Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi!
Upon arrival, your guide or driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Day 2: Authentic cooking class at Thuy Linh village, afternoon cyclo tour, Egg coffee experience and water puppet show
Today, you will be taken to a local home for an authentic Vietnamese cooking experience, where you'll be warmly welcomed by a friendly host. She will guide you through a traditional house and a tranquil bonsai garden, while you sip on freshly brewed tea made from herbs grown right in the garden. Next, you’ll head to the lively local market, where villagers trade their fresh produce. The host will help you choose ingredients for your hands-on cooking lesson. Back at the home, you’ll dive into crafting a Vietnamese specialty—whether it’s the delicate bánh cuốn, soft rice flour sheets filled with savory pork and mushrooms, or fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn), bursting with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, and fragrant herbs wrapped in translucent rice paper. Afterward, you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor, savoring the vibrant blend of flavors and textures, all while soaking in the warmth and joy of this unforgettable experience!
Take a breezy cyclo ride through the bustling 36 streets of the Old Quarter, each named after the traditional products once sold there. On streets like Tin and Bamboo, vendors still offer the same timeless wares. After exploring the historic alleys, indulge in a rich and creamy Vietnamese egg coffee at one of the oldest coffee houses in the area. To cap off your day, enjoy a delightful water puppet show, a unique traditional art form that has been captivating audiences for centuries and continues to thrive today.
Interesting fact: Walking around the streets of Hanoi, you will often see street vendors selling fruits, vegetables, and flowers from bamboo baskets that they carry on their shoulders. These vendors, a quintessential part of the city's vibrant street life, use a traditional method of transporting goods that involves balancing two baskets on either end of a bamboo pole, which they carry across their shoulders.
Day 3: Duong Lam Traditional Village
Duong Lam Village, located about 50 kilometers west of Hanoi, is one of Vietnam's oldest villages, renowned for its well-preserved ancient architecture and deep cultural history. As you begin your day trip, you'll embark on a journey into the past, exploring this charming rural gem. After arriving, start by walking or cycling through the village, with your first stop at Mong Phu Communal House, a 17th-century structure that stands at the heart of the community. Continue through the narrow lanes lined with ancient laterite and wooden houses, many of which are over 300 years old. Next, visit Chua Mia (Mia Pagoda), famous for its large collection of over 280 Buddha statues, set within a serene and peaceful environment.Following this, stop by the Hien Bao peanut candy workshop to see how locals make this traditional sweet treat, enjoying it alongside a cup of green tea.
For lunch, savor a homemade meal at a local’s house, offering an authentic taste of the region’s cuisine.
In the afternoon, hop on your bicycle and explore the surrounding countryside, visiting the Ngo Quyen Mausoleum, which honors the king who led Vietnam to independence in 938 AD, followed by a visit to Phung Hung Temple, dedicated to another national hero. Before departing, relax with a cup of tea at the Giang Van Minh Worship House, reflecting on the history and charm of the village. Conclude your visit with the scenic drive back to Hanoi, marking the end of a rich cultural experience in one of Vietnam’s most historical villages.
Interesting fact: Walking around the streets of Hanoi, you will often see street vendors selling fruits, vegetables, and flowers from bamboo baskets that they carry on their shoulders. These vendors, a quintessential part of the city's vibrant street life, use a traditional method of transporting goods that involves balancing two baskets on either end of a bamboo pole, which they carry across their shoulders.
Day 4: Hanoi - Pu Luong - half day tour
Discover endless mountains, fertile valley sand pristine jungle in Pu Luong, only a few hours drive from Hanoi. After lunch enjoy a half day tour of Bang village. Bang boasts the most stunning terrace rice fields in Pu Luong. After a short 5-kilometer car ride, you will descend from the pass to vast terraced paddies that stretch to the horizon. Each season offers a unique experience: harvesting crops amidst breathtaking yellow rice paddies, cultivating crops in lush green fields, or witnessing the terraces transform into small ponds reflecting the blue sky. Pause at a local house for a friendly chat. The final hour features a jungle trail along the spring, leading back to the main road where you will be transferred back to the resort.
Interesting fact: Nothing beats food made from local ingredients. Pu Luong offers fresh and delicious vegetables such as pumpkin leaves, green beans, and bamboo shoots. For an authentic meal, try the charcoal-grilled pork and grilled bamboo-tube rice. You'll discover new favorites on the table!
