Vietnamese Verdant Villages
ICS Travel Group
Sneak peek of a few highlights:
Mekong Delta
From Saigon, drive into the heart of the Mekong Delta the small town of Cai Be. The delta is a watery world where everyday life floats on the rivers, canals and streams.
Discover Hanoi
Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries.
Halong Bay
Halong Bay in northeast Vietnam is known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests.
Vietnam is rapidly developing but holds onto the charming traditions and culture which make it such a fascinating holiday destination. History has left its mark on Vietnam by way of Chinese, French and American influence.
Arrival in Saigon. Welcome to Vietnam!
Take a road journey to Cai Be town where we will start with a visit of Cai Be floating market. Then, we’ll come to Tan Phong Island for biking or walking on village paths to see the local daily life: orchard, school, church, pagodas, etc. On the way, we can make some stops to see how they make rice-net for spring-rolls, sewing coconut-leaves for cottage roof and specially see how they wave the dried water-hyacinth to make many products: baskets, bags, hats, wallets, shoes...
Then, the rowboat will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals to enjoy the peaceful time. Lunch will be served in a local house.
Back to our boat to go across one of the longest rivers in the world, Mekong River, to come to An Bình Island. Travel on the Muong Lo handmade canal to reach your homestay.
Have a fresh shower before cooking some special dishes with the members of a local family. We’ll enjoy dinner & stay overnight in this idyllic paradise.
Overnight: homestay
Meal(s): Lunch, Dinner
The cock will wake you up for a day full of explorations. Have breakfast and enjoy a boat trip to Phuoc Hau village. After biking about 30 minutes, we will explore the local life and rice fields. We can even learn how to farm the green vegetable or rice from the local farmers. Biking back to our boat.
Stop to 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 and vegetables.
Our boat will travel along Mekong River seeing many floating cages for farming fish. Lunch is served in a local house. After lunch, we come to visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. Then, return back to your homestay
Have fun in the mud while catching fish by hand. Take a refreshing shower before cooking pancakes / BBQ our mud fish with the family. We’ll enjoy dinner together & overnight at the homestay.
Overnight: homestay
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast at the homestay before check-out. Say good bye to the members of the family and then, walk to a local workshop to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy and pop-rice. Enjoy some sweets with a cup of hot tea.
Return to Saigon and head to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.
Upon arrival Hanoi, transfer to your hotel and time for leisure.
Overnight stay in Hanoi
Meal(s): Breakfast
There's no arguing - Hanoi has to be the coolest city in Vietnam. And no, we're not just referring to the climate. This chaotic, colourful, motorbike-clogged, 1,000-year-old city is a delicious mix of East and West. Hanoi clings on tightly to its heritage - the Temple of Literature is one of the oldest landmarks. More recent history can be seen in Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, while the man himself, lies embalmed in an austere mausoleum.
There's picturesque lakes and parks, as well as museums and prominent colonial buildings. Let's jump right in and experience it all. We'll even go green and explore the Old Quarter by electric buggy.
Foodies afoot in Hanoi (tour duration: 5pm – 8pm)
Enjoy a taste of local Hanoian life as you explore a local market and some of the city's best street food stalls. Start at the bustling Hom market, one of the biggest and most popular markets in Hanoi. Wander through the narrow alleyways passing colourful stalls piled high with a vast array of fruit, vegetables, sweets and elaborate temple offerings. Take photos of the vibrant colours and breathe in the aromas of the tropical fruits. If you're feeling brave, venture to the exotic section to see kicking frogs, silkworms and wriggling eels. The entire market is alive with the buzz and excitement of the locals bartering and haggling for the freshest ingredients at the best prices.
Your guide will take you to popular street food stalls where you can sample some of the city's signature dishes. Stop at local coffee shop to taste this rich and flavorful drink. This is an eco-friendly, quaint and unique coffee shop in Hanoi. Everything is creatively made from recycle materials to protect environment. Then continue your culinary exploration with a stroll through the maze of bustling streets that make up the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Join the locals and pull up a plastic stool at a pavement stall to try Vietnamese snacks and a cup of iced tea, followed by a sweet dessert of fresh fruit and condensed milk. End the tour with a cold draught beer at a sidewalk stall popular with locals.
Overnight stay in Hanoi
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner (street food)
From Phung Hung Street we will start our exploration on foot. We will walk towards Long Bien train station, cross the bridge and take the stairs down onto the urban island. There's time for a well-earned rest and to visit the orchards. After crossing the bridge, we can either transfer by car or walk to Gia Lam train station. Train tickets in hand, we will board the train to cross over the bridge to the other side of Hanoi. This is a local train full of atmosphere, and we will be riding with the locals in the hard seater wagon. On week days the train will stop at Long Bien, while on Saturday and Sunday it will stop at Hanoi Station.
Next visit the home of the last traditional mask-making artisan in Hanoi. Popular with children, these colourful handmade paper masks were worn to celebrate the night of the full moon particularly during the Mid-Autumn Festivals. Chat with the artisan and learn how he is trying to raise awareness about the preservation of this ancient art. Meanwhile the children can have fun trying their hand at crafting their own paper mask. It's then time for some refreshments! During the hot summer months indulge the kids with a trip to an ice cream parlour, while during the cooler months sample the local favourite "banh ran man", a tasty doughnut-style snack made from sticky rice.
Afternoon is free at leisure.
Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6: Hanoi. Halong Bay
Surrounded by the hundreds of limestone karst mountains and rock formations rising dramatically from the emerald green water; Halong Bay is listed as one of the must-see place in Vietnam. Let's spend a night on the cruise with the stunning view of this wonder. Arrive at the harbor at noon time and do the check in procedure on your boat. You will be welcomed and served lunch while cruising towards the bay. This afternoon is full of activities such as cave visit, floating farm, beach relax or simply enjoy the sunbathing on the sundeck (the program is varied depending on each boat cruise). Prepare your camera for the amazing photos of the bay, hundreds of boats or sunset.
Dinner will be served on boat and enjoy the relaxing night while boat is anchoring at the quiet water area.
Overnight stay on board
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Note: No ICS guide on board with guests. On board English speaking guide is arranged by the junk.
Day 7. Halong Bay. Departure from Hanoi
ake up and enjoy the fresh morning in the middle of the bay. Start your day by joining in a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck. Rejuvenate your body and mind with the slow movement of Tai Chi.
Breakfast (or brunch) will be served on boat while cruising back to the port, passing the majestic peaks.
Note: The program can be changed due to the weather condition, tide condition and local authorization.
Disembark from the cruise and return to the Hanoi airport for your departure flight.
Meal(s): Breakfast or Brunch
Note: Guests will arrive at Hanoi airport at around
Lufthansa City Center