Authentic Vietnam Holiday

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.

Overnight in HCMC

Day 2: Mekong Delta - Village boat trip

Morning:
Journeying out of the city, we head to the lush countryside of the Mekong Delta, often called as ‘Vietnam’s rice bowl’ because of its massive 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 savor a traditional lunch full of 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.

Overnight in Mekong Delta

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City - City tour

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:
Let’s head back to the city center, and our guide will take you to some of the most iconic spots in HCMC! We’ll visit Saigon River, Ben Thanh Market, the Reunification Palace, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Each stop will give you a taste of the diverse culture, the rich history and the true essence of HCMC.

Overnight in HCMC

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels

Morning:
Your day begins with an incredible journey to Cu Chi Tunnels. Just like stepping into a real-life history book, we’ll explore just a small part of this 250 km underground network built by Vietnamese back in the wartime. Can you believe these massive tunnels were not only war shelters but also kitchens, hospitals, command centers and secret storages for food and weapons? Get some adrenaline as we crawl through the tunnels and witness all kinds of guns and traps. Along the way, you’ll even hear incredible stories about the brave soldiers who lived, fought, or even sacrificed here during the Vietnam War. It’ll make you appreciate the peace we enjoy today even more.

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 ChinaTown, the War Remnant Museum, or the Central Post Office.

Overnight in HCMC

Day 5: Hoi An - Ancient town

Morning:
You’ll take a short flight to Da Nang and then head straight to your next destination, Hoi An. Once you arrive in Hoi An, shake off that morning travel fatigue and treat yourself to a delicious traditional Hoi An lunch.

Afternoon:
After lunch, your tour guide will take you on an orientation walk around the World Heritage-listed Old Town. Did you know Hoi An was once a bustling trading port in the 15th century, connecting Vietnam with the world? That’s why as we wander through its streets, we’ll see a beautiful blend of local and international cultures in 1,107 well-preserved wooden buildings. Our tour highlights include iconic landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Chinese Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Ancient House, and the bustling ChinaTown. The rest of the day will be on your own as the evening invites you to savor its magic beneath the gentle glow of lanterns.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 6: Hoi An - My Son Sanctuary

Morning:
Just about an hour’s drive from Hoi An, we’ll be as if transported back in time to the mystical My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO Heritage Site. You’ll encounter 20 stunning Cham monuments, each whispering tales of Cham cultures, architecture, and civilization that flourished from the 2nd to the 13th century. Upon your request, we can swing by a nearby theater for a mesmerizing Aspara dance performance, before returning to Hoi An.

Afternoon:
Get your camera charged up because after lunch, we’re hopping on a sunset cruise along the Thu Bon River, one of the biggest waterways in Central Vietnam. Capture breathtaking photos as the sun dips below the horizon. You can even pack some Vietnamese banh mi to enjoy while witnessing vibrant local scene along the riverbanks. Once night falls, the charming streets of Hoi An are yours to explore at your own pace.

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 the farm fun, it’s time to explore Hoi An at your own pace. You can freely ask your driver for a lift to the peaceful An Bang and Cua Dai beaches nearby. Soak up the sun, sink your toes in the sand, and relish in the crystal-clear waters—it’s beach bliss at its finest! (Make sure to only swim at areas with lifeguards!)

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 hit the road along the scenic Hai Van Pass, with jaw-dropping vistas of the boundless ocean, before arriving at Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.

Overnight in Hue

Day 9: Hue - Lagoon & Mangrove forests

Morning:
Let’s wake up early because your first day in Hue is all to discover Tam Giang Lagoon, the largest water lagoon in Southeast Asia. You’ll hop on a sampan boat and glide through a floating market bustling with fishermen trading their catch. Enjoy a delicious breakfast right on your boat when the sun gradually peeks over the horizon. Then we’ll cruise leisurely through this expansive 22,000-hectare lagoon to visit Ru Cha Mangrove Forest. You can even rent a bicycle to explore the biodiverse ecosystem of Ru Cha further on your own terms.

Afternoon:
After a delicious lunch, we’ll navigate through the aquaculture system to reach the fishing area. Channel your inner fisherman as you try your hand at catching shrimp, crab, and fish using traditional techniques passed down by the locals. And don’t forget to capture the stunning sunset scenes, worthy of gracing the pages of National Geographic. Wrapping up our day, we’ll head back to the downtown, where you can freely the beauty of Hue at night.

Overnight in Hue

Day 10. Hue - Imperial Citadel

Morning:
Your second day in Hue begins with a romantic boat journey along the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, the seven-storey historic symbol of Hue. Then we’ll dedicate the morning to exploring the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel. Built back in the 19th century, this complex was once the royal palace of Vietnam’s last dynasty, the Nguyen. Inside those ancient walls, you’ll discover a treasure trove of significant public buildings, lavish residences, and sacred places of worship.

Afternoon:
You’ll have the freedom to explore Hue at your own pace. Consider checking out the bustling Dong Ba Market or paying a visit to the resting places of the Nguyen’s Kings. Just keep an eye on the clock, as we’ll soon be boarding an overnight train to Hanoi this afternoon.

Overnight on train

Day 11: Lan Ha Bay - Luxury cruise trip

Morning:
After arriving at Hanoi Station, give yourself a moment to relax before we set out 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!

Overnight on cruise

Day 12: Lan Ha Bay - Ao Ech

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. Then, the cruise’ll transfer you to Ao Ech for some sightseeing thrills, including swimming and kayaking. Fun fact: this is the very spot where the Hollywood blockbuster movie ‘Kong: Skull Island’ was filmed! Afterwards, take a moment to unwind on deck and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Lan Ha Bay as we cruise back to the shore.

Afternoon:
After settling in your city centre hotel, it’s time for some free-spirited exploration in Hanoi! Why not fill your stomach with some local dishes? Did you know that Hanoi is the birthplace of Pho, the world’s favorite noodle soup? If your taste buds need direction, our guide can introduce to you the best Pho eateries in town.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 13 Hanoi - City Tour

Morning:
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 Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, unveiling the cultural diversity of 54 ethnic groups across Vietnam.

Afternoon:
After lunch, hop aboard a cyclo and meander through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, passing by vibrant shops and street food stalls. Our journey concludes at Hoan Kiem Lake, home to Ngoc Son Temple on Jade Island, accessed via the iconic The Huc Bridge. Afterwards, the day is yours to explore! We recommend checking out the water puppet shows – a delight for both young and old, promising an authentic cultural experience for you.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 14. 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!