Day 1: Hanoi arrival (-/-/-)

Hanoi - Airport: 30km, ~40min drive

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will meet your guide and driver at Noi Bai airport who will then transfer you to your hotel in the city centre. The rest of the day is yours to relax after your long flight! Don’t forget to ask us for a dinner recommendation for later that night.

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi - Cooking Class (B/L/-)

Breakfast is served at your hotel. Later that morning, your guide will meet and transfer you to a cooking class and you will meet the chef. Next stop is a local market to shop for ingredients. This is a chance to discover what food culture in Vietnam is really like! At the end of the class you will get to eat the dishes you have prepared and the chef will even give you feedback on your cooking skills.

After lunch (that you cooked!) we spend the afternoon exploring Hanoi. The first site will be the Temple of Literature constructed in 1070 to worship Confucius. This also served as the first Vietnamese university.  The site is dedicated to the eighty-two doctorates that passed a number of rigid exams in the medieval ages. Their names, birthdays and birthplaces are engraved in headstones perched on stone tortoises. It is widely believed that touching the heads of these tortoises will bring luck. Its neatly maintained lawns, gardens and lotus ponds make it a tranquil hideaway from the city’s bustle and heat.  The tour will continue at the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays, the alternative is the History Museum) dedicated to Vietnam's fifty-four officially recognised ethnic groups with both indoor and outdoor sections. While the in-house exhibition is particularly informative, the outdoor display continues in the museums garden with fascinating examples of traditional houses of numerous traditional groups, from the Kinhs to the H’Mong people. The rest of the day is yours free to continue discovering this exotic city. We recommend a visit to the Old Quarter!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Overnight on Boat (B/L/D)

Hanoi - Halong: 180km, ~3h30min drive 

After breakfast at the hotel, we commence a three hour driving through the Red River Delta to Halong City. We will stop for some photo opportunities and a delicious Vietnamese coffee along the way. We then transfer to a refurbished wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Halong Bay to enjoy a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending the sky and 3,000 islands of this World Heritage Site. While being on board, we will be served fresh local seafood lunch followed by swimming and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. Later, we stop to watch the sunset over the water. Regardless of age, this is something we are sure all ages will appreciate! We have another delicious meal for dinner and then the captain then will anchor for the night nearby a remote island.  In the evening, there is the option for night fishing or just sit out on the deck and relax under the stars.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on Junk

Day 4: Halong Exploration (B/L/D)

Upon wakening, savour a cup of tea or coffee whilst you enjoy the beautiful surrounding landscape of the bay and take in the fresh sea air. The cruise continues along where we will discover more of the beautiful aspects of this awe inspiring UNESCO Heritage listed site. You’ll spend the day kayaking through hidden lagoons and parks. There will be time too for swimming in the crystal waters. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served on board.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on Junk

Day 5: Halong Boat Trip - Hanoi – Flight to Hue (Br/-/-)

Hanoi - Hue: 770km, 1h flight

Wake up surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the bay.  We have time for an early morning dip whilst witnessing another sunrise on the sea followed by a delicious breakfast. The cruise continues to move around the bay for us to discover more secluded areas. You will have the chance to go kayaking again and for another swim. The junk will be near us at all times serving as an alternative to those that would rather relax. Around midday, we will return to the main harbour before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey to Noi Bai airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival, another driver and your new guide will be waiting to assist with your transfer to your hotel.

Meals Included: Brunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 6: Hue - Thuy Bieu Eco-village (B/L/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, we start the day with a leisurely boat trip along the Perfume River. Embarking on boat for cruise along the poetic Perfume River you can see a pavilion that the king and royal family used to have bath. You also experience the daily life of local people as well as contemplate the beauty of landscapes and fill your heart and mind with fresh air. Main destination of our journey is the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda (Heavenly Lady Pagoda) which was built in 1601-the symbol of Hue city.

Continuation by boat to the grapefruit village of Thuy Bieu, between the city center and tombs of Nguyen emperors. The ancient village is specialized in the plantation of grapefruits, famous for their quality. In the past, they were given to the royal family

Cradle of culture of Hue, Thuy Bieu is an old village currently developing eco-tourism. The village contains many centenarian houses lost between the fruits trees, especially the grapefruits trees. All of them are covered with a green color. The characteristics of these houses-gardens contribute to the preservation of the customs and traditions of the Vietnamese culture and architectural of the Nguyen Dynasty.

During the walk, some stops are prevised: to the old temple dedicated to the genius of the village, at school, and in a family which owns three of the older houses. These buildings are characterized by engravings and sculptures in wood: dragons, phoenix and other natural landscapes on columns, beams or rafters.

Continuation by bike all along the river of perfumes in the nature, among flowers and thousands of grapefruits.

Stop at the local market to buy ingredients for the midday cooking class.

Return by bike to the family house. Participate in the preparation of the lunch with the family: figs salad, lemongrass duck… After the lunch, rest with a foot massage with medicinal herbs. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 7: Hue Imperial City (B/L/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, we set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, starting with a boat trip on Perfume River to reach the picturesque Thien Mu Pagoda also known as Heavenly Lady Pagoda. One of the most poignant displays is a car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963 drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. The picture taken by Malcolm Browne is arguably most of the most seminal of the 20th century. We then disembark the boat for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc, which was built between 1864 and 1867 by 3000 soldiers and workers. It includes fifty monuments surrounded by a 1500m long wall. We transfer back to Hue after lunch.

