Vietnam is a country on the rise, blending rapid development with the timeless traditions and culture that make it an intriguing travel destination. Its history reflects the influence of Chinese, French, and American presence over the years.

Your guide and driver will escort you to your hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The journey typically takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Standard check-in time is 2:00 PM. Early check-in is not included and will depend on hotel availability.

Overnight stay in Hanoi.

• 2 nights Deluxe room breakfast included at La Siesta Premium Hang Be luxury boutique hotel, Hanoi.

Half-Day Hanoi Excursion (08:30 – 12:00):

Discover the charm of Hanoi, a city where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly. Marvel at the captivating mix of French colonial architecture, featuring elegant facades and balconies, juxtaposed with traditional Vietnamese houses topped with tiled roofs.

The tour begins at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the preserved body of Vietnam’s beloved leader is displayed in a serene glass chamber, guarded by a military honor guard. Stroll through the surrounding park to see the French Governor’s Palace and visit the modest Ho Chi Minh Stilt House, where the leader lived from 1958 until his passing in 1969. This humble residence has been maintained as he left it.

Next, visit the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, an 11th-century structure designed in the shape of a lotus flower, symbolizing purity. Then, delve into Vietnam’s rich heritage at the peaceful Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucianism and learning.

Conclude your morning at the legendary Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake), a serene oasis in the heart of the city where locals enjoy leisurely strolls, providing a stark contrast to the vibrant energy of Hanoi’s streets.

Note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays, and afternoons.

Return to your hotel and spend the afternoon at your leisure.

Evening:

Hanoi Thrilling Tastescape (17:00 – 20:30):

Embark on an exciting culinary adventure to explore Hanoi’s vibrant street food scene. Visit family-owned eateries and savor a variety of popular and unique dishes, such as:

• Bun cha (grilled pork noodles)
• Dried beef papaya salad
• Ragworm omelette (seasonal)
• Wrap & roll turmeric fish
• Egg coffee or beer egg

This foodie journey offers a unique window into local life and hidden cultural gems tucked away in Hanoi’s alleys, often missed by tourists. A hands-on experience preparing wrap-and-roll dishes with a friendly local host is a memorable highlight of your evening.

Return to your hotel after a flavorful and enriching day in Hanoi.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.

Transfer to Halong Bay (09:00):

Your guide will meet you at your hotel to begin the journey to Halong Bay, a drive of approximately 2.5 hours.

Halong Bay:

Renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is a breathtaking seascape dotted with hundreds of limestone karsts and dramatic rock formations rising from emerald-green waters. This natural wonder is a must-visit destination in Vietnam.

Upon arrival at the harbor around noon, complete your check-in for an unforgettable overnight cruise. As you board, you’ll be warmly welcomed and served lunch while the boat begins its journey into the bay.

Afternoon Activities:

Spend the afternoon exploring this enchanting area through activities such as:

• Visiting caves with fascinating rock formations.
• Exploring a floating fishing village.
• Relaxing on a serene beach.
• Sunbathing on the sundeck and soaking in the magnificent views.

Your specific itinerary will vary depending on your chosen cruise, but all options promise stunning photo opportunities of the bay, the bustling activity of boats, and a magical sunset.

Enjoy a delicious dinner onboard as the boat anchors in a quiet area of the bay for the night. Afterward, unwind and soak in the serene atmosphere.

Note: While no ICS guide accompanies you on the cruise, there will be an English-speaking guide provided by the cruise operator.

Overnight: Stay onboard the cruise.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• 1 night Deluxe balcony room on full board basis at Peony Cruise, Ha Long Bay.

Awake to the peaceful ambiance of Halong Bay. Begin your day with a refreshing Tai Chi session on the sundeck, a perfect way to rejuvenate your body and mind amidst the tranquil surroundings.

Enjoy breakfast or brunch onboard as your cruise navigates back to the harbor, offering one last chance to admire the stunning limestone peaks and serene waters.

Disembarkation and Transfer:

After disembarking, your guide will meet you at the pier for the transfer back to Noi Bai Airport, a drive of approximately 2.5 hours.

Suggested Flight:

Take the flight VN1545 HAN/HUI 16:35/17:50 (Economy class) or a similar option. (Flight not included in the package.)

Arrival in Hue:

Upon arrival at Phu Bai Airport (Hue City), your guide will escort you to your hotel for check-in. The drive to the hotel takes around 25 minutes.

Overnight Stay:

Relax and unwind in Hue, preparing for your next adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast or Brunch.

Note: The cruise itinerary is subject to changes based on weather, tide conditions, and local regulations.

• 2 nights Classic room breakfast included at Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel, Hue.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel.

Full Day Hue Exploration (08:30 – 16:30):

Hue, the former capital of Vietnam for over 140 years, is home to ancient temples, imperial buildings, and French-style architecture. Founded in the 17th century, it offers a rich historical experience.

