Welcome to Vietnam!

Meet & greet: Upon arrival at airport, you will be welcomed to Vietnam by your private English-speaking guide, and then transferred to your hotel. Early check-in at your hotel is subject to availability on arrival.

Suggested evening Water Puppet show: Water Puppetry is a traditional and unique Vietnamese Art. This highly entertaining form of theatre uses the water surface as stage. Standing waist-deep in the water, the master puppeteers are hidden behind a bamboo screen. The technical virtuosity of the puppeteers is startling and the music enticing. The entire atmosphere is truly enchanting. Many of the brief episodes relate to scenes of the daily life. (The water puppet show is not included in your itinerary but can be arranged by your guide and paid for locally).

Highlights: Arrival and welcome
None
Overnight in Hanoi at your selected hotel

Morning tour of Hanoi & cyclo tour of the Old Quarter: Start the tour of Hanoi with a visit to Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a relic complex associated with the history of Thang Long – Dong Kinh citadel and Hanoi province starting from the pre-Thang Long period (An Nam invaded in 17th century) through Dinh – Tien Le period. thriving under the Ly, Tran, Le dynasties and Hanoi citadel under the Nguyen dynasty.This is a huge architectural work, built by the kings in many historical periods and became the most important monument in the system of Vietnamese monuments. Following we will pass by the Soviet style Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh read out the declaration of the nation’s independence in 1945.

Afterwards you will visit the ancient Temple of Literature which was built in the 11th century and was the first university established in Vietnam. End the day by enjoying a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter. The best way to explore the picturesque area of the Old Quarter is by “cyclo” (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi). Also known as the “36 Streets District”, it was once the thriving commercial centre of the city. Each of the 36 short lanes used to specialise in a particular trade represented by one of the guilds. This is still reflected in the names of certain streets: like Silk Street, Gold Street and Fish Street. Among the ancient homes and attractive temples there is a multitude of tantalising souvenir shops. After exploring the Old Quarter, option of your choice with going straight to the train street to enjoy egg coffees at a nice shop trackside and experience the unique ambiance. Although train schedules show them to come daily, sometimes they do and sometimes not, so if you’re lucky, you may catch one and experience the huge train passing right in front of your face. When you’re done with the drinks, your guide will take you back your hotel for relaxation.

Afternoon at leisure in Hanoi: This afternoon you have time at leisure to explore the Vietnamese capital independently. Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, go shopping in the Old Quarter.

Street food tour of Hanoi: This late afternoon, your guide will take you on a street food tour of Hanoi. Wander about the Old Quarter streets to taste and enjoy aromas from local street food stalls, try some assorted sweet fried fruits and end the trip with dinner at a well-known rustic restaurant, where there is only one dish – grilled fish fillets, smothered in dill and saffron-infused oil, served straight from the frying pan onto your plate. Option of your choice to explore some hidden places to taste the real Hanoi Bia Hoi, a delicious local craft beer. Please note that the detail of this tour is flexible and your guide may make changes to give you the best experience depending on the day.

Highlights: Hanoi city tour with cyclo ride and evening street food tour
Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Hanoi at your selected hotel

Road journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay: This morning (at approximate 08.00am to 08.30am) you will be met at your hotel by your private guide. Then You will be driven through the Red River delta to the coast and the Gulf of Tonkin, where the waters of Ha Long Bay are found, a journey of approximately 3 hours.

Overnight Ha Long cruise: You will arrive in Ha Long around midday, where you will board your deluxe junk where a welcome drink awaits. After a relaxing break, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch while cruising through the magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waters like dragons’ teeth. All activities arranged by the cruise are on a shared basis. After lunch you will explore some of Halong Bay’s famous caves and grottos. There will also be the opportunity for swimming on a quiet beach or sunbathing on the sundeck. In the late afternoon there will be an excursion to a local fishing village, and a water tunnel. Return to the boat in time for a pre-dinner drink as the sun is setting. Please note that the cruise itinerary is subject to alteration dependent on sailing conditions.

Highlights: Overnight on bay, swimming
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Sharing on your selected boat in Ha Long/Lan Ha Bay

Morning’s Cruise: Enjoy an early start with Tai Chi on the sundeck, otherwise sleep in until breakfast is served. This morning, you will visit Thien Canh Son Cave – the medium size and less visited cave in Bai Tu Long Bay. After seeing these amazing rock formations return to the quay at Hon Gai in the mid-morning, whilst brunch is served on board. Disembark the junk late this morning.

Road journey from Ha Long back to Hanoi: Travel back by road to Hanoi with sightseeing en route, a journey of approximately 3 hours. Continue to Hanoi airport in time to catch your onward flight to Hue.

