- Details
- Itinerary
- INCLUDES & EXCLUDES
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Overview
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at the airport, you will meet our representative, depending on your destination; they will be holding a sign with your surname. Enjoy a convenient, hassle-free transfer to your accommodation.
Accommodation: Le Jardin Hotel & Spa, Deluxe City View or similar
Meals: None
This city tour takes in Hanoi's essential sites. There is a morning and afternoon schedule, as well as an organised lunch. You are met at 8:30 in the hotel lobby. Morning: Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Mausoleum, his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh Museum. The Temple of Literature is Vietnam's first university, dating back to 1070. A local Vietnamese lunch Afternoon: Museum of Ethnology, widely acknowledged as the best in the country, containing an extensive display of life-size structures dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic minority peoples. Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake: The Ngoc Son Temple is set on a tiny island on Hoan Kiem Lake, with its history dating back to the 13th century. A one-hour cyclo tour through the narrow, chaotic streets of the Old Quarter is a must for any visitor to Hanoi!
Home delight dinner at local master chef's house:
Join for an exciting Hanoi dining experience at home of local master chef who, as a passionate and experienced Vietnamese cuisine expert, will guide you through the wonders of fabulous dinner in her cosy home. Start by visiting the neighbourhood’s wet market, located within walking distance of Chef's house. Explore the market's diverse offerings and learn from the chef about their traditional uses in Vietnamese cuisine. It's a fantastic opportunity to observe local life and discover how Hanoi residents’ shop for fresh produce. (Note: Market in the afternoon will be less busy than in the morning.) Then return to Chef's family home and head into the kitchen. Here, the chef will reveal the secrets behind North Vietnam's most beloved dishes. Finally, gather around the table and indulge in the flavours of your homemade meal while chatting about her journey to success and the secret to making good food.
Accommodation: Le Jardin Hotel & Spa, Deluxe City View or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Your journey begins as your vehicle drops you off at the starting point. Explore the bustling local wet market, brimming with vibrant displays of fresh produce, before delving into the hidden alleyways. Immerse yourself in the daily rhythms of Hanoian life. Pause at a quaint tea shop, where the owners share tales of their tea adventures. Discover the rich history of Vietnamese tea culture and indulge in the art of calligraphy. Experience the enchanting traditions and rituals passed down through generations.
Accommodation: Le Jardin Hotel & Spa, Deluxe City View or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Depart Hanoi early in the morning for an approximately 4-hour drive to Mai Chau, located about 150 km southwest of Hanoi. Just an hour beyond Hanoi, after Hoa Binh Town, the road weaves through mountains, fertile valleys, and traditional villages.
Arrive in the picturesque Mai Chau Valley, surrounded by spectacular karst rock formations and rice paddies. After lunch, visit Bao La Village to visit our community project. The visit provides you more insight into how tourism activities could have a positive impact on the locals.
This evening, enjoy a traditional Thai performance of music and dance. The Thai ethnic group has inhabited this area for centuries, and much of their lifestyle and traditions have remained unchanged over the years.
Accommodation: Mai Chau Ecolodge, Deluxe Room or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast
Transfer to Pa Co by road. Embark on an extraordinary journey through the heart of Northern Vietnam, where the tapestry of cultures and the allure of adventure await. Your day starts with a beautiful transfer from Mai Chau to Pa Co, where the enchanting fusion of Hmong and Thai traditions will astound you. If it's Sunday, the vibrant Pa Co Market will captivate your senses with its kaleidoscope of colours and authentic Hmong food and fabrics. A visit to a Hmong village offers a glimpse into their traditional way of life, complete with a mesmerising performance. As the day unfolds, you'll conquer steep mountain trails for breathtaking views, culminating in the tranquil haven of Hang Kia. A hearty lunch of local cuisine reenergises you before heading back to Mai Chau, a day filled with cultural richness, outdoor adventure, and unforgettable experiences in the far North of Vietnam. Note: The walk is around Pa` Co` in 2 km with easy pace; if you would like to challenge yourself, please take more 5 km trekking to Hang Kia
If you visit on the day without weekend marker, discover the life of Black Hmong people in Pa` Co`, when you could have chance to take a walk around the village to discover the local life e. Have a chance to sit and witness a traditional music performance while visiting the villa e. Challenge your art skills by joining a batik workshop and making your own piece of art in Hmong way.
Accommodation: Mai Chau Ecolodge, Deluxe Room or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, transfer 1 hour to Pu Luong, The day begins with a tranquil morning walk leading to Ban Cong, a charming village nestled amid emerald landscapes. Here, you'll embark on an enchanting bamboo rafting escapade along the shimmering waters, drifting gently amidst the verdant beauty of the surroundings. Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance, absorbing the serene rhythm of nature. Following a flavoursome local lunch that tantalises your taste buds with authentic regional flavours, the afternoon unveils an exhilarating half-day trek to the magnificent Hieu waterfall. Trekking through lush forests and traversing winding trails, you'll reach this awe-inspiring natural wonder, where cascading waters create a mesmerising spectacle. After a day brimming with adventure and scenic marvels, return to your hotel for a restful overnight stay, filled with memories of Pu Luong's captivating allure.
Accommodation: Puluong Retreat, Deluxe Central Wing or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast
Morning trekking through the rice paddy & the forest to Kho Muong, - home of Black Thai people, to learn about the authentic culture and house structure where the whole family lives and does their traditional rituals. Visit the Bat cave near by before trekking to Uoi & Lan villages, where locals still work on textile weaving.
Accommodation: Puluong Retreat, Deluxe Central Wing or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast
Morning transfer: 3 hours to Ninh Binh - Halong on land. Arrive to Bear Sanctuary, Four Paws, where you can rescue and protect bears. Enjoy vegetarian lunch and be ready for 1.5-hour walk near the outdoor enclosure area of the sanctuary to learn about the emotional life stories of the bears.
Accommodation: Le Clos du Fil Boutique Hotel & Spa, Deluxe King Countryside View or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast
Morning drive through the breathtaking sculpture landscapes of Ninh Binh. The area's striking karst formations, sheer limestone cliffs, and verdant surroundings create an environment that will astound you. Along the route, stop and take pictures of these enchanted moments with your camera or just enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside. Take a 500-step hike to the summit of Mua Cave to see the entire UNESCO site, which consists of the spectacular karst formations encircled by the Ngo Dong River. A sensation of freedom and adventure unlike any other will be created as you ride through more villages, rice fields, and karst vistas while the sounds of rural Vietnam play out all around you. Lunch at a nearby eatery before taking a sampan tour to Thien Ha cave.
The Thien Ha cave, one of Ninh Binh's top caves with 500 metres of wet cave and 200 metres of dry cave that will wow you with natural stalactites & stalemites, is accessible by tiny sampan via the tranquil river. Return to the resort when your boat ride ends at the Hai Nham dock.
Overnight at the hotel in Ninh Binh
Accommodation: Le Clos du Fil Boutique Hotel & Spa, Deluxe King Countryside View or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast
Morning transfer (4 hours) from Ninh Binh to Halong. Arrive to the pier at noon and start your exploration of Halong Bay in 2 nights.
Lunch will be served on the boat while cruising around the bay and witnessing the gorgeous beauty of Halong Bay.
Overnight will be spent on a cruise
Accommodation: Orchid Trendy Cruises Deluxe Balcony Cabin or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy Halong Bay this second day by exploring the off-beaten route in Halong Bay. Join in some adventure activities such as: kayaking, bamboo rowing or hiking through the cave. Enjoy sunset on the cruise.
Accommodation: Orchid Trendy Cruises Deluxe Balcony Cabin With or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy the last morning on the bay, then return to the pier at noon for a transfer back to Hanoi.
Accommodation: Chay Lap Farmstay Garden Room or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Arrival to Dong Hoi, the capital of Quang Binh in morning before transfer to Phong Nha and check in Chay Lap farm stay.
Accommodation: Chay Lap Farmstay Garden Room or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast
Arrive in Dong Hoi in the early morning, then take around an hour to drive to your farmstay in Phong Nha. Have breakfast before taking a kayaking tour to Dark Cave. At Dark Cave, you will receive some necessary safety equipment before continuing on. You will have the chance to try some adventure activities, including two different ziplining opportunities: one that is combined with swimming in the Chay River, and one that will transport you across the river to touch the entrance of the Dark Cave. It will be a 700-metre exploration of the cave and the enjoyment of a highly adventurous mineral-mud bath inside the cave (don’t expect a spa)! Then kayak back to Chay Lap Farmstay’s boat station. The remainder of the day is your free time to relax by the pool or lay out and soak in the scenery.
Accommodation: Chay Lap Farmstay Garden Room or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast
This 3-hour walking tour will see guests following a well marked 2.5-kilometre trail through the gardens with their expert local guide. There is also an option for a shorter route, depending on the guest’s fitness level.
The tropical forest is beautiful, and different species of plants are marked with signs, but your tour guide will provide a detailed account of everything that guests see on their journey. There are plenty of orchids and birds, and you’ll be impressed by the care taken to maintain the gardens.
In the summer months, it can be quite a busy spot with locals, and it is recommended to start this tour early in the morning to avoid the crowds. However, it is flexible to start at a later time if guests prefer. Light refreshments are provided, but no lunch is included on this tour as standard.
Accommodation: White Lotus Hue Hotel Deluxe Room or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, drive to the fascinating wartime tunnels of Vinh Moc. Built over the course of 6 years, the complex housed 60 families and included kitchens, private rooms, and even a small hospital. Explore the winding network and get a feel for this unique subterranean life before transferring to Hue.
Hue was the Vietnamese capital during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945), and ruins of the city’s regal past can still be seen inside the Citadel and the Imperial City. Created in the 19th century, the Imperial City was modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing and holds many palaces and temples inside its giant walls. Many of the buildings have been damaged by war over the years and are now being restored to their former glory.
Accommodation: White Lotus Hue Hotel Deluxe Room or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast
Morning! Start your odyssey with the exploration of the Ancient Walled Citadel and the former Imperial Palace. Learn about the intriguing Forbidden City in Beijing-inspired architecture of the Citadel. Then, take a boat trip along the Perfume River, visit Thien Mu Pagoda.
On the way back to your hotel, you will have opportunity to visit Minh Mang Tomb, built from 1840 and completed in 1843 with the effort of ten thousand workers and artisans.
Afternoon exploring Hue's royal homes.
Start the trip at An Dinh Palace, the private residence of Khai Dinh, Vietnam’s second-last and last emperor until 1955. It was built in 1917 with French architectural styles. After the war, the building was seriously damaged, and it was recently restored as part of a German Government aid project. Get an overview of the life of a Royal family through the bedroom, entertainment rooms and book room.
Then head to a private temple which is not open to public. Learn how the younger generations worship their emperor ancestors and observe the preservation of the original wooden panels of poems. There is a chance to learn the family’s interesting secret recipes to whiten skin and make blush powder for the Queens and concubines. Then explore the charm of Hue scenery and enjoy local hospitality on the journey to discover Hue’s Garden houses and have an exclusive home hosted meal. It is not just a meal, it is a cultural exchange experience while you have the chance to meet and talk to the man who reserved and restored Hue as a World Heritage Site from the very first day. Enjoy the cosy meals with him while listening to the behind-the-scenes story of how they could protect Hue during wartime.
Accommodation: Boutique Hoi An Resort Superior Room or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast
Morning transfer from Hue to Hoi An; on the way, pass Lap An Lagoon and enjoy the beautiful landscape of the coastline.
Enjoy the afternoon free at the hotel.
Accommodation: Boutique Hoi An Resort Superior Room or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast
Invite your guests to explore Hoi An's untouched beauty by strolling down the hidden alleys off the tourist radar. Departure at 0830 for a half-day discovery with a local guide, exploring the ancient town. Explore former merchant homes, colourful communal halls, narrow lanes lined with traditional houses, and the iconic Japanese Bridge. Also, visit charming backstreets and tiny alleys to discover lesser-known gems. Meander down a small alley to a hidden temple that is off the tourist radar and explore the only two-story temple in the town while listening to the stories of the town during ups and downs. Last but not least, visit the Hoi An Folklore Museum to understand the lives of the Hoi An's people. To conclude the cultural exploration, visit a small coffee shop hidden in the small alley, have a sip of their signature drink, and wrap up all the memories of the tour before getting back to the hotel.
In the afternoon, continue to our immersive herbal taste challenge at the Organic Herb Farm, a unique experience that engages your senses and introduces you to the wonders of organic farming. The tour starts at Discova’s office and takes a short transfer to our organic farm.
Your journey begins with a warm welcome and an herbal tea crafted from the very herbs grown in our lush organic garden. As you savour this fragrant brew, you'll prepare for an exploration of our diverse organic herb farm, home to over fifty varieties of medicinal herbs, fruits, and edible flowers. This is more than a sightseeing tour; it's a chance to witness and learn from an effective organic farming model that respects nature and promotes sustainability.
