With thoughts of conflict banished to history, Vietnam is nothing less than mesmerizing. And peaceful, as you'll discover in its countless serene temples and during our exclusive Hermes overnight stay on a traditional junk amidst an archipelago of limestone towers. We'll travel the length of this coastal gem, from Hanoi to Hue, Hoi An to Saigon – on a journey punctuated by gracious people in colorful markets and grand palaces and tombs emerging from an emerald-green landscape. Join Hermes, and discover the rich past and promising future of an ever-evolving country.

Highlights

• Hanoi, including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Museum of Ethnology, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
• Rickshaw ride through Hanoi's Old Quarter
• Water Puppet show
• Full day and overnight aboard a traditional Vietnamese junk on Ha Long Bay, with opportunities for active exploration
• Hue, including Thien Mu Pagoda, Imperial Citadel, and the tombs of emperors Minh Mang, Tu Duc and Khai Dinh
• Hoi An, including Japanese Bridge, Phuc Kien Pagoda, Phung Hung Old Merchant House, and the Quang Dong Assembly Hall
• Saigon, including History Museum, Reunification Palace, War Crimes Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, French-Colonial post office, and Chinatown
• Accommodations for 8 nights in 5-star hotels and 1 night onboard a traditional Vietnamese junk on Ha Long Bay
• Services of a Hermes Tours escort
• Services of an expert, local guide in all cities
• $100 per person savings if you reserve 5 months before departure!
• Extend your trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia and experience Angkor Wat plus more of the acient city.

Itinerary

Day 1 - May 18, 2010, Tuesday
Arrive Hanoi
Hanoi celebrates its 1,000th birthday in 2010! We arrive here today and transfer to our hotel.
Overnight Sofitel Metropole Hanoi.
Meal: N/A

Day 2 - May 19, 2010, Wednesday
Tour of Hanoi
An entire millennium of history is ours to explore. After breakfast, we visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where the revered leader lies in rest. Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, and Museum of Ethnology. After lunch, stroll the shores of the serene Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Then enjoy a one-hour rickshaw tour among the Old Quarter's antique and clothing shops.

We close our day with a mesmerizing, traditional Water Puppet show. Tonight toast your upcoming discoveries at our Hermes Tours welcome dinner.
Overnight: Sofitel Metropole Hanoi
Meal: B, D

Day 3 - May 20, 2010, Thursday
Ha Long Bay Cruise
This morning we set sail on a traditional Vietnamese junk among Ha Long Bay's countless limestone islands that have captured travelers' imaginations for centuries. After lunch onboard, you might don your swimsuit to bathe in crystalline waters. Or ply the waters in a kayak, explore an island by foot, or simply relax and soak up the sun. Later, we're welcomed into a Cua Van fishing village to learn about local life here. After a savory dinner onboard, join an elective sea kayak tour to explore the bay by moonlight.
Overnight: Jasmine Junk, (Premium cabin) .
Meal: B, L, D

Day 4 - May 21, 2010, Friday
Ha Long Bay - Hanoi
Greet the sun with an on-deck Tai Chi class. Then we visit a nearby grotto carved into one of the monolithic islands. This afternoon we return to Hanoi and have free time to explore some of its 600 temples and pagodas.
Overnight: Sofitel Metropole Hanoi
Meal: B

Day 5 - May 22, 2010, Saturday
Flight to Hue. Afternoon boat ride on the Perfume River
After breakfast, we fly to Hue, on the banks of the Huong River. After lunch, we embark a small boat and follow the gentle Perfume River to the seven-story riverside Thien Mu Pagoda, the largest in the city and Hue's official symbol. Later, we drive to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, one of the country's most scholarly leaders. En route, we visit a local merchant, who shows us how conical hats and incense sticks are made. Our evening is free to explore Hue.
Overnight: La Residence Hotel, Hue
Meal: B

