Absolute Vietnam

📍 Noi Bai Airport to your chosen hotel in Hanoi (35km): 45mins

Hanoi, a city of contrasts, defies easy categorization. It's both modern and traditional, chaotic and serene, and always full of surprises. But one thing is for sure: it's a place that’s captivating, to all the senses. 

Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, your private guide and driver will assist on arrival for the transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight in Hanoi.

Inclusions:

Today’s full day discovery of Hanoi starts at 08:30.  Begin with a visit to the sixth-century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda, on the shores of serene West Lake.

Next, take a short drive to visit the famed Temple of Literature. In 1076 Quoc Tu Giam - Vietnam's first university, also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite, for an incredible 800-years.  

Following, chose a museum option (to be discussed on the actual day of the tour):  
Option 1: Vietnam Women’s Museum.  Highly acclaimed, the museum displays highlights of Vietnam’s vast cultural diversity and the significant role women play in Vietnamese society.  

Option 2: The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed Mondays) is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam. The museum houses a vast collection of interactive exhibits that showcase the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. 
Following the visit of the museum, rest over a well deserved lunch. 
Once sated, visit Hanoi’s iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex.  The site is fascinating yet expect long walking distances (Note the Mausoleum is closed Monday and Fridays, each afternoon as well as annually from June 12th to Aug 14th).  

Continuing on foot past the Mausoleum (viewed from outside) to learn about the life and legacy of the nation’s founder. Continue to the ‘house on stilts’ where ‘Bac Ho’ resided from 1958 to 1969 (closed on Monday and Friday). Stroll around the tranquil grounds before completing the circuit at the One Pillar pagoda; built in 1049, the symbol of Hanoi is a unique representation of the city. 

Mid-late afternoon, continue the exploration with a stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. A maze of alleyways and hidden treasures, learn about local life in the ‘36-guilds’ as you weave through the frenetic streets on foot. 

To conclude the day, step back in time to the 11th century and experience the ancient art of water puppetry at the famed Water Puppet Theater. 

Following the introduction to Hanoi’s highlights transfer back to your hotel.  

Overnight in Hanoi.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Today’s tour will begin at 8:30. Depart from hotel by vintage jeep following a safety briefing. 

Start the Hanoi adventure by cruising local areas to witness local Hanoian’s way of life, in the maze of backstreets. Pass by local homes, schools, streetside markets and tiny alleyways where locals live, work and play.

Cruise by historic landmarks and city sights such as the Old Quarter, Opera House, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Huu Tiep lake, the monument of John MC Cain by Truc Bach Lake and An Duong market.
Continue to the Red River and onto an ‘island’ to explore a hidden gem, where you’ll see people farming and living, under the veil of the city. Rich due to the fertile soil, this island floods each year during the rainy season allowing rich silt to replenish the soil. 
The final stop is Long Bien Bridge, a magnificent structure built over a hundred of years ago which spans the Red River. Completed in 1902 by, once the longest bridge in Asia made famous once again, this time in the 1970’s during the ‘American war’ as countless bombing raids attempted to disrupt the bridge as a vital supply line.   
Along the way, take photos or selfies at any opportunity. The open door / top jeep will allow for many opportunities to take snaps. 
Wrap up the day with specialties of Hanoi: Egg coffee or a quintessential Hanoi dish; Bun Cha (pork noodles). Discuss with your guide in advance, the best option for your day. 
In the afternoon, return to the hotel (late checkout is arranged until 18:00).

This evening, be met by the guide who will assist with a private transfer to Hanoi Railway Station for an overnight train to Lao Cai. 

Overnight on train.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Transfer Lao Cai - Bac Ha: 70 km approx.1,5 hours Transfer Bac Ha - Sapa: 97km approx.2 hours

Arrive Lao Cai early in the morning and be greeted by the guide and transfer to a local restaurant for breakfast. Then driving to visit a local market (Ban Cam on Tuesday/ Cao Son on Wednesday/ Lung Khau Nhin on Thursday/ Can Cau on Saturday/ Bac Ha or Muong Hum on Sunday. (Note: The market visit may be on the arrival day depending on the day).) 

Here, see mostly Flower Hmong however Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, Nung hill tribe groups also gather here. The market offers a variety of local products, which could not be found in others areas such as an interesting animal market where pot-bellied pigs, cows and buffalos can be seen. Continue the tour on a short walk to a hill-tribe village. Here, have the opportunity to visit some local homes to understand more on the daily life of these tribes as well as their culture and traditions. Transfer to the former hill station of Sapa.

Overnight in Sapa.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

This morning, take a short 15 minute drive to Sa Seng Village for a hike. 

Begin walking on a small concrete path with beautiful views of the rice terraces that lead to a village of the Black Hmong people. Experience how the local people set up their homes with the surrounding rice and corn farms. Then, continue ascending uphill on a small rocky trail with lush green bamboo forest and bushes. 

Lunch is prepared at a nice spot on the top overlooking the large and beautiful Muong Hoa Valley. 

This afternoon, descend downhill passing some small hamlets of Hmong ethnic tribe in Hau Thao Village. Be sure to snap some great photos of the mountain that looks towards Fansipan Mountain - the highest in Vietnam. Get a chance to visit a local’s home and learn about the Hmong ethnic culture and their way of life. The last part of the trip is an easy walk in between villages and rice terraces. 

End with a pick-up by car at the main road to be transfer back. 
 
Tour summary: Road transfer 45 mins/ Easy walk and visiting local homes for about 5 hours.

Important notes:
• This trip can be organized the whole year around.
• Moderate trekking with distance ~13 km

Overnight in Sapa.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Central Hanoi to Sapa (315km): 6 hours

Spend the morning at leisure before being picked up by the guide and driver for a drive back to Hanoi.  

Overnight in Hanoi

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 From central Hanoi to Halong (160km): approx.2.5hrs

The perfect way to see the UNESCO World Heritage areas of Halong and Lan Ha Bay is to spend a night aboard a charming boat. The mystical scenery, where thousands of limestone islands jut out of the emerald sea, sculpted into wonderous shapes covered in lush flora is truly breathtaking.   

Following breakfast leave Hanoi at 09:00 for the 2.5hours drive to Halong City. Arrive at the pier around noon and proceed with check-in formalities. 

After the welcome onboard and checking into the cabin, lunch will be served whilst cruising. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits or activities (depending on the boat’s set itinerary). Towards the end of the afternoon the boat will anchor for the night surrounded by karst formations. 

Enjoy sunset on the deck followed by dinner, then retiring for the evening. 

Please note: Subject to change depending on weather conditions.

Overnight on Halong / Lan Ha Bay.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Wake up to the fresh morning amidst the islands of the bay for breakfast (brunch on some boats) while enjoying the serene setting of the spectacular rock formations. 

Mid morning, proceed to checkout as the cruise cruises towards port.  Disembark and transfer 3 hours to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport for the 1.5 hour flight south to Danang City. On arrival at Danang airport, the gateway to Hoi An, your private guide and driver will assist with the transfer to the hotel for check-in. 

Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most picturesque towns and UNESCO-heritage listed, once a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries now draws international visitors to its streets, for both the history and the surrounding scenes.    

Rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Note: 
- The cruise’s itinerary may be subject to change depending on weather conditions.
- Over the past years Halong Bay has been experiencing increasing environmental problems such as pollution, overfishing and impairment of its natural habitats. We encourage you to enjoy the beauty of Halong Bay, but also to help protect and preserve it so that future generations can experience its beauty with responsible tourism behavior which is crucial to reducing issues on Halong Bay and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Hoi An to My Son (40km): 1 hour

Delve into the rich history of Central Vietnam. Travel to the countryside where ancient temples are all that remain of the once-mighty Cham Empire. Then a guided walking tour explores Hoi An’s narrow streets and traditional houses whose historic tales are waiting to be discovered.
Today’s tour will begin at 08:00. Spend a day immersed in the rich history of Central Vietnam. 