Next, get ready for the herbal taste challenges. You'll be divided into teams to participate in three exciting games. First, test your knowledge in "Guess the herbs." Then, unleash your creativity in "Mystery Box to Make Healthy Juice." Finally, showcase your herbal expertise in "Mystery Box to Make Herbal Tea." Judges will score your creations based on taste and appearance, and the team with the highest score will be the proud winners, earning fantastic prizes.
After the challenges, indulge in some delightful home foods, including toasted bread with minced pork and herb sauce or a vegetarian option with garlic and herb sauce, accompanied by a fresh farm salad and a refreshing glass of hibiscus juice. Then, take advantage of your free time to relax, stroll through the serene surroundings, or even try your hand at gardening. It's a day filled with herbal discoveries, fun challenges, and delicious treats that you won't want to miss!
Accommodation: Boutique Hoi An Resort Superior Room or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast
Free day at leisure.
Accommodation: Northern Charm Hotel Saigon Premier City View Room or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast
This morning, transfer to the airport for flight to HCM. On arrival, be picked up by your guide & car, then transferred to the hotel in the city centre for checking in.
Flight tickets are excluded.
Accommodation: Northern Charm Hotel Saigon Premier City View Room or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast
Start your city tour with a visit to the War Remnants Museum. Here, your guide will tell the story of the city’s darkest and most tragic hours during the Vietnam War. The museum contains displays of military aircraft, weaponry, and many photographs, some of which are quite graphic in nature. Although many of Vietnam’s 90 million people are now too young to remember the war, its legacy is still felt strongly across Vietnamese society.
Next, visit the Reunification Palace, once a symbol of the South Vietnamese government. It was here on April 30, 1975, that the war ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates. See the war room, the banquet hall, and the presidential office with the unusual gifts that have been received. Then stop at Ben Thanh Market for a glimpse at the city’s bustling commercial heart.
After lunch, head to another side of the of the bustling of Ho Chi Minh City to learn about Vietnamese and Chinese communities. Start with a stop at historic Cha Tam church, where President Diem was seized during the 1963 coup, and hear about the city’s turbulent past before walking through the oldest streets of Cho Lon. Visit a traditional Chinese medicine shop for a closer look at how the locals use herbal remedies for everything from headaches to energy boosts! With a tea bag as your souvenir, wave goodbye to the friendly owner before arriving at the Minh Huong communal house, home to one of Cho Lon’s oldest Chinese communities. Hear the stories of the families that moved from China over 3 centuries ago and learn how Vietnamese and Chinese cultures have blended over the years.
Accommodation: Northern Charm Hotel Saigon Premier City View Room or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Depart at around 7.30 AM from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and travel about 90 kilometres to the town of Tay Ninh. Here you will explore the home of the unique Cao Dai sect, a religion that scholars describe as a hybrid of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity. Patron saints include Joan of Arc, Victor Hugo and Winston Churchill to name a few! Built in 1941, the temple is a kaleidoscope of colour, with brightly painted walls, mosaic-tiled pillars and religious icons throughout. Today about two million Vietnamese follow the religion, and smaller Cao Dai temples are scattered throughout the southern part of the country. Then visit the herb medicine farm, where locals use herb to cure for local old people, and learn about Vietnamese herbal medicine. After a Vietnamese lunch, you'll travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
which formed an underground city for Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. The tunnels stretched more than 250 km from Saigon to the Cambodian border and were, in some places, three stories deep. Today, they still contain the remains of an American tank and some craters made by American B52 bombers—seasons into a bloody war that killed an estimated 58,000 Americans and 3 million Vietnamese. In the late afternoon, enjoy a boat ride back to Ho Chi Minh City and witness the beauty of the city when it turns dark.
Return to the hotel for the night.
Accommodation: Mekong Riverside Boutique Resort & Spa, River View Room or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast
This morning, a 2-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City takes us to My Tho, a gateway to the Mekong Delta. Here, we will board a motorized wooden sampan to begin our journey on the mighty Mekong River around Tan My and Thoi Son Islands, where numerous floating fish farms and houseboats that have been docked for decades. Disembark at one of the floating farms, interact with fishermen at work, and learn about the fishing industry in this beautiful area. Switch to a rowing boat for a slow ride along the small canals shaded by water coconut trees. Then hop on bicycles to explore the green-lush island covered by hectares of gardens specialized in growing grapefruits, coconuts, bananas, durian, jack fruits, longans. Stop at a family to learn about process of nourishing mushrooms. At the verdant garden of Mr. Hai Phuong, see his farm of cows, pigs, chickens, fishing pond, and enjoy fresh seasonal fruits picked from the garden. Enjoy lunch with Mekong delicacies at a family’s garden where you could also see the hostess making “banh khot” (Vietnamese savory mini pancakes) – a popular but delicious local dish. Further our exploration by bicycle to see more cottage industries in the backstreets of this tranquil island: home-made moonshine locally branded over 3 generations; a bee farm with collection of farming, gardening, and fishing tools used over generations and meet a professional craft weaver to see her artistic craftworks such as straw hat, water hyacinth basket and bracelet. We then re-board our motorized boat for the cruise to return mainland. Bid farewell to our boat captain and take the drive to the lodge in Cai Be for staying overnight.
Accommodation: Victoria Can Tho Resort & Spa Deluxe Room or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast
This morning, rise early to take a boat ride to Can Tho Floating Market. Experience the flurry of vendors trading their wares as boats teeming with fruit, vegetables, and household goods ply the waters.
After breakfast, learn about the daily work of Mr. Muoi Cuong as he shares the process of growing cocoa trees and making chocolate. If you happen to be around on harvesting day, try your hand at harvesting the cocoa fruits yourself.
Afternoon is free until you start with a street food tour to explore the cuisine of the Mekong Delta. At 6:00 PM, the guide will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel and have a quick briefing about the walking tour, local foods, lifestyles, and night activities in Can Tho city.
Firstly, your guide and driver will take you to the local park (not the riverside park), where many locals do exercises, play shuttlecocks, and jog together. After a busy day, you will feel more about the real local lives when you wander about the park with your new friend and an informative guide. Food Stop 01 is coming soon after weaving through the corners. The locals will cook every single yummy original fried prawn cake in front of your eyes and serve you with the most famous crispy local street food in Can Tho city. At Food Stop 02, our local expert tour guide will take you to the best secret soup in Can Tho. Food Stop 03: Are you ready for one more taste? Vietnamese Grilled Pork Patty Salad Rice Paper Rolls, your guide will explain different ingredients combined with this food, from lemon grass, baby corn salad, star fruit,... to the dipping sauce. Cheers! Or 1..2..3 dzooo style. Food Stop 04: A Secret Food! Food stops 05: after having good friends, food, and good laughs, now there are good views. You will have a fantastic drink with a bird-eye view of the Can Tho rooftop by night. Around 09:30 PM, your guide and driver will take you back to your place. End the Taste of Can Tho and welcome back next trip.
Please note: The itinerary is subject to change based on the location’s availability and weather.
Accommodation: Northern Charm Hotel Saigon Premier City View or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast
This morning, transfer 1 hour to Can Tho Wild Nature Sanctuary, the ideal place for nature lovers. Exploring and weave in the untouched wetland of the Mekong delta by boat gives the best experience about wildlife and nature.
Afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City.
Accommodation: Sailing Club Resort Mui Ne Sapa Garden View Room or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast
Meet our representative in the lobby of your accommodation for your transfer between. The pickup time will be confirmed beforehand.
Accommodation: Sailing Club Resort Mui Ne Sapa Garden View Room or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast
Free day at leisure.
Accommodation: Sailing Club Resort Mui Ne Sapa Garden View Room or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast
Free day at leisure.
Accommodation: Sailing Club Resort Mui Ne Sapa Garden View Room or similar
Meal(s): Breakfast
Meet our representative at the lobby of your accommodation, for your transfer between and . Pick-up time will be confirmed beforehand.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Price Includes
- Admission fees, sightseeing costs and licensed tour guides as specified in the itinerary
- Accommodation as listed
- Meals as listed
- Transportation including rail/train travel, water travel/ferries, and ground transportation where listed in the itinerary.
- Any local government taxes
- 100% financial protection & Security with TTA
- Responsible Travel
Price Excludes
- Tips and gratuities
- In/out international airfares & regional/domestic airfare unless specified
- Drinks with meals unless specified in the itinerary
- Visa fees (if required)
- Travel insurances
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