Today you’ll experience the very best Hanoi has to offer with this full-day tour of the city.

You will head to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum where you’ll hear all about the man whose name adorns the museum and his leadership of Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. Ho Chi Minh dedicated his life to the liberation of his country from foreign rule before passing away in 1969. His body has been preserved for later generations.

Each year the mausoleum closes its doors in October for upkeep.

The grounds are well worth a wander, check out the one-pillar pagoda and the presidential palace. Next, visit the 11th-century relic, the Temple of Literature, which was built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius.

This afternoon you will experience lunch like no other at the Koto Restaurant, a social enterprise that provides training to disadvantaged and street children. KOTO has trained over 700 students in Hanoi and Saigon, with 200 of them currently enrolled. Come on a culinary journey and enjoy the aroma and the flavors of Vietnamese and South-East Asian specialties, before sitting down to enjoy a three-course meal where you can try a selection of traditional dishes.

Your next stop is B52 Lake which is the only place that still preserves a part of the B-52 remnants until now in Hanoi capital. People often call it “B-52 lake”. Go visit Huu Tiep Lake and hear the local people tell you historical stories about the victory and the aircraft B52.

"Today you will be meeting with one of our Local Legends. These are a collection of locally selected superstars each with a memorable story to share of their impressive lives, crafts or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide.

Egg coffee has been woven into the fabric of Hanoian culture since its inception at the famous Hotel Metropole. More than just sampling a cup we will come to understand the significance of this drink through the eyes of our Local legend: Mr Khoa

Heading down a narrow corridor and up an ancient stone staircase you will soon come into what was Mr Khoa's home and what is now the setting for his cafe. Take a moment away from the hectic street life below and enjoy a cup of Egg Coffee (Cà phê trứng) whilst Mr. Khoa regales you with stories of times gone by. It is through these stories of hardship and devotion that your egg coffee experience will truly take on a unique quality.

NOTE: Our Local legend Mr Khoa is not always available early mornings and on weekends'

Please note:
* Estimated pick-up time: 8.00AM - Estimated duration: 8hrs
* A long waiting time in line is required to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum especially in high season (March and April) and on rainy days. You can’t visit other places in the complex without visiting the Mausoleum.
* The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every afternoon as well as on Mondays and Fridays. During closure, the Ho Chi Minh Residence and other places in the complex can be visited as normal.
* From 15th June to 14th August, the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum will be closed for the annual renovation. Presidential Palace and the Resident of the complex remain opened at normal schedule for your visit.

Optional Tour
HANOIAN HOME DINING EXPERIENCE
Immerse yourself in the warmth of Hanoi's culture as you're invited into a local family's home for an authentic dining experience, offering a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese hospitality and home-cooked delights.

Venture through the winding alleyways, where a typical Hanoian household awaits, eager to share their heritage and cuisine, providing insights into multi-generational living and the city's evolving dynamics. Indulge in a sumptuous dinner crafted from fresh market ingredients, fostering genuine connections and unforgettable memories amidst the comforts of a local home.

Please Note: Tour starts 5:30 PM and finishes 8:00 PM. Unavailable during public holidays and Tet Holiday.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Hotel: La Siesta Classic Ma May (Deluxe Room) or similar

Today you will head out on a journey to Ninh Binh Province, often referred to as "Halong Bay on land," renowned for its breathtaking limestone karsts and picturesque landscapes crafted by lush rice paddies and winding rivers.

Set out with your guide and driver from your hotel in Hanoi, where at our first stop, you'll transition to a leisurely bicycle ride through verdant paddy fields to Van Long reservoir. Pause at a local hamlet to witness local rice farming practices, engaging in hands-on activities such as seeding, fertilizing, or harvesting under the guidance of your knowledgeable host. After a satisfying lunch, venture to Van Long Wharf for a serene boat excursion through the enchanting landscapes of Van Long Nature Reserve, the largest wetland in northern Vietnam. Glide past lush jungle-clad hills and soak in the tranquillity of this natural oasis before returning to Hanoi in the early evening.

Please Note: Tour starts at 08:00 AM and finishes 5:00PM.

Optional Tour
WHAT THE PHO
Experience a culinary adventure as we delve into the heart of Hanoi's dining scene with a true in-depth discovery of the iconic Vietnamese dish: "Pho".

Our evening begins with a stroll through the labyrinthine alleyways of the Old Quarter, where we'll visit a renowned Pho eatery to sample this quintessential Vietnamese soup. Delight in the harmonious blend of slow-cooked broth, tender rice noodles, and succulent beef or chicken, topped with fresh green onions - a true taste of Hanoi's culinary heritage. You will also have the opportunity to try Pho cocktail. As you sip on your cocktail, we'll also try a local chocolate, inspired by pho, grown and produced in Vietnam. To conclude our gastronomic journey, we'll unwind at a local Jazz club to round off our evening’s excursion.

Please Note: The Tour starts at 6 PM and finishes 10 PM. If you wish to extend your stay at the evening venue, please inform your guide for assistance with arranging transportation.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Hotel: La Siesta Classic Ma May (Deluxe Room) or similar

Depart in the morning from Hanoi to Halong Bay - a drive taking you through lush rural scenery. On arrival, board the Emeraude and head off into the bay. Your boat takes you past ever-taller limestone karsts en route to Sung Sot Grotto, also called Surprise Cave. If weather permits, in the summer, visit Ti Top Island for swimming or a gentle hike or drop anchor to visit pearl farm in the winter.

Back on board, roll up your sleeves for a Vietnamese cooking class and demonstration. Your dinner buffet is served in the evening, before nighttime squid fishing

* Estimated pick-up time: 09.00AM
* Estimated distance from Hanoi to Halong: ~180 km - Estimated duration: 2.5 hrs

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Hotel: Emeraude Classic Cruise Halong

Wake with the sun and enjoy coffee, tea and cookies on board as the horizon brightens. This morning if weather permits, in the summer, visit a pearl farm to see how these precious 'stones' are farmed or in winer you can visit Ti Top Island. Back en route to the port, pass by Halong Bay and its stunning islets before disembarking and then heading back to Hanoi’s airport for your flight to Hue.

Please note:
* Itinerary subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions.
* Set menu applies for cruise with 14 persons and below.
* Estimated disembark time: 10.30 AM
On arrival into Hue, meet your guide and transfer by vehicle to your hotel for check in. The rest of your day is at leisure.

Please note: Estimated distance from the airport to hotels in city center or vice versa: around 15 km - 20 km - Estimated driving time: 30 - 45 minutes

Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Thanh Lich Royal Boutique (Boutique Superior) or similar

Explore markets laden with produce, hop in a cyclo and be peddled through Hue, enjoy a Royal White Lotus tea and then head to a hidden restaurant where you will try to make your own Royal dishes of the Nguyen Court. A great way to spend half a day in Hue!

On today's excursion, we will start at the famous Dong Ba Market. Here we will be able to explore the chaos within as sellers and buyers converge upon stands heaving with fresh fruit and vegetables, shelves of medicinal cures, China shops with dainty tea sets and fresh meals being cooked up for the hungry denizens.

After exploring we will get on a cyclo (A reclining peddle-powered rickshaw) and be taken through central Hue enjoying the sights of the old city and its fortressed walls as we go. Our next stop will be a charming teahouse where we will stop and enjoy tea where the tea leaves are left overnight in White lotuses. Take a moment to yourself to enjoy this tea made famous by its association with the Nguyen dynasty.

After our rest stop at this tranquil teahouse, we will hop back onto our cyclo and head to a charming garden restaurant where a family have dedicated themselves to creating the savoury ""cakes"" of Hue. Anthony Bourdain tried these cassava & Rice flour-based sticky dishes and visited your gregarious hosts on his travels through Vietnam. We will put our skills to the test when we try to make some of these dishes ourselves.

After learning and making we will then get to eat some of these royal dishes and combine them with some additional dishes from a nearby restaurant to enjoy a light lunch in this peaceful garden.

Please Note - The dishes you will make feature Pork and shellfish.
BlackOut Dates - Tet Holiday, 4th September

Next, visit to the former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty at the Imperial City, modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. The Imperial City is home to a number of palaces, temples which, although a number had been destroyed during war and conflict, have been restored to their former glory.

After your visit to the Citadel, take a short journey to the surrounding countryside where you will visit the Royal Tombs of two previous Emperors before taking a short boat ride on the Perfume River to see the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda.

Return to your hotel.

* Estimated pick-up time: 08.00AM - Estimated duration: 8hrs

Optional Tour
HUE STREET FOOD
This evening, delve into the vibrant heart of Hue's street food scene with a guided exploration that serves as a culinary voyage through the city's most cherished and distinctive flavours.

Wander Hue's bustling streets, where the evening's energy and enticing scents lay the groundwork for an unforgettable night of culinary exploration. Kick off with the unique Salt Coffee, a testament to local tastes with its intriguing blend of salted caramel, perfectly embodying Hue's nocturnal atmosphere. Continue your gastronomic adventure with 'Banh Khoai', a crispy pancake brimming with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, complemented by peanut sauce. Next, savour 'Nem Lui', grilled pork lovingly wrapped in rice paper alongside fresh herbs and fruits, and be sure to try a traditional local spirit and the essential 'Banh Mi', a compact yet taste-filled pork sandwich. Each dish provides a glimpse into the depth of Hue's culinary heritage.

Please Note: The tour starts at 5:30 PM and finishes at 8:30 PM. The dishes sampled may vary depending on availability. This tour is not operated on Tet Holiday

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Hotel: Thanh Lich Royal Boutique (Boutique Superior) or similar.

Begin with a visit to the Minh Mang Tomb which is the final resting place of the second emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. Minh Mang Emperor, whose reign marks the culmination of the Nguyen Dynasties power throughout the country? Located on the Tam Tai Son mountain, Huong Tho commune, Huong Tra district, and away 12 km from Hue city center to the west.
Today you will be meeting with one of our Local Legends. These are a collection of locally selected superstars each with a memorable story to share of their impressive lives, crafts or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide.

Today's Local legend is a family of fisherfolk who own an Oyster farm on a tranquil Lagoon. Heading down an unassuming path we will stop by the banks of the shore and be taken out into the clear waters and head to the shelter on stilts where our gregarious hosts will meet and greet us, telling us about their lives.

We will then explore the lagoon itself as our hosts demonstrate local fishing techniques and how they grow and harvest Oysters. Learn what it takes to grow Oysters naturally and, more importantly, what it tastes like. Freshly shucked, Oysters don't get much fresher!

After our exploration, we will then get to indulge in a seafood lunch or dinner with our hosts.

Please Note: As the tour is based on a Lagoon if there are adverse weather conditions we may have to cancel the program. You may wish to bring a raincoat just in case. Weather can be more unpredictable from September > November.
Lunch is included but drinks are an additional charge.
Please notify us of any dietary requirements and we will try to accommodate them if possible.
Transfer by road to Hoi An, south of Hue. Your journey will take you over the scenic Hai Van Pass, the most scenic stretch of coastal road in Vietnam.

* Estimated driving distance: ~130 km - Estimated driving distance: 3 hrs

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Hotel: Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa (Superior River View) or similar.

Hoi An Ancient Town’s impeccable preservation has earned its recognition as a UNESCO heritage site. On today’s walking tour we will gain an insight into the kaleidoscope of cultures that have shaped this former port city and what keeps it thriving today.

Your guide will start by taking you to the iconic 16th-century Japanese covered bridge with pagoda (Chùa Cầu). If you are experiencing déjà vu, this bridge is an important symbol of Vietnam’s history and is featured on the 20,000 note. We will then come to learn the history behind the bridge's origin and how it still functions as a place of worship today.
Meandering through the Ancient town towards our next stop your guide will help you to recognize all the cultures that have influenced the designs of the building, both indigenous and foreign. We will then get the opportunity to go into one of Hoi An’s ancient homes where we will meet the 14th generation still living in this house.

From a vibrant past to a bright future, we will meet Ms Quynh’s tailor shop. At one of her stores, we will come to learn how she set about starting a tailor shop, the mistakes she made along the way and the school she has set up to help support those wanting to start a career in the industry. We will then enjoy a delicious local lunch.

Traditional Vietnamese theatre is often accompanied by a series of decorative and elaborate masks. But the number of people dedicating their lives to preserving the art of mask making is few and far between. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to meet one of these individuals who has dedicated over thirty years to perfecting their craft. You will get to understand the origin of the masks and the passion of the people responsible for keeping the art alive. Afterwards, take part in a workshop and get to paint your very own mask based on traditional designs or something more contemporary. This mask will then become a unique souvenir to take home.

Then we will finish today's tour by going to a local teahouse which supports people with disabilities to learn skills and gain meaningful employment. Here the teahouse is a silent haven from the hustle and bustle of Hoi An. Enjoy your local tea in this restorative setting before we head back to our hotel.

BOD: Tet, 4th November. Our Local Legend is subject to availability

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Hotel: Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa (Superior River View) or similar

Today you will be meeting with one of our Local Legends. These are a collection of locally selected superstars each with a memorable story to share of their impressive lives, crafts or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide.

Today you will follow in the footsteps of the veteran Mr Ta at the Ky Anh Tunnels. One of the witnesses during the war Mr Ta will share his story with us. After, we will return to Hoi An via a world-renowned Rum distillery. This picturesque beachfront property is an idyllic setting for rum tasting!

