VIETNAM – THE HIDDEN GEM: DISCOVERING ITS TIMELESS BEAUTY

Meet up with your local guide and start the journey to visit the dynamic, bustling and industrious Hochiminh City, which is still called Saigon by many locals. It is not only the largest city but also the economic capital and trendsetter of Vietnam. Yet within the teeming metropolis are the timeless traditions and beauty of an ancient culture.

You will be visiting the Former Presidential Palace also known as Reunification Palace, old Saigon Post Office, city hall and opera house.  

Overnight in Saigon.

Depart Saigon for Cai Thia in the Cai Be district, passing charming local landmarks like the historic Cai Thia Church and My Luong Communal House. Board a local boat to visit a traditional home and learn the delicate art of making rice paper. Next, set off on an enjoyable one-hour cycling trip along peaceful village paths through the famous Hoa Loc mango orchards, taking in rustic scenery of tropical fruit gardens, traditional houses, and local schools. Stop at a quiet home to try your hand at making traditional local cakes and savoring them with fresh hot tea.

After returning to Cai Thia village, embark on a scenic boat ride toward An Binh Island while enjoying a delicious local lunch served on board. Upon arrival, check into Ut Trinh Homestay and receive a warm welcome from your host family. Unwind with a fresh shower or a cold drink before joining the family to cook authentic regional dishes for dinner. Conclude your evening chatting over hot tea or local rice wine, followed by a peaceful overnight stay in a private room at the homestay in Cai Thia.

Have a breakfast and check-out for a walk along the village to enjoy the fresh air in the morning & arrive the local workshop to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, pop-rice... Enjoy some sweets with a cup of hot tea.

Boat trip to visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. Our boat will go along the floating village. We will see how to farm catfish on Mekong River. 

Also, we can visit Vinhlong market in the town. This is the best choice for you to take pictures of fish, shrimps, prawns, crabs, snakes, rice-field rats, tropical fruits, vegetables... The cruise will end at Vinh Long city. Transfer to Can Tho City to check-in hotel.

Overnight in Can Tho.

After breakfast, board a private boat for an early morning excursion to Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most vibrant trading hub in the Mekong Delta. Experience the bustling river atmosphere as dozens of colorful wooden boats gather to trade fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, and regional produce.

Transfer to Can Tho airport to take flight to Da Nang (Expecting flight VCA/DAD 12:35 - 13:55).

Arrive in Da Nang. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Da Nang City.

Begin your journey at the majestic Marble Mountains, a stunning cluster of five limestone peaks rising dramatically above the coastal landscape. Continue into the sacred valley of My Son Sanctuary, an ancient Champa Kingdom complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in centuries of royal history.

Conclude your day in the timeless Hoi An Ancient Town, another UNESCO treasure renowned for its captivating blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural influences. Wander through historic lanterns-lit alleys and beautifully preserved ancient houses, stepping back in time to experience a calmer, more poetic era.

Overnight in Hoi An.

     Option 1: THANH HA POTTERY & KIM BONG CARPENTRY VILLAGE

Meet your guide and head to Bach Dang dock to board a relaxing riverboat cruise along the scenic Thu Bon River. Arrive at the historic Thanh Ha Pottery Village to discover the daily routines of local artisans and observe every step of traditional pottery craftsmanship—from shaping raw clay into elegant vases and pots to firing them in rustic kilns. Continue your journey to Kim Bong Carpentry Village to uncover the centuries-old history of local shipbuilders and master woodcarvers. End your excursion with a peaceful boat ride back to Bach Dang dock. (Duration: 3 hours)

     Option 2: TRA NHIEU FISHING VILLAGE

Begin your day with a scenic bicycle ride along the picturesque Hoai River, crossing local bridges to reach the peaceful Tra Nhieu Village. Gain a warm introduction to the community's traditional lifestyle, spanning agriculture, livestock, and the delicate art of weaving sedge sleeping mats. Next, join local fishermen on a wooden boat to try your hand at traditional net-casting and catching fish and crabs in the tranquil waterways. Enjoy a delicious homemade lunch featuring fresh regional specialties with a local family before cycling back to the wharf for a soothing boat trip to Hoi An. (Duration: 6 hours)

The rest of the day is free with your leisure. Overnighi in Hoi An.

Morning departure from Hoi An to Hue, the legendary former Imperial Capital of Vietnam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled along the poetic Perfume River.

Upon arrival, step into the grandeur of Vietnam’s royal past with a visit to the sprawling Imperial Citadel, followed by the majestic Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang. Your guide will reveal the deep imperial philosophy of geomancy (Feng Shui) that dictated royal architecture and daily palace life.

Next, immerse yourself in local craft culture at vibrant villages specializing in handmade conical hats and colorful incense sticks. Conclude your tour with a stop at An Dinh Palace, the historic birthplace of Vietnam’s last emperor, Bao Dai, celebrated for its unique architectural fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Roman styles, before transferring to your hotel.

Overnight in Hue.

Transfer to Phu Bai airport to take flight to Hanoi (Expecting flight HUI/HAN 10:20 – 11:40)

Arrive in Hanoi. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.

Pick up from your hotel take you to visit Thang Long Citadel and Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11th century.

Visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam

Note: we will visit Women Museum instead of Ethnology Museum closed on Mondays

After lunch, leave for Hoa Lo Prison Museum which originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Get picked up from your hotel transfer to Ha Long (~ 2.5 hours) begin program 3D2N visit Lan Ha Bay. Enjoy a fresh lunch while sailing into Lan Ha Bay’s majestic limestone landscape. In the afternoon, kayak through quiet lagoons and swim at pristine beaches. Return for a sundeck sunset party and a Vietnamese cooking class, followed by dinner and evening squid fishing.

Dinner and overnight on board.

Note:

-       The program and itineraries are subject to change due to weather and tidal conditions.

-       There will be English speaking guide onboard to assist you during your stay

-       The program may be canceled without prior notice at the discretion of the bay management based on the weather to ensure navigation safety. In case the trip is canceled due to force majeure, the cost will be fully or partially refunded based on the level of service used.

Wake up early to catch a breathtaking sunrise over the tranquil bay, followed by a gentle morning session to refresh your senses. Enjoy breakfast with a sunrise view before transferring to a day boat to explore the quiet corners of Tra Bau Bay.

Spend the day kayaking through hidden caves, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and savoring lunch on board. Return to the main cruise in the late afternoon for sunset and dinner, followed by an optional night kayak trip to see glowing bioluminescent plankton.

Overnight on board.

Start your final day with a light breakfast as the cruise sails toward the remote shores of Cat Ba Island. Disembark for a scenic bicycle ride (or electric car ride) along a peaceful path through lush jungle valleys leading to Viet Hai Village, an isolated community nestled within Cat Ba National Park. Experience the authentic daily life of local villagers, surrounded by timeless countryside scenery and towering mountains.

Enjoy a final lunch on board as you cruise back to Cai Beo Port for your transfer back to Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi, transfer to hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.

     Option: EVENING FOOD TOUR OF HANOI HOTSPOTS

Take a 3-hour guided walk through Hanoi's old quarter with a local guide. Get an insight into the traditions of Vietnam’s food culture.

Stop at a local restaurant to try banh cuon (filled rice noodles). Next, enjoy pho (noodle soup), which is Vietnam’s most famous dish.

Other food specialties you can try include crab rolls, pillow cakes, fried rice balls, and fresh rolls – served with a dish of raw vegetables and a special sauce.

Visit a hidden street food restaurant to taste banh my (a Vietnamese sandwich) and the famous Vietnamese egg coffee.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Free at leisure. (Check out before 12:00 PM)*

Transfer to airport for departure. End of services.

*Late check-out will be surcharged upon your requirement.