Flavors Of Vietnam - 12 Days

Your journey begins in Hanoi, where a private driver will warmly welcome you at the airport. We'll escort you to your hotel via private transport, ensuring a smooth transition into the vibrant city. After checking in, take some time to rest and recover from your flight.

Once revitalised, you can explore the historic streets of Hanoi at your own pace. Discover its architectural wonders and diverse local products as you wander through the lively thoroughfares. After a day of exploration, unwind back at the hotel for a restful night's sleep.

Begin your day with a guided stroll through the local "wet" market. Here, we will purchase fresh ingredients and gain insight into Vietnamese culture with the help of our Cultural Storytellers. We'll also teach you useful Vietnamese phrases to enhance your daily interactions.

Upon returning, you'll be greeted with our kitchen's signature welcome drink, made entirely from natural herbs. Learn the significance and traditional beliefs associated with each ingredient before diving into a hands-on cooking class. Under the expert guidance of our Cultural Storytellers, you'll master the art of preparing authentic Vietnamese dishes.

Once the cooking is complete, you'll have the opportunity to artistically decorate your dishes. We'll then toast to our culinary achievements with a glass of local wine and enjoy our creations in a picturesque garden villa setting. To commemorate the day, each participant will receive a certificate and a group photo.

Depart with our friendly guide to Ninh Binh Province. En route, we will pause for a short break before continuing to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1010. Here, you will discover insights into the Vietnamese feudal system during the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties. We will then embark on a cycling tour around the village to observe local life up close.

For lunch, we dine at the Ninh Binh Excursion Restaurant, a 5-star venue serving a buffet of local specialities, including goat meat, spring rolls, fish, chicken, fried rice, and vegetable salad, with vegetarian choices available.

Post-lunch, enjoy a 1.5-hour bamboo boat ride in Tam Coc, famed as “Ha Long Bay on land,” where you'll be mesmerised by views of paddy fields, rivers, caves, and a tranquil sky.

Our next destination is Mua Cave (Dragon Peak), where you’ll ascend nearly 500 steps to the summit of Lying Dragon Mountain, offering sweeping vistas of Tam Coc and the surrounding lotus fields, particularly striking in summer.

We then return to Hanoi, where you will be dropped off at your hotel, marking the tour's conclusion.

In the morning, we'll check out of the hotel and be picked up by the Cruise team. We will take a scenic route to Halong Bay, travelling through the Red River Delta, where you'll spot the striking emerald rice paddies.

Upon arriving at the pier, we'll board the cruise and take in the stunning views of limestone formations and karst grottoes. A delightful seafood lunch awaits as we relax on the sundeck and explore the bay.

The cruise will pause at a secluded spot, offering opportunities for kayaking or swimming, which allows you to get a closer look at the grottoes. As evening approaches, we'll return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by some leisure time. You can choose to join optional onboard activities or simply unwind.

Please note: In the event of adverse weather that prevents the boat from departing or staying overnight at sea, the Halong Bay tour may be cancelled without prior notice. In such cases, we will consider alternative tours or provide a refund, depending on the circumstances.

Begin your day with an early rise to witness the breathtaking sunrise over this natural wonder, followed by a delightful breakfast in the dining room. We will then invigorate both mind and body with a Tai Chi class on the sun deck. Next, explore a fascinating limestone cave, rich with impressive stalagmites and stalactites.

After our cave exploration, return to the boat to check out and savour a hearty brunch as the cruise gently sails back to the harbour. Once we dock, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy some free time until our driver arrives to take you to the airport for your flight to Hoi An. Upon arrival in Hoi An, you'll be transferred to the hotel. After checking in, you'll have leisure time to explore this charming town at your own pace.

Today our guide will meet us at our hotel in Hoi An City Centre to begin the Hoi An City Tour. We'll start at the bustling Hoi An Market, an unmissable spot brimming with sights, sounds, and scents.

Next, we'll explore the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, notable for its bright gates, dragon statues, and intricate rooftops. Here, you'll gain insights into ancestor worship, observing local devotees making offerings at the family altar.

You will have the chance to see remarkably well-preserved houses such as the Phung Hung or Tan Ky Ancient Houses, standing strong for over 200 years. These homes offer a glimpse into the lives of prosperous merchants who once traded with buyers worldwide.

