Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi!
Upon arrival, your guide or driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Interesting fact: The building shown in the above picture is known as "Shark Jaws," built in 1991 near Hoan Kiem Lake. Despite its controversial design at first, it has become an iconic fixture in the Old Quarter. It's been featured in many international documentaries and is a favorite spot for tourists to take coffee breaks and photos.
Day 2: Hanoi Cooking Class, Cyclo & Water Puppet Show
For your authentic culinary experience, we partner with Rose Kitchen, the no.1 cooking class provider in Hanoi. Today you will be picked up at your hotel by shared transfer. Head straight to a local market to purchase ingredients for the class and learn about produce integral to Vietnamese cuisine. Learn to cook in a local luxurious villa of 500m2 with a local chef. In the kitchen, you’ll prepare and cook authentic dishes, such as spring rolls, a salad of banana flowers, and barbecue pork with noodles and fish sauce. Once you’ve finished cooking, you’ll sit down to feast on the fruit of your labors,accompanied by free and unlimited local wine tasting, herbal tea, coffee,mineral water, our herbal welcome drink and free 1 beer/1 soft drink. You will then be dropped off at your hotel.
In the afternoon take a breezy cyclo ride through the Old Quarter’s 36 streets, named after the products that were sold from their shops. Today, vendors on Tin and Bamboo Streets still sell the same wares. Next, sip a strong Vietnamese coffee in a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake - an important symbol in Vietnamese folklore. End your day with a delightful water puppet show, a traditional art that is still being performed today.
Interesting fact: Imagine rice farmers turning flooded fields into stages for wooden puppets! That's how water puppetry began in Vietnam, back in the 11th century. Skilled puppeteers bring these puppets to life on water stages, accompanied by lively traditional music and captivating storytelling.
Day 3: Hanoi - Mai Chau
Today depart for Mai Chau. Discover ethnic minority villages, lush green mountains, rural culture and delicious northern cuisine on your 2 day trip to Mai Chau. Upon arrival check in your hotel and relax. In the afternoon, why not ride through the rice paddies field in Mai Chau valley which is dotted with stilt houses? The ride offers opportunities for taking photos, visiting local families and interacting with the locals.
Tip: Dining well in Mai Chau is a must. Everything here is incredibly fresh, from the fish sourced from the Da River to the bamboo shoots gathered from the forest—each locally caught or foraged. When you explore the local market in the morning, you'll witness vendors proudly showcasing their freshly harvested produce.
Day 4: Mai Chau half day trekking tour
Embark on a 30-minute drive to Mai Ha village, where our trekking adventure begins. We'll stroll through Kha village and marvel at the scenic beauty of Kha lake, the lifeblood of the Van Mai valley. Along the way, we'll encounter charming White Thai villages and interact with locals going about their daily routines. Our journey continues to Te Village, nestled deep in the jungle, offering an authentic glimpse into Thai minority culture. Conclude the excursion with a delightful lunch served en route or at a local household.
Day 5: Mai Chau - Ninh Binh
Morning at leisure.
After breakfast embark on a journey of about 3 hours to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of the Dinh and Le dynasties dating back to the 11th century. Having been eroded over the millennia, the dilapidated ruins have nearly been absorbed by the spectacular scenery creating a mystical atmosphere that will be sure to titillate your imagination.
After lunch in a local restaurant you will continue to nearby Tam Coc, popularly known for its outstanding natural beauty and the scenic karst formations which contribute to its reputation as being the “Halong Bay on land”.
Board a small boat and meander lazily down the peaceful river while passing through a series of caves. While enjoying the sounds of soaring birds overhead and paddling along the crystal-clear waters of the river, jagged limestone hills jutting skyward out of electric green rice paddies will be sure to bring out the photographer in you.
Finally, return to the pier, where your vehicle will be waiting for you for your transfer to your hotel in Ninh Binh.
Interesting fact: Ninh Binh is known as the "Halong Bay on land" for its beautiful karst landscapes and winding rivers.
Day 6: Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay
Depart from Ninh Binh and travel by road to Tuan Chau Island pier in Halong Bay Set off on Heritage Cruise, where you’ll be pampered in style and comfort whilst meandering through the towering limestone cliffs and emerald green waters of Ha long Bay. Stop in Tra Bau, a secret hideaway in Lan Ha Bay that has beaches, caves and coves. You can try kayaking or simply swim in the clear waters of the bay.
Back to your boat, enjoy life aboard the vessel or in your suite, and with cocktail in hand watch the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. In late afternoon part in a professional cooking demonstration before indulging in a luxurious dinner in the dining hall. Spend the rest of the evening as you’d like: watch a movie in the dining area, relax on the deck with a cocktail, or go squid fishing under the cover of night.
Tip: Consider spending two nights in Ha Long Bay, especially if you're traveling from September to November or March to May when the weather is particularly favorable.
