Discovering Vietnam’s Hidden Gems: A Cultural Odyssey

• Cultural Landmarks: Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Hue Citadel.
• Natural Wonders: Halong Bay cruise, Ba Na Hills cable car and Golden Bridge.
• Local Experiences: Cooking class in Tra Que, street food tour in Hanoi.
• Unique Shows: “Hoi An Memories” outdoor performance, water puppet show in Hanoi.

 Day 1: ARRIVAL IN HO CHI MINH CITY 

Saigon SGN Tan Son Nhat Airport (flight details tbc). Meet you outside of the arrivals hall and private transfer to the city, which takes around 45 minutes.

Meals included: None

Day 2: SAIGON NOW AND THEN - CU CHI TUNNEL 

We‘ll begin with a short orientation tour (walking / driving) of Old Saigon Streets and Iconic Buildings. Appreciate the splendidly restored exteriors of the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville which are still two of the finest buildings in Saigon.

Wander up to the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires based on the original construction from Paris. Then head across the square to the Central Post office, designed by the French architect, Gustav Eiffel before he had risen to fame for the Eiffel Tower.

Wartime Saigon

We begin this story with a visit to The Reunification Palace (former Presidential Palace), the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American war and reveals the history of Saigon during its turbulent recent past. This is the location where the two North Vietnamese army tanks crushed the gates of the palace on 30th April 1975 and signaled the end of the conflict, by taking the surrender from Duong Van Minh, who had been president of South Vietnam for only three days.

We'll continue to visit the site of the wartime offices of the US Information Service (USIS). This is now The War Remnants Museum (formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes). This museum is a disturbing experience. It graphically recounts the Vietnam War from the perspective of the victors. The Requiem gallery, depicting the images taken by many international War Photographers during the conflict, is especially graphic and moving.

Onwards to the wartime tunnels.

Cu Chi is about 40 km northwest and around one and a half hours drive. The Cu Chi Tunnels are an elaborate underground community made up of about 250 km of tunnels and chambers below the city. The tunnels were dug with simple tools and bare hands during the French occupation in the 1940s, and further expanded during the Vietnam War in the 1960s to provide refuge and a defensive advantage over the American soldiers.

Despite all the bombings in their town, the Cu Chi people were able to continue day to-day living beneath the soil, where they slept, ate, planned attacks, healed their sick, and taught their young. Some even wed and gave birth underground, but over 10,000 lost their lives here.

NOTE: Depending on season, we may visit Cu Chi in the morning and the city in the afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: MEKONG DELTA DISCOVERY (Cai Be and Vinh Long)

Start today no later than 7.30 am for our day exploration of the Mekong Delta, driving around two hours to the small Delta town of Cai Be. Here the Tien River forms the border between Tien Giang, Vinh Long and Ben Tre Provinces.

Cruise through the former Cai Be Floating Market. Nowadays, this is primarily a wholesale market, and there maybe a few traders moored, where they congregate here to offer their wares, in a way that is relatively unchanged in generations.

The merchandise sold in each boat is hung on a high pole in front of the boat as a sample to attract customers from a distance. Visit local gardens and houses to see orchards, rice crisped producing process etc. Cruise along the river and canals of An Binh island to see the peaceful and tranquil life of local villagers, admiring the
marvelous natural setting of the Mekong Delta region. Lunch will be taken at a local house on the island.

Around 3 pm, the boat will arrive at Vinh Long, where you have a chance to explore the land market before the 3.5 hours‘ drive back to your hotel by late afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: SAIGON- FLY TO DANANG THE HOI AN 

After check our your hotel, your private transportation will be waiting for you to have lunch before transfer to Ho Chi Minh Tan Son Nhat Airport for your onward flight to Hue City.

ARRIVAL TO HOI AN

Meet you at Danang Airport (DAD) and private transfer to check in your choosing hotel in Hoi An. It will take about 45 minutes. Your guide will be with you for this transfer.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: HOI AN WALKING TOUR – HOI AN MEMORIES SHOW

Located on the banks of the poetic Thu Bon River, Hoi An ancient town is an Eastern oriental classic captivation. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a prosperous trading port, with a number of foreign occupations. These included the Japanese and Chinese, and and also western (Dutch and Spanish) during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Today, this UNESCO World Heritage listed ancient town is home to well-preserved buildings, pedestrianized streets, a quaint riverside and unique cuisines. The narrow lanes are ideal for aa approximate 2 hours walking tour to give you a glimpse of an ancient town with its illustrious past.

