Day 1 & 2 Overnight flight to Hong Kong. [Breakfast and Dinner will be
Served on Board]

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Day 3 Monday January 5    I   Arrival in Hong Kong

Upon your early arrival at 5:30 AM, your private driver-guide will greet you just after clearing Customs and Immigration. We’ve arranged for an early check-in at the Kwai Fong Hotel @ Kau U Fong, where you’ll have time to relax or enjoy a short orientation walk before dinner. Breakfast will be served upon check-in, and we’ll meet you in the hotel lobby to get you settled in.

​Overnight- Hong Kong

Meals Incuded: Dinner

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Day 4 Tuesday January 6    I   Battle of Hong Kong

In December 1941, the Battle of Hong Kong erupted as British and Allied forces defended the territory against the Japanese invasion. After just 18 days of intense fighting, Hong Kong fell on Christmas Day, marking the beginning of the Japanese occupation. Many remnants of this brief but brutal conflict still dot the landscape today. On this guided tour, your expert guide will take you to key sites and surviving defense structures, sharing vivid accounts of the battle and offering insight into this pivotal chapter in Hong Kong’s wartime history. For those interested, a City Tour will also be available prior to dinner.

Overnight- Hong Kong 

Meals Included: Breakfast 

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Day 5 Wednesday January 7     I    Hanoi 

Flight: 2:30 PM – 3:40 PM

This afternoon, we take a short flight to Hanoi, where you'll be immersed in the vibrant energy and organized chaos of this former French colonial city. After check-in, there will be time to freshen up before meeting Rose for our Evening Food Tour. During this 3-hour walking tour through Hanoi’s atmospheric Old Quarter, you'll discover the city's rich history, culture, and architectural charm—through its food. Unlike the typical hot dog or pretzel stands of other cities, Hanoi’s street food scene is a lively tapestry of local flavors, family-run eateries, and traditional recipes. You’ll sample a rotating selection of regional specialties, which may include (subject to change): egg coffee, “Obama noodles,” pillow cakes, dry noodles, green sticky rice, crispy Vietnamese pancakes, assorted donuts, and traditional Vietnamese sandwiches. This culinary journey offers more than just food—it’s a window into the daily life, traditions, and soul of Hanoi.

Overnight- Hanoi 

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

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Day 6 Thursday January 8    I   Vietnam Military History & Cultural Highlights

An exciting day in Hanoi begins with a visit to the Vietnam Military History Museum, followed by two unique sites where the wreckage of downed B-52 bombers has been preserved and displayed in situ (viewed from the outside, as it's Monday). We’ll also stop at the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" prison, where American POWs—including Senator John McCain—were once held.

You'll get a real feel for the energy of Hanoi as we navigate its famously chaotic traffic. Along the way, we’ll explore some of the city’s cultural treasures, including the Ho Chi Minh Complex and the historic Temple of Literature.

For lunch, we’ll enjoy a taste of Hanoi’s most beloved local dish—“Obama noodles”—at the same restaurant where the former U.S. president dined.

After the day’s touring, we’ll return to your hotel for a short rest before heading out for an unforgettable evening experience.

Hanoi Motorbike Tour: Food, Culture & Fun!
Hop on the back of a motorbike and explore the city like a local. This exhilarating ride takes you through a maze of zigzagging alleyways, colonial boulevards, and hidden corners of Hanoi—far beyond the typical tourist route. Along the way, you’ll enjoy tastings of some of Hanoi’s most delicious street foods while soaking in the rhythm, scents, and spirit of everyday life.

Overnight- Hanoi

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

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Day 7 Friday January 9    I   Halong Bay Cruise
Departure from Hanoi: 08:00 AM

Get ready for a breathtaking overnight cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. Depart Hanoi in the morning for the scenic transfer to the bay, where your cruise adventure begins.

Cruise Schedule

• 12:00 – 12:15 PM: Arrive at the Emeraude Cruise Lounge and receive a warm welcome from your onboard crew.

• 12:15 – 12:30 PM: Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and a safety briefing.

• 1:00 – 2:30 PM: Lunch is served as the cruise sets sail through the serene waters between Cat Ba Island and Halong Bay, offering stunning views of limestone karsts and emerald islets.

• 2:45 PM: Disembark to explore either Surprise Cave or Me Cung Cave—both fascinating examples of Halong Bay’s natural formations.

• 4:00 PM: Continue cruising to a traditional Pearl Farm. You can choose to kayak in the calm waters or visit the farm to learn about pearl cultivation techniques.

• 7:00 PM: Dinner is served on the upper deck, under the stars.

• 9:00 PM: After dinner, enjoy a film screening or try your hand at seasonal squid fishing.

