VIETNAM

Day 02 - Hanoi

 

After breakfast, visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum; an imposing monument lavishly built using marble and granite, and where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” resides. Next stop is the Temple of Literature, the first university for the sons of Mandarins, for an overview about Hanoian culture and appreciation for ancient Vietnamese architecture. Then, visit the lotus shaped One Pillar Pagoda – resting on a single stone pillar emerging from the water. Drive onto the tree lined boulevard splitting the West Lake and Truc Bach Lake. Make a stop at Tran Quoc Pagoda which is one of the endearing symbols of Hanoi.

 

In the afternoon, visit the serene Museum of Ethnology that offers a fascinating insight into Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups. After that, enjoy a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter of “36 streets and 36 wares” to witness the vibrant life along the street sides. Cap off the day with a show at the water puppet theater - a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes of rural life and episodes of national history. 

Day 03 - Hanoi

 

Today, visit a local primary school. Get an overview of the local education system and infrastructure and play some games with the pupils. Afterwards, visit Xuan La “Tohe” Village where villagers use colored flour to shape and sculpture plasticize characters which help bring folk tales to life. Meet a well-known artisan and witness the full process of making “Tohe”. Then, try and make your own creation. In the evening, visit the house of a musician couple for a home-cooked dinner and get idea of the important role food at home plays in Vietnam, share with them your life experiences. Then, enjoy a musical performance by your hosts.

Day 04 - Hanoi / Halong Bay

 

After breakfast, embark on a 3.5 hour drive to Halong Bay. Board your deluxe junk where a welcome drinks awaits. After a relaxing break, enjoy a delicious lunch while cruising through the magical bay where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waters like dragon teeth. 

 

After lunch, take a sampan ride to visit a floating fishing village. Back on board for sunset and later unwind at the restaurant for dinner.

Day 05 - Halong Bay / Hai Phong / Danang via flight

 

Wake up early to catch the dramatic sunrise on the bay and enjoy a Tai Chi demonstration on the top deck of the junk and witness the sun rise over the bay. Visit a magnificent limestone grotto where stalactites are hanging from the high ceiling forming numerous designs and shapes. Return to the boat for brunch while cruising back to the dock station.

Transfer (approx. 1,5 hours) to Hai Phong for flight to Danang.

Day 06 - Hoi An

 

In the morning, experience an organic discovery tour with the local farmers in the rural outskirts of Hoi An ancient town. Hop on the bike and take a leisurely 4km bike ride through the countryside, heading to Tra Que vegetable village, have a chance to learn about the history and traditions of this charming village before partaking in some hands-on activities and venturing into the garden. Join the friendly farmers to learn more about the traditional gardening methods and how they cultivate vegetables. 

Ride back to the town for a walking tour through the ancient town center of Hoi An and visit the former merchants’ house, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful market with its stalls brimming with local specialties are a treat for sight. 

You will also visit the home of a lantern craftsman in the old streets of Hoi An for a brief introduction. Learn more about the history, shape, and color of the lanterns as well as the stages of production. Try to create your own lantern and produce a souvenir for yourself or your loved ones at home.  

Day 07 - Hoi An / Hue

 

After breakfast, visit the Cham Museum, which is home to the best collection of the Cham ruins dating back to the 2nd to 15th century. The objects on display represent the architecture and sculptures of the Hindu-influenced ancient civilization of Champa. Depart for a 2,5 hour drive over the Hai Van Pass and enjoy a spectacular panorama of the central coastline from its summit and continue your journey to Hue and check in to your hotel upon arrival. 

At 3:00 p.m., visit a Vietnamese private home of kite craftsman. Have a chat with him to understand the history of this traditional pastime and share his passion. Then learn how to create a kite yourself. If weather permits, enjoy the excitement as your kite rises into the blue sky. 

 

Day 08 - Hue

 

Step out and explore the delicious world of Hue  food with the celebrated gastronomy artisan. 

In the afternoon, take a leisurely boat trip on the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu pagoda. Learn more about Buddhism from your guide and observe how monks put their beliefs into practice. Visit to Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO listed site. You will appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains about the events and the intrigue of the former royal court. Enjoy Royal Martial Arts, a great cultural performance inherited from the Nguyen Dynasty. A 25-minute long performance is reminiscent of the past heroic plots of Vietnamese patriots against colonialists’ suppression.

Day 09 - Hue / Saigon via flight

 

Visit Emperor Khai Dinh’s Tomb which was built in the mountains and took 11 years to construct. Its architecture and atmosphere showcase elements of eastern art and western designs. Then, transfer to Phu Bai airport for flight to Saigon. 

 

Upon arrival, when you leave the airport terminal please look for a tour guide displaying a welcome signboard with your name on it. Transferring (approx. 30mins) to your hotel for check-in and overnight in Saigon.

Day 10 - Saigon

 

Morning, enjoy a two hour drive northwest of Saigon to the famous Cu Chi tunnels. Then, you have an opportunity to shoot some live rifles at the shooting range where visitor can shoot many of the same weapons that were used during the war. Return to Saigon visiting the War Remnant Museum for a vivid insight of the American war through the local’s eyes. Then, visit Thien Hau temple and take time to make a wish, write it on a small card and attach it to one of the incense coils in the local custom. 

Late afternoon, visit a local family of musicians to learn about traditional musical instruments through conversations with the artists and listen to the performances from each family member (3-generations). You then have the chance to try the instruments with the musicians, a memorable if somewhat noisy experience. 

Day 11 - A day trip to Mekong Delta

Depart early in the morning from Saigon and head two hours to the southwest. Along the way, notice lush rice paddies and fruit farms emerging alongside the highway. Then, board a charming wooden boat to enjoy countryside scenery and river life. Then stretch your legs a bit and hop on a bicycle for a short ride of about 7km along narrow village lanes, past fruit orchards and local cottage industries. Locals will often greet you with a hello or “xin chao” as you pedal by. Walk through the sleepy village and have a home-hosted lunch of Mekong Delta specialties. After lunch, a short walk takes you back to the vehicle and your return trip to Saigon.

Day 12 - Saigon / Con Dao Island via flight

 

Transfer to the airport in Saigon for a morning flight to the tropical island of Con Dao. On arrival, transfer to the Six Senses Con Dao Resort (provided by the Six Senses Con Dao Resort). 

The remainder of the day is free at leisure on your own.

Day 13 - Con Dao Island

 

Free at leisure, enjoy the nice setting of the hotel or your own activities on the beach.

Day 14 - Con Dao Island

 

Free at leisure, enjoy the nice setting of the hotel or your own activities on the beach.

Day 15 - Con Dao Island / Saigon via flight

 

You'll be on your way to the airport and a spectacular aerial view of the beach city as your flight gently turns and heads back to the mainland and Tan Son Nhat airport for your onward flight to next destination or returns your home.