Romantic Vietnam Journey of Heritage and Heart

Arrival Flight: Guest’s own tickets

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

While every effort is made to have your room available upon arrival, check in time is at 14:00 ; 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.

Please note: Your travel documents contain an E-visa. Your E-visa must be presented to Customs upon entry into the country.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast at your hotel, your private tour guide and Vespa drivers will meet you at 8:00 AM for a thrilling and immersive introduction to Saigon. Hop on the back of a vintage-style Vespa scooter and weave through the lively streets, hidden alleys, and local neighborhoods of the city. This guided ride offers a dynamic way to explore both iconic landmarks and lesser-known treasures that most visitors never see — all with the insight of a local expert.

Tour Highlights Include:

• Scenic photo stops at the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and the Monk Immolation Memorial
• A visit to a secret weapon bunker used by the North Vietnamese Army during the 1968 Tet Offensive
• A stop at Saigon’s oldest local coffee house for a traditional brew
• A stroll through the colorful wholesale flower market
• Explore an old apartment complex and heritage temple tucked within the city
• Pass by bustling local markets filled with motorbike parts, textiles, produce, and more
• Conclude your experience with an authentic Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant

Return to your hotel by early afternoon. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure.

This evening, make your own way to the Saigon Opera House, an exquisite example of French colonial architecture, to enjoy the extraordinary A O Show — a visual feast that blends acrobatics, dance, and live music into a captivating performance. Settle into your reserved seat and sip a complimentary beverage as the lights dim. Watch as talented performers transform everyday bamboo props into stunning metaphors, telling the story of Vietnam’s evolution from rural tradition to modern life. With no spoken dialogue, the show speaks through rhythm, movement, and imagination — perfect for international audiences.

Show Highlights:

• Admission to the A O Show at the historic Saigon Opera House
• An innovative mix of acrobatics, theatrical sketches, contemporary dance, and live traditional music
• Insightful reflection on Vietnamese life and culture through a visually stunning performance
• Complimentary welcome drink
• Choice of seating: Ground Floor, Middle Balcony, or Upper Balcony

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, depart for the Cu Chi Tunnels, located approximately 75 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. This vast underground network, stretching over 250 kilometers, was originally built by the Viet Minh to fight the French and later expanded by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. The tunnels offer a sobering and powerful insight into the resilience and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese soldiers who lived, fought, and survived almost entirely underground.

Upon arrival, watch a short introductory video to understand the historical context and construction of the tunnels. Then, take a guided walk through the site to see examples of the ingenious traps and handmade weapons used during the war. For those interested, there’s an option to enter a section of the tunnels that have been widened and adapted for visitors — though still dark and narrow, so it’s not recommended for anyone uncomfortable with confined spaces.

After the visit, return to Ho Chi Minh City with a stop for lunch en route. The afternoon is at leisure.

Late afternoon, your guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to the Saigon Waterbus Station for a magical sunset river cruise aboard a luxury speedboat (join-in).

Escape the city’s hustle and bustle as you cruise along the serene Saigon River at golden hour. Enjoy fresh air, captivating views, and insight into the lives of local communities living along the riverbanks. As night falls, the city transforms — a dazzling display of lights reflecting on the water paints a new picture of Saigon’s vibrant energy.

Cruise Highlights:

• Pass by Saigon New Port, Vietnam’s largest and most modern container terminal
• Cruise along Dong Tay Boulevard, one of the country’s most modern and longest roads
• Observe peaceful local life on a riverside island and learn how traditional fishermen live
• Glide through the city’s most prestigious riverfront neighborhoods: Vinhomes Central Park and Vinhomes Golden River
• Pass beneath key bridges: Saigon Bridge and Thu Thiem Bridge, vital links in Ho Chi Minh City’s infrastructure

Around 6:00–6:45 PM, stop at a charming riverside restaurant for a happy hour drink (1 cocktail or mocktail per person) while soaking in the twilight atmosphere.

At 7:00 PM, return to the city by boat and conclude your relaxing cruise.

Transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Have breakfast at your hotel. Check out, and get picked up by your private tour guide and driver to transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Take the flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport, you will get picked up by your private tour guide and driver. Transfer to Hoi An to check in. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Your day begins with a hotel pickup by Jack Tran’s comfortable mini-van, taking you to the traditional fishing village of Phước Hải – Cửa Đại. Upon arrival, you’ll board Jack Tran’s boat and set off on a scenic cruise along the peaceful Cửa Đại River. Along the way, you’ll be treated to an entertaining basket boat (thúng chai) demonstration by Jack Tran’s crew.

