Find travel perfection, with the wisdom of expert

Contact us

VIETNAM

VNA009: BE A SMART SHOPPER 11D10N

Day 01 - Arrive in Hanoi via flight 

 

With ochre-colored colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes, Hanoi is full of charm. Its history is tied to French colonialism and the architecture, cuisine and local culture still bear evidence of the French influence.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, embark the comfortable vehicle for transferring (approx. 60mins) to your hotel in downtown of the city, check-in and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.









Day 02 - Hanoi 

 

Start the tour at 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 lotus shaped One Pillar Pagoda – resting on a single stone pillar emerging from the water. Then, visit to the Temple of Literature, the first university for the sons of Mandarins, for an overview about Hanoian culture and appreciation for ancient Vietnamese architecture. 


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

 

Meet with one of the brightest and newest fashion designers who is well-known for modern fashion in Hanoi, have tea with the designer to get to know about the tour. Then take your vehicle or walk to the fabric market and the designer will show you the local fashion tastes by selecting the fabric materials, origins or fusion thinking of appearance. Depart for fashion designing center/shop where you have chance to know and interact with young & experienced designers in town, their passion and their steps to present… You will be able advised & fitted. 

 









Day 04 - Day trip to Halong Bay

 

Early this morning, embark on a 3.5 hour drive to Halong Bay. Upon arrival we board our boat for a cruise around the 3,000 islets that rise from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Bizarre rock sculptures jutting dramatically from the sea and numerous grottoes have created an enchanted, timeless world. 


Enjoy a seafood lunch on board our junk boat before returning to the wharf. Travel back to Hanoi arriving later this evening.

Richard J.








Day 05 - Hanoi / Danang via flight

 

Take the morning flight to Danang.


This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour around Hoi An Ancient Town. Visit the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with outstanding wood carvings; and the colorful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two. An optional stop, subject to availability, is the private home of Diep Dong Nguyen with a stunning collection of artefacts ranging from pottery, seals and paintings to money and old Hoi An photography.









Day 06 - Hoi An

 

Meet the Chef and visit to Tra Que organic village, and walk through the gardens where local farmers work their fields using the traditional methods of hundreds of years ago. Pick fresh saw-tooth coriander and Vietnamese mint for your cooking lesson later today, before trying a special herbal drink at a local home. 


Use the freshest ingredients and traditional Vietnamese utensils for your private hands-on cooking class that to prepare four famous dishes, including the national dish “Pho”.









Day 07 - Hoi An

 

Full day free at leisure, enjoy the nice setting of the hotel or your own further exploration Hoi An ancient town.

 

 









Day 08 - Hoi An / Danang / Saigon via flight

 

Take morning flight to Saigon. 


Then, visit to the former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American war, is a short drive away and reveals the history of Saigon during its turbulent recent past. From there, take a short walk 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. Stroll along Dong Khoi street, or Rue Catinat as it was known in the time of the French occupation, to discover some of the beautiful French colonial buildings built in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Richard J.








Day 09 - Saigon 

 

After breakfast, meet and greet with a Fashion Designer who is well-known for her successful combination of Vietnamese traditional fabrics with modern styles, which is present in her ever-changing Ao dai designs. Her various collections have been introduced in many countries like Japan, Germany, France and the US. She became the first Vietnamese designer awarded an international prize at a Tokyo Fashion Fair in 1997. 


Afternoon is free at leisure to discover the Fashion shops with your guide or visit some small tailors’ in town with your guide.









Day 10 - A day trip to Mekong Delta


Depart from Saigon and head two hours to Mekong Delta, which will help you get closer to daily life and agricultural activities along the Mekong River. Visit the small Cai Be floating market, experience how people exchanging goods, fruit and many other commodities on their boats. Lunch will be served at an ancient Mandarin house where four generations of family members live together. After feasting on Mekong Delta specialties, you may wish to take a stroll around the orchard to see how fruit is cultivated. 









Day 11 - Saigon departure via flight

 

Check-out of your hotel no later than 12:00 noon and transfer (approx. 30mins) to the airport for your onward flight to next destination or returns your home.










Enquire now