Glimpses of Vietnam

After breakfast, you will pass by Ba Dinh Square, the political heart of modern Vietnam, where President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam on September 2nd 1945. You will stop at the nearby One Pillar Pagoda which was first built in 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai Tong to mark the birth of his heir, based on a dream in which the goddess gave him a son floating on a lotus. After visiting The Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam where students still come to burn incense until now, you will take a cyclo ride around the bustling Old Quarter which has been a commercial center since King Ly Thai To built his palace there in the 11th century.

Finish the morning by savoring two of the most iconic Vietnamese culinary symbols: light lunch with “bun cha” and the unique drink of “egg coffee”.

This afternoon is free for you to discover the city.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Note: Just cross Ba Dinh Square, no visit to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum or stilt house

Meal Plan: Breakfast

On this day, you will start your journey with a visit to the coast of Halong Bay. Embark on a beautifully crafted wooden junk for an overnight cruise in the legendary seascape. Once on board, you will be served a delicious seafood-based lunch, while the limestone rocks set the decor. In the afternoon, reach a less traveled area and devote yourselves to relaxation, sunbathing, and a visit to a cave before ending the day on the sundeck while the sun sets. Enjoy an aperitif or attend a cooking demonstration before dinner. Overnight in a comfortable private cabin with attached bathroom. Overnight on board.

Note: 
Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels and operating conditions. Swimming or kayaking excursions may be canceled due to poor weather.

Meal Plan: Breakfast lunch and Dinner

One of the most special experiences for travelers in Vietnam is watching the sunrise over Halong Bay. Rise early to watch this spectacular and peaceful scene. After breakfast, we continue to cruise through the bay for visiting Sung Sot, a beautiful cave but also an archaeological site. Enjoy a brunch on board before we arrive at the wharf in the late morning and return to the dock, where you will be met and transferred to the airport for the flight to Hue.

Upon arrival transfer to hotel.

Overnight in Hue.

Hotel/Other Details: Brunch on board

Today you will get an insider’s point of view to the last feudal capital of Vietnam. Your first stop is a visit to Imperial Citadel, the best-preserved remnant of the vast citadel and royal quarters that once existed on the site. Afterward, you will head to a place of worship and historical treasure presenting an insight look into Vietnam's spiritual heritage, Thien Mu Pagoda. Take a leisure boat ride in the enchanting Perfume River surrounded by the stunning lush landscapes.

In the afternoon, continue by road to the south until you reach the ancient town of Hoi An. Passing the scenic Hai Van Pass with breathtaking view from the top: north over Lang Co Beach and south over Da Nang. A remarkable scenery, for the route hugs the coastline of the East Sea before winding up the spectacular Hai Van Pass.

Overnight in Hoi An. 

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Set off on a day tour of Cam Thanh rural life. You’ll first cycle through picturesque villages where life moves at a slower pace to the village pier where we change to bamboo basket boats – a unique way of locals to have a closer look at the ecosystem of mangrove forests and daily work of the village fisherman. Head out to the home of a craftsman where you will get a brief introduction to the history, shape, and color of the lanterns, as well as the stages of making them. The craftsman will show you how to decorate and instruct you in making your own Hoi An lantern. Continue to Tra Que Village where you will learn about vegetable farming and witness the farming activities.

In this afternoon, take a leisurely walking tour in the Old Town of Hoi An to visit spots that create Hoi An’s reputation from Chinese Assembly Hall to the typical hundred-year-old ancient house and the authentic local market.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Note: No farming activities in Tra Que, just visit & briefing

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Transfer back to Da Nang this morning for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

This afternoon, you will take a digestive walk around the colonial buildings of District 1. Start at the Reunification Palace, built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, Reunification Palace was the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It witnessed the end of the Vietnam War during the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates. Today, this building is a museum and sometimes a venue for official receptions. Then, continue the walking tour following writer Graham Greene’s footsteps. The Saigon Post Office, which was constructed in classic French colonial style between 1866 and 1891 is still a functioning post office today. The interior is well worth a visit, with huge ceilings, a giant portrait of Uncle Ho, and many beautiful details. The entrance is flanked by statues symbolizing the contributions of the post office’s staff in the wartime and present day, which were erected in 1998 on the city's 300th anniversary. Thereafter, you will proceed with passing the French colonial era buildings such as City Hall, Hotel Continental Saigon, Municipal Theatre before enjoying a drink at unique stop: an old apartment building converted to hipster cafes and boutiques.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Today’s journey will start with a transfer to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta. You will come to Tan Phong island for biking or walking on village paths to see the local daily life: orchard, school, church, pagoda, traditional houses... On the way, make some stops to see how locals wave the dried water-hyacinth to make many products: baskets, bags, hats, wallets, shoes... before stopping at the local garden to enjoy some cups of tea when listening to the traditional music. Then, the rowing boat will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals to relish the peaceful time in this area.

Check in at a local homestay in the afternoon and have a biking trip around the local village. Enjoy dinner with local family.

Overnight at a homestay in Vinh Long.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Have breakfast and check out for a walk along the village to enjoy the fresh air in the morning before you arrive at the local workshop to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, and pop-rice while enjoying some sweets with a cup of hot tea. Continue with a boat trip to visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. Then, go along the floating village to witness the process of farming catfish on Mekong river.

Also, you can visit Vinh Long market in the town. This is the best choice for you to take pictures of fish, shrimps, prawns, crabs, snakes, rice-field rats, tropical fruits, vegetables... End the cruise in Vinh Long and return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Morning at leisure until your transfer with a driver to the airport for your international flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast