Begin your journey by unravelling Vietnamese culture and history in Hanoi – Vietnam’s capital.

• Discover Vietnam’s history by visiting Ho Chi Minh Complex – the resting place for the Great father of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
• Visit the Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university (1076) – to understand how the Vietnamese elite had been educated.
• Visit the Ethnology Museum, a fabulous collection relating to the Vietnamese ethnic minorities and understand the original culture of Vietnam.
• Grab a Vietnamese coffee while waiting for the train to pass by at the Train Street – where the train hurls through the narrow streets just a few steps away from local houses.
• See the famous Water Puppet Show. Get ready to be amazed by the traditional music and authentic Vietnamese operatic songs telling folktales and legends.

Authentic highlight: Grab a coffee at the Train Street

Travel to the amazing “Halong Bay on land”.

• Tam Coc is home to the country’s first capital called Hoa Lu, making it an important stop on your trip in understanding the Vietnamese culture.
• Board a sampan boat on Ngo Dong River where limestone towers rise above rice fields.
• Bike to the Bich Dong Pagoda and climb the stairs carved into the rock walls. The view from the top is breathtaking.
• End the day at the cosy homestay with a local family, where your host allows you to settle into their daily routine and live like a Vietnamese family.

Authentic highlight: Stay with a local family

Transfer to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay.

• Navigate to Bai Tu Long Bay, a well-selected route away from the main tourist circuit. Experience the bay’s treasures and enjoy your time away from the crowd on a traditional wooden boat.
• Adventure within the fantastically formed Thien Canh Son Cave and be fascinated by the formations of the bay.
• Participate in kayaking, swimming or relax on the white sand beach of Hon Co Island.
• Taste skillfully prepared local seafood and have a good night’s sleep in your cabin when the boat anchors for the night.

Authentic highlight: Escape the crowds and relax in the Bai Tu Long Bay

For the final day in the bay, you will have many adventure activities that will create memories for a lifetime.

• Start the morning with a delightful breakfast with an astonishing view under the morning sun.
• Sail in a rustic row-boat that the locals are using in Vung Vieng fishing village and pearl farm.
• Take the last dive and dip into the refreshing bay before departing for an evening flight from Hanoi to Hoian.

Authentic highlight: Have breakfast in breathtaking surroundings

 Stroll through the delightful trading port and see the remaining buildings from 15th to the 19th century.

• Appreciate the narrow alleys, charming homes with wooden balconies, fascinating architectural features, beautiful temples, and the famous Japanese Bridge.
• Sample local delicacies while you walk around this charming place. Snap an iconic picture in front of yellow houses.
• Discover the historic port lit up at dusk by hundreds of beautifully coloured lanterns creating spectacular photo opportunities.

Authentic highlight: Enjoy authentic snacks and coffee

Cycle across the river to Duy Vinh Commune, created by alluvium of three rivers and mingle with locals and eat a home-cooked lunch.

• Cycle around the peaceful countryside, with the lush scenery of rice paddies and farmland. Stop at a local family in Duy Vinh and learn about their traditional sedge mattress weaving.
• Cross the river in a traditional boat and enjoy views on river life. Transfer to a local family, rest while receiving a foot bath and later enjoy an organic homemade lunch in the garden while listening to the calm sound of the wind in the trees.
• Board a basket boat after lunch – unique local way of getting a close look to the ecosystem of mangrove forest and daily work of the village fishermen.
• Visit a bamboo studio, where a talented craftsman will show and help create your own eco bamboo product to take home.

Authentic highlight: Have a home-made lunch in a local family’s garden

Authentic highlight: Enjoy free time to wander the Hoian ancient town or leisurely lounge on the An Bang beach, four-kilometre stretch of sandy white shoreline

Experience stunning views on the way to Hue, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• The most stunning views of the famous Hai Van Pass, known as “the pass in the clouds”. On one side you have the jungle and on the other the ocean. Stop to snap a picture here.
• Go for a dinner at a former villa of the late Ministry of Justice at the Court of Emperor Khai Dinh. Meet his grandson and taste the same dishes as the emperor. The restaurant only has one table, making it a private and memorable experience. As you enjoy several courses of meat, fruit, veggies and cake, you listen to the frogs and the birds in this little oasis.

Authentic highlight: Have a private dinner as the royals did in the 20th century

Visit all the main points of the ancient capital of Vietnam. Learn about the history and get amazed by the architecture.

• Stroll through the Imperial Citadel and daydream about its former dynasty.
• Explore the symbol of Hue city, the Thien Mu pagoda and admire the garden-style homes at An Hien.
• Be astonished by the Mausoleum of Khai Dinh, who was famous for his love of European style which reflects in the beautiful interior.
• Visit craft villages – a village that has been crafting paper flowers for 400 years, one that specialises in incense-making and of course, one that produces the symbol of Vietnam – conical hat.

Authentic highlight: Elaborate decoration and mosaics of the tomb will leave you in awe

Wake up in Saigon (currently Ho Chi Minh City), the city that varies from the rest of Vietnam due to its modern flair.

• Start the day by visiting Thien Hau Temple and the Binh Tay Market, built by the Cantonese congregation.
• Visit the War Remnants Museum that is home to the history of locals’ perspectives of the American/Vietnam War.
• The old Presidential Palace is where victory was declared after years of fighting and is preserved as found with vehicles still in the garages.
• Jump on the back of a Vespa with a qualified driver and experience Saigon’s nightlife the way locals do. Try out the best authentic local food and drinks (unlimited) and listen to live music at a Vietnamese coffee shop.

Authentic highlight: Experience Saigon’s nightlife from the back of a Vespa. All-you-can-eat and drink

Move from Saigon and head for the rich, fertile lands of the Mekong Delta region and its extraordinarily busy inhabitants.

• Board the private boat and sail down narrow waterways on a local sampan and observe productive rice fields, fruit orchards, and historic buildings.
• Visit a rice popcorn factory and an ancient colonial house in Vinh Long.
  Travel to Can Tho, the largest town and trading centre in Mekong Delta.

Authentic highlight: Experience the local life on the Mekong Delta and spend 1 night on Song Xanh Sampan Cruise

Start the final day in the Mekong Delta with a vibrant atmosphere.

• Venture into the colourful Cai Rang floating market and Ba Cong fruit orchard, where you can taste their fresh products.
• Visit the 100-year-old Binh Thuy Ancient House to appreciate the historic workmanship and architecture and admire the lush vegetation and active life of the local people along the riverbanks.

Authentic highlight: Learn about the local life on the Mekong, flowing through 6 countries

Last day of your 2 weeks in Vietnam. Free time to explore the last bits of Saigon until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

“Hẹn gặp lại – See you soon.”