Day 6 - May 23, 2010, Sunday
Morning tour of Hue, transfer to Hoi An
After breakfast, we marvel at Hue's massive Imperial Citadel, which once housed a vast Forbidden City of emperors and concubines. We continue to the tombs of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Then, we transfer to Hoi An over the scenic Hai Van Pass ("Pass of the Ocean Clouds"). After our arrival, we have the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Victoria, Hoi An
Meal: B

Day 7 - May 24, 2010, Monday
Tour of Hoi An
After breakfast, we enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An, a powerful port in the spice trade centuries ago. This former backwater village boasts an incredibly preserved ancient town. We'll browse some of its treasures and also see the Japanese Bridge, Phuc Kien Pagoda, Phung Hung Old Merchant House and the Quang Dong Assembly Hall. The rest of your day is free. Tailors in Hoi An will custom-make suits for you at a fraction of the price back home.
Overnight: Hotel Victoria, Hoi An
Meal: B

Day 8 - May 25, 2010, Tuesday
Morning flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh), afternoon tour
We fly to Saigon after breakfast, and bustling French-Colonial city today known as Ho Chi Minh City. Our day here will be peppered with new images and perspectives about "The American War," as the Vietnamese know it. We visit the History Museum, Reunification Palace, and the War Crimes Museum. We'll also marvel at two of the city's architectural gems, Notre Dame Cathedral and the lovely French colonial post office.
Overnight: Sofitel Plaza Saigon .
Meal: B

Day 9 - May 26, 2010, Wednesday
Ho Chi Minh morning tour, afternoon free to explore
After breakfast we continue to explore Saigon with visits to Cho Lon, Vietnam's largest Chinatown, a thriving district of colorful pagodas and markets. This afternoon, relax, shop or explore on your own.
Overnight Sofitel Plaza Saigon.
Meal: B, D

Day 10 - May 27, 2010, Thursday
Ho Chi Minh - Depart for Home or extend to Siem Reip
This morning is the end of our tour. You are free to make your return flight for any time today or join us on our extension to Cambodia.
Meal: B

Extend Your Vacation to Siem Reip (Cambodia)!

Day 10 - May 27, 2010, Thursday
Flight from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap. Afternoon tour of the Roluos group of temples
Transfer to the airport for flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, explore Khmer temples from the early Angkor period. Visit the Roluos group of temples dating from the 9th and 10 century, including Preah Ko, Bakong, and Lolei temples. Return to hotel in early evening.
Overnight Le Meridien Angkor Hotel.
Meal: B

Day 11 - May 28, 2010, Friday
Full day tour of the ancient city
Begin exploration of the ancient city by entering Angkor Thom via the South Gate. Continue with the ruins at Bayon, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, the Royal Palace, the Elephant Terraces and the Leper King Terrace. In the afternoon visit magnificent Angkor Wat with its extraordinary architecture and bas-reliefs. End the day with a spectacular sunset viewed from the top of the mountain temple of Phnom Bakheng.
Overnight Le Meridien Angkor Hotel.
Meal: B

Day 12 - May 29, 2010, Saturday
Full day Angkor tour
After breakfast proceed to the graceful 11th century Temple of Shiva - Banteay Srei – and the Banteay Samre temple. On the way back, view the Bantey Kdei with its rarely seen sculpted female deities, the Lake of Srah Srang and the impressive Ta Prohm Temple, which remains in the clutches of the enveloping jungle. Visit the Ta Keo, Chau Say Tevada, and Thommanon temples before returning to hotel.
Overnight Le Meridien Angkor Hotel.
Meal: B

Day 13 - May 30, 2010, Sunday
End of program. Depart for home - Return Home
This morning is the end of our tour. You are free to make your return flight for any time today.
Meal: B

Tour Hotels

Hanoi:
Sofitel Metropole Hanoi
The French colonial-style 5 Stars Sofitel Metropole Hanoi building has stood proudly since 1901. Located in the heart of downtown Hanoi, the hotel has a rich history and a century-long tradition of welcoming ambassadors, writers, heads of state and entrepreneurs. It features a beautiful interior garden, excellent French cuisine at Le Beaulieu and Hanoi specialties at Spices Garden. Five function rooms, a swimming pool and fitness centre are also available for guests to use. The Sofitel Hanoi has been a celebrated landmark since the turn of the last century. Guests enjoy an oasis of charm, blending the hospitality of Vietnamese people with European luxury heritage.