In the afternoon, we visit Hue Imperial City, the last royal city of Vietnam with various beautiful structures including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and Tu Cam Thanh to name a few. Built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the city was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945. We then do a little bit of walking and shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the many specialities of Hue city.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 8: Hue - Danang - Hoi An (B/L/-)

Hue - Hoi An: 140km, ~2h30m drive

After breakfast at the hotel, we bid Hue farewell and continue our south bound journey to the old trading town of Hoi An. Along the way, we will stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments. From here, we head up to the Hai Van pass, stopping at the top to take in the stunning views over Lang Co beach and Danang city.

Upon arrival in Hoi An, we take a walking tour to Hoi An Ancient Town - an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th century. We start our day with one of Vietnam’s most iconic attractions, the Japanese Covered Bridge. The bridge was created by the Japanese living in Hoi An in the 1590s as a way to reach the Chinese quarter across the water and is a beautiful historical piece of Japanese architecture. However, no visit to Hoi An is complete without a visit to Tan Ky House - one of the many ancient houses that make up Hoi An Ancient Town. Built two centuries ago with both Japanese and Chinese influences on architecture, this house has been preserved through several generations.

We will continue our walking tour and encounter many other quintessential Hoi An houses from wealthy Chinese merchants. Another ‘must-see’ is the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. Built in 1690, this hall is, in fact, a temple dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau. It is widely considered an outstanding work of architecture and was a uniting presence to the many cultures that influenced Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 9: Hoi An - Free (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, time is free for your own exploration and shopping. Hoi An is home to some of the most skilful tailors in Vietnam. You can get your clothes custom-made at a fantastic price.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 10: Hoi An - Danang - Flight to Saigon (B/-/-)

Danang - Saigon: ~850km, 2h flight

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will meet and transfer you to Danang Airport for the flight to Saigon. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, meet your new guide and driver who then escort you to the hotel for check-in. You will then have time for your own lunch and some well-deserved relaxation.

In the afternoon, we take a half day to visit all famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the now-demolished wartime American Embassy. After that, we head to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975 when the North Vietnamese tanks came crashing through the front gates, bringing the U.S.-Vietnam War to a dramatic end. This will be followed by some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral. Notre Dame Cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883 where the stones used to create it were exported entirely from France. Apart from the religious meaning, the most captivating point of this Cathedral is its special neo-Romanesque style of architecture. Adjacent to the cathedral stands the Central Post Office, finished in 1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam's largest post office. After visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is a fantastic place for bargains of all kinds. There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offers fresh local dishes. You also can find many goods for daily use as well as a variety of eye-catching souvenirs.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 11: Saigon - Ben Tre - Saigon (B/L/-)

Saigon - Ben Tre: 107 km, ~2h drive

After breakfast at the hotel, we leave the bustling city of Saigon behind us and depart for the Mekong Delta known to local as ‘Vietnam’s biggest rice basket’. Upon arrival at Hung Vuong pier in Ben Tre, we embark a boat to cruise along Ben Tre River, a tribute to the Mekong. With stops at the brickfield to see how bricks are made by hand and a coconut candy home factory located along the canal where we witness how to make these local delicacy. You will then have the opportunity to taste bee honey tea at a local honey farm and a variety of tropical fruit that grow abundantly in the orchards of the Mekong Delta. You can then walk or cycle through the coconut groves and green rice paddies to soak up and relax in the tranquil countryside atmosphere.

After lunch at a popular local restaurant, we take a trip on small rowing boats through a maze of water ways lined by two rows of palm trees. Upon cruising back to the pier, we drive back to Saigon in the late afternoon for an overnight stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 12: Saigon -– Flight to Phu Quoc (B/-/-)

Saigon - Phu Quoc: 435 km, 1h flight

You will be picked up by your driver at your hotel in Saigon and taken to Tan Son Nhat airport for your flight to Phu Quoc. After arriving in Phu Quoc and checking into your hotel, you will have free time to relax and explore the island on your own. Phu Quoc is a paradise for sun and sea lovers. Here, you can spend a whole day swinging away in a hammock on a deserted beach, listening to the sound of the surf and then witness a mesmerising sunset. Those members of the family who love being active can keep themselves busy with cycling, trekking, snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Phu Quoc

Day 13: Phu Quoc Island - Free (B/-/-)

Relax and enjoy your Phu Quoc sandy beach: swim, sunbathe and take in the delights of this beautiful holiday resort. Optional sightseeing or a visit to offshore islands, scuba diving and other water sports are available. Or, just relax and enjoy the resort facilities.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Phu Quoc

Day 14: Phu Quoc Island - Free (B/-/-)

Relax and enjoy your Phu Quoc sandy beach: swim, sunbathe and take in the delights of this beautiful holiday resort. Optional sightseeing or a visit to offshore islands, scuba diving and other water sports are available. Or, just relax and enjoy the resort facilities.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Phu Quoc

Day 15: Phu Quoc Island - Free (B/-/-)

Relax and enjoy your Phu Quoc sandy beach: swim, sunbathe and take in the delights of this beautiful holiday resort. Optional sightseeing or a visit to offshore islands, scuba diving and other water sports are available. Or, just relax and enjoy the resort facilities.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Phu Quoc

Day 16: Saigon - Flight to Saigon - Departure (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, time is free until your driver meets and transfers you to the airport for your flight to Saigon. Safe travels for your next adventure!

Meals Included: Breakfast