Soul of Vietnam – A Cultural and Craft Expedition

Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Ha Long - Hue - Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City - Vinh Long
15 days
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Discover Vietnam’s cultural soul through its traditional craftsmanship and heritage sites. From indigo dyeing, batik drawing, embroidery, and lotus silk in Hanoi, to the imperial city of Hue and the lantern-lit town of Hoi An. Experience water hyacinth weaving in the Mekong Delta and connect with local artisans along the way. This 15-day journey offers a unique blend of creativity, cultural immersion, and authentic encounters across Vietnam.

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Upon arrival at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport you will be welcomed by our guide holding a sign with your name on it. After approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour transfer, you will be at your hotel for check-in.

Hanoi or “River-bound City” as its name literally means is Vietnam’s capital with a thousand-year-old history dating back to 1010. The city’s fascinating beauty which is characterized by unique cultural relics, ancient streets of antique houses, elegant French colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and romantic lakes has made it one of the most charming cities of Asia.

Meals: None

Stay overnight in Hanoi

Morning, start a full day city tour beginning with the Ho Chi Minh Complex which features the life of Ho Chi Minh, the nation’s founder. Explore Ba Dinh Square, an important point of pilgrimage for many Vietnamese, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the rural style Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he lived and worked. Stop by one of Hanoi’s icons, the One Pillar Pagoda, built in the 11th Century in dedication to Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara or Buddha of Compassion and reminiscent of a lotus blossom rising from a pond.

The next visiting site is Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which contains a rich collection of audio-visual documentation and more than 15,000 artifacts including life-size traditional houses depicting all aspects of life, culture, customs and belief of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam.

Afternoon, continue to the Woman Museum with many artifacts and Textile Display. Afterward, visit the Craft Link Centre. Touring through the Old Quarter, famous for its ancient streets representing traditional trades from the past by cyclo. Shopping around Dong Xuan market and Return back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Hanoi

Indigo Dyeing: Nature’s Artistry - where ancient techniques blend with vibrant colors.

Our skilled artisans reveal the magic of indigo—a dye extracted from local ingredients. With care, we coax deep blues from nature’s palette. Together, we create patterns—tradition and innovation dancing on fabric.

Batik Drawing: Wax and Imagination

In the afternoon, we explore Batik—a dance of wax and fabric. Picture slender wands tracing secrets onto the cloth. Dots and lines emerge, guided by intuition. Or perhaps, a copper stamp leaves its silent echo. Our canvas becomes a theater, where stories unfold in beeswax and ink.

 Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Hanoi

Guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Commence the trip by taking a boat trip discovering Trang An Grottoes, which have forested limestone mounts contrasting in emerald water, caves, lowland and rivers. We will visit a cave network with beautiful stalactites of all shapes and colors. Joined in a craft atelier to learn about the quintessence of hand embroidery. She will share the history and beauty of this traditional Vietnamese art form and show you the process of creating sophisticated hand-embroidered items that are adorned in

every corner of the local house. Continue your cultural immersion by exploring your creative potential with colorful threads under the guidance of our local artisans.

After taking a short drive to Hoa Lu the ancient capital of Viet Nam in 10th century the place worships two famous Kings who have made great contributions to the country. Return to hotel in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Hanoi

Following breakfast leave Hanoi for a 2.5-hour drive to Ha Long Bay including a 20-minutes stop on the way. Arrive at the jetty in Ha Long City towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities. Be welcomed onboard and have lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.

Note: detail itinerary of cruise will be mentioned detail when the tour is confirmed

The program is subject to change basing on weather condition or administrator management

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight on Ha Long Bay Cruise

Enjoy the fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Ha Long in the morning and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruise slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi late in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, brunch 

Stay overnight in Hanoi

Morning today, enjoy a Tranquil morning and experience the landscape of Tonkin Plain and Red River. Go along the dyke and visit an Art factory with the Lotus silk, also known as “lụa tơ sen” in Vietnamese, is a unique and exquisite fabric made from the fibers extracted from the lotus flower’s stem. The production process is complex and labor-intensive, resulting in a soft, lightweight textile with remarkable properties.

Transfer back to Hanoi and go to airport for the flight to Hue

Our tour guide picks you up at Phu Bai International Airport (Hue) and tranfer to your hotel on air-conditioned vehicles. Our guide will help you with hotel check-in.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Hue

Immerse yourself in the captivating history and serene beauty of Hue on this comprehensive full-day tour. Our morning adventure begins at the majestic Hue Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This sprawling 1800s fortress, a testament to Vietnam's imperial past, features three distinct enclosures. Explore the imposing Kinh Thanh Hue, the outer civic city, and delve deeper into the Hoang Thanh, the Royal City, where emperors once resided. Finally, reach the innermost sanctum, the Tu Cam Thanh, or Forbidden City, once the exclusive domain of the emperor and his court.

The afternoon unfolds with a relaxing dragon boat cruise along the picturesque Perfume River. As you glide along the tranquil waterway, soak in the breathtaking landscapes that line the banks. Your journey takes a spiritual turn with a visit to the revered Thien Mu Pagoda, a magnificent Buddhist monastery perched on the riverbank since 1601. Here, immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere and admire the pagoda's distinctive architecture. Afterward, journey by car to the Minh Mang Tomb, the final resting place of the Nguyen dynasty's second emperor. Explore this majestic complex, a testament to imperial grandeur and intricate design. Conclude your exploration of Hue with a visit to the bustling Dong Ba Market, a vibrant hub where you can discover an array of local specialties, crafts, and souvenirs before returning to your hotel.

Dinner with experience Royal Dinner and trying the royal costumn.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay overnight in Hue

Embark on the charity and warm heart trip to Hope Centre - Vocational training&sustainable job creation for disabled & ethnic minorities people with many various training classes of sewing, ceramic creation...

Following your adventures in Hue, our guide whisks you away to Hoi An in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Relax and unwind as the Vietnamese landscape unfolds before you. Upon arrival in Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, prepare to be charmed. This town, once a bustling maritime trade center, boasts exceptionally well-preserved architecture and a captivating fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian influences.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Hoi An

Unveiling Hoi An's UNESCO-listed charm, this city tour explores its well-preserved architecture, a legacy of its 15th-19th century maritime prominence. Witness the fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian influences at the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the Museum of Trade Ceramics, the 200-year-old Tan Ky House, and the Ong Temple. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the local market, a sensory overload of colors, sights, and delicious treats, before concluding your exploration of Hoi An's captivating past.

Embark on a captivating half-day adventure to Cam Thanh village! Your journey begins with a convenient car transfer. Upon arrival, board a traditional basket boat and navigate the water coconut village, gaining insights into the lives of local fishermen. Cruise along the Cua Dai River, surrounded by thousands of water coconut trees, once a wartime refuge. Participate in traditional fishing techniques, try your hand at paddling a unique bamboo basket boat, and explore the now-peaceful waterways. As you glide along, hear stories of the area's wartime past and the resilience of those who lived through it. The tour concludes with a relaxing transfer back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Hoi An

Morning, departure for Ba Na Hills, or Chua Mount (Mount of Goddess), by passing the sea-shore on Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, one of the most beautiful roads of Da Nang City and Red Beach. Ba Na Hills used to be a small French resort nestled in the mountains and recently has been turning into the most well-known amusement park of Vietnam thanks to its good location, formation and climate.

Arrive at the Cable car station at the foot of Ba Na Mountain. Enjoy the first leg Cable car, which achieves two Guinness World records as the longest non-stop cable car (5,042m) and the highest non-stop cable car (1,292m). The cable cars were built to feed the mountaintop of Ba Na Hills, but they’re also the perfect way to get spectacular views of Danang and the surrounding forests.

Upon reaching Ba Na Hills, start the trip with a visit to Golden Bridge which is designed to connect the cable car station with the main gardens of this mountaintop. It is also to provide a scenic overlook and tourist attraction. The gold-colored walkway is lined with purple Lobelia Chrysanthemums and is 150 meters long with two giant hands, constructed of fiberglass and wire mesh. These two hands appear like stone hands that support the structure.

After the Golden Bridge, we’ll continue to visit Le Jardin d’ Amour, old wineries, remains of French Villas and Ling Ung Pagoda with 27m high Buddha status. We then leave the Le Jardin for the second cable car station to visit the top of mountain where there are remains of the old French villas found. Start conquering the Peak of Chua Mount at the height of 1,487m, viewing the whole Da Nang city under the cluster of white clouds. After the Peak of Chua Mount, visit the trail of Dreaming Stream, Rainbow Waterfall, Suspension Bridge, Golden Valley, and ruined Opera House. Lunch at local restaurant. Play with wild monkeys and take photos. Freely until time back to Cable car Station to return to the the foot of the Mountain. Transfer back to your hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Hoi An

Convenient airport transfer awaits! Your friendly guide will meet you directly at your hotel and ensure a comfortable journey to the airport in an air-conditioned vehicle. Relax and enjoy the ride as you prepare for your next adventure.

Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, welcome by our guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly and still commonly known as Saigon, is the most populous city in Vietnam. Vibrating with energy and innovation, the city is the economic heart of Vietnam and the main hub of the southern region. As a cosmopolitan metropolis of the country, its dynamic cityscape combining the old and the new of Vietnam has made it one of the most attractive destination for visitors.

Meet our tour guide at your hotel lobby and take a half day city tour. First, discover the very popular War Remnants Museum, the one that gathers a comprehensive collection of the machinery, weapons, photographs and documentation of the Vietnam wars. See displays of old military equipment and other related objects as well as larger exhibits including an F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter. Next, the century-old Reunification Palace, witness of the historic events of old Saigon and famous for its architectural characteristics. It witnessed the growth of Ho Chi Minh City during peacetime and throughout the Vietnam War until its end in 1975.

After that, we will visit Ben Thanh Market, a lively market in District 1, a bustling destination that's popular with tourists due to its central location. You can browse its wide selection of goods before your tour ends with transportation back to your hotel or drop-off at another central location, if you wish.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

This morning, transfer with our guide to Mekong Delta - A Tapestry of Tranquility

Our voyage commences in Cai Be, a town steeped in history. From the boat, we glimpse the ancient church—a sentinel of time, its timeworn stones whispering forgotten tales. Tân Phong island beckons and rowing boats carry us along slender canals. Here, the countryside unfolds—a canvas of mangrove trees casting dappled shade. We pause at a local garden, savoring fruits and hot tea while tradition melodies weave around us.

Pedals meet village paths as we embark on a biking adventure. Orchards blur by, schoolchildren wave, and pagodas rise like lotus blooms. Traditional houses stand sentinel, their wooden beams etched with stories. And there, artisans deftly weave dried water hyacinth into baskets, bags, and hats—a dance of creativity.

Our boat ferries us across the Mekong River, its currents connecting worlds. An Bình Island awaits, a sanctuary of serenity.

Lunchtime finds us feasting on local delicacies—either aboard the boat or at a cozy homestay. Flavors burst forth—the tang of herbs, the warmth of shared laughter.

Afternoon sunlight bathes the island. We explore by bike or foot, winding through the village. A local workshop reveals the alchemy of rice paper, coconut candy, and pop-rice. We sample these delights, sipping hot tea as the sun dips low.

As evening settles, a refreshing shower awaits. But the true magic lies in the kitchen. With a local family, we conjure special dishes—flavors that bridge cultures. Under a star-studded sky, we gather at our homestay, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Tomorrow, another chapter unfolds—a journey woven with threads of taste, color, and connection

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight at a Cozy homestay

Our adventure begins as we board the boat, gliding toward the homestay. Along the way, floating fish cages dot the water—a glimpse into the local aquaculture. Our first stop: brick kilns. Here, artisans mold clay into exquisite pottery, their hands shaping beauty from earth.

Next, Vinhlong market awaits—a vibrant tapestry of life. Cameras in hand, we capture fish, shrimp, prawns, crabs, and even snakes. Tropical fruits and vegetables spill from stalls, a riot of colors.

We navigate Long Ho, Hòa Tịnh, and Mỹ An canals—the fabled RED KINGDOM. In a village, bamboo trays and baskets sway—a dance of craftsmanship. My An and Hoa Tinh canals reveal hundreds of brick kilns, their chimneys like sentinels. For the curious, biking or walking through Hoa Tinh village unveils ancient kilns—a glimpse into a special craft.

As our boat glides along Long Ho canal, we savor the scenery. And when the sun dips low, we return to VinhLong city,

Transfer back to Ho Chi Minh for overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Our tour guide will meet and pick you up at your hotel to transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport on air-conditioned vehicle.

Meals: Breakfast

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  • Accommodation in a twin or double room with daily breakfast
  • One night cruise on Ha Long Bay
  • Lunch or dinner as specified in the itinerary 
  • Services of a driver and private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers
  • Experienced English-speaking guide during all tours and transfers
  • Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Private boat for sightseeing as mentioned in the program
  • Mineral water is available as complementary
  • International & Domestic flight tickets
  • Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc. All other services not specified in the itinerary
  • Meals, if not specified in the itinerary
  • Vietnam visa approval letter on arrival USD5$ per pax
  • Visa stamping fee at the airport (25US$ single entry to Vietnam paid by cash at the airport)
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers
  • Travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance)
  • Surcharge peak season, Holiday

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