Essence of Vietnam - 18 Days

Your Vietnam adventure kicks off upon your arrival in Hanoi. We will have a private driver waiting for you at the airport, holding a signboard with your name. They will take you to your accommodation, conveniently located in the heart of the city.

The vibrant Old Quarter is just on your doorstep, perfect for exploring at your leisure. Alternatively, you can unwind at the hotel following your flight.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a journey to Ba Vi, a scenic area on the outskirts of Hanoi. Our knowledgeable English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the day.

Upon arriving at Ri Village, you'll be warmly welcomed with refreshments and snacks. Meet your first host, Mr. Duoc, a Vietnam War veteran and owner of a tea farm. Listen to his compelling stories from the war and learn about tea cultivation. You'll have the opportunity to pick tea leaves and observe the mostly manual production process at his workshop.

Next, take a short drive to Moc Village to meet Mrs. Chin, who will guide you in preparing traditional Vietnamese dishes. Savour your creations during lunch in a beautiful tropical garden.

After lunch, enjoy a brief break before joining Mrs. Chin for a stroll around the village. You’ll visit local families to gain insight into rural life and see how tofu, conical hats, and other products are made. Afterwards, enjoy a cycling excursion through picturesque paddy fields.

Conclude your countryside experience with a traditional foot soak in warm, herb-infused water. This relaxing ritual follows the age-old recipes of the Muong ethnic minority, providing a soothing end to your village tour. Finally, we'll transport you back to your accommodation in Hanoi.

Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before checking out. We'll then travel to Sapa via the limousine bus, which takes approximately six hours. Once in Sapa, you'll be transferred to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this picturesque mountain town at your leisure.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel, then meet our guide at around 9:30 am to embark on a 12 km trek. Our journey takes us through Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai, home to the Hmong communities.

Along the way, you can marvel at the stunning vistas of rice terraces and majestic mountains. We will pause for lunch by the river in Lao Chai village.

Afterward, continue hiking to Ta Van village, where the Dzay community resides. Here, you'll stay overnight, enjoying a unique opportunity to engage with the local lifestyle and traditions.

After a hearty breakfast, we set off on our final trek to Giang Ta Chai village, home to the Red Dao minority. We will trek through the bamboo forest in Hoang Lien National Park. Along the way, we pause by a waterfall and a charming rattan bridge to relax and take in the scenery.

Enjoy lunch amidst these tranquil surroundings before we continue to Su Pan, a small roadside village. From here, a car will take us back to Sapa. Our journey concludes with a return trip to Hanoi, travelling in comfort aboard a limousine bus.

In the morning, we will check out of the hotel and be collected by the Cruise team. Our journey to Halong Bay takes us along the most scenic route, passing through the Red River Delta with its vast expanses of emerald green rice paddies.

Upon arrival at the pier, we will board our cruise vessel and take in the stunning vistas of limestone formations and karst grottoes. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch and some time on the sundeck as we explore the Bay's beauty.

The cruise will anchor at a secluded spot, providing an opportunity to kayak or swim and see the karst grottoes up close. As evening approaches, we will return to the boat for an early dinner followed by leisurely time on board. You may choose to join optional activities or simply relax.

Please note: Should adverse weather prevent the boat from setting off or staying overnight, the Ha Long Bay tour may be cancelled without notice. In such instances, alternative arrangements or a refund will be considered according to the situation.

Start your day early with a breathtaking sunrise viewing, accompanied by breakfast in the dining room. We will then participate in a Tai Chi class on the sun deck, ideal for invigorating both mind and body.

Next, we'll explore a stunning limestone cave, adorned with fascinating stalagmites and stalactites. After our cave adventure, we return to the boat to check out and savour a leisurely brunch as the cruise makes its way back to the harbour.

Enjoy your final moments in Hanoi before we provide a private transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, you'll be met by your driver and taken to your accommodation in Hoi An. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish, exploring or relaxing.

Enjoy a day of freedom to explore the captivating town of Hoi An at your leisure. We suggest hiring a bicycle from the hotel to best appreciate the town's charm. Cycle through the picturesque streets to the riverside or head to the beach, where a host of small cafes await, offering refreshing fruit drinks perfect for relaxing after a swim in the warm, calm sea.

