Vietnam Luxury Cultural Exploration In 10 Days

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to the exit gate and look for your driver, who will be waiting in the lobby, holding the signboard with your name on it, if you cannot locate your driver, please go to the Airport information counter situated in the middle of Domestic and International arrival lobby (inside the terminal) and call the emergency numbers provided by your travel advisor for assistance. Your driver will come to meet you up and transfer you to the hotel for check-in and free at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi

Hanoi is known for its ancient capital and is the best place to visit in North Vietnam, is also the country’s cultural heart, bearing traces of centuries of changing dynasties. At 8:00 AM, your tour guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to the key historic attraction of the city such as Hoan Kiem Lake; Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum; Vietnam Museum of Ethnology the  Hanoi Temple of Literature – a rare example of Vietnamese architecture back to the 11thCentury. In the afternoon, immerse in the unique cultural experiences right in the heart of the Old Quarter.

Meet musician Pham Chi Khanh, a famous traditional Vietnamese stringed instrument maker and player, who has been applying his passion for traditional Vietnamese music for nearly 40 years. He became very talented with Vietnamese long zither when he was 10 years old and is now spreading his passion to his daughter, an instructor at the Vietnam National Academy of Music. Having dinner with his family and enjoying his and his daughter’s performance. Then your guide and private driver will accompany you back to your hotel, or if you prefer to enjoy dinner at your pace in the Old Quarter and soak up the atmosphere, you can make your way back to your hotel at your leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Have a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Today you will make your way out of the city to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, the best place to visit in Vietnam. We leave the busy streets of Hanoi behind, bound for the serenity of Halong Bay where we’ll board a traditional-style Vietnamese Junk boat. We will guide you to the facilities on board as we set sail and cruise into the bay. Savor your first hours in Halong Bay on the sun deck and simply let your eyes wander over the breathtaking scenery.

Cua Van

We arrive at Cua Van, one of the last remaining floating fishing villages in Halong Bay which some families and fishermen still use as a base for their fishing and aquacultural activities. With a small bamboo boat rowed by locals, we have a look at the floating structures in this calm and secluded area to gain some insight into village life. If you prefer to be more active, rent a kayak (extra fee) and paddle around by yourself. This is the perfect way to freely move about and explore this part of the bay. The fishing village also hosts the Cua Van Cultural Center, operated by residents to preserve and introduce visitors to the village’s history and culture. On display are many archaeological artifacts and photographs depicting life in Cua Van.

Tien Ong cave

By tender, we transfer to the nearby Tien Ong cave. The cave shows evidence of human civilization dating back to 10,000 – 8,000 BC. Fossil evidence also proves that the cave was part of the mainland continent ages ago before Halong Bay became the marine wonder it is today. Tien Ong cave reaches a depth of 50 meters and covers a total area of roughly 1,000 square meters. Follow our guide as we loop through and learn interesting details about this cavern. After returning to the boat, we sail to the overnight mooring area. During this time – the magical “blue hour” – Halong Bay reveals its true, magnificent beauty.

Unwind on the sun deck with your favorite drink and be fully present in this moment. As we sail along, our chef demonstrates the preparation of popular Vietnamese dishes. You are welcome to join and practice along; remember these easy, but very tasty classic Vietnamese recipes and take them back home with you. After a bit of downtime, dinner is served. If you are still eager to learn more about Halong Bay, our onboard guide offers an enlightening presentation about the bay’s unique and intriguing insights after dinner. Alternatively, give yourself a try at squid fishing together with our staff – always an entertaining experience.

While away the rest of the evening and treasure this special moment amidst the magical landscapes before falling into a restful slumber in the middle of Halong Bay were, once upon a time, sparkling jewels cascaded from heavenly dragons.

Overnight on cruise.

Rise early today to view the dawn at the Wonder of the Nature World with complimentary tea and coffee served by us in the dining room. A Tai Chi class is offered on the sun deck to awaken your mind and muscles.

In the morning, we set sail to the small Ti Top Island. Formerly named Cat Nang, the island received a name change after former president Ho Chi Minh and the second man to orbit the Earth, Russian astronaut German Titov, toured Halong Bay together in 1962. Since the cosmonaut was so fascinated with this picturesque islet, Uncle Ho would rename the spectacle Ti Top Island to honor Titov and as a gesture of friendship between their two countries. Once arriving at Ti Top, you can go for a refreshing morning swim on a sandy beach beneath towering rock formations. If you prefer to be a bit more active, climb 400 stone steps (which takes about 20 minutes) to the island’s top and be rewarded with stunning, panoramic views over the bay.

There is also a viewing platform about halfway up with great vistas framed by lush greenery – perfect for photos. Back on board, you can take a shower and freshen up. Now is the time to enjoy the final moments of sailing as we head back to the harbor while a light brunch is served. Until we reach the pier, relax on the sun deck or in the dining room while savoring the last views of this iconic site.

Back to the harbor and transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Danang. Board a flight to Danang and upon arrival, your English-speaking guide will escort you to your hotel in Hoi An. Enjoy a scenic 40 minutes  transfer from Danang to Hoi An, Hoi An is renowned for its romantic town, the best ancient places to visit in Central Vietnam

Overnight in Hoi An.

Begin a day with a welcome drink at Hai Scout café in Hoi An Ancient Town. Then visit Hoi An’s colorful main market, and experience its amazing sights, sounds, and aromas. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers, and to see and taste the wonderful variety of foods on display. We board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School.

On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s best-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by the Red Bridge chef before we prepare the same dish ourselves. After the lesson, have lunch and enjoyed the dishes that you have made. The rest of the day is your leisure time to explore the city on your own.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Have breakfast at the hotel and relaxing time before boarding a flight from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City. The approximate flight time is one hour and 30 minutes. We will privatively transfer you between your accommodations and Ho Chi Minh Airport by our professional driver and an English-speaking guide. The rest of the day is your leisure time to explore the city on your own.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Have breakfast at the hotel then embark on an army Jeep from your hotel to some best places to visit landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Firstly, the Reunification Palace, also known as the Independence Palace, was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until the end of April 1975 during the Fall of Saigon. It was here that the Vietnam War ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates and led to the formal reunification of the two sides. Then heading to FITO Museum to see its collection of 3,000 items of traditional tools and ancient documents, traces the development of traditional medicine in Vietnam.

Head over by car to Cholon the best place to visit and explore the city’s Chinatown, widely regarded as the largest one in Vietnam. The city used to know as Saigon – Cholon until Vietnam’s independence from France in 1955. From here continue to the Jade Emperor Pagoda, also known as Phuoc Hai and regarded as one of the most interesting pagodas in the country. Built by the Cantonese community around the turn of the 20th century and it is still busy with worshipers. Finish the tour by dropping off at the hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

We will pick you up at 8:AM, and drive from south to the countryside of Cai Be for the boat cruise along the beautiful waterways of the Mekong Delta. The mighty Mekong River is the lifeblood of Vietnam and its neighbors. Originating high up in the Tibetan plateau in China, it winds across Southeast Asia for over 2700 miles and reaches its Delta on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City.

Activities

Here you’ll hop in a long-tailed boat to cruise around the floating market, where you’ll find villagers exchanging goods and produce from their canoes. On the river, all sorts of boats ply the water, from small fishing boats to cargo barges loaded with fruit and vegetables. At Tan Phong Islet, board a small rowboat to better explore the canal’s hidden mangroves.

Return to your sampan to visit an ancient house built in the 19th century. We’ll make stops along the way to explore local cottage industries including the making of coconut candy and puffed rice (the local equivalent of popcorn). Stop for a typical Vietnamese lunch at Le Longanier Restaurant – an exquisite colonial-style villa set in a lush tropical garden by the river and surrounded by fruit trees, giving you a sense of privileged life during Indochinese times. After lunch, mingle with the local people and visit a bonsai garden, where you can learn a few tips on caring for these delicate miniature trees. After that, take a short walk along a small canal towards the Ba Bon Bridge where your vehicle awaits to drive you approximately 2 hours to Can Tho.

Overnight in Can Tho.

After an early breakfast, today you have an opportunity to visit the best places in South Vietnam, the fascinating floating market at Cai Rang where local farmers trade their products directly from the water. Walking trip to visit the fruit plantation and local noodle factory. Visit Binh Thuy communal house and Munir Ansay Pagoda – a Khmer pagoda, renowned for its unique structure.

Refueled with delicious Vietnamese cuisine at a local restaurant and return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip. Complete the hotel check-out formalities after which you can visit the local markets and buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later, proceed for departure and board your flight back home after finish some best places to visit in Vietnam!