World Heritage Sites of Vietnam

Arrival Flight: Guest’s own tickets

Xin Chao! 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.

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.

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

Overnight in Hanoi.

Today with the help of your private guide and driver, you will get to explore the city’s top attractions, sample Hanoi’s authentic local dishes away from the tourist trails, hunkering down with the locals on the street at a variety of atmospheric food stalls.

Morning

Begin with a tour of Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex where the Vietnamese people honour the country’s ‘Great Father’. Here you’ll visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which contains the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh and his House on Stilts to observe how he lived and how his life unfolded to become one of modern history’s greatest names.

Nearside his house is the miniature 11th-century One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple of historical and cultural significance.

Continue to visit the millennia-old Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a Confucius temple.

Lunch will be served at the local restaurant.

Afternoon

After lunch, proceed to Hoa Lo (so-called Hanoi Hilton), a prison used by the French colonists in Vietnam for  political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. Prisoners of War.

Embark on a fun cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi) ride through the French colonial architecture of the precinct known as the French Quater, past the French-style villas, the Vietnam History Museum, the heritage Metropole Legend Hotel and the Opera House, name to a few.

You will also attend a performance of the traditional water puppet show, a typical northern Vietnam art form, at the nearby Theater.

Enjoy a cup of unmissable Egg coffee at Pho Co Café with stunning views of Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and the surroundings.

Overnight in Hanoi

Have breakfast at hotel and check out. Get picked up and transferred to Tuan Chau Marina.

11:30 | Arrive at Peony Cruise Lounge, No. 34 Tuan Chau Marina, Quang Ninh. Meet the crew and check in.

12:00 – 12:30 | Board the support vessel to transfer to Peony Cruise. Enjoy a welcome drink, refreshing towel, and itinerary briefing.

13:00 | Enjoy a welcome lunch of fresh seafood and Vietnamese delicacies while cruising through the stunning limestone scenery of Lan Ha Bay – a member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays.

15:30 | Arrive at Tra Bau area. Go kayaking or swimming in the emerald waters, or relax in the Jacuzzi pool onboard.

17:30 – 18:30 | Join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration to learn how to make spring rolls, or head to the top deck to watch the spectacular sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Enjoy Happy Hour at the bar – Buy 1 Get 1 Free.

19:30 | Enjoy a romantic dinner with local specialties served by the onboard chef in a cozy, elegant setting.

21:00 – 22:00 | Relax with cocktails at the sky bar (surcharge), enjoy spa services (optional), or unwind on the top deck under the stars. Try your luck with squid fishing from the main deck.

Overnight on cruise

06:00 | Begin the day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over Lan Ha Bay.

06:45 – 07:15 | Enjoy breakfast onboard while cruising back toward Gia Luan Jetty. (Timing may vary slightly depending on real-time conditions.)

07:30 – 09:00 | Transfer to Cat Ba Island for a guided tour of the Cat Ba World Biosphere Reserve. Explore Trung Trang Cave, a remarkable limestone cave filled with thousands of natural stalactites and rich in ecological and geological value.

09:30 | Return to the cruise. Check out of your cabin and leave luggage outside the door for collection.

10:00 | Brunch is served in the onboard restaurant. Settle any outstanding bar bills at the restaurant counter.

10:30 – 11:00 | Disembark from Peony Cruise and transfer back to Block #34, Big Bay Group Terminal, Tuan Chau Marina. Relax and wait for luggage collection.

11:30 – 12:00 | Ready for departure from Tuan Chau Marina.

Get picked up by your private tour guide and driver. Transfer to Ninh Binh.

Upon arrival in Ninh Binh, check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Begin your day with a visit to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam for 44 years during the reigns of the Dinh and Le dynasties. Explore the King Dinh Temple and King Le Temple, notable for their traditional architecture and cultural significance, especially during the annual Hoa Lu Festival.

Continue to the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its dramatic karst formations, caves, and serene waterways. Board a traditional sampan boat for an unforgettable journey through a maze of caves and grottoes, including Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Ba Giot Cave, and Sinh Cave.

Take a short cycling tour (optional, 30–45 minutes) around Tam Coc Village, passing lush rice paddies and picturesque limestone peaks. This is a perfect chance to capture the peaceful essence of rural Vietnam.

After an early dinner (on your own arrangement), your driver will transfer you to the train station for your overnight train to Dong Hoi. (Train schedule: Departs 21:34 | Arrives 05:41)

Overnight on train.

Upon arrival at Dong Hoi Train Station, meet your private tour guide and driver and transfer to Phong Nha. Enjoy an early hotel check-in to freshen up and rest before the day’s exploration begins.

At around 08:00, your guide will pick you up from the hotel for the drive to Paradise Cave – the longest dry cave in Asia, located approximately 75 km from Dong Hoi (about 1.5 hours by car). Nicknamed the “Underground Royal Palace,” the cave is famous for its breathtaking stalactite and stalagmite formations, created over hundreds of millions of years.

Upon arrival, enjoy a short introduction about the cave’s significance and ecosystem before setting out to explore its surreal beauty on foot.

After your cave adventure, return to Phong Nha town for a delicious local lunch and some time to relax.

Continue your journey with a visit to Phong Nha Cave, also known as the “First-Ranked Wonder of Caves.” Begin with a 30-minute scenic boat ride along the Son River, surrounded by lush jungle and karst mountains. Once inside the cave, take time to marvel at its cool, tranquil atmosphere and intricate rock formations.

Tour ends with a return transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Phong Nha

Have an early breakfast and check out of your hotel in Phong Nha. At 7:00 AM, your private guide and driver will meet you for a full-day journey through Vietnam’s historic DMZ region, en route to Hue.

Your first visit is to the Vinh Moc Tunnels, an underground complex built by local villagers to shelter from heavy bombings during the American War. The tunnels contain wells, kitchens, classrooms, and healthcare spaces — all vital to sustaining life underground during wartime.

Continue your drive to the Hien Luong Bridge and 17th Parallel Museum, where you’ll learn about the demarcation line that once separated North and South Vietnam, as established by the Geneva Accords. This site is a powerful symbol of the country’s division and eventual reunification.

Leaving the museum, you’ll head to the Truong Son Martyrs’ Cemetery, the final resting place of thousands of soldiers who served along the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail. This vast memorial site is a place of remembrance and national pride.

Your final stop is Khe Sanh, a former US Marine Corps base and the site of a major battle in 1968. Located near the Laos border, Khe Sanh offers insight into one of the most intense episodes of the Vietnam War.

You’ll arrive in Hue in the late afternoon, where you’ll check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Hue.

Today, you’ll explore the historic royal city of Hue, once the imperial capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled from 1802 to 1945. With its majestic tombs, ancient pagodas, and remnants of the Imperial Citadel, Hue still retains its regal atmosphere.

After breakfast, your private guide and driver will pick you up to begin the day with a visit to the Imperial Citadel. This vast and atmospheric complex houses the remains of the Imperial Palace and the Forbidden Purple City, once reserved for the Nguyen emperors and their families. During a two-hour walking tour, you’ll admire the grand architecture, royal gardens, and hear stories of court life, power struggles, and historical events from your guide.

Next, you’ll visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s most famous religious landmark, originally founded in 1601. Nestled on the banks of the Perfume River, the site includes beautifully landscaped gardens, a seven-tiered tower, and a chance to observe monks in daily prayer.

Leaving the city center, you’ll travel to the outskirts of Hue to enjoy a special lunch at a local nunnery. Here, in a peaceful spiritual retreat, you’ll be served a delicious vegetarian meal and have the opportunity to interact with the resident nuns, learning more about Vietnamese Buddhism and their monastic lifestyle.

In the afternoon, continue to the serene Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, set amidst lush gardens and tranquil ponds. The site reflects Confucian-inspired design, emphasizing harmony and balance — a fitting final resting place for Vietnam’s longest-reigning monarch.

Return to your hotel afterward. Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast and hotel check-out, begin your scenic drive from Hue to Hoi An, a charming UNESCO World Heritage town known for its well-preserved architecture, lantern-lit streets, and riverside charm. The journey takes approximately four hours, with several stops along the way to break up the drive and showcase Central Vietnam’s natural beauty.

Traveling along Hai Van Pass, often called “The Ocean Cloud Pass,” you’ll experience one of the most spectacular coastal roads in Vietnam, with panoramic views of the mountains and sea.

Along the route, stop to visit Lang Co Beach, a tranquil stretch of white sand backed by a peaceful fishing village. Continue onward to My Khe Beach, once a popular R&R destination for American soldiers during the Vietnam War and still known today for its pristine shoreline and relaxed atmosphere.

Arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon and check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Morning

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up for an immersive countryside experience. Begin with a leisurely bike ride from your hotel to a nearby fishing village, cycling along flat paths that wind through peaceful rice paddies, water buffalo fields, and quiet village lanes. (A brief bicycle competency check will be conducted for safety. A private car can be arranged upon request at an additional cost for non-cyclists.)

Along the way, you’ll witness daily rural life and pause to interact with local farmers using age-old agricultural techniques.

At Cam Thanh Village, take a break at a local home before enjoying a 1.5-hour basket boat ride through the lush Water Coconut Palm Forest. Learn to paddle the traditional round boat, try your hand at crab fishing, and soak in the tranquility of the canals.

Continue cycling to Tra Que Organic Vegetable Village, where you’ll observe and try your hand at sustainable farming practices that have been passed down for generations. Afterward, enjoy a herbal foot soak and massage at a local house — a refreshing treat after your morning adventure.

Return to your hotel to relax and refresh before your afternoon tour.

