Authentic Vietnam

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, after you finish all customs and immigration procedures, please head to the exit gate and look for your driver who will be waiting for you, holding a welcome signboard with your name on it. Then, you will be transferred to your hotel in town by a private vehicle.

Overnight in Hanoi

Set off for a full-day exploring the key highlights of the city. Visit the complex dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, the nation's founder and affectionately known to the Vietnamese as 'Uncle Ho.' Make the first stop at the historic Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, an imposing monument where you will learn about its significance as the final resting place of Uncle Ho. Continue walking through the beautiful botanical garden of the Presidential Palace to visit Uncle Ho's humble house, built based on a rural Vietnamese stilt house with simple design in a tranquil setting, reflecting his simple, pure and noble lifestyle. Tour the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 of wood on a single stone pillar, designed to resemble a lotus blossom, the symbol of purity.

Our next stop is B52 Victory Museum, the great pride of Hanoian and Vietnamese people in the fight against US Army during the Vietnam War. Visit the museum and learn about the rich and turbulent war history of Vietnam while observing number of weapons and aircrafts, with unique and intriguing wartime images that will send shivers down your spine.

In the afternoon, wind your way to Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam. Constructed in the 11th Century, this stunning temple constitutes a rare example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote.

Step into the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, a lively network of narrow streets with a history of over a thousand years. Once a bustling commercial center where each street specialized in a specific craft or trade, it remains a vibrant hub today. You'll walk past historic tube houses, charming shophouses, and busy markets where tradition and modern life intertwine, offering a vivid glimpse into the city's everyday rhythms.

Among them, a vibrant traditional open-air market bursts with brightly colored stalls overflowing with fresh fruits, vegetables, aromatic herbs, and handmade goods. The bustling atmosphere, full of sights, sounds, and fragrances, offers an authentic taste of Hanoi life, where you can also sample a variety of local delicacies, from savory snacks to sweet treats, each crafted with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques, making the market a rich cultural and culinary experience at the heart of the city.

Finally, escape the lively streets and slip into a hidden café tucked in a quiet alley. Built with recycled and repurposed materials, this creative space is a true hidden gem. Watch a demonstration of how Hanoi's famous egg coffee is made, then savor this rich and creamy treat - the perfect way to end your cultural journey through the capital.

Notes:

• Tour duration: Full day (08.00-17.00)

• Ho Chi Minh's complex is CLOSED on Mondays, Fridays and all afternoons.

• B52 Victory Museum is CLOSED on Mondays, Fridays.

• Entry requires security screening and appropriate attire: long pants or skirts below the knee and tops with sleeves are required. Shorts, mini skirts, tank tops, and revealing clothing are not allowed

Overnight in Hanoi.

Note:

• Recommended Chabad House in Hanoi: No. 4, Alley 11 To Ngoc Van

The Red River Delta is rich in culture and traditional crafts, with historical roots in wet rice civilizations. Every village has a unique collection of products and business secrets that have been passed down through generations.

Today, go on a 1-hour drive south of Hanoi to discover the hidden treasures of Vietnam's traditional craft villages. Our journey begins from a picturesque village, where the legendary conical hat has been meticulously handcrafted for generations. Wander through the winding, narrow streets of the lively village, offering an authentic glimpse into the sights and sounds of rural Northern life. Then, stop to visit the ancient communal house, a timeless symbol of the village's rich heritage. Through this immersive experience, you will meet a family that is well-known in the village for their exquisite conical hats and get to see every step of the process firsthand.

Wind your way to a family-run incense-making business where the craft has been retained for generations. Have your camera for capturing the intricate process, which includes everything from harvesting bamboo shoots to molding and dying the sticks, which are typically dyed in vivid colors of red, a color that represents prosperity and joy.

Our next stop will be at a village known renowned for its "Vietnamese pork sausage", a traditional specialty. This is where you will have a wonderful home-hosted lunch with regional specialties. Embark on a leisure walk through the village, soaking in the serene beauty of the rural life and traditional Vietnamese architecture. The highlight of the voyage is touring the traditional houses and having conversations with the locals, who will fill you in on the village's history and way of life.