You will visit the Japanese Bridge, the Assembly Hall of Chinese, an old merchant‘s house - Tan Ky and have a visit to the colorful local market.

THE REAL-WORLD PERFORMANCE

In the evening you will enjoy a special show in Hoian. “Hoi An Memories” Show - The heroic and romantic memories of Hoi An. Take a walk on the memory lane with "Hoi An Memories" Show, an outdoor visual arts performance, you will experience impressive stories on the rich history, culture and identity of Hoi An.

"Hoi An Memories" show is a outdoor art performance with the participation of over 500 dancers and actors, various props, captivating stage effects, eye-catching choreography, modern sound and lighting, all in one on a 25,000 square metres stage.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: TRA QUE BIKING COOKING CLASS – WOOD CARVING WORKSHOP

Start after breakfast for a 30 minutes gentle bicycle ride through the flat country lanes to Tra Que, which is a charming little village located just a few kilometres northeast of Hoi An. The village is famous for growing many kinds of vegetables and herbs including: lettuce, salad, houttuynia, flagrant knoutwed, basil and coriander.

We will learn about the planting and growing of vegetables and herbs. Enjoy a herbal foot massage before taking a short informal cooking class with a local family, to learn how to make (and then eat) some local delicacies.

WOOD CARVING WORKSHOP AT DRIFT WOOD VILLAGE

An experience unlike anything else, you are invited to pick up a chisel and carve your own inspired, meaningful work of art. Working closely with our local craftsmen, you will create a unique work of art to take home with you as a treasured
memory of your time in Hoi An.

Learn the ancient techniques and basic skills in our introduction to woodworking. Explore our collection for inspiration. Meet and work hand-in-hand with a local artisan. Joining our Woodworking experience, you can expect a unique and creative few hours interacting and working hands on with the talented sculptors and artists of the famous Kim Bong carpentry village as you sculpt your own work of art.

It is truly an unforgettable memory and sure to be a highlight of your visit to Hoi An.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: BREATHTAKING VIEWS 

Following National Highway 1 north to HUe is around 4 hours drive. Passing by Da Nang we head to the Ba Na Hills. This hill resort, inherited from the French, has refreshingly cool weather and gorgeous countryside views. Until WWII, the French were carried up the last 20km of rough mountain road by sedan chair, but now a 5.7km (the world’s longest) cable car system has opened up access. The ride involves a rise of almost 1400m, a truly spectacular trip over dense jungle and waterfalls.

Folklore says that when the French arrived in this region, they saw a lot of bananas and gradually this morphed to Ba Na!

Walk the Golden Bridge...

This amazing construction has attracted visitors worldwide, eager to see a novel piece of architecture famed for its unusual design. The pedestrian walkway, sits at over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level and extends over the treetops from the edge of a leafy cliff face, offering visitors uninterrupted views of the majestic landscape beneath. The bridge was designed to evoke the image of the 'giant hands of God', pulling a strip of gold out of the and to connect the cable car station with the gardens and to provide an amazing scenic overlook. We'll remain flexible as to the walks and sites visited.

Leaving Bana Hills, we'll stop by Lang Co Beach, followed by a scenic drive over the stunning Hai Van Mountain Pass. This is the highest pass in Vietnam (500m above sea level). The rugged pass is the final section of the Truong Son Range stretching to the sea.

Hai Van is translated "Sea Clouds", since the peak of the mountain is in the clouds while its foot is close to the sea. The views over Lang Co Bay and Da Nang are stunning. We'll make stops along the way for photos and refreshments as required. We will check in hotel in Hue city in late afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: HUE DISCOVERY OF COMPLEX ARCHITECTS 

This morning, our private transfer and guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hue to begin your journey exploring the architectural wonders of Hue city.

