Embark on a full city tour, where you'll visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, the One Pillar Pagoda & HCM Stilt House, and the tranquil Temple of Literature—an oasis of calm in the city’s heart. You’ll also explore the Museum of Ethnology to learn about Vietnam's diverse heritage. Afterward, enjoy lunch at KOTO restaurant, an outstanding establishment that follows the philosophy of "know one, teach one." KOTO supports underprivileged local youth by providing them with career opportunities in the hospitality industry.

In the early evening, experience a traditional water puppet performance. This northern Vietnamese tradition, dating back nearly a thousand years, is accompanied by traditional music featuring drums, wooden bells, horns, and bamboo flutes.

Included Activities

• Hanoi - Temple of Literature

• Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex

• Hanoi - Lunch at KOTO

• Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology

• Hanoi- Traditional water puppet performance

Included Meals

• Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation 

Rey Hotel or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll be transported to another fascinating destination—the gem of northern Vietnam—Halong Bay. There, the group will board a beautiful overnight tour boat. During this visit, you'll experience the magic of one of the 7 new wonders of nature.

Upon boarding, a delicious Vietnamese set menu will be served as you leisurely cruise deeper into Bai Tu Long Bay. You'll then arrive at Cap La Island, where you can enjoy kayaking through the karst formations and swimming. Back on the boat, savor a sunset party as the cruise sails to the overnight anchorage, followed by dinner.

In the evening, challenge yourself with Vietnamese puzzle games or gather with your new friends for a board game. You can also try your luck with squid fishing or simply enjoy the quiet night on the bay.

Included Activities

• Halong Bay – overnight cruise & activities

Included Meals

• Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Accommodation/Learn more about the boat here

Renea Cruises - Deluxe - or similar

Special Information: 

It is recommended to bring only an overnight bag with your essential items, as there is limited space to store all passengers' luggage on board. After the overnight stay, you will return to the same hotel in Hanoi, where your remaining luggage will be securely stored. 

Start your morning with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck or enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while taking in the stunning landscape of the bay.

Afterward, savor a full Western breakfast before heading out to explore the hidden Thien Canh Son Cave and the white sandy beach at Hon Co Island.

Upon returning to the boat, you'll have about 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing before attending a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, followed by a traditional Vietnamese lunch on board.

Before leaving the memorable scenery behind, we'll make a stop at The Green Life Centre. This organization is dedicated to turning Halong Bay’s trash into treasure by skillfully transforming discarded items into beautiful handicrafts. Meet the team behind this important cause and learn how to create a reusable bag from repurposed materials.

Afterward, you’ll transfer back to Hanoi (approximately 3.5 hours) to check in at the hotel.

Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy free time until tonight’s train departure. Be sure to grab a bowl of pho, a local specialty made from broth, noodles, and meat. You might also relax by Hoan Kiem Lake before boarding the overnight train to Hue this evening.

Included Activities
• Tai Chi Lesson & activities on boat

• Green Life Visit

Included Meals

• Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation 

Thien Thai Hotel – Classic - or similar – day use hotel (1-4 pax/room until 18:00 only)

Overnight sleeper on train: 1 – 6 pax/cabin

Special Information: 

Sleeper trains typically have compartments with four or six berths, where bench seats convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow, and blanket are provided, though some travelers prefer to bring their own sleep sheet. Depending on the group’s configuration, you may need to share with travelers of different genders or passengers outside of the group. Your leader will coordinate the best arrangement and provide further information. Most trains have a dining carriage with simple meals, but we recommend stocking up on snacks and drinks before departure. 

Welcome to Hue, Vietnam’s former royal capital, known for its cuisine, which many Vietnamese consider the best in the country. The food here is influenced by its imperial heritage, featuring small dishes with a focus on aesthetic presentation, and its strong Buddhist roots, reflected in the many vegetarian restaurants in the area. This morning, after you disembark the overnight train, your leader will help you choose a local, tasty breakfast option.

After leaving your luggage at the hotel (check-in available from 14:00), embark on a city tour by cyclo, a traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxi commonly used in Vietnam. Journey through the streets of Hue, traveling to the Imperial Citadel - The home of Vietnam's last royal dynasty, the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 - 1945) Stop at Thien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery since 1601, where you'll see a car that belonged to one of the monks who self-immolated during the 1963 protests. Then continue passing through the local fruit and vegetable markets before stopping over at Ho Chi Minh’s house.

The evening is then free for your own adventure. 

Included Activities

• Hue - Highlights & back streets by cyclo tour

Accommodation 

Thanh Lich Royal Boutique Hotel - or similar 

Loosen your belt and ready your appetite as today you will be diving into Hue’s fabulous culinary scene. 

First up, head to a street food eatery for a seriously tasty breakfast – Bun Bo Hue. This spicy noodle soup  is usually made with beef and pig knuckles and is an absolute must-try while in Hue. 

Later in the afternoon, take a boat trip to the Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of Hue. The Pagoda is an active Buddhist monastery that dates back to 1601. Then, meet with a local chef and explore a bustling local market where you will taste and smell all the wonderful herbs and ingredients that bring local dishes to life, while learning more about the culture of Vietnamese cuisine along the way. Continue to the local chef’s delightful home where you will learn how to cook up some simple and delicious dishes using the fresh ingredients you picked up at the market. Take your new knowledge and local recipes back home with you so you can recreate meals that will take you straight back to Vietnam. 

In the afternoon, visit the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its beautiful lake, frangipani and pine trees.

Included Activities

• Hue - Royal Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc

• Hue - Market Tour and Cooking Class

• Hue- Thien Mu Pagoda boat trip

Included Meals

• Bun Bo Hue Breakfast

•.Cooking Class Lunch 

Accommodation 

Thanh Lich Royal Boutique Hotel or similar 

This morning, travel by bus through coastal rice paddies and the spectacular Hai Van Pass (approximately 3 hours). After a photo stop along the way, you'll arrive in Hoi An. Today is dedicated to exploring this charming town through a series of authentic experiences. Your leader will begin with an orientation walk around the Ancient Town. Once the national trading center in the 16th century, Hoi An is renowned for its diverse ancient streets and historic homes. Stroll along the unique cobblestone paths and admire the centuries-old Chinese houses.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a boat trip on the Thu Bon River as you take in the beautiful sunset.

Included Activities

• Hoi An - Old Town walking tour

• Hoi An – Sunset boat on Thu Bon River

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Accommodation 

Silkotel Hoi An - Deluxe - or similar

Note: Hotel in Hoi An will be epic stay of the trip and its service and facilities will be better than the other locations. 

This morning, your leader will guide you around My Son Cham, a collection of temples built by the Kings of Champa that date back to the 4th century. In the afternoon, visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village, one of the oldest pottery villages in Vietnam, established in the 16th century. You’ll stop by the home of an artisan couple, now in their 90s, who were once the only artisans in the village and have passed down their traditional techniques and practices.

Continue exploring the village, where you'll meet the descendants of the artisan couple and learn how traditional pieces are crafted. Finally, enjoy a cup of tea and perhaps test your skills by painting a traditional pottery mask.

Return to Hoi An for an evening at your leisure. You may choose to relax by the pool, indulge in a massage, or explore the scenic old town. Our hotel has a free shuttle to the beach and free bikes to use.

Included Activities

• Hoi An - My Son Tour

• Hoi An - Pottery Village Experience

Included Meals

• Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation 

Silkotel Hoi An - Deluxe - or similar

Note: Hotel in Hoi An will be epic stay of the trip and its service and facilities will be better than the other locations. 

Today, immerse yourself in the rich coffee culture of Vietnam. You’ll learn to make and taste several varieties of coffee, including the unique egg coffee and coconut coffee. You'll prepare five different types of coffee in total.

After getting your coffee buzz, you’ll learn to craft a traditional lantern that you can take home with you. In Hoi An, it is believed that hanging colorful lanterns in front of homes or shops brings good luck.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Perhaps treat yourself to a massage or explore the beautiful old town, which comes alive with colorful lanterns at night.

Included Activities

 • Coffee Class

 • Lantern Making Class

Included Meals

 • Breakfast

Accommodation 

Silkotel Hoi An - Deluxe - or similar

Note: Hotel in Hoi An will be epic stay of the trip and its service and facilities will be better than the other locations. 

 In the morning, you’ll have a few hours to explore more of Hoi An. Then, take a short included flight to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 1.5 hours). Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City boasts a fascinating history and is often regarded as Vietnam’s capital of commerce and culture. After landing, the group will transfer to the hotel, and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. 

Included Activities

• Flight and hotel transfer

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Accommodation 

The Odys Hotel - Deluxe Window - or similar 

 This morning, head out on a day trip to explore the Mekong Delta. Board a private boat to Ben Tre, where you'll visit the lush coconut gardens and stop at a local home to sample tropical fruits and coconut jams. Afterwards, paddle in sampans (small rowing boats) as you glide past coconut trees along the Mekong Delta.

Next, take a tuk-tuk tour around the villages to learn about rural life and the industries that have developed around coconut products, such as coconut candies, coconut oil, and coconut shell bowls. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the heart of the Delta, where you can savor regional specialties, including the famous elephant ear fish.

After lunch, cruise the major waterways back to the Ben Tre boat pier, then return by bus to Ho Chi Minh City.

Once back in Ho Chi Minh City, the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. Perhaps venture out to sample some local specialties.

Included Activities

• Mekong Delta Boat Trip

Included Meals

• Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation 

The Odys Hotel - Deluxe Window - or similar 

After breakfast enjoy a tour of the dynamic city where daily life plays out on the streets. Your leader will take you to (in no particular order), Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic central Post Office, Thien Hau Pagoda, War Remnants Museum (the museum has a vast display of both  the Indochina wars) and the Reunification Palace (which was built on the site of the former Norodom palace). Wrap your day by visiting Tan Dinh Market is one of the oldest and largest markets in Ho Chi Minh City offering a truly local and authentic shopping experience. 

 
In the early evening, hop on the back of vespa, for insight into the night life of real Saigon. Zigzagging through Backstreets and organized chaotic traffic to different local favorite street food stalls. The portion of the food is medium so you can try more dishes, our foodie guide has special knowledge about the food and will tell you the ingredients, how it was cooked and even the background of each food we try. We will try seafood, banh xeo, BBQ, fruits, drinks, beers, cocktails... (vegetarian option also available). All the food and drinks are included on the tour so come with a big appetite. After that, we drive over the bridge that connects two sides of Saigon River for us to have a view of the city at night. Then we hop into a café bar for live 

music. Sit down and enjoy the romantic singing and cosy atmosphere. At the end of the tour, we go up to a rooftop bar for a stunning view of amazing Saigon at night.

Included Activities

• Reunification Palace

• Notre Dame Cathedral

• Thien Hau Pagoda

• Central Post Office

• War Remnants Museum

• Vespa Street Food Tour

Included Meals

• Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation 

The Odys Hotel - Deluxe Window - or similar 

Sadly, our trip comes to an end. There are no activities planned for the final day, and check-out is at noon. Thank you for traveling with us!

Airport transfer is not included. You can book it through me here upon check-out or on your own here.

Note:  If you are arriving early or staying late, you can add extra nights at check-out or find cheaper options by booking through hotels.com. I am an affiliate with them, and when you use my link, I earn a small commission at no cost to you.

If you’re arriving early or staying late and looking for something to do, I frequently use Viator & GetYourGuide for activities and tours.

FYI: This trip ends just a few days before our trip to Japan starts. We planned it that way so you can enjoy both adventures. Please consider joining us for both trips!