Like the name suggests this tour focuses on natural & cultural; intangible and tangible heritages of Vietnam. And the other essential element is Vietnamese cuisine which takes in delicious foods from north to south – an experience that will last a lifetime.
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi
When you arrive at Noi Bai International airport in Hanoi, you'll be welcome by one of our representative and transferred to your hotel in the downtown. The remainder of the day will be your own.
Meals: None
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi Street Eats, Market Tour & The Thang Long Citadel
After a brief transfer from your hotel, you start your food adventure with a pleasant stroll to Truc Bach Lake for your first tasting - Pho Cuon with lots of opportunities to take photos. Next stop is Chau Long Market for a tour of the market highlighting the ‘wet’ / unusual fruits / livestock / frogs. Sample of market foods of your choice i.e tree tomatoes or green mango with chili, silkworms, pork with green rice. Continue with a short taxi ride to to a Shrimp restaurant to sample West Lake’s most famous dish. Continue with another taxi transfer to one of the best Bun Cha stalls in Ha Noi where you will enjoy Bun Cha - grilled pork patties and pork belly with sticky rice noodles. On our way back, you will stop at a traditional Ha Noi café, established in 1936 to enjoy specialties of the café, black sticky rice or green rice with yoghurt, coffee with yoghurt or great passion fruit with yoghurt.
Afternoon visit the Thang Long Imperial Citadel which has been declared a World Heritage in 2010, is a very strong citadel, standing in Hanoi from 11 century after Ly Thai To moved the capital here. The Citadel was once the living place of many royal families and nowadays become one of the most famous Citadels of the country. Continue visiting the Museum of Ethnology, widely acknowledged as the best in the country, containing an extensive display of life-size structures dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority peoples (OR visit the Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070).
The tour today also takes in a cyclo ride for 1 hour touring through the narrow, chaotic streets of the Old Quarter - a must for any visitor to Hanoi! The day finishes with a traditional performance of the famous Vietnamese water puppets.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 3: Explore Handicraft villages in Red River Delta with Home Lunch
Today an hour drive along the dyke road will take you through the local countryside to Bat Trang, a village world renowned for its fine ceramics. You will stroll through the village with your local guide and see the artisans at work. Witness the process of molding and carving clay pots, dishes and vases, before they are glazed and fired in a kiln, ready for sale. You also visit Bat Trang ceramics market and workshops.
Afterward, drive to visit But Thap Pagoda, the cradle of Vietnamese Buddhism with unique architecture, followed by the village of Dong Ho, famous for the ancient painting technique of wood block printing. Folk painting is one of the special cultural features of Vietnam. Finally arrive at a small rural village where you will enjoy a traditional Quan Ho music performance by villagers in front of the commune house. The singers were officially designated as part of Vietnam’s ‘living heritage’ and the Quan Ho music has been recognized as World's Intangible Heritage. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Home Lunch
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 4: Hanoi - Hoa Lu Citadel & Trang An Complex
After breakfast, a two hour road trip through picturesque countryside and agricultural land will take you to Hoa Lu. On arrival, your uide will lead you through this ancient complex which formed the capital city of Vietnam under both the Dinh and Le Dynasties between 968 and 1009 AD. King Dinh Tien Hoang chose this mountain location as the water systems fed from the mountains were perfect for both agriculture and defense. Enjoy the sight of palaces, pagodas, tombs and pavilions built by different dynasties and visit the Dinh and Le Temples, the two remaining architectures of Hoa Lu.
Afternoon transfer to the pier for a three hour sampan ride to explore the picturesque waterways in Trang An ecological site. The area features more than 30 valleys and 50 cross-water caves, and is home to 600 species of plants and over 200 types of animals. You will venture through a network of 11 caves in the quiet, fresh air, with only the sound of birds and the oars stirring the clear water and surrounded by magnificent forested mountains.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 5: Off to Halong Bay (Join with other travelers on the cruise)
After breakfast, you'll leave for Halong Bay with a refreshment break en route. Meet the crew upon boarding the traditional wooden junk, then relax and enjoy lunch while the boat heads towards the secluded islands. Visit ancient limestone caves and go sea kayaking and swimming if the weather permits. Return to the junk refreshed and invigorated and relax on deck with a drink to watch the sunset. Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood dinner under the stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight on a wooden junk in Halong Bay
Day 6: Halong Bay Cruising – Late Afternoon Flight to Hue
Enjoy an early morning swim (if weather permits) followed by breakfast. The tour then visit one of the famous caves in the middle of the bay before cruising back to the main harbor for the 4 hour drive straight to Noi Bai airport in Hanoi for a late afternoon flight to Hue. Once you arrive, you will be picked up and transferred to your downtown hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Overnight in Hue
Day 7: The Imperial Citadel, Royal Tomb & Garden House Dinner
Today you'll spend the full day for a city tour of Imperial City of Hue, firstly with the ancient walled Citadel including the former Imperial Palace. You'll then visit the Dong Ba market to learn about local produce and specialties of Hue. You might get some great deals done at the local Dong Ba Market.
In the afternoon, you will cruise the Perfume River by a dragon boat to serene Thien Mu Pagoda and drive to visit the majestic Royal Tomb of King Ming Mang or King Khai Dinh. Return to your hotel by road just before sunset. In the evening, enjoy a candle-lit dinner set in a garden house which is a traditional feature of Hue's culture. Both the garden house and the cuisine are great introduction into Hue's culture.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight in Hue
Day 8: Off to Hoi An – Afternoon Guided Walking Tour of Hoi An Old Quarter
After breakfast, you'll drive to the picturesque riverside town of Hoi An. The views of the coast line and Danang from the top of the Hai Van Pass (Pass of the Clouds) makes your journey interesting and have your camera ready for some great photo opportunities. Upon arrival in Danang, you'll visit either the Cham Museum in the city centre OR the famous Marble Mountain, which stands for the five essential elements that establish nature.
Afternoon your guide will show you around the old town. You'll start a walking tour with numerous places of interest: the 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Assembly Halls, Tan Ky Ancient House, a museum and the colorful local market. Following the narrow lanes, you walk along tiny streets with houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architectures. After your walking tour, your time will be at leisure to wander around or go shopping.
Located 30km from Danang, Hoi An Ancient Town is a uniquely special destination in Southeast Asia, with its perfect storm of history, architecture, cuisine and glorious beaches. You might consider strolling along the wharf, shopping in the market or having a silk dress or suit fitted with outstanding quality and an outrageously low price - exploring everything in the best way: on foot and in your own time. There is a bevy of amazing restaurants, old houses, craft shops and art galleries, where local artists exhibit their works. Nearby, Cua Dai beach is the perfect spot to forget all about the now-distant rat-race.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hoi An
Day 9: Explore My Son Holy Land ½ Day – Free Afternoon of Leisure
In the morning, an hour drive will take you to the ancient Cham ruins of My Son. The route takes you through some incredible scenery and tiny villages that specialize in brass works, with little shops flanking the roadside selling big brass gongs. Upon arrival, guided visit the Tra Kieu capital which was the former administration center of Champa Kingdom. Discover the majestic ancient ruins at My Son including ancient towers which were built from the fourth century to fourteenth century. Walk around to see up to three groups of ancient temple and tower ruins set amongst hills and streams. The trip ends with enjoying a 45 min. traditional dance before returning to Hoi An for lunch. The remainder of the day will be your own.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hoi An
Day 10: Hoi An - Cooking Class (1/2 Day - 09.15 AM to 2.00 PM) – Free Afternoon of Leisure
The day starts at 09.15 am with a welcome drink at Hai Café in the Ancient Town of Hoi An. You will visit Hoi An’s colorful market, and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and learn about all the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later. You will then board a boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. This is a chance to view local river life, so make sure your camera is handy. On arrival, you will explore the cooking school’s herb garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – the Red Bridge chefs first demonstrate each dish before we prepare the same dish ourselves. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, sit down and sample what you have cooked. Please bring your swimsuit and after the cooking tour has finished relax and enjoy free use of our 20 metre swimming pool - towels and showers provided. The afternoon will be your own!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hoi An
Day 11: Hoi An - Free Day of Leisure
A free day at leisure in Hoi An.
Note: There are various optional activities for your free time in Hoi An such as joining a cooking class, visiting rural villages around Hoi An by bicycle, half-day street food adventure...Those options can be added at additional cost.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Hoi An
Day 12: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels Exploration
After breakfast, your time will be your own until being picked up and transported to Danang airport for your noon flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival, another local guide and driver will pick you up for 1,5 hour drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels where you will visit the amazing network of underground tunnels, which was used during the Vietnam War by the Viet Cong. This huge construction was a habitation for villagers during war time. With 3 levels of depth, it was never discovered by the US during the Vietnam War despite its proximity to Saigon. Visit the fighting tunnel system with your local guide. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon where you will check in to your chosen hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 13: City Tour & Evening Street Food Adventure by Vespa Scooter
Morning city tour with the Reunification Palace, the former Presidential Palace for the president of the South of Vietnam, the Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post office for great photo opportunities to capture your memories of the big, modern city of Vietnam. You will then continue by heading to Chinatown with a walking tour through the back streets of China town near Cho Lon to observe local daily life. Then you'll head back to your hotel after lunch for a relaxing afternoon to spend at your leisure.
At 18.00, embark on a part night excursion, part local street food. You will experience the nightlife of Saigon the way locals do, all from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. Stops include drinks at Zoom cafe to watch the world go by, food and drinks at local restaurants (one stop for sea food and one stop for Southern food), samplings of Saigon best authentic street local food, a Vietnamese-style coffee shop (with live music). Guests ride pillion behind our drivers to enjoy and experience the Vietnamese night life with friends. You'll be taken back to your hotel at the end of the trip.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 14: Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Your time will be your own until being picked up to Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City for your international departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Prices Include:
- Accommodation in chosen hotels - Twin/Double room with daily breakfast
- 1 night on a boat on Halong Bay.
- All pick-ups and transfers by private vehicles with experienced drivers
- Experienced local English speaking guides
- Domestic flight ticket: Hanoi – Hue, Danang - Ho Chi Minh City (economy class by Vietnam Airlines)
- Private boat cruise in Trang An and Hue
- Meals as indicated in the programme
- All entrance fees as mentioned in the programme
- 1 hour cyclo ride & First class water puppet tickets
- All VAT and other government taxes
Prices Exclude:
- Entry visa to Vietnam
- International flights and airport taxes
- Travel Insurances
- Drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not mentioned on the program
- Gala Dinner on Dec 24 and Dec 31, 2017
- Supplement for peak season surcharge (between Dec 20, 2017 - Jan 10, 2018)