Ha Long Bay Cruise:
Jasmine Junk, (Premium cabin)
Scheduled to join its friends in November 2007, the newest four star junk will set the standard for services and amenities on the bay. Fitted out in the 1930's Indochine style, the Halong Jasmine will feature 21 spacious cabin, restaurant, lounge and two special Jasmine Suites with their own jacuzzi & balcony for uninterrupted views of the bay.

Hue:
La Residence Hotel & Spa, Hue
This former Governor's Residence has been carefully restored to make way for a luxurious boutique hotel. This extravagant property, located centrally on the banks of the Perfume River, is just one-kilometer from the train station. Guests will enjoy a location that is only 17-kilometers from the airport, providing convenient access for international travelers. The hotel boasts outstanding views of the historic Imperial Citadel, a perfect sightseeing venue. The on-site restaurant serves a unique compilation of delectable authentic local as well as international dishes. The facilities also include a comprehensively equipped business area. The La Residence Hotel & Spa, Hue is a great vacation destination for travelers who seek a variety of on-site facilities in a convenient and central location.

Hoi An:
Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa, Hoi An
Tourists, honeymooners, couples and even families will find this a suitable accommodation for a long vacations or quick getaways. Choose from an extensive list of water sports for daytime recreation and enjoy activities like wake boarding and windsurfing. Have lunch at the pool or seaside with dishes from the Faifo Bar. Take the Shuttle Boat tour provided by the hotel and visit Laos or Hoi An's city center. Spend at least one day pampering yourself at the Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa, Hoi An and choose from an extensive list of treatments and massages. Suitable for corporate functions or gatherings as the conference rooms are fully equipped with gadgets such as wireless microphones.

Ho Chi Minh (Saigon):
Sofitel Plaza Saigon Hotel
Unwind and relax within the grounds of this luxury hotel that offers everything the discerning traveler could need after a day exploring Saigon. Featuring an abundance of facilities, that include a spa menu featuring an array of sensory pleasures and a gastronomic restaurant serving unique cuisine that will set the taste buds alight. The Sofitel plaza is one of the many buildings completing the Saigon skyline, situated on the historical Le Duan Boulevard; this 5-star Sofitel Plaza Saigon Hotel enjoys a central location offering easy access to Saigon historical and cultural sights. After a day of business of adventure the hotel offers a comfortable and spacious retreat in one of Asia's most thriving capitals.

Siem Reip (Cambodia):
Le Meridien Angkor Hotel
The closest hotel to the temples of Angkor Wat, Le Meridien combines the intricate designs of the regional architecture with all of the comfort of modern amenities in a resort-like atmosphere. The hotel tour desk happily assists guests seeking information on the spectacular Angkor Temple Complex and other local highlights, as well as sightseeing tours and local excursions. Local cars and drivers can be hired at an hourly rate. Le Meridien Angkor features three on-site restaurants, offering western and Asian cuisine, and three bars. The hotel facilities include a gymnasium and a spa with services that will pamper the guests.

Le Meridien Angkor Hotel features well-appointed and modern guest rooms equipped with a work desks, Internet access, satellite TV with pay-per-view movies, in-room safes, DDI telephones and minibars. Room decor is a fusion of contemporary and local influences. The bathrooms have both a bathtub and separate shower, providing a welcoming retreat after a full day of exploring the extraordinary wonders of Angkor Wat. Le Meridien Angkor is the perfect residence and starting point for visitors to this fabled land.