Refined Vietnam. A Discovery of Culture & Cuisine

📍 HCMC airport – HCMC centre (8 km): 30 minutes

Upon arrival at the international terminal, look for the assistant displaying your group's name on a signboard, close to the immigration area. From here, be escorted to a fast lane in the  immigration zone. Once the immigration administrative procedures are complete, continue to the baggage carousel with the airport assistant followed by the Vietnam customs clearance lane, before exiting the terminal. 

After you've exited the airport terminal, be met by your guide for the private transfer to your hotel (approx. 30 minutes). If you encounter any issues, call the 24 Hrs Customer Care number +84 917 332 246. 

Once known as the ‘Pearl of Indochina’, Ho Chi Minh City 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, Ho Chi Minh City is like a trip through time.

Tonight, depending on arrival time, treat yourself to dinner at AnAn, the first restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City to receive a star by the esteemed Michelin Guide (at own expense, bookings recommended in advance (contact us).

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Inclusions:

Today begins at 08:30. Meet with a local guide 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, relax and enjoy a local coffee at one of the building’s cafes. 

Stroll 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 displays are fascinating.  

Continue to 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. 

Finish up the morning by discovering the true depth of Vietnam’s national dish beyond the standard bowl. This unique experience showcasing six distinct, and in some case ‘rare’, styles of phở during one cosy and engaging session. Taste unique versions like crispy fried phở, dry-style phở, and other regional variations, offering a genuine culinary education, learn stories about each bowl, and take home the ‘phở-expert’ certificate.

Having gained greater understanding of Saigon's culture and history, return to the hotel to rest for the rest of the afternoon. 

Tonight’s experience starts at 18:30. Once acquainted with the driver and your motorbike, zip through the city's bustling streets. The first food stop of the evening is a small yet well-regarded ‘bánh mì’ stall. Here, join a queue to purchase these beloved Vietnamese baguettes which are highly favoured by people from Saigon and beyond. From there, proceed to a local coffee shop full of character for a short briefing over a drink of tropical fruits, juice or tea.   

Next, ride to a hidden restaurant and delve deeper into local culture by enjoying a home-cooked tasting meal. 

Once sated, zig zag through vibrant streets, wander around an old apartment complex which transforms into a bustling night market with an abundance of food and drink stalls. Stop at a charming desert spot for a taste of local style cake.     

The final stop of the evening takes you to a hidden bar. Take a sip from the bar’s signature cocktail and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Saigon, before hopping back on the Vespa for one final ride back to the hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 HCMC – Ben Tre (100 km): 2.5 hours

Today’s tour will begin at 08:00. Leave the buzz of Ho Chi Minh City behind and drive for 2.5 hours to Ben Tre. Situated at the edge of the Mekong Delta, Ben Tre is the perfect starting point for this insightful excursion.

The discovery begins with a leisurely stroll through a local village, taking in the sights of charming houses and their well-manicured gardens. Board the boat, cruise through the smaller tributaries of Ben Tre province. Upon arriving at a coconut garden, drink their refreshing juice gathered from the trees amidst the vibrant greenery. 

Return to the boat and continue cruising to a coconut workshop to see the processing and learn how every part of the nut is used. From there, hop onto a bicycle and ride around the village roads. Take a moment to appreciate the bucolic scenery when passing by the lush rice fields and bountiful vegetable gardens before getting back for the cruise to the other side of the river.

From there, board a sampan and paddle through the narrow canals around the island, appreciating the tranquility and lush landscapes of this part of the Delta. Afterwards, enjoy lush tropical fruits and honey tea in a garden.

Having worked up an appetite during the morning’s touring, take a break at a restaurant and enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch. 

Following the meal, take a leisurely walk past green gardens to the homes of locals to chat with family members. See them making either crispy rice paper, the most famous specialty of this village or the age-old process of rice wine making. 

Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City mid afternoon.

 Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 HCMC – HCMC’s airport (8 km): 30 mins Danang airport – Central Hoi An (30 km): 50 mins

This morning, transfer to Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat airport for the flight to central Vietnam. From the Danang airport, it’s a 50-minute drive to the ancient port town of Hoi An. 

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.    

Afternoon and evening at leisure. Ask us for recommendations on the town’s best restaurants. 

Overnight in Hoi An

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Today’s tour will begin at 08:30. Be charmed by Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most picturesque towns. 

Meet a knowledgeable local guide for this introductory, half day Hoi An city tour, learning all about its illustrious past as a trading port. Take a walk through town, seeing remarkably well-preserved traditional houses that have withstood hundreds of years of weather and war. 

Make a stop at the Japanese Bridge, one of two such bridges in Vietnam. The bridge 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 assembly house, a colorful mélange of bright gates, dragon statues and elaborate rooftops. Experience the tradition of hanging incense spiral coils, writing a wish, and offering prayers at this sacred site.

Explore smaller laneways and local neighborhoods, gaining a better appreciation of Hoi An’s endless charm. After this insightful glimpse of Hoi An, indulge in a calming tea tasting experience, immerse yourself in the local tea culture, and relax before heading back to the hotel or  next destination.

Depart at 17:00 from your hotel, for this secret cocktail adventure, which visits four very different cocktail bars, each of which has its own story and vibes. From a hidden bar tucked down a small alley to a rooftop bar with views over the Thu Bon River, you'll experience the diverse flavors of Hoi An's cocktail scene.

Learn about local ingredients, from herbs to spices to local spirits and the delicate balance of flavors and the inspiration that led to the creation of each unique drink. At the last stop, take part in a hands-on demonstration of a very special ‘Vietnamese themed’ cocktail. Once you’ve sipped this last drink, head to dinner (on own account) or back to the hotel around 20:00.

Overnight in Hoi An

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

This tour starts at 09:00. 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 healthy lunch 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.        

Rest of the day and evening at leisure. 

Overnight in Hoi An

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Central Hoi An - Danang Airport (30 km): 50 mins Noi Bai International Airport - Central Hanoi (35 km): 50 mins

Take a morning flight and head to your next destination, the capital of Vietnam. 

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. 

The evening begins at 18:00 with a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, offering a glimpse into the daily rhythm of Hanoians as the day winds down. Hoan Kiem Lake, meaning "Lake of the Returned Sword," blends serene beauty with a captivating legend of a magical sword and a golden turtle, embodying Hanoi's history and charm.

The exploration continues with a walk through the Old Quarter before escaping the bustle in the quiet of a local home - a French-style, century-old villa. Sip green tea (as the locals like it, strong) to learn more on the fascinating multi generational lives of the past and present inhabitants. 

Dine tonight at a premier restaurant in the heart of the Old Quarter, Madame Hien, offering Hanoi specialties by famed chef, Didier Corlou. Housed in a beautifully restored French period villa, the restaurant blends Vietnamese and French influences in both its cuisine and its charming, nostalgic décor. 

Before returning to the hotel, cap off the experience with a handcrafted cocktail at a hidden bar overlooking the splendid St. Joseph's Cathedral. St. Joseph's Cathedral, an iconic landmark in Hanoi, stands as a striking example of French Gothic architecture, steeped in history and a testament to the city's past. 

Overnight in Ha Noi

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

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. 

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

Overnight in Hanoi

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 From central Hanoi to Halong (160 km): 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 wondrous shapes covered in lush flora is truly breathtaking.   

Following breakfast leave Hanoi at 08:00 for the 2.5hours drive to Halong City. Arrive at the Tuan Chau International Port then at 10:30 (approx) proceed with check-in formalities. 

Once onboard, relaxation before lunch is served as the cruise navigates through the magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay, offering views of captivating formations along the way. 

While sharing the same dramatic limestone karsts and emerald waters as Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay is significantly less crowded. A large portion of the bay is protected as Bai Tu Long National Park, an ASEAN Heritage Park, and it's home to traditional floating fishing villages.

Mid-afternoon brings active exploration by kayak through calm waters and towering cliffs, guided by our crew. The boat then anchors in a peaceful bay for the night.

As evening descends, enjoy a multi-course à la carte dinner, followed by optional activities such as squid fishing, meditation, or board games. 

Overnight on Bai Tu Long Bay. 

Notes: 
- 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 behaviour which is crucial to reducing issues on Halong Bay and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
- To ensure we can effectively manage guest dietary needs during the cruise, please provide a list of any specific food restrictions or preferences at least 7 days prior to arrival. Please note that accommodating last-minute dietary changes may not be feasible and could incur additional costs  
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Wake up early and start a new day with a Tai Chi session on the deck or some early morning meditation on a nearby islet. Have breakfast while leisurely immersing in the serene setting of the spectacular rock formations on the bay. 

The morning excursion begins at Thien Canh Son Cave. After a gentle 100-step climb, enjoy sweeping views and explore a prehistoric cavern of chandeliers. Continue to Vung Vieng, a floating village where locals share their time-honored life on fish and pearl farming.

Back on board, savor lunch while sailing west, then join an oyster-harvesting or traditional “phin” coffee-making workshop. 

As the day winds down, reach a secluded beach for barefoot relaxation: swim, sip sundowners with canapés, mingle, or simply enjoy the fading light.

Dinner is served onboard, followed by free time.  

Overnight on Bai Tu Long Bay
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Early morning begins with a refreshing Tai Chi session on the top deck followed by a light breakfast of pastries. Those preferring a slower start can rest while the ship sails toward the marina. 

Upon re-entering Halong Bay after sailing from Bai Tu Long Bay, a fuller breakfast is served in the restaurant or on the deck, accompanied by the final serene views of the bay before returning to the marina. 

Disembark at 10:45 and transfer to your hotel in Hanoi. Check into your hotel. 
The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to relax 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast