Vietnam Culture Adventure: Discover the Unexpected – 15 Days

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be greeted at the airport by our guide and driver, who will provide transportation to your hotel for check-in. Please note that rooms are available from 2pm. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Meals are not included. You will stay overnight at the hotel.

Start your day with a morning tour to the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, built on the site of the historic Norodom Palace. Continue your journey to admire the elegant French Colonial architecture of the Central Post Office, a stunning example of the city’s colonial past. Next, visit the War Remnants Museum, which offers a compelling collection of exhibits related to the Indochina wars, giving a sobering insight into this turbulent period.

In the afternoon, depart from your hotel to explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, once a critical stronghold for the Viet Cong. Before venturing inside, watch a short film depicting the daily life of soldiers living and fighting in the tunnels. These tunnels served not only as living quarters but also as supply routes, hospitals, and hiding places for thousands of guerrilla fighters. After the visit, return to Saigon.

Meals are on your own arrangement. Overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel to depart for Ben Tre. Upon arrival, the group will be welcomed at the foot of Phong Nẫm Bridge, where you can choose to explore by bicycle or rickshaw around the village. You’ll visit the monkey bridge, Phú Tự Temple, and the rice fields and vegetable gardens at Mr. Ba’s house. Next, you’ll see traditional brick-making and coconut processing workshops. Later, a boat ride along the Chẹt Sậy River allows you to enjoy fresh fruit and coconut water, and visit a coconut candy workshop. The boat then continues through small canals to Nhơn Thạnh Market. In the afternoon, walk or bike 3-6 km to Xóm Nhỏ Restaurant for a local meal, including fried bananas. A rickshaw takes you to the rowing dock, where you’ll row a small boat through a nipa palm creek for about 15 minutes. At 15:30, arrive at Nhà Việc Bridge and return by vehicle. You will then transfer to Cần Thơ and check into your hotel from 14:00. The evening is free for dinner, and you’ll stay overnight at the hotel.

Your day begins at 6:30 AM with a local tour guide picking you up from your hotel. You’ll then travel by wooden boat to the Cai Rang floating market. There, you’ll discover the market’s history, cultural significance, lively trading atmosphere, and the people who make it special. Enjoy breakfast on the boat and sample fresh pineapple.

Following the market, you’ll visit a local tropical fruit garden, where you can taste seasonal fruits like mango, dragon fruit, and guava (depending on availability). Relax on the boat as you cruise through the green canal, taking in the rural scenery and capturing memorable photos on the return to Can Tho city center.

Afterward, you’ll be transferred to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your flight to Hue.

Meals are your responsibility. Upon arrival at Hue Airport, a driver and guide will greet you and take you to your hotel for check-in. You’ll spend the night at a hotel in Hue.

Discover Hue’s imperial history with a trip to the Hue Imperial Citadel, the Vietnamese capital during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945). Witness the ongoing restoration of war-damaged buildings.

Next, visit the iconic seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of Hue. See the car used by Thich Quang Duc monk in his 1963 protest.

In the afternoon, explore the Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, blending architecture and landscapes. Then, discover the ornate Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, known for its unique style.

Finally, return to your hotel for relaxation and arrange your own meals. Overnight stay at your hotel.

You will have free time until our driver arrives to transfer you to Hoi An town. Your room will be available for your use from 2:00 PM. Lunch is at your own convenience.

In the afternoon, you’ll spend time exploring this ancient town. The first stop is Chua Ong Pagoda, built in 1653, in honor of the Chinese general Quan Cong, who is regarded by many as a symbol of loyalty and justice.

Next, visit Phuc Kien Assembly Hall to see Jinshang Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess and protector of sailors. From there, it’s a short walk to Tan Ky House, a 200-year-old ancestral residence. Finally, enjoy a stroll across the iconic 17th-century covered bridge, built by Japanese craftsmen.

Then, embark on a culinary journey with your guide. Start at a renowned restaurant to try the exclusive White Rose Dumplings, where you’ll have the chance to make your own. Continue sampling other local dishes such as Banh Can. On the way, enjoy grilled pork satay and visit the bustling central market.

Finally, savor a bowl of the famous Cao Lau noodles or the popular chicken rice. Conclude your day with a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee—what a perfect ending to a wonderful day!

After breakfast, you will go on a boat to Cam Thanh village (the capital of coconuts), a chance to discover the daily life of Vietnamese fishermen, their families and their community. Take a boat trip along Cua Dai River, drop in on a local fisherman on the river, see how they cast net. Learn how to paddle the Vietnamese unique bamboo basket boat. Explore the now tranquil coconut palm flanked waterways of a past war and hear of the extreme conditions endured by soldiers of both sides.

Lunch is on your own arrangement.

In the afternoon, you spend your leisure to freely explore Hoi An town or you can choose to participate in following optional tours:

• Organic farming experience at Tra Que Village (not included in the package)
• Lantern Making (not included in the package)
• SUP Paddling (not included in the package)

After breakfast at your hotel, you’re free to relax until your flight to Hanoi. Please note that you’ll need to check out of your room by 12:00 PM.

Upon arrival at Noi Bai airport, our guide and driver will greet you and take you to your hotel for check-in. Your room will be available from 2:00 PM. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy.

Meals are at your own expense, and you’ll be staying overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Begin your day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you’ll learn about Vietnam’s revolutionary leader. Afterwards, explore the One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace. Next, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s oldest university built in honor of Confucius, dating back nearly a thousand years. In the afternoon, tour Hoa Lo Prison, known during the Vietnam War as the “Hanoi Hilton.” Then, enjoy a relaxed walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, exploring its 36 streets named after the products traditionally sold there. Later, visit Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake and discover its legendary story involving an emperor, a magic sword, and a giant turtle. End the day with a traditional water puppet show. Meals are self-arranged, and overnight stays are at your hotel.

Morning:

• 7:00 AM: Hotel pickup in the Old Quarter.
• 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM: 4-hour drive to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, including a 15-minute rest stop around 10:00 AM to enjoy the scenery.

Afternoon:

• 12:00 PM: Arrive at Pu Luong Nature Reserve, have lunch, and check in to your hotel (check-in time is typically 2:00 PM, so you can relax until then).
• 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM: 10km trek (difficulty 4/5) starting with a transfer to the meeting point. The trek explores Kho Muong village and its cave, followed by Bang village with its rice terraces.

Evening:

• Return to the hotel by 5:00 PM and relax.
• Overnight stay at your hotel.

Morning:

• Wake up: Enjoy the refreshing mountain air.
• Breakfast: Served at the hotel.
• Meet your guide: 08:30 AM at the hotel for a full day of trekking.
• Hike to Uoi – Lan Village (09:00 AM): Begin a 6km hike along the iconic Pu Luong trail. This section showcases breathtaking paddy fields and the authentic lives of the Thai ethnic minorities in Uoi – Lan Village. (Difficulty: 2/5)

Late Morning:

• Trek to Hieu Waterfall (10:30 AM): Experience off-the-beaten-track moments in the jungle, passing through Long and Doc villages (approximately 8km). Bicycling is an available alternative.

Afternoon:

• Hieu Waterfall (12:30 PM): A short walk to a unique waterfall within the Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch surrounded by the sounds of nature near the waterfall.
• Free time: Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Hieu Waterfall and experience local village life. Explore the mountain roads.
• Return to Hotel (04:00 PM): Transfer back to the hotel for relaxation. Bikers can explore hamlets on the way back to Lan village.

Evening:

• Dinner (07:00 PM): Enjoy a delicious dinner.
• Free time: Enjoy the evening at your own pace.

Start your day early with breakfast to fuel up for the activities ahead.

Morning:

• 8:45 AM: Transfer to Ban Cong for a 2.5km walk. The route includes crossing a suspension bridge to a scenic village with a large stream. Enjoy views of landscapes, rice fields, and village life. Look out for the giant water wheels created by local ethnic minorities. (Difficulty: 2/5)
• Experience bamboo rafting at Chieu Lau dam. Paddle upstream with locals.
• After rafting, embark on a 2km trek through rice fields and villages, completing a loop trail.
• Meet your transfer at the main road and return to your hotel.
• 11:30 AM: Check out of your hotel and have lunch.

Afternoon:

• 1:00 PM: Depart for Hanoi by bus.
• 6:30 PM: Arrive back at your hotel in Hanoi (estimated, traffic depending).

Evening:

• Dinner is on your own.
• Overnight at your hotel.

After having breakfast and checking out of your hotel in Hanoi, drive approximately 2.5-3 hours to Halong port.

Upon your arrival, board your cruise with a warm welcome from the crew and enjoy a refreshing welcome drink. A lunch will be served onboard while you are cruising around the bay, exploring the magnificent limestone mountains.

In the afternoon, enjoy thrilling activities. Later, return to the cruise for relaxation before indulging in a delightful dinner.

Retire for the night, savoring the overnight experience on the cruise.

Wake in the sun and enjoy your breakfast on board as the horizon brightens. Continue your cruise through some of the most iconic sites of Ha Long, seeing some of the most unique islets and enjoying the natural splendor that makes this World Heritage Site so special.

Following check-out, relish a brunch on board before bidding farewell to the crew at the main harbor. Then make your way back to Hanoi at around 03:00 PM.

Check-in your hotel in Hanoi and enjoy your leisure time. Meals are in your own arrangement. Stay overnight at your hotel.

You can kick back and unwind until it’s time to head to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to your home country. Meals on your own.