The Ky Anh Tunnel network sits underneath the village of Thach Tan in Quang Nam province 45 minutes or so from Hoi An and while there are numerous entrances to the network of tunnels scattered throughout local villages, the main access is found here. In the past, as many as 32 kilometers of tunnels stretched through the area, but now the restored sections are much shorter. Take a trip into the past and learn about village life during the war through the eyes of someone who lived through this period in Vietnam.

After an educational authentic experience, we will head to Hoi An via the Distillery d'Indochine. This picturesque beachfront distillery located in South Hoi An is the humble home of world-renowned Sampan Rum.

On today's tour, start with a welcome Mojito before going behind the scenes to discover how the facility uses centuries-old distillation techniques to transform local, freshly pressed sugarcane into award-winning white rhums and dark rhums. After our tour, we will then indulge in a White Rhum tasting with our gregarious hosts.

Please Note -
- Closed on Mondays
- Closed Tet holiday

Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa (Superior River View) or similar

Be met by your guide and transfer by road to the airport for your onward flight to Ho Chi Minh.

Please note: Estimated distance from the airport to hotels in Hoi An old town or vice versa: around 30 - 35 km - Estimated driving time: appx. 45 - 50 minutes.
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

Please note:
* Estimated distance from hotels in city center to the airport or v.v: ~8 km - Estimated duration: 40 mins

* Domestic arrivals: Please collect your baggage, proceed through the baggage check, and then make your way into the arrivals hall. Our representative will be waiting here for you holding a Pick-up sign with your name. He will then escort you to your vehicle to take you to your hotel.

Optional Tour
HOI AN SIDECAR EXPERIENCE (1 HOUR)
Soak up the stunning countryside on an exhilarating one-hour tour of Hoi An aboard a unique bike and sidecar duo, exploring the city's charming streets and scenic surroundings.

As you cruise through Hoi An, driven by experienced guides, marvel at the well-preserved architecture of this city and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere. Beyond the city's boundaries, you'll discover the serene countryside, where verdant rice paddies and picturesque waterways await. Along the way, we'll pause to capture breathtaking views of the countryside.

This one-hour bike and sidecar tour with Victoria Hoi An offers an unforgettable glimpse into the beauty and charm of Hoi An.

Tour Runs: Pick-up time is flexible upon client request.

Please note: Pick up is from Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort and Spa

Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Dai Nam Boutique Hotel (Deluxe) or similar

On Today's walking tour, we'll be witnessing the lives of the locals through their daily exercise routines, vibrant flower markets and religious culture. Taking time to understand the history behind the places we go.

We'll be up and out around 8 AM to take a trip to a central park where we'll see what the morning habits of the locals truly are. We'll then make tracks for a nearby monument commemorating a revered monk who made the ultimate sacrifice for his beliefs.

We'll then continue onto a famous Flower market where we'll be able to meander through the maze of sights and scents of the market understanding the significance and importance of different flowers as we go. We'll dig further into the market and also see some of the snacks on offer to the morning shoppers and sellers.

After, we'll be taken to a very local coffee shop with an age-old technique for brewing and making coffee. Watch them brew and then sample a small, yet potent, cup of Vietnamese coffee and condensed milk.

Well caffeinated we'll then head to a monument of religious significance which plays host to thousands of statues of Buddha. Here your guide will acquaint you with the religious culture of the locals.

The tour starts: 0800
The tour finishes: 1200
Tour unavailable: Tet Holiday

Then we will take a visit War Remnants Museum is the place where the Vietnamese memories of the Vietnam war are stored. The Vietnam War ended in 1975, and the museum was opened to the public the first time on September 4, 1975. And next stop is FITO Medicine Museum. The Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine stands in a nice part of town in District 10 It gives visitors the full story of the development of traditional medicine throughout the course of its long history. The beginnings of Chinese and Vietnamese traditional medicine were in the Stone Age. There are in excess of 3000 exhibits here, displayed to look as though in a traditional style medicine shop.
Optional Tour
A O SHOW & DINNER
Delight in an evening of cultural enchantment with the A O Show at the Saigon Opera House, followed by a sumptuous dinner at one of the city’s finest restaurants, offering a perfect blend of entertainment and culinary excellence.

The A O Show is a mesmerizing performance that combines traditional Vietnamese music, acrobatics, and dance to tell stories of rural and urban life in Vietnam. Hosted in the historic Saigon Opera House, this show offers a glimpse into Vietnam's cultural richness and creative spirit. Following the performance, take a leisurely stroll to Hoa Tuc Restaurant, housed in a former opium refinery. Here, you'll enjoy a carefully curated meal in a setting that blends colonial architecture with modern Vietnamese cuisine, making for an unforgettable end to your evening.

Please Note: The evening begins at 5:00 PM and wraps up around 9:00 PM.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Hotel: Dai Nam Boutique Hotel (Deluxe) or similar

Experience the enchanting Mekong Delta on the Cai Be Princess Cruise, a journey through the vibrant life and lush landscapes of one of Vietnam's most fertile regions.

Set sail and embrace the tranquility of the Mekong Delta aboard the Cai Be Princess. Witness the daily rhythms of river life, from bustling markets floating on water to serene stretches of greenery. Your cruise will take you to artisanal workshops, where traditional crafts come to life, and to the historic houses nestled among the riverbanks. Savor a lunch of local delicacies at the colonial-style Le Longanier Restaurant, a peaceful retreat by the river. The journey is a beautiful blend of cultural discovery and relaxation, offering a glimpse into the heart of the Delta's community and traditions.

Please Note: The cruise embarks at around 7:30 AM

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Hotel: Victoria Can Tho Resort (Superior) or similar

Start your day bright and early at 4:30 AM as you embark on a fascinating journey to experience local life on the Mekong River. We will check out a couple of local markets as we go and witness Sunrise on the mighty Mekong.

Up early our first stop is the river fish market in Can Tho. Hop into your vehicle and transfer to the market at the time when it is busiest, fresh from the catch, here you will be able to see a vast array of seafood fresh from the Mighty Mekong, experiences don't get more local than this! Explore the vibrant atmosphere and witness the locals haggling over the night catch.

Afterwards, we will take a drive to a pier to embark on a boat ride to Phong Dien floating market, immerse yourself in the beauty of the river as you cruise along!

Once you arrive at Phong Dien, take in the sights and sounds of the local market. Indulge in a delicious breakfast bowl of Hu Tieu, a local specialty, while enjoying the picturesque views of the river. Quench your thirst with a refreshing fruit juice or a cup of aromatic coffee, this market is considerably smaller than its neighbor Cai Rang but what it lacks in size it makes up for in authenticity.

Around 6:30 AM as the morning market begins to disperse, bid a fond farewell to the locals of Phong Dien and head back to the pier. Your vehicle will be waiting to transport you to a local noodle house which makes lattice work noodles using traditional methods, here you'll have the opportunity to witness a noodle demonstration, gaining insight into the traditional preparation.

After the demonstration, board the boat once again and make your way back to Can Tho on a roughly hour-long cruise you will pass many locals waking up, with large barges and small sampans passing by. We will also pass through the famous Cai Rang Market, and have a chance to compare the difference between our small local market and the tourist hotspot of Cai Rang.

Embrace the early morning adventure, savoring the unique experiences and flavors you encounter along the way. This memorable journey will provide you with a glimpse into the rich culture and vibrant markets of Can Tho, truly soaking up the local life.

Please Note: Floating Markets are subject to change on a daily basis, the volume of boat traffic can vary significantly.

Trip Runs: 04:30 AM > 09 AM
Not available during Tet Holiday or Liberation Day.

Optional Tour
THE LUSH COUNTRYSIDE CYCLING
After breakfast you’ll be picked up for your boat transfer across the river to Binh Minh village. Take a visit to a family and try your gardening skill to plan vegetables. Continue to Binh Minh village. Here you will cycle around to familiarize yourself with the local life in this fascinating area of Vietnam. We’ll stop at vegetable farm to talk with the host, learn about the local life. It’s time to head back to the hotel but on the way, we’ll stop for a delicious local lunch.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Hotel: Dai Nam Boutique Hotel (Deluxe) or similar

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight.

* Estimated distance from hotels in city center to the airport or v.v: ~8km - Estimated duration: 40 mins
Optional Tour
KUNG-FU COFFEE
Dive into a unique blend of aromatic pleasures and martial arts philosophy with our Kung Fu Coffee tour, where the art of coffee making meets the discipline of Kung Fu, offering an enlightening insight into Vietnamese culture.

The journey commences with an introduction to the origins of the beans and the roasting process, unveiling the secrets behind the perfect cup of coffee. The experience takes a fascinating turn as our host demonstrates the precision and grace of Kung Fu, drawing parallels to the mindfulness of coffee brewing. Engage in the art of coffee making, exploring the balance of flavors and brewing methods, before indulging in the various forms of this beloved beverage.

Please Note: Tours are available starting at 9 AM or 1:30 PM, concluding at 11:30 AM or 4:00 PM

Meals: Breakfast