TASTE OF VIETNAM

TRAVEL ITINERARY:

DAY 01: HANOI ARRIVAL – STREET FOOD (D)

Arrive Noi Bai international airport. After completing immigration formalities and clearing customs you will be met by our driver outside the baggage claim area who will escort you to a private waiting vehicle for your transfer to your hotel (35 km | Approx. 45 minutes). Our driver will be holding a welcome board with your name.

Afternoon: Enjoy a guided tour of Hanoi’s street food scene will give you a taste of Vietnamese food culture.

Along the perimeter of the market, dozens of street hawkers sell a staggering variety of produce from live seafood to exotic fruits and spices. Your expert English-speaking local guide will give you an insight into the intricacies and traditions of Vietnamese food culture including details on ingredients and historical backgrounds of popular northern dishes. We eat as we go, trying different street food dishes and sampling a tasty French-inspired snack from a street cart and local street food restaurants. Finish with a cup of fresh fruit smothered with crushed iced and condensed milk.

Start your evening with a traditional water puppet performance “Roi Nuoc” (Approx. 50 minutes). The stage is actually a large container of water where the characters (carved wooden puppets} “act” out the story, most of the stories are whimsical and fun, and the puppeteers stand in waist deep water behind a screen controlling the puppets with rods that mostly are under the water.

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 2: HANOI HISTORY (B)

Breakfast at hotel. Today, we enjoy a private Ha Noi full day city tour:

Strolling through the French Quarter, you'll be transported back in time to an era when Hanoi served as the capital of French Indochina. Here, you will find magnificent French colonial structures, such as the iconic Hanoi Opera House. This grand building, with its neoclassical façade and ornate interiors, stands as a symbol of Hanoi's cultural heritage and hosts exceptional performances that showcase both local and international talent.

• Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex. Follow a long queue to get inside the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Take a short walk to Ho Chi Minh’s former house, which is built on stilts.
• Visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 11th century.
• Visit Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university (Founded in 1070 by Emperor Le Thanh Tong).
• Visit the oldest bridge of Ha Noi “Long Bien Bridge” to take photos and see the local life of Hanoi.
• Explore the Maison centrale in Hanoi, also known as Hoa Lo Prison or the ‘Hanoi Hilton’.
• Enjoy a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, also known as “36 streets.

Immerse yourself in the lively street scene, where the hustle and bustle of daily life unfold before your eyes. Observe the locals going about their routines, from street vendors skillfully preparing mouthwatering delicacies to haggling shoppers exploring vibrant markets.

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 03: HA NOI – HA LONG BAY – A NIGHT ON CUISE (B,L,D).

Breakfast at hotel. Our guide and driver will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel. We depart for Ha Long city to visit Ha Long Bay, a World Natural Heritage site and a World of New7Wonders. (170 km | Approx. 02 hour 30 minutes).

Upon arrival in Ha Long. Check-in between 11:30 - 12:00 at the boat port.

• Enjoy welcome drinks and cruise briefing.
• Enjoy lunch while cruising to the magnificent Ha Long Bay. Passing the Fighting cocks Islet, the Elephant leg Islet, the Castle Islet, the Soi Sim Island…
• Luon Cave excursion on bamboo rowing boats or kayaks.
• Swimming or sunbathing at Titov beach.
• Pre-dinner sunset cocktail party.
• Enjoy and learn the Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the sundeck.
• Savour a delicious set dinner in dining room.
• Night-time squid fishing.

(The itinerary above may be changed depending on the cruise we choose and weather permitting).

DAY 04: HA LONG BAY – FLY TO HUE (B,L).

• Greet the day with a morning Tai Chi Exercise with an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay.
• Light breakfast. Coffee, tea, and pastries are served in restaurant.
• Arrive at Surprise Grotto - one of the most famous grottos in the entire Ha Long, we will visit the cave by tender.
• Enjoy the international brunch buffet served in the restaurant.
• Check-out on board and disembarkation at boat port.

Our tour guide and driver will pick you up then transfer to Noi Bai airport (170 km | Approx. 02 hour 30 minutes) to take a short domestic flight to Hue (approx. 01 hour 15 minutes). Upon arrival Phu Bai airport, you are welcome and then be transferred to your hotel. Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Hue.

DAY 05: HUE IMPERARIL CITY (B,D).

Breakfast at hotel. Today we enjoy a trip to explore Royal Kingdom of Hue.

• Boat trip along the romantic Perfume River carries us through a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes.
• Visit Thien Mu Pagoda - one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious work ship in Hue.
• Visit the Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes.
• Visit the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc - One of the most beautifully designed complexes among the tombs of the Nguyen dynasty.

Afternoon:

• Explore Hue Citadel Complex including Royal Citadel and Forbidden Citadel - UNESCO World Heritage sites, set up by Nguyen Dynasty from 1805 to 1945.
• Visit the striking Flag Tower, the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, Dien Tho Residence (Dien Tho Palace), Thai Hoa Palace, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the Halls of the Mandarins, and the original Nine Dynastic Urns…
• Visit the bustling Dong Ba Market - one of the romantic symbols of this city, interact with local people.
• Enjoy “Royal dinner”. Enjoy a delicious food while listening to melodious music and having a feeling of being the King and Queen. All wear traditional royal clothes.
• Meet and talk with people who are descendants of kings and royal family to have an in-depth experiences of Nguyen dynasty.

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Hue.

DAY 06: HUE – BA NA HILLS (B).

Breakfast at hotel. We enjoy a scenic drive takes you to Ba Na Hills via the Hai Van Pass. As you traverse the Hai Van Pass, prepare to be enchanted by the picturesque scenery that unfolds before your eyes. The road winds along the coastline, providing panoramic views of the turquoise waters of the Vietnam Sea and lush green valleys.

