Shanghai & Vietnam Legacies - 13 Days

Arrive in Shanghai, often dubbed the 'Paris of the East', where our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure.

In the morning, we'll explore Yuyuan Garden, a classic example of a traditional Chinese garden nestled in the heart of the city. You'll then have the opportunity to shop at Shanghai Old Street and Nanjing Road, the city's oldest commercial street, where you can seek out unique souvenirs and silk products.

Later, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Bund, a famous waterfront promenade offering striking views of Shanghai's skyline. We'll break for lunch at a local Chinese restaurant en route. After lunch, we visit the Jade Buddha Temple, renowned for its two exquisite jade Buddha statues.

We then view the exterior of the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower as we walk along the Riverside Promenade. We return to the hotel at the end of the day's activities.

In the morning, we will drive to Zhujiajiao Water Town. Here, you can enjoy a short boat trip along the tranquil waterways, taking in the charming old bridges and willow-lined streams. This picturesque setting, with its courtyard homes, offers a peaceful escape from the busy city life.

Following our visit, we'll have lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. In the afternoon, you are free to explore the shops in Shanghai at your leisure. We will return to the hotel in the evening.

Enjoy a leisurely day at your own pace. When you're ready to depart, we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight. If you're interested, we can arrange a ride on the Maglev train to Pudong Airport, offering a unique high-speed experience.

Alternatively, we can provide a direct car transfer to the airport. Fly on to Hanoi, where you will spend the night.

Food and drink are vital components of culture worldwide, and in Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi, this is no exception. Hanoi locals have discerning tastes, thanks to a rich variety of culinary choices. To truly experience Hanoi like a local, immerse yourself in its food culture.

Join our Small Group Hanoi Street Food Tour, where an expert will guide you to the finest food stands and local eateries in the bustling Old Quarter. As you savour the flavours that have made Hanoi a top destination for food enthusiasts, you'll also gain insight into the city's rich cultural history and observe daily life in this ancient town.

Embark on a three-hour walking tour to explore Hanoi's culinary delights, set against a backdrop of its rich culture and history. Street food in Hanoi goes beyond typical food carts, offering an array of dishes at local stalls and family-run restaurants.

The menu changes daily to showcase the diverse options, but you might taste dishes such as rice noodle soup with beef, chicken, or grilled pork, a selection of snails, dry noodles, sticky rice, and a variety of donuts, steamed pancakes, or Vietnamese sandwiches.

In the morning, we'll check out from the hotel and join our cruise pick-up. Travel through the scenic Red River Delta, where you'll see expansive fields of emerald green rice paddies. On arrival at Halong Bay, we'll embark on a cruise to explore its iconic limestone rocks and karst grottoes.

We'll enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on board before visiting one of Ha Long Bay's renowned limestone caves. Here, you have the option to kayak or swim, bringing you closer to the floating villages and local shops.

In the evening, we'll return to the boat for an early dinner, after which you can choose to join onboard activities or simply relax. We'll spend the night aboard the cruise.

Start the day early to witness the magnificent sunrise, followed by breakfast in the dining room. Join us for a Tai Chi class on the sun deck, designed to invigorate your mind and body. We will then explore a limestone cave, admiring its impressive stalagmites and stalactites.

Afterwards, return to the boat to check out and savour a brunch as we cruise back to the harbour. Later, you'll be transferred back to Hanoi for a brief rest before heading to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arriving in Da Nang, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Hoi An for an overnight stay.

Today our adventure begins at 8:00 am when our English-speaking guide meets you at the hotel. We will cycle approximately 12 km into the scenic countryside around Hoi An, where the warm greetings of local residents and picturesque views await.

Our first stop is Cam Thanh Eco-Village, steeped in the history of resistance during the French and American wars. Here we switch to traditional bamboo basket boats, gliding through the coconut palm canals. We’ll join local fishermen for a hands-on demonstration of traditional net fishing techniques and crab catching, known as “Purple Crab” fishing.

You'll also have the chance to receive charming handmade gifts crafted from nipa palm leaves, such as hats, watches, and rings. Following our boat adventure, we will return to enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at our restaurant. After lunch, we cycle back to your hotel.

Enjoy a free day to explore Hoi An at your own pace. Known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into the past with its historic architecture and vibrant markets. Wander through its charming streets, perhaps visiting the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge or sampling local cuisine at a riverside cafe.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, we transfer to your hotel where the remainder of the day is free.

We begin our day with a visit to the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace. Built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, this iconic landmark was designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu. Next, we'll admire the stunning French Colonial architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office.

Our exploration continues with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, offering a compelling insight into both the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War. Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.

We depart for the Cu Chi Tunnels, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours by bus. Upon arrival, you'll watch an introductory video detailing the construction of the tunnels and the resilience of those who lived there during the war.

You'll then have the opportunity to explore the tunnels themselves, which feature living quarters, kitchens, weapon factories, field hospitals, and command centres. The maze-like passageways also include hidden trap doors and security mechanisms used during wartime.

We'll conclude our visit by partaking in tea and cassava, reminiscent of the guerrilla diet of the era. For those interested, there will be time to experience real shooting at a gun range. We return to Ho Chi Minh City to conclude our day's journey.

Depart bustling Ho Chi Minh City for the serene town of My Tho, situated on the left bank of the Mekong River. Our first stop is the historic Vinh Trang Pagoda, dating back to the late 19th century. We will then board a sampan to cruise around the picturesque Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands.

At Unicorn Island, we will stroll along charming country lanes, visit lush orchards, and savour tropical fruits while enjoying traditional folk music performed by local artists. We will also explore a fruit plantation before experiencing a hand-rowed sampan ride through the tranquil Thoi Son Canal. Discover local family businesses, visit a honey-bee farm, and sample honey tea at a coconut candy workshop.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant followed by a short break. In the afternoon, you can choose to cycle around Tan Thach Village, engaging with locals and gaining insight into daily life in the Mekong Delta. Alternatively, relax in a hammock and enjoy the cool breeze. We will then return to Ho Chi Minh City, concluding the day.

Enjoy some free time before our private driver arrives to transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.