***Routes can change subject to client’s interest.

Today’s full day 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.

Mid-late afternoon, continue the exploration with a 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.

To conclude the day, step back in time to the 11th century and experience the ancient art of water puppetry at the famed Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.

Following the introduction to Hanoi’s highlights transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight        : Hanoi

Meal               : Breakfast

Hanoi – Ninh Binh : 2 hour drive

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. Continue onwards to discover But Hien cave, which boasts many natural sparkling stalactites. Once you’ve had your fill of cave explorations return back to the village along the same route. 

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, take a scenic bike ride around the village, 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.

Drive back to Hanoi in the late afternoon. 

Overnight        : Hanoi

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 Hanoi at 09:00 for the 2.5hours 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 cocktail on the deck followed by dinner, then retiring 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 2.5hours 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

***Routes can change subject to client’s interest.

Be enchanted by the historic wonders of UNESCO-listed Hoi An. Departure at 08:30, for a half day discovery with a local guide, exploring the ancient town. Explore former merchant homes, colourful communal halls, narrow lanes lined, traditional houses and the iconic Japanese Bridge. Also visit charming backstreets and tiny alleys to discover lesser known gems. 

Meander down a small alley to a traditional style house where the art of healing through martial arts has been practiced by a local family for generations. This healing method is the master’s invention, combined between Qigong, Tai Chi, and traditional Vietnamese martial arts called Vo. Have a chance to learn some basic steps under the guidance of the master. 

To conclude the cultural exploration,  visit a cozy local home to taste a typical dessert before heading back to the hotel.

Rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight        : Hoian

Meal               : Breakfast

Hoian – Hue : 3 hour drive

Enjoy this morning at leisure before the departure from Hoi An to Hue City, the former royal capital of the Nguyen Dynasty.  

Just over an hour from Hoi An, drive over the Hai Van mountain pass,  one of the world’s greatest coastal stretches. Jungle-topped mountains slope down into the sea, shaping uninhabited bays, forging gushing waterfalls, and even influencing the weather. The whole pass is 20 km in length — so time to enjoy the view. 

Cruise down the pass north, with sweeping views, over a railway track then along the beautiful Lang Co Lagoon before continuing north to Hue City to the hotel for check in. 

Remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure. 

Overnight        : Hue

Meal               : Breakfast

***Routes can change subject to client’s interest.

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. 

Rest those feet over a local Hue inspired lunch, before choosing an option for the afternoon visit (depending on location of hotel or interest (to be discussed on the actual day of the tour):  

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.

At the end of the afternoon return to the hotel or next destination.

Overnight        : Hue

Meal               : Breakfast | Lunch

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

Mekong Delta (or the land of nine Dragons in Vietnamese), the trip today will take you to Cai Be town, in the heart of the Mekong Delta where you will have a glimpse of the region’s unique lifestyle and culture as well as its traditional handicrafts on a nearby island.

On arrival, board a traditional charming boat named Mekong Queen and start cruising along one of the Mekong river’s branches while sampling local fresh fruits, feeling the cool breeze touching your hair.

Your exploration of the land begins with a short cruise through one of the busiest areas of the town with all business activities (mostly rice related) taken place along the river banks as well as on local boats lining up in the middle of the river. It is no surprise if we know that Mekong Delta is the largest rice basket of the country.

The first stop today is a visit to a local ancient house which was dated back to 19th century but has been well preserved and proudly passed down through many generations of the family.

Next, your boat will stroll through the central business district of the town where you will have a close look of what so called “floating market” in this region. Used to be one of the most hustling and bustling trading sites of the region with all-day activities, Cai Be floating market still remains active today but sadly, it is getting smaller in scale and usually being more crowded in early mornings only. This is because most of the local businesses are moving ashore and river transportation is eventually replaced by land.

Cross the mighty Mekong river and temporarily disembark your cruise for quick visits to local families who make traditional and handicraft products such as decorative plates and handbags made from water hyacinth; hammocks made from banana ropes.

Board a sampan (a traditional wooden boat) for a leisure ride through narrow canals on the island. Chance to discover the local river life before taking a leisure walk through the village’s shady backroads with fruitful orchards along the way.

Your journey finally comes to its last part after a tasty home-hosted lunch with Mekong Delta’s specialties is served at a local family.

Take a short cruise to Cai Be pier where your excursion ends. Drive back to Saigon or head to your next destination.

Overnight        : Ho Chi Minh

Meal               : Breakfast | Lunch

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

Meal               : Breakfast