A Luxury Vietnam Railway Journey

📍 Danang airport to central Hoi An (30km): 50mins

Be greeted upon arrival then transfer approx. 50mins (30km) from Danang Airport to central Hoi An in the comfort of a private, air conditioned vehicle with a private driver and a guide. 

Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most picturesque towns and UNESCO-heritage listed, once a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries now draws international visitors to its streets, for both the history and the surrounding scenes.    

Overnight in Hoi An

Inclusions:

Today’s tour starts at 08:30 for a guided walking trip around Hoi An’s charming narrow streets and back lane ways.Then at 09:30, meet heritage specialists to explore this trading port from an expert's perspective. 

Familiarize yourself with their restoration work knowledge and their behind the scenes challenges in order to preserve Hoi An’s old town. Get a rare insight into the life of the local residents and how they cope with the annual flooding, urbanization and the support from the local government. Note the site visits may change depending on the projects currently being undertaken by the specialists. 

*The Japanese Bridge is currently under renovation until Q4 2024 (est) . Visitors are able to walk alongside the bridge (as of March 2024) on a purposely built metal platform however the actual structure is mostly covered in metal sheeting, therefore limiting photo op’s of the town’s most famous monument.

This afternoon, be picked up from the hotel by private vehicle at around 14:30-14:45 to the meeting point in order to pick up the bicycles. After the debrief and getting yourself familiar with the pedals, ride a short distance to the pier, for a quick boat ride across the ‘Mother River’, the Thu Bon. 

On arrival at one of the many river islands that comprise this rich delta region, ride to a family workshop specializing in pearl wood carving. 

Continue peddling alongside rice fields (seasonal) to the second stop. Here locals produce basket boats, the thúng chai, which are unique to Vietnam and particularly the central region of the country. 

The last stop, meet a family who make traditional mats from sedge, a type of long grass grown in the area. Return to Hoi An along country roads before crossing the Thu Bon back to  Hoi An. 

Evening at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Join one of Central Vietnam’s most renowned chefs, Duc Tran from Mango Mango fame, on an exclusive half day experience, at his incredible home. The man behind three well-loved restaurants, Mango Mango, Mango Rooms and Mai Fish, Duc fled Vietnam during the 1970’s at the tender age of fifteen. After refugee camp’s finding spice in Texas and world travels he came full circle back to Vietnam in 2003. Fast forward 20-years and Duc’s appeared on numerous international cooking and travel programs.  

At 08:30, begin the tour with a short visit to a local market (led by a local tour guide, Duc will not join) for a brief intro into the area’s produce, from farm to sea. See locals shopping from the seat of their motorbikes. Here in Vietnam, life is about speed and convenience, both in cooking and in life.  

After, head to Duc's rural home/ cooking studio for a private demonstration followed by lunch, freshly prepared by the chef himself. Once satisfied, return to your hotel or next destination. Note: Menu is seasonal.     

Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 From Central Hoi An to Danang Train Station (30km): 50 mins Train time: 6.5 hours From Dieu Tri train station to Anantara Quy Nhon Villas (20km): approx 30 mins

Early this morning, depart the hotel for the 50-minute transfer with a private, air-conditioned vehicle with private driver and a guide to Danang Railway Station  On arrival, board the Vietage, Vietnam’s most high end train experience, on a wondrous journey through the bucolic landscapes and spectacular coastlines of Central Vietnam. During the scenic 6.5 hour journey, sit back enjoy a sumptuous 3-course meal and free flow of drinks whilst the train travels slowly along this historic stretch of rail, originally built by the French during the colonial era. 

Located in South-Central Vietnam, the coast of Quy Nhon province is still relatively off the beaten track,: a beautiful coastline, long peninsulas, rocky outcrops, spectacular cliffs, tumbling forested hills, secluded bays, rugged islands, authentic fishing villages and historic Cham era towers. 

Upon arrival, transfer to the resort in a private car.

The rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight in Quy Nhon.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

This morning, freshen up for a new day with breakfast and get ready to discover Quy Nhon. Start at 8:30 for the excursion to Cham Towers and local artisanal handicraft villages.

Ruled by Cham people for more than 500 years between the 11th and 15th centuries and with a handful of Cham locals still living in the area. Quy Nhon is home to a variety of Cham monuments and ruins, the majority in the form of towers.

The Banh It Towers, hidden in plain sight high on a hillside in the An Nhon area just outside Quy Nhon city, are some of the oldest Cham ruins in Vietnam. Offering stunning views across rice paddies, the cluster of towers resembles the It cake, a Binh Dinh 3-cornered rice cake speciality. The architecture is very specific to the Champa culture, while also containing influences of Hinduism.

There are many centuries-old villages in the province which specialise in making traditional crafts and Quy Nhon style food and drink with ancient techniques, such as rice wine, rice paper, and conical hats, which you’ll visit.  Return to the hotel at around 12:30.

The rest of the day at your leisure. 

Overnight in Quy Nhon.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Spend the day free at leisure. 

