Wonders of Vietnam: Culture, Coastlines, and Cuisine

Upon arrival at Hanoi International Airport, we are greeted and transferred to our hotel by flight.

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Note: Early check in is subject to availability or guarantee with surcharge

Rest of day free time at your leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi | Meals: N/A

After breakfast at the hotel, we spend the full day visiting Hanoi’s major attractions.   

We will visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed on Mondays, Fridays, and throughout June to August for maintenance) and his former residence to learn more about this much-admired revolutionary leader, the One-Pillar Pagoda.   

Lunch on own account

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, which was built in the 11th century as Vietnam’s first university; Hoan Kiem Lake which translates to ‘Lake of the Restored Sword’ which is linked to a mystical story; and Ngoc Son Temple which sits in the middle of this famed lake. We round our exploration off with a cyclo tour around Hanoi’s Old Quarter which is filled with both French and Chinese influences.  

In the evening, we enjoy a performance of a traditional Water Puppet Show where the art of puppetry is performed by puppeteers in water and accompanied by music.

Overnight in Hanoi | Meals: Breakfast 

Following breakfast at the hotel, drive to Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise on the Bay.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to thousands of dramatic limestone karsts that jut out of the ocean.

We board the boat and set off on our unforgettable exploration of this fascinating natural phenomenon. Unlike Camille and Jean-Baptiste in the famous movie Indochine, we enjoy a lavish seafood meal and take part in a variety of activities, including swimming and kayaking among the ancient rock formations and visiting caves that date back millions of years.

In the late afternoon, we can kick back and relax on the sun deck, soak up the sublime surroundings, enjoy a sundowner cocktail during happy hour, and learn how to cook like a local with a cooking demonstration.

Dinner & Overnight on cruise | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Early risers can wake at dawn to enjoy sunrise and a Tai Chi session on the sundeck as we set sail for our return journey through Ha Long Bay. A hearty brunch is enjoyed on the boat as we pass by more of the bay’s intriguing rock formations and dramatic limestone islets that have been created over millions of years of weather conditions and strong waves.

There is a range of activities for you to enjoy, including fishing and informative talks from the crew about the sites we sail by. Alternatively, kick back on the deck and soak up the seascapes.

We arrive at the pier by late morning and disembark to proceed to Hanoi International Airport by highway (130km, approx. 2.5 hours driving) for the flight to Da Nang TBA (flight not included, to be booked by agent).

On arrival, transfer to the hotel in Hoi An for checking in.

Lunch and dinner are to your own arrangement.

Overnight in Hoi An | Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

Our half-day walking tour of Hoi An takes in the best attractions this historic and picturesque UNESCO-listed destination has to offer. As a former prosperous seaport during the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An attracted merchants from afar. Consequently, it has a wealth of buildings and architectural styles. We visit the colourful local market, Tan Ky Old House, the Fukien Assembly Hall, and the renowned 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. We will also see how local residents raise silkworms to produce silk for Hoi An's burgeoning textile industry. This guided tour, with an expert local guide, will give you the best insight into this stunningly beautiful location that has exceptional historical and cultural treasures.

Evening is at your leisure.

Meals on own account

Overnight in Hoi An  | Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

Then leave for Da Nang and travel on the winding Hai Van Pass, which offers spectacular views of the ocean and pretty red-tiled villages.

We visit the elaborate mausoleums of Emperor Tu Duc, one of the most beautiful works of royal architecture of the Nguyen dynasty. The tomb lies in a boundless pine forest, 8 km from Hue. 

Meals on own account

Overnight in Hue  | Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel.

We depart from the hotel and take a boat cruise along the romantic Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. We then continue by car to the nearby Imperial City, from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945, and finish our adventure excursion at the lively Dong Ba Market.

Lunch on own account

AUTHENTIC HOME DINING: Explore the ancient village near Hue (7km) for 3 hours, starting at 17:00. Enjoy home cooking experiences, traveling by car and on foot.

In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to the ancient village in the surroundings of Hue. Walk leisurely through the countryside to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, capturing photos as the 

sun sets over green fields and flower gardens. Stop by to visit some local handicrafts or hidden temples if interested. Be welcomed into an authentic ancient house where you will not only learn how people live but also assist the host in preparing dinner with typical cuisine and specialties. Enjoy the dinner in a rustic yet relaxing family atmosphere. An herbal foot bath from garden plants will be a special treat of the day

Overnight in Hue  | Meals: Breakfast & Dinner 

Breakfast at the hotel.

We then transfer to the airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City by flight TBA – (flight not included, to be booked by agent).

Upon arrival at this buzzing southern metropolis, we are transferred to our hotel for check-in. 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City   | Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel.

This morning, we will enjoy a tour of the highlights of this exciting city. Visit the former Presidential Palace, which is now preserved as a museum, including the underground communications bunkers, headquarters for the Saigon Government during the Vietnam War. 

Visit the beautifully preserved French Colonial Central Post Office and the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral (visit outside only as it is close for renovation)

Visit the Opera House and Dong Khoi Street – formerly the center of haute couture in Saigon when it was known as Rue Catinat. 

Visit the bustling Ben Thanh Central Market 

In the afternoon, the Cho Lon quarter is an exciting district to explore with colourful merchant streets and bustling markets. The area is populated by people who have migrated from China, and it offers a blend of Vietnamese and Chinese cultures, plus an ‘East meets West’ fusion in the guise of the Francis Xavier Church, which was built for Chinese Christians. This tour will take you to the heart of traditional Cho Lon and give an insight into the values, cultural differences, and religious practices that define this part of Ho Chi Minh City. Our exploration commences on foot, through colourful Chinatown, where we discover how the Minh Huong (Chinese origin) community has integrated into Vietnamese life. We also head to the Chinese Assembly hall and the Temple of Lady Thien Hau, the ‘Goddess of the Sea,’ which contains decorative ceramic figurines that depict the arrival of Marco Polo, or legends regarding Yue Lao, the ‘God of Marriage’.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City   | Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out by noon. Afterwards, at the appropriate time, we will transfer to Ho Chi Minh Airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast