Around Vietnam

On arrival at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport, you will be greeted by our airport representative, who will provide the private air-conditioned vehicle transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Your second day in Hanoi begins with a hearty breakfast before meeting your guide and set out on a comprehensive full-day exploration of Vietnam’s storied capital, starting at the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. Here, you will pay your respects at the final resting place of the nation’s founding father before wandering through his former residence to see the Humble House on Stilts, the architecturally unique One-Pillar Pagoda, and the venerable Temple of Literature. This stands as a testament to Vietnamese education as the country’s first university, established over a millennium ago.
The journey into the past continues at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that reveals layers of history; originally constructed atop a 7th-century Chinese fortress and later rebuilt by the Ly Dynasty in the 11th century, the site offers a fascinating look at the architectural fusion of northern Chinese influences and the southern Champa Kingdom.
After pausing to enjoy lunch featuring local flavours at a nearby restaurant, your afternoon itinerary takes you to the serene shores of Hoan Kiem Lake to visit the Ngoc Son Temple. This picturesque sanctuary, situated on a small island and accessible by an iconic red bridge, was originally a pagoda but was later rededicated as a temple to honour national heroes and literary saints.
The pace then shifts as you settle into a traditional cyclo for a leisurely one-hour ride through the streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where the bustling atmosphere is defined by ancient guild names and trade traditions that have survived since the 15th century.
As evening falls, you will be treated to a Water Puppet Show, a cultural masterpiece born in the rice paddies of the Red River Delta during the 10th century. Watch as skilled puppeteers, hidden behind bamboo screens and standing waist-deep in water, use long poles to bring wooden figures to life across the liquid stage, performing folk tales passed down through generations of farming families. Your day concludes with an evening to soak in the city’s atmosphere before spending the night in Hanoi.

After enjoying breakfast in your hotel, meet your driver and depart Hanoi for a scenic three-hour journey toward the coast, arriving at the Ha Long City Tuan Chau Marina around midday, and complete check-in formalities. Upon boarding your cruise vessel, you will be greeted with a warm welcome from the crew before sitting down to a fresh lunch as the boat begins its graceful navigation into Ha Long Bay.
The afternoon offers a flexible blend of discovery and relaxation, allowing you to either participate in the various guided shore excursions and water activities outlined in the boat’s specific program or simply find a quiet spot on deck to admire the breathtaking limestone pillars rising from the sea.
As the sun begins to set over the Gulf of Tonkin, the vessel will drop anchor in a secluded location amidst the dramatic karst formations, providing a serene backdrop for a multi-course dinner served on board. Your day concludes with a peaceful night’s sleep in your cabin, surrounded by the quiet beauty of Ha Long Bay.

You will awaken to the crisp morning air in the heart of the bay, watching the sun rise over the limestone peaks before sitting down to a final breakfast or a leisurely brunch as the vessel navigates its way back through the karst formations toward the harbour. Upon disembarking and reuniting with your driver, you will begin the journey to Hanoi, traveling directly to Noi Bai International Airport to check in for your domestic flight to the imperial city of Hue.
Once you land at Phu Bai Airport, a local guide will be waiting to provide a warm welcome and escort you to your hotel for check-in. Your first evening in central Vietnam is yours to enjoy at your leisure before spending the night in Hue.

The morning begins with a meeting with your guide to explore the expansive Imperial City of Hue. A majestic complex commissioned by Emperor Gia Long on the northern banks of the Perfume River that encompasses the Citadel, the Imperial City, and the exclusive Forbidden Purple City. This was once reserved strictly for the private use of the Emperor and his family. This royal site, now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a profound glimpse into Vietnam’s dynastic past through its ornate gates and grand pavilions.
Following your exploration of the citadel, you will embark on a scenic boat trip along the tranquil Perfume River to reach the Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic seven-story landmark that stands as one of the oldest and most revered architectural structures for religious worship in the region. The journey continues to the Minh Mang Royal Tomb, a masterfully designed mausoleum set amidst lush pine-covered hills by the river, which is widely considered the most beautiful of the imperial tombs built by the rulers during their respective reigns.
After enjoying a selection of local specialties for lunch at a nearby restaurant, the afternoon features a spectacular drive toward Central Vietnam’s coast, crossing the high-altitude Hai Van Pass to reveal sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the picturesque Lang Co fishing village nestled below. Your scenic journey concludes as you arrive in the charming historic city of Hoi An, situated gracefully on the banks of the Thu Bon River. Once a preeminent Southeast Asian trading port during the 16th century and honoured as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1999, Hoi An welcomes you for an evening of discovery before you retire for the night at your hotel.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, your day begins with a leisurely bicycle ride toward Tra Que Village. This scenic route allows you to explore lush vegetable gardens and observe local farmers practicing traditional cultivation methods.

From there, you will continue your ride to Cam Thanh Water Coconut Village. Here, you will delve into the village’s unique history and traditions before embarking on a fun, traditional basket boat ride along the peaceful, palm-fringed waterways.

This afternoon return to Hoi An and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon meet your guide and enjoy a 4-hour orientation walking tour of Hoi An. As you stroll, take time to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the local markets and the serene charm of the surrounding countryside. This portion of the trip offers exceptional photo opportunities and many chances to interact with the friendly local community.

The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Enjoy your final hours in Hoi An at leisure before you meet your driver who will provide the private vehicle transfer to DaNang Airport for your onward flights. On arrival at Ho Chi Minh Tan Son Nhat Domestic Airport, you will be greeted by our airport representative, who will provide the private vehicle transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

This morning, meet your local guide in the hotel lobby for a day of touring in Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer to the Independence Palace (also known as the Reunification Palace) and the moving War Remnants Museum. Following these visits, enjoy a stroll through the major landmarks of colonial Ho Chi Minh City. You will visit the Old Saigon Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel to resemble a grand railway station, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Inaugurated in 1880, this cathedral served as the spiritual and cultural heart of the French presence in the Orient.
In the late morning or very early afternoon embark on a speedboat trip on the Mekong River to the Cu Chi Tunnels and here, enjoy a local lunch. Begin your exploration of the area by watching a brief introductory “propaganda” video. You will then tour the site’s weapon and booby trap exhibitions and navigate authentic Viet Cong tunnels. During the tour, you will visit various underground bunkers—including kitchens, meeting rooms, and ammunition stores—and have the option to visit the firing range. Before leaving, try a sample of the local cassava root, the staple food that sustained fighters for years.
In the late afternoon, enjoy the speedboat transfer on the Mekong River back to Ho Chi Minh City and upon arrival at the pier, meet your driver who will provide the private vehicle transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Meet your driver in the early morning and enjoy the private vehicle transfer journey to Ben Tre, the heart of the Mekong Delta. This region is renowned for its lush rice fields, serene landscapes, and winding waterways. On arrival at approx 10.00am, enjoy a short, scenic walk through a local village to admire the traditional houses and gardens. Upon reaching the pier, board your private day cruiser. Enjoy the river views as you navigate the smaller tributaries of Ben Tre province for approximately 30 minutes. Dock at “Bao Island” to visit a local coconut garden and enjoy a refreshing, fresh coconut drink straight from the tree. Continue down the river to visit a local coconut processing operation. Afterward, embark on a 4-kilometer bicycle trip around Huu Dinh village. Then stop at a traditional brick-making factory to witness locals using centuries-old manual methods to craft bricks by hand.

Following your village exploration, your cruiser will transfer you to the other side of the river to board a rowing sampan. Our team will paddle you through a maze of small canals, allowing you to soak in the natural beauty and tranquillity of the delta. Arrive at the home of Mrs. Huong, whose family sustains themselves through fishing, shrimp trapping, and farming. Enjoy tropical fruits and honey tea in her garden. Experience a ride on a tri-motor cycle (xe loi), navigating narrow village roads lined with lush greenery and coconut palms. Return to the cruiser for a transfer to the Mango Home restaurant, where you will be served a delicious 5-course local lunch.

After lunch, enjoy a brief walk or bike ride (approximately 500m) along village roads to explore local heritage. Visit the home of Mr. Ba Tài to learn the fascinating and intricate process of distilling traditional rice wine. Meet Mr. Sau Tuong, a former Viet Cong soldier and survivor of the conflict in Phnom Penh. Today, he and his wife specialize in making crispy rice paper, a famous specialty of My Long village. You will have the opportunity to chat with him, watch the rice paper being made, and taste the final product.

Walk back to the main road where your private vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to the city. Enjoy the evening at leisure in Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy the last few hours at leisure in Ho Chi Minh City before you meet your driver, who will provide the private vehicle transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.