Minh Mang tomb, on the west bank of the Perfume River is explored next. Begun in 1840, construction was not complete when Minh Mang died. His successor, Emperor Thieu Tri continued this task according to his father‘s plans. It took ten thousand soldiers and artisans to finish the project. Fully completed in 1843, the tomb comprises of about 40 monuments of various sizes which was designed on an symmetric axis running from Dai Hon gate to the foot of La Thanh (Surrounding Wall) behind the tomb.

Then we will visit Thien An Monastery, which is located in Thuy Bang, Huong Thuy, Thua Thien Hue, in a romantic, airy space in the middle of the forest of pine. After many years of establishment, with the type of design of a convent church, Thien An Monastery still retains its intimacy, harmonizes with nature and is beautiful between the forest. We will have a great time there.

THA OM GARDEN HOUSE VISIT WITH ROYAL LUNCH - A QUITE UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

One of the memorable thing in this date is taking the opportunity to rub shoulders with royalty with a visit to the residence of Pham Ba Vinh and his wife, Ton Nu Cam Tu. Mr Vinh is of royal heritage and during your visit to the delightful Tha Om Garden House, he will undoubtedly regale you with a few stories of his ancestral roots.

Tha Om Garden House offers an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy traditional Vietnamese hospitality in the surrounds of a fully-working and functioning replica of a 19th century Hue residence. The house itself is set in charming gardens, complete with lotus ponds and pavilions. Like many of Hue's homes, the structure is built on high foundations with low, dipping roofs due to the historical problem of flooding in the area. After visiting the house, you will enjoy an exceptional Vietnamese lunch either within the house or, if the weather is fair, in the gardens.

Enter the ancient Hue Citadel and the Forbidden City.

The poetic and beautiful Hue of Vietnam was chosen to be the capital of the Southern Kingdom under Nguyen Lords‘ Dynasty, and officially became the nation's capital under Tay Son Dynasty, King Quang Trung. The citadel palace complex is located on the North bank of Huong River (Perfume River), inside Hue city.

It is a huge complex covering an area of 520ha and comprising three circles of ramparts, Kinh Thanh Hue (Hue Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel). The rule of the last Vietnamese Emperor lasted until the mid-1900s. At the time, the Purple Forbidden City had many buildings and hundreds of rooms. It suffered from termite and cyclone damage, but was still very impressive. Many bullet holes left over from the war can also be observed on the stone walls.

After that we will transfer to visit Dong Ba Market - the biggest market of Hue city. Dong Ba Market is the oldest of its kind in Hue, with hundreds of stalls selling household items, handicrafts, clothing and fresh produce at affordable prices. The Market spans almost 16,000 square metres, with several sections dedicated to fruits, seafood, clothing, meat, and handicrafts.

Dong Ba Market is one of the few shopping venues in Hue, attracting tourists looking to experience the local lifestyle and shop for souvenirs and street food. Here you will have a chance to enjoy a local coffee at Depo Cafe Shop.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: FLY TO HANOI 

Private transfer to Da Nang airport for your flight to Hanoi (flight details tbc) . Your guide will be with you for this transfer.

ARRIVAL INTO HANOI NOI BAI AIRPORT

Meet you outside of the arrivals hall and private transfer to Hanoi city, which takes around 45 minutes. Your guide will be with you for this transfer.

After your hotel check-in, you may wish to take a late afternoon or evening stroll of 2.5km around Hoan Kiem Lake. The lake is considered the center of Hanoi, not only physically but also symbolically. Peaceful and quiet, the lake surrounds Ngoc Son Temple, a pagoda sitting in the centre on a small island. Hoan Kiem means "Lake of the Returned Sword". The legend was that a famous and victorious king who drove out the Ming army lost his sword when a turtle came up and took it when he was on a boat in the lake. The legends also say that he originally received his magical sword from the turtle god of the area.

From early morning exercise, to courting couples at night, Hoan Kiem Lake is a pleasure to visit at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: HANOI CITY DISCOVERY WITH WATER PUPPET SHOW

This day will take in the highlight sites and sights including: Streets of the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, One-pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature Originally the streets of the Old Quarter teemed with many artisans manufacturing and selling their wares. The street names nowadays still reflect these specializations. We will explore this dynamic view of everyday street life on foot in the morning light - it is a photographer‘s paradise... all kinds of portraiture, architecture and people at work - along with many street sellers and their wares.

The Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh is located in the centre of Ba Dinh Square, which is the place where Ho read the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh's body is preserved in the cooled, central hall of the mausoleum, which is protected by a military honour guard. (inside mausoleum open Tue – Thur only). We continue to stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding the mausoleum which have nearly 250 different species of plants and flowers, all from different regions of Vietnam. Also visit the simple 'stilt house' which Ho lived in and the unique
'One-Pillar Pagoda'.

The Temple of Literature was first constructed in 1070 and is dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. Also here is The Imperial Academy - constructed in 1076, which was the first national university of Vietnam, it has preserved its ancient architectural style of many dynasties.

Take your seats for the Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre.

Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique folk art that originated a thousand years ago during the Ly dynasty. It originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of
northern Vietnam. Today's Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique variation on the ancient Asian puppet tradition. 

The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered. The shows are performed in a waist-deep pool. A large rod supports the puppet under the water and is used by the
puppeteers, who are normally hidden behind a screen, to control them. Thus the puppets appear to be moving over the water. When the rice fields would flood, the villagers would entertain each other using this form of puppet play.

With music, singing and special lighting, this is a very highly and enjoyable show for all ages.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: PRIVATE TRANSFER TO HALONG BAY 

Your private vehicle and driver will meet you at your hotel and drive you to your Halong Bay Cruise. Your guide will be with your transfer. This pleasant journey through the Red River Delta takes around 2.5 hours, with a refreshment stop along the way.

You will embark on a captivating 2-day, 1-night cruise on Halong Bay, where you‘ll witness the breathtaking beauty of one of the world‘s most renowned natural wonders—Halong Bay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: HALONG BAY- HANOI 

After you disembark your cruise, your private transportation will be waiting for you back to Hanoi for check in hotel.

HANOI AFTER DARK ( Street food tour- Smallgroup)
Tour Runs Nightly 6:00pm – 10:00pm

Hanoi After dark start at our stylish local Café with a cocktail and a delicious snack from one of the nearby night time vendors, before jumping on the back of the vintage Vespas. After weaving through the magical, busy back streets of the Old Quarter, we soon arrive at a fascinating local joint, right on the railway tracks (literally!) where we try some infused rice wine and a Buffalo Jerky appetiser.

It‘s back riding through the narrow streets again, as we head toward our next foodie place, a lively local restaurant serving Bun Cha. This the quintessential, must taste Ha Noi dish of rice noodles, grilled pork and meatballs, with a side of Nem (spring rolls). Simple but delicious.

We then head out of the Old Quarter and ride close by the lake toward our next venue, which is very famous in the neighbourhood! We we try the local speciality of Pho Cuon, and learn the art of wrap "n" roll, Vietnamese style. with these
fresh & fragrant ingredients, and the Pho noodle!

A short ride on the Vespa takes us to our final port of call,next to the superb Opera House. The halcyon days of the 1930‘s may be over, however this Jazz Club will wow you with a truly unique blend of styles – 30‘s style Jazz & traditional Vietnamese music!

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: DEPARTURE

After check out hotel, your private transportation will be waiting for you to Hanoi Noi Bai Airport for your departure flight. (Flight TBC) This service marks the conclusion of your 13-day, 12-night journey.

Meals included: Breakfast

SERVICES INCLUDED

•  11 nights accommodation in good hotels and 01 night in Halong Bay Cruise with breakfast each morning
• 02 Domestic flights: SGN- DAD, HUI- HAN
• Bottled drinking water while on tour
• Qualified and licensed English-speaking tour guides
• 01 Dinner Street food tour & Meals in local restaurants as mentioned in the itinerary. (B= Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• A/C private transportation with driver
• All entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary
• All tolls and taxes

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

• International air ticket to/from Vietnam and international airport departure tax if applicable
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel and medical insurance
• Items not listed in the itinerary
• International air ticket to/from Vietnam and international airport departure tax if applicable
• Tips for guides and drivers