Dynamic Vietnam Insights

Today, with your private guide and driver, discover Hanoi’s cultural highlights and savour authentic local cuisine, venturing beyond the usual tourist trails to enjoy the city’s vibrant street-food scene alongside the locals.

Morning
Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, where the Vietnamese people pay tribute to the country’s revered national leader. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (subject to its opening schedule) and his traditional House on Stilts, where you can learn more about his life and the way he lived. Nearby, discover the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic 11th-century Buddhist temple of great historical and cultural significance.

From the complex, take a leisurely walk through the neighbourhood’s narrow lanes towards Huu Tiep Lake. Along the way, visit a historic local temple and stroll through traditional market streets before reaching the lake, where the wreckage of a B-52 bomber, shot down during the 1972 bombing of Hanoi, remains as a poignant reminder of the city’s wartime history.

Enjoy lunch at Lan Ong Restaurant in the heart of the Old Quarter. Savour authentic Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting that celebrates the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Afternoon
Continue to the Temple of Literature, a thousand-year-old complex that served as both a Confucian temple and Vietnam’s first national university. Explore its peaceful courtyards and discover its important place in the country’s educational and cultural history.

Next, enjoy a traditional cyclo ride through Hanoi’s French Quarter, passing elegant colonial villas and landmarks such as the Vietnam National Museum of History, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and the Hanoi Opera House.

Conclude the day with a guided street food walking tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Explore hidden alleyways, lively food stalls and local favourites while your guide shares insights into the city’s culinary traditions and everyday life.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Morning
At approximately 8:30–9:00 am, your private vehicle will collect you from your hotel in Hanoi for the journey to Ha Long International Cruise Port.

Afternoon
Arrive at the port around 12:00 pm and take a short break while the crew completes the boarding formalities. Transfer by tender boat to your cruise vessel, where you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing drink and a brief introduction to the boat and itinerary.

At 1:00 pm, enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch as the cruise sets sail into the beautiful Bai Tu Long Bay, surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts and emerald waters.

Around 3:00 pm, arrive at Cap La Island, where you can explore the bay by kayak, swim in the clear waters or relax on a secluded beach. Alternatively, take a tender boat to admire the scenery from the water. Towels and waterproof bags are provided.

Return to the boat around 5:00 pm to relax on deck and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. At 6:00 pm, join the sunset party, with music, happy hour and an entertaining vegetable-carving demonstration by the onboard chef.

Evening
At 7:00 pm, savour a sumptuous dinner served on board.

After dinner, enjoy the evening at your own pace. Try traditional Vietnamese puzzle games, play board games with family or friends, or have a go at night-time squid fishing. Alternatively, simply unwind with a cocktail and take in the tranquil atmosphere of Bai Tu Long Bay.

Overnight on board.

Morning
Start your day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck, or simply admire the beautiful morning scenery of Bai Tu Long Bay. Fresh coffee and tea will be available from 6:30 am, followed by a buffet breakfast at 7:00 am.

At 7:30 am, visit the hidden Thien Canh Son Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and panoramic views over the bay.

Return to the cruise around 8:30 am to pack your belongings and freshen up before checking out at 9:15 am. Please leave your luggage outside your cabin as instructed by the crew.

At 9:45 am, join a short Vietnamese spring-roll cooking demonstration, where the onboard chef will guide you through preparing this popular local dish.

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese brunch at 10:15 am as the cruise makes its way back to the harbour. Disembark at the pier between 10:45 and 11:30 am, after settling any outstanding bills.

Afternoon
At approximately 12:00 pm, transfer from the port to the airport for your flight to Da Nang, in central Vietnam.

Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, your private guide and driver will be waiting outside the arrivals hall with a welcome sign displaying your names. They will escort you to your private vehicle for the transfer to your hotel in Hoi An.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Take a stroll through the charming streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and sample some of the town’s renowned local specialities.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Afternoon
Your private guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set off on a walking tour of its historic streets and visit some of the town’s major attractions, including Chua Ong Pagoda, Tan Ky Ancient House, Fujian Assembly Hall, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.

A highlight of the afternoon is a visit to Reaching Out Tea House, a peaceful oasis tucked away from the bustle of the Old Town. Owned and operated by people with hearing and speech impairments, the tea house offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy a selection of delicious cakes and fine teas served in the traditional Eastern style.

Late Afternoon
Continue with a Hoi An street food discovery tour. Accompanied by your guide, wander through narrow alleyways and sample local specialities at street stalls and eateries that you might otherwise miss. As the afternoon unfolds, the streets come alive with food carts, vendors and the tempting aromas of freshly prepared dishes. Along the way, meet local vendors, discover the stories behind Hoi An’s food culture, and learn how to make the most of the traditional condiment trays that accompany each dish.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Morning
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer back to Da Nang, with a couple of interesting stops along the way. First, visit Marble Mountains, where you can take a short hike to the summit and enjoy panoramic views over Da Nang and the surrounding coastline. Explore one of the mountain’s fascinating limestone Buddhist caves before continuing to the Cham Museum, home to an impressive collection of Cham sculptures and artefacts.

After your visits, continue to your beach resort in Da Nang and check in.

Afternoon
Enjoy some time to relax at the resort. Soak up the sunshine on the beach, take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, or simply unwind at your leisure

Overnight in Da Nang.

Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Da Nang at your own pace. This vibrant coastal city offers a delightful blend of modern charm, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. You may wish to relax on its sandy beaches, discover its local markets and cafés, or simply enjoy the laid-back atmosphere along the coast.

Overnight in Da Nang.

Morning
After breakfast, meet your private guide and driver for the approximately 4-hour journey to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, also known as the Royal City.

