Vietnam Timeless Splendor Journey – 15 Days

Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant metropolis formerly known as Saigon, stands as Vietnam's largest city, pulsating with energy and history. Today's immersive tour unveils its most significant historical and cultural landmarks. We begin by delving into the poignant narratives held within the War Remnants Museum and exploring the stately Reunification Palace, both pivotal sites from the Vietnam War era. You'll also admire the enduring elegance of French-colonial architecture at the iconic General Post Office, the grand Opera House, and the historic Notre Dame Cathedral. A significant part of our day will be dedicated to the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels, also known as the "Iron Triangle." We'll watch a brief introductory video revealing their ingenious construction before venturing into the vast underground network, sections of which have been widened for visitor access. Witness firsthand the various mantraps, remnants of an American tank, and the stark bomb craters left by B52 bombers. After this profound experience, we return to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch. Following lunch, our city exploration continues with a more detailed look at the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. Capture memorable photographs at Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office, symbols of this dynamic, modern city. Later, we'll dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we journey from the urban energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the lush, tranquil waterways of the Mekong Delta, heading towards Cai Be. Our exploration begins on Tan Phong Island, where you can choose to cycle or walk along peaceful village paths, immersing yourself in the rhythms of local daily life. Witness traditional orchards, local schools, community churches, pagodas, and charming traditional houses. We'll pause to observe the intricate craft of weaving dried water hyacinth into beautiful local products like baskets, bags, and hats. Next, experience the serenity of the delta with a rowing boat trip through smaller, picturesque canals. Returning to our main boat, we'll cross the vast Mekong River to reach An Binh Island. Here, travel along a handmade canal to a local homestay or orchard, where you can stroll through fruit gardens, enjoy refreshing tea, and listen to the melodious tunes of traditional Vietnamese music ("Đờn Ca Tài Tử") performed in an ancient house setting. Later, visit a local village workshop to see the fascinating processes behind making rice paper, coconut candy, and pop-rice, with opportunities to sample these local sweets accompanied by hot tea. You'll also have an unforgettable experience witnessing local artisans create pottery at traditional brick kilns. Our scenic cruise then takes us to Vinh Long city, from where we transfer to Can Tho for your overnight stay. Overnight in Can Tho Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

An early start this morning takes us on a captivating boat trip to the renowned Cai Rang Floating Market. Experience the incredible energy and bustling atmosphere of the Mekong Delta's largest floating market, a vibrant tapestry of local life where vendors sell a myriad of goods directly from their boats. It's a truly authentic glimpse into the region's unique commerce and culture. If time permits and interest aligns, we may also visit the historic Binh Thuy Ancient House nearby, known for its well-preserved architecture. After soaking in the market's atmosphere, we will return to the hotel, allowing some free time before check-out. Around noon, we begin our journey back to Ho Chi Minh City, with a stop for lunch at a local restaurant en route. Upon arrival in the afternoon, the remainder of the day is at your leisure to further explore the city or relax. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, enjoy some free time until your transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival in Danang, your adventure in Central Vietnam begins immediately. We'll make a brief but captivating visit to the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone and marble hills representing the five elements of the universe (water, wood, air, fire, and earth), home to caves, pagodas, and stunning viewpoints. Following this, we journey onwards to explore the ancient Cham ruins of My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located 69 km southwest of Danang, My Son served as an imperial city and the spiritual heart of the Champa Kingdom, which ruled Central Vietnam from the 2nd to the 13th century. Influenced by Indian Hinduism, you'll discover majestic, well-preserved Hindu-like towers and temples dating back centuries, showcasing intricate red brick designs and the unique Cham architectural style. We'll also visit Tra Kieu, the former administrative center of Champa. The afternoon is dedicated to immersing ourselves in the mystique of these ancient ruins. Later, we transfer to the charming town of Hoi An and check into your hotel. Overnight in Hoi An Meals: Breakfast

This morning, awaken your senses with an immersive Vietnamese cooking class. The experience begins with a welcome drink at Hai Café, followed by a visit to Hoi An's vibrant main market. Soak in the lively atmosphere, exploring the diverse sights, sounds, and aromas, and interact with local vendors. Next, proceed to the Cooking School. After freshening up, you'll be guided by a professional Chef to learn traditional methods of preparing and cooking Vietnamese cuisine from scratch. Tour the school’s herb and vegetable garden to understand the fresh ingredients that define Hoi An's famous dishes. The hands-on cooking lesson lasts approximately 2 hours, with each dish demonstrated before you create it yourself. The class also includes a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving for plate decoration. Afterwards, sit down with your fellow aspiring chefs to enjoy the delicious dishes you've prepared. Recipes (MSG-free, vegetarian options available): Fresh Rice Paper, Fresh Rice Paper Rolls of Shrimp, Crispy Hoi An Pancakes, Seafood Salad with Tra Que Herbs, Mi Quang Chicken Noodles, Food Decoration. Lunch includes these dishes plus BBQ Lemongrass Beef. After the class concludes around midday, transfer back to central Hoi An for an enchanting walking tour of the Ancient Town. Discover the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, the historic Tan Ky Old House, the vibrant Cantonese Congregation, the bustling silk street, and the distinctive temples and pagodas with Chinese architectural influences. Later in the evening, you may opt to experience the spectacular Hoi An Impression Theme Park & Show (entry and transfer to Con Hen island for the show would be an optional activity). Overnight in Hoi An Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (from cooking class)

Today offers a unique and authentic insight into the rural life of Hoi An with a Farming & Fishing Life Eco Tour. Your day begins early at Tra Que Vegetable Village. Here, you'll connect with local farming communities, gaining firsthand experience by joining farmers in preparing the land, using traditional methods like fertilizing with seaweed from the nearby river, and watering the gardens. Following this hands-on farming experience, embark on a leisurely cycling tour through the picturesque countryside, witnessing the serene beauty and rhythms of authentic Vietnamese rural life. By late morning, board the Hoi An Eco-tour boat for a scenic river cruise. Observe local fishermen skillfully at work and even try your hand at traditional net fishing. Next, transfer to traditional Vietnamese bamboo basket boats (Thung Chai) for a fun race and a gentle ride down a waterway beautifully lined with coconut palms. A delicious lunch will be served onboard the boat, featuring fresh local ingredients, including vegetables picked earlier at Tra Que Village. After lunch, enjoy some free time to further explore Hoi An town center at your own pace before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Hoi An Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (on board)

After breakfast, we depart Hoi An for a scenic drive along Highway 1A to the former imperial capital of Hue. This picturesque journey includes stops to admire the stunning coastal views north towards Lang Co Beach and south over Da Nang city, often traversing the breathtaking Hai Van Pass (weather permitting).
Upon arrival in Hue, our first cultural immersion is a visit to a traditional Conical Hat Village. Witness the meticulous process behind crafting these iconic Vietnamese hats and learn about incense stick making, crafts for which Hue is renowned both domestically and internationally, playing a vital role in preserving its cultural heritage.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, we step back in time with a visit to the majestic Imperial Citadel, the vast, walled former seat of power for the Nguyen Dynasty, who ruled from 1802 to 1945. Explore the impressive ruins, palaces, and temples within this historical monument. We then proceed to the Hue Royal Fine Art Museum, housed within the former Dien Long An Royal Palace, showcasing exquisite royal artifacts.
To conclude our day, we'll experience the vibrant local life with a visit to Dong Ba Market, observing the bustling daily activities and the array of goods on offer.

Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

At 9:30 AM, embark on a serene Dragon Boat journey along the romantic Perfume River, heading into the picturesque countryside. As an ancient capital, Hue is surrounded by the magnificent tombs of its past emperors, and today's itinerary includes visits to some of the most beautiful and significant ones.
Our first stop is the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda (Charming Lady Pagoda), a seven-story octagonal tower that stands as a symbol of Hue and Vietnamese Buddhism, offering stunning views over the Perfume River. Afterward, we continue by van to the elaborate and architecturally unique Tomb of King Khai Dinh.
Lunch will be a special experience, served in Dong Thuyen Village with local Buddhist nuns, offering a peaceful and authentic cultural exchange. Following lunch, we visit Thuy Xuan Incense Village, another renowned Hue craft village. Situated near Vong Canh Hill and the Royal Tomb of Tu Duc, this village has a rich history of producing incense for nearly 700 years, dating back to the Nguyen Dynasty, when it supplied the royal court and high-ranking officials.

Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, we transfer to Phu Bai Airport in Hue for our flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, our local tour guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. En route, or after settling in, we will visit the insightful Museum of Ethnology, which offers a fascinating look into the diverse cultures of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
After settling into our hotel, we explore the significant Ho Chi Minh Complex. Here, you'll see the exterior of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his former stilt-house, the grounds of the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the historic One Pillar Pagoda. Following this, we visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam), originally built as a temple to Confucius and Vietnam’s first national university.
Later, enjoy a captivating 1-hour cyclo tour through Hanoi's charming, French-inspired "Old Quarter," followed by free time for souvenir shopping or exploring its myriad of offerings, from bustling markets to designer boutiques and contemporary art galleries. This evening, delight in a performance of Hanoi's famous Water Puppets, a unique and enchanting traditional art form. Lunch today will be served at a local restaurant, featuring purely vegetarian options for a different culinary experience.

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Vegetarian)

• 08:15: Depart from the bustle of Hanoi for the tranquil countryside of Ky Son.
• 09:30: Arrive at Moon Garden Homestay in Ky Son village. Be welcomed with fresh local green tea and enjoy free time to explore the charming homestay and the peaceful village surroundings.
• 11:00: Participate in an engaging cooking class, learning to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes.
  Afternoon:
• 12:30: Enjoy the delicious lunch you helped prepare.
• 13:30: Indulge in a traditional Hand Spa, featuring a fragrant lime bowl finger dip and a soothing herbal hand massage. Afterwards, enjoy leisure time for relaxation or engage in insightful cultural exchanges with your host family, learning about local snacks and timeless traditional customs.
• 15:00: Choose your cycling adventure:
• Short ride (6 km round trip): A gentle bicycle journey through the farming communities of Ky Son, Tam Son, Van Minh, and Cham. Visit local families for tea and friendly conversations about their daily life and farming activities. Alternatively, explore the village on foot and perhaps assist with agricultural tasks like plowing, seedling transplanting, or harvesting, depending on the season.
  Long ride (12 km round trip): A guided bicycle tour through the same farming communities, extending to the historic Duong Lam ancient village, the picturesque Mia Pagoda, and the significant Mong Phu Communal House. Return via the ritual paths of Thang Thac village to visit the Ngo Quyen tomb and temple. Evening:
  18:00: Return to Moon Garden for relaxation. Sample local tisanes or traditional products such as desserts, maize, sweet potatoes, cassava, and peanuts, depending on the season's bounty.
• 18:30: Experience a traditional steam bath infused with fragrant herbs like lemongrass, pomelo leaves, and holy basil for rejuvenation.
• 19:30: A delicious, home-cooked dinner is served.
• Conclude your day with a therapeutic foot bath featuring ginger, salt, and mugwort medicinal herbs in warm water, promoting a restful night's sleep.

Overnight in Moon Garden Homestay, Ky Son

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Note: Tonkin Show operates on specific days, typically not daily; this itinerary assumes it's a Saturday or scheduled performance day) **
In the morning, you might like to participate in traditional local exercises to build up your appetite before a wholesome breakfast. Afterward, enjoy a final cycle ride to visit nearby villages, further soaking in the tranquil rural atmosphere before returning to Ky Son village for lunch.
Spend the early afternoon relaxing in the village or at your homestay before heading back to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you'll have some leisure time.
Around 5:30 PM, you will be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi and transferred to the outskirts of the city, near Chua Thay (Thay Pagoda), to witness the breathtaking Quintessence of Tonkin Show. This captivating live spectacle, running from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, draws inspiration from the spiritual history of Thay Pagoda, beautifully narrating its founding by venerable monk Tu Dao Hanh and exploring the historical relationship between religion and the monarchy. With years of preparation, hundreds of performers, interactive stages, cutting-edge technology, and a stunning natural setting, this is a must-see cultural highlight of any visit to Hanoi. A buffet dinner is included before the show, adding to this memorable evening.

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (buffet with show)

Around 8:30 - 8:45 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi for the scenic journey to Tuan Chau Harbor, the gateway to the magnificent bays. Upon arrival around noon, transfer to your main vessel, the elegant Calypso Cruise, via tender. Receive a warm welcome aboard with a refreshing drink as the crew provides a cruise briefing and important safety instructions. You'll then check into your comfortable cabin.
Lunch will be served onboard in the restaurant as you begin cruising from the bustling Ha Long Bay into the more tranquil and less crowded waters of Lan Ha Bay, a stunning extension of the Ha Long Wonder known for its pristine beauty.
In the afternoon, explore the hidden gems of the bay. Your excursion will take you to the Dark and Bright Cave area, renowned for its untouched natural beauty and picturesque karst seascapes. Here, you can opt to share a traditional sampan boat rowed by a local, gliding gently through the cave, or choose to explore independently by kayak.
Return to Calypso Cruise, perhaps change into swimwear, and enjoy a refreshing dip either in the emerald waters of the bay or in the sundeck's inviting swimming pool. Later in the afternoon, join an engaging cooking demonstration and food decoration session with the talented onboard Chef, learning secrets of Vietnamese cuisine.
Dinner will be a special experience, served at Calypso Cruise's restaurant, offering a delightful meal in an intimate and romantic setting. The remainder of the evening is for your relaxation; unwind on the sundeck under the stars, enjoy movies in the comfort of your room, join in some karaoke fun in the restaurant, simply take in the magical evening views of the bay, or try your hand at squid fishing.

Overnight on board Calypso Cruise, Lan Ha Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Greet the new day in the early morning with an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck, breathing in the fresh, crisp bay air, perhaps with a cup of tea or coffee in hand. Following this, enjoy a light breakfast onboard to energize for the day's exploration before heading out to discover Trung Trang Cave. This iconic and historically significant cave is located on Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the bay. Formed over millions of years through fascinating geological processes, Trung Trang Cave boasts thousands of natural stalactites and stalagmites that create a unique, imaginative, and almost ethereal atmosphere, often referred to locally as a "gold treasure."
After exploring the wonders of the cave, return to the main boat for some final moments of relaxation. Check-out procedures will commence at the reception, and you can place your luggage outside your cabin for the crew's assistance. An early lunch (brunch) will be served in the restaurant as the boat gracefully makes its way back towards the harbor.
Around 11:30 AM, you will disembark from the cruise at Tuan Chau Marina, bidding farewell to the dedicated crew, and transfer by speedboat/shuttle bus back to Hanoi, a journey of approximately 2.5-3 hours.

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Enjoy a final Vietnamese breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you will have free time for any last-minute souvenir shopping, a final stroll through the charming streets of Hanoi, or simply relaxing.
At the appointed time, your driver will arrive to transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight, filled with unforgettable memories of Vietnam's infinite beauty.
We hope to see you again on your next Indochina adventure!

Meals: Breakfast