Upon reaching the foot of Ba Na Hills, you'll embark on a thrilling ride on one of the longest cable cars in the world. As you ascend to the peak of the hills, you'll be mesmerized by the stunning view of the primitive forest below. The cable car journey offers an immersive experience, allowing you to appreciate the grandeur of nature from a unique perspective.

Witness the stunning sunset. Overnight in Ba Na Hills.

DAY 07: BA NA HILLS – HOI AN (B).

Breakfast at hotel. Witness the stunning sunset and sunrise from this elevated vantage point

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking views, and indulge in the charm of Ba Na Hills. Visit the famous Golden Bridge. Explore various attractions, including the French Village, Fantasy Park, and Linh Ung Pagoda. The French Village replicates the architectural style of a medieval town, while Fantasy Park offers a range of exciting rides and games. Linh Ung Pagoda, with its giant Buddha statue, provides a serene and spiritual ambiance.

Then take the cable car back to the bottom where your driver will transfer you to Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 08: HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN – COOKING CLASS (B,L).

Breakfast at hotel. Our guide and driver will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel. We then visit:

• Hoian’s colorful market, and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market, interact with the local sellers and learn about all the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later.
• Cruise on Thu Bon river to Tra Que village, a charming little village on the edge of Hoi An,
• Enjoy a signature hand & foot massages, delivered with a unique musical therapy that synchronize song with rhythmic acupressure.
• Learn to prepare Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Crispy Rice Pancake) and be given a sound understanding of the ingredients and flavors used in Vietnamese cooking. You will also be introduced to tastings of local specialty dishes that you may be yet to try.
• Enjoy a delightful lunch prepared by you.

Afternoon:

We enjoy a walking around the historic town to visit:

• Phuc Kien Assembly Hall - One of five official assembly halls in Hoi An (was established in 1697).
• 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge - The symbol of Hoi An.
• Chua Ong Pagoda (Quan Cong Temple), a centuries-old spiritual treasure trove of Hoi An was established in 1653.
• Tan Ky old house, a living museum with more than 200 years old in Hoi An.
• The silkworm & handicraft workshops.
• Enjoy a short cruise on the river to experience the lantern floating with a lantern drop for good luck.

Our guide will help you enjoy an authentic Hoi An ancient town, enjoy a cup of egg coffee by the riverside and witness the local life (coffee will be free offered by our guide). Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure and overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 09: HOI AN – DA NANG - FLY TO SAI GON – CU CHI TUNNELS (B).

Breakfast at hotel. Free your time at leisure until our guide and driver pick you up and transfer to the airport (35 km | Approx. 50 minutes) for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh city (approx. 01 hour 10 minutes). You are welcome at Tan Son Nhat airport and then transferred to your hotel in Saigon (12 km | Approx. 30 minutes). After an included private transfer, you’ll be greeted with welcome drink at the check-in desk.

Afternoon: Enjoy a half day tour to explore Cu Chi Tunnels.

• Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, watch a short introductory video showing how they were constructed, then spend the next hour exploring the maze of tunnels.
• Experience history first-hand as you crawl the legendary Cu Chi tunnels, sample local food and food eaten by soldiers who lived in the wonder of Vietnam's unique military art.

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon).

DAY 10: SAIGON - CU CHI TUNELS – VESPA CITY TOUR (B).

• Breakfast at hotel. Today, we enjoy the “Sights of Saigon” tour. On this tour you will have a deep dive into the history of some of Saigon’s most famous locations (with historical photos!). We will visit The Central Post Office, The Notre Dame Cathedral, The Reunification Palace, The Secret CIA Building, Tan Dinh Market, The Burning Monk Memorial, Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, The Hidden Weapons Arsenal and The Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda…Finish the tour with a visiting the famous Ben Thanh Market, this will give you a good insight into the Vietnamese markets as well as an opportunity to interact with locals.

In the evening, see a performance of the acclaimed A O Show at the Saigon Opera House.

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon).

DAY 11: SAIGON – MY THO – BEN TRE – SAI GON.

Breakfast at hotel. Our guide and driver will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel.

• We transfer to My Tho City (70 km & approx. 02 hours).
• We stop at Cao Dai Temple in the town of Ben Luc for taking picture.
• Take a private leisurely boat trip, stocked with cold, cold towels, bottled water, fresh, seasonal fruits, and green tea, cruise around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands (04 sacred animals of Buddhism).
• Boat over the traditional brick kiln and pottery which is a very old fashion of making the mud brick of Mekong people.
• Visit honey bee farm, enjoy lemon honey tea & dried banana cake, walking on the village road.
• Visit a local house on the island, enjoy seasonal fruits and listen to "don ca tai tu" music.
• Enjoy a rowing boat ride in the shadows of the water-coconut palms along the tiny canals to discover “Coconuts homeland”, Ben Tre.
• Witness the locals separate the hard shells and the coconut flesh, experience the entire candy production process and get hands-on experience making these treats in handicraft village.
• Enjoy a horse-cart around the village to have a look at the orchards and visit local people’s house. to experience the daily life of Mekong people.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant (Top 10 must-try dishes in Mekong delta will be served during your lunch).

Afternoon, we boat back to My Tho via a natural canal, cruising under the shadows of water coconut palms. Transfer back to Saigon city. Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Saigon.

DAY 12: SAIGON FREE (B,D).

Breakfast at hotel. Free your day at leisure, enjoy shopping or continue to explore the city on your own.

Farewell dinner at local restaurant.

DAY 13: SAIGON – CHINA TOWN – DEPARTURE (B).

Breakfast at hotel.Free your time at leisure until our guide and driver pick you up then transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport (12 km | Approx. 30 minutes) to take your departure flight.