Notes:

• Tour Duration: Full day (08:00-16:00)

• Accessibility: All vehicle types

• Capacity: 20pax

• Visitors may have the opportunity to observe a local artisan hand-pounding pork paste if the visit falls on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday (excluding public holidays), and subject to change due to weather conditions.

Overnight in Hanoi

Morning departure from downtown Ha Noi for a scenic 3-hour drive southwest to Mai Chau. Located in Hoa Binh Province, Mai Chau is famed for its splendid scenery of mountains and valleys surrounded by lush landscapes. Lunch at local restaurant with local specialties.

In the afternoon, you will have time to enjoy while you stroll through ethnic neighborhoods, over desolate rural roads into the open air to enjoy the scenery of paddy rice fields & traditional stilt houses. Your guide will give you background on the region's culture and scenery as you go. The hike is a great way to see the area landscape, which includes rolling hills, deep valleys, and rice meadows. End up this peaceful afternoon with the rafting journey, floating along a tranquil stream and learning how to paddle and traditionally drive your handcrafted rafts. Car take you back to Mai Chau town for dinner. Overnight in Mai Chau.

Notes:

• Hiking distance: 2 km

• Hiking duration: 1 hour

• Hiking grade & terrain: Easy on paved road

• Hiking Elevation: Flat

• What to bring: Sport shoes/sandals; shirts/trousers/jeans/skirts that suitable for hiking activities

Overnight in Mai Chau

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, Ninh Binh is home to amazing karst mountains, misty caves, and historical relics. This morning, enjoy a 3.5-hour drive from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh province. It is a spectacular landscape of limestone karts peaks permeated with valleys, some of which are submerged, and surrounded by spectacular cliffs. 

In the afternoon, visit Bich Dong which was conferred by a King as the “Vietnam's second most beautiful grotto”. The grotto is adorned with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and colors. Climb up the Ngu Nhac Son (Buddha's Palm Mountain) to enjoy the panoramic view that is created by mountains, rivers, pagodas, and temples. Not far away is Tam Coc, a world natural heritage. Known as “Ha Long Bay on Land”, Tam Coc (“three caves” in Vietnamese meaning) was formed by the river of Ngo Dong flowing through a mountain. This afternoon, a local skilled rower will take you on a magnificent waterway lined with rice paddies. Enjoy the spectacular view of the karst formation as you explore these caves amid by towering mountains. Disembark the boat and enjoy a follow a village trail to reach Thai Vi temple. Enjoy the beautiful rural landscape as you pass by the endless rice fields and mysterious grotto with a sacred shrine inside.  

Notes:

• March-April is the beginning of the rice farming season in Ninh Binh. The fields are greenest here around April and early May, turning golden in late May and early June when the harvest starts. 

• Walking distance from disembarkation point to Thai Vi temple: 200meters, on the flat road

• You can choose to enjoy a leisure cycling trip around Tam Coc-Bich Dong area (7km, easy terrain flat road). 

• You need to walk up 150-250 steps to explore Bich Dong grotto and pagoda 

Overnight in Hoa Lu

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994, Ha Long Bay is a naturalist's dream. Magnificent Ha Long Bay, with its 3,000 islands rising from the clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, is one of the natural marvels of Vietnam. These tiny islands are dotted with innumerable beaches and grottoes created by the wind and the waves. Observing the limestone rocks rising from the sea and sailed junk boats sail by will be a truly memorable experience.  

The scenic 3.5-hour drive from Ninh Binh to Ha Long is full of spectacular scenery as you will pass through seemingly endless green paddy fields and lush fruit farms. Arrive at the Halong City pier at midday and complete check-in procedures. Following the aboard greeting, lunch will be given while the ship sails towards the bay.

