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.

Road journey from Hanoi to Mai Chau: Afternoon drive to Mai Chau, a journey of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes passing fields of tapioca, sugar and rice paddies. The journey includes 1-2 short stops on way for drink and photo opportunities. Arrive in Mai Chau late afternoon. Mai Chau is an idyllic valley home to many hill tribes including the Dzao, Muong and Thai.

Evening attends traditional Thai dance show: This evening, you may want to attend a traditional dance show. The Thai are well known for their folk dances in traditional costumes. Be mesmerized by the traditional dances performed by the Thai villagers. A brief explanation of each dance is given before the start which states what the dance symbolizes in their culture. Listen quietly and watch the magic. What’s more attractive than watching a folk-dance performance while taste the local rice wine. Surely, you can join and these ladies will lead your steps.

Highlights: Hanoi city and move to Mai Chau valley
Breakfast
Overnight in Mai Chau at your selected hotel

Guided trekking around Mai Chau: Today you have a guide at your disposal to do some trekking. There are many great trekking routes possible in the hills around Mai Chau and you can discuss what the right length and difficulty is for you with your guide (such as Hike to Mai Ha, Te, Khoe village), strolling through local villages and evergreen rice paddies. This nature work out will allow you to experience all that is going on in the fields as you pass by – from buffaloes ploughing to locals planting or harvesting the latest rice crop.

Afternoon guided tour of Mai Chau valley: this afternoon, we will enjoy a leisurely two hours cycling tour on local bikes through the beautiful valley of Mai Chau. Through your guide, engage in a chat with local hill tribe people to learn about their daily lives such as planting rice, herding buffalos and building traditional houses. Dinner is at the lodge.

Highlights: Explore Mai Chau valley
Breakfast
Overnight in Mai Chau at your selected hotel

Morning at leisure or explore more Mai Chau: This morning you have time to relax at the hotel to enjoy facilities or your guide at your disposal to do some trekking or explore the local area independently. There are many great trekking routes possible in the hills around Mai Chau, or strolling through remote villages, passing local cornfields, bamboo forests, paddy fields and waterfall. You also have an opportunity to visit a local house and listen to their stories about their daily life, their customs and traditions in an ethnic village.

Road journey from Mai Chau to Hanoi: at the approximated time, travel back by road back to Hanoi, a journey of approximately 3 hours. Arrive in Hanoi, check-in your hotel and remainder of the day is at leisure. Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, go shopping in the Old Quarter.

Highlights: Drive back to Hanoi
Breakfast
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

Morning 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 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. The house was 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 possible interaction to learn more about Hue cultural.

Visit and enjoy tea-break at local residence: Following, 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 possible interaction to learn more about Hue cultural.

Afternoon tour to the Royal Mausoleums: The final resting places of the Nguyen Emperors are dotted around the hills surrounding the south bank of the Perfume River. They were also designed for recreation – somewhere the emperor could fish, hunt and enjoy the company of his concubines in his twilight years. Each tomb is of individual construction but usually features a pavilion, detailing the lifetime accomplishments of the dead emperor, a temple for worship to the emperor, a sepulchre, where the emperor’s remains are enclosed, a decorative courtyard and a lotus pond. The Tomb of Tu Duc and of Khai Dinh are two of the best examples and you will be shown around these during the tour.

Highlights: Explore Hue city
Breakfast
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

Private transfer: This morning is at leisure until check-out of your hotel. Then you will be pick up at your resort by your guide and then be transferred to the airport for the flight to Can Tho.

Upon arrival in Can Tho, meet with your guide and transfer to your hotel for check in. Balance of the day is at leisure

Highlights: Fly to Can Tho
Breakfast
Overnight in Can Tho at your selected hotel

Morning visit to floating market: This morning departs by road to a nearby dock, and board a sampan boat to explore Cai Rang, the largest floating market on the Mekong. The seemingly chaotic gathering is mostly large boats wholesaling vegetables and fruit, but there are also local traders selling groceries to the larger boats. After visiting the floating market, you have the option to visit a noodle making facility and local fruit orchard or return to the hotel to rest.

Afternoon visit countryside of Can Tho: enjoy journey through the enchanting Mekong Delta and discover historic sites religious landmarks and uncover the juxtaposition of French colonial and Chinese inspired architecture. Start the getaway at Binh Thuy Ancient House and observe the harmonious combination between French colonial and Southern Vietnamese architecture. Following we will visit lush green orchards and enjoy sweet and fragrant fruits and kids will also have chance to make traditional folk cakes in Mekong. We will cruise down the Hau River to bring you to the model of rafting fish farming on the river. You will learn about many rare and typical fish on the Mekong River here.

Highlights: Floating market and countryside
Breakfast
Overnight in Can Tho at your selected hotel

Morning at leisure: This morning, you have time to relax at your resort to enjoy facilities of the resort. 

Road journey from Can Tho to Saigon: At approximated time today, check out your hotel and travel back by road to Saigon, a journey of approximately 2 hours and half, depending on traffic conditions.

Afternoon at leisure: Arrive in Saigon, you will be transferred to your hotel for check in and relaxation. Relax at your hotel or explore independently.

Highlights: Move to Saigon
Breakfast
Overnight in Saigon at your selected hotel

Morning guided tour to Cu Chi Tunnels by roundtrip speedboat: You will be transferred to Bach Dang jetty and then board on the chartered speedboat boat to the Cu Chi tunnels. This river journey provides a glimpse of the changing faces of Vietnam – from the glittering skyscrapers and busy commercial centres to green paddy fields and pottery villages dotted along the Saigon River. The tunnel complex was initially started in 1948 to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. The tunnels also served as communication routes, storage facilities for food and weapon caches as well as hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the American war. A visit to the underground villages will provide a better understanding of how the tunnels were constructed, the hardship of life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese resilience during combat. Then get on back the speedboat to bring you back to Saigon. 

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: Cu Chi tunnels and Street food tour
Breakfast & Dinner
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

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