Itinerary

Show all

1. DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HANOI

   Welcome to Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, your tour guide and driver will meet you in the arrivals lounge and transfer you to your hotel in downtown. The rest of the day is yours to relax or exploring Old Quarter area on your own.
   Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
   Meals included: No meals.

2. DAY 2: HANOI CITY TOUR & LOCAL FOOD DISCOVERY

   Start your morning with a visit to the Ba Dinh Square where stands the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh who led Vietnam to independence from French colonial rule. This site has become an important city landmark and a perfect place to learn more about Vietnam’s rich history. Here, you will take the group photo and hear the stories of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh. Next stop by visiting Ho Chi Minh Museum where tells the story of the different stages of Ho Chi Minh’s life with artefacts, photos, dioramas, and pop-art style illustrations and painting. Then, visit the iconic One Pillar Pagoda – a unique Vietnamese architecture reminiscent of a lotus blossom rising from a pond and hear the legend of its construction.
   Afternoon, continue with the Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a Confucius temple. The next tour not only tells you moving stories about the struggles of political prisoners but also provides immersive experiences, you’ll visit Hoa Lo prison (as known as Hanoi Hilton), where was used by the French colonists in French Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. Prisoners of the Vietnam - American War.
   Discover the ancient art of water puppetry with an entertaining performance by the famed Hanoi Water Puppet Theatre. The water puppetry dates back to the 11th century, originally in the villages of the Red River Delta area in Northern Vietnam. And today this art is a unique variation on the ancient Asian puppet tradition.
   Finish the day with a walking tour and tasting Vietnamese authentic local cuisine around the Old Quarter area. You will have a chance to not only sample delicious street foods but also to explore hidden alleyways and bustling markets. Our food tour includes "Bun Cha" - rice noodle with BBQ pork, one of the most favorable dishes for foreigners, then followed by "Banh Cuon" - steamed rice roll, "Banh Mi" - another well-known Vietnamese food that is even added into Oxford English Dictionary.
   Now, it is time for cup of Bia Hoi (Vietnamese draft beer) or enjoy a cup of unmissable Egg coffee, while we sit down and mingle with locals. It seems it is one not be missed for foodie in Hanoi.
   Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
   Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner with streetfood.

3. DAY 3: HANOI - HALONG BAY

   Have a breakfast and check out of hotel, then you will be transferred about 3 hours through rustic Vietnamese countryside to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage sites. With hundreds of giant limestone peaks jutting out of the water at the Bay of Tonkins – it is indeed an impressive sight.
   Board our cruise and after a delicious seafood lunch was served, we take a short trek to a nearby summit to enjoy the panorama view of the bay. As the day wanes, slip into a swim in the cool water before enjoying a sumptuous dinner under the moonlit sky.
   Overnight on cruise.
   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. 

4. DAY 4: HALONG BAY - HANOI - NIGHT TRAIN TO HUE

   Rising to the sound of the bay, enjoy an elegant breakfast before visiting a beautiful limestone grotto to admire its many unique rock formations. Then you’ll get back to the boat to form your final lasting impression of Halong Bay’s awe-inspiring beauty while cruising back to the dock, at the same time enjoy your lunch/ brunch
   Getting back onshore, you will be transferred by the shuttle bus back to Hanoi. Once arrival, check in hotel nearby the train station for relax.
   Then catch the night train to Hue (shared cabin of 4 people) (Train schedule: SE3@19:30 – 08:30).
   Overnight on train.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

5. DAY 5: HUE CITY TOUR

   Upon arrival at Hue train station, you are welcomed by the local guide and driver. They will send you to the local restaurant for your breakfast.
   After breakfast, begins your day with a visit to the atmospheric Imperial Citadel, a large complex that contains the remains of the former Imperial Palace and Forbidden Purple City, where the emperors and his family once lived. The two-hour walking tour allows you to see the magnificent architecture and gardens as your guide explains the events and the intrigue of the former royal court.
   Afternoon, you’ll visit one of the most aesthetic royal tombs, Khai Dinh Tomb. This jaw dropping perfect blend of Western and Eastern architecture was constructed between 1920-1931 for the 12th emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty – Emperor Khai Dinh.
   Move on to Dong Khanh Tomb, recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage and a unique architectural work in the system of Nguyen Dynasty mausoleums in the ancient capital of Hue. You will have the opportunity to learn about the long process of forming this royal tomb.
   Your day comes to an end at Truc Chi Garden, the crafting bamboo paper art workshop. You will have a chance to meet one of the students there and be treated to hands-on experience to learn how to use the etching technique with bamboo pulp to create artworks.
   Overnight at hotel in Hue.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