Day 5: Pu Luong - Full Day Tour
This is a great experience combining trek and cycling. We start to descend into the beautiful valley facing the Retreat, where you can walk around tumbling rice terraces. Then we will go along small paths shrouded in vegetation to slowly reveal a picturesque Uoi village at the base of a towering mountain. It is the only place offering the bird eyes view from the top of the pass. Continue walking downhill to a local home, where you can take a bike to cycle around Lan village. Lan is tranquil and famous for its embroidery craft-job. A small stream with water from far most mountains winds the houses creating a bunch of outdoor nature bathing places for villagers after long farming days and cycling through the rice paddies and village to village, hanging bridge to explore more the scenic landscapes surrounding. Stop for lunch at a local house or at the river banks with stunning views of bunches of water Wheel. You will end up at Hieu Village, and enjoy the Hieu waterfall, the only one in the reserve. Return to the bike parking place, where you will return to the Puluong retreat.
Our tip: Pack comfortable walking shoes, as the best way to explore Pu Luong's stunning terraced fields and charming villages is on foot.
Day 6: Pu Luong - Ninh Binh
Morning at leisure.
After breakfast embark on a journey of about 3 hours to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of the Dinh and Le dynasties dating back to the 11th century. Having been eroded over the millennia, the dilapidated ruins have nearly been absorbed by the spectacular scenery creating a mystical atmosphere that will be sure to titillate your imagination. . After lunch in a local restaurant you will continue to nearby Tam Coc, popularly known for its outstanding natural beauty and the scenic karst formations which contribute to its reputation as being the “Halong Bay on land”.
Board a small boat and meander lazily down the peaceful river while passing through a series of caves. While enjoying the sounds of soaring birds overhead and paddling along the crystal-clear waters of the river, jagged limestone hills jutting skyward out of electric green rice paddies will be sure to bring out the photographer in you. Finally, return to the pier, where your vehicle will be waiting for you for your transfer to your hotel in Ninh Binh.
Interesting fact: Do you know Ninh Binh is often referred to as 'Ha Long Bay on land'? This is because of its striking scenery characterized by limestone peaks and shimmering rivers.
Day 7: Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay
Depart from Ninh Binh and travel by road to the Tuan Chau Island pier in Halong Bay Set off on your luxury cruise, where you’ll be pampered in style and comfort whilst meandering through the towering limestone cliffs and emerald green waters of Ha long Bay. Stop in Tra Bau, a secret hideaway in Lan Ha Bay that has beaches, caves and coves. You can try kayaking or simply swim in the clear waters of the bay. Back to your boat, enjoy life aboard the vessel or in your suite, and with cocktail in hand watch the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin.
Our tip: Wake up early to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the bay at dawn, when it's less crowded and the light is perfect for photos.
Day 7: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - fly to Danang
Rise with the sun and practice Vivonam on the sundeck while taking in majestic views of the surrounding bay and the cool sea breeze. Wrap up your experience with a bamboo boat trip to visit Dark and Bright Cave before cruising back to Tuan Chau Marina. You will then be transferred back to Hanoi for your flight to Danang.
Upon arrival in Danang you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An.
Day 8: Country cycling in Hoi An
Set off on a boat ride up the Thu Bon River to a quaint village nestled in the heart of the delta, where your journey back in time begins. As you cycle alongside lush rice paddies, you'll learn about Vietnamese handicrafts, history, and customs while experiencing the daily life of local farmers. This unique opportunity allows you to escape the usual tourist itineraries and discover the authentic Vietnam you've always imagined. Activities include making rice paper, weaving traditional sleeping mats, and trying your hand at basket boat building.
Day 10: Hoi An - Street food tour & the quest to find the World's best Banh Mi
Set off on a culinary adventure in Hoi An to discover the flavours and dishes that make this coastal town unique. Alongside an expert local guide, your journey introduces you to the stories behind Hoi An’s most iconic dishes at the town’s most famous eateries. Start your tour at a local restaurant famous for white rose dumplings, found exclusively in Hoi An. Enjoy these delicacies while marveling at the work that goes into them. The staff churn out up to 6000 of these dumplings every day and each one is as beautiful as the last. Your visit here includes a chance to try making a few of your own dumplings too!
