In the morning, we leave for Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta, also known as the “Green Venice” of Vietnam. Upon arrival we embark on a boat to cruise the Mekong River. We make a quick stop at a local coconut candy factory before walking through a brick and a local coconut factory, where the coconuts are opened by hand. We will then cruise further on the river and on a smaller canal flanked by coconut trees. We make a stop to visit the gardens of a local house, where we taste some tropical fruits. We then continue on a smaller boat through the canal rowed by a local oarsman. After disembarking, we hop on a bicycle to discover the countryside by land, before stopping for lunch in a beautiful local restaurant to taste some traditional dishes of the Mekong region. In the afternoon, walk on a small path to a small jetty where our boat is waiting, and then we cruise back to Ben Tre and transfer to Ho Chi Minh City.

This evening is at leisure, with some optional activities including Culinary, Art or local experiences, which may be suggested for the guests.

Post breakfast, we will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. We reach the Cu Chi Tunnels after a 2 hours drive and learn more about the common history between Vietnam and the US. The tunnels of Củ Chi are an immense network of connecting tunnels located in the Củ Chi District of Ho Chi Minh City and are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. The Củ Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and were the Viet Cong‘s base of operations for the Tet Offensive in 1968. Upon visiting this historical site, we return to Ho Chi Minh city and transfer to the airport for the flight to Danang. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel in Hoi An and the remaining day is at leisure.

Post breakfast we explore the ancient town of Hoi An.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers us a glimpse into what a Southeast Asian trade centre looked like hundreds of years ago. Meander down narrow lanes framed by many old houses and see local people trading at the market, visit the famous Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple and Tan Ky Trading House. Discover the harmony of Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese and French architectural elements in this fascinating town. We will return to Hoi An in the early evening and have the rest of the day at your leisure to further discover the old streets or relax by the beach.

Optional Experience: Food tasting walk:

Our first stop to try the Hoi An specialty white rose dumplings (made from translucent white dough filled with spiced minced shrimp or pork). Next, stop at a typical Vietnamese ancient house to try Hoi An’s famous green bean cake with a cup of tea. Our next stop is a cao lau shop, where we will indulge in this iconic dish patronized mostly by locals. Continue along the street to reach hidden banh my shop (famous Vietnamese sandwich) before enjoying wontons on the way to Ba Le Ancient Well. The final stop of our epicurean experience is at a local café to enjoy fresh Vietnamese coffee. Rest of the day is at leisure.

In the morning, we will travel to My Son (which means: “The beautiful mountain”) – the most important Cham archaeological site in the center of Vietnam dating back from the 4th to the 13th century, the 70 building complex shows that the Cham civilization was contemporary and rather close to the Khmer civilization, which makes My Son as important as the sites of Angkor in Cambodia, Borobudur in Indonesia, or Bagan in Burma.

Then, we depart from Hoi An to Hue, taking the spectacular Hai Van Pass route. This road, which overlooks the bay, offers an incomparable panorama. We will make several stops along the way, including one at the paradise beach of Lang Co. We will arrive in Hue in the evening and check into our hotel.

In the morning we start our tour with a visit to the Imperial Citadel. After the visit to the Citadel, we will start our food tour by sitting on a cyclo, passing Phu Xuan Bridge to the other bank of the river. The first stop is an authentic local restaurant in a small street, we will taste some fancy rice cakes such as Banh Beo, Banh Nam or Banh Ram It. Continuing around the Imperial citadel, we will make a second stop for a very special pancake: the Banh Khoai which is dipped into a local sauce. After passing another bridge, our cyclo will slowly leave the Imperial Citadel area and head for a small street where we will stop in a famous Bun Bo Hue restaurant. As we taste the signature dish from Hue consisting of tasty noodles with beef and a slightly spicy sauce, we will make another stop at a famous cake-shop. Our last stop of the day will be in a riverside coffee shop with beautiful views on the perfume river.

In the afternoon, we continue our journey to discover Tu Duc mausoleum, a model of traditional Vietnamese art and one of the most beautiful sights in the city. Then, we will explore Tu Hieu pagoda nearby, nestled in a vast pine forest and home to a community of monks who remain very active in their day to day existence. In the garden, we will be able to see the tombs of some royal mandarins.

In the morning, we transfer from Hue to Hanoi.

Upon arrival, we begin our discovery of the capital with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – a tribute to the architecture of Lenin Mausoleum in Moscow, his traditional stilt house and the One-Pillar Pagoda – built in the 11th century.

Then, we visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu in Vietnamese), situated in the place once known as the first university of Vietnam. Built in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, the university was first opened for princes and mandarins exclusively. With its ancient courtyards, altars and roofs, Van Mieu is a fine example of Vietnamese architecture. Following this, we continue our way to the Old Quarter and the surroundings of the Sword Lake.

We then return to our hotel and the remaining day is at leisure.

In the morning, we travel to Tuan Chau pier and arrive around noon. Upon arrival, we will travel by a tender boat to the Cruise, in order to discover a different route to Halong Bay from Hai Phong. At lunch time, the cruise boat will set off to Da Chong Islet, where the guests will see a lighthouse built by the French. We will then sail to Con Vit and Gia Luan islets which are impressive limestone karst formations rising straight up out of the sea. We then proceed to explore the Trung Tang Cave, located in a beautiful valley. The cruise continues through to Cat Ba island and Lan Ha Bay. We will have time to enjoy the sunset as well as the chance to join a traditional cooking class with the chef before dinner. Overnight on the cruise.

We may begin the day with an early morning Tai Chi class before breakfast. Following this, the guests will explore the Ao Ech area kayaking. Then, back at the cruise, it will be time to enjoy a tea ceremony and a tasteful brunch while cruising back to the pier.

In case of an evening/night flight, guests may engage in the optional experience or opt to spend some leisure time in the city.

In evening we proceed to Hanoi Airport for the onward flights.