The Best of Vietnam 11 Days

Commencing our city exploration, we begin at the Reunification Palace, bearing witness to the conclusion of the intense Vietnam War in 1975. Today, this majestic structure serves as both a museum and an official reception hall. Adjacent to the palace, you'll find the colonial-style Central Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral, a significant landmark built between 1877 and 1883. Our morning concludes with a visit to the War Remnants Museum.

Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we embark on an overland journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels—an extraordinary underground network crafted by Vietnamese guerrillas to defend the region against American attacks during the Vietnam War. There's even an opportunity to crawl through a portion of the tunnel, explore the infirmary, kitchen, and more, gaining insights into the survival strategies employed by the people.

Return to your hotel later in the day. Overnight stay in Saigon.

This morning, we depart from Saigon to My Tho, located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, with a visit to the exquisite Vinh Trang Pagoda en route. Upon arrival, a leisurely boat excursion awaits us along the river, offering views of stilt houses, fruit plantations, and fishing villages lining the riverbanks. Continuing to Tortoise Islet, we indulge in lunch amidst the orchard garden. Following that, a boat ride to An Khanh, a less touristy gem in Ben Tre, allows us to relish a cruise on a hand-rowed sampan beneath the shade of water coconut trees along natural canals. We conclude our journey with the enjoyment of seasonal fruits and honey tea, accompanied by the melodic tunes of "Southern Vietnamese folk music" performed by locals.

Explore a family-run enterprise that embodies the tranquil rural lifestyle, savor the delectable coconut candy, and immerse yourself in the pastoral ambiance as you wander through the fruit plantation and village. Overnight stay in Saigon.

In the morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival at Da Nang airport, you will be picked up and taken to your hotel in Hoi An to drop off your luggage.

Guided by our knowledgeable guide in Hoi An, we will stroll over the tile-roofed Japanese Bridge, explore the quiet Chinese Assembly Halls, visit ancient houses and Trading Houses, pagodas, and take a leisurely walk into the market located by the Thu Bon River. Here, you may experience the same emotions as the artists who perceive the rooftops of Hoi An as a magical, ancient world with an Oriental ambiance, serving as a wellspring of inspiration. Hoi An is also an excellent destination for shopping, whether it be for lanterns, soft silk, raw silk, or having your clothes tailor-made within a day.

Overnight stay in Hoi An.

Start your day by departing from your hotel and embarking on a 30-minute bicycle ride to Tra Que Herb Village. Take a leisurely stroll through the vegetable gardens and immerse yourself in the village's history. Engage in gardening activities, including preparing the land, fertilizing with seaweed, raking the ground, sowing, watering, and picking vegetables. Indulge in a relaxing foot soak before joining a local family to prepare lunch.

Participate in the cooking process, trying your hand at making Tam Huu spring rolls and Banh Xeo, a local pancake from the central region of Vietnam. After your morning excursions and a delightful lunch, you will learn the art of harvesting and wrapping vegetables. Bid farewell to your gracious host family before riding back to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Hoi An.

Departing from Hoi An to explore My Son, a site that unveils the hidden treasures of the Cham culture that flourished in Central Vietnam. Discover the mysteries and construction secrets behind the Cham towers, leading My Son to be recognized as one of Vietnam's UNESCO World Heritages.

After the exploration, return to Hoi An and board your bus for the onward journey to Hue.

Overnight stay in Hue.

Acknowledged as Vietnam's inaugural Cultural World Heritage site by UNESCO, Hue boasts a rich tapestry of ancient royal architecture and embodies the quintessence of traditional Vietnamese lifestyle. Begin your day by exploring the allure of the Royal Citadel and Forbidden City. Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Dong Ba Market, a bustling hub where local ingredients for Hue's distinctive cuisine are on display.

To delve deeper into local culture, embark on a unique street food tour around noon. Indulge in delectable treats ranging from Sticky Rice Dumplings (Ram It) or Filtered Tapioca Dumplings (Banh Loc) to the renowned Hue Beef Vermicelli Soup (Bun Bo Hue). The culinary journey includes a visit to a cozy restaurant offering Sweet Soup (Che), a delightful local delicacy made from tapioca and various indigenous ingredients. Alternatively, savor a Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk if you prefer.

In the evening, head directly to Hue airport for your onward flight to Hanoi.

Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Today is dedicated to exploring the capital of Vietnam. Begin with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his modest stilt house, and the One-Pillar Pagoda situated near Ba Dinh Square, a venue for Hanoi's most solemn ceremonies. Continue your journey to Tran Quoc Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, the country's inaugural high school for scholars.

After a satisfying lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to Hoan Kiem Lake, the vibrant heart of Hanoi.

Depending on the day of the week:

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday: Explore the Museum of Ethnology. This remarkable museum offers a profound insight into the diverse cultural heritage of Vietnam, showcasing an impressive collection of 15,000 artifacts. Exhibits include depictions of a typical village market, the craft of making traditional hats, and a Tay shamanic ceremony. Videos provide an authentic glimpse into these cultural practices. The museum also features a reconstructed traditional Black Thai house and serves as a center for global research and conservation of traditional Vietnamese cultures.

Monday, Wednesday, or Friday: Embark on a journey to Bat Trang ceramic village, located approximately 20 km from Hanoi. This historic pottery village has flourished for over five centuries.

Return to your hotel in Hanoi later in the day for relaxation.

Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Please note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Monday and Friday.

Should you desire to witness the vibrant morning routines of Hanoi locals, an early awakening followed by a visit to a nearby lake awaits. Join the captivating spectacle of hundreds of residents engrossed in their morning Tai Chi quan, jogging, martial arts, classical dance, and more. Following a delightful breakfast at the hotel, our journey takes us to Halong Bay, a UNESCO-designated Natural World Heritage site since 1994 and 2006. Check in to our overnight boat and embark on an exploration of Halong Bay, making stops to visit caves, indulge in swimming, and relish the sea's sunset. Dinner features a delectable spread of fresh seafood! Overnight on board.

Please note: The itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions without prior notice.

Begin your morning with invigorating Tai Chi quan or yoga exercises led by the experienced crew. Enjoy a delightful breakfast as your boat gracefully navigates the enchanting islets of Halong. Return to the wharf and board a shuttle bus back to Hanoi around midday, with an anticipated arrival in the city by 3-4 pm. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Enjoy leisure time to relax or engage in personal shopping (arranged at your discretion) before proceeding to the airport for your return flight home. End of service.

Please note: Hotel check-out time is typically around 12:00.