Soon after, you’ll have the chance to paddle one of these unique bamboo basket boats yourself and even join in a friendly race through the lush coconut palm-lined waterways. These canals were once hiding spots during the war, and as you glide through them, your guide will share stories about the challenging conditions endured by both the Viet Cong and US soldiers. You’ll also enjoy a fun attempt at catching purple crabs hidden among the roots of the palm trees.

Continuing the experience, you’ll join local fishermen to learn and try cast net fishing firsthand — a technique that’s been passed down for generations. You’ll also be introduced to a fascinating cultural tradition as local fishermen perform Bả Trạo, a form of folk singing and rowing once used to bring good luck before heading out to sea. Your journey then continues to a small islet where you can observe and participate in big net fishing, offering deeper insight into the daily lives of river fishermen.

Back on board, relax and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch of local specialties accompanied by a cold beer or soft drink. After this rich and memorable experience on the river, you’ll return to your hotel by Jack Tran’s mini-van.

Have a short break at your hotel.

This afternoon, your private tour guide will pick you up and take you to the Ancient Quarter of Hoi An (the sixth UNESCO World Heritage site on your list) 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.

Now, it’s time for your Hoi An street food discovery tour. With your guide, you will weave in and out of 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 up 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.

After breakfast, meet your private tour guide and driver to transfer to the meeting point. At 8:00, you will arrive at Hai Café (98 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An Ancient Town) to enjoy a welcome drink.

Proceed to the local village market and with shopping list in hand we purchase a range of local ingredients, such as star anise, cardamom, sesame rice paper, water spinach and banana flower.

We board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 mins) along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. This is a chance to view local river life, so make sure your camera is handy.

On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s best-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by the Red Bridge chef’s, before we prepare the same dish ourselves. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, we sit down and eat exactly what we have cooked.

Afternoon

After lunch, get picked up by your private tour guide and driver. Get transfer to My Son Sanctuary, which lies in a geological basin surrounded by a ring of mountains. The indigenous Cham tribes chose this easily defendable location to build the capital of their empire, which grew steadily between the 4th and 13th centuries. Used as a military base by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, My Son was heavily bombed, but many ruins remain standing. In 1999, UNESCO designated My Son a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival, you will enjoy a walking tour for two hours around this historic complex. Learn about the original building techniques applied during construction and the traditional materials that were used, such as timber, brick, and stone. You will also look out for the numerous craters that were left here by American bombs from the war in the 1960s and 70s.

After exploring the ruins, you will have a chance to watch the traditional Apsara Dance beside the historic temples. The ladies will give a dance demonstration to the sounds of panpipes and drums, wearing colorful traditional costumes and cone-shaped hats.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Today is completely free for you to relax and unwind at your own pace. You may wish to enjoy the hotel’s amenities or explore Hoi An’s local cafes and markets on your own.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Have breakfast at your hotel. Check out, and meet your private tour guide and driver to transfer to Da Nang train station. Take the “Central Heritage Connection” train to Hue with your tour guide. Indeed, it features a pleasant rail ride, breathtaking panoramic scenes, and on-board cultural activities.

On arrival at Hue train station, you will get picked up by your private driver. Transfer to your hotel in the city center to check in. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight in Hue.

Today, you will explore the royal city of Hue, which once served as the imperial capital of the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty reigning from 1802 to 1945. With ornate emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas, and the remnants of a grand citadel, Hue still exudes a rich royal charm.

Morning

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up by your private guide and driver to begin your day with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, an impressive complex that once housed the Imperial Palace and the Forbidden Purple City, home to the Nguyen emperors and their families. During this two-hour walking tour, your guide will unveil the architectural grandeur and share stories of the political intrigue that unfolded behind the citadel walls.

Next, head to the bustling Dong Ba Market, the largest and most vibrant marketplace in Hue. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the rhythms of local life, with sights, sounds, and flavors that reflect the city’s authentic culture.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where you’ll savor Hue’s distinct central Vietnamese cuisine.

