Connecting Culture of Vietnam

Morning: Start your day with a full city tour, beginning at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. This museum houses an impressive collection of over 15,000 artifacts and audio-visual materials, including life-size traditional houses that vividly showcase the diverse lifestyles, cultures, customs, and beliefs of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Next, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university established in 1070 by the Ly Dynasty to honour Confucius, revered sages, and distinguished Vietnamese scholars. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Continue your exploration at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, dedicated to the nation's founder. Here, you’ll visit Ba Dinh Square, a significant pilgrimage site for many Vietnamese, the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the simple yet charming house on the stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked. Make a stop at the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic structure built in the 11th century in honour of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, also known as the Buddha of Compassion. The pagoda is designed to resemble a lotus blossom rising from a pond.

Next, choose from one of the following museums: the Hoa Lo Prison, a remnant of the French Central Prison used to detain Vietnamese political prisoners; the Museum of Fine Arts; the Vietnamese Women’s Museum; the National Museum of Vietnamese History; or the Museum of Revolution. Afterwards, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, or "Returned Sword Lake," steeped in legend and adorned with Ngoc Son Temple on an islet, accessible via a charming red-painted wooden bridge. Conclude your day with a tour of the Old Quarter, known for its historic streets and traditional trades. You can explore this area by cyclo tour or unwind with a coffee at a local café.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay overnight in Hanoi

Breakfast at hotel

Our car and driver will pick you up at your hotel for a transfer to Ha Long Bay, located approximately 160 km away, or a 2.5-hour drive. Along the way, you'll pass through the picturesque rural landscapes of the Red River Delta, offering numerous opportunities to photograph Vietnamese farmers at work in their rice paddies. Feel free to make stops to take in and appreciate the local scenery.

Arrive at the jetty in Ha Long City around noon, where you’ll complete check-in procedures. Once onboard, enjoy a welcome drink and a delicious lunch as the boat sets sail towards the bay.

In the afternoon, you can take part in visits and activities based on your boat’s itinerary, or simply relax and unwind on deck. As the day winds down, the boat will anchor for the night amidst the stunning karst formations. Dinner will be served onboard.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight on Cruise at Ha Long Bay

Start your day early with coffee, tea, and breakfast pastries served in the dining room. For those interested, a 30-minute tai chi session will follow on the sundeck.

As you continue cruising through the bay, you'll have the opportunity to explore more secluded spots where you can swim or kayak. A light lunch will be served around midday.

After lunch, you'll head to Hanoi airport for your flight to Danang.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, you will be warmly greeted by our guide and driver. Transfer to the hotel in Hoi An for check-in.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Stay overnight in Hoi An

Morning: Begin your day with a charming stroll from your hotel to a vibrant local market, where you’ll immerse yourself in the colours and aromas of Vietnamese cuisine. Discover the fresh ingredients that will become the stars of your culinary creations. After your market adventure, board a traditional boat for a leisurely 25-minute cruise along the tranquil Hoi An River. As you drift past lush riverbanks, watch local fishermen skillfully cast their nets, adding a touch of daily life to your scenic journey.

Arrive at a picturesque cooking school set in an open-air pavilion by the river, where you’ll embark on a hands-on cooking class led by a skilled chef. Under the shade of swaying palms, learn the art of preparing traditional Vietnamese dishes, infusing your creations with your own personal flair. Enjoy a delightful lunch featuring the flavours of your efforts, served amidst the serene beauty of the river setting.

Afternoon: After lunch, embark on a romantic cycling excursion to Cua Dai Beach, located about 5 km away. Pedal through enchanting countryside, following local trails that weave through verdant rice paddies and alongside the glistening river. Experience the serene rhythm of rural life and capture the beauty of the landscape with your camera.

Upon reaching the beach, let the gentle sea breeze and the soothing sounds of the waves invite you to relax. Bask in the sun, stroll along the shoreline, and savour the tranquil escape before cycling back to your hotel, carrying with you the memories of a day filled with romance and discovery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay overnight in Hoi An

Breakfast at hotel

Morning: Transfer to Hue via the Hai Van Pass (Ocean Cloud Pass), renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views. As you ascend the pass, marvel at the dramatic coastline, where the road clings to the mountainside, offering stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the lush landscape below.

Upon arrival in Hue, embark on a full-day exploration of this former Imperial Capital, which served as the heart of Vietnamese feudalism from 1802 to 1945. Begin your visit at the Hue Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This grand complex, spanning 520 hectares, was constructed in the early 1800s and is enclosed by three massive ramparts: Kinh Thanh Hue (Civic City) on the outer layer, Hoang Thanh (Royal City) in the middle, and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden City) at the core.

Enjoy a delectable lunch at a local restaurant, savouring regional flavours.

Afternoon: Continue your tour with a visit to Khai Dinh Tomb, the resting place of Vietnam’s penultimate king. This tomb stands out for its opulent design and distinct European architectural influences, blended with traditional Asian elements. Next, explore Tu Duc Tomb, a masterpiece of Nguyen Dynasty architecture set amidst a tranquil pine forest. This final resting place of the 4th emperor of the Nguyen family is renowned for its elegance and historical significance.

Conclude your day with a visit to Dong Ba Market, the city’s bustling traditional commercial centre, where you can shop for local goods and souvenirs.

Experience a royal dinner in the evening, complete with traditional royal costumes. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Vietnamese imperial dining as you enjoy a sumptuous meal, reminiscent of the elaborate feasts once held by the Nguyen emperors.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight in Hue

Breakfast at hotel

Morning: Enjoy a morning of freedom at your own pace. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Hue, savour a quiet coffee at a local café, or simply relax and rejuvenate at your hotel.

Afternoon: Begin a meaningful visit to the Hope Centre, a remarkable organization focused on vocational training and sustainable job creation for disabled and ethnic minority individuals. Discover various training programs, including sewing and ceramic creation, that empower local communities and foster skill development.

Transfer back to the hotel after the tour. Free time for dinner on your own arrangement.

Evening 20:00 take a boat trip on Perfume River. You will enjoy around half an hour cruise during the golden hour in photography to view Hue in the best moment. Our guide will meet you and take you to the Toa Kham boat wharf right beside the Truong Tien bridge. Then take a dragon boat ride along the romantic river - Perfume River across the capital city of Hue. Rest your mind to enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the river banks as the sun sets. Take a panoramic view of Hue City while listening to traditional Vietnamese folk songs onboard.

Meals: Breakfast 

Stay overnight in Hue

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 hours.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by our guide and driver. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, a journey of about 45 minutes.

Afternoon: Meet your tour guide in the hotel lobby for an afternoon city tour. Begin with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, a poignant and comprehensive showcase of the Vietnam War, featuring an extensive collection of machinery, weaponry, photographs, and documentation. Highlights include displays of vintage military equipment, such as an F5A fighter jet and a UH1-Huey helicopter.

Next, explore the historic Reunification Palace, a landmark of old Saigon with its distinctive architecture. This site played a crucial role during the Vietnam War and marked the end of the conflict in 1975.

Conclude your tour with a visit to Ben Thanh Market in District 1. This bustling market, popular with tourists for its vibrant atmosphere and central location, offers a wide array of goods. After browsing the market, you can choose to return to your hotel or be dropped off at another central location of your choice.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Our guide will pick you up at your hotel

Afternoon, you’ll meet your driver and hop onto your cyclo, setting off on an immersive journey through Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant culture.

We’ll start at the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, where you can marvel at the stunning French Colonial architecture. Although the Notre Dame Cathedral is currently closed for renovation, you can still appreciate the grandeur of its exterior and the impressive interior of the Post Office. Your guide will then take you to the historic CIA Building, where the last U.S. helicopter departed in 1975 during Operation Frequent Wind, offering insights into this significant moment in history.

After soaking in the French architectural splendour, we’ll continue our cyclo ride to the Hotel Continental complex, a favourite of Graham Greene and other famous writers during their time in Vietnam. You’ll explore the charming roadside café and the majestic Opera House, featured in "The Quiet American." Following that, we’ll visit the City Hall and the historic Rex Hotel, where your guide will share the intriguing histories of these landmarks.

From the Rex Hotel, we’ll enjoy a scenic 30-minute cyclo ride along Nguyen Hue Street, one of the city’s most picturesque avenues. Experience Ho Chi Minh City as a local would, taking in views of the Saigon River and landmarks such as the towering Bitexco Financial Tower.

Our tour continues past some of the city’s Indian temples and Ben Thanh Market before arriving at Tao Dan Park. Finally, we’ll visit the memorial dedicated to Thich Quang Duc, where your guide will provide a detailed explanation of its historical and cultural significance.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning: transfer to Tay Ninh Province, situated 99 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, to explore the Great Temple, also known as the Holy See Temple, of the Cao Dai religion. Established in 1926, Cao Dai is a distinctive monotheistic religion that integrates elements from Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Catholicism. The name "Cao Dai" translates to "Way of the Highest Lord," and its emblem, an all-seeing eye, symbolizes the divine insight and wisdom of the Highest Lord. Built in 1933, the Great Temple showcases an extraordinary architectural style that reflects the eclectic nature of Cao Dai. The temple's design combines ornate colours and motifs from various religious traditions, creating a unique and visually striking spiritual edifice. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Continue your journey to Cu Chi, the northernmost suburban district of Ho Chi Minh City, to delve into the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. These extensive underground networks were crucial during the wars against the French and Americans. The tunnels, painstakingly hand-dug by Viet Cong forces, form a labyrinth of interconnected passageways stretching over 120 km, reaching close to the Cambodian border. The Cu Chi Tunnels were not only a tactical advantage but also a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of their builders. The underground complex included living quarters, meeting rooms, kitchens, wells, clinics, schools, and armouries, all ingeniously designed to support guerrilla warfare. The tunnels' depth and fortification allowed them to withstand heavy bombings and prolonged sieges, making them a symbol of endurance and strategic brilliance in Vietnamese military history.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning: Be picked up from your hotel and transfer approximately 136 km to Vinh Long, a charming riverside town in the heart of the Mekong Delta, the world’s largest delta. Embark on a boat cruise to explore the vibrant Cai Be floating market, where colourful boats are laden with goods and vendors engage in lively bargaining. As you navigate through the intricate network of shaded canals, you'll reach Hoa Binh Phuoc Island, a haven of picturesque landscapes featuring winding canals, lush greenery, and tranquil rural villages.

On the island, visit local farmers' homes to interact with welcoming hosts and gain insights into their traditional crafts, including bonsai gardening, tile and ceramic production, and the making of rice paper and coconut candy. Enjoy a typical Vietnamese lunch prepared in a local home, offering a genuine taste of the region's culinary delights.

Afternoon: Continue your journey by car for about 40 km to Can Tho, where you'll have the rest of the day at your leisure to explore or relax.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay overnight in Can Tho

Morning, we depart Ninh Kieu wharf by shuttle-boat where you can see bustling activities along Can Tho riverbanks. Particularly, you may know how local people go fishing with plenty of fish traps and how they transport passengers as well as products by the waterway. When we approach Cai Rang floating market, the selling activities have reappeared in the past using a traditional “offering pole” exchanging consumer goods hanging on the pole for Mekong fruit and vegetables with local sellers. In order to understand more about lifestyle over here, keep on going into the small creeks called Rach Nho in which the Southern countryside can be seen clearly before cruising back to Ninh Kieu Wharf. End of day, our guide & driver will transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City. Free for the rest of the day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy a relaxing day at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast 

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Our driver and guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. We look forward to seeing you on your next journey!

Meals: Breakfast