Today’s discovery of Hanoi starts at 08:30.  Begin with a visit to the sixth-century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda, on the shores of serene West Lake.

Next, take a short drive to visit the famed Temple of Literature. In 1076 Quoc Tu Giam - Vietnam's first university, also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite, for an incredible 800-years. 

Following, chose a museum option (to be discussed on the actual day of the tour): 

Option 1: Vietnam Women’s Museum.  Highly acclaimed, the museum displays highlights of Vietnam’s vast cultural diversity and the significant role women play in Vietnamese society. 

Option 2: The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed Mondays) is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam. The museum houses a vast collection of interactive exhibits that showcase the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam.

Continuing on foot past the Mausoleum (viewed from outside) to learn about the life and legacy of the nation’s founder. Continue to the ‘house on stilts’ where ‘Bac Ho’ resided from 1958 to 1969 (closed on Monday and Friday). Stroll around the tranquil grounds before completing the circuit at the One Pillar pagoda; built in 1049, the symbol of Hanoi is a unique representation of the city.

Return to hotel for freshing up

Late afternoon, stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. A maze of alleyways and hidden treasures, learn about local life in the ‘36-guilds’ as you weave through the frenetic streets on foot. Tantalize the taste buds and ignite the senses with Hanoi street food tour. Seek out the city’s typical dishes and exotic delicacies alongside a local. 

The streets of Hanoi are a feast for the senses. Visually appealing, modern style meets history and tradition interlooped with sensational local cuisine. Be introduced to what the locals love; snacks of all types, bowls of noodles, deserts, egg coffee and sweet treats, served streetside or in ‘shophouses’.

With a firm understanding of true Vietnamese flavors and an unforgettable impression of Hanoi street food, return to the hotel.

Overnight        : Hanoi

Meal               : Breakfast | Dinner

Hanoi – Ninh Binh : 2 hour drive

Today, escape to Ninh Binh, home to the pretty town of Tam Coc, where limestone karst mountains rise up from rice paddies like towering sentinels. Cycle through charming villages, explore hidden caves, and take a traditional sampan boat ride past sparkling stalactites.

Depart the hotel this morning at 08:00 for a 2-hour drive through rural northern Vietnam to Ninh Binh Province — one of the most stunning areas of Vietnam with its dramatic scenery and historical temples. The rice fields here are beautiful (seasonal) and the area has earned the nickname of ‘Dry Halong Bay’, a moniker borne out by the limestone karsts which dominate the landscape.

Upon arrival, boarding a sampan for a 1.5 hour boat trip cruising on a small canal among the paddy fields for 1km, then stroll along the winding rocky paths to reach the Galaxy Cave gate. Once inside the cave, admire the spectacular stalactites hanging from the cave ceiling.

Rowing onward to explore the fascinating But Cave, spanning nearly 500 meters with its peculiar-shaped stalactites. Conclude the cave exploration by rowing back to the village.

After a sumptuous local lunch, check in the hotel.

In the afternoon, take a scenic bike ride around the village, local market, alongside rice fields nestled amidst limestone mountains. A visit to Bich Dong Pagoda awaits, where an ascent of 200 steps leads to Ngu Nhac Mountain. This path unveils three cave pagodas dating back to 1428, revealing captivating views over the countryside.

Overnight        : Ninh Binh

Meal               : Breakfast | Lunch

Hanoi – Halong : 3 hour drive

The perfect way to see the UNESCO World Heritage areas of Halong and Lan Ha Bay is to spend a night aboard a charming boat. The mystical scenery, where thousands of limestone islands jut out of the emerald sea, sculpted into wonderous shapes covered in lush flora is truly breathtaking.  

Following breakfast leave Ninh Binh at 07:30 for a drive to Halong City. Arrive at the pier around noon and proceed with check-in formalities.

After the welcome onboard and checking into the cabin, lunch will be served whilst cruising. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits or activities (depending on the boat’s set itinerary). Towards the end of the afternoon the boat will anchor for the night surrounded by karst formations.

Enjoy a sunset on the deck followed by dinner, then retiring for the evening.

Overnight        : on board

Meal               : Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

After breakfast, either stay aboard the boat or transfer to a smaller day boat for a full day of activities including lunch: swimming, visiting villages or kayaking (depending on the boat’s set itinerary).  

