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Arrive
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Day 1 Hanoi
Arrive in the atmospheric capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, and check in to the historic Sofitel Legend Metropole. The hotel first opened its doors at the turn of the 20th century and has welcomed ambassadors and heads of state, as well actors and writers, including Graham Greene and Charlie Chaplin.
Overnight: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
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Day 2 Hanoi
Meet Chef Quan, also known as Mr Rice, for a food orientated tour of this bustling city. Start in Hanoi’s largest wet market, sample the city’s speciality Banh Cuon, and try egg cappuccino. Afterwards you have the choice of visiting Mr Rice’s restaurant to see his culinary skills at work as he prepares a dish for you to try. This afternoon, explore the city’s highlights including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his stilted house and beautiful gardens and the picturesque Temple of Literature. Finish the day with a traditional cyclo tour to explore the colourful narrow streets of the Old Quarter.
Overnight: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
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Day 3 Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay sits in the Gulf of Tonkin, only recently opened to the public. This hidden world offers the same magical scenery as Halong Bay, iconic limestone karsts and tiny islets, but without the crowds. Ginger is your floating hotel as you explore Cat Ba Island by bicycle and local life at Viet Hai Village. This evening, enjoy a cooking demonstration back on board before cocktails on the upper deck and dinner. Before retiring to your spacious suite, try your hand at squid fishing or relax in front of a movie in the dining room.
Overnight: Ginger
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Day 4 Spiritual Retreat
Enjoy an early session of Tai Chi on the sun deck before Ginger ups anchor and sails to Frog Lake, a secluded spot perfect for kayaking and swimming. After a hearty breakfast cruise back into Hai Phong’s harbour. Head onward by road to the Yen Tu Mountains for a real sense of spirituality and release.
Overnight: Legacy Yen Tu
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Day 5 - 7 Yen Tu Mountains
Spend three days in the haven of Yen Tu. This iconic mountain is etched with spiritual and healing history, as it was once a sought-after location for medicinal herbs and treatments. To this day, it is a popular pilgrimage site for Vietnamese Buddhists who visit the scattering of pagodas and temples on the mountain face.
Legacy Yen Tu is one of architect Bill Bensley’s latest creations; renovated from a once abandoned village. Legacy Yen Tu opened in January 2019 and its 2,240sqm wellness centre provides Zen Meditation, herbal baths and wellness counselling. You can relax in the infinity pool and take in the spectacular mountain views, or immerse yourself in tradition with dance performances regularly hosted by the hotel.
You may want to venture into the wilderness by foot and wind your way up the mountain, or take a leisurely cable car to soak in the lush green landscape from a different angle. You can also explore the small growing network of shops and cafes at the foot of Yen Tu for a taste of authentic local cuisine and culture.
Overnight: Legacy Yen Tu
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Day 8 Fly Home
Return to Hanoi by road in time to catch your departure flight home.
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Depart
