Culture, Cuisine and Lush Scenes - An Insider Journey

📍 Noi Bai Airport - Central Hanoi (35km): 60mins

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 starts at 09:00 with a 45-min personal interaction with a local history and culture scholar for an overview about Vietnam history during four thousand years and the varied side of Vietnamese culture. This is also a great opportunity to get a glimpse of the introduction about the nation’s culture and the scholar on his life experiences as a Vietnamese. 

Then stroll around the Temple of Literature. Explore the incredible compound which was constructed in 1076. Hear stories of the buildings’ history, getting a glimpse into the past when it served as a university and temple. 

Having seen the sights of Hanoi, it is time for a truly local experience. Travel to a residential neighborhood in the southwest of the city for a memorable night with a local family.

Tucked inside a maze of narrow laneways, arrive at a local house and be greeted by the friendly hosts. Over a cup of Vietnamese tea, chat with the family and hear about their lives both past and present. 

The family worked for the Vietnamese army during the Vietnam-America war and have fascinating stories to tell about that era. Hear about B-52 bombs dropped on their neighborhood during the war and how they persevered during the challenging years that followed. 

Then sit down for lunch. Enjoy a variety of home-cooked, local specialities while sitting at a modern style table. Unlike Hanoi’s tourist restaurants, the food served here explodes with flavor thanks to the traditional techniques used to prepare the dishes.  

Next, 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. 

Navigate through the labyrinthine alleys of Hanoi's Old Quarter, and you'll stumble upon a hidden gem: the former residence of a painter, who is revered. Renowned for his captivating renderings of Hanoi's streetscapes, his legacy lives on within the walls of his home. 

As you ascend the staircase leading to the private gallery, find yourself transported into a world of vibrant colors and evocative brushstrokes. The artist's son carries his father's artistic torch, his paintings infused with a deep affection for Hanoi's Old Quarter and a love for nature.

Engage in conversation with the artists, and soon you'll be immersed in a world of artistic insights and personal anecdotes. The private gallery is not merely a space to admire art; it's a place where the past and present converge. 

Following the introduction transfer back to your hotel.  

Overnight in Hanoi.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Hanoi – Ninh Binh (100km): 2 hours

Today, escape to Ninh Binh, home to the pretty town of Tam Coc, where limestone karst mountains rise up from rice paddies like towering sentinels. Cycle through charming villages, explore hidden caves, and take a traditional sampan boat ride past sparkling stalactites.

Depart the hotel this morning at 08:00 for a 2-hour drive through rural northern Vietnam to Ninh Binh Province — one of the most stunning areas of Vietnam with its dramatic scenery and historical temples. The rice fields here are beautiful (seasonal) and the area has earned the nickname of ‘Dry Halong Bay’, a moniker borne out by the limestone karsts which dominate the landscape. 

Upon arrival, boarding a sampan for a 1.5 hour boat trip cruising on a small canal among the paddy fields for 1km, then stroll along the winding rocky paths to reach the Galaxy Cave gate. Once inside the cave, admire the spectacular stalactites hanging from the cave ceiling. 

Rowing onward to explore the fascinating But Cave, spanning nearly 500 meters with its peculiar-shaped stalactites. Conclude the cave exploration by rowing back to the village.

After a sumptuous local lunch, check in the hotel. 

In the afternoon, immerse in the rich culture and traditions of a Vietnamese village with a visit to a local house. Experience the warmth of a large family with four generations living together, and learn about their daily lives and how they keep the traditional embroidery of their ancestors alive.

Then take a scenic bike ride around the village, local market, alongside rice fields nestled amidst limestone mountains. A visit to Bich Dong Pagoda awaits, where an ascent of 200 steps leads to Ngu Nhac Mountain. This path unveils three cave pagodas dating back to 1428, revealing captivating views over the countryside.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 From Ninh Binh to Ha Long (180km): approx. 4hrs

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 Ninh Binh at 07:30 for a 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 a sunset on the deck followed by dinner, then retiring for the evening. 

Overnight on Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

After breakfast, either stay aboard the boat or transfer to a smaller day boat for a full day of activities including lunch: swimming, visiting villages or kayaking (depending on the boat’s set itinerary).   

Once back aboard the main boat, enjoy sunset on the deck followed by dinner, then retire for the evening. 

Overnight on Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Ha Long City - Ha Noi Noi Bai Airport (190km): approx. 3,5hrs Da Nang Airport - Central Hoi An (30 km): 50mins

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.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

​​​​​​This specially led experience is a unique opportunity to see Hoi An from the perspective of an expert in Hoi An relics and historical heritage. While receiving an in-depth introduction of this UNESCO Cultural Heritage site, learn details about the area’s history and the fascinating conservation efforts being made.

Today’s tour starts at 08:30 or a guided walking trip around Hoi An’s charming narrow streets and back lane ways.Then at 09:30, meet heritage specialists to explore this trading port from an expert's perspective. 

Familiarize yourself with their restoration work knowledge and their behind the scenes challenges in order to preserve Hoi An’s old town. Get a rare insight into the life of the local residents and how they cope with the annual flooding, urbanization and the support from the local government. Note the site visits may change depending on the projects currently being undertaken by the specialists. 

*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.
 

In the afternoon, embark on a sensory journey through an organic herb garden, where the intoxicating aromas of plants and flowers will fill both your senses, and your knowledge of Asian herbs. Hoi An is perhaps the best place in Vietnam to learn about herbs, as the soil and weather nourish the plants giving them strong fragrance and flavor.   

This tour starts at 16:00. Upon arrival, be greeted with a welcome herbal drink, prepared with fresh herbs from the garden. As you take a sip, savor the incredible flavors. 

Next, embark on a stroll through the garden to ignite the  senses. Inhale the intoxicating fragrances of peppermint, lemon basil, chocolate peppermint, Thai basil, lemongrass and other plants, some indigenous to Vietnam.  

Pause for a moment to sit in the heart of the garden, surrounded by the beauty and abundance of nature. Then, it's time for a short meditation session, guided by the experienced herbalists who care for the garden.  

After the reflective moment, soak your feet in a warm herbal foot bath, infused with salt and ginger and herbs. Feel the tension melt away as the soothing herbs and minerals work their magic. Finally, enjoy a light snack prepared with fresh herbs from the garden. This is the chance to learn more about Vietnamese herbs and their healing properties.   

As the experience comes to an end, you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated before returning to the hotel or central Hoi An. 

Overnight in Hoi An

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Enjoy this morning at leisure before the departure from Hoi An to Hue City, the former royal capital of the Nguyen Dynasty.  

Just over an hour from Hoi An, drive over the Hai Van mountain pass,  one of the world’s greatest coastal stretches. Jungle-topped mountains slope down into the sea, shaping uninhabited bays, forging gushing waterfalls, and even influencing the weather. The whole pass is 20 km in length — so time to enjoy the view. 

Cruise down the pass north, with sweeping views, over a railway track then along the beautiful Lang Co Lagoon before continuing north to Hue City to the hotel for check in. 

Kick off this half-day tour in Hue with a visit to the UNESCO- listed Imperial Citadel. Roam the expansive grounds, admiring buildings that reflect the pomp and ceremony of the once-mighty Nguyen Dynasty. Hear the stories of the majestic buildings and intriguing former emperors. Take a look at areas damaged by conflicts, both ancient and modern, and learn of Hue’s role in Vietnam’s military history. 

Then leave the city centre and travel through Hue’s beautiful countryside. Arrive at Khai Dinh’s tomb for a stroll. One of the Nguyen Dynasty’s former emperors, this remarkable complex blends traditional Vietnamese in design with European touches making it unique from the other tombs in Hue. 

Overnight in Hue

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Ever wondered what happened to the descendants of the Nguyen Dynasty and how their ancestor's traditions are kept alive in modern times? Today’s experience will uncover the glorious time of the last royal reign in Vietnam.

Transfer  from the hotel at 08:30 (or alternatively at 14:00). Start the trip at An Dinh Palace, the former private residence of Emperors Khai Dinh and Bao Dai. Built in 1917 and decorated with both Roman-style motifs and traditional Vietnamese motifs, the former palace offers a reminder of the power and wealth of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors, as well as the turbulent history of Vietnam in the 20th century.

Then head to a private temple which is the most reserved and not open to public. Learn how the younger generations worship their emperor ancestors and observe the preservation of the original wooden panels of poems. There is a chance to learn the family’s interesting secret recipes to whiten skin and make blush powder for the Queens and the concubines. 

Hop on a 15-min cyclo ride to the first private museum in Hue, right at a ‘nha ruong’ - traditional Royal house, once belonging  to the Mandarin of King Minh Mang to contemplate his grandson’s valued collection of daily used items.

All flower drums, vases, pipes, lime-pots, bowls, dishes, wine vessels, and teapots, etc, were used by the Kings and then now well reserved with his love and passion for his ancestor’s heritage. Transfer back to the hotel or next destination after the visit to the museum. 

See a side of Hue rarely experienced by visitors. Spend an evening zipping around town on the back of a Vespa scooter, stopping to enjoy the stunning view from a hilltop. Visit a local family to have dinner and learn about their daily life and traditional dishes of Hue people.

The excursion is an interesting combination between exploring the charm of Hue scenery and enjoying local hospitality. Leave your hotel in Hue at 16.00, the vintage vespa takes you through some less-traveled roads to the most flattering angles for pictures before making its way to Vong Canh Hill. The hill top offers an panoramic view point over the Perfume River and the royal valley where various  royal family members of the Nguyen Dynasty rest in peace. Sit down to sip a drink while contemplating the river landscape and sunset on sunny days.

Continue on your vespa to visit a local family where dinner is hosted and family stories are shared. This is a typical traditional family with three generations living together under one roof. The family takes pride in preserving their family customs that have been passed down from generation to generation. 

After the introduction, the host presents and explains typical local culture features such as the practice of ancestral worship, daily family routine  and the value of family ties in a Vietnamese' perception. Then you join the host in preparing your food before sitting down for a cozy  meal. Hue is famous for its cuisine and the host has a select menu of local specialties. More family stories to come during the meal time. Say goodbye to the family and back to your hotel at about 21:00.

Overnight in Hue

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Hue to Phu Bai Airport (17km): 30 mins From Tan Son Nhat Airport to your chosen hotel in HCMC (8km): 20mins

Morning drive to Hue airport for flight to Saigon. 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. 

Start exploring the city with a visit to the iconic Saigon Central Post Office built between 1886 and 1891. Based on the design of French architect Villedieu, it is the creation of a unique vaulted ceiling with wrought iron beams and columns reminiscent of industrial architecture, which is now considered a symbol of Saigon and one of its most famous landmarks.

Walk along Dong Khoi street, formerly la rue Catinat and pay a visit to Gia Long Palace – Ho Chi Minh City Museum for its beautiful architecture and listen to its history through time. Continue to ‘Le Loi Street’ to meet a local artisan who specializes in traditional engravings. 

Next, stroll through the old central market (your vehicle will be available)  before arriving at the city’s oldest pre war-era apartment, built in 1886, and see what the young creative Vietnamese are up to from their funky boutiques and coffee shops. Sit down at one of the stylish coffee shops and interact with a local resident who moved here in 1975.

Leave the compound and have a look at the building on the other side, which used to be ‘Banque de l’Indochine’ (Indochina Bank) during the 1920s. It’s a stunning example of the ‘Indochinois’ east/ west fusion style of architecture that this area is known for. After this last stop, head back to the hotel.

Overnight in Sai Gon

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 HCMC to Ben Tre (110km): 2.5 hrs

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.

Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City mid afternoon. 

Overnight in Sai Gon

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Today’s tour begins at 07:00. The morning begins with a short drive to the banks of the Saigon River. Board a speed boat for this scenic Cu Chi tunnels cruise. Gaze upon the modern skyline of the city as the boat cruises across the water. Watch as the scenery changes, passing through urban neighbourhoods and then rural countryside. (Note: This tour is a non-private Cu Chi Tunnels cruise.)

After 90 minutes arrive at Cu Chi and explore the incredible network of 200 km underground tunnels. Crawl underground (optional) and get a better sense for what life was like living and fighting in the labyrinth of caves and tunnels. Hear remarkable stories of the residents’ resilience and see relics of the wartime weapons.

Following the visit, return to the boat and relax while cruising back to the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. 

Tonight’s exploration begins at 18:00 with a transfer from your hotel. Once at the destination, start with a stroll along the small alleys at a local market. As you wander through the narrow pathways, be greeted by the bustling sounds of vendors selling a variety of goods. 

Carry on to discover the area’s contrasting architectural styles. Tucked away is an unassuming stall selling delicious bot chien, or pan fried rice cakes with green papaya salad, a street food staple. Whilst tasting the flavorful dish, the guide explains its origins. 

Continue through the backstreets and venture to a vibrant residential complex to witness the daily lives of locals. You’ll observe small apartments where three generations may reside under one roof, while neighbors converse and share stories of their day. 

Lively, colorful and vibrant, sit down for a seafood dinner, a well-loved meal among Saigonese. If fortunate, catch a glimpse of the charismatic owner. 

Once sated, walk down back streets to the city’s main flower market where a demonstration on the art of the lotus flower will be given. Continue to a lively night market where the city’s youth gather. Sit alongside the locals and order some savory treats or a desert if you fancy, before returning to your hotel where the tour ends

Overnight in Sai Gon.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 From your chosen hotel in HCMC to Tan Son Nhat Airport (8km): 20mins

The morning is at leisure before checking out. The resort shuttle bus will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast