A TASTE OF VIETNAM

Welcome to Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam. After your airport pickup and hotel check-in, kick off your journey with a warm welcome meeting and an overview of the adventure ahead. Following the meeting, dive into Hanoi’s food scene with a welcome dinner at Koto Charity restaurant, a local gem known for its vibrant atmosphere and traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Savor iconic flavors like spring rolls, BBQ, and vegetarian options available ensure every palate is satisfied. End your night with optional rooftop drinks at the Sky Bar, offering stunning views of the Long Bien Bridge – a perfect way to start your Vietnam travel experience.

Today is all about experiencing the heart of northern Vietnam. Begin with a taste of Hanoi’s famous Michelin-rated pho, followed by our private market tour and dive deeper into Vietnamese culture at a hidden cooking center, where you’ll explore authentic recipes and local culinary techniques.

As the sun sets, sample Hanoi’s renowned street food and sip cocktails from the city’s highest rooftop bar, soaking in panoramic views. This full-day Hanoi experience combines culture, cuisine, and unforgettable scenery, making it a highlight of any Vietnam itinerary.

Escape the city bustle and head south to Ninh Binh, a region known as the “Halong Bay on land.” Your day begins with a visit to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, rich in historical significance and beautiful temple architecture. Enjoy a traditional lunch with a local family.

In the afternoon, float through Tam Coc’s limestone cliffs and golden rice paddies by boat, then explore the peaceful beauty of Thung Nham Eco Park. This day in Ninh Binh offers a serene blend of history, nature, and authentic rural life – a must-do in any northern Vietnam travel itinerary. In the evening enjoy a local cooking class to test your chef skills for our dinner time.

Today you’ll trade land for sea as you embark on a traditional overnight cruise through Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its emerald waters and towering limestone islets. After boarding at Tuan Chau Harbor, settle into your cabin on the traditional cruise boat and enjoy a delicious lunch featuring fresh seafood and Vietnamese specialties.

Spend the day kayaking, swimming, or simply relaxing on the sundeck. In the evening, enjoy a set dinner and sunset views on the bay. This overnight HaLong Bay cruise offers a tranquil escape and a chance to witness one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

After a peaceful morning on the bay, enjoy a light breakfast and brunch onboard before returning to Hanoi. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore the capital at your own pace. As the sun sets, prepare for your next adventure: an overnight train ride to Hue, the ancient imperial city of Vietnam.

Experience local travel as you board the sleeper train – a unique and memorable way to journey south. Rest up for a full day of imperial history, architecture, and cuisine waiting in central Vietnam.

Arrive in Hue, Vietnam’s historic capital, known for its majestic citadel and rich royal legacy. After breakfast, hop on the back of a motorbike to explore the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of ornate gates, temples, and palace ruins that whisper stories of the Nguyen Dynasty. Enjoy a local home cooked lunch at a local Hue family’s house.

Continue to the elegant Tomb of Khai Dinh and cap off your day with a royal-style dinner in a traditional Hue garden house. This immersive day reveals the deep cultural roots and regal elegance that make Hue a crown jewel of any Vietnam itinerary.

Leave Hue behind and embark on one of Vietnam’s most scenic journeys along the Hai Van Pass. This winding coastal road offers panoramic East Vietnam Sea views of misty mountains, Lang Co Beach, and the sparkling East Vietnam Sea – a dream route for photography lovers and adventure seekers alike. Stop along the way in Danang to support a local charitable deaf cafe for a set lunch.

Arriving in the charming riverside town of Hoi An, known for its lantern-lit streets, preserved architecture, and relaxed atmosphere. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring at your leisure — from riverside cafes to artisan shops – in one of Vietnam’s most picturesque towns.

Start your day with a hands-on cooking class in Hoi An, where you’ll learn to prepare regional dishes using fresh local ingredients. Led by expert chefs, this immersive experience offers a deeper appreciation of Vietnam’s culinary traditions and flavors, with market tours included.

After lunch, explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with lantern-lit alleys, wooden merchant houses, and riverside beauty. Whether you stroll the lantern markets or unwind by the water, Hoi An’s timeless charm will leave a lasting impression.

Today, discover a different side of Hoi An with a visit to Distillerie d’Indochine, a boutique rhum distillery where tradition meets innovation. Learn how locally sourced ingredients are transformed into fine spirits, followed by a flavorful lunch on-site.

In the evening, bid farewell to Hoi An with a memorable sunset beach BBQ dinner – an unforgettable seafood feast set against the stunning coastal backdrop just outside the town.

Fly from central Vietnam to the energetic metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), where colonial charm and modern hustle collide. After checking into our tour hotel, explore the city’s historic heart on a cyclo tour, visiting landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, and Nguyen Hue walking street.

In the evening, dive into Saigon’s electrifying food scene with a street food motorbike tour, tasting your way through hidden gems with local guides. It’s the perfect introduction to Vietnam’s southern flavors and fast-paced urban life.

Leave the city behind and journey to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s agricultural heartland. Arrive in a peaceful Mekong village surrounded by coconut palms and check in at Mekong Home, a charming riverside bungalow retreat. Enjoy fresh coconut juice on arrival and lunch at the open-air restaurant.

In the afternoon, take a scenic cruise on the Ham Luong River, visiting local workshops like coconut processing and broom making. Explore a nearby village on foot, by bike, or xe lôi, then return via rowing boat through narrow canals. In the evening, join a cooking class to make bánh xèo (Vietnamese pancakes), followed by a dinner of traditional local dishes. End the day with a relaxing lemongrass and ginger foot bath.

Spend the morning continuing your Mekong exploration – enjoy breakfast before a 2–2.5-hour cycling tour to Oc Island, passing fruit trees, local markets, and artisan workshops. Visit a basket-weaving site and coconut processor, then cross the river by ferry. Cycle through peaceful villages and stop at a fish farm to learn about local catfish species before returning to Mekong Home.

Before leaving Mekong Delta, we will head to a river restaurant to have lunch and then will head back to Saigon in the afternoon for a final evening of relaxation or last-minute shopping. End your Vietnam journey with a farewell set dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, celebrating our unforgettable memories with a taste of elevated Vietnamese cuisine.

After breakfast, your guide will assist with airport transfers for your international departure. Whether you’ve explored ancient capitals, cruised through emerald bays, or savored every regional dish, this 13-day Vietnam journey promises memories to last a lifetime.

Safe travels – and until next time, hẹn gặp lại!