Day 1:
Arrive in Vietnam’s charming capital and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the Old Quarter. Meet your guide for a brief city orientation before taking a short walk to a bia hoi, a local street pub, where you can enjoy Hanoi’s traditional draft beer. Spend your evening at leisure, exploring Hanoi’s vibrant streets.
Day 2:
Start your day with a walking adventure along the famous Hanoi railway, stopping at a reputable tea house to taste traditional lotus tea. Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, before walking past the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the revered leader rests. Stroll along the historic Citadel to Phan Dinh Phung, often called Hanoi’s most beautiful avenue. Take a seat on the sidewalk just like the locals do. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere while sipping your choice of iced lemon tea, Vietnamese coffee, or a refreshing Hanoi beer. Continue your walk to the bustling Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s largest covered market. Hop on an electric buggy for a unique sightseeing tour of the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.
DAY 3 – Depart for Halong and Lan Ha Bays and embark on an overnight cruise through this UNESCO World Heritage site, famed for its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts. – Sail into a less-traveled area, where you can unwind, sunbathe, and explore. The itinerary remains flexible, adapting to the season and weather conditions. – As the sun sets, relax on the sundeck with an aperitif or take part in a cooking demonstration before enjoying a delightful dinner on board. DAY 4 – Wake up at dawn and join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, a perfect way to refresh both mind and body. – Explore Halong and Lan Ha Bays with an excursion to one of its fascinating caves. – Return to Hanoi and board a flight to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital. – Check in at your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure. DAY 5 – Walk across the Purple Forbidden City, the former residence of the Emperors. – Enjoy a fun traditional rickshaw ride through the streets of the Imperial City, once the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty. – The ride further takes you beyond the walls to Kim Long Village, an ancient settlement where the Mandarins of the Emperors once lived. – Savour Hue’s iconic bánh, a variety of traditional dumplings, at a charming family-run eatery that has been passed down for generations. – Enjoy a scenic drive along the Hai Van Pass, offering breathtaking ocean and mountain views. – Arrive in Hoi An, the enchanting lantern-lit town. DAY 6 – Walk through the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, home to centuries-old houses and temples. – Join a cooking class, starting with a visit to a local market before learning to prepare Vietnamese specialties at a charming farm on an island in the Thu Bon River. – Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure—relax on the beach or explore more of the ancient town. DAY 7 – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. – Take a walking tour of the Central Post Office, the Continental Hotel, and the Opera or the City Hall, built during the French colonial era. DAY 8 – Board a private boat and begin navigating the river, stopping at a local factory to observe traditional craftsmanship. – Arrive at a remote island and enjoy a home-cooked lunch at a local guesthouse. – Visit a honey-bee farm, then hop on bicycles for a ride along narrow island pathways. – Stop at a local farm to discover the secrets of Sâm jelly and enjoy a tasting session. – Transfer onto a small sampan and glide through a lush mangrove forest. – Meet your driver and return to Ho Chi Minh City by late afternoon. DAY 9 – Travel back in time with a visit to Saigon’s oldest café, serving locals since 1938—enjoy a refreshment before diving into the city’s rich culture. – Stroll through a bustling street market in District 3, weaving between conical hats and street food vendors. – Step into a chung cu, a working-class neighborhood unchanged since the 1960s, where towering old residential buildings tell stories of the past. – Explore Ho Thi Ky, home to a spectacular flower market and a hidden gem for Khmer delicacies—sample a snack before continuing your journey. – Venture deeper into District 10, a vibrant area where surprises await around every corner. – Conclude your urban adventure at one of Saigon’s most famous street-food streets, the perfect place to indulge in a local lunch. – Transfer to airport for your departure flight