In the afternoon, enjoy tours and/or activities (depending on the schedule of each vessel) as the cruises on emerald green waters among thousands of rugged islands and incredible limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, stopping at spectacular caves through which you can wander, viewing impressive, centuries-old formations. or just rest on board. The boat anchors for the night amid the karst formations at the conclusion of the day.  Dinner is served onboard

Overnight in Halong Bay

Enjoy a cool morning in the middle of the bay, as the sun rises over the horizon. Breakfast (brunch on some boats) is provided as the yacht glides leisurely back to port, passing spectacular rock formations. Return to Hanoi after disembarkation.

Transfer directly to the Noi Bai airport for flight to Hue.

Upon arrival at Hue Airport, after you finish all customs and immigration procedures, please head to the exit gate and look for your driver who will be waiting for you, holding a welcome signboard with your name on it. Then, you will be transferred to your hotel in town by a private vehicle.

Overnight in Hue.

Hue, the former Imperial capital, is a tranquil and peaceful city with the magnificent architecture of its citadel, palaces, royal tombs, garden houses, pagodas and temples, built under the Nguyen dynasty on the banks of the Perfume River.

This morning, set off for a leisure boat trip floating on the Perfume River that flows through the charming Hue city. Disembark your boat and visit Thien Mu pagoda, one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. Built in 1601, the seven-storied tower pagoda perched on top of on a hill overlooking the Perfume River is one of Vietnam's most recognizable icons. 

Head out to the last resting place of the 12th king of Nguyen dynasty, Khai Dinh who left behind a magnificent and huge burial compound idyllically located on the peaceful Chau Chu Mountain and different from structures of previous predecessor Royal' tombs. Passing by the spectacular entryway with its spectacular dragon pillars, get inside the colorful mosaic interior in the spacious main building decorated with murals of the “Four Seasons”, the “Eight Precious Objects”, the “Five Blessings”, and many others. Notice a perfect architectural combination of European and Asian culture, between classic and modern features.

This afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel at the centre of the Complex of Hue Monuments inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Enter through the towering main gate to observe the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains the events and the intrigue surrounding the former royal court. Some sections suffered the most extensive damage during the Vietnam War, but most of them are incredibly well-preserved.

Notes:

• Tour duration: Full day (08.00-17.00)

• You will need to climb up 127 steps to visit the whole compound of Khai Dinh's tomb

Overnight in Hue

This morning, drive through the rice fields to Thanh Toan village. Situated not too far from Hue's center, the village still retains the scenes of an ancient 16th-century village through the landscape, temples, and way of life. Make a stop at Thanh Toan tiled roof bridge certified as a national relic site in 1990 by the culture ministry. Admire the intriguing decorative patterns preserved according to the original design, with the porcelain dragon and phoenix. 

Continue your cultural exploration of the incredible ensemble of tombs called the "City of Ghosts" at An Bang Village.  The cemetery was built by villagers with overseas funds from family members with beautifully coloured structures in various styles Buddhist, Taoist, Catholic, Vietnamese, Chinese and Western. Some of the tombs in An Bang are incredibly costly and some are even copies of the Nguyen Kings' tombs and the Hue Imperial Citadel.

Then, enjoy a scenic drive over along the coastline to Hai Van pass, offering a spectacular view of verdant mountains, clear blue skies, and the beautiful Lang Co beach. From the top of the mountain, Lang Co beach appears as a charming and fascinating picture that is formed from verdant trees, crystal clear waters, and especially the cloud covering the cascading mountains. After the stop, head to Hoi An ancient town, arriving in the mid-afternoon. 

Notes:

• Tour duration: Full day (08.00 - 15.00)

• Clients can choose to have lunch at a local restaurant (own account) in Lang Co Beach area before driving to Hoi An

• In case of unfavorable conditions, for safety reasons the journey will be made through the Hai Van Tunnel instead of the Hai Van Pass.

Overnight in Hoi An

Hoi An is surrounded by restful countryside where life is simple and slow with people living close to nature. This morning is filled with interesting activities, offering to you offers you a closer look into the traditional way of agricultural life in the outskirt of the ancient Hoi An town. Hop on your bicycle and set off for an easy bike ride through picturesque villages, passing by rice paddies and vegetable farms. Along the way, you might see cows or buffalos working on rice fields with farmers or lazy relaxing under the shade. Then, learn the art of paddling the unique Vietnamese round basket boat and journey through the tranquil coconut-palm flanked waterways while hearing about how the area was important during the war. Arrive in the Tra Que village where the local farmers work on the organic fields and gardens using traditional methods that date back hundreds of years. Join the local host to prepare the tasty dishes of Central Vietnam. Then savor your creations in a rustic yet cozy setting before bidding farewell to the host and cycle back to downtown Hoi An. 

This afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour around Hoi An Ancient Town, which is recognized for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets, and typical local cuisine. During this leisurely exploration on foot, observe some of the historic merchant and community houses, ancient pagodas, and traditional places of worship with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture. Make a stop at the iconic over 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge first built by the Japanese community in 1590s as a way to reach the Chinese quarter across the water. Visit the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation notice its gorgeous woodcarvings on the beams, walls, and altar while unraveling with your guide some untold stories about the Chinese community during their time in Hoi An. Continue strolling around Hoi An's back street and feel soft, clattering hum which is the sound of sewing machines. This little charming town is also home to hundreds of tailor shops and nobody can explain exactly when, how, or why it became sewing central. Visit a tailor shop where you can get some express made-to-order clothes.

You will choose to do one of the following options:

Option 1: Calligraphy experience

Step into a back alley to visit an elderly man who has a passion for Vietnamese calligraphy. Have some tea and a chat with him to learn that calligraphy is more than just a way to convey information; it can also be used to convey one's innermost thoughts and feelings. See the master at work as he creates a lucky character in calligraphy for you to take home with you as a souvenir.

Option 2: Lantern making

Known as a key part of Hoi An culture, the silk lantern is a simple yet colorful handicraft. Follow the narrow street to reach the home of a local craftsman, nestled away in a small corner of the quarter. After a brief introduction to the history, to the history, shape, and color of the lanterns as well as the stages of production, try to create or decorate a lantern and take it home as a souvenir.

Notes:

• Tour duration: Full day (08.30-17.00)

• Cycling distance: 5-7km, on flat terrain, depending on your physical condition or length you desire

• Walking distance: 2-3km, easy on the flat terrain

• Capacity for calligraphy experience: 10pax 

• The Hoi An entrance ticket is valid for entry to 5 sightseeing spots in Hoi An including merchant houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, museums, pagodas and assembly halls for 24 hours. It also provides entry into Hoi An Ancient Town for as long as you are in Hoi An. Please keep the entrance ticket with you at all times should you independently visit Hoi An later in the evening or on another day.

Overnight in Hoi An

Notes:

• Recommended Chabad House in Hoi An: 570A Cua Dai, Cam Chau

The UNESCO World Heritage Centre of My Son is a remarkable trace of Champa structural remains. My Son used to be the prosperous capital of Champa civilization, ruled in Central Vietnam from 2nd to 13th Century

Depart from downtown Hoi An for a scenic 1.5-hour drive passing through small towns with local markets to My Son tower complex. The towers were built from 9th to 13th Century. Most of the temples in My Son were dedicated to Champa Kings and also served as a burial place for Cham monarchs.

Stroll around the temple complex, rediscovered in the late 19th century where you will have a great opportunity to learn about the fascinating Cham culture, architecture, and civilization. The guide will also explain to you about ties to Hindu divinities, namely Shiva, known as the founder and protector of Champa's dynasties.

After exploring the My Son complex, drive back to downtown Hoi An, passing by the peaceful countryside landscape. Have your camera ready for capturing some beautiful photos.

Notes:

• Tour duration: Half day (08.00-12.00)

Overnight in Hoi An

Transfer from your hotel in Hoi An to the Da Nang airport without guide

Upon arrival at Phu Quoc Airport, after you finish all customs and immigration procedures, please head to the exit gate and look for your driver who will be waiting for you, holding a welcome signboard with your name on it. Then, you will be transferred to your hotel in town by a private vehicle.

