Vietnam Heritage & Traditions - Private - 13 Days

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival, a private driver will warmly welcome you at the airport. You'll then be comfortably transported to your hotel by private vehicle. After checking in, take some time to recover from your journey.

Once you’re settled, feel free to explore the city's vibrant streets at your own pace. Discover historic charm and architectural wonders, and delve into the diverse array of local goods. After a day of self-guided exploration, return to the hotel for a restful night's sleep.

Gather in the hotel lobby for a prompt pick-up by our knowledgeable guide, and embark on our exploration of Hanoi City. Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. As the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, erected in the 6th century, it offers a serene glimpse into Vietnam's spiritual heritage.

We head to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you may view the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Stroll through the gardens and explore the two houses where he lived and worked between 1954 and 1969. Visit the unique One Pillar Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.

Please note: Dress modestly, covering shoulders to knees, when visiting the mausoleum, temples, and pagodas. Note that Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays, and from 15 June to 15 August for maintenance, though you can still photograph the exterior and explore the surrounding area.

Discover the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and delve into the cultural diversity of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. If visiting on a Monday, we will explore the Women’s Museum instead. Savour a delightful Vietnamese meal featuring eight authentic dishes at our chosen restaurant.

Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, established in the 11th century. It stands as a proud testament to the country's dedication to knowledge and learning.

Depart for Hoa Lo Prison Museum, a site utilised by French colonists for political prisoners and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners during the Vietnam War, where it gained the nickname "Hanoi Hilton". Conclude the tour and return to your hotel, invigorated by the day’s exploration.

Our guide will meet us at your hotel or accommodation to embark on a 110 km bus journey through the lush countryside. We will take a short break en route.

We will explore the Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, including the temples of Dinh and Le Kings, both dating back to the 17th century, offering a glimpse into Vietnam's imperial past. Relish a lunch of delicious local cuisine at our selected restaurant.

We will board a small sampan for a 1.5-hour boat trip through Tam Coc, meaning “three caves.” Experience Halong Bay-style scenery with impressive limestone cliffs, tranquil caves, and picturesque rural landscapes of streams, rice paddies, and green fields. Ideal for keen photographers.

Enjoy a leisurely cycle on rural paths along the extensive canal system, passing through small villages with a backdrop of limestone mountains. We will return to our bus for the journey back to Hanoi.

Leave the city behind for a full day of cultural experiences in the countryside near Moc Village. Our private guide and car will collect you from your hotel or residence.

Arrive at Ri Village and enjoy a welcome drink at your host’s house. You’ll meet Mr. Duoc, a Vietnam War veteran and tea farm owner, who will share his personal historical accounts.

Join Mr. Duoc on his expansive tea farm to learn the art of tea leaf harvesting. This tranquil setting offers picturesque views of the village. You can assist in picking leaves and learn to select the best parts for making Vietnam’s traditional tea. Participate in the manual tea production process at his small workshop.

A short drive brings us to another host family in Moc Village. Here, Mrs. Chin will guide you in preparing Vietnamese dishes during a lively cooking class. Savour lunch with the dishes you’ve helped to prepare.

Explore the village on foot, visiting local families to gain insight into rural life. Observe the creation of tofu, conical hats, and other local products. Embark on a cycling tour through stunning paddy fields, with opportunities to engage with local farmers.

Conclude your countryside experience with a traditional foot bath in warm, herb-infused water, using Muong ethnic recipes. This soothing ritual promises relaxation after your cycling adventure. Return to your hotel or residence in Hanoi.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, take advantage of some leisure time to relax or explore at your own pace. Later, a private cab will transport us to the airport, ready for our next flight to Hue.

Discover the principles of Feng Shui, a pivotal concept in Asian culture used to harmonise living spaces. This philosophy greatly influenced the design of the Imperial Citadel. Join us for a guided tour of the Citadel and observe firsthand how these principles were applied in this historic royal complex.

In the evening, enjoy a seated dinner at the garden home of Princess Ngoc Son. Here, engaging stories from the royal descendants who currently reside in the house will provide insights into royal life and the Feng Shui aspects that have shaped this century-old residence.

Start your day exploring Thanh Toan Village, established in the 16th century, where you can gain insight into historical rural life in Vietnam. We then visit Phuoc Tich Village, a remarkably well-preserved site with 30 houses each over a century old.

Stroll through the village to see traditional Hue-style wooden homes and a local pottery shop, showcasing the heritage of this 500-year-old community. Afterwards, enjoy lunch in one of these ancient homes, where you'll have the opportunity for a lively chat with the welcoming family.

We will drive through the Hai Van Pass, offering stunning views of lush mountains and clear skies. As this route curves out over the East Sea and along the Annam Mountain range, you'll experience genuinely breathtaking scenery.

Upon arrival in Hoi An, a historic Southeast Asian trading port and UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll explore its unique architecture, savour distinctive local cuisine, and enjoy the town's serene atmosphere.

Join us for a unique adventure through the coconut forest at the heart of Hoi An's old town, where we will discover the art of preparing special Vietnamese dishes. This tour is ideal for short-stay visitors seeking an authentic local experience.

We begin by exploring a vibrant local market, where you'll learn how to negotiate with sellers and identify key ingredients for our meals. Discover the history of Cam Thanh, known for its role in the anti-French and anti-American wars.

We'll navigate the serene nipa palm forest in a traditional bamboo basket boat, and you might even take home charming handmade souvenirs crafted from nipa palm leaves, such as hats, watches, and rings.

Experience local fishing methods as we demonstrate how to cast a net and catch "Purple Crabs" in the canal. We will guide you through the selection of ingredients and traditional techniques used in Vietnamese cuisine. Savour five authentic Vietnamese dishes that you've prepared yourself.

Today, we will pick you up from your hotel in a comfortable minivan, accompanied by a tour guide, and set off for My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

Upon arrival at My Son, we'll explore the site over two hours on foot. Our local English-speaking guide will share insights into its historical significance, and you'll have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Champa performances.

We will return to the minivan and proceed to a local home to discover the art of making rice paper. Here, you will have the chance to taste the product of your efforts. After our rice paper experience, we'll enjoy lunch at another local house, savouring delicious food and refreshing herbal tea amid tranquil surroundings.

Next, we'll embark on a scenic boat trip to Hoi An along the Thu Bon River, the largest river in central Vietnam—offering stunning views and a refreshing breeze. We will arrive in Hoi An and drop you off at your hotel, marking the end of our tour.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then take advantage of some free time to relax or explore at your leisure. Later, a private cab will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Next, we travel to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's most dynamic and vibrant metropolis. Despite its rapid development, the city retains a fascinating connection to its past. We will enjoy a half-day tour in a vintage motorcycle sidecar, providing stunning views of key landmarks. For insight into the Vietnam War from a Vietnamese perspective, you will visit the War Remnants Museum.

Further deepen your understanding with an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an impressive network built by the Viet Cong. This visit highlights the resilience of the Vietnamese people and the harsh conditions endured during the conflict in these narrow underground tunnels.

On the final day of our trip, enjoy a nutritious breakfast before checking out of the hotel. Afterwards, you have the opportunity to explore the local markets to purchase souvenirs for your loved ones. Later, we will head to the airport for your return flight. Safe travels home.