Magical Vietnam – Hoa Lu / Hue / Hoi An / Mekong Delta – 11 Days

Hanoi, the colonial capital, stands out as a distinctive Asian city adorned with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, serene lakes, and ancient pagodas and temples dating back thousands of years.

Morning: Between 7:45 and 8:15, benefit from complimentary pick-up service at your hotel. Begin your exploration with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, delving into the architectural and historical facets of Uncle Ho's final resting place. Adjacent to the Mausoleum is Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts, and nearby stands the One Pillar Pagoda, established by King Ly Thai To in 1049 – a structure holding significant symbolism for the people of Hanoi. Continue to the Tran Quoc Pagoda at West Lake, where the pagoda's garden boasts a Bodhi tree with an intriguing history. In 1959, during a visit to Vietnam, Indian Prime Minister Razendia Prasat gifted the Pagoda a Bodhi tree, grafted from the holy tree under which Sakyamuni attained enlightenment in India 25 centuries ago.

Afternoon: Following lunch, explore the Ethnology Museum (available on Sun, Tue, Thu & Sat), offering insights into Vietnam's diverse ethnic groups. Visit the Literature Temple, home to Vietnam's first university built in 1070. Its well-preserved architecture and tranquil gardens provide a glimpse into Vietnam's rich history. Proceed to Hoan Kiem Lake to admire its peaceful waters and the Ngoc Son Temple's beauty. Conclude the day by navigating through Hanoi's Old Quarter, where you'll have an opportunity for shopping and exploration.

Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Morning: Between 7:45 and 8:15, our guide and driver will collect you from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Depart via coach to Hoa Lu, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours. Explore the historical capital of Vietnam, including the renowned ancient temples of the Le and Dinh Dynasties. Subsequently, our bus will transport you from Hoa Lu to Tam Coc, where lunch is scheduled around 12:30 pm.

Afternoon: Following lunch, embark on a boat trip to Tam Coc, offering an opportunity to marvel at the karst formations while gliding along their base and entering one of the many caves sculpted through the limestone. Following the boat excursion, enjoy a one-hour bicycle ride along peaceful roads, passing through villages, rice fields, rivers, and rocky outcrops in Tam Coc - Bich Dong (covering approximately 5 km). Return to Hanoi and be dropped off at your hotel around 18:00 pm.

In the morning, complete the check-out process at the hotel and await pick-up by the cruise.

The pick-up window spans from 7:30 am to 8 am. Embark on the most picturesque route to Halong Bay, traversing the Red River Delta adorned with expansive emerald green rice paddies. Upon reaching Halong, indulge in a cruise across the bay, offering an extensive exploration of limestone rocks and karst grottoes.

Following your bay exploration, savor a delectable seafood lunch. Subsequently, visit the renowned limestone cave in Ha Long Bay. Here, you have the opportunity to engage in activities such as kayaking or swimming, allowing you to approach the floating villages and shops. As evening approaches, return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by leisure time. You can choose to participate in onboard activities or simply unwind for the day.

Stay overnight on the cruise.

Note: In the event of inclement weather (preventing the boat from departing or staying overnight at sea), the Ha Long Bay tour may be canceled without prior notice. We will explore alternative tour options or provide a refund based on the specific circumstances.

Begin your day early, either for a Tai Chi lesson or to relish a substantial breakfast. The boat will navigate back to the port, pausing at the Cave of Surprises, adorned with stalagmites and stalactites. From this point, sail smoothly back to the main harbor and proceed to Noi Bai Airport for your evening flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, our driver will be there to greet you and transfer you to the charming town of Hoi An. Once you've checked in at the hotel, take some time to unwind.

Stay overnight in Hoi An.

Are you interested in joining the local fishermen for a fishing adventure? How about indulging in a delightful experience aboard the amusing basket boat? There's no need for any hesitation, as this day promises to bring a wide smile to your face. Engaging in fishing activities along the river with the local fishermen is a fascinating experience, where you catch your own fish, and we prepare it for you.

Embark on the Fishermen & Waterways of a Past War Tour, where a myriad of experiences awaits you. From acquiring traditional fishing skills to navigating the quirky and distinctive Vietnamese bamboo basket boats, you'll explore the now serene waterways flanked by coconut palms, remnants of a bygone era. This tour offers an authentic glimpse into the local Vietnamese way of life, providing social and cultural insights. Additionally, you'll partake in hands-on activities that are enjoyable, secure, and captivating for individuals of all ages.

Today, you'll journey to Hue, Vietnam's erstwhile capital, situated along the scenic Perfume River. Upon reaching Hue, transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Hue.

Savor some leisure time until your transfer to the airport for your upcoming flight to Ho Chi Minh City – the jewel of Indochina. Enjoy your own free time in the city.

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

In the morning, you will be transported from the downtown area of Ho Chi Minh City to the Cai Be district. Upon arrival in Cai Be, a warm welcome and fresh fruits await you from the gracious host before embarking on a boat excursion to explore the Cai Be Floating Market and traditional handicraft villages.

Engage in conversations with sellers on their boats, and the boat will guide you to the homestay on Tan Phong Island for check-in and lunch.

During the afternoon, the local host will lead you to their orchards, providing insights into garden care and demonstrating how to harvest ripe fruits, a daily routine for the host. Later in the afternoon, you'll visit the vegetable garden and gather vegetables for your dinner.

With the guidance of the local host, you will prepare your own dinner.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the homestay.

Awaken to the early morning freshness of the Mekong region and embark on a leisurely stroll around the homestay, commencing your second day of exploration in the Mekong.

Return to the homestay, where a delightful breakfast awaits you. Following breakfast, visit the kindergarten (if it is a school day). Make a stop at a local farmer's house to learn the art of crafting Jackfruit leaves cake. Subsequently, cycle to a Bonsai garden, engaging in conversations with local farmers to grasp their gardening techniques and try your hand at plucking and tasting the fruits.

Later, complete the check-out process at the homestay. At 11:00, a small boat will ferry you back to the Cai Be tourist boat wharf, and from there, you will be driven to Ho Chi Minh City.

The End.

Tailored to your flight schedule, you have personal time to engage in activities of your choice during your final moments. Options include a leisurely stroll, cycling around, souvenir or handicraft shopping, or savoring a local coffee for one last time before we transport you to the airport for your departure.

This marks the conclusion of our service at the airport.

Wishing you a fond farewell and safe travels.