Day 1: Hanoi arrival (-/-/-)

Hanoi - Airport: 30km, ~40min drive

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you’ll meet your guide and driver who will then escort you to the city centre. After making sure of your successful hotel check-in, they will be pleased to leave you to get your own lunch and to recover after the long flight.

In the afternoon, we’ve arranged for a 45-minutes cyclo tour to discover the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. Here you will see French colonial buildings complemented by century old trees. Finishing the cyclo tour, we drop in for a visit to Ngoc Son Temple built on Jade Island. The temple is dedicated to Confucian and Taoist Spirits and our national hero, Tran Hung Dao who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century.

At the end of the day, you can relax with a one hour massage at a local spa (on us!).

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City - Street Food on Foot (B/-/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Tay Ho Temple located at the edge of the West Lake. Heading back to town, we then will visit Museum of Ethnology dedicated to Vietnam's fifty-four officially recognized ethnic groups. While the in-house exhibition is particularly informative, the outdoor display continues in the museum’s garden with fascinating examples of traditional houses of numerous minority groups, from the Kinhs to the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands.

In the afternoon, we reach Ho Chi Minh Complex (outside visit). This famous site compromises Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh Museum. We then visit the Temple of Literature constructed in 1070 to worship Confucius, which was served as the first University of Vietnam. The site also honors eighty-two Vietnamese doctorates who passed a number of rigid exams in the medieval ages. Their names, birthdays and birthplaces are engraved in eighty-two headstones perched on stone tortoises. It is widely believed in Vietnam that touching the heads of these tortoises will bring you luck. Its peaceful green compound with its neatly maintained lawns, gardens and lotus ponds make it a tranquil hideaway from the city’s bustle and heat.

At the end of the day, our guide we embrace a large part of Vietnamese culture: food. On this tour, we eat as we go, trying seasonal fruits and sampling delicious food just like the locals do on the street. The first dish to tempt our taste-buds is the famed Banh Cuon at a local eatery while watching how the skillful chefs work their magic. Walking through the maze of bustling streets to the atmospheric heart of the Old Quarter, we encounter street stalls and quiet residential lanes where you can observe the real local life. We will enjoy our two snack stops at outdoor barbeque stalls with various meat, vegetable and bread specialties that are flame grilled over hot coals for extra flavour.  For dessert, we venture down a small alley to join in the local tradition of feasting on fresh fruit served in a cup and smothered with crushed iced and condensed milk. After this, you will be taken to one of Hanoi’s best kept secrets, a hidden street food restaurant to taste the top ten street foods in Hanoi including Hanoi Bread, Vietnamese Rice Wine and the famous Egg Coffee (this can be replaced by a cold beer if you wish!). At the end of the trip, you are free to continue exploring the area or our guide will assist you with directions or a taxi back to your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi - Local Culture (B/L/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive 30km west of Hanoi to discover Sung Phuc Pagoda, also known as Tay Phuong Pagoda. This three-level structure was built in descending order on a hill that is said to resemble a buffalo. Features representing the “conditions of man” carved from jackfruit wood dating back from the 18th century are the pagoda’s most celebrated.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we drive back to town for a meeting with an Oriental Medical Doctor. He will explain the basic functions of traditional medicine before showing you some popular remedies that you can easily apply at home.

In the late afternoon, we enjoy Water Puppet Show, the unique Vietnamese traditional art originated from rural festivals in Vietnam. The artists-men and women-stand waist-deep in the water to manipulate the puppets, making them move, talk and laugh and even dance on the surface of the water.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

ALTERNATIVE OPTION FOR WATER PUPPET SHOW: CA TRU PERFORMANCE ON THURSDAY AND SATURDAY (surcharge requirement)

In the evening, our guide will take you to attend a Ca Tru performance for about 1 hour from 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm, also called the A Dao. Inscribed in 2009 on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritages in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, Ca Tru is a complex form of poetry singing found in Northern Vietnam using lyrics written in traditional poetic forms. Although little is known of this traditional music form, it has now become a tourist specialty not to be missed for tourists during their stay in Hanoi.

Day 4: Hanoi – Thay Pagoda (Master’s Temple) & Duong Lam Village - Ninh Binh (B/L/-)

Hanoi - Ninh Binh: 106km, ~1h50min drive

After breakfast, we drive 35km west of Hanoi to Thay Pagoda which is a Buddhist temple in Quoc Oai District. The pagoda is associated with the name of Monk Tu Dao Hanh, who had great success in teaching and healing the locals as well as organized and established wrestling and water puppetry. Thay Pagoda with the beauty of the natural landscapes and the historical - cultural values actually creates a tourist attraction in Hanoi. On the spectacular mountain scenery of Sai Son, Thay Pagoda appearing in the tranquility under the dim mist will certainly offer tourists special impressions.

We then transfer to Duong Lam village – a purely agricultural village of the Northern Red River Delta. Here, you will be taken to visit some hundred-year-old houses. There’s also chance to meet with local residents and visit a craft factory of soy sauce. You can also get on a bike and ride around this peaceful village.

After lunch with the locals, we depart for Ninh Binh (140km – 2h40min drive) with many attractions and stunning landscapes. Upon arrival, we assist with check-in and time is free for some well-deserved relaxation.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh

Day 5: Ninh Binh - Van Long Boat Trip (B/L/-)

After breakfast, we take a scenic 30 min drive to the peaceful Van Long natural reserve. Covering an area of 3,000 hectares with 32 beautiful caves, Van Long is the largest reserve of wetlands. A 1h 30min rowing boat trip will give you a stunning view of its beautiful landscapes and meet and greet with local people.

Our next destination after the boat trip is Hoa Lu ancient capital of Vietnam dating back to the 10th century. Time is then spent discovering its temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009).

After lunch, we drive to Thung Nham valley – a place called “the sky in the sea” 15km from Hoa Lu. Coming here, you will be surprised with a myriad of flowers blooming from the gates of the valley.  Boarding a two hour sampan ride we glide through three significant caves: Chua, The But (the longest one is But Cave with 500m). Here you can see a lot of spikes with a variety of different shapes. We head back to the hotel for the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh

Day 6: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay (B/L/D)

Ninh Binh - Halong: 200km, ~4h drive

After breakfast, we depart for Halong Bay. Sit back and enjoy the peaceful countryside symbolic of the Red River Delta. We will arrive at Halong Bay’s wharf around noon and embark an elegant wooden junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Halong Bay. Here we enjoy the striking scenery of this World Heritage Site. While being on board, we will be served fresh local seafood lunch followed by swimming and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. Witness one of the world’s best the sunsets before you sit down for a lush dinner. The captain then will anchor for the night nearby a remote island where you’ll have the option night fishing or just sit out on the deck and relax under the stars.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on Junk

Day 7: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Flight to Hue (Br/-/-)

Hanoi - Hue: 770km, 1h flight

After waking up surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the bay, we have time for an early morning dip. Then it’s time for breakfast whilst you watch the sun rise over Ha Long bay. The cruise continues to move around the bay for in order for us to discover more secluded areas; we then go kayaking and continue swimming around the bay. The boat will be near us at all times for those who prefer to relax on board. Around midday, we will return to the main harbour before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for the three-hour journey to Noi Bai airport for the flight to Hue. Upon arrival at Hue, our driver will meet and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Meals Included: Brunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 8: Hue City (B/L/-)

After breakfast at our hotel, we set out to explore Hue's famous highlights, starting with a boat trip along the Perfume River to reach the picturesque Thien Mu otherwise known as the Heavenly Lady Pagoda. One of the most poignant displays here is the car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. We then disembark the boat for a visit the elaborate tomb of former emperor Tu Duc, which was built between 1864 and 1867 by 3000 soldiers and workers. It includes fifty monuments surrounded by a 1500m long wall covering. We then head back to Hue for a well-deserved lunch!

In the afternoon, we visit Hue Imperial City, the last royal city of Vietnam with beautiful structures including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate and Nine Dynastic Urns to name a few. Built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the City was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945. We then do some shopping at the Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialties of Hue city.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 9: Hue - Danang - Hoi An (B/L/-)

Hue - Hoi An: 140km, ~2h30m drive

After breakfast at the hotel, we bid Hue farewell and continue our south bound journey to the old trading town of Hoi An via Danang. Along the way, we will stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments. From here we head up to the Hai Van pass, stopping at the top to take in the stunning views towards Da Nang city. Continuing on our way down the other side and into Da Nang, we will stop at the Museum of Cham Sculpture where the mix between French-colonial architecture and Cham elements are set in picturesque surroundings. Founded during the colonial French rule in 1915, this museum preserves sculpture items featuring the cultural, spiritual and ritual lives of the Cham people. Our next destination is the Marble Mountains - a cluster of five marble and limestone hills located in Ngu Hanh Son District, south of Danang City. All of the mountains have cave entrances and numerous tunnels, and it is possible to climb to the summit of Mt. Thuy. Several Buddhist sanctuaries can also be found in the mountains, making this a popular destination. Upon our arrival in Hoi An, we assist you with check-in and the rest of the day is free for your own exploration of this remarkable town.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 10: Hoi An Ancient Town (B/L/-)

As you walk through the well-preserved streets and of this old trading town you will visit the town’s most prestigious temples and monuments. We start with the Fujian Assembly Hall, dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau, protector of the fishermen and sailors (very important for a sea port town). We then head to Phuc Thanh Pagoda which was founded by a Chinese monk in 1454 and the stunning Japanese Bridge built in 1593 in order to link two the Japanese district to the Chinese district. No visit to Hoi An is complete without a visit to Tan Ky house which is a beautiful example of Hoi An’s traditional Chinese homes. Here, the owner shares the history of the home.

We visit colourful riverside markets and workshops home of the infamous Hoi An lantern. You will be given the chance to create your own lantern too!

