Inspiring Vietnam - Private - 14 Days

Welcome to the start of your Vietnam adventure as you arrive in Hanoi. Upon landing, our private driver will greet you at the airport with a sign displaying your name and escort you to your centrally located accommodation.

Nestled in the heart of the city, your hotel places the vibrant Old Quarter within easy reach. Feel free to wander the historic streets at your leisure or unwind at the hotel after your journey.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before our knowledgeable English-speaking guide accompanies you to Ba Vi, a serene countryside area on the outskirts of Hanoi.

Upon arrival at Ri village, you'll be welcomed with a refreshing drink and snacks and introduced to your host, Mr Duoc a Vietnam War veteran and proud owner of a tea farm. As you sip your drink, Mr Duoc will share fascinating anecdotes from his wartime experiences.

Afterwards, we’ll visit his tea plantation, where you'll discover the art of selecting the finest tea leaves to create one of Vietnam's cherished beverages. Next, we'll explore the small workshop where traditional, hands-on tea production methods are still practiced.

A short drive brings us to Moc village, where your next host, Mrs Chin, awaits. She will guide you in preparing authentic Vietnamese dishes. Enjoy the fruits of your labour during lunch in a beautiful tropical garden setting.

After a relaxing break, join Mrs Chin for a leisurely stroll around the village. You'll have the opportunity to visit local families, gaining insights into rural life and observing the making of tofu, conical hats, and other traditional products. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic cycling trip through lush paddy fields.

Conclude your countryside tour with a traditional foot soak in warm, herb-infused water, following a recipe from the Muong ethnic minority, providing a soothing end to your cycling adventure. Finally, we’ll transfer you back to your accommodation.

We depart from Hanoi at 8 am and journey to Mai Hich, Mai Chau. This serene town is nestled in a picturesque valley, encircled by lush green mountains and renowned for its stunning scenery and welcoming hill tribe communities.

As we travel, you'll experience the tranquillity of the paddy fields, with limestone peaks gracing the backdrop and verdant landscapes lining our route. We’ll make regular stops to take in the breathtaking views of the vibrant valleys. Upon arrival in Mai Hich, our village hosts warmly welcome us at the local homestay.

In the afternoon, we explore nearby villages, either on foot or by bicycle, immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of the area. You may choose to assist local farmers with planting rice seeds in the fields or sample the locally produced rice wine.

We begin our day with a gentle hike along the Xia River, meandering through ancient forests on our way to Ban Buoc. En route, we pass through the diverse villages of Den, Ngo, Xum, Thai, and Muong, home to several minority groups, each with their own distinct cultures and languages.

Our return journey offers a delightful bamboo raft ride down the Xia River. As we drift, you’ll see rice and corn fields and have the opportunity to observe local life unfolding along the riverbanks.

Once back at the homestay in Mai Hich, unwind with a cold drink and enjoy the tranquil sunset over the mountains.

Today, we delve into the charming villages and picturesque countryside of provincial Vietnam. Our journey from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh is relaxed, providing ample opportunities to capture the stunning scenery of valleys, sugarcane farms, and rice paddies that define this landscape.

We conclude the day in the quaint town of Ninh Binh, renowned for its striking limestone karst formations, verdant rice fields, and tranquil waterways.

Optional activities include a serene sampan ride in Van Long, where you can enjoy the dramatic mountain vistas rising amidst the rice paddies.

In the morning, we'll check out of the hotel after breakfast and travel to Halong Bay in a private car. Upon arrival at the pier, you'll board the cruise vessel, ready to take in the stunning views of limestone formations and karst grottoes.

A delicious seafood lunch awaits, which you can enjoy while relaxing on the sundeck as we sail through the bay. Our cruise will pause at a secluded spot, offering you the chance to kayak or swim and explore the fascinating karst grottoes up close.

As evening approaches, we'll gather back on the boat for an early dinner, after which you'll have leisure time. You may choose to participate in the optional onboard activities or simply unwind.

Wake early to witness a stunning sunrise over this natural wonder, followed by breakfast in the dining room. We then participate in a Tai Chi class on the sun deck to invigorate our bodies and minds.

Next, we explore a limestone cave, marvelling at the impressive stalagmites and stalactites. Upon returning to the boat, we check out and enjoy a brunch as the cruise makes its way back to the harbour.

You will then be transferred to Hanoi airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival, a private driver will collect you and take you to your hotel for check-in. You have the evening free to explore at your leisure.

Welcome to Hue, the cultural and historical heart of the Thua Thien Hue province. Once the imperial capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty, the city boasts remarkable architectural monuments now recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel between 8:00 and 8:30 am. Our day begins with a peaceful boat trip on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest in Hue. We then proceed to the Imperial Citadel, reflecting the period when the Nguyen Dynasty ruled from 1802 to 1945.

While there, you'll explore the Royal Antiques Museum, housing a collection of Nguyen dynasty artefacts, before moving on to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Dong Ba Market. After enjoying a delicious Vietnamese lunch, we visit Khai Dinh’s Tomb, notable for its blend of traditional Vietnamese and European architecture.

Then, we explore Minh Mang’s Tomb, a masterpiece of Confucian design. En route, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at villages specialising in the craftsmanship of conical hats and incense sticks.

We plan to return you to your hotel between 16:00 and 17:00. Enjoy your evening in Hue and relax at your accommodation overnight.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before we embark on a scenic journey to Hoi An via private vehicle through the stunning Hai Van Pass. Known as "The Cloudy Pass," this serpentine mountain road offers breathtaking views of the verdant countryside, golden beaches, and the azure waters of the East Sea.

Upon arrival in Hoi An, we'll ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure.

Enjoy a free day discovering Hoi An at your own pace. We recommend hiring a bicycle from the hotel to explore this charming town, whether cycling towards the riverside or heading to the beach.

At the beach, you'll find numerous small cafes where you can unwind with a fresh fruit drink after a swim in the warm, calm sea. Consider visiting a local tailor to have bespoke clothing, bags, or shoes crafted, often ready by the next day.

In the evening, take a stroll through the enchanting Old Town, illuminated by lanterns that create a fairy-tale atmosphere. Don't miss the vibrant street performances.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by some relaxing time before we board a flight from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon arrival, we'll transfer you to your centrally located hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

In the afternoon, we visit the iconic Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace. Built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, it is an emblematic piece of architecture designed by Ngo Viet Thu.

We'll then explore the elegant structures from the French colonial era, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office. Our day continues with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, which offers an extensive collection of exhibits on both the Indochina wars.

Begin your day with a substantial breakfast before we embark on a journey to the Mekong Delta. Our guide will meet us in the hotel lobby between 7:15 and 7:30 am to travel to My Tho, located on the left bank of the Mekong River.

Upon arrival, we’ll board a sampan and cruise around the picturesque Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands. At Unicorn Island, we'll stroll along country paths and explore orchards. Here, you can visit fruit plantations and enjoy tropical fruits while listening to traditional folk songs performed by locals.

Next, glide through the Thoi Son canal in a hand-rowed sampan, taking in the serene countryside. We'll visit family-run workshops and a honey-bee farm, sampling honey tea and coconut candies.

We'll then enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch before cycling around Tan Thach village to engage with local villagers and observe daily life in the delta. If cycling isn’t your preference, relax in a hammock and enjoy the fresh breeze.

Afterwards, we’ll proceed to our accommodation in Can Tho.

Start your day with an early breakfast before we embark on a leisurely boat journey along the scenic tributaries of the Lower Mekong River, including the Bassac River.

Our first destination is the vibrant Cai Rang floating market, the most bustling in the region. Here, you'll witness a lively scene of local trade and traditional wooden boats laden with colourful produce.

Following our market visit, we'll stroll to a nearby fruit plantation and gain insights at a local noodle factory. The next stop is the Binh Thuy communal house, followed by the Munir Ansay Pagoda, a Khmer temple celebrated for its distinctive architecture. After lunch, we will return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Begin your final day with a nutritious breakfast. After breakfast, we will check out of the hotel. You may wish to explore the local markets to pick up some souvenirs for your loved ones. Later, we will head to the airport to board your flight home.