We'll then visit the Museum of Folk Culture, housed in a 150-year-old Chinese merchant building, showcasing artefacts that depict the region's historical daily life. A stop at the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House will allow you to enjoy engaging art performances.

Next, we'll admire the historic Japanese Bridge, built over 400 years ago to connect the Japanese and Chinese communities. You’ll appreciate the rich symbolism and cultural significance of its carvings and paintings.

Our tour will continue with visits to Hoi An’s renowned handicraft shops and art galleries, supplemented by strolls through smaller laneways and local neighbourhoods, offering you a deeper appreciation of Hoi An’s timeless charm. Dinner will feature Hoi An specialty cuisine.

Finally, you may choose to enjoy a boat ride and release a flower lantern on the water, a local tradition for good fortune, amidst the enchanting glow of the lantern-lit streets.

This morning we will collect you from your hotel in our minivan and journey to Ba Na Hills via Southeast Asia's most advanced cable car system. Enjoy spectacular views over Da Nang's coastline as we ascend to the Dream Stream Cable Car Station.

After the first cable car ride, we'll visit the iconic Golden Bridge, celebrated for its distinctive design. Following this, explore the Le Jardin D'Amour, a collection of nine themed gardens, and visit the Linh Ung Pagoda for a glimpse of local spirituality.

Board the second cable car to the French Village, where you can enjoy street music, art statues, and attractions such as the Campanile and the Nine Floor Goddess Shrine. Don't miss the entertaining Carnival Performance Show at Square Du Dome. We'll pause for a buffet lunch at a local restaurant.

Take a ride on the Lava Train from Sun Kingdom to visit new attractions like the Helios Waterfall, Time Gate, and the Moon Kingdom. Enjoy Fantasy Park, home to over 90 free games, with highlights like the Fairy Forest, Dinosaur Park, and various thrilling rides.

We regroup and return via cable car to leave Ba Na Hills. Our minivan will transport you back to your hotel, concluding the tour.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel, after which you have some free time to relax or explore until our driver arrives to take you to the airport for your onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon landing, you will be transferred to your hotel. After checking in, enjoy some leisure time to discover Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace.

At 18:00, your personal English-speaking guide will meet you in your hotel lobby. After a brief safety briefing on scooter travel, we’ll embark on our urban adventure. Hold on tight and let’s go!

We’ll navigate the bustling rush hour traffic with ease, thanks to our skilled drivers. Within 20-25 minutes, we’ll move beyond the typical tourist spots to local vendors, offering you a taste of authentic Vietnamese pancakes. Here, you'll learn about the history and cultural significance of these delightful dishes.

You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of beloved Vietnamese noodle soups - such as Bun Bo Hue, Banh Canh, or Mien Ga - each a staple of the nation’s culinary heritage.

Our guide will lead you around Saigon to a hidden gem of a coffee shop. Here, we’ll learn how to brew traditional Vietnamese coffee using a filter, a must-try experience for visitors to Vietnam.

There’s still room for one more stop—dessert! Experience the unique flavours of Vietnamese sweet treats, which are sure to leave a lasting impression. At 21:30, we’ll return you safely to your hotel. We wish you an enjoyable continuation of your travels.

We start our day with a prompt pick-up from the hotel, followed by a hearty breakfast to prepare for our journey to the Mekong Delta. Our destination is My Tho, a town nestled on the left bank of the majestic Mekong River.

Upon arrival, we board a traditional sampan to explore the river, passing by the picturesque Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands. Our first stop is Unicorn Island, where we'll stroll along country lanes, visit lush orchards, and sample a variety of tropical fruits. Here, local musicians will entertain us with traditional folk songs. We’ll also explore a fruit plantation.

Next, we glide through the Thoi Son canal in a hand-rowed sampan, enjoying the serene beauty of the countryside. We will visit a local family business, explore a honeybee farm, and taste honey tea. A visit to a coconut candy workshop will round out our morning activities. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, followed by a short break.

In the afternoon, you may choose to cycle around Tan Thach village. This is a fantastic opportunity to interact with local villagers and gain insight into the daily life of this vibrant region. Alternatively, for a more leisurely option, you can unwind in a hammock and enjoy the cool breeze.

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast as we start the final day of your journey. After checking out of the hotel, you have the opportunity to explore the local markets, perfect for picking up souvenirs for those back home. Later, head to the airport for your departure flight. Safe travels, and we hope you take back wonderful memories from your trip.