Today’s drive takes you along the spectacular Hai Van Pass, one of the most scenic coastal routes in Vietnam. Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the coastline, dramatic mountain landscapes, and sweeping views over the South China Sea.

Arrive in Hue around midday and check in to your hotel.

Afternoon
The remainder of the day is yours at leisure. You may wish to enjoy a relaxing stroll along the banks of the Perfume River or discover Hue’s refined culinary scene at its charming restaurants, cafés, and elegant bars.

Overnight in Hue.

Morning
Begin your day with a visit to the Hue Imperial Citadel, the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam’s last royal dynasty (1802–1945). Explore the atmospheric walled complex, including the magnificent Imperial Palace and the Forbidden Purple City, once reserved for the emperor and his royal household.

Continue to the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities, where a fascinating collection of artefacts offers insight into the history, traditions, and culture of the Nguyen emperors.

For lunch, enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal at a local Buddhist monastery, thoughtfully prepared and served by the resident nuns.

Afternoon
Visit the magnificent Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, the final resting place of one of Vietnam’s longest-reigning emperors. Afterwards, head to Vong Canh Hill to admire the beautiful views over the Perfume River, especially as the afternoon light begins to soften.

On the way back to town, stop at a local workshop to see how traditional incense sticks and conical hats are made, offering a glimpse into Hue’s enduring handicraft traditions.

Overnight in Hue.

Morning
After breakfast, transfer to Hue Airport for your short flight south to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest and most vibrant city, still affectionately known as Saigon by many locals.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, your private guide and driver will be waiting outside the arrivals hall, holding a welcome sign displaying your names. They will escort you to your private vehicle for the transfer to your hotel in the city centre.

Your guide will provide a brief introduction to the city and your stay, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions.

Afternoon
After lunch at a local restaurant, travel to Cu Chi, a rural district northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, renowned for its extensive underground tunnel network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

Upon arrival, watch a short introductory video before exploring this remarkable underground network. Stretching for hundreds of kilometres, the tunnels once housed living quarters, storage rooms, makeshift hospitals, kitchens, and command centres. Although originally very narrow, some sections have been widened to accommodate visitors, giving you the opportunity to experience life beneath the ground during wartime.

Please note that the tunnels can be hot and claustrophobic. If you prefer not to enter, you can explore the site above ground instead.

You will also have the chance to sample boiled cassava, a staple food eaten by Viet Cong soldiers during the war, traditionally served with tea.

After your visit, return to Ho Chi Minh City. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Morning
After breakfast, depart for an approximately 2-hour drive to the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, discover a charming village tucked beneath hundreds of coconut palm trees. You will be warmly welcomed at Mekong Home, a lovely family-run guesthouse with cosy bungalows set within a lush tropical garden on the banks of the Mekong River.

Enjoy a refreshing glass of fresh coconut juice before checking into your room. Take some time to relax before savouring a delicious lunch at Mekong Home’s open-air restaurant.

Afternoon
Set off on a peaceful cruise along the Ham Luong River, stopping at small local workshops to gain insight into the traditional livelihoods of the region. Visit a coconut processing workshop, where you can sample fresh coconut and discover how different parts of the nut are used to make a variety of local products. Continue to a family-run broom-making workshop, where brooms are crafted from coconut leaves, and try your hand at weaving one yourself.

Next, take a short walk through a quiet village to observe everyday life in the local community. Continue by bicycle or xe lôi (a traditional motorised rickshaw unique to the Mekong Delta), before boarding a small rowing boat to glide through narrow, shaded canals and rejoin your main boat.

Return to Mekong Home in the late afternoon and join a hands-on cooking class to prepare Bánh xèo, a savoury Vietnamese pancake made with rice flour and coconut milk. Afterwards, enjoy dinner featuring a selection of fresh, locally inspired dishes, such as caramelised pork, fish soup, and spring rolls.

After dinner, unwind with a soothing lemongrass and ginger foot bath, a traditional local treatment to ease tired legs and help you relax.

Overnight in Ben Tre.

Morning
Enjoy the fresh morning air over breakfast before setting off on a leisurely 2–2.5-hour cycling trip to Oc Island. Follow a scenic concrete path lined with fruit trees and coconut palms, passing through a lively local market where vendors sell fresh vegetables, meat, and tropical fruits.

Depending on availability, stop at a coconut-stem basket workshop and a coconut processing facility. Meet local artisans, learn about their traditional crafts, and discover some of the techniques they use.

Continue cycling before boarding a local ferry across the Mekong River to Oc Island. Explore the island along narrow, peaceful paths winding through lush greenery and traditional rural homes, offering a glimpse into everyday life in the Mekong Delta, where agriculture and handicrafts remain central to the local community.

Make a stop at a local fish farm to learn about the cultivation of two important Vietnamese catfish species: cá tra (Pangasius hypophthalmus) and cá ba sa (Pangasius bocourti), both of which play a significant role in the country’s aquaculture industry.

Continue cycling through the tranquil countryside before returning to Mekong Home. Check out around 12:00 pm and drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Afternoon (time permitting)
If time allows, enjoy a visit to some of Ho Chi Minh City’s key landmarks. Your guide can tailor the sightseeing to your interests, with recommended stops including Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, the ornate City Hall (Hotel de Ville), the historic Saigon Opera House, Rex Hotel, and the architecturally impressive Saigon Central Post Office.

You may also visit Ben Thanh Market, followed by the Reunification Palace (exterior visit) and the War Remnants Museum, which offers a moving and thought-provoking insight into Vietnam’s military history and turbulent past.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Departure Flight: Guest’s Own Flight Arrangements

Enjoy a leisurely morning and breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight departure time, your private driver will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight home.

We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you take home wonderful memories of Vietnam!