Once back aboard the main boat, enjoy sunset on the deck followed by dinner, then retire for the evening.

Overnight        : on board

Meal               : Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Hanoi – Danang: 1 hour & 20 min flight

Wake up to the fresh morning amidst the islands of the bay for breakfast (brunch on some boats) while enjoying the serene setting of the spectacular rock formations.

Mid morning, proceed to checkout as the cruise cruises towards port.  Disembark and transfer 3 hours to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport for the 1.5 hour flight south to Danang City. On arrival at Danang airport, the gateway to Hoi An, your private guide and driver will assist with the transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most picturesque towns and UNESCO-heritage listed, once a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries now draws international visitors to its streets, for both the history and the surrounding scenes.   

Rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight        : Hoian

Meal               : Breakfast | Brunch 

Spend a fun and interesting half day, learning about Vietnamese food and the Hoi An way of life. Already in its 18th year, this popular cooking class is listed in many of the major guidebooks and on Trip Advisor.

Take a boat trip from "Vy's Market Restaurant" to Hoi An's colourful central market. Tour of the market with an English-speaking guide followed by an interesting and informative tour of Vy's Market Restaurant, watching live cooking demonstrations with actual involvement and many food tastings. Two-hour hands-on cooking class, lunch, recipes a Vietnamese cooking utensil to take home.

The remainder, we walk to discover Hoian town, a place oozing with charm, and having largely escaped the destruction of successive wars, its streets and architecture are a delight to explore. Stroll past the many Chinese Assembly Halls, from the Cantonese Chinese Congregation with its impressive main altar, to the Hainan Chinese Congregation, which serves as a memorial to 107 merchants from Hainan Island who were mistaken for pirates and killed during the reign of Emperor Tu Duc.

Overnight        : Hoian

Meal               : Breakfast | Lunch

Hoian – Hue: 3 hour drive

Enjoy this morning at leisure before leaving Hoi An for Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Its mesmerizing tombs and mausoleums of the last emperors of Vietnam reveal fascinating insights into the lives of the imperial families and their subjects. The ancient Citadel reflects the pomp and ceremony of the dynastic rulers as well as the scars of many years of turmoil, both ancient and modern. The Royal Citadel was badly damaged in the latter stages of the war but retains a sense of grace and majesty even today.

Drive through Danang and visit the Cham Museum, which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world before climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds and dropping down to the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co.

We check in hotel once arriving.

Lately in the afternoon, we explore the charm of Hue scenery on Vespa scooter and enjoying local hospitality. Your Vespa scooter takes you through some less-traveled roads to the most flattering angles for pictures before making its way to Vong Canh Hill. The hill top offers an panoramic view point over the Perfume River and the royal valley where various royal family members of the Nguyen Dynasty rest in peace.

After our ride is a visit a local family where dinner is hosted and family stories are shared. This is a typical traditional family with three generations living together under one roof. The family take pride in preserving their family customs that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Overnight        : Hue

Meal               : Breakfast | Dinner

Depart at 08:30 for the UNESCO-heritage listed Imperial Citadel. Roam the expansive grounds, hearing stories of the majestic buildings, many of which have been superbly renovated by the local conservation department in recent years.  

Continue by cyclo to a tranquil lake, where king’s once rested during the hot summer months, before arriving at a private museum featuring a magnificent collection of royal possessions.  

Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda, perhaps Hue’s most iconic landmark located along the beautifully named Perfume River. Apart from the spiritual aspect and sweeping view, the vintage vehicle on display offers an interesting story. 

An option for the next visit:   
Option 1: Leave the city behind and travel through Hue’s outskirts to the tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, a Nguyen Dynasty ruler known for his opposition to French occupation and his decadent lifestyle. Explore his remarkable tomb, admiring the imposing architecture and gorgeous forest setting while learning more on this historic figure. Continue to Emperor Khai Dinh’s tomb, which is equally impressive, yet a completely different complex. See the blend of traditional Vietnamese design with European influence, making it unique from other royal tombs in Hue. 

Option 2: Leave the city centre to visit the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, the longest-reigning emperor in Vietnamese history. His tomb is one of the largest and most ‘romantic’ imperial tombs. Continue to An Dinh Palace, the former private residence of Emperors Khai Dinh and Bao Dai. Built in 1917 and decorated with both Roman-style motifs and traditional Vietnamese motifs, the former palace offers a reminder of the power and wealth of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors, as well as the turbulent history of Vietnam in the 20th century.

Return to the hotel for freshing up.

Evening, enjoy an exclusive private dinner at the lovely Tha Om garden house. A Hue “nha vuon” usually consists of a main and back entrance, and a small wall, rockwork and plants in the front yard and in the house itself. In the middle of the garden, a binh phong (brick wall) rises in front of the house, serving as a defense and protection of the altar in the main room of the house. The path leading around the wall from the entrance gate is lined with tea bushes or apricot trees. The typical house is made with a timber frame and roofed with brick tiles. The whole house stands on big pillars placed on a round or square stone base, which is sometimes decorated. The altar of the family’s ancestors occupies the central room.

Overnight        : Hue

Meal               : Breakfast | Dinner

Hue – Ho Chi Minh: 1 hour & 20 min flight

Following breakfast, transfer to Hue Airport for the short flight to Vietnam’s commercial capital, Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals. 

In the afternoon, meet with a local guide and start with a walking tour (depending on the season, this order might be changed) through the historic city center and CBD. See the architecturally splendid City Hall, historic Dong Khoi Street, the Continental Hotel and the Saigon Opera House. 

Then step off the main road into a historic building revolutionized by the city’s youth. Here, locally owned retail stores, coffee shops and art spaces offer a glimpse into the city’s creative  generation. If time allows, sit for a coffee at one of the building’s cafe’s. 

Continue on foot to the Central Post Office. Here, you can also glimpse the former CIA building, where one of the last helicopter evacuations took place in 1975.   

Stroll through lovely 30 April Park to perhaps the city’s most famous landmark - the Reunification Palace. Now preserved in a time warp, the ‘war rooms’ in the basement plus the opulent display’s are fascinating.  

Return to hotel.

Overnight        : Ho Chi Minh

Meal               : Breakfast

Ho Chi Minh – Mekong delta : 2 hour drive

A 2-hour drive southwest from Saigon will take you to the Mekong Delta, the largest rice basket of the country with friendly farmers who always wave hello when you come across.

On arrival, board your wooden charming boat, the Mekong Queen, at Ba Ton’s local pier and start cruising on Mekong River while sampling local fresh fruits, letting the cool breeze touch your hair, you will find the place a truly destination to spend the day relaxing.

Leave the boat for a while to visit the local business where you can interact with the local people to learn more about their daily life.

Continue with your boat through the “heart” of the town’s trading activities with floating vendors lining up their boats in the middle of the river with their agricultural products hung on bamboo poles. This is not the biggest floating market, but it is good to understand the life of the river, one of the tourist magnets of the Mekong Delta.

Disembark the boat when reaching Tan Phong Island where you will start a very interesting cycling tour through small village shady road. You will be surprised by the way the locals trade and advertise their local products. Ride along the concrete road of 1m width, you will take the opportunities to visit local families of making traditional products such as handicraft items made from water hyacinth; house roof made from palm leaves; hammock made from coconut ropes; rice papers; and local hats.

After a sad farewell to your crews, enjoy a home-hosted lunch with Mekong Delta specialties at an ancient house before driving back to Saigon.

Note: Motorbike will be an option for those who can’t bike. Guests ride as passenger behind a safe motorbike driver.

Overnight        : Ho Chi Minh

Meal               : Breakfast | Lunch

Today’s tour begins at 07:00. The morning begins with a short drive to the banks of the Saigon River. Board a speed boat for this scenic Cu Chi tunnels cruise. Gaze upon the modern skyline of the city as the boat cruises across the water. Watch as the scenery changes, passing through urban neighbourhoods and then rural countryside. (Note: This tour is a non-private Cu Chi Tunnels cruise.)

After 90 minutes arrive at Cu Chi and explore the incredible network of 200 km underground tunnels. Crawl underground (optional) and get a better sense for what life was like living and fighting in the labyrinth of caves and tunnels. Hear remarkable stories of the residents’ resilience and see relics of the wartime weapons.

Following the visit, return to the boat and relax while cruising back to the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight        : Ho Chi Minh

Meal               : Breakfast | Lunch

Departure day.

At leisure until transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for onward flight.

Meal               : Breakfast