Overnight in Phu Quoc Island

This day is free at leisure.

Overnight in Phu Quoc Island.

This day is free at leisure.

Overnight in Phu Quoc Island.

Transfer from your hotel to the airport

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, after you finish all customs and immigration procedures, please head to the exit gate and look for your driver who will be waiting for you, holding a welcome signboard with your name on it. Then, you will be transferred to your hotel in town by a private vehicle.

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as “Saigon”) is famed for its busy street life throughout the day, it particularly comes alive at night and never sleeps. Be ready for a healthy appetite and a sense of adventure as the local foodie guide will show you what makes Saigon's nightlife different and unique in the eyes of the visitors.

This evening, explore Saigon's nightlife the way locals do, all from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. After the tour briefing, join the hustling traffic, zoom through the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City as you check out some of the famous eating spots of this bustling city. Stroll around district 4 to see the real nightlife of the city and join the locals to taste the street seafood and cold drinks. Continue riding off into the night to a hidden Vietnamese-style coffee shop to have a taste of Vietnamese music like a local. Cap off night excursion at a lively rock bar where a new generation of Vietnamese flaunts their style. Bid farewell to the Vespa before riding back to your hotel.

Notes:

• Joining tour

• Capacity: 7 persone per group

• Tour duration: 3.5-4 hours (18.00-22.00)

• You will sit behind experienced drivers who understand their motorbikes and the traffic like the back of their hands.

Note:

• Recommended Chabad House in Ho Chi Minh City: 5a (villa) Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ho Chi Minh City

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city

This morning, depart Ho Chi Minh City for a 1.5-hour drive northwest to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, passing through urbanized areas and a typically lush southern Vietnamese countryside. Originally dug as a base to organize guerrilla-style actions against the French, the Cu Chi tunnels were expanded during the Indochina War to become an ingenious and incredible underground network to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. There are more than 200 kilometers of subterraneous complexes containing storage rooms, kitchens, hospitals, sleeping quarters, and even schools, once occupied by more than 10,000 people. Tour the vast network of underground passageways to gain an insight into the tunnels' history, life in the tunnels as well as the tenacity and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese during combat.

After exploring the tunnel complex, continue your journey to Tay Ninh where you will have a chance to admire the elaborate architecture of a great temple, and learn about an exclusive religion of Vietnam. Founded in the early 20th Century, the Cao Dai religion is a unique blend of Western and Eastern philosophies and religions. Tour the temple and notice this intricate combination featured by its thorough architecture. Visitors are welcomed to get inside the temple to observe the strictly orchestrated, colorful mid-day service that offer great opportunity to capture the view of the whole temple and the followers wearing colored robes with their strong belief in Buddha and the Christian God. Drive back to downtown Ho Chi Minh City arriving at the end of the day.

Note:

• Tour duration: full day (07.00-17.30)

• The Cu Chi Tunnels have been widened in places for western visitors, however they can still be dark, hot and claustrophobic inside so please bear this in mind if you do not like enclosed spaces. For those who choose to stay above the ground there are plenty of easily accessible rooms and excavated areas to visit

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city

This morning, take a two-hour drive from Saigon to Ben Tre Province in the Mekong Delta. This province is well-known for its traditional coconut products and tropical fruit orchards. Arriving at the waterfront pier, set off for a slow journey along the Mekong River on the charming Apricot boat, a newly tradition-inspired river barge that features the combination of modernity and tastefully traditional riverboat style. Indulge yourself in countryside scenery and river life while enjoying seasonal tropical fruits and local specialties. The shore excursion includes a brick factory where you can discover how bricks are manufactured by hand using centuries-old traditional methods, a coconut workshop where nearly every part of the coconut is used for candies and crafts, and a family-run mat workshop where you can try your hand at making the ubiquitous straw sleeping mats.

Board on a rowing sampan and get a bird's-eye view of the Delta's rivers surrounded with palm trees. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving at the end of the day.

Notes:

• Tour duration: Full day (08.30-17.00)

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city

Transfer from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City to the Tan Son Nhat airport without guide