Highlights: Tai Chi on board and fly to Hue
Brunch
Overnight in Hue at your selected hotel

Guided tour of Hue city: This morning, stroll around the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City nearby. Modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing by the Nguyen emperors in the early 19th century, the city was badly damaged during the war but the imposing city walls surrounded by a large moat afford good views of Hué. The palace retains a feeling of its past scale and importance, with detailed stonework and pavilions and it is at the moment in the process of being restored to its former magnificence. Following, we will take a short walk through the beautiful garden home complex of Phu Mong (Kim Long) and stop by a local home for tea-break and possible interaction with local family before visit one of the Royal Mausoleums in Hue, the final resting places of the Nguyen Emperors, which are dotted around the hills surrounding the south bank of the Perfume River. End the day with stop by Thien Mu Pagoda, sitting on the riverbank outside the city, this octagonal seven tier stupa has long been regarded as the symbol of Hué and was founded in 1601. It is still a site of Buddhist worship and its huge bell is said to be audible from the city.

Afternoon at leisure: This afternoon is time at leisure to relax at your hotel or explore Hue city and surrounding area independently.

Home hosted Dinner at local residence: Early this evening, we will visit a special residence in Hue where you can learn from the family members how they bring the essence of the Royal ambiance and culture into their home. It is built in royal architectural style, located on the most beautiful site of the Perfume River, and conceptually designed as an East West cultural meeting place. The owners will welcome you personally for tea-break and following by home hosted dinner. The soirée as the highlight of the evening will unfold in the ambience of the Theatre House, set up with the repertoire and accompanied by the traditional instrument ensemble interpreting Ca Hue Royal Chamber Songs, World lullabies, Vietnamese Art Songs, Folksongs and Western Classical Songs. Your meals is included music Récital in royal architecture, painting exhibition and refreshment.

Highlights: Explore Hue city and home hosted dinner
Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight in Hue at your selected hotel

Road journey from Hue to Hoi An: This morning, you will be driven south, along highway 1, to Hoi An, a journey of approximately 3 hours. Soon the highway meets the Hai Van Pass (meaning Pass of the Ocean Clouds). There are some spectacular vista points and photo opportunities en-route as the Truong Son Mountain range cuts across the narrow centre of the country. The mountain range has created a barrier to the cold airstreams from the north which often results in thick cloudbanks over the peaks. The pass has been a strategic military focal point during Vietnam’s turbulent history and from the top there are views of the curve of Danang Bay. Then, continue transfer to Hoi An and check in your hotel and relaxation.

Afternoon Hoi An walking tour: You will enjoy a walking tour of the ancient town center including temples, old houses, pagodas and the Japanese-covered Bridge to introduce an insight of Hoi An architecture/ history as well as the restoration plan being implemented by UNESCO. Free on your own to explore this ancient town and the colorful market with its stalls brimming with tropical specialties. The market is a good place to buy silk, which can be made upon into fine garments, all within a day. The remainder of the day is free at leisure for your own time of shopping or hanging around.

Highlights: Moving to Hoi An and walking tour
Breakfast
Overnight in Hoi An at your selected hotel

Guided cycling tour to countryside of Hoi An and cooking class at Kumquat: After breakfast, around 08.00am depart the resort to Hoi An to enjoy a soft cycling tour to Hoi An’s countryside. Our ride begins by exploring the hidden passageways and winding alleyways of Hoi An, stopping to photograph the iconic Japanese bridge. Crossing first the canal bridge near the night market we continue to the new metal bike bridge connecting Hoi An proper and its southern villages. We continue riding to one of Hoi An’s most beautiful villages. Next, we pedal past rice fields and vegetable farms along small canals and waterways towards a boat building site.

Next, we pedal past rice fields and head to Tra Que vegetable village, which is named after a sweet-scented herb they grow and use to spice up Hoi An specialties. Upon arrival, learn about the history and custom of this charming village. Learn the traditional gardening methods and how they cultivate the vegetables. Arriving at Kumquat Cooking class restaurant, where we have a chance to freshen up before joining our cooking class. Working together with your chef we learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional Vietnamese utensils.
After the class we sit down and a chance to savour the dishes we have prepared. Recipes from the class will be made available to you so you can recreate them at home. After lunch, take a short ride through alleyways back to ancient town. On the way back, we will visit to local shops selling handmade lanterns, leather, jewellery and textiles. Then, take a walk to local coffee in Hoi An town (near the riverbank) to try a local coffee or local fruit/ice-cream. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the charming tour of Hoi and surrounding area independently.

Highlights: Cycling tour and private cooking class
Breakfast, lunch
Overnight in Hoi An at your selected hotel

Day at leisure: Today is at leisure to explore the charming tour of Hoi and surrounding area independently or relax at the nearby beach. Tours and excursions can be arranged locally, including cycle in some beautiful countryside, a day trip out to see the famous ruins at My Son sanctuary or see your tailor for a second fitting.

