Authentic Vietnam

On arrival at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International 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.

Morning: Colonial History & War Legacy

Today enjoy a full day guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City. At 8.00am meet your guide in the hotel foyer and embark on your day tour. Some of the location you will visit are listed below.

• Historical Sites:Transfer to visit the Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) and the powerful War Remnants Museum.
• Colonial Walk: Stroll through key colonial landmarks:
  • Notre Dame Cathedral (inaugurated 1880) – A spiritual and cultural centerpiece.
  • Old Saigon Post Office – Designed by Gustave Eiffel and noted for its grand railway station aesthetic.

Midday: Speedboat & Arrival at Cu Chi

• 11:00 AM: Embark and depart Saigon by speedboat. Enjoy the scenic transition from urban sprawl to lush jungle within 15 minutes.
• 12:30 PM: Arrive at the Cu Chi Tunnels area.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Exploring the Tunnels

• 1:30 PM: Begin the Cu Chi Tunnels experience:
  • Watch a brief introductory ‘propaganda’ video.
  • Explore the Tunnel Site: View weapon and booby trap exhibitions.
  • Tunnel Navigation: Have the chance to crawl through an authentic Viet Cong tunnel section.
  • Underground Bunkers: Visit various underground chambers (e.g., kitchens, meeting rooms, ammunition storage).
  • Local Snack: Try cassava root, the staple food that sustained the Viet Cong fighters.
  • (Optional: Visit the firing range.)

Late Afternoon: Return to Ho Chi Minh City

• 3:30 PM: Say goodbye to the Cu Chi Tunnels site. Return transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City via speedboat.
• 4:45 PM: Arrive back at the city pier and transfer back to your hotel.
• Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City.

Key Takeaways: This day perfectly balances the French colonial architecture and the sobering history of the Vietnam War. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for the tunnel exploration!

• Departure & Transfer: Meet your local guide at the hotel lobby. Transfer by road to Cai Be, the gateway to this section of the Mekong Delta.
• Scenic Boat Ride (Cai Be): Upon arrival, begin your journey with a scenic boat ride. Take time to observe Cai Be town from the water and note the charming, ancient church on the riverbank.
• Tan Phong Island: The journey continues to Tan Phong Island.
• Canal Exploration: Board a traditional rowing boat for a quiet, gentle glide along tranquil narrow canals. The atmosphere here is cool and peaceful, shaded by dense, lush mangrove trees.
• Garden Pause & Culture: Disembark at a local garden. Here, you’ll be treated to a tasting of fresh tropical fruits and fragrant hot tea. This is accompanied by the soulful sounds of traditional Vietnamese music, offering a perfect cultural pause.

Midday: Village Cycling, Crafts, and River Crossing

• Village Exploration (Cycling/Walking): Following the rest stop, embark on a leisurely cycling trip along the quiet village paths. This provides a rich glimpse into daily Mekong life. (Note: Walking is an alternative, but cycling allows you to cover more ground and see more of the environment.)
  • Sights to Watch For: Keep an eye out for verdant orchards, local schools, ancient pagodas, traditional houses, and friendly, smiling villagers.
• Handicraft Workshop: Stop at a family-run workshop. Observe the skillful transformation of dried water hyacinths into beautiful, intricate handicrafts like baskets, hats, and bags.
• Mekong River Crossing: Reboard the main boat to cross the legendary Mekong River, one of the world’s longest waterways, en route to An Binh Island.
• Lunch: A classic Mekong lunch will be served, either onboard the boat as you travel or immediately upon arrival at your homestay

Afternoon & Evening: Homestay, Local Delicacies, and Cooking

• Check-in: Arrive at An Binh Island and check in at your charming local homestay.
• Afternoon Village Tour: Explore the village surroundings further, either by bike or on foot. This is a chance to see more intimate parts of island life.
• Sweet Workshops & Tasting: Stop at traditional workshops to witness the production of local delicacies:
  • Rice paper
  • Coconut candy
  • Crispy pop-rice
  • Enjoy a delightful tasting of these sweets, perfectly paired with a fragrant cup of tea.
• Homestay Evening:
  • Prep: Take time to refresh yourself with a shower.
  • Communal Dinner Prep: Join your host family in the kitchen to assist in preparing a selection of authentic Vietnamese dishes. This is a unique opportunity to learn about local cooking.
  • Dinner & Overnight: Share a warm and hearty dinner together, experiencing true Mekong Delta hospitality. Overnight stay at the homestay.

This day offers an intimate cultural immersion. Be sure to engage with your host family and the local craftspeople!