Begin with a visit to the Royal Imperial City, which houses the Imperial Citadel—a massive complex built in the early 19th century, modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing. Although much of the Citadel was destroyed during the Vietnam War, the remaining structures provide a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Approach the Citadel through the impressive Flag Tower, where a large Vietnamese flag flies proudly, and continue to the grand Ngo Mon Gate, the primary entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Explore the tranquil courtyards and lotus ponds, including a visit to the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum.

Next, head into the countryside to visit the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc, built during the lifetime of Tu Duc, the longest-reigning emperor of Vietnam. The tomb is set within peaceful grounds featuring pavilions, courtyards, and lotus ponds, perfect for reflection and relaxation.

Lunch: Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.

Afternoon:

After lunch, visit the Garden House, a traditional residence of a royal Mandarin that reflects the ancient atmosphere of Hue. The garden is lush with a variety of fruit trees, including mangosteen, sapodilla, apricots, lychee, and more.

Continue with a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most iconic landmarks, before embarking on a Dragon Boat trip along the Perfume River, a serene way to experience the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Return to your hotel for a short break before your evening tour.

Evening Foodie & Cyclo Tour (18:00 – 21:00):

Immerse yourself in the slow-paced lifestyle of Hue through its local cuisine and a peaceful cyclo (rickshaw) ride. Start with a welcome drink and light snacks at a charming bar, where your guide will introduce you to Hue’s unique food culture and teach you some useful Vietnamese phrases.

Next, head to a vegetarian restaurant to experience the Buddhist influence on Hue’s culinary traditions. From there, hop into a cyclo for a leisurely ride through the quiet streets, moving further away from the tourist areas to see the heart of Hue.

As you explore, stop at street food stalls to try the famous Hue-style crispy pancakes or lemongrass skewers—delicious treats to enjoy with your hands. End your food adventure with a taste of Hue’s sweet soups, a delightful and colorful dessert that will leave you with a sweet memory of your night.

Take your time and enjoy the experience—Hue’s slower pace will offer you an authentic, charming view of the city.

Overnight in Hue

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Street Food Dinner.

At 08:30, your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you on a scenic 3.5-hour journey to Hoi An, passing through the breathtaking Hai Van Pass.

En Route to Hoi An - Da Nang City:

Before reaching Hoi An, you’ll make a stop in Da Nang, a vibrant coastal city. Da Nang is known for its historic beaches, once frequented by American soldiers during the Vietnam War. You’ll also visit several quirky bridges, such as the Dragon Bridge, which is known for its unique design and spectacular light displays.

A highlight of Da Nang is the Cham Museum, home to the finest collection of Cham sculptures, showcasing the rich history of the ancient Cham civilization.

Next, continue your exploration with a visit to the Marble Mountains, a group of limestone and marble hills dotted with caves and pagodas. The stunning views and tranquil atmosphere make it a perfect place to stop and take in the surroundings.

Arrival in Hoi An:

Continue your journey to Hoi An, and check in at your hotel upon arrival. Standard check-in time is at 14:00. Early check-in is subject to availability.

Afternoon:

The rest of the day is free for you to explore Hoi An at your own pace, relax, or enjoy the many local attractions.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals Included: Breakfast.

• 3 nights Deluxe balcony room breakfast included at La Siesta Hoi An resort & Spa , Hoi An.

Half day Hoi An heritage walk and lantern making experience: 08:30 – 12:30

Pretty as a picture Hoi An! The quirky mix of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European influences make this ancient town a photographers' paradise. We'll walk through the narrow winding streets of the old quarter past ochre-hued stone houses, lantern-filled shops and colourful fishing boats. One of the most iconic sights is the Japanese Covered Bridge (under renovation). There are also ancient temples and merchant homes over 200 years old.

Pause to visit a local workshop and try your hands to make a Hoi An lantern. Under instruction of local skillful master, you will experience how to fold the silk into a colorful lantern to create a unique souvenir to take home.

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meal(s): Breakfast

Market visit and Vietnamese cooking class at Red Bridge (join-in tour) including with private return transfer with ESG to the meeting point.

08:00 Your guide will escort you on a private transfer/walk (subject to hotel) to the meeting point for join-in cooking class (08:15 – 13:00)

Start your day with a welcome drink at a local café.

Visit Hoi An’s colourful market and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and learn about all the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later.

Aboard a boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the cooking studio. This is a chance to view local river life, so make sure your camera is handy.

On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The chef will first demonstrate each dish before we prepare the same dishes ourselves. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, we sit down and eat what we have cooked.

Note: Bring your swimsuit and after the cooking tour has finished relax and enjoy free use of our 20-metre swimming pool – towels and showers provided.

Vegetarians are provided with replacement ingredients.

Return to town where your guide will transfer you back to your hotel, approximately 13:30

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch (cooking)

Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel.

Transfer to Da Nang Airport (08:30):

At the appropriate time, your guide will meet you for the transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The drive takes approximately 45 minutes.

Suggested Flight:

Take flight VN115 DAD/SGN 10:45/12:15 (Economy class) or a similar option. (Flight not included in the package.)

Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City:

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The drive is about 35 minutes.

Check-in time at the hotel is 14:00, and early check-in is subject to availability.

Lunch:

Lunch will be on your own arrangement today.

Afternoon - Half Day Chinatown Exploration (13:30 – 17:00):

At 13:30, head out to Cholon, Saigon’s historic Chinatown, known for its colonial-era buildings, bustling street life, and Chinese temples. Visit landmarks such as:

• Binh Tay Market – a lively market filled with goods and local produce.
• Chinese Fransisco Xavier Cathedral – a beautiful colonial church.
• Thien Hau Temple – dedicated to the Chinese goddess of the sea.
• Medicine Streets – where traditional Chinese medicine shops line the streets.

Evening - Saigon Nightlife & Street Food by Vintage Vespa (18:30 – 22:00):

As the night falls, Saigon comes alive with energy and vibrancy. Experience the city’s nightlife from the back of a vintage Vespa!

• First stop: Visit a small, popular Vietnamese bread stall for fresh banh mi (Vietnamese bread roll).
• Next stop: Enjoy a briefing over coffee at a local café.
• Continue the journey through Saigon’s bustling streets, stopping at a hidden boutique restaurant to savor Southern Vietnamese home-cooked dishes.
• Explore the old apartment complex that transforms into a lively food and drink hub at night.
• Dessert stop: Sample sweet soups and grilled banana at a traditional dessert shop.
• End the night at a cozy bar tucked away in a quiet alley, where you can sip signature cocktails and chat with fellow guests.

Transfer back to your hotel after the tour.

Note: Vegetarian options are not available for this experience.

Overnight in Saigon

Meals Included: Breakfast and Street Food Dinner.

• 3 nights Deluxe room breakfast included at Liberty Central Saigon Riverside, Saigon.

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel.

Full Day Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh City Exploration (08:00 – 17:00):

Cu Chi Tunnels:

Your guide will meet you in the morning and transfer you to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 1.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. The tunnels, hand-dug during the Vietnam War, played a pivotal role in the conflict. These well-hidden, narrow tunnels span over 200 kilometers and connect various command posts, hospitals, and shelters. You’ll gain insight into the daily life of the Vietcong soldiers and have the chance to explore some of the tunnels. You will also see bamboo-spiked booby traps used during the war.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City for Lunch:

After the tunnel tour, you’ll be transferred back to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon – Explore Ho Chi Minh City:

After lunch, embark on a sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The city blends historical landmarks with modern vibrancy, including:

• Notre Dame Cathedral – A stunning example of French colonial architecture.
• Opera House – Another iconic French colonial structure.
• City Hall – A grand building with a European influence.
• Post Office – An ornate, art-deco building.

You’ll also visit the Reunification Palace, famous for its role in the fall of Saigon in 1975, when tanks stormed its gates.

End your day with a visit to Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for local goods and souvenirs.

Overnight in Saigon

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch.

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel.

Full Day Excursion to Cai Be - Vinh Long (08:00 – 17:30/18:00):

At 08:00, your guide will meet you for a 2.5-hour drive to Cai Be, a charming town located in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a boat trip through the Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in the world, offering a scenic introduction to the region.

You’ll then switch to a rowing boat to explore the smaller canals of the Mekong Delta, allowing you to experience the tranquil countryside. After returning to the main boat, you’ll cross the Mekong River to reach An Bình Island.

Once on the island, take a handmade canal to the home of Ut Trinh, where you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch. Afterward, explore the island’s orchard, sip tea, and listen to traditional music in the ancient house.

Next, take a walk through the local village to visit workshops where you can see how local products like rice paper, coconut candy, and popped rice are made. You’ll have the chance to sample some of these treats along with a cup of hot tea.

For those seeking a more active adventure, an optional bike ride through the village is available. You’ll cycle through paths surrounded by orchards, pass by a school, church, and pagoda, and see traditional houses along the way.

You’ll also visit the brick kilns, where locals craft beautiful pottery from clay, before the cruise concludes at Vinh Long City.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City:

After the excursion, you’ll head back to your hotel, with the remainder of the evening free for relaxation.

Overnight in Saigon

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch.

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure until your departure flight. The driving distance is approximately 35 minutes, subject to traffic.

Note: The standard check-out time is 12:00. Late check out is not included and subject to hotel availability.

Departure flight: To be advised

Meal(s): Breakfast