Vietnam Deeply Explored - 13 Days

Your Vietnam adventure starts as you arrive in Hanoi. A private driver will greet you at the airport with a signboard bearing your name and escort you to your accommodation in the city centre, conveniently located near the captivating Old Quarter.

Spend your day as you wish—either unwind at the hotel to recuperate from your flight or set off to explore the vibrant city streets at your own pace.

Today, our knowledgeable English-speaking local guide will introduce us to the authentic world of Vietnamese culinary traditions. We will learn about the ingredients and historical context of popular northern dishes. As we stroll through Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter, we'll sample seasonal fruits and savour a delectable French-inspired snack from a street vendor.

Our exploration leads us to a local eatery, where we indulge in Hanoi's renowned dishes such as Bun Cha and Banh Cuon, witnessing first-hand how talented chefs artfully prepare these specialities. The journey continues into the historic heart of the Old Quarter, navigating bustling markets and tranquil residential lanes that stand as testament to Hanoi's 1,000-year-old heritage.

Next, we join locals at outdoor barbecue stalls to enjoy a variety of flame-grilled meats, vegetables, and bread, enriched with smoky flavours. For dessert, we'll head down a narrow alley to sample a beloved local treat: fresh fruit topped with crushed ice and condensed milk - a must-try delight!

Our guide will then lead us to a concealed gem of the city, a tucked-away street food restaurant, to taste top Hanoi delicacies, including Banh My Hanoi, Vietnamese Rice Wine, and the famous Egg Coffee. This rare cafe, located within the Old Quarter's labyrinth, offers a truly exceptional experience. If coffee isn’t your preference, a refreshing cold beer is available.

You can choose to further explore on your own or let our guide assist you with directions or a taxi back to your hotel.

Begin your day with an early breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out procedures. We then embark on a limousine bus journey to Sapa, which will take approximately six hours. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to discover this delightful mountain town at your leisure.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel. At approximately 9:30 am, we will meet our guide to embark on a 12 km trek. Our journey takes us to the Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai villages, home to the Hmong minority. Along the way, marvel at the picturesque rice terraces and majestic mountain peaks.

We pause for lunch either with a local family in Lao Chai or at a riverside cafe. After lunch, we continue our hike to Ta Van village, inhabited by the Dzay people. Here, we will stay overnight with a local family, offering an authentic insight into their daily life, traditions, and customs.

Begin your day with a local breakfast at the homestay before embarking on a trek. We start at 9:30 a.m., hiking approximately 8 km to explore the vibrant cultures of the Red Dzao and Hmong communities in Giang Ta Chai and Su Pan villages. Witness a stunning waterfall and cross a traditional rattan bridge.

As we journey through the valley's breathtaking landscapes, we'll traverse a bamboo forest leading to the main road. Here, a bus will collect you and transfer you to Sapa. You will have some free time to wander around the town. At 15:00, board a limousine bus bound for Hanoi.

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its stunning landscapes. After breakfast, we depart Hanoi, heading to this magnificent natural wonder. Our transport will collect you from your hotel lobby between 8:00 and 9:00 am (exact timing will be confirmed the day before).

Upon arrival at the jetty around midday, we embark on a boat to join our cruise. Once on board, we'll be welcomed and check in, after which lunch is served as we navigate through the bay's countless islets.

This afternoon, choose from activities like swimming and kayaking, exploring fascinating caves, or simply relaxing on deck, depending on your preference and the cruise's itinerary.

In the evening, the boat anchors in a picturesque location - perfect for witnessing a breathtaking sunset before enjoying dinner. We spend the night on board, surrounded by the serene beauty of Halong Bay.

Please note: In case of adverse weather, itineraries may be altered or cancelled if boats are restricted from departing. Your travel consultant will offer alternative arrangements if required.

As dawn breaks over Halong Bay, we'll enjoy breakfast as our vessel makes a leisurely return to port. Following an early lunch, we disembark and proceed with our transfer to Hanoi airport for your flight to Hoi An. On arrival, your driver will greet you and take you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure.