6. DAY 6: HUE – DANANG – HOIAN – VISIT ANCIENT TOWN

   After breakfast, transfer you to the wharf for your boat ride on the Perfume River. During the boat cruise, you will stop to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of Hue.
   Then you will be transferred to Hoi An over the 500m high Hai Van pass. Enjoy a stop at the scenic Lap An Lagoon before continuing to Hoian. Check in your hotel and relax.
   Afternoon, continue your trip to the Ancient Quarter of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you will embark on a walking tour visiting the major attractions such as Chua Ong Pagoda, Tan Ky Ancient House, Fujian Assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge.
   Continue to visit the Precious Heritage Museum, home to the permanent exhibition of Réhahn’s Precious Heritage Collection. While transporting you to the furthest reaches of Vietnam, the collection will unveil the rich cultural tapestry of the ethnic tribes
   The highlight of the day is the visit to the Reaching Out Tea House, a welcome little oasis of calm in the busy, vibrant Old quarter, owned and operated by the mute and deaf people. Here you will be treated with delicious cakes and incredible tea in the Eastern style.
   Overnight at hotel in Hoian.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

7. DAY 7: HOIAN – ECO TOUR

   After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel to visit a local fishing village by cycling on level ground to the Thu Bon River. For safety purposes, you will be given a short bicycle competency test. For those uncomfortable with riding a bicycle, a transfer by motorbike/taxi can be arranged.
   Ride along country lanes at a peaceful pace viewing local life and pause to see farmers toiling in their rice fields using centuries of farming practices. Peddle your way through palm forests, across bridges, fields of water buffalo…
   Take a short break in a local family at Cam Thanh Village before enjoying a 1.5 hours ride on Traditional Basket Boat (round boat) in the Water Coconut Palm Forest. Learn how to sail the basket boat and spend your time to catch fishes and “purple crabs” in the Canal.
   Continue to ride your bike to Tra Que Organic Vegetable Village where a large variety of vegetables is produced for the local community. At the village, you will be shown the environmentally sustainable practices which the local villagers have used for centuries and is still being used extensively today.
   After some farming practices, head a local family to enjoy a foot massage and the traditional herbal foot dip.
   After lunch, you will then ride to a lantern-making family in town.
   After hearing some stories about the lanterns, you’ll learn how to make a lantern yourself under the guidance of friendly and skilled hosts. It may take you some time to complete a lantern but it is definitely worth it when you take one home as the meaningful souvenir that you made with your own hands.
   The rest of day, you are free at leisure for shopping in town, relax at hotel or spend your time at beautiful beach far from the town 5km.
   Overnight at hotel in Hoian.
   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

8. DAY 8: HOIAN - DANANG - FLY TO HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON)

   Have a breakfast, you will be transferred to Danang airport to catch the morning flight to Ho Chi Minh city, still call Saigon by many locals.
   Upon arrival, you are welcomed by the local guide and driver. They will send you to downtown Ho Chi Minh city. Check in hotel & Have a rest.
   Ho Chi Minh City is surrounded by the poetic Saigon River. Saigon River winds around the city, creating many beautiful peninsulas such as Thu Thiem and Thanh Da. While some places as Bui Vien or Ben Thanh Market are getting more crowded and bored, why don't you try to discover the soul of this land - Saigon River. Maybe you will realize many miracles, a more accurate view of the land once called Paris of Indochina or the Pearl of the Far East.
   At 17:00: You will take the waterbus at Bach Dang Wharf -a beautiful park located in the center of Ho Chi Minh city.
   You can stop at Thanh Da peninsula, this peninsula is a beautiful place and still quite untouched. In this peninsula, there are many old apartment buildings, this is one of a few places still remain the original Ho Chi Minh city.
   Here you can enjoy a glass of "Cafe Sua Da", then return to Ben Bach Dang and get transfer back to your hotel.
   Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

