Vietnam Explorer

Day 1: Hanoi

Welcome to vibrant Vietnam, a world of colour, culture and extraordinary food. Today is yours to settle in at your leisure, adjusting to the rhythms of this compelling city before your journey begins in earnest.

Check in to your two-night Scenic Special Stay at the iconic Sofitel Legend Metropole, Hanoi’s most celebrated address. This beautifully preserved colonial grand dame has welcomed dignitaries and travellers since 1901, and its refined amenities and attentive service set the tone for the days ahead.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Hanoi

A full day to explore this nostalgic city, beginning with your first Scenic Freechoice.

Scenic Freechoice:
Visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and Hoa Lo Prison, a journey through the nation’s past across two very different chapters of history.

Alternatively, spend the morning at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070, then discover the charm of the Old Quarter over a celebrated egg coffee.

Those wanting a deeper cultural immersion can head to the ancient village of Bat Trang, a community devoted to traditional porcelain and pottery, where a local elder shares the spiritual beliefs of his community before a hands-on lunch of Bánh Cuon rice pancakes.

Scenic Enrich
This evening, a green electric car winds through the Old Quarter to your Scenic Enrich: a VIP performance of Hanoi’s world-famous water puppet theatre, with a special backstage pass to follow.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay

After breakfast and checkout, the journey heads northeast through the fertile farmlands of the Red River Delta toward Halong Bay. Board the luxury Bhaya Soul for a two-night cruise among the iconic limestone karsts of this World Heritage-listed seascape, reaching areas of the bay that remain well beyond the reach of day cruises.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Halong Bay

A Tai Chi lesson on the Sun Deck opens the morning as the ship sails deeper into the national park. Take to a kayak and paddle through a limestone cave system before a bike ride on Cat Ba Island, a landscape of dense jungle and quiet shoreline largely untouched by development.

In the afternoon, gather on deck for an exclusive Scenic Sundowners wine tasting at anchor, set against the silhouette of the karst islands at sunset. After dinner, round out the evening with the local tradition of squid fishing from the deck.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Halong Bay to Hanoi

A leisurely morning cruise back to harbour before returning to Hanoi and a second night at the Sofitel Legend Metropole. Take part in a fascinating historical bunker tour beneath the hotel, a rarely seen chapter in the story of a city with more than 1,000 years of history.

Scenic Freechoice Dining:
This evening, Scenic Freechoice dining offers a French-inspired dinner at the Metropole’s own Angelina Restaurant, a home-cooked meal shared with a local Hanoian family, or a Vespa foodie tour through the lantern-lit streets of the Old Quarter with complimentary drinks throughout.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Hanoi to Hoi An

Fly south to Danang and continue past the Marble Mountains to the ancient trading town of Hoi An, where three nights await at the Moire Hoi An, Vignette Collection by IHG, within easy walking distance of the old town markets.

Scenic Freechoice Dining:
Tonight, Scenic Freechoice dining sets the tone: Vietnamese street food at Morning Glory Signature Restaurant, the warmly lit Mango Mango in the heart of the Ancient Town, or The Field, where tables are set among rice paddies and the cuisine blends Vietnamese tradition with a contemporary hand.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Hoi An

A walking tour of the World Heritage-listed Old Quarter visits the Japanese Covered Bridge and central market, followed by lunch featuring the town’s signature dishes: Cao Lau, Com Gà and Bánh Mì.

The afternoon is yours – a 60-minute spa treatment (included for every guest), the hotel pool or the tailors’ quarter the town has been renowned for since the 16th century.

Scenic Sunset Drinks
Scenic Sundowners at Ember & Sip Bar with included beer and wine ease the day toward evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Hoi An

This morning choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities.

Scenic Freechoice:
Head to the ancient Cham ruins of My Son for a glimpse into the majesty of the Champa Kingdom, including a local lunch. Alternatively, a bicycle ride to a fishing village leads to a bamboo basket boat experience and a sampan return through the water palms. Those drawn to community may choose a lantern-making class with the Reaching Out NGO at a historic merchant house, or a Vietnamese cooking class at Red Bridge Cooking School on the banks of the Thu Bon River.

The afternoon is yours to spend as you please.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Hoi An to Hue

Travel via the breathtaking Hai Van Pass to Hue, the former imperial capital. A vegetarian lunch at Tinh Tam Restaurant at Duc Son Pagoda supports the nuns’ orphanage before the afternoon brings a wander through the grandeur of the Imperial Citadel ruins and a cyclo ride back through the city streets to the Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel.

Scenic Enrich
This evening, traditional Vietnamese cuisine is served family-style in a private garden house, accompanied by Royal Hue court music performed as it has been for centuries, and a welcoming glass of wine.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Hue > Ho Chi Minh City

Your final day in the centre of Vietnam starts with breakfast before checking out and setting off on a morning excursion to the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, the last independent emperor of Imperial Vietnam before French colonisation. After exploring the grounds, head to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

After your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, transfer to your hotel for the next two nights. Before dinner take a leisurely walk around Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, and the Central Post Office.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City

The morning is spent at the Cu Chi Tunnels, where more than 250 kilometres of underground passages dug by hand during the war reveal themselves with staggering ingenuity. Return to the city for a Pho lunch, with the afternoon at leisure.

Scenic Freechoice Dining:
This evening, Scenic Freechoice dining offers a Vespa night tour stopping at the city’s finest street food haunts with complimentary drinks; a refined dinner at Mandarine Restaurant styled on the imperial courts of Hue; a table at Noir Dining in the Dark, dedicated to supporting the visually impaired community; a vintage jeep street food experience; or Buffet 19 at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City

It is time to bid farewell to your fellow travellers and Scenic team as you get ready to depart Vietnam for your homeland or extended travels. Transfer to the airport and leave with a full camera and stunning memories to treasure.

Rivers and waterways are subject to variations in water levels. While every effort is made to adhere to the planned itinerary, changes in river conditions, ad hoc local government regulations or local festivities may require journey modifications. These will be made based on the advice of local authorities or for safety reasons. Hotels are indicative and are subject to change.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.

Meals: Breakfast