Our English-speaking guide will meet us at the hotel at 8:00 am for a cycling excursion into Hoi An's scenic countryside and along its rivers. As we cycle, you'll be greeted by friendly locals and enjoy the picturesque rural landscapes.

Next, we'll explore Cam Thanh Eco-Village, known for its role in the resistance during the anti-French and anti-American wars. Here, we’ll embark on a paddle in a traditional bamboo basket boat through lush coconut palm waterways. You'll have the chance to meet local fishermen and participate in casting traditional fishing nets.

Try your hand at catching "Purple Crabs" in the canal, and receive charming souvenirs crafted from nipa palm leaves such as hats and rings. Afterwards, we'll savour a delicious lunch at our restaurant before cycling back to the hotel.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before our private car transfer from Hoi An to Hue. En route, we'll journey through the renowned Hai Van Pass, celebrated for its breathtaking views of the mountains and sea. On arrival in Hue, check into your hotel and enjoy some leisure time to explore the local area.

Hue, the cultural, political, and economic heart of Thua Thien Hue province, was formerly the imperial city of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. This era gifted Hue with remarkable architectural monuments, now recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

We begin the day with your guide meeting you at your hotel between 8:00 and 8:30 am. At 11:00 am, we visit the Khai Dinh Tomb, an intriguing blend of Vietnamese and Western styles.

At 12:30 pm, experience the flavours of Hue with lunch at a local specialty restaurant offering traditional dishes.

This afternoon, at 1:30 pm, we'll explore one of Hue’s main attractions, The Imperial Citadel, a testament to the city’s regal past. By 3:00 pm, we’ll visit Thien Mu Pagoda, the largest in Hue, known for its serene atmosphere and historical significance.

You’ll arrive back at your hotel between 4:00 and 5:00 pm. Afterwards, we transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Join us on a visit to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, located 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Famous for their extensive network, these tunnels played a pivotal role during the Vietnam War as the 'Iron Land'. Spanning over 200km, they were an underground stronghold that remains a significant cultural site for both locals and tourists today.

We will collect you from your hotel and embark on a scenic one-and-a-half-hour drive to Cu Chi. Upon arrival, a brief introduction and a short documentary will set the scene, detailing the tunnels' construction and the resilience of those who lived there under wartime conditions.

Next, we will explore the tunnels themselves. These include meticulously designed living quarters, complete with kitchens and bedrooms, alongside military facilities such as storage units, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centres. Discover the ingenious security measures, including concealed trap doors and strategic traps crucial for survival during the war.

After our exploration, we will enjoy a serving of traditional tea and cassava, the staple food of wartime soldiers. You will then have some free time to relax or, if you wish, try out the shooting range with real firearms. We will then return to Ho Chi Minh City, concluding our tour.

Departing the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh, we journey to My Tho, a town situated on the left bank of the Mekong River. Our first stop is the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a historical site dating back to the late 19th century.

Next, we board a sampan to cruise along the river, passing the scenic Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands. At Unicorn Island, we walk through country lanes lined with orchards, enjoying local tropical fruits and traditional folk music performed by local artists. We also visit a lush fruit plantation.

Continuing our adventure, we ride a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal, soaking in the serene landscape. We visit a family-run business and a honey-bee farm where we sample honey tea and learn about coconut candy production. Our exploration is followed by lunch at a local restaurant, where we take a brief rest.

In the afternoon, you can choose to cycle around Tan Thach village, engaging with local villagers and gaining insight into daily life in the Mekong Delta. Alternatively, you may relax in a hammock and enjoy the cool breeze for a peaceful afternoon.

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast on your final day in Vietnam. After checking out of the hotel, explore local markets to find souvenirs for loved ones, immersing yourself in Vietnamese culture. Later, your private driver will take you to the airport for your flight home.