Vietnam Cultural Odyssey

As you arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, our friendly guide and private driver will be waiting to welcome you to Vietnam. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in central Ho Chi Minh City where you can relax after your journey. 

After breakfast, we set off early to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War. Our guide explains the history and resilience behind this complex, and you’ll even have the chance to crawl through a section of the tunnels if you wish. After returning to the city, we enjoy lunch at a local eatery before spending the afternoon visiting key landmarks: the Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and the War Remnants Museum. We end the day with a walk through bustling Ben Thanh Market.

This morning, we leave the city behind and drive south to the peaceful province of Ben Tre, part of the lush Mekong Delta. We board a local boat and cruise along the Ham Luong River, visiting a brick-making workshop and coconut-processing village. We continue by xe loi (motorized rickshaw) through coconut groves and rice fields to reach a local home for a delicious lunch featuring regional specialties. In the afternoon, we explore tranquil canals by sampan, then check in at a charming riverside lodge to enjoy a quiet evening immersed in rural life.

After breakfast, we take a relaxing bicycle ride through nearby villages, witnessing traditional rural life. We visit a local mat-weaving family and learn about daily traditions. After lunch with fresh Mekong produce, we drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in the late afternoon. The evening is yours to relax or explore independently.

Today, we fly to the central coast city of Danang. Upon arrival, our driver takes you to Hoi An, stopping en route to visit the Marble Mountains, where you can climb stone steps to reach caves and pagodas with panoramic views. Once in Hoi An, we check into a boutique hotel and enjoy the rest of the day exploring the atmospheric ancient town at your leisure.

After breakfast, your guide takes you to the tranquil Cam Thanh Coconut Forest, where you’ll join local fishermen and farmers for a hands-on eco experience. Glide through narrow nipa palm waterways in a traditional basket boat, try your hand at casting fishing nets, and enjoy light-hearted activities on the water. In the afternoon, we take a walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town, visiting landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky ancient house, and the colorful Chinese assembly halls. You'll also have time to browse local craft shops or relax at a riverside café.

After breakfast, we visit a bustling local market with our cooking instructor, gathering fresh ingredients and learning about Vietnamese spices and produce. We then take a boat ride to a riverside cooking school, where you’ll learn to prepare signature dishes like fresh spring rolls, crispy pancakes, and claypot fish. Enjoy your own delicious creations for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore Hoi An’s shops, tailor boutiques, or relax at An Bang Beach.

After a morning flight to Hanoi, our driver welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel in the Old Quarter. In the evening, our guide takes you on an immersive Hanoi street food journey. We walk through hidden alleys and vibrant market streets, tasting local favorites like bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli), banh cuon (steamed rice rolls), nem ran (spring rolls), and the famous egg coffee at a tucked-away café. Along the way, you’ll learn about Hanoi’s food culture and local stories behind each dish.

Today, we explore the historic and cultural landmarks of Hanoi. We begin with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, including the Presidential Palace and the One Pillar Pagoda. Next, we continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, then to Hoa Lo Prison – the "Hanoi Hilton" – where we reflect on its layered past. After lunch at a local restaurant (on your account), we enjoy a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter’s labyrinthine streets. In the late afternoon, you may join an optional tour to Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO site offering rich insights into Vietnam’s dynastic history.

We depart Hanoi for Ninh Binh, a region of dramatic limestone karsts and tranquil waterways. We begin with a sampan boat ride in Tam Coc, drifting along the Ngo Dong River through lush rice paddies and caves. After lunch at a garden restaurant, we visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, home to the temples of King Dinh and King Le, nestled among green mountains. Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.

This morning, we journey to Halong Bay, where you’ll board a deluxe cruise ship for an unforgettable experience amid the emerald waters and towering limestone islands. A gourmet lunch is served as we sail past floating villages and rock formations. You’ll visit a limestone cave, swim or kayak in a secluded lagoon, and unwind with a sunset drink on deck. Enjoy a beautifully prepared dinner followed by optional evening activities like squid fishing or a movie under the stars.

Start your day with Tai Chi on the sundeck as the sun rises over the bay. After a light breakfast, we continue cruising through the bay, visiting a quiet floating village or hidden beach. Enjoy brunch before disembarking around midday. We return to Hanoi by private car, arriving in the late afternoon. The evening is yours to relax or enjoy one final walk through the Old Quarter.

Depending on your flight time, our driver will transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport for your onward journey. We hope you’ve had a culturally enriching journey through Vietnam filled with unforgettable moments and authentic experiences.