Essence of Vietnam: Culture, Landscapes, and Cities

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s captivating capital, where the charm of its French colonial history mingles seamlessly with the energetic buzz of modern Asia. In this city, you’ll discover a blend of traditional architecture, serene lakes, and the constant movement of countless motorbikes, alongside a thriving cosmopolitan scene with trendy restaurants and boutiques.

You will be met on arrival at Hanoi International Airport with a welcome signboard with your name on it and a private transfer to your selected hotel, allowing you to settle in and start exploring the city at your own pace, either by enjoying the hotel amenities or venturing out for your initial taste of Hanoi’s unique atmosphere.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Breakfast at hotel.

Begin with a tour of Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex where the Vietnamese people honour the country’s ‘Great Father’. Here you’ll visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which contains the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh and his House on Stilts to observe how he lived and how his life unfolded to become one of modern history’s greatest names. Nearside his house is the miniature 11th-century One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple of historical and cultural significance.

After lunch, continue to visit the millennia-old Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a Confucius temple.

For a distinctive experience, find a café nestled right by the side of the railway tracks. Sip on Vietnamese coffee while witnessing the daily life unfold along the tracks (train street).

Next, Enjoy Water Puppet show –  a traditional performance that dates back as far as the 11th century in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at your hotel, you leave Hanoi for Halong Bay. The journey is through the rich farmlands where you can observe the everyday life of Vietnamese villagers. Arriving in Halong Bay in the late morning, you will board a traditional “junk” boat. You will begin a relaxing and unforgettable cruise around the breathtaking and unique limestone karsts and islets. A delicious fresh seafood lunch will be served as you cruise this spectacular bay, a UNESCO listed site.

Notes: The program may differ slightly based on the junk cruise’s itinerary.

Towards the end of the day, the boat sets anchor for the night. As the sun sets over the bay, dinner is served with fresh seafood, salad, and fruit. You will spend the night in your private cabin aboard the Junk in Halong Bay.

Overnight on the boat, private en-suite cabin.

Begin your day with the serene practice of Tai Chi, a local custom that eases you into the morning. Join a ‘Local Specialist’ on the deck of the Junk boat amidst the exquisite natural surroundings. There’s time for an early morning swim at one of Halong Bay’s peaceful beaches, and for the more adventurous, take a kayak and paddle through the Dark and Bright Caves, admiring the glistening stone walls.

Return to the junk boat, check out of your cabin, and savor a sumptuous brunch buffet as you cruise back to port. Disembark around midday for your return journey to Hanoi.  Then our driver will pick up and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed and then transferred to Hoi An. Hoi An, a charming town on Vietnam’s central coast, is a living testament to its rich history and cultural heritage. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An seamlessly blends the influences of various cultures that have left their mark on this trading port over the centuries.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Breakfast at your hotel. Spend the morning at your own pace

In the afternoon, our tour guide will transfer you to Cam Thanh Village where you will enjoy a fun ride on the traditional Basket Boat (round boat) in the Water Coconut Palm Forest. Learning and sharing fishing experience with local fishermen by catching fish and purple crabs with unique fishing nets.

Next, lead you through the Ancient Quarter of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore notable attractions like Chua Ong Pagoda, Tan Ky Ancient House, Fujian Assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Next, visit the Precious Heritage Museum, housing Rehahn’s Precious Heritage Collection, which offers a captivating glimpse into Vietnam’s diverse ethnic tribes.

The highlight of the day is the visit to the Reaching Out Tea House, run by mute and deaf individuals. Savor delightful cakes and Eastern-style tea.

Additionally, visit some of Hoi An’s well-known handicraft shops and artwork galleries. Discover smaller laneways and local neighborhoods gaining a better appreciation of Hoi An’s endless charm. Enjoy your time with the boat ride and release the flower lantern to pray for luck for you and your family. You will immerse yourself in the fanciful space of the lantern street.

Afterward, immerse yourself in a delectable street food tour to savor the authentic flavors of Vietnamese local cuisine. Indulge in a variety of dishes that will tantalize your taste buds, including Banh Mi (Vietnamese bread), Banh Beo, Banana Fried Pancake, Cao Lau/ Quang Noodle, and refreshing options like Herbal Tea or Sweet Bean Soups. Get ready for a culinary journey through the vibrant and diverse tastes of Vietnamese street food.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, our car and guide will pick you up and transfer you to Bana Hill and take the cable to Ba Na Mountain. Sitting in the cabin, in midair, looking upon the endless tree lone of the forest. Experiencing the pristine ecological system of the Ba Na Mountain will leave you a sense of unforeseeable discovery.

You will visit many different attractions like Le Jardin D’amour flower garden, Linh Ung pagoda, Thich Ca Budish statue, etc. Enjoy buffet lunch in Bana Hill.

After that you walk to the summit of the mountain at the height 1487m – the highest one of Ba Na Mountain, visit Bell Tower, Nghinh Phong tower and Golden Bridge, to take beautiful photos of the mountain and Da Nang City.

Then you take the cable car to leave Ba Na Hill to return to the foot of the mountain, where the driver waits to transfer you to the airport in Da Nang to catch your next flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant and bustling metropolis of Vietnam. Upon arrival, you’ll be transported to your hotel, where you can unwind and recharge after your journey.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a dynamic hub of commerce, culture, and history. It offers a captivating blend of the old and the new, with colonial-era architecture juxtaposed against modern skyscrapers. Free time for relaxing.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, your personal guide awaits to take you on a 1.5-hour journey to the lesser-known section of Cu Chi – the Ben Duoc tunnels. Fewer visitors tread upon this site, offering you the chance to savor an unparalleled, personalized experience as you venture into the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Arriving at Ben Duoc, immerse yourself in history through a documentary. Gain profound insights into the tunnels’ past and the remarkable stories they hold. With your experienced guide by your side, navigate the labyrinthine passages that once sheltered brave Viet Cong soldiers, functioning as their fighting bunkers, meeting room, kitchen, hospitals, and more. For those seeking an authentic connection, embrace the opportunity to crawl through a section, reliving the soldier’s experience. As we wrap up the walking tour, indulge in a taste of history by savoring cassava, a staple of the Viet Cong Soldiers’ diet, accompanied by a refreshing, tangy tea.

As the morning journey draws to a close you’re escorted back to the city while enjoying a delightful lunch at a local restaurant en route.

Afternoon, upon your return to the city, an exciting city tour awaits to continue your exploration.

You will first navigate your path to the Reunification Palace, once the official residence of the President of South Vietnam throughout the tumultuous War period. Continue your journey with a visit to the War Remnant Museum, a poignant repository of history’s truths.

Step into a journey through time as you encounter two iconic relics from the French colonial era. Begin at the Notre Dame Cathedral, an architectural marvel built by French colonists, followed by a visit to the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical gem that stands as a prominent city attraction. These remarkable landmarks stand as enduring testaments to the enduring French influence in Vietnam.

Wrapping up your day, you’ll visit the enchanting Emperor Jade Pagoda. This figurine-filled site of worship is considered by many to be Saigon’s finest.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Your final morning is designed for relaxation or more exploration. Depending on the departure time of your flight, our private driver will be ready to pick you up from your hotel and transport you to the airport for your outbound journey.

As we bid you farewell, we extend our best wishes for a safe and pleasant flight departure. This marks the end of your tour, and we hope you carry the memories of your journey with you for years to come.