Highlights: Free day
Breakfast
Overnight in Hoi An at your selected hotel

Private transfer: At approximate time this morning, you will be pick up at your hotel by your guide and then be transferred to Da Nang airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, meet with your guide and transfer to your hotel for check in.

Afternoon guided of the Cu Chi Tunnels: This afternoon, your guide and driver will transfer you out of the city to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast network of tunnels, stretching for over 150 kilometres, was built by the Viet Cong in the battles for the South. The tunnels are a sobering insight into the dedication of the Viet Cong who virtually lived in the narrow and claustrophobic tunnels whilst the war raged. Nearby, a chilling demonstration of the traps and weapons that were used against the Americans is given. The Cu Chi tunnels have been widened in places for visitors, however they can still be dark, hot and claustrophobic inside so please bear this in mind if you do not like enclosed spaces.

Highlights: Fly to Saigon and Cu Chi tunnels
Breakfast
Overnight in Saigon at your selected hotel

Full day tour to the Mekong Delta/Ben Tre: This morning you will be met at your hotel and head one and half hours southwest of Saigon and along the way notice lush rice paddies and fruit farms emerging alongside the highway. Upon arrival Ben Tre, we board the charming wooden boat sailing across the Mekong Rivers while enjoying coconut juice. Our first stop at a brick making shop, where the locals still use centuries-old traditional methods to make the bricks by hand. Following, we will visit a local coconut manufacturer to see procedure of coconut processing, such as peeling coconut, coconut crushing, coconut pruning, coconut candy, making activated carbon … We will also visit local handicraft – mat weaving, where we will meet and talk with local people, known for their friendliness, warmth and generosity.

Afterward, you have option to get on a rickshaw motorcycle riding on narrow village roads to enjoy the lush surroundings of rice paddies and fruit farms alongside or start a bicycle trip around Nhon Thanh village around 4km (or can do longer), traveling through some tranquil villages where vegetables gardens to be able to touch on real life and find out about tropical culture from Peasants. We will enjoy simple lunch at local restaurant offering Mekong Delta specialties. After Lunch, a hand-rowing sampan will take you through narrow canals under a green canopy of water-coconut trees to catch a glimpse of the daily activities of the local people. After the visit, re-embark your boat to ride back to the pier in Ben Tre for disembarkation and drive back to Saigon.

Highlights: Full day tour to Mekong Delta
Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight in Saigon at your selected hotel

Morning guided tour of Saigon city: This afternoon your guide will take you to Flower Market and Cholon, Saigon’s Chinatown District. Wander the markets, shops and pagodas. See various herb stores and get an insight into traditional medicine. Then, visit the Cantonese Thien Hau Pagoda and the Khmer Market. Afterward, let our guide take you off track to try some of Saigon’s famous iced coffee whilst our guide will take you on a walking tour of Saigon’s former colonial quarter, which boasts Notre Dame Basilica, Gustave Effeil’s Central Post Office. Meander along Dong Khoi (former Catinat street) and Nguyen Hue streets to get a great view of famous city hall in Saigon. Then, visit the former Presidential Palace, and War Remnants Museum. 

Afternoon at leisure: This afternoon is at leisure in Saigon to explore independently and hunt for souvenirs.

Explore Saigon nightlife by vintage Vespa motorbike: This evening, you will be picked up at your hotel to enjoy a fun tour with a local guide on the back of a vintage Vespa motorbike. You will be briefed of tour program and learn more about the nightlife in Saigon. The evening kicks off with drinks at a rooftop bar, while enjoying views over the Saigon skyline! Then your expert driver will take you through the city, weaving through the buzzing thoroughfares of Saigon as well as narrow back alleys. Sitting on the back of the Vespas, you’ll be able to soak it all in: the glittering illuminated sites, the smells of streetside food stalls, the sounds of the city and more. The tour includes stops at a mix of venues, giving you the opportunity to experience a truly local night out. We take you to two popular restaurants where you’ll sample several beloved Saigon dishes, all washed down with a cold drink. After dinner, you’ll also kick back at a Vietnamese-style cafe, enjoying live music while sipping a beer or cocktail. You then have the option of returning back to your hotel to relax, or continuing the night wraps up at a lively music bar where you can groove to the tunes alongside the hip young Vietnamese crowd. If the latter you will end the trip at around 10.00pm and your Vespa driver will bring you back the hotel for the night. All food and drinks are included- all you need to bring is your appetite and sense of adventure.

Highlights: Saigon city and Explore Saigon nightlife by Vespa motorbike
Breakfast
Overnight in Saigon at your selected hotel

Morning at leisure: This morning is at leisure in Saigon to explore independently and hunt for souvenirs. You will have to check out of your room at noon time and then be transferred to the airport for your departure flight home. ***Note: check out time at your hotel is at 12:00pm

Highlights: Ends of your trip in Vietnam
Breakfast

End of services