Overnight- Halong Bay 

Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

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Day 8 Saturday January 10    I   Halong Bay – Ho Dong Tien

A full day of natural wonders and peaceful cruising awaits you on Halong Bay.

• 07:00 – 08:00 AM: Chào buổi sáng Việt Nam! Good morning, Vietnam! Enjoy a leisurely breakfast onboard as the day begins.

• 09:00 AM: Set off on a kayaking adventure to explore the serene Luon Cave area—an enchanting spot surrounded by limestone cliffs and calm waters.

• 10:30 AM: Return to the L’Azalée Premium Cruise to relax on board and take in the stunning bay views.

• 12:30 PM: Lunch is served as the cruise sails deeper into Halong Bay.

• 2:30 PM: Discover more of the bay’s highlights, including the mystical Ho Dong Tien, the impressive Trong Cave, and the romantic Trinh Nu Cave.

• 4:30 PM: Unwind with free time for sunbathing on the sundeck or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
  Optional: Swimming at Soi Sim Island is available upon request.

• 7:00 PM: Dinner is served on the upper deck under the stars.

• 9:00 PM: Enjoy a relaxing evening with an onboard movie or try your hand at seasonal squid fishing.

Overnight- Halong Bay (aboard ship)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 9 Sunday January 11    I    Titov Beach & Departure to Hu

Enjoy your final morning on Halong Bay with a peaceful start and one last taste of its natural beauty.

• 06:00 – 08:00 AM: Begin the day with a guided Tai Chi session on the upper sundeck, followed by quiet time for personal meditation and relaxation.

• 07:00 – 08:00 AM: Good Morning, Vietnam! Breakfast is served as the boat continues its scenic cruise.

• Around 08:00 AM: Drop anchor at the picturesque Titov Beach for a short guided walk and exploration.

• 09:00 AM: A light lunch is served onboard as the cruise heads northward toward Tuan Chau Island.

• 11:00 AM: Disembark at the Emeraude Cruises Reception Lounge and collect your luggage. A transfer will be arranged to Hanoi Airport, where we’ll meet you at check-in.

Flight to Hue

• Flight Time: 4:30 PM – 5:50 PM
  Upon arrival in Hue, your private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel for check-in and rest.

Overnight- Hue

Meals Included: Breakfast, Light Lunch

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Day 10  Monday January 12    I     Hue City Tour

Today, we explore the historic city of Hue—Vietnam’s imperial capital from 1802 to 1945. Our day begins with a guided tour of the Citadel, including the vast Imperial City and the once-exclusive Forbidden Purple City. We'll also visit a nearby park featuring a striking display of captured U.S. military tanks and equipment from the Vietnam War.

Next, we’ll visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest and most revered religious sites in the country. From there, we head outside the city to explore wartime defence bunkers overlooking the scenic Perfume River, offering insight into Hue’s strategic importance during past conflicts.

This evening, we’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in town, where you’ll sample Hue’s flavourful central Vietnamese cuisine.

Overnight- Hue

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

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Day 11 Tuesday January 13    I    A Shau Valley & Former Battlefields

After breakfast, we journey north from Hue into the historically significant Ashau Valley—once a key strategic battleground during the Vietnam War. Along the way, we’ll stop at several notable sites, including Camp Eagle and the former fire bases of Birmingham and A Luoi. A highlight of the day is our visit to the infamous Hamburger Hill, the site of one of the war’s most intense and controversial battles.

Today’s experience offers more than just a glimpse into military history. You’ll have the rare opportunity to meet and engage with local experts and Vietnamese war veterans, who will share their personal stories and perspectives from this turbulent period in Vietnam’s past.

Overnight- Hue 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 12 Thursday January 14    I     Khe Sanh & Hien Luong Bridge – DMZ Tour

After breakfast, embark on a full-day journey to the historic battlefields along the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Following the 1954 Geneva Accords, Vietnam was divided along the 17th parallel, marked by the Ben Hai River and flanked on both sides by a 5-kilometer-wide no-man’s-land.

Today, we will visit several significant sites including Khe Sanh, the iconic Hien Luong Bridge, the strategic Rock Pile, Camp Carroll, and the Vinh Moc Tunnels—an ingenious underground network used during the war. After exploring these historic landmarks, we’ll return via Highway No.1 back to Hue.

Overnight- Hue

Meals Included: Breakfast

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Day 13 Friday January 15    I    Da Nang & Hoi An

Today, we visit Da Nang, Vietnam’s third-largest city and a key site in the country’s history. On March 8, 1965, the U.S. 9th Marine Brigade landed at Red Beach 2 in Da Nang, marking the official start of America’s major involvement in the Vietnam War.

Along the way, we’ll pause at beautiful Lang Co Beach and the famous South China Beach, then explore the Cham Museum—home to an impressive collection of Cham art and artifacts. We’ll also visit the striking Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone and marble hills dotted with caves, tunnels, and pagodas.