Afternoon

Your guide will meet you for a cultural walking tour through the Ancient Town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit key landmarks including the Chua Ong Pagoda, the beautifully preserved Tan Ky Ancient House, the ornate Fujian Assembly Hall, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.

Then, explore the Precious Heritage Museum, which showcases French photographer Réhahn’s collection celebrating Vietnam’s ethnic minority groups — a visual and cultural journey into the heart of the country’s diverse heritage.

Cap off the day with a visit to the serene Reaching Out Tea House, a peaceful retreat run by deaf and mute staff. Savor Eastern-style teas and handmade treats in a uniquely mindful and heartwarming setting.

Transfer back to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

This morning, your private guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel for a half-day excursion to the awe-inspiring My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountain ranges.

Built between the 4th and 14th centuries A.D. by the Champa Kingdom, My Son was once a spiritual and political capital devoted to Hindu worship of the god Shiva. Explore the majestic ruins of more than 70 ancient towers and temples, many of which still bear intricate carvings and inscriptions despite centuries of war and weathering. Your guide will provide rich historical context to help you appreciate the architecture and cultural significance of the site.

Afterwards, continue to nearby Tra Kieu, once known as the administrative center of the Champa Kingdom. Here you’ll gain further insight into the daily life and legacy of the Cham people

On your return to Hoi An, enjoy a stop at a local silk weaving village along the Thu Bon River, where you’ll meet artisans who will show you how silkworms are raised and silk is hand-woven using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Return to your hotel in Hoi An by early afternoon. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Enjoy free time at leisure this morning to relax or explore Hoi An at your own pace. At the appropriate time, our private driver and tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Da Nang International airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately referred to as Saigon by the locals. Located near the Mekong Delta, this dynamic metropolis is the largest city in Vietnam, known for its French colonial landmarks, bustling markets, and vibrant street life.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a new private driver and English-speaking guide, who will transfer you to your hotel in the city center for check-in.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh 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.

In the afternoon, we visit the Reunification Palace. The war officially ended here on April 30th 1975 when tank 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of the home of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. We also stop at the Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office. The post office, built between 1877 and 1883, is an excellent example of classic French colonial architecture. Get back the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Optional show: A O Show 

Make your own way to the Saigon Opera House, a French colonial gem located in the historical heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Take your seat in the section selected at booking and prepare for the imaginative spectacle of the A O Show. Sip a complimentary beverage and listen to an expectant silence descend over the audience as the curtains part. Be mesmerized by artists, acrobats and dancers who bring to life a story of urbanization and adaptation in Vietnam. Marvel at the compelling choreography and admire the colossal props that transport performers across the stage. After an hour of theatrical sketches and melodious songs, leave the opera house feeling thrilled and full of exuberant energy.

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

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Today your private guide and driver will take you out of the city and onto some beautiful country roads to Ben Tre Town, the heart of the Mekong Delta, popularly known as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam, and is famous for its vast rice fields, orchard farms, coconut trees, numerous waterways and beautiful landscapes.

Arrive in a charming village, hidden under hundreds of coconut palm trees. Welcome at Mekong Home, charming familial house composed of several bungalows, set in a tropical garden and onthe Mekong river bank. Fresh coconut juice will be served, then check in your room.

Take rest for a while then depart with a member of the family for an introduction to the local fishing. Return to the restaurant at the end of the afternoon and participate in a cooking class: “Bánh xèo”– Vietnamese pancake made from rice milk. Dinner is ready to serve with fresh dishes includelocal vegetable, ingredients and flavors cooked in local style such as: caramelized pork, fishsoup, spring roll… After dinner, relax by lemongrass and ginger foot bath, a local therapeuticmethod to relieve the pain and fatigue of the legs

Overnight in Mekong Home.

Enjoy fresh air while breakfast is served. After that, start cycling trip (from 2 hours to 2.5 hours) to the island of Oc on a concrete track, lined with fruit trees and coconut trees. On the way, passby the local market where various of local ingredients as vegetable, meat, fruits,.. are sold. Subject to availability, visit a workshop of baskets made of coconut stems and a coconutprocessing operation.

You will have chance to interact with workshop owner on differentbraiding techniques. Then return to the bicycles and cross a local Mekong River ferry to reachthe island. From there, cycling on small paths dotted with small huts hidden in lush vegetationwhile seeing the daily life of the inhabitants of Mekong Delta, governed by artisanal andagriculture activities. Stop at a fish farm, to know more about two species of catfish: ca tra (Pangasius hypophthalmus) and ca ba sa (Pangasius bocourti), raised in ponds. These catfish are the two main species of fish production in Vietnam. Continue biking and back to Mekong Home.

Afternoon

Transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City, and spend the rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Departure Flight: Guest’s own tickets

Breakfast at hotel and then prepare for check out. Our driver (without tour guide) 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.