After around 1-hour driving from central Hoi An, arrive at the cultural highlight of Central Vietnam, the temple complex at My Son (pronounced Me Sern). Granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999, the tower temples were the seat of the Champa Kingdom for most of its existence between the 4th and 13th centuries. 
Wander around the crumbling ruins, hearing about the Cham culture, its rulers and their impressive reign. Take a moment to soak up the serene atmosphere and imagine what My Son was like in its heyday. 
After this glimpse into Central Vietnam’s ancient history, return to Hoi An. Take a break at a  restaurant to sample some of the town’s most famous dishes. 

The afternoon will be spent walking Hoi An’s old town to learn about its illustrious past as a trading port. See the remarkably well-preserved traditional houses that have withstood hundreds of years of weather and war. 
Start at the Japanese Bridge*, which spans a small waterway and was built more than 400 years ago to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese who lived on the other side of the water. Admire the carvings and paintings inside the bridge, learning about their symbolism and cultural significance.

Continue to a Chinese communal hall, a colorful mélange of bright gates, dragon statues and elaborate rooftops. Additionally, explore smaller laneways and local neighborhoods, gaining a better appreciation of Hoi An’s endless charm. After this insightful glimpse of Hoi An,  return to the hotel or your next destination.

*The Japanese Bridge is currently under renovation until Q4 2024 (est) . Visitors are able to walk alongside the bridge (as of March 2024) on a purposely built metal platform however the actual structure is mostly covered in metal sheeting, therefore limiting photo op’s of the town’s most famous monument.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 From Central Hoi An - Danang Airport (30km): 45mins From Tan Son Nhat Airport - central HCMC (8km): 30mins

Transfer to Da Nang airport for a short flight to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still referred to as Saigon by the locals. Once known as the ‘Pearl of Indochina’, Saigon boasts an enormous architectural wealth, mirroring its colourful history. From the pagodas, museums and European architecture of the city’s recent past to the growing number of skyscrapers, Saigon is like a trip through time. 

Upon arrival to Ho Chi Minh City, be met by the guide and driver and start with a walking tour (depending on the season, this order might be changed) through the historic city center and CBD. See the architecturally splendid City Hall, historic Dong Khoi Street, the Continental Hotel and the Saigon Opera House. 

Then step off the main road into a historic building revolutionized by the city’s youth. Here, locally owned retail stores, coffee shops and art spaces offer a glimpse into the city’s creative  generation. If time allows, sit for a coffee at one of the building’s cafe’s. 

Continue on foot to the Central Post Office. Here, you can also glimpse the former CIA building, where one of the last helicopter evacuations took place in 1975.   

Stroll through lovely 30 April Park to perhaps the city’s most famous landmark - the Reunification Palace. Now preserved in a time warp, the ‘war rooms’ in the basement plus the opulent display’s are fascinating.  

Finish up the day at another historic site, the Ben Thanh Market. Still functioning as a local neighborhood market, the central location also welcomes travelers with a variety of stalls. 

Having gained greater understanding of Saigon's culture and history, return to the hotel to check in.

This evening, explore Saigon on a vintage Vespa. At 18:00, get acquainted with the driver and your motorbike before making the first stop of the evening, a vibrant rooftop with sweeping city views. Take some pics, and sip a refreshing cocktail whilst enjoying the evening breeze. 

From the city height’s, back down at street level, cruise through the busy streets and pass some of the famous landmarks in this vibrant city. The first food stop, dive into local culture at an authentic seafood restaurant. Groups of people gathering to eat seafood and drink beer is the way Saigonese wind down after a busy day.  

Continue by pillion across town to one of the city’s institutions, a ‘bánh xèo’ restaurant. This savory pancake is highly favored by Vietnamese from Saigon and beyond and is a must-try for any food enthusiast.  