Alternatively, consider joining an optional excursion. Our English-speaking guide will collect you from the hotel at around 8:00 am for an enriching experience in Hoi An’s countryside and rivers.

We will cycle through scenic rural areas, where friendly locals often greet us, and soak in the stunning vistas. Following this, we’ll embark on a river cruise to meet local fishermen and engage in traditional net fishing.

Then, enjoy a paddle boat journey in a distinctive Vietnamese bamboo basket boat through waterways lined with coconut palms. After our boat adventure, we will have a delectable lunch before cycling back to the hotel.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before we depart for Hue by private car. Our journey takes us along the renowned Hai Van Pass, offering breathtaking views of both mountains and sea. Upon arriving in Hue, you'll check in to your hotel and then have free time to explore the local area at your leisure.

Hue City serves as the vibrant cultural, political, and economic hub of Thua Thien Hue province and was once the imperial capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. This period saw the construction of significant architectural monuments now recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Our day begins as your guide meets you at your hotel between 8:00 and 8:30 am. We commence with a scenic boat trip along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest in Hue.

Next, explore the Imperial Citadel, the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945, and visit the Royal Antiques Museum to view a collection of Nguyen dynasty ornaments. We then proceed to the lively Dong Ba Market before enjoying a delectable Vietnamese lunch.

In the afternoon, we visit Khai Dinh’s Tomb, noted for its blend of Vietnamese and European architectural styles. Following this, we'll explore Minh Mang's Tomb, known for its adherence to Confucian design principles.

En route, you'll have the opportunity to visit villages renowned for producing conical hats and incense sticks. You will return to your hotel by 16:00-17:00.

Savour your final moments in Hue before your private driver takes you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, you'll be met by your driver and taken to your centrally located accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure.

At around 7:30 we will collect you from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and begin our journey to Cai Be. Upon arrival, we'll board a boat to explore the remnants of a historic wholesale floating market on the Tien River.

This was once a bustling hub of trade, offering insight into how local commerce has evolved with modern transportation and agricultural techniques. Experience the diversity of the region and its abundant orchards, known as the "fruit basket" of the lower Mekong River.

We’ll stroll through quaint villages, admire an ancient house, and delve into the local culture. A visit to a family-run workshop will showcase the making of traditional coconut fudge and crispy rice popcorn.

Enjoy fresh fruit while listening to the soothing sounds of Southern Vietnamese folk music, a vital part of Mekong Delta heritage. Paddle through serene canals, soaking in the tranquil ambiance of the Upper Mekong Delta.

On reaching Tan Phong Island, we'll bask in the natural beauty of the surroundings. At lunchtime, indulge in a hands-on experience preparing and enjoying Vietnamese cuisine, with the meal served in a local garden setting.

Cycle along village paths lined with lush orchards, and meet the islanders to gain insights into daily life in the Mekong Delta. We’ll also visit Ba Kiet’s ancient house. Return by boat to Cai Be, where our bus awaits to take us to Can Tho City.

Begin the day with a tasty breakfast before meeting your guide. We will embark on a leisurely boat trip to explore the charming tributaries of the Lower Mekong River, specifically the Bassac River.

Our journey continues with a visit to the vibrant Cai Rang floating market, known as the region's most bustling market. Afterwards, we will transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City, where you can check into your hotel and relax.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel, after which you can enjoy some leisure time. Later, our driver will take you to Ho Chi Minh Airport for your flight to Phu Quoc, a picturesque island known for its sandy beaches and vibrant marine life.

Spend the day exploring Phu Quoc Island at your own pace. Known as the "Pearl Island," Phu Quoc is renowned for its watersports, including snorkelling and scuba diving, offering a fantastic opportunity to discover vibrant marine life. Alternatively, you can simply unwind on beaches lined with white sand and crystal-clear waters.

Spend another day unwinding on the beautiful beaches of Phu Quoc. Take in the serene surroundings and enjoy the tranquil sea.

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast on your last day in Vietnam. After checking out from the hotel, you might like to explore the local markets for some souvenirs. Later, our private driver will take you to the airport for your flight home.