Charming Vietnam Discovery

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City - Arrival

Welcome to the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), previously known as Saigon. Just one generation ago, HCMC was a war zone. But now, the city has transformed to become a dynamic commercial hub with modern skyscrapers and lively streets. Yet it hasn’t forgotten its past! You can easily find serene pagodas and temples, where the smell of incense fills the air with peace. And if you’re eager to learn more about the city’s history, there are plenty of museums filled with artifacts, stories and memories.

No matter your flight schedule, our friendly guide and driver will warmly welcome you upon arrival and take you to your hotel in the city center. Once settling in, you will have a chance to explore HCMC at your leisure. Why don’t you start your first day in Vietnam with some local street food? HCMC is truly a melting pot of cuisines, combining ingredients and recipes from many different regions and cultures. If your taste buds need direction, allow us to suggest some must-try dishes like cơm tấm (broken rice), bánh xèo (crispy pancake), and the most iconic ốc (snails/shellfish).

Overnight in HCMC

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels

Morning:
Your day begins with an incredible journey to Cu Chi Tunnels. We’ll explore just a small part of this 250 km underground network built by Vietnamese back in the wartime. These massive tunnels were not only war shelters but also kitchens, hospitals, command centers and secret storages for food and weapons. While crawling through the tunnels, you’ll hear incredible stories about the Viet Cong guerrillas who lived, fought, or even sacrificed here during the Vietnam War. Later, your lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Afternoon:
Let’s head back to the city center, and our guide will take you to the War Remnants Museum. You’ll have the incredible opportunity to witness documents, images, and artifacts that realistically depict the devastating impact of the war in Vietnam. And it’s a miss if we conclude the day without savoring any local food. HCMC is a true melting pot of cuisines, blending ingredients and recipes from various regions and cultures. So, put on your helmet and hold on tight, we’ll weave through the bustling traffic on scooters to the best eateries in town. From banh xeo (crispy pancakes) to ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk), and che (dessert soup), you’ll get to taste them all.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight in Hue

Day 3: Mekong Delta - Village boat trip

Morning:
Journeying out of the city, we head to the lush countryside of the Mekong Delta, often called ‘Vietnam’s rice bowl’ because of its abundance of rice paddies, fruit orchards, and flower gardens. When we arrive at Cai Be, we’ll hop onto a boat and cruise over to Tan Phong Island. Grab a bike and pedal along tranquil village paths to know more about the local way of life. Along the way, we can even stop by some handicraft workshops to see talented locals weaving water hyacinths. Then, it’s back on the boat to cross the mighty Mekong River to An Binh Island, where we’ll meet our homestay host and indulge in a traditional lunch packed with mouthwatering Mekong Delta specialties.

Afternoon:
Once our bellies are happily full, it’s time to explore the homestay orchard. You can wander around, picking seasonal fruits straight from the trees and sipping on tea while enjoying some lively traditional music. And for dinner, get ready to roll up your sleeves and join the host family in preparing some delicious local dishes. We’ll gather around the spacious veranda overlooking the garden to savor our food together.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight in Mekong Delta

Day 4: Mekong Delta - Visit to cottage industries

Morning:
Your second day at Mekong Delta starts with a walk along the village. You’ll be welcome to some local cottage industries and taste some freshly made rice paper, coconut candy, and pop-rice right from the source. Next, we journey by sampan, a traditional low-riding wooden boat and enjoy being paddled slowly along the maze of small canals. We’ll make a stop at the brick kilns village to witness skilled artisans crafting beautiful pottery from clay. Along the way, don’t miss the chance to see how catfish are farmed right on the Mekong River! Finally, we’ll gather at Vinh Long shore and head to the bustling center market, enjoying the vibrant trading scene of the locals before returning to HCMC.

Afternoon:
We’ll head to the airport for a short flight to Hue, the formal imperial capital of Vietnam. You will have a chance to explore Hue at your leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Hue

Day 5: Hue - City tour

Morning:
You’ll start your day with a cycling adventure around the charming streets of Hue. First up, we’ll visit the sacred Nam Giao Altar, where the Kings of Nguyen Dynasty offered sacrifices to the Heaven. Next, we’ll ascend Vong Canh Hill for a breathtaking panoramic view of Perfume River. Upon reaching Thuy Bieu Village, take a leisurely stroll through the village, passing by vast pomelo orchards – a specialty of the region. You’ll be warmly welcomed into a local family’s home to enjoy a traditional Hue lunch.

Afternoon:
Heading back to Hue city, we’ll make a stop at Ho Quyen Royal Arena and Voi Re Palace, where fierce battles between tigers and royal elephants once took place two hundred years ago. Later, it’s time to explore the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel. Built back in the 19th century, this complex was once the royal palace of Nguyen Dynasty, the last Vietnamese dynasty. Conclude our day with a leisurely romantic boat trip along the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, the seven-storey historic symbol of Hue.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hue

Day 6: Da Nang & Hoi An

Morning:
Lace up your shoes because today we’re going to Da Nang. We’ll hit the road along the scenic Hai Van Pass, with jaw-dropping vistas of the boundless ocean, to reach Da Nang. Our first stop will be Linh Ung Pagoda, where Vietnam’s tallest Goddess of Mercy Statue is located. From there, you’ll be treated to an incredible panoramic view of the entire Son Tra Peninsula, complete with charming fishing villages and stunning beaches stretching into the distance. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Afternoon:
We will head to the magnificent Marble Mountains. The mountains have a harmonious blend of structures and nature, with caves, tunnels, towers, and pagodas. Sure, you’ll have to tackle a few flights of stairs to reach the summit, but the breathtaking panoramas make every step worth it. Continue our journey to Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, a place with over 300 years of history. You’ll be mesmerized by the stone masterpieces crafted by skilled artisans who pour their hearts and souls into their work day and night. Afterwards, we’ll head to the ancient town of Hoi An. Once settling in your hotel, you can freely explore the town.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hoi An

Day 7: Hoi An - Tra Que Village

Morning:
Today’s your chance to experience life as a local farmer. You can choose between a leisurely bike ride or a comfy ride in a private car to visit Tra Que Vegetable Village. Did you know this 400-year-old farm village actually supplies organic veggies for all Hoi An and its neighboring areas? Along your way, take in the agricultural rhythms of Tra Que with lush rice fields, meandering rivers, and even water buffaloes chilling in the grass. When you arrive, get your hands dirty and learn the age-old art of cultivating and harvesting veggies alongside skilled farmers. Then, head to a local family’s home for a cooking class, where you’ll whip up your own traditional Hoi An lunch using freshly picked veggies from the village.

Afternoon:
After you finish up your meal, let’s return to Hoi An Ancient Town and dive into exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site. As you wander through the charming alleys, you’ll discover the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the Chinese Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Ancient House, and the bustling ChinaTown. End the day with a scenic sunset cruise on Thu Bon River – perfect for capturing stunning photos.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hoi An

Day 8: Da Nang - Ba Na Hills

Morning:
Today is all about a visit to Ba Na Hills, where you’ll ride the cable car route holding five world records. As you ascend, make sure to stop at the transit station at Linh Ung Pagoda, Le Jardin D’amour flower garden, and of course, the iconic Golden Bridge, a social media phenomenon since 2018. Once you reach the top of Ba Na Hills, get ready for a whole complex of fun activities suitable for all ages.

Afternoon:
It’s time to explore the charming recreated French Village, complete with old houses, churches, and castles that pay tribute to Ba Na’s discovery by the French in the early 1900s. Then, brace yourself for thrills at the Fantasy Park, Vietnam’s largest indoor amusement park, with a lot of adrenaline-pumping games. And don’t miss your chance to have a furnicular railway ride for breathtaking mountain views before saying goodbye to Ba Na Hills. Afterwards, we’ll head to the airport for a short flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city. Once settling in your city centre hotel, you will have a chance to explore Hanoi at your leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 9: Hanoi - City tour

Morning:
Today, let’s embark on a journey through Hanoi’s fascinating history and rich culture. We’ll start at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum to delve into the inspiring legacy of ‘Uncle Ho’, Vietnam’s beloved former leader. Next, a visit to his traditional stilt house nearby will provide insights into his presidential years during wartime. Following our exploration is the unique architecture of One Pillar Pagoda, shaped like a lotus blossom. Our guide then takes you to the Temple of Literature, hailed as Vietnam’s first university, with doctoral steles dating back 1000 years.

Afternoon:
After saving energy with local lunch, you will leave for the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which focuses on the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam. Returning to the city centre, we’ll hop aboard a cyclo and meander through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, passing by Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and The Huc Bridge. Our journey concludes with a water puppet show, a delight for both young and old, promising an authentic cultural experience for you!

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 10: Lan Ha Bay - Luxury cruise trip

Morning:
Let’s swap city bustle for serene seas today! This morning, we’re off on an exciting journey to Lan Ha Bay. After a cozy ride in a private car to the port, you’ll check in and board a luxurious cruise, ready to reveal the untouched beauty of this UNESCO-listed natural wonder. Once the captain sets sail, it’s time to fill your tummy with a delicious lunch and feast your eyes with odd-shaped limestone pillars and hidden coves along the way.

Afternoon:
A bamboo boat awaits to cruise you through a 70-meter water passage of Sang Cave, where you can marvel at the majestic limestone formations above your head. After that, our cruise will drop achor in Tra Bau, a tranquil area with emerald waters where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. When the sun sets, head back to the cruise for a breathtaking view from the top deck, followed by a traditional Vietnamese cooking class. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner and an overnight stay amidst the exotic landscape of Lan Ha bay. And for those craving even more fun, how about joining the cruise staff for midnight squid fishing? Who knows, we might just reel in some squid for a late-night party!

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight on cruise

Day 11: Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba National Park

Morning:
Waking up to the melody of waves lapping against the cruise, your day begins with a Tai-Chi session on deck and a warm breakfast after. Today we hop on Cat Ba Island for a hiking outing in Cat Ba National Park. Discovering this UNESCO biosphere reserve, it’s your chance to get to know a variety of rare species. As we go further, we’ll explore Trung Trang Cave with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. Returning to your cruise, save this time to soak in the panoramic bay views as we cruise back to the shore.

Afternoon:
Now, it’s time for some free-spirited exploration! You can spend your afternoon visiting any sights you didn’t get a chance to previously, like the Temple of Literature or Hoa Lo Prison. After a full day of activities, don’t forget to indulge in the street food paradise around Dong Xuan Market, where you can fill your stomach with the soul of Hanoi cuisine.

Meals included: Brunch
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 12: Hanoi - Departure

Your journey across iconic destinations in Vietnam comes to its end. After breakfast today, you’ll get the morning to yourself – no scheduled activities. Whenever you’re ready to go, our attentive driver will be ready to take you to the airport, ensuring a seamless transition for your departing flight. Until our paths cross again on your next adventure, safe travels!

Meals included: Breakfast