Overnight in Quy Nhon.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 From Anantara Quy Nhon Villas to Dieu Tri train station (20km): approx 30 mins Train time: 5.5 hrs Nha Trang Train Station – Six Senses Boat Pier (20Km): 30mins

Spend the morning at leisure. After checking out, transfer in a private car for 30-mins to Dieu Tri train station for the next destination - Nha Trang. During the scenic 5.5 hour journey, sit back enjoy a luxury afternoon tea experience and free flow of drinks whilst the train slowly travels south. 

Be greeted at the train station on arrival then transfer 30-minutes to the resort’s pier, then 30-mins by speedboat. Besides the prerequisite golden stretches of land and crystal clear waters, this southern coastal region is dotted with many islands, turquoise waters and a variety of marine life which is ideal for snorkelling.  

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Spend the day free at leisure. 

Our suggestion for tonight is a dinner on the beach. Please note that while we can make a reservation in advance, payment will be settled directly with the resort. 

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Spend the day free at leisure. 

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Six Senses Boat Pier - Cam Ranh airport (60Km): 70mins Tan Son Nhat Airport - central HCMC (8km): 30mins

Enjoy free time following breakfast before the short flight back to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still referred to as Saigon by the locals. Once known as the ‘Pearl of Indochina’, Saigon boasts an enormous architectural wealth, mirroring its colourful history. From the pagodas, museums and European architecture of the city’s recent past to the growing number of skyscrapers, Saigon is like a trip through time. 

Be greeted upon arrival then transfer approx. 30 mins (8km) from Ho Chi Minh City Airport to central Ho Chi Minh City in the comfort of a private, air conditioned vehicle with a private driver and a guide.

Tonight’s experience starts at 17:30. Once acquainted with the driver and your motorbike, zoom past some of the city’s most popular landmarks before reaching the first stop of the evening, a vibrant rooftop bar with sweeping city views. Take some photos, and sip a refreshing drink whilst enjoying the evening breeze. 

From the city height’s, back down at street level cruise through the busy streets. The first food stop, dive into local culture at one of the city’s institutions, a ‘bánh xèo’ restaurant. This savory pancake is highly favored by Vietnamese from Saigon and beyond and is a must-try for any food enthusiast.  

Once sated, ride through the city streets to the city’s main flower market and a nearby lively night market where the city’s youth gather. Sit alongside the locals and order some savory snacks if you fancy, before returning to the Vespa for more riding through the backstreets and vibrant residential areas to the next destination.  

On arrival, sample treats made from single origin, locally-produced Vietnamese chocolate that the New York Times once hailed as ‘the best you’ve never tasted’

The final stop of the evening takes you to a hidden bar. Take a sip from the bar’s signature cocktail and immerse yourself in Saigon’s vibrant atmosphere, before hopping back on the Vespa for the final ride back to the hotel.

Overnight in Saigon. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

This morning at 8:30, start the day with a visit to the iconic Saigon Central Post Office built between 1886 and 1891. Based on the design of French architect Villedieu, it is the creation of a unique vaulted ceiling with wrought iron beams and columns reminiscent of industrial architecture, which is now considered a symbol of Saigon and one of its most famous landmarks.

Walk along Dong Khoi street, formerly la rue Catinat and pay a visit to Gia Long Palace – Ho Chi Minh City Museum for its beautiful architecture and listen to its history through time. Continue to ‘Le Loi Street’ to meet a local artisan who specializes in traditional engravings. 

Next, stroll through the old central market (your vehicle will be available)  before arriving at the city’s oldest pre war-era apartment, built in 1886, and see what the young creative Vietnamese are up to from their funky boutiques and coffee shops. Sit down at one of the stylish coffee shops and interact with a local resident who moved here in 1975.

Leave the compound and have a look at the building on the other side, which used to be ‘Banque de l’Indochine’ (Indochina Bank) during the 1920s. It’s a stunning example of the ‘Indochinois’ east/ west fusion style of architecture that this area is known for. After this last stop, head back to the hotel.

Tonight’s exploration begins at 17:30. Get acquainted with your vintage wheels before driving through the city streets to the Opera House, a historic relic of the French era. Take your seat in the auditorium, the lights dim and the stage comes alive with the vibrant colors and rhythms of the ÀỐ Show. Performed by talented local dancers and artists, the show tells the story of Vietnam's heritage and culture through contemporary choreography and traditional music. 

After the show, step out onto the lively streets of Saigon. After a quick photo op, hop back into the vintage vehicle to a local bar situated in a vibrant neighborhood. Here, gain insights into Saigon's booming cocktail scene whilst mixing your own unique signature concoction under the guidance of a seasoned mixologist. 

After, savor a delectable dinner that pairs excellently with cocktails based on various gin varieties and regional ingredients and flavors. Once sated, hop back in the vintage car for the final drive back to the hotel.

Overnight in Saigon.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Central HCMC - Tan Son Nhat Airport (8km): 30mins

Be greeted then transfer approx. 30 mins (8km) from central Ho Chi Minh City to Ho Chi Minh City Airport in the comfort of a private, air conditioned vehicle with a private driver and a guide.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast