Classic Vietnam Tour: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi

Xin Chao! Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, your private guide and driver are waiting to meet you, holding up a welcome signboard with your names on it and taking you directly to your hotel in the city center.

Your tour guide will provide additional details regarding your stay, and you will be able to ask any questions you may have. Check-in and enjoy the rest of the day is at leisure.

While every effort is made to have your room available upon arrival, check in time is at 02:00pm; 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.

Overnight in HCM City.

Morning

Today you will travel to the Legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, the most famous battlegrounds in the world by the speedboat.

After breakfast, you will be picked up and transferred to the Saigon pier to embark on a fun and relaxing speedboat ride to Cu Chi, a small community located northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, known for its network of deep tunnels that provided shelter and an effective source of infiltration for the Viet Cong (Vietnamese fighters) during the later years of the Vietnam War.

Upon arrival, you will watch a short introductory video from the period, followed by a walk through the reserve. The hidden network of Viet Cong tunnels is believed to stretch to “hundreds of miles,”  in total length, housed living quarters, storage rooms, makeshift hospitals, and kitchens…etc. Although originally very narrow, a section of the tunnels has been widened so you will have the opportunity to explore parts of the system to get a feel for what underground life must have been like.

After exploring the tunnel return to the speedboat and wind your way back to the city where an exciting city tour awaits your exploration.

Afternoon

You will first navigate your path to the Reunification Palace, once the official residence of the President of South Vietnam throughout the tumultuous War period.

Step into a journey through time as you encounter two iconic relics from 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.

Wrapping up your day, you’ll visit Ben Thanh Market.

Evening

At 5:30 PM, make your way to the Saigon Opera House, a stunning French colonial landmark in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Settle into your reserved seat and enjoy a complimentary beverage as the anticipation builds.

As the curtains rise, be captivated by the A O Show, where talented artists, acrobats, and dancers vividly portray Vietnam’s journey of urbanization and adaptation. Marvel at the dynamic choreography and impressive props that bring the stage to life. This hour-long performance promises an unforgettable blend of culture, creativity, and artistry.

Show Highlights

• Admission to A O Show in Ho Chi Minh City
• See a unique portrait of rural Vietnamese life performed at the French-designed Saigon Opera House Watch a modern fusion of acrobatic arts and dance accompanied by live music
• Be mesmerized by amazing stunts and infectious energy on stage
• Choose from three seating locations: ground floor, middle balcony and upper balcony
• Complimentary beverage before show time

Morning

Leave the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City behind as you drive approximately 3.5 to 4 hours to the peaceful riverside city of Can Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival around midday, check into your local lodge and take some time to relax and soak in the laid-back atmosphere of the region.

Afternoon

We begin with a cycle between thick woodland and placid streams to Gian Gua, a revered tree of 160 years old. Like a banyan tree, the roots and branches of Gian Gua are tangled in one large mesh of nature, hiding a popular shrine where a local charity worker is widely worshipped for her past work.

After this, we ride our bicycles to a tropical fruit garden. The locals are all too pleased to show us the literal fruits of their labor and will present us with some of the Mekong’s colorful and sweet products for tasting. They will talk us through the eco-minded processes that have been passed down between generations of their family-run orchard.

Wave goodbye to garden owners and end at a local vegetable nursery where we can help to water and pick some of the region’s staple produce. We also have the unique opportunity to bring a vegetable plant or tree sapling from here and plant it either at Can Tho Ecolodge or for the locals in the village of Ba Lang.

Finish the biking tour, we will return to lodge and continue with an interesting hands-on cooking class.

Evening

Cooking Class at Can Tho Ecolodge is the best way to practice the process of making specialities of Western Vietnam.

The participants are introduced to all the ingredients, given the adequate tools to prepare the meal.

You can discuss your challenges with our chefs—all the while gaining an understanding of the dishes’ origins and fine-tuning their cooking method. After this highly interactive class, you are able to sit down and enjoy the meal you have just created.

You can get to take the recipes you learn home with you and do not forget introduce the specialty of Western Vietnamese food.

Overnight in Can Tho

Morning

From the pier of Can Tho Ecolodge, you board a sampan boat and cruise on the Ba Lang River. The boat gradually goes to the big river and it only takes about 5 minutes to reach Cai Rang Floating Market – the busiest floating market in the West and recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.

The characteristic of the floating market is trading on boats and canoes floating on the river, the smiles of traders are always ready to welcome you on the journey.

After leaving Cai Rang Floating Market, the boat will take you to rice noodle local factory . You will be able to see firsthand how interesting the whole process of making “Hu Tiu” – one of the rice noodles in Vietnam. And you can also directly participate in some of the steps to feel and see the final products.

The unique experiences of Mekong Delta Tour continue the next step when the boat arrives local farm garden. Here you can walking on the peaceful roads and many cozy cottages, then rowing a Vietnamese dinghy – the typical means of transportation here.

At this time, it is wonderful to enjoy the delicious and sweet fruits in the garden.

Finish this tour, we return to the lodge and prepare for checking out.

Afternoon

Your private car transfer you to Can Tho Airport to board a short flight to Hoi An, in the central of Vietnam.

Upon arrival at Danang Airport, your private tour guide and driver will meet you and take you to your hotel near Hoi An Ancient Town for check-in. The former prosperous trading port of Hoi An dating to the 16th-17th century has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is, without doubt, one of Vietnam’s gems. These days it is a delightful small market town, known throughout the region for its boasting well-preserved buildings, pedestrianized streets and world-class cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Morning

This trip will provide you with insight into rural life in Cam Kim, a village located just outside of Hoi An. We’ll set off from your hotel by motorbike. After crossing the Thanh Ha bridge to Cam Kim Commune, we’ll drive to Mr. Huynh Ri’s ancient house, which is over 100 years old. Take a visit and engage in a conversation with him about the house.

Next, proceed to the place where basket boats are crafted. Along the way, we’ll make stops to observe ship construction and repair, and you’ll have the opportunity to join a local in experiencing the process of weaving a basket boat.

Our next stop will be a mat-weaving location, where you’ll join a local family to learn the art of weaving a reed mat. The final destination will be a wet rice paper maker’s place. Join a local family to discover the process of making wet rice papers and sample some “Bánh Đập” made from wet rice paper and rice crackers.

We’ll return to Hoi An via the Cam Kim metal bridge and proceed to The Field restaurant, located by riverside roads and rice fields, for lunch. After lunch, we’ll transfer back to the hotel, concluding the morning activities.

Afternoon

Your tour guide will pick you up and take you to the Ancient Quarter of Hoi An, 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.

Continue to visit the Precious Heritage Museum, home to the permanent exhibition of Réhahn’s Precious Heritage Collection. While transporting you to the furthest reaches of Vietnam, the collection will unveil the rich cultural tapestry of the ethnic tribes.

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 the 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.

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.

Morning

After breakfast, you will be collected by your private guide and transferred in a private vehicle (approximately 4 hours) to the Royal City of Hue. Today the drive over the Hai Van Pass will be one of the most scenic ones on your trip.

Arrive in Hue around midday, check in to the hotel, and enjoy a short rest.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, start your exploration in Hue at the Royal Complex, former home to the Nguyen Dynasty, the last Monarchy of Vietnam from 1802 – 1945. You will explore the ancient and atmospheric walled Citadel which contains the former Imperial Palace and the Forbidden Purple City.

Then, visit Thien Mu Pagoda with its distinctive seven-storey octagonal tower. Having explored the pagoda and its beautiful grounds, we return to Hue via Dong Ba market.

Evening

This evening, at 18:00 PM, explore slow living through slow food and an evening slow tour on cyclo. Your guide will give some basic introduction about Hue cuisine, as well as teach you some survival Vietnamese before moving to a vegetarian restaurant, where you can see Buddhist traditions imprinted in Hue’s food art.

Farther and farther away from the tourist quarter, in a laid-back cyclo, the night tranquility will show you the inner soul of Hue. Suddenly, the street food stalls come into sight and a crispy Hue styled pancake or lemongrass skewers will be worth a try with both your hands and your tongue. Enjoy some chilling time over a glass of savory specialty drinks or local beer at a charming bar – coffee house while sharing more about Hue eating habits. Sweet soups may not be your favorite desserts, but Hue’s varieties of colors and flavors, will be a promise of a sweet ending for a sweet night! Take it easy and make it funny!

Overnight in Hue.

Morning

Your day will start with a short visit to Thanh Toan Village where you can see the lively morning market. This is where the locals come to buy their daily food. Nearby are the 300-year-old Thanh Toan bridge and a Cultural Museum where you can visit and talk to the locals.

Then continue to the final resting place – called the King tomb of Tu Duc, a masterpiece of Nguyen Dynasty architecture and the final resting place of one of Vietnam’s longest-reigning emperors. Nestled amidst a tranquil pine forest, the tomb reflects Tu Duc’s poetic soul, featuring serene lakes, pavilions, and intricately designed stone carvings.

Leaving the city center you will drive to the outskirt heading to a local nunnery for lunch. Experience a fantastic traditional meal at this peaceful retreat and have the chance to interact with the nuns to learn more about Buddhism and gain a unique insight into their daily lives.

Afternoon

After lunch, return to your hotel to collect your belongings, then transfer to the Phu Bai airport for your late afternoon flight to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam.

Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, your private driver are waiting to meet you, holding up a welcome signboard with your names on it and taking you directly to the Old Quarter. 

Overnight in Hanoi.

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

After breakfast, your private guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you on a full day tour to discover the city, taking in sights including 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, visit the historic Hoa Lo Prison (nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton), once used by French colonists and later for U.S. prisoners of war.

Today, you will enjoy lunch at Lan Ong Restaurant, located on one of Hanoi’s most well-preserved ancient streets. Beautifully presented and rich in Vietnamese culture, their dishes, complemented by the ‘secret’ sauce, provide an authentic culinary experience.

Afternoon

After lunch, 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.

This evening, embark on a walking tour of Hanoi’s best culinary spots. Start with a short walk to Thanh Ha market, a busy, eclectic market alive with the sounds and smells of Hanoi. Here you will capture the essence of Vietnamese culture while browsing the food stalls, hearing about local culinary culture, and sampling unusual Hanoi delicacies.

Sample delicious dishes like Nom Du Du (green papaya salad), Banh Mi Pa Te (a sandwich that reflects Vietnam’s culinary heritage), and the famous Hanoi dish Bun Cha (grilled pork and noodles). Continue to see ceremonial cake stalls and taste a special Vietnamese dessert.

Return to your hotel with a deeper understanding of local life.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Morning

After breakfast, our tour guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Ninh Binh, a fascinating place where, apart from inspiring scenery, “towering limestone mountains and the lush rice fields,” you have access to the most rural and authentic side of Vietnam. Ninh Binh boasts of the most majestic and impressive natural landscapes in Southeast Asia, yet so many travelers overlook it.

Our first stop today is Incense Village – named Quang Phu Cau. The incense to dry in various formations, you’ll get pictures of people working among this sea of red and color. Do capture a variety of shots of the workers in action, the village workshops, shooting images of the incense-making process. Visiting some local people’s houses to be widen knowledge about the real life of Vietnamese. Taking more images of the friendly locals who have worked on producing incense in this village for generations. Your tour guide will give you information about the worshipping culture and religions in Vietnam.

Then, head to Ninh Binh Town to visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and early Le dynasties. Visit the King Dinh Temple and King Le Temple, both known for their traditional architecture and spiritual significance, set against a dramatic mountain backdrop. These historic sites are especially important during the annual Hoa Lu Festival.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties.

Afternoon

After lunch, continue to Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its outstanding natural beauty and the scenic karst formations which contribute to its reputation as being the “Halong Bay on land”.

Arrive at the wharf we will board a small boat and meander lazily down the peaceful river while passing through a series of caves. While enjoying the sounds of soaring birds overhead and paddling along the crystal-clear waters of the river, jagged limestone hills jutting skyward out of electric green rice paddies will be sure to bring out the photographer in us.

At the end of the boat trip, return to your hotel in Hanoi and relax for the evening.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, our private tour guide and driver will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Tuan Chau Marina, where you board Peony Cruise, which is your home for a lovely night.

You will be taken aboard our support vessel and travel from the wharf via the bay to board our luxurious craft, Peony Cruises. The itinerary briefing is announced during this time.

Welcome fresh drinks, wet towels, and a special lunch of fresh food and an assortment of appetizing delicacies will be served. You will be enchanted when decadently dining on our luxury junk. Life just doesn’t get better than this! We then set sail for Lan Ha Bay, A member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays.

Enjoy the delicious lunch of fresh seafood and an assortment of appetizing delicacies while cruising along Lan Ha Bay with the breathtaking scenery.

15:30 Visiting Tra Bau area which has known as an area famous for its unspoiled, poetic natural beauty and attractive seascape of Lan Ha Bay. This is the best time for kayaking to discover the truest beauty of the limestone islands. Immerse yourself in the emerald, green water of the bay or enjoy the Jacuzzi pool on the Peony Cruises.

17:30 – 18:30 Joining us for a cooking demonstration to learn how to make one of the most famous Vietnamese cuisines, the spring rolls. Or reach the top deck of the cruise where the guests can admire the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Enjoy a Happy Hour time – BUY ONE GET ONE FREE at the bar. It is an ideal time for photography enthusiasts to capture the greatest moment of sunset over Lan Ha Bay.

19.30 Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served by our skillful chef. This is a delightful meal in an intimate, romantic setting.

21:00 – 22.00 Relax and sip the exotic cocktails and drinks at the sky bar (with a surcharge). Indulge yourself with spa service (optional) or simply relax on the top deck just under the cover of a brightly illuminated sky.

Or try to get your luck at the squid fishing on the main deck.

Overnight on board.

Begin the day full of energy with the Tai Chi session and enjoy the sun just rising up beyond the horizon.

6:45 – 7:15 Breakfast is served while cruising back to Gia Luan jetty. (Breakfast time maybe adjust and follow the real itinerary)

7:30 – 9:00 You will join the tour of Cat Ba World Biosphere by transshipment. It takes 30 minutes to transfer from Gia Luan to Trung Trang – one of the most impressive caves in Cat Ba Island, Vietnam. The limestone cave has thousands of stalactites in various shapes, offering geological values with a typical cave ecosystem.

9:30   Return to the main boat from the cave and the guests will do the cabin check out. Luggage is placed outside of the cabin.

Lunch is served at the restaurant. Settle the bar bill by the desk at the restaurant (if any)

10:30 – 11:00 Disembark the Peony Cruises and transferred back to Block #34, Big Bay group terminal, Tuan Chau Marina. Relax and wait for the luggage.

Your private guide and driver take you back to Hanoi and head directly to Noi Bai International Airport where you board your flight home or travel on to more adventures, we will help you with the planning.