After checking into our hotel in nearby Hoi An, we’ll take a guided walking tour through its enchanting streets. Highlights include the iconic Japanese Bridge and the ancient merchant houses, reflecting the town’s rich history as a vibrant port and cultural crossroads.

Overnight- Hoi An

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

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Day 14 Saturday January 16    I    Chu Lai Base & My Lai Memorial

Today, embark on a full-day walking tour to the former Chu Lai Base—also known as Cam Doi Base—in Quang Ngai province. This significant site offers a glimpse into military operations during the Vietnam War. Later, we will visit My Lai, the site of the tragic massacre of civilians on March 16, 1968, to pay our respects and reflect on this solemn chapter in history.

Overnight- Hoi An

Meals Included: Breakfast

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Day 15 Sunday January 17    I    Ho Chi Minh City

We will transfer to Da Nang Airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Upon arrival, our driver will meet us and transfer us to our hotel for check-in. Afterwards, enjoy a brief orientation walking tour to get acquainted with the vibrant streets and atmosphere of this dynamic city.

Overnight- Ho Chi Minh City 

Meals Included: Breakfast

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Day 16 Monday January 18    I    Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon)

Enjoy a full-day tour of Ho Chi Minh City, exploring key historical and cultural landmarks. Visit significant former war sites such as the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum, followed by a stroll through vibrant Chinatown. The day concludes with a visit to the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of French colonial architecture.

Overnight- Ho Chi Minh City

Meals Included: Breakfast

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Day 17 Tuesday January 19    I    Island Hopping

Today offers a scenic journey through beautiful islands and charming venues, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind and relax. Take this time to reflect on the incredible experiences and discoveries from our journey so far before returning to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight- Ho Chi Minh City

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

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Day 18 Wednesday January 20    I    Cu Chi Tunnels & Flight to Siem Reap
Vietnam Airlines: SGN 7:25 PM – 8:35 PM

This morning, embark on a guided tour of the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. By 1965, an extensive network of 250 km of tunnels crisscrossed Cu Chi and the surrounding areas. Just across the Saigon River lay the notorious guerrilla stronghold known as the Iron Triangle. These tunnels played a crucial role during the Vietnam War, enabling the Viet Cong to maintain control over a large rural area just 30–40 km from Saigon.

At its peak, the tunnel system stretched from Saigon all the way to the Cambodian border. This vast underground network featured multiple levels, trap doors, living quarters, storage areas, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. Today, visitors can explore the preserved tunnels—widened for safety—to gain a firsthand sense of what life was like beneath the surface during the war.

For those interested, there’s an optional opportunity to fire rounds from an AK-47 or M16 rifle at a nearby range, where wooden targets were once said to resemble U.S. Marines.

Later, we’ll transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for our evening flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief orientation tour of Siem Reap before checking into your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight- Siem Reap

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner 

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Day 19 Thursday January 21    I    Temple of Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom

Begin your day early with your private driver and guide to explore the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat and the ancient city of Angkor Thom. As one of Southeast Asia’s most significant archaeological sites, the Angkor Archaeological Park spans over 400 square kilometers of forested land and encompasses the grand remnants of the Khmer Empire’s capitals from the 9th to 15th centuries.

Highlights include the iconic Temple of Angkor Wat—renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate bas-reliefs—and the majestic Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom, famous for its countless sculpted faces and elaborate carvings. Recognized by UNESCO, a comprehensive preservation program is in place to protect this symbolic and historic site for generations to come.

Overnight- Siem Reap

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

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Day 20  Friday January 22    I    Cambodia > Hong Kong
Vietnam Airlines: 10:05 AM – 11:10 AM
Cathay Pacific CX764: 7:35 PM – 11:15 PM

Today we depart Cambodia, flying to Ho Chi Minh City before connecting onward to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, we will stay overnight at Hong Kong Airport.

Ian’s onward flight to Singapore: 11:55 PM

Note: We have reserved a day room at the airport lounge for luggage storage, showers, and relaxation. If you prefer a private room, please let us know—this can be arranged as an optional upgrade.

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Day 21  Friday January 23    I     Hong Kong > Toronto
Flight AC022: HKG to YVR, departing 10:25 PM
Arrival in Winnipeg (YWG) / Toronto (YYZ)

I have booked your accommodation at the Novotel CityGate near Hong Kong Airport. You’ll arrive on Cathay Pacific flight CX764 at 11:15 PM and depart the next morning on Air Canada flight AC022 at 10:15 AM.

The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service starting at 6:00 AM, but note that the last shuttle departs at 11:40 PM. If you arrive later than that, you may need to take a taxi or bus the night before. We can discuss the best options when we meet at the airport on January 7th.