After enjoying a lunch of Hoi An specialities at a local restaurant, you board your boat for a tour along the Thu Bon River to visit the Thanh Ha Pottery Village. Here you learn methods and view the skill of the friendly potters. These skilled artisans are welcoming and are happy to let you observe them while they work. There is also an amusing pottery village which houses small clay replicas of the world’s most famous monuments.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 11: Hoi An - Free & Easy (B/-/-)

Breakfast is served at the hotel. Today, time is for your own personal discovery (or relaxation). We highly recommend popping by of the infamous tailors.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

Day 12: Hoi An - Danang - Flight to Saigon (B/L/-)

Danang - Saigon: ~850km, 2h flight

After breakfast at hotel, our driver will meet and transfer you to Airport for flight to Saigon. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, meet your new guide and driver who then escort you to the hotel for check-in. You will then have time for your own lunch and some well-deserved relaxation.

In the afternoon, we take a half day to visit all famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the now-demolished wartime American Embassy. After that, we head to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975 when the North Vietnamese tanks came crashing through the front gates, bringing the U.S.-Vietnam War to a dramatic end. This will be followed by some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral. Notre Dame Cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883 where the stones used to create it were exported entirely from France. Apart from the religious meaning, the most captivating point of this Cathedral is its special neo-Romanesque style of architecture. Adjacent to the cathedral stands the Central Post Office, finished in 1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam's largest post office. After visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is a fantastic place for bargains of all kinds. There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offers fresh local dishes. You also can find many goods for daily use as well as a variety of eye-catching souvenirs.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 13: Saigon - Agricultural Village - Cu Chi Tunnels (B/L/-)

Saigon - Cu Chi: 30km, ~50m drive 

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the village of ‘organic vegetables’ in Cu Chi (30km – 1h drive). In this village, you will be guided by the farm’s owner and become a farmer for the day yourself. The tour will commence by walking around lush fields, where there are over a hundred species of herbs, vegetables and other crops typical of Vietnam. The owner not only explains the features and usefulness of vegetables including herbs - ingredients often used in the preparation of traditional dishes of Vietnam but also teaches you how to grow and harvest them. After a morning full of discovery and joy of the fields, with vegetables you have harvested yourself, you will be guided in the preparation of simple & easy to make Vietnamese dishes such as mushroom soup, sauté vegetables, vegetable salad with shrimp and pork. During lunch, you will taste the dishes you have just prepared. After lunch, you will also get further instructions on Vietnamese cuisine and dishes that you have any questions about.

Our next destination is the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, which were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during their long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, accommodation, schools, and were used as a military base for the Viet Cong in the Vietnam War. Upon arrival, we proceed to an underground hut to watch a short video and presentation about Cu Chi tunnels before having a real hand-on experience of what it took to live in the tunnels. We return to hotel Saigon in the late afternoon for the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 14: Saigon - Ben Tre - Dong Hoa Hiep (B/L/D)

Saigon - Ben Tre: 60km, ~1h20m drive 

After breakfast, we meet our guide and driver for a scenic drive in the direction of Ben Tre. Getting out of the city, you will see the mighty delta with its quaint rural landscape and vast waterways. On arrival in Ben Tre, we embark a boat trip to discover a village specialized in manufacturing products from the coconut. We then walk on foot through the extensive gardens of palm trees and to the unusual discovery of the villages where you'll see large, lush orchards, bonsai gardens or nursery. During the visit, you will discover the plant care technique of various fruit trees and bonsai.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we transfer by road to the island of Dong Hoa Hiep located between Vinh Long and Cai Be. We embark on another boat for a trip of about 15 minutes to reach the Mekong Lodge which is situated in a village in the heart of the Mekong Delta. You will discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical rural life of the Mekong Delta. These islands, permanently above water, are still unknown to many people. After check-in at the Lodge, time is free for discovery or relaxation.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Mekong Lodge in Tien Giang

Day 15: Dong Hoa Hiep - Can Tho (B/L/-)

Dong Hoa Hiep - Can Tho: 80km, ~1h40m drive 

After breakfast at the lodge, you can either walk or cycle around the island to discover the lush green landscapes of the Mekong. We will visit an orchard where you can pick and sample fresh fruit (mango, rambutan, and longan, etc.). Lunch will be served at the Lodge.

In the afternoon, we drive to Can Tho, the pantry of rice in the country standing on the right bank of Hau River. Along the way, we  discover market Vinh Long, animated by the Mekong River.

Upon arrival in Can Tho, we check-in to the hotel the rest of the evening is yours.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho

Day 16: Can Tho - Cai Rang - Saigon (B/L/-)

Can Tho - Saigon: 180km, ~4h drive 

Rising early to the sounds of the Delta coming to life for another day, we have breakfast and start our boat ride on Cai Nong canal. We float along this endless waterway of Mighty Mekong River heading toward the Cai Rang floating markets otherwise known as the biggest floating market in the Mekong Delta where hundreds of boats are packed with mango, bananas, papaya and pineapple for selling, buying and exchanging. We will sample delicious tropical fruits while gliding along. After we have lunch at a popular local restaurant we will head back to Saigon for the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 17: Saigon - Departure (B/-/-)

Saigon - Airport: 7km, ~20min drive

After breakfast at the hotel, time is free until your driver meets and transfers you to Tan Son Nhat airport for a flight back home or your next destination. Thank you very much for travelling with us!

Meals Included: Breakfast