Afternoon

After lunch, continue to the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, the longest-reigning Nguyen emperor. Nestled within peaceful gardens and lotus ponds, the site reflects the Confucian ideals of harmony and symmetry, offering a serene glimpse into imperial aesthetics and spirituality.

You’ll then visit the striking tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, notable for its blend of traditional Vietnamese and French architectural styles. This tomb’s intricate mosaics and grand staircases make it truly unique among Hue’s royal monuments.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Hue.

Have breakfast at your hotel. Today you’ll have a journey around Kim Long village by bicycle – a journey back in time to retrace the glory of the “Great City” (1636-1687) with a cluster of important cultural relics. A private car or cyclo will be arranged (at additional cost) if you can’t ride the bike.

At some stops at the garden houses hiding themselves after the evergreen hedges, you can listen to the echo of the past through the stories of the hosts. The nostalgic architecture of the garden houses, the family atmosphere, the delicacies and especially Hue etiquette will open up a cultural space in which you will truly perceive Hue’s art of living.

Your experience will be more memorable when you are cycling on the paths lined with vegetables, flowers and rice fields on both sides, promising moments of utmost peace.

Lunch will be served with Hue’s style meal prepared with the hosts, followed by an indulging herbal foot bath.

Note: Cycling max.15km on flat roads

Overnight in Hue.

Check out, and get transferred to Phu Bai International Airport. Take the flight to Hanoi.

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will get picked up by your private tour guide and driver. Transfer to your hotel in the city center to check in. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Today, with the help of your private guide and driver, you will explore Hanoi’s top attractions and hidden corners, while sampling some of the city’s most authentic local dishes at atmospheric street food stalls—just like the locals do.

Morning

Begin your day with a guided visit to the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex (closed every Monday and Friday), where Vietnamese people honor their “Great Father.” Here, you’ll explore the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which houses the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, followed by a visit to his modest House on Stilts, offering insights into his simple lifestyle and revolutionary legacy. Nearby, admire the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a miniature 11th-century Buddhist temple with deep historical and cultural importance.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and a shrine to Confucius. This tranquil compound, built in 1070, reflects the country’s reverence for education and traditional values.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, offering a chance to try Hanoi’s time-honored dishes.

Afternoon

After lunch, visit the notorious Hoa Lo Prison, often referred to as the “Hanoi Hilton.” This site offers a sobering look into Vietnam’s colonial past and the Vietnam War, with exhibits that tell stories of both Vietnamese revolutionaries and American POWs.

Next, hop on a cyclo ride (three-wheeled bicycle taxi) to explore the French Quarter, gliding past French-style villas, the Vietnam History Museum, the legendary Metropole Hotel, and the Opera House—remnants of Hanoi’s colonial past.

Experience a traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique northern Vietnamese art form that combines music, storytelling, and puppetry on water.

Then, relax with a cup of Vietnam’s iconic Egg Coffee at Pho Co Café, tucked away in a hidden alley with panoramic views of Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.

End your day with a walking food tour through the bustling Old Quarter, a maze of narrow streets where food stalls spill onto sidewalks and every turn brings a new aroma. With your guide, you’ll uncover the secrets of Hanoi’s street food scene, tasting delights like Nom Du Du (green papaya salad), Banh Mi Pa Te (Vietnamese-style baguette sandwich), and the local favorite Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles). Enjoy your meal just as the locals do—on low stools in hidden alleys.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Have breakfast at your hotel. Check out, and meet your private driver and tour guide to transfer to Mai Chau. Local lunch will be served en route.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon free at leisure.

This evening, enjoy a romantic dinner by waterfalls right inside the resort. When the sun goes down, the fairy light from hundreds of candles will guide you deep into the rain forest for an intimate dinner. Romantically set up next to our stunning waterfall, serenaded by the sounds of nature, your evening simply becomes magical and unforgettable.

Overnight in Mai Chau.

Have breakfast at hotel. At 8.30, your local guide will take you on a local village walk. For guests seeking a private exploration of Mai Chau, this pleasant walk will give you a memorable experience of some of the most peaceful countryside sceneries. With a guide walking alongside, you will slowly meander through ethnic villages, deserted country roads, and a hanging bridge, and stretch your legs on paddy rice fields. Along the way, your guide will provide an insight into the lives of local people and the region’s picturesque landscape.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Experience: Private
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Number of kilometers: 3km
• Difference in height: From the height of 100m up to 300m above the sea level.

Transfer back to your hotel, where the rest of the day is free at leisure. You may wish to unwind with a relaxing massage or take advantage of the resort’s recreational offerings.

Overnight in Mai Chau.

After check-out, meet your private tour guide and driver for your transfer to Ninh Binh (approximately 4.5 hours). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. You may wish to take a peaceful stroll or enjoy a relaxing bike ride through the scenic countryside.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your private guide and driver to begin a scenic journey through the cultural and natural wonders of Ninh Binh.

Start with a visit to the historic Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, where you’ll explore the atmospheric temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le — two key figures in Vietnam’s early history. Nestled in a valley surrounded by limestone mountains, the site offers not only cultural insights but also a peaceful, picturesque setting.

Continue to the UNESCO-listed Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. Board a traditional sampan boat rowed by a local, gliding through a breathtaking network of limestone karsts, emerald waterways, and mysterious caves such as Sang Cave, Toi Cave, and Ba Giot Cave. Along the way, pass by quiet temples and forested hills, offering a glimpse into the spiritual soul of the region.

Optional Activity: Following the boat ride, enjoy an optional countryside bicycle ride (approx. 30–45 minutes) through the peaceful rice fields and small villages surrounding Trang An and Tam Coc. It’s a great way to soak in the rural atmosphere and take in the slower pace of local life.

Stop at a local restaurant for lunch, where you’ll enjoy regional specialties such as crispy rice crackers, goat meat, and stir-fried mountain vegetables.

After lunch, travel to Mua Cave, a must-visit destination known for its sweeping views. Climb the nearly 500 stone steps to the top of Mua Mountain, where a jaw-dropping panorama of Tam Coc’s river and rice paddies awaits. This viewpoint is one of the most iconic photo stops in northern Vietnam.

After time to relax and explore, return to your hotel in the late afternoon. The evening is yours to unwind at leisure.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Have an early breakfast and check out. Meet your private driver and tour guide to transfer to Tuan Chau Marina.

11:00 – 11:30 Arrive at Lot 32 – Tuan Chau Marina for check-in at the waiting lounge and enjoy a welcome tea.

11:45 – 12:00 Transfer to Orchid Cruises by speedboat; receive a welcome drink and attend a safety and itinerary briefing.

12:45 – 13:00 Enjoy lunch on board while cruising through the stunning limestone landscapes of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay.

15:00 – 15:30 Visit Dark and Bright Caves by kayak to explore the breathtaking natural beauty up close.

17:00 – 17:30 Orchid Cruises anchors at Tra Bau for the overnight stay amidst peaceful surroundings.

18:00 – 18:15 Join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and enjoy Happy Hour (Buy 1 Get 1 Free) while watching the sunset.

19:15 – 19:30 Savor a fusion dinner in the elegant dining room, blending French neoclassical and traditional Vietnamese styles.

21:00 – 21:30 Enjoy the evening with activities such as squid fishing, board games, movie screening, or a drink at the sky bar.

23:00 Overnight on board in the calm waters of Lan Ha Bay.

Overnight on the cruise.

06:00 – 06:30 Enjoy a refreshing Tai Chi session on the sundeck and take in the peaceful morning beauty of the bay. If you’d like to catch the sunrise, get up earlier (from 5:30 to 6:00, depending on the season) and consult the crew for timing.

06:45 – 07:00 Breakfast is served in the restaurant as the cruise gently sails through the bay.

07:15 – 07:30 Disembark for a visit to Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island, located in the heart of Cat Ba National Park. Explore this impressive 300-meter cave, known for its mysterious beauty formed by millions of years of geological activity. Inside, you’ll see striking stalactites and learn about the historical significance of the cave and surrounding Kim Giao forest.

09:45 – 10:00 Return to Orchid Cruises and proceed with check-out procedures.

10:00 – 10:30 Enjoy a brunch served in the onboard restaurant as you cruise back toward the harbor.

11:00 – 11:30 Disembark Orchid Cruises at Tuan Chau Marina. Bid farewell to the crew and begin your journey back to Hanoi.

Meet your private driver and tour guide again to transfer to Hanoi. Check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Departure flight: Guests’ own tickets

Have breakfast at your hotel. Check out, and meet your private tour guide and driver to transfer to Noi Bai International Airport. Take your departure flight.