9. DAY 9: HO CHI MINH - CITY & CU CHI TUNNEL

   Start your day with a transfer to Cu Chi, which were once a major underground hideout and resistance base of Viet Cong forces during the two wars against the French and the Americans. The tunnels, entirely hand-dug, formed a highly intricate network of interlinked multilevel passageways at times stretched as far as the Cambodian border and totaling over 120km in length. Its complexity was beyond imagination containing meeting rooms, kitchens, wells, clinics, schools, depots, trenches and emergency exits, all airms for guerrilla warfare. The tunnels were deep and strong enough to withstand destructive bombings and self-contained enough to outlas prolonged sieges.
   After lunch, enjoy the attraction of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Reunification Palace, a former residence of Indochina Governor General and later of the President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam. Then, head out to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, where the French colonial presence can be felt. It was constructed between 1863 to 1880 entirely of imported French building material, including bricks from Marseilles and stained-glass windows from Chartres. The French-influenced design of Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral still acts as a stop for people who seek for old beauties and calmness.
   Across the street to the Saigon Central Post Office, a stunning architectural marvel with rich Gothic, Renaissance and French influences.
   Next will be Jade Emperor Pagoda, nestled in a quiet enclave in downtown HCM City, the Pagoda offers a calming sanctuary from the bustle of the busy streets outside.
   Your final stop will be at Ben Thanh market where is to stock up on souvenirs, T-shirts, bags, coffee and other local products. Discover local life and culture if shopping is not your mission. You’ll find some of the friendliest, liveliest, most convivial people in the city here.
   Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

10. DAY 10: HO CHI MINH CITY - MEKONG DELTA - CAN THO

    After breakfast, check out of hotel and then your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and heading down to the Mekong Delta, with our first stop being Ben Tre.
    Start your exploration of the Delta along a narrow canal lined with mangrove trees, before returning to land for by taking a sampan along a narrow canal lined with mangrove trees, before returning to land for a stroll ride through dense coconut plantations. We then return to the quayside in Ben Tre, where the bustling market and streets full of commercial activity provides a vibrant tableau for street photography.
    In the afternoon, heading to the Khmer cultural heartland of Tra Vinh, where we will visit some of the 141 Khmer temples practicing the Theravada branch of Buddhism – a wonderful opportunity to experience these serene, peaceful places and get some wonderful portraits of the young monks in their saffron-coloured robes.
    Continue your journey to Can Tho - the capital of Mekong Delta. In the evening, take the short walk to the night market by your own way.
    Overnight at hotel in Can Tho.
    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

11. DAY 11: CAN THO - RACH GIA - SPEEDBOAT TO PHU QUOC ISLAND

    Rise early for a boat trip to Cai Rang market, the biggest floating wholesale market of the Mekong region. The market is filled with hundreds of small boats darting through the water as vendors sell their wares. Glide through the matrix of boats to see how the locals trade their fruits and vegetables and learn more about the floating marketing culture and the floating life on the boats.
    Leaving the market, continue your boat ride along narrow canals to visit a traditional homemade rice noodle factory where you can see how the locals make rice noodles, and enjoy the homemade “rice noodle pizza”.
    Get back to your hotel for breakfast, if time permits, you will visit Binh Thuy Old House where you will meet the present owner of this beautiful home and its furnishings.
    After that, transfer to Rach Gia with 2 hours driving to take the speed boat to Phu Quoc island (13.30 – 15.30)
    Upon arrival at Phu Quoc, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. 
    Overnight at hotel in Phu Quoc.
    Meals included: Breakfast.

12. DAY 12: PHU QUOC ISLAND - FREE DAY

    There are 3 days of leisure on the beach or explore destinations in Phu Quoc in your way.
    Overnight at hotel in Phu Quoc.
    Meals included: Breakfast.

13. DAY 13: PHU QUOC ISLAND - FREE DAY

    You are free at leisure on the beach or explore destinations in Phu Quoc in your way.
    Overnight at hotel in Phu Quoc.
    Meals included: Breakfast.

14. DAY 14: PHU QUOC ISLAND - FREE DAY

    You are free at leisure on the beach or explore destinations in Phu Quoc in your way.
    Overnight at hotel in Phu Quoc.
    Meals included: Breakfast.

15. DAY 15: PHU QUOC ISLAND - FLY TO HO CHI MINH AIRPORT - DEPARTURE

    You are free until transfer to Phu Quoc airport to catch the flight back to Ho Chi Minh airport.
    Arriving at Tan Son Nhat Domestic airport, you will move on to International airport to take your departure flight out of Vietnam.
    Meals included: Breakfast.