Vietnam In Depth

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam

A warm greeting awaits at Noi Bai International Airport; your private guide and driver will meet you OUTSIDE the arrivals lounge and transfer you to your hotel in Hanoi.

Please look for your tour guide who holds up your names on a welcome signboard. If you can’t find the tour guide, please feel free to call your Travel Designer/ Tour Guide

While every effort is made to have your room available upon arrival, check in time is at 02:00 pm; your room may or may not be ready before this time. Your tour guide will provide additional details regarding your stay, and you will be able to ask any questions you may have. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Today, with the help of your private guide and driver, you’ll uncover Hanoi’s top attractions and savor authentic local dishes, dining street-side alongside the locals.

Morning

9:00 Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, where Vietnam honors its ‘Great Father.’ Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed afternoons, Fridays, and Mondays) to see his embalmed body, his House on Stilts, and the One Pillar Pagoda, a historic 11th-century Buddhist temple.

Next, explore the millennia-old Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and a tribute to Confucian values.

Enjoy lunch at Lan Ong Restaurant, where history, culture, and modern Vietnamese dining come together in an intimate and immersive experience.

Afternoon

After lunch, visit the historic Hoa Lo Prison (nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton), once used by French colonists and later for U.S. prisoners of war.

Take a fun cyclo ride through the French Quarter, admiring its colonial architecture, including the Vietnam History Museum, Metropole Legend Hotel, and Opera House.

Attend a traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique northern Vietnamese art form, at a nearby theater.

Enjoy a cup of Hanoi’s famous Egg Coffee at Pho Co Café, offering stunning views of Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.

Wrap up the day with a walking tour through the vibrant Old Quarter, discovering Hanoi’s dynamic street food scene. Sample dishes like Nom Du Du (green papaya salad), Banh Mi Pa Te (Vietnamese sandwich), and Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles) while seated on tiny plastic stools in a lively back alley.

Overnight in Hanoi

9:00 AM: Meeting guest at Ngoc Thuy market – a vibrant and authentic local wet market. Introduction of shopping habit of Vietnamese people and briefing about schedule of the cooking class.

9:15 AM: Start visiting shopping area of alive chicken; fish and buy all ingredients for the cooking class’ menu. Guests are free to taste some local breakfast (Banh cuon, Pho bo, Fruits). Visiting and learning about the herbs, vegetable in a family garden nearby .

10:30- 12:30 AM: Start cooking 4 main dishes of a traditional meal

12:30 – 13:30 AM: Lunch time with chef and/or with homestay owner.

Then, back to yopur hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi

07:45 – 08:30 Our bus will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi and begin the journey to explore one of the most stunning bays in Northern Vietnam. We’ll make a brief stop along the way for a short break.

11:40 Arrive at the waiting lounge at Ha Long International Cruise Port. Take some time to relax while the captain completes check-in procedures. Then, you’ll transfer to the boat by tender.

12:35 Enjoy a welcome drink and a quick safety briefing, along with an overview of the day’s activities. After that, check into your cabin and settle in.

13:00 Savor a delicious Vietnamese set lunch as the boat cruises deeper into the tranquil waters of Bai Tu Long Bay.

15:00 Arrive at Cap La Island – a beautiful spot perfect for kayaking among limestone karsts, swimming, and enjoying the serene natural surroundings.

17:30 Return to the boat and unwind at the Sunset Party on the sundeck as we cruise toward our overnight anchorage. Join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration where you’ll learn to make Nem Cuon (fresh spring rolls) or try your hand at fruit and vegetable carving.

19:00 Enjoy a delightful set dinner onboard.

20:30 Relax with some free time in the evening. You can try your luck with squid fishing, play traditional Vietnamese puzzle games, enjoy a board game with your group, or simply sip a cocktail while soaking in the peaceful night scenery of the bay.

Overnight on a cruise.

06:30 Start your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck or simply enjoy the peaceful morning view of the bay with a cup of tea or coffee.

07:00 A Western-style breakfast will be served to energize you for the morning activities.

08:00 Head out to explore the hidden beauty of Thien Canh Son Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and panoramic views from the entrance.

09:00 Return to the boat and take some time to freshen up and pack your belongings.

10:00 Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch as the boat begins its journey back toward the harbor.

10:30 Cruise slowly back through the bay, giving you a final chance to soak in the stunning scenery.

11:00 – 11:30 Disembark at Ha Long International Cruise Port.

11:30 – 12:00 Board the bus for the return trip to Hanoi.

15:30 Arrive in Hanoi. Spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Morning

You will meet your private guide and driver at your hotel and embark on a four-hour scenic drive through the picturesque countryside of green paddy fields and spectacular mountains to Mai Chau; home to many of Vietnam’s 54 indigenous minority tribes. Set in an idyllic valley, hemmed in by hills, Mai Chau is a world away from the bustling Hanoi.

Arrive Mai Chau around midday and check into the charming Mai Chau Ecolodge. Nestled in the Mai Chau valley surrounded by mountains and paddy fields Mai Chau ecolodge is an oasis of peace, where you can totally regenerate.

Afternoon

Your guide will take you on a walking tour (or cycling if you wish) of Pom Coong and Lac villages. With stilt houses and lush, green rice paddy fields, Ban Lac and Pom Coong are quaint and serene ethnic Thai villages with many lovely and hospitable inhabitants. During the walk, you will be introduced to a local family. Have conversations on their life, festivals, and culture of the natives.

Continue your day to visit Mo Luong caves and Chieu caves. Two natural cavern systems with thousand-year-old stalactites and stalagmites are mother nature’s magnificent works of art. Filled with mineral structures of all shapes, sizes, and colors, these caves give you the feeling similar to that you get wandering into an ancient world of primitive creations. Such a unique experience cannot be ignored by those adventurous at heart.

You also pay a visit to Thai ethnographic museum. More than 1000 items on display are closely tied to the Thai’s everyday life. You will get to see hunting tools, ritual costumes, bowls, dishes, antique coins, musical instruments, hundreds of years old books, and so on. These authentic pieces of history represent the development of Thai culture over centuries.

Evening

Being one of the famous chef Gordon Ramsay’s destinations on his trip to Vietnam, Mai Chau offers an array of exotic native food. Tonight you will enjoy a delicious home-hosted dinner. Delight your taste buds with traditional dishes and try some rice wine made in the village.

After dinner, you will return to Mai Chau Lodge to attend a traditional dance show performed by the White Thai.

Overnight in Mai Chau

Morning

After breakfast, meet your guide again and set out on a fun cycling tour of the local valleys. Your first 6-mile ride snakes its way through Chieng Chau and Van Mai villages passing seldom-seen countryside. En route, pause to meet a local hill tribe community in Van Mai village and learn about their enduring cultural traditions.

(Note: you don’t know how to ride bicycles, don’ worry. The private car and driver are always available for your excursion)

Continue another 6-mile ride to the Thai village of Cun Pheo on a mix of good single track paths and undulating rough jeep trails. The views are stunning as the ride passes through many villages and across lush rice paddies. Unique to this area are fan palms, grown specifically to use for roofing. You will pass hot springs, cycle across suspension bridges and follow the contours around beautiful terraced rice fields.

Around midday, you will arrive at Ban Buoc, a scenic village of White Thai minority people. Spend time to stroll around this peaceful village. Eventually, you will visit a local family where you will be treated a delicious home-hosted lunch.

Afternoon

Bid a farewell to the host family, pick up your bikes and cycle back on the scenic route to Mai Chau where you spend the second night at the beautiful Mai Chau Ecolodge.

Overnight in Mai Chau.

After breakfast, check out at 8:00 and take a 4 hour drive to Ninh Binh.

Enjoy lunch in a selected restaurant.

In the afternoon, explore by a boat trip 2 hours to Thien Ha Cave/ Thien Ha Grotto/ Galaxy Cave/ Galaxy Grotto refer to the same tourist attraction located in Son Ha Commune, Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province, North Vietnam. In 2007, local people found a cave with small entrance, covered by trees and tall grass in Tuong (General) Mountain which belongs to Trang An Mountains System. This mountain shapes like a guardian who is believed to protect the Ancient Hoa Lu Citadel of Dinh and Le dynasties. Being astonished by the natural beauty of stalagmite, stalactite, and by the creation of Mother Nature, local people named it Thien Ha which means “galaxy” in English.

To explore Thien Ha Cave, we will start with a 1km boat ride on a small canal from Son Ha Commune, then continue walking on the 500m stone road leading to the Tuong Mountain to get to the gate of the cave. The cave is 700m long, consisting of 200m dry cave and 500m water cave. We will be visiting this cave by both on foot and on small boats rowed by local women. The 12.000 m2 interior (as big as Sung Sot/Surprising Cave in Halong Bay) homed to a group of ancient Vietnamese people. Lots of shellfishes, pottery pieces, animal bones, tortoise shells, and other traces and antiques have been found here. Thien Ha Cave, now, still homes to thousands of bats.

Drive to your hotel in Tam Coc, a unique boutique hotel in Tam Coc with traditional Vietnamese architecture, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

Overnight in Ninh Binh

Morning

After breakfast, you will depart Ninh Binh and drive 3 hours to Xuan Thuy National Park in Nam Dinh Province, 150 km south-west of Hanoi in the coastal zone of the Red River Delta. On the way, you will pay a visit to the Ancient Co Le Pagoda dating back to the 10th century.

The next stop is Vi Khe Village, one of the largest bonsai villages in Vietnam. You can see the bonsai in various shapes, such as a phoenix, dragon, horses, unicorn, or the symbol of the Temple of Literature.

Continue on to Xuan Thuy National Park, formally known as a Nature Reserve of the area and later became Vietnam’s first Ramsar site, for the conservation of wetlands. Xuan Thuy National Park is located in the Giao Thuy district forming part of the UNESCO Red River Biosphere Reserve. It is a rich, bio-diverse, coastal wetland that houses about 220 species of birds, 110 aquatic plants and 500 other aquatic organisms.

Around mid-day, you will arrive at the Xuan Giao Commune near the National Park. Here you will embark on a boat trip to discover the wetland. After a one-hour boat trip through the National Park, you will arrive at a Clam Hut where you will be served a delicious seafood lunch. Rest and relax in the Hut for a while before transferring back to the mainland.

Afternoon

After a short rest, you will commence a leisure sightseeing tour around the Giao Xuan Commune and through the villages. Walk along country lanes at a peaceful pace viewing local life and pause to see farmers toiling in their rice fields using centuries of farming practices. You will also visit the ancient houses, Catholic churches, and the Agriculture Museum. If it is a sunny day you can visit the salt fields to watch the locals making salt. You can try to become a salt-farmer!

Proceed to the bird station (applied for the wintertime from Nov – Mar) to watch various species of birds of East Asia – Australia flyways such as Black-faced Spoonbill, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Spotted Greenshank, Saunders’s Gull and Asian Dowitcher…etc.

Evening

Transfer to a local home in Xuan Giao Communie where you will enjoy a delicious home-hosted dinner and spend the night with the family. Clean and comfortable bedding is provided for your stay.

Overnight in Nam Dinh.

Morning

Start your day with a leisurely bicycle ride (or by car) around the commune, enjoy the beautiful sunrise over the ocean and then visit the local Fishmarket. Here you can watch fishermen bring in their overnight catch. Hundreds of people from the surrounding villages rush to this wholesale market for the best buys of the day.

Return to the local home. Along the way, you will pause to visit a local fish-sauce making family where you can see the traditional methods of making this delicious sauce.

After breakfast and check out of the homestay, you will be transferred to Nam Dinh Railway station to catch the day train to Dong Hoi. The train ride is 8 hours and you will have the four-berth soft sleeper compartment with air conditioning, nice and comfy.

Evening

On arrival in Dong Hoi, your private guide and driver will greet you at the train exit and transfer you to Chay Lap Farmstay and Resort where you will enjoy two lovely nights. Nestled between breathtaking karst mountains away from the tourist trails, Chay Lap is a true gem in Phong Nha & Ke Bang National park.

Overnight in Quang Binh.

Morning

After breakfast depart for your exploration of Phong Nha Cave, the world’s longest limestone cave. Part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, the cave was used as a hospital and munitions store during the Vietnam War. You will access the cave by boat along the Son River and once inside, you will be amazed by the cave’s fine sand beaches, the spectacular milky-white stalagmites, and stalactites.

Continue to visit the historic Tam Co Cave which has a fascinating war-time history.

Afternoon

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to visit the famous Thien Duong Cave, also known as Paradise Cave. Discovered by scientists of the British Caving Research Association in 2005, the Paradise cave is an ethereal complex of skyscraper-high stalagmites and stalactites that hang like the pipes of oversized church organs. The first 1 km (0.6 miles) is open to visitors and lit with the aplomb of a cathedral, with wooden steps and walkways navigating the uneven floor.

Return to the Farmstay in the late afternoon where you spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Enjoy the comforts of the Farmstay or for those who wish there is the option to cycle around the local villages.

Overnight in Quang Binh

Morning

You will have the whole morning free at your leisure. Breakfast will be served at the Farmstay and check out of the room at midday.

Afternoon

Your guide and driver will collect you from the Farmstay and transfer you to Dong Hoi Train station to catch the day train (soft seats with air conditioning) to Hue, a Unesco World Heritage site and the former capital of Imperial Vietnam from 1802 to 1945.

The three-hour train journey will be an interesting experience because it allows you to see the stunning scenery along the way and especially crossing Vietnam’s former DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). The DMZ was the former border between North and South Vietnam before the reunification. Historically it was a narrow band of terrain extending from the Laos border to the coast, five kilometers on either side of the Ben Hai River, roughly on the 17th parallel north of latitude.

Evening

Your private guide and driver will meet you at the train station and transfer you to your hotel in Hue for check-in. The rest of the evening will be yours at leisure.

Overnight in Hue.

Today you will explore the royal city of Hue once served as an imperial capital to the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty which reigned from 1802 to 1945. With splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas, and the remains of the citadel, the city retains its royal charm.

Morning

After breakfast, you are picked up by your private guide and driver and begin your day with a visit to the atmospheric Imperial Citadel, a large complex that contains the remains of the former Imperial Palace and Forbidden Purple City, where the emperors and his family once lived. The two-hour walking tour allows you to see the magnificent architecture and gardens as your guide explains the events and the intrigue of the former royal court.

Have lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

After lunch, you will explore the tomb of the longest-reigned Emperor Tu Duc, located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds, inspired by the Chinese Confucianism, harmonious design of balance and symmetry for the emperor’s resting place. You will also visit the tomb of King Khai Dinh, designed in the traditional Vietnamese style with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue.

Then head to Vong Canh Hill to watch the sunset over the Perfume River. On the way back to town, you will visit a local workshop where you can see how incense sticks and traditional conical hats are made.

Back to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Hue.

Morning

Your guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to the wharf for your boat ride on the Perfume River. During the boat cruise, you will stop to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of Hue.

After the boat cruise, you will explore the Dong Ba Market runs along the north bank of Huong (Perfume) River. At the market, you will have a chance to discover a favorite Noddle shop by Anthony Bourdain – the World Famous Chef and TV Producer. Here you will sample the best Bun Bo Hue “Hue Noddle soup”.

Afternoon

After lunch, we will depart Hue and head to Hoi An, the UNESCO heritage town (approximately 4 hours). Today the drive over the Hai Van Pass will be one of the most scenic ones on your trip. En route, you will stop to visit Lang Co Beach, Cham Museum, and Marble Mountain.

Arrive in Hoi An and check into your hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Morning

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel to visit a local fishing village by cycling on level ground to the Thu Bon River. For safety purposes, you will be given a short bicycle competency test. For those uncomfortable with riding a bicycle, a private car can be arranged (additional cost will be added).

Ride along country lanes at a peaceful pace viewing local life and pause to see farmers toiling in their rice fields using centuries of farming practices. Peddle your way through palm forests, across bridges, fields of water buffalo…

Take a short break in a local family at Cam Thanh Village before enjoying a 1.5 hour ride on Traditional Basket Boat (round boat) in the Water Coconut Palm Forest. Learn how to sail the basket boat and spend your time to catch fishes and “purple crabs” in the Canal.

You will then ride back to the hotel to rest during the day. Get ready for the afternoon walking and food tour.

Afternoon

Your tour guide will pick you up and take you to the Ancient Quarter of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you will embark on a walking tour visiting the major attractions such as Chua Ong Pagoda, Tan Ky Ancient House, Fujian Assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge.

The highlight of the day is the visit to the Reaching Out Tea House, a welcome little oasis of calm in the busy, vibrant Old quarter, owned and operated by mute and deaf people. Here you will be treated with delicious cakes and incredible tea in the Eastern style.

Move on to the house of a lantern craftsman. There, you can observe the lantern craftsman’s technique before hands-on work through each stage of lantern-making under the guidance of the enthusiastic craftsmen: from bending it into the frame, cutting cloth, gluing, to completing lanterns. Before this trip concludes, you will have your own lantern created by your own hands.

Now, it’s time for your Hoi An Street food discovery tour. With your guide, you will weave in and out the tiny alleyways, get to chow down with the locals at stalls you’d never discover on your own. Every day at 4 pm, Hoi An’s streets are filled with a myriad of street food carts, stalls, and vendors. The street food tour is a great introduction for you to enjoy a few of the Hoi An specialties cooked by the locals, to introduce you to the faces behind the stock pots and to teach you how the Hoi An locals deal with those condiment trays!

Overnight in Hoi An.

Our private guide and driver will collect us from the hotel lobby and transfer directly for the My Son Sanctuary, a breathtaking cluster of abandoned and partially decayed Hindu temples constructed between the 4th and the 14th century A.D. in the name of Shiva and considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.

Discover the majestic ancient ruins of the more than 70 architectural works in the complex, situated between two mountain ranges. Admire the ancient towers, and pay a visit to the historic town of Tra Kieu nearby, the former administration center of the Champa ruling dynasties.

On your way back to Hoi An, stop to visit some fascinating locals and learn how they breed silkworms and weave silk beside the Thu Bon river. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then drive back to our hotel in Hoi An.

The rest of the day is free at leisure. We can enjoy the comforts of the hotel, explore the town further or enjoy shopping.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Spend your full day to relax at your leisure in this UNESCO heritage town, which has some of the best food, architecture, and shopping in all of Vietnam. Hoi An is the perfect place to potter around, shop at the many tailor stores, and dine at the town’s fabulous restaurants. In this town, you can get a suit/ tuxedo made within 24 hours at a reasonable price. You can also take an opportunity to join a cooking class to learn about the arts of Vietnam culinary; visiting the local market, choosing ingredients and preparing and cooking Hoi An special dishes. This is great fun.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Hoi An. Your private driver (no guide) will pick you up and transfer you to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Buon Ma Thuot, located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.

Upon arrival at Buon Ma Thuot Airport, you’ll be greeted by your private guide and driver, who will take you to your hotel for check-in.

Afternoon

Set out to explore Buon Ma Thuot, the coffee capital of Vietnam which has played a key role in Vietnam’s success as the world’s top Robusta exporter, and second coffee exporter after Brazil.

Start with a visit to Trung Nguyen coffee village, a lovely garden filled with fountains, interesting architects and of course lovely coffee! Here you can learn about Vietnamese coffee culture, coffee trees, the coffee processing industry.

The next stop is the impressive Ethnographic Museum. The exhibits here will give you an insight into the lives and cultures of the ethnic minority people of the Central Highlands of Vietnam.

Proceed to Kien Cuong Civet Coffee Garden. You will meet the owner Mr. Kien Cuong “the king of coffee” who will tell you how he farms and processes the famous Civet-coffee (the most expensive coffee in the world).

Continue to visit AkoDhong village, home to Ede Ethnic Minority who lives in the long house-on-stilts. At the village, you pause at the village chief’s house (Ama H’Rin house) and learn about the Ede people and their Matriarchal Society.

Return to Buon Ma Thuot in the late afternoon and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot.

Morning

Depart from your hotel in Buon Ma Thuot and journey through the Central Highlands to Yok Don National Park.

Step into the heart of Vietnam’s only dipterocarp forest, a rare ecosystem shared with Cambodia and Laos. As you trek under towering hardwood trees, your local guide and park ranger will reveal the secrets of this unique landscape. It’s home to rare wildlife, medicinal plants, and ancient forest rhythms.

Pause midday for a peaceful picnic lunch beneath the shade of the forest canopy.

Afternoon

Continue your journey to a breathtaking viewpoint over the seasonal Buddha Cascade. Take in sweeping views of the untouched forest and feel the serenity of the highlands wash over you.

If conditions permit, drift along the Serepok River in a traditional wooden boat, a tranquil ride that offers glimpses of birdlife and jungle scenery from a whole new perspective. Alternatively, enjoy a short visit to a nearby ethnic minority village, where you can experience the local culture and learn about traditional life in harmony with nature.

Arrive back at your hotel around 4:30 PM.

Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot.

After breakfast and check out your private guide and driver will take visit the famous waterfalls of D’ray Nur and Dray Sap. Fed by the Srepock River, a major tributary of the Mekong River that flows from the Central Highlands into northeastern Cambodia, Dray Nur and Dray Sap waterfalls are definitely the must-sees.

Upon arrival, take a short walk through some lush forest and around the base of the waterfall. If you’re really feeling adventurous you can walk under a small portion of the waterfall and rinse off.

Depart Buon Ma Thuot you will be driven to Lak Lake. Vast, tranquil and fringed by rolling hills, Lak Lake is the Central Highland’s largest natural freshwater lake. Take a boat trip on the lake and visit a local village, home to the Mnong people, a tribe that relies on the lake for their livelihood and they can be seen fishing in traditional dugout canoes.

After the boat trip, have lunch at a local restaurant before paying a visit to Bao Dai Villa where the last King of Vietnam used to live. Perched on top of a hill, the building was one of the emperor’s many, many holiday homes in the Central Highlands, a region he frequented to indulge in one of his favourite pastimes, hunting.

Continue your road journey south passing through spectacular mountain scenery, to the former French colonial hill station of Dalat. The high altitude, cool climate and natural beauty are what first drew the French colonialists here in the first half of the 20th century. It flourished as an alpine/lakeside summer holiday town, garnering it yet a nickname, “Le Petit Paris” or little Paris.

Arrive Da Lat in the late afternoon and check into your resort. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure.

Overnight in Da Lat.

Morning

Begin your day with a hotel pickup in Dalat, where you’ll be warmly greeted by your guide and driver. Your adventure starts with a journey through the heart of Dalat City, known for its blend of French colonial charm and natural beauty.

You’ll first visit some of Dalat’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Dalat Railway Station, a charming architectural remnant from the French colonial era, and the Dalat Market, a bustling local hub filled with fresh produce, flowers, and handmade goods. Depending on your interests, you may also explore Linh Phuoc Pagoda, known for its intricate mosaic details, or Bao Dai’s Summer Palace, the former residence of Vietnam’s last emperor.

Leaving the city behind, continue north to LangBiang Mountain, one of Dalat’s most famous natural attractions. You’ll have the option to hike or take a scenic jeep ride to the summit. From the top, enjoy stunning panoramic views over pine forests, rivers, and surrounding ethnic minority villages. Your guide will share the romantic legend of Lang and Biang and introduce you to the traditions of the local K’Ho people.

After descending from LangBiang, stop at a countryside restaurant to enjoy a delicious lunch featuring Dalat’s fresh, local flavors.

Afternoon

Start visit the peaceful highlands of Cau Dat, home to some of the region’s most picturesque tea plantations. Stroll through rolling green tea hills, visit the Cau Dat Tea Processing Factory to learn about how tea is harvested and prepared, and relax with a warm cup of freshly brewed local tea while taking in the cool mountain breeze and stunning landscape.

As the day comes to an end, return to Dalat in the late afternoon. Spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Overnight in Da Lat.

After breakfast, depart Da Lat for the four-hour drive to Nha Trang (without guide) along a scenic road through the Ngoan Muc Pass, passing tea plantations, forests and tribal villages.

Upon arrival at Nha Trang, check-in to your selected resort and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Nha Trang is best known for its palm-lined golden sand beach, which stretches for four miles, and its climate. The town enjoys an average of 300 days of sunshine a year and an average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius.

The evening is free for you to explore Nha Trang, with its many open-air bars and great restaurants.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

08:00 – 08:45  Begin your day with a hotel pickup between 08:00 and 08:45. Meet your guide and transfer to the pier, ready for a day of discovery across the sparkling waters of Nha Trang Bay.

09:00   Board your speedboat and set off on an exciting island-hopping adventure through turquoise waters and scenic coastlines.

09:30   Arrive at Hòn Mun Marine Reserve, Vietnam’s first marine protected area. Dive into the crystal-clear sea for a snorkeling experience among colorful coral reefs and vibrant tropical fish. All snorkeling gear and life vests are provided, with guidance from your experienced crew.

11:30   Continue to a nearby floating fishing village, where you’ll get a glimpse into traditional aquaculture life. Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch featuring regional dishes in a serene, waterside setting.

13:30   Head to Hòn Tằm Island for an afternoon of relaxation and wellness. Choose to unwind with a mud bath and mineral hot spring soak overlooking the sea, or simply relax on the private beach and take a dip in the expansive 2,400m² swimming pool surrounded by tropical gardens.

15:30   Return to the mainland by speedboat and enjoy a comfortable transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight in Nha Trang. 

These days are yours to enjoy at your own pace. Whether you choose to unwind on the golden sands of Nha Trang’s beaches, explore the local markets and cafes, or take advantage of your resort’s spa and wellness offerings, the day is completely flexible.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Morning

After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Nha Trang airport for a short flight to Can Tho, located in the heart of the Mekong Delta.

Upon arrival at Can Tho Airport, you will be picked up and driven to Ninh Kieu pier where you will board the Bassac Vessel, a beautifully crafted wooden boat offering the style and elegance of traditional rice barges typical to the Mekong Delta, that is your home for the evening.

After a welcome drink, introduction to the boat and crew, you start cruising downstream of the Hau river.

Enjoy a delectable lunch on the boat’s upper deck.

Afternoon

During the afternoon there is an opportunity to disembark and walk around local villages and learn about the villagers’ way of life; such as how they grow rice, fruit, and vegetables. You will pause at some of the local cottage industries that operate along the river banks, providing a living for the river people.

Board back, rest on the deck and enjoy the sunset. Tonight you will be served a scrumptious dinner while the Bassac is cruising along Mang Thit River towards her anchorage point for the night.

Overnight on Board the Bassac Vessel

Morning

An early breakfast will be served while the boat cruises on the way to Cai Be.

The Bassac crosses Co Chien river and then slips into the Chợ Lách canal, in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the river traffic, between markets and churches, giving you a unique opportunity for a glimpse of the very varied life on the banks as well as on the water.

Arrival near Cai Be, check-out and transfer to a rowing boat for a quiet visit through a small canal if the tide allows.

Rendez-vous with a local boat, which will take you to shore for a visit of Cai Be’s local cottage industry.

The tour will end at Cai Be town where your guide and driver are waiting for you and transfer directly to Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals.

Afternoon

Arrive and check into your hotel in the city center. The rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.

Overnight in HCM City

Today you will embark on a journey through time that unveils diverse historical epochs, from vibrant Chinese heritage to enduring French influences and the transformative American era, painting a vivid portrait of Saigon’s past.

Starting with the Chinese Era (17^th -19^th century): 7:30 After an early breakfast, meet your personal guide and driver and transfer to Cho Lon, Saigon’s vibrant Chinatown, where history and culture converge.

8:00 Upon arrival, stroll through its captivating streets on a leisurely walking tour, unveiling hidden gems and local life. You will start at Fabric Streets, a kaleidoscope of textiles and hues. Marvel at the bustling energy as vendors trade meters of fabric, a visual delight even for non-enthusiasts.

Continue on to Aquarium Street, a marine haven. Immerse yourself in diverse aquatic life, a captivating and educational experience.

Next, discover the world of sewing accessories on the next street. Unearth a treasure trove of creative possibilities, where imagination knows no bounds. Then explore the mysteries of Chinese medicine as you wander through herbal medical centers.

10.00 Conclude your morning at Lady Thien Hau Pagoda, a prominent Chinatown temple. Admire intricate woodcarvings, delicate porcelain figurines, and ornate altars celebrating Chinese heritage.

11:30 – 12:00 Return to the city center for a delightful lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Step into the French Era (19^th – 20th century): 13.30 After savoring your meal, you’ll have the opportunity to explore two iconic relics of the French colonial era. Begin at the Notre Dame Cathedral, an architectural marvel built by French colonists, followed by a visit to the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical gem that stands as a prominent city attraction. These remarkable landmarks stand as enduring testaments to the enduring French influence in Vietnam.

Then the American Era (1960s – 1970s): 14.30 Navigate your path to the Reunification Palace, once the official residence of the President of South Vietnam throughout the tumultuous War period. Continue your journey with a visit to the War Remnant Museum, a poignant repository of history’s truths.

And finally: 16:30 Wrapping up your day, you’ll visit the enchanting Emperor Jade Pagoda. This figurine-filled site of worship is considered by many to be Saigon’s finest.

Alternatively, you can head to the Liberty Central Citypoint Hotel’s Above Skybar for a refreshing drink (included) while soaking in the city’s breathtaking panoramic view below.

Overnight in HCM City

After breakfast we drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, created by the Viet Cong to counter first the French and then American forces. Cu Chi Tunnels is 75 km outer suburb of Ho Chi Minh City. This vast network of tunnels, stretching over 250 kilometers, is a sobering insight into the dedication of the Viet Cong who lived almost entirely underground in the narrow tunnels.

At the site we have a chance to watch a brief video that will introduce you to the Cu Chi tunnels, followed by a walk through the reserve. Nearby is a chilling demonstration of the traps and weapons used against the American GIs. The Cu Chi tunnels have been made wider and cleaner for western visitors; however, they can still be dark and claustrophobic inside so please keep in mind if you do not like enclosed spaces (it is optional to walk through the dark tunnels).

We then drive back to HCM City with stop for lunch en route. Back to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in HCM City

Breakfast at hotel and then prepare for check out. Your private car will be waiting for you at hotel’s lobby and take care you on a private transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight back to home.