Day 7: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - fly to Hue
Rise with the sun and practice Vivonam on the sundeck while taking in majestic views of the surrounding bay and the cool sea breeze. Wrap up your experience with a bamboo boat trip to visit Dark and Bright Cave before cruising back to Tuan Chau Marina. Your guide and driver will take you to Hanoi airport for your flight to Hue.
Upon arrival in Danang you will be taken to your hotel in Hue.
Day 8: Hue Full Day City Tour
Start your tour with the ancient walled Citadel, which was closely modelled along the lines of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Then visit Khai Dinh tomb, admire the unusual combination of architecture that blends a traditional Chinese past with a modern Western future. Khai Dinh was the Nguyen Dynasty’s most eccentric and unusual king, who reportedly embraced French colonialism. Much like his father, Khai Dinh favoured imported luxuries, spent huge sums of money on his tomb, and was the subject of ridicule by nationalist leaders. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In afternoon you’ll have a tour of Thien Mu pagoda, one of iconic sights in Hue and An Hien garden house. An Hien garden house contains many large and small architectures built according to the traditional architecture style of Vietnam in general and Hue in particular. The garden house is strongly influenced by fengshui. The main architecture of An Hien garden house is a 3-room 2-gable house with wooden structure and beautifully sculpted patterns. Over a century of existence, An Hien remains almost intact both in landscape and architecture.
Tip: Did you know that Hue was once the former royal capital of Vietnam and is renowned as one of the country's most remarkable culinary destinations? We can arrange a mini food tour for lunch, during which our guide can introduce you to the most iconic Hue dishes. These range from the famous bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and traditional Hue royal cakes such as banh bot loc, banh nam, and banh beo, to fragrant specialties like com hen (clam rice) and nem lui (lemongrass skewers).
Day 9: Hue drive to Hoi An via Hai Van pass
Today you will be transferred to Hoi An over the scenic Hai Van Pass,probably the most scenic stretch of coastal road in Vietnam. You will visit Cham museum which houses the largest exhibition of Cham sculpture in the world with almost 300 terracotta and stone works of art ranging from the 7th to the 15th centuries. The tour continues with a visit to the Marble Mountains which are a group of five limestone and marble hills in Ngu Hanh Son District. The mountains sheer porous limestone is punctuated by caves and tunnels which are fitted with spectacular Buddhist and Hindu shrines. Check in your hotel in Hoi An. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Tip: For your first night in Hoi An, why not take a leisurely walk or use the hotel's shuttle bus to visit Hoi An Ancient Town? Take in the charming atmosphere, indulge in some delicious local cuisine, and unwind at a riverside bar.
Day 10: Hoi An Full Day City Tour
Begin your story of Hoi An, a former port that welcomed Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants between the 16th to 18th centuries. Today it is renowned for its old quarter lined with two-storey Chinese shops, with elaborate carved wooden facades and terracotta tile roofs. And not forgetting expert tailor shops and delicious food! The tour includes stops at several famous landmarks. The first is Chua Ong Pagoda, dating back to 1653 and built in honor of the Chinese general Quan Cong, who is worshipped by many as a symbol of loyalty and justice. Next, pop into Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, to see the Jinshan Temple which is dedicated to the goddess of the sea and the protector of sailors. From there it’s a short walk to Tam Ky House, a 200 year old ancestral house and finally, stroll across the often photographed 17th century covered bridge built by Japanese craftsmen. The beautifully built bridge doubles as a temple and is a major landmark of Hoi An. After a Vietnamese lunch, take a short boat trip down the river and visit a craft village where local artisans make ceramics. End your afternoon with a visit to the docks and see traditional fishing boats and the unusual round basket boats that ply the water.
Day 11: Hoi An - Street Eat Tour
Set off on a culinary adventure in Hoi An to discover the flavours and dishes that make this coastal town unique. Alongside an expert local guide, your journey introduces you to the stories behind Hoi An’s most iconic dishes at the town’s most famous eateries. Start your tour at a local restaurant famous for white rose dumplings, found exclusively in Hoi An. Enjoy these delicacies while marveling at the work that goes into them. The staff churn out up to 6000 of these dumplings every day and each one is as beautiful as the last. Your visit here includes a chance to try making a few of your own dumplings too!
Continue on to find another local specialty: banh can. These crackers are served with quail eggs, pork and a tasty salad and are a Hoi An street food favourite. Pull up a small street side stool and enjoy with your guide. Alternative is banh mi “Vietnamese baguette”. Continue onward to sample grilled pork satay and visit the central market on way. Finally, the famous Cao Lau noodles or equally popular chicken rice. Wrap up the tour with a local Vietnamese coffee- the perfect ending to any meal.
Tip: Consider extending your stay in Hoi An if your schedule permits. There's always more to explore! Take some time to relax with a massage, shop for local treasures, or embark on a tour to visit the fascinating My Son Sanctuary, an ancient Cham site. Alternatively, you can visit the iconic Golden Bridge, famed for its unique design reminiscent of being lifted by two giant hands.
Day 12: Hoi An - Danang - fly to Ho Chi Minh - Evening Street Eat Tour
Today fly to Ho Chi Minh City.
Your food adventure begins with a local street food guide, passionate about Vietnamese cuisine, who will pick you up from your hotel by private transfer. You'll leave the tourist areas behind and dive into a food paradise in a non-tourist district. Start by tasting "Banh Xeo" and "Banh Khot,"Central and Southern rice pancakes served with an abundance of fresh Vietnamese vegetables.As you stroll along a street famous for its barbecue seafood vendors, you'll visit a local favourite restaurant to enjoy dishes like "bo la lot" (beef wrapped in wild betel leaves) or "banh canh Trang Bang" (special pork noodle soup or thick noodles with codfish pie).
Your culinary journey continues into the heart of the street food district,where you'll sample "bot chien," pan-fried rice cakes with egg and spring onions, crafted by a local chef with over 25 years of experience. Refresh yourself with a sugar cane juice mixed with a hint of orange. Finally savor the iconic "Banh Mi" Saigon baguette, experiencing the perfect fusion of flavors in every bite
Day 13: Cu Chi Tunnel and Saigon City Tour
Begin your journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels by departing around 8 a.m. from your hotel. Travel through the countryside, once a stronghold of the Viet Cong. Upon arrival, watch a short video detailing the life of soldiers in the tunnels during the war. These cramped tunnels played a crucial role in the 1968 Tet Offensive and suffered significant damage from American B-52 bombers, which left large craters behind. The tunnels served as living quarters, supply routes, and hospitals for guerrilla fighters, with many suffering from malaria and other diseases, though some were also born or married there. Today, they stand as a testament to the Vietnamese people's resilience.
In the afternoon, enjoy a half-day walking tour of Saigon. Start with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, where your guide will explain the city’s darkest hours during the Vietnam War. The museum features military aircraft, weaponry, and graphic photographs that convey the war's impact. Despite the younger generation being too young to remember the war, its legacy remains strongly felt in Vietnamese society.Next, visit the Reunification Palace, the former symbol of the South Vietnamese Government, where the war ended on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates. Explore the war room, banquet hall, and presidential office, which display unusual gifts received over the years.Continue to the Central Post Office, designed by renowned architect Gustave Eiffel, where you can send a postcard. Just behind it is the Notre Dame Cathedral, a neo-Romanesque landmark built by the French between 1863 and 1880, and a popular backdrop for Vietnamese wedding photos.Stroll down Dong Khoi Street, featured in Graham Greene’s novel The Quiet American as Rue Catinat. The walk ends at the Saigon Opera House, which has a rich history, from serving as a bomb shelter to housing the parliamentary Lower House.
Day 14: Mekong Delta Full Day Tour
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Depart from your hotel at 8am and drive about 2 hours from Saigon to the township of Cai Be to board the Cai Be Princess. The crew welcomes you aboard with cold towels and a refreshing drink as the Cai Be Princess Sampan sets off for its leisurely cruise on the busy waterways of the Mekong Delta. On the river, allsorts of boats ply the water, from small fishing boats to cargo barges loaded with fruit and vegetables. Observe a little of river life as it plays out on the banks - noting the people and the stunning landscapes - while your attentive crew serves you tea and seasonal fruit. At Tan Phong Islet board a little rowing boat to explore the canal’s hidden mangroves.
Return to yoursampan to visit an ancient house built in the 19th century.Make stops along the way to provide glimpses of local cottage industries, including factories for the production of coconut candy and puffed rice (the local equivalent of popcorn), products that provide a living for the river people. Your cruise ends at Le Longanier Restaurant. Lunch is served in this exquisite colonial-style villaset in a lush tropical garden by the river, surrounded by fruit trees, giving you a sense of life during the Indochina of yesteryear. After lunch, take a short walk along a small canal, towards the Ba Bon Bridge where your personal vehicle awaits to drive you to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon.
Tip: The Mekong Delta is renowned for its tasty and unique cuisine, including Banh Xeo (crispy rice pancakes with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts), Hu Tieu (rice noodles in a flavorful broth), and Ca Tai Tuong Chien Gion (deep-fried elephant ear fish). While you'll get a taste of these dishes on your day trip, consider extending your visit to stay overnight in the Mekong. This way, you can explore more delicious food and immerse yourself in the bustling morning floating market the region is famous for.
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City - Phu Quoc
Today fly to the paradise island of Phu Quoc.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 16 - 17 : Phu Quoc - relaxing on the beach
Day 14: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City
Free days at leisure to relax on the beach.
Day 18: Departing Phu Quoc
Today transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
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