Once sated, continue with your driver to a vibrant live music venue featuring live performances. Fueled with delectable food and catchy tunes, hop back on the Vespa for the final ride back to your hotel.

Overnight in Saigon.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 From Central HCMC - Tay Ninh (88km): 130 mins

It’s an early start today on this day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, departing by 07:30 to make the most of this adventure in the rural region around the southern metropolis. Relax on the drive to Tay Ninh, watching the landscapes change from city to urban.

At Tay Ninh visit the Cao Dai Great Temple, with architecture that could have come straight from a Walt Disney fantasy. Admire the whimsical statues and colorful paintings covering this remote temple building. Learn about the origins and beliefs of this unusual religion, which blends the world’s major faiths into a unique mosaic. 

Relax over a simple local lunch, before transferring to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Spend a couple of hours walking around the rugged grounds with a local guide. Hear how the residents constructed an intricate, underground network of tunnels during the country’s recent wars. Crawl underground (optional) and have a look at the tiny chambers, imagining what life was like for those who lived there. Once above ground, see other ingenious items used by the residents to defend themselves such as bamboo traps and camouflaged pits. 

Throughout the tour, the guide will explain the impact of war on the local community and the country as a whole. Following this insightful visit, journey back to Ho Chi Minh City

Overnight in Saigon
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 From Central HCMC - Ben Tre (110km): 150 minutes From Ben Tre - Can Tho (130km): 160 minutes

Today’s tour starts at 08:00 with a pick up from the hotel in the city centre. Leave the busy streets and modern buildings of Ho Chi Minh City behind on this Ben Tre day trip. Drive 2.5 hours south of the city to Ben Tre, known as the land of coconut in the Mekong Delta. 

On arrival in Ben Tre Province, board a local boat for a first glimpse of Delta scenery. Sip a freshly picked coconut as the boat winds through the maze of canals.

Stop at a brick kiln where locals still use centuries-old traditional methods . Following, visit a coconut workshop to see the processing and learn how every part of the nut is used. 

Continue to get to know the region’s family-run cottage industries such as coconut candy making. See many local women spending their days boiling cauldrons of sticky coconut paste before rolling it out and slicing sections into squares. 

Enjoy lush tropical fruits and honey tea in a garden before exploring the riverside promenade and narrow lanes that are ideal for a bicycle ride or choose to hop on a motor-tricycle which was once the iconic vehicle and main means of transportation in southern Vietnam in the 1960s (Please note: motor-tricycle to be requested in advance).

After lunch at a riverside restaurant with Mekong Delta specialties, get a closer look at delta life with a sampan boat trip, rowing through a hidden maze of small, waterpalm draped canals; this is the quintessential Mekong delta.

As the sun begins to dip lower in the sky it is time to return to Cai Be and onwards to Can Tho. 

Overnight in Can Tho
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Today’s tour begins at 7:00. Embark on an unique adventure and experience the vibrant culture of the Mekong Delta. Board the sampan, glide through the waterways and immerse in the colorful sights and sounds of the Cai Rang floating market in the morning. Witness the daily routine of local traders and vendors as they sell their goods from their boats. Be mesmerized by the lively atmosphere and delicious local delicacies.

After check-out, be transferred to the airport for a flight to Phu Quoc (Depending on the season, extra days in Hoi An can be added or Nha Trang / Con Dao can be chosen, as an alternative to Phu Quoc) 

On arrival in Phu Quoc, be transferred to the resort by the resort’s scheduled shuttle bus.  

Spend the rest of the day to relax by the pool or on the sandy beach. 

Overnight in Phu Quoc.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

A full day at leisure in the resort or on the beach.

Overnight in Phu Quoc.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

A full day at leisure in the resort or on the beach.

Overnight in Phu Quoc.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Spend the morning at leisure before checking out. Be transferred to the onward departure flight to Ho Chi Minh City via the resort’s shuttle bus. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast