Essentials of Vietnam

Arrival at Saigon Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Our tour guide will greet you and help you transfer to the hotel

Saigon, officially known as Ho Chi Minh City since 1976, is Vietnam's economic hub, located in the heart of Cochinchina in the Mekong Delta. In its heyday, Saigon was nicknamed "the Paris or the Pearl of the Far East." Since then, the city has lost none of its colonial charm, with its beautiful tree-lined streets, pedicabs, and small street vendors.

Walking tour for the orientation of the historical sites of the city: The former Saigon Post Office with its beautiful iron-framed glass roof, the work of Gustave Eiffel, Notre-Dame Cathedral which is located in the center of a square and therefore well highlighted, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Catinat Street during the time of the French colony of Indochina) with all its luxury boutiques and its liveliness.

Check in at the hotel. Afternoon, free time to relax or explore the city.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

In the morning, visit the Museum of Traditional Medicine, also known as the FITO Museum. Here, you'll find an incredible collection of instruments and objects related to traditional Vietnamese medicine.

Discover the Reunification Palace, the former Presidential Palace of the President of South Vietnam during the period of North-South separation of Vietnam before 1975.

In the afternoon, we head to the Cu Chi tunnel, an extraordinary underground network used by Vietnamese soldiers during the war. Stretching over 200 kilometres, this complex system of narrow tunnels once housed living quarters, meeting rooms, kitchens, and medical stations. During your visit, learn about the ingenuity and resilience of the people who lived and fought here. You’ll have the chance to explore sections of the tunnels, see hidden trapdoors and wartime relics, and gain a deeper understanding of this important chapter in Vietnam’s history.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Cu Chi

In the morning, the group departs for Ben Tre, a 60 km (1 hour 45 minutes) drive away. Here, travellers enjoy a boat trip along the river, observing the daily life and the charm of the local communities. A stop is made to participate in coconut processing activities, one of Ben Tre's prominent traditions.

The journey continues from Con Son Islet to Nhon Thanh Market, with a visit to a traditional mat-weaving village. Guests are welcomed with seasonal fruits and honey tea offered by the locals.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant with specialties of the Mekong Delta, including the famous "Bánh Xèo" (Vietnamese savoury pancake).

In the afternoon, travellers cruise through the narrow canals of Cai Coi, followed by a visit to an ancient local house that reflects the region's heritage.

Later, the group continues by road to Can Tho (110 km - 2 hours 30 minutes). Dinner is enjoyed on a cruise along the Hau River, with the shimmering lights of Ninh Kieu Wharf in the background.

Overnight: Can Tho

Optional add-ons: hands-on coconut candy making, Mekong-style pancake cooking, or a traditional fishing experience.

Early in the morning, the group will set off to visit the famous Cai Rang Floating Market, experiencing the most bustling time. Here, boats loaded with fruits, vegetables, and local produce trade across the waterways, creating one of the Mekong Delta's most vibrant scenes.

Afterwards, take a short walk through the smaller canals and visit local workshops where rice and traditional noodles are produced. This experience offers insight into the daily lives of the communities that thrive along the riverbanks

Continue the discovery at a lively market where fish, vegetables, and fresh produce are sold. Lunch is arranged at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, enjoy a bicycle ride through the countryside, passing secluded villages and witnessing the rhythm of everyday rural life. A stop is made at a local fruit farm to taste seasonal specialties from the Mekong.

Later, the group transfers to Can Tho Airport for a flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, a 30-minute drive takes you to the charming town of Hoi An.

Overnight: Hoi An

Note: Dinner can be arranged, either in Da Nang or upon arrival in Hoi An, followed by check-in at the hotel.

Wander through the enchanting streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, visiting its most iconic landmarks such as Tan Ky Ancient House, the Tran Family Chapel, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and the Museum of Folk Culture. Continue with a hands-on workshop where you learn the traditional craft of lantern-making, one of the city’s most famous symbols.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, travel just a short distance (3 km – about 15 minutes) to the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, where you board a traditional round basket boat to explore the waterways. Watch local fishermen casting their nets and, if you wish, join a workshop making small souvenirs from palm leaves. Afterwards, disembark and enjoy a gentle bicycle ride through Cam Thanh Village, surrounded by rice paddies and tranquil countryside scenery.

Return to Hoi An for dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Overnight: Hoi An

Optional Add-ons: A visit to Thanh Ha Pottery Village, a food tour through Hoi An’s best street eats, or a guided cycling tour within the ancient town.

Breakfast at the hotel

Transfers to Da Nang International Airport for a flight to Hanoi (approx. 2 hours). Upon arrival, check in at a centrally located hotel.

The exploration of Hanoi begins with a cyclo ride through the heart of the city, where French colonial architecture has been beautifully preserved. Along the way, travellers can spot landmarks such as the Hanoi Opera House, Metropole Hotel (a famous place of residence for politicians and international celebrities), the former Indochina Bank building (now the State Bank of Vietnam), and Hanoi University.

Continue to the bustling Old Quarter, famous for its "36 streets," each historically dedicated to a particular trade. This is the perfect place to witness the energy and life of locals.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword), an iconic symbol of Hanoi. The complex includes Ngoc Son Temple and the Huc Bridge, with their architecture reflecting the Vietnamese traditions and folk beliefs.

As the day comes to a close, attend a performance of the traditional Water Puppet Show. This unique Vietnamese art form, performed on water, brings to life legends and rural stories from centuries past.

Dinner is arranged at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.

Overnight: Hanoi

After breakfast at the hotel, the day begins with a visit to Phu Tay Ho Temple, dedicated to the Holy Mother Lieu Hanh, one of Vietnam’s most revered deities. This important place of worship also offers a sweeping view of West Lake, Hanoi’s largest lake, covering nearly 500 hectares.

From there, the group continues to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays). The museum houses over 1,500 artifacts that vividly illustrate the daily life, customs, and costumes of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The outdoor exhibition space showcases reconstructions of traditional dwellings, offering an authentic glimpse into the diverse cultural and living environments across the country. This is an essential stop to gain an overview of Vietnam’s ethnic heritage.

Lunch is enjoyed at a local restaurant with bún chả, one of Hanoi’s most beloved specialties.

In the afternoon, the journey continues to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the mausoleum, the simple stilt house where President Ho Chi Minh spent his final years, and the surrounding gardens of the Presidential Palace. The visit also includes the One Pillar Pagoda, originally named “Lien Hoa Dai” (Lotus Blossom Pagoda), built in the 11th century by King Ly Thai Tong.

The next stop is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070. This historic complex is not only a symbol of the country’s long-standing scholarly traditions but also a fine example of Confucian architecture.

Dinner is at leisure, giving guests the opportunity to explore Hanoi’s culinary scene on their own.

Overnight: Hanoi

After breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to Ninh Binh (120 km - approx. 2 hours 30 minutes). Known as one of Vietnam’s most scenic destinations, Ninh Binh is often described as “Halong Bay on land” for its poetic harmony of mountains, rivers, plains, and coastline.

The day begins with a visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the political and cultural center of Vietnam in the 10th century. Here, travellers explore temples dedicated to two kings, Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh. Despite being built centuries ago, these temples still preserve the refined details of wood and stone carving, a testament to the artistry of Vietnam’s early craftsmen.

Afterward, transfer to the hotel for check-in and lunch.

In the afternoon, a sampan boat trip takes guests along the Ngo Dong River for two hours through Tam Coc (“three caves”). The journey reveals a serene landscape of limestone peaks, mysterious grottoes, and rice fields stretching across the water’s edge.

As the sun eases, continue with a cycling excursion through quiet villages and rice paddies, immersing in the peaceful rhythm of local life. Along the way, encounter traditional houses and scenes of rural Vietnam at its most authentic.

The final stop of the day is Bich Dong Pagoda, a cluster of three temples dating back to the Le Dynasty, set dramatically against the slopes of the Ngu Nhac Mountains. The climb offers panoramic views over the surrounding karst landscape, a fitting finale to a day of natural and cultural discovery.

Dinner is at leisure, and the group spends the night at a hotel in Ninh Binh.

Overnight: Ninh Binh

In the morning, the journey continues from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay (210 km – approx. 4 hours 30 minutes by car). As the final destination of this Vietnam journey, Ha Long Bay is well known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the country’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Covering an area of nearly 1,500 square kilometres and dotted with almost 2,000 islands, islets, and coral reefs, the bay’s dramatic limestone formations rise from the emerald waters like nature’s brushstrokes. Sampans and traditional sailing junks drifting across the crystal-clear surface complete the enchanting and almost mystical atmosphere of this world-famous seascape.

Around midday, guests board the cruise and are welcomed by the crew, who provide an introduction to the ship and the program ahead. Fresh seafood lunch will be served on board as the vessel begins its voyage through the spectacular Bai Tu Long Bay, gliding past thousands of islands and karst cliffs.

In the afternoon, guests may partake in water activities such as kayaking among the limestone formations or simply relax on deck to watch the magical sunset over the bay.

As evening falls, return to the cruise to unwind before enjoying a seafood dinner served on board. Accommodation is in a comfortable cabin with a private bathroom, ensuring a restful night on the calm waters of Ha Long Bay.

Overnight: Ha Long Bay (Cruise)

Breakfast is served on board against the backdrop of Ha Long Bay’s majestic scenery, a final unforgettable moment to conclude the Vietnam journey. The cruise then sets sail toward Vung Vieng Fishing Village, where guests transfer to small rowing boats to explore this traditional floating community and learn about the lives of fishermen who have called the bay home for generations.

The voyage continues deeper into Bai Tu Long Bay, passing countless limestone islands shaped over millennia by the forces of wind and water. The surreal seascape, with its towering cliffs and tranquil waters, offers one last impression of this natural wonder.

A farewell lunch is served on board as the vessel makes its way back to the pier. Upon disembarkation, a driver meets the group for the transfer to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi (160 km – approx. 3 hours 45 minutes) for the departure flight.

At this point, our services come to an end.

Flight onward.