded by majestic limestone cliffs, capturing the breathtaking scenery. Disembark and stroll to the serene Thai Vi Temple, an ancient marvel constructed in 1258, exuding peace with its monolithic greenstone structure, pagodas, and stone carvings. After exploration, traverse rice paddies to a secluded local restaurant nestled among limestone mountains for a delightful feast of local delicacies. Continue the adventure to Van Lam Hamlet, renowned for its traditional lace embroidery. Engage with locals preserving this 700-year-old craft, try your hand at embroidery, and depart with a cherished handmade gift. Return to Hanoi with fond memories of this extraordinary place. Daily 8:00 to 5:00 Homecooked Delights with a Master Chef: Join for an exciting Hanoi Dining at home of local master chef - who has a passionate and experienced Vietnamese cuisine expert, will guide you through the wonders of fabulous dinner in her cozy home. Start by visiting the neighborhoods wet market, located within walking distance of Chefs house. Explore the markets diverse offerings and learn from the chef about their traditional uses in Vietnamese cuisine. Its a fantastic opportunity to observe local life and discover how Hanoi residents shop for fresh produce. ( Note: Market in the afternoon will be less busier than morning)Then return to Chefs family home and head into the kitchen. Here, the chef will reveal the secrets behind North Vietnams most beloved dishes. Finally, gather around the table and indulge in the flavors of your homemade meal while chating about her journey to the success and the secret to make a good food. Daily 08:00 to 1:00 Morning Journey Through Cultural Art: Your journey begins as your vehicle drops you at the starting point. Explore the bustling local wet market, brimming with vibrant displays of fresh produce, before delving into the hidden alleyways. Immerse yourself in the daily rhythms of Hanoian life. Pause at a quaint tea shop, where the owners share tales of their tea adventures. Discover the rich history of Vietnamese tea culture and indulge in the art of calligraphy. Experience the enchanting traditions and rituals passed down through generations.Daily 9:00 to 1:00

You’ll be chauffeured to the airport or rail station for your onward journey.  Meals B