Continue on to find the world's best Banh Mi “Vietnamese baguette” in Hoi An. Indulge in a warm and crusty baguette stuffed with grilled pork, fresh coriander, cucumber slices, tangy daikon, and a special sauce that remains a well-kept secret.
Continue onward to sample grilled pork satay and visit the central market on way. Finally, the famous Cao Lau noodles or equally popular chicken rice. Wrap up the tour with a local Vietnamese coffee- the perfect ending to any meal.
Day 11: Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh city
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest city and economic hub, is known for its vibrant street life and rich history. The skyline features a striking blend of modern skyscrapers and colonial architecture, beautifully reflecting the city's dynamic spirit and historical significance. With your hotel situated in an excellent location, you can easily explore the bustling streets on foot and fully immerse yourself in the local culture.
Day 12: Cu Chi Tunnel and City Tour
Begin your journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels by departing at around 8am from your hotel and travel through the countryside which was once a stronghold of the Viet Cong. Upon arrival, watch a short video about what life was like for soldiers who lived there during the war. The cramped tunnels were central to a few of the war’s strategic operations, including the famous 1968 Tet Offensive, and they didn’t escape damage. American B52 bombers dropped hundreds of missiles leaving huge tell-tale craters behind. The tunnels served not only as living quarters, but as supply routes and hospitals for thousands of guerilla fighters. Many died there from malaria and other diseases, and a few were also born or married. Today they are viewed by some as a testimony to the Vietnamese people’s resiliency. In the afternoon enjoy a half day walking tour of Saigon.
Start your Story of Saigon with a visit to the War Remnants Museum. Here, your guide will tell the story of the city’s darkest and most tragic hours during the Vietnam War. The museum contains displays of military aircraft, weaponry and many photographs - some that are quite graphic in nature. Although many of Vietnam’s 90 million people are now too young to remember the war, its legacy is still felt strongly across Vietnamese society. Next, visit the Reunification Palace, once a symbol of the South Vietnamese Government. It was here on 30 April 1975, that the war ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates. See the war room, the banquet hall and the presidential office with the unusual gifts which have been received. Then, continue to the Central Post Office, designed and constructed by the renowned architect Gustave Eiffel, and take a moment to send a postcard! Just behind the post office is the Notre Dame Cathedral, an iconic Saigon landmark built in neo-Romanesque style by the French between 1863 and 1880. Today it’s a favoured backdrop for Vietnamese wedding photographs.Next, stroll down follow Dong Khoi Street, which figured prominently in Graham Greene’s famous Vietnam novel, The Quiet American, as Rue Catinat. The walk ends at the Saigon Opera House. From a bomb shelter to housing the parliamentary Lower House, the Opera House has had an interesting history.
Day 13: Mekong Delta - Ben Tre the Coconut Kingdom
A short 2 hour car transfer delivers you to the pristine natural beauty that is Ben Tre Province. Known as “Coconut Island,” many of its people still rely on tradition and centuries old methods of production. Visit Monkey Bridge, or "Cầu Khỉ" in Vietnamese, a traditional and picturesque type of bridge found in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Next, we'll journey to a coconut farm, immersing ourselves in local life and witnessing firsthand the coconut production process. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the making of coconut products and experience the art of crafting sleeping mats alongside the locals. Following this, we'll embark on a tranquil rowing boat ride through the narrow coconut canals, enveloped by lush greenery, before continuing our exploration by motor cart through charming villages and scenic landscapes, providing an authentic glimpse into local culture and fostering interactions with welcoming locals. To conclude our adventure, we'll enjoy a delectable lunch at a local home, savouring traditional Vietnamese dishes crafted from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. You will then be transferred back to Ho Chi Minh.
Tip: The Mekong Delta is renowned for its tasty and unique cuisine, including Banh Xeo (crispy rice pancakes with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts), Hu Tieu (rice noodles in a flavorful broth), and Ca Tai Tuong Chien Gion (deep-fried elephant ear fish). While you'll sample these dishes on your day trip, think about extending your visit to stay overnight in the Mekong. This will allow you to savor more delicious food and experience the lively morning floating market the region is famous for.
Day 14: Departing Ho Chi Minh
At leisure till you are transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
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