After breakfast, enjoy a peaceful morning walk around the village to soak up the atmosphere before checking out and bidding farewell to your host family.

We’ll then embark on a boat trip to see some fascinating local life, starting with a visit to traditional brick kilns, where you can watch locals skillfully craft pottery from clay. As we continue cruising the Mekong, we’ll pass floating villages and observe the unique sight of catfish farming right on the river.

Our next stop is the vibrant Vinh Long Market, a bustling hub of sights, sounds, and colours. This is a fantastic photo opportunity—you’ll see everything from fresh seafood like fish, shrimp, and crab, to tropical fruits, vegetables, and more unusual local delicacies like rice-field rats and snakes!

The cruise concludes at the new boat station in Vinh Long City at approximately 10:00 AM. From there, you will be driven back to Ho Chi Minh City to check in to your accommodation (check-in time is 2:00 PM).

The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore or relax

This morning travel from Hoi An to Hue by road.

• Highlight: Drive over the spectacular Hai Van Pass (also known as the ‘Ocean Cloud Pass’).
  • Stop for a short break at the summit to capture panoramic views of the coast and mountains.
• 3-hours later arrive in Hue, the former Imperial City of Vietnam’s last dynasty, famous for its history, monuments, and UNESCO-recognized Imperial Court Music.

Afternoon: Imperial City Exploration

• Site: Explore the Imperial City of Hue (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) on the northern bank of the river.
  • This vast complex comprises the Citadel, the Imperial City, and the Forbidden Purple City (which was once reserved exclusively for the Emperor’s family).

Late Afternoon:

• Enjoy a scenic boat trip on the Perfume River. Stop at Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest and most significant ancient religious structures in the city.

Evening: Royal Dinner Experience

• Royal Dinner experience, designed to bring the history of the ancient Royal Court to life. Guests are invited to wear traditional royal clothes and be treated like the Emperor and Queen, complete with ‘servants’ in traditional costumes. The dining room features lavish, royal-style decoration, including colourful silks, flowers, large candle lights, and dragon-patterned lanterns. Enjoy an authentic Hue royal meal featuring dishes that are artistically prepared to symbolise creatures like the dragon, phoenix, and peacock.
• Entertainment: Dinner is accompanied by melodious traditional music, enhancing the feeling of being a true King or Queen for the night.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at a hotel in Hue.

Tip: Be sure to have your camera ready for the Hai Van Pass and the Imperial City. The Royal Dinner is a unique cultural experience—embrace the full pomp and ceremony!

Morning: 

• Activity: After breakfast and check-out of your hotel, visit one of Hue’s magnificent Royal Tombs.
• Choice: Tour either the Tu Duc Royal Tomb or the Khai Dinh Royal Tomb.
  • Note: Both are renowned as among the most beautiful imperial mausoleums in the city.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

• Transfer: Private transfer from the restaurant to Phu Bai Airport (HUI) in Hue.
• Flight: Take a domestic flight from Hue to Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport – HAN).
  • Important Note: The cost of the domestic flight is not included in the package.
• Arrival in Hanoi:
  • Met warmly by the local guide upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport.
  • Private transfer provided from the airport to your hotel.

Evening: 

• Check-in: Check in to the hotel in Hanoi.
• Activity: The rest of the day is free at leisure for personal activities, relaxation, or initial exploration.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day exploration of Hanoi. Start with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (check closure times: it’s closed in the afternoon, on Mondays, Fridays, and from June to August). See his former residence, including the simple Humble House on Stilts, the historic One-Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university established over a millennium ago.

Continue to the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historically significant site, originally a 7th-century Chinese fortress and rebuilt in the 11th century, showcases a fascinating blend of northern Chinese and southern Champa Kingdom cultural influences. Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Lake, Temple, and Old Quarter Charm

In the afternoon, visit the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, built on an island in the 19th century. The temple is dedicated to revered saints and national heroes, including Saint Van Xuong, one of Vietnam’s most respected literary figures.

Afterward, enjoy a leisurely one-hour cyclo ride through Hanoi’s atmospheric Old Quarter. Wander through bustling streets that still bear the names of the traditional guilds and trades dating back to the 15th–18th centuries.

Evening: Traditional Art and Overnight Journey

In the early evening, experience a captivating traditional Water Puppet Show. This unique Vietnamese art form, originating in the Red River Delta during the 10th century, features skilled puppeteers bringing wooden puppets to life on the water’s surface.

After the show, enjoy refreshments at a nearby hotel before transferring to the train station. You will then take an overnight train trip to Lao Cai (sharing sleeping compartments with other passengers, 2 lower & 2 upper berths per compartment). The train is scheduled to depart at approximately 21:15 hrs.

Notes on Train Journey:

• The train schedule is subject to change.
• The journey is a great local experience. Cabins are typically shared with other local passengers (unless a private compartment is requested and all four berths are paid for, incurring a supplement).
• Private compartments are available on request for a surcharge.
• Restrooms are located at either end of the carriages.

• Morning: Arrival and Uphill Trek
• Early Morning Arrival (approx. 06:30): Arrive at Lao Cai, the border town near China. From there, enjoy a scenic 38 km drive up winding mountain roads to SaPa (approx. 1,500m above sea level). On clear days, you may catch sight of Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest peak .
• Upon arrival in SaPa, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before driving to the trailhead. Begin your adventure with a two-hour uphill trek along a quiet valley path. You will pass through the Black H’mong villages of Sau Chua and Sa Seng, where you can observe traditional wooden houses and stone fences reflecting the community’s nomadic heritage.
• Afternoon: Valley Views and Village Life
• Enjoy a local lunch break to refuel.
• Afterward, continue hiking toward Hang Da Village (set at 1,800m), offering sweeping views over the Muong Hoa Valley. Take time to visit a few local homes and soak in the tranquil mountain atmosphere. Your trek continues with a scenic walk to Thao Hong Den Village, an ideal spot for admiring the rich rural landscapes and experiencing authentic daily village life.
• Conclude the day with a downhill trek to Pho Village in Hau Thao Commune. Your driver will be waiting here to transfer you back to SaPa.
• Overnight in SaPa.

Ascend the “Roof of Indochina”

After breakfast, transfer to the Fansipan Cable Car Station. Begin your ascent with a 20-minute cable car ride up Mount Fansipan—the majestic “Roof of Indochina” at 3,143 meters. As you rise, admire the breathtaking panoramic views of terraced rice fields, lush valleys, and rugged mountain ranges below.

Upon arrival at the cable car terminus, you can choose to climb the final steps to the summit by foot or optional funicular ride (with surcharge). At the Fansipan Summit, take photos at the grand monument, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and soak up the majestic scenery. You will also visit the spiritual complex on Fansipan, which includes serene pagodas, Buddha statues, and peaceful gardens nestled amongst the clouds.

Afternoon & Evening: Descent and overnight  train to Hanoi

Take the cable car back down to SaPa. Transfer for lunch and enjoy some time to relax or freshen up.

In the late afternoon, you will transfer to Lao Cai Railway Station to board the overnight train back to Hanoi.

Boarding the train is scheduled for approximately 20:15 hrs.

Overnight Train to Hanoi:

• You will be in shared sleeping compartments (sharing with other passengers, 2 lower & 2 upper berths per compartment).
• Train journeys are a unique local experience. Cabins are shared unless a private compartment is requested and all berths are paid for (with supplement/surcharge).
• The train schedule is subject to change.
• Restrooms are available at either end of the carriages.

• Early Morning: Arrive at Hanoi Railway Station. You will be met and transferred to a local restaurant to enjoy breakfast and a specialty Vietnamese coffee.
• Following breakfast, depart Hanoi for a scenic 3-hour drive (approx. 160 km) to HaLong Bay. The drive takes you through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta.
• Around Noon: Arrive at the jetty in HaLong City and complete the check-in formalities for your cruise.
• Afternoon & Evening: Cruising the Bay
• Board your cruise ship and receive a warm welcome. A delicious lunch will be served on board as the boat sets sail, beginning its journey into the magnificent seascape of HaLong Bay.
• Throughout the afternoon, you’ll have the option to take part in various visits and activities according to the boat’s set itinerary (details will be available on board), which may include kayaking or visiting a cave. Alternatively, simply relax on the deck and admire the stunning views of the dramatic limestone karsts jutting out of the emerald water.
• As the sun sets, the boat will anchor in a tranquil area amidst the karsts. A sumptuous dinner will be served on board.
• Overnight on the cruise in HaLong Bay.

Wake up to the tranquil morning air and watch the sunrise over the limestone karsts in the heart of HaLong Bay. Breakfast (or brunch on select cruises) is served on board as your vessel begins a leisurely cruise back through the magnificent rock formations toward the port.

Disembark the cruise ship and meet your driver for the 3-hour transfer (approx. 160 km) back to Hanoi.

Afternoon & Evening: Relaxation in Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi in the late afternoon. You will check-in to your hotel and have the rest of the day to relax or explore the city on your own.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Enjoy the final hours in Hanoi at your leisure before you meet your driver who will provide the private vehicle transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your onward flight.