South to North Vietnam

Route can change subject to client’s interest.

Depart the hotel for a full day Ho Chi Minh City tour. Head to Cholon, the Chinatown district, to discover the area’s markets, shops, and the Cantonese Thien Hau Pagoda - dedicated to the goddess of the Sea. Visit Vietnam's first traditional medicine museum, the FITO Museum, with an amazing collection of 3,000 items relevant to the development of traditional Vietnamese medicine. Implements used to prepare indigenous herbs, and objects commonly found in traditional pharmacies can be seen in the galleries as well as ancient books and documents on traditional Vietnamese medicine.

Head back to the city center to visit Ben Thanh Market where an incredible display of fresh produce is offered. Simply stroll through the market exploring the variety of goods for sale.

This afternoon visit the War Remnants Museum,  History Museum (closed Mondays) or the former Presidential Palace, Stroll to the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City: the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall (a vehicle will be waiting at all times). At the end of the afternoon head back to the hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

HCMC to Ben Tre (100km): 2 hours.

Today’s tour starts at 08:00 with a pick up from the hotel in the city centre. Leave the busy streets and modern buildings of Ho Chi Minh City behind on this Ben Tre day trip. Drive 2-hours south of the city to this land of coconut in Mekong Delta. On arrival in Ben Tre Province, board a local boat for a first glimpse of life inside the Mekong Delta’s maze of waterways, fertile green terrain and its family-run cottage industries such as coconut candy making. See many local women spend their days boiling cauldrons of the sticky coconut goo before rolling it out and slicing sections into squares. The hand-rowed sampan journey under the shadow of the water coconut trees is always a not to be missed part. The riverside promenade and the narrow lanes on both sides of the river are ideal for two-wheeled exploration if preferred. (The second option to be request in advance & upon availability: hop on a Lambro motor-tricycle which was once the iconic vehicle and main means of transportation in Southern Vietnam dating back 1960s). After lunch at a riverside restaurant with Mekong Delta specialties, cruise passing bridge toward the pier for a drive back to Ho Chi Minh. Arrives at around 16:30

Route can change subject to client’s interest.

After breakfast transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for the short flight to the central port city of Danang. On arrival in Danang transfer to Hoi An Hoi An was a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle have changed little over the years.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Be enchanted by the historic wonders and sleepy charm of UNESCO-heritage Hoi An. Spend a half day with a local guide, exploring the ancient town. Explore former merchants’ homes, colorful communal halls, narrow lanes lined with traditional houses and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Leave the crowded venue behind and discover some untouched stories in the beautiful old town.

Meander down the small alley to discover an ancient house where the art of healing through martial art is passed down through generations. This healing method is the master’s invention, combined between Qigong, Tai Chi, and traditional vietnames martial art. Have a chance to learn some basic steps under the guidance of the master.

Last but not least, visit a cozy home to taste a typical dessert of locals and relax before heading back to the hotel.

Afternoon is free at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Transfer to Danang airport for the short flight to Hanoi.

On arrival, transfer to hotel.

This afternoon visit the Temple of Literature. In 1076, Vietnam's first university Quoc Tu Giam was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past.

Next, visit The One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure is one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. Close by is the mausoleum of the historic father figure of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, and the former presidents house on stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969. His former home illustrates the modesty of this Vietnamese revolutionary. (Viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Jun - Aug)

Wander the streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, also known as the ‘36 streets’. Take a walking tour through charming Hang Be Market and around Hoan Kiem Lake. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It's a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities all around.

Finish the day with a Water Puppet show. This is a uniquely North Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history.  

Overnight in Hanoi.

From your chosen hotel in Hanoi to Hai Phong (140km): approx.2hrs

Leave Hanoi after breakfast for a 2-hour transfer to Hai Phong City with a 15-minutes stop on the way. Arrive at Got Pier towards noon then proceed with check-in formalities. Welcome aboard, followed by lunch while cruising towards the bay. Spend the afternoon enjoying some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or relaxing onboard with panoramic views of the karst limestone formation. Complete the evening with dinner served onboard.

Overnight on Lan Ha Bay.

From Hai Phong to Hanoi (140km): approx. 2hrs

Wake up to the fresh morning amidst the bay and have breakfast (brunch on some boats) while leisurely immersing in the serene setting of the spectacular rock formations. Proceed to checkout as the cruise arrives towards port.  Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi.

Please note: This tour may be subject to change depending on weather conditions.