Late evening arrival at Ho Chi Minh City – Tan Son Nhat International Airport.  Meet our local guide and driver for transport to our hotel.

Overnight at La Siesta Premium Saigon

Free morning to relax after yesterday’s late evening arrival.

We’ll meet with our guide and head out to spend the afternoon exploring Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon).  Saigon is the country’s most dynamic city – a vital economic hub bustling with life.  The city could be described as a reconciliation of Chinese and American influences, while retaining its distinct Vietnamese charm and character.  Modern office skyscrapers next to Chinese pagodas, street markets, food vendors and imposing colonial buildings – they all create a fascinating dynamic urban landscape.  Our first stop on the tour will be the Reunification Palace.  This was home to one of the most famous scenes of the Vietnam War where North Vietnamese tanks rolled through the front gates symbolizing the end of the war.  It’s now a museum that you can visit!  Afterwards, we’ll stop at a local restaurant for our welcome lunch.  Then we’re off to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.  Later we’ll head to the War Remnants Museum, one of Vietnam’s most popular museums, which focuses primarily on the American side of the Vietnam War.

At 5:00 pm we’ll head out for our evening street food tour.  We’ll start near a public park where locals gather after work.  Then we’ll head to Tan Dinh church, the second largest church in Ho Chi Minh city.  Admire the intricate Gothic and Renaissance elements that have managed to survive Vietnam’s turbulent periods.  We’ll continue our walk to Tan Dinh market, a truly authentic Vietnamese market and a well-known shopping location for locals.  At the front of the market, a multitude of street vendors offer some of Saigon’s best street food.  Our guide will take us on an evening stroll through the neighborhood, stopping along the way to sample a number of savory and sweet delights such as sup cua, banh xeo, fresh spring rolls and sweet tofu pudding which has a smooth, creamy texture similar to a light flan.  We’ll round out the evening with a stop at a live music café.  Rub elbows with the locals while listening to Vietnamese music, then return to our hotel with memories of this authentic night out.

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Overnight at La Siesta Premium Saigon

This morning we’ll depart for our journey, around 2.5 hours, to Ben Tre in the heart of the Mekong Delta.  Upon arrival, we’ll stop at the vibrant My Long market where we will observe the daily activities of locals as they sort and sell a myriad of fresh fish and local produce and see the specialty rice paper cake being made.  Board our boat as we cruise the waterways, through coconut jungles with a canopy of palm trees and along small canals.  Stop at a local farmer’s house to observe how coconut jam is skillfully crafted.  Here, we'll enjoy the flavors of tea and jam while enjoying the charming ambiance.  Next a tuktuk ride will take us through local villages where we will stop to see the art of coconut processing in a local workshop.  We'll also have the privilege of connecting with local villagers who will regale us with tales of the community's way of life.  Enjoy a journey on a wooden rowboat as we gently glide along the shaded waters of some small canals.  The picturesque scenery will provide ample opportunities to capture truly mesmerizing photographs.  Lunchtime beckons, and we'll be treated to a feast of local specialties at a charming riverside restaurant.  Here, we can unwind and savor the culinary delights in a serene setting.  Following our meal, our boat journey will lead us back towards Ben Tre where we'll make a stop at a traditional brick kiln.  Here we will gain an insight into the intricate art of handcrafting bricks and experience more of the local industry.  After another short cruise, we will be met by our driver for the trip back to Ho Chi Minh city.  Dinner on our own.

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Overnight at La Siesta Premium Saigon

Meet our guide in the morning and drive to visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels.  The tunnels are 75 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, in an area that played an important role during Vietnam's wars for independence and reunification.  More than 200 km of tunnels were dug here by the Vietnamese guerrillas and are often the highlight of South Vietnam touring.  We will be able to explore the bedrooms, meeting rooms, air-raid shelters, smokeless kitchens, and experience life underground in this extraordinary tunnel complex.  After visiting the tunnels, we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Danang.

Flight VN 134 Ho Chi Minh city SGN 15:30 – Da Nang DAD 16:40, Economy, Vietnam Airlines

Arrival at Da Nang airport, meet our driver and guide and head to our hotel in Hoi An.

After settling into our rooms, we’ll transfer to a local restaurant for a group dinner.

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Overnight at Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel

After being picked up from our hotel, we’ll head to Hoi An Central Market where our walking tour begins.  As we explore the seemingly endless myriad of alleyways, we will visit a number of local workshops, important cultural sites, and see how the locals spend their days.  Be prepared to greet a lot of people, as locals love to engage with outsiders and are proud of their businesses that have grown up in these narrow alleyways.  We’ll then take a break on a veranda overlooking the river where we can watch fishing and tour boats glide through the waters, while enjoying a refreshing drink.  From here we’ll continue through the old town which is filled with yellow buildings, tree lined streets and a multitude of colorful lanterns.  Our guide will tell us stories about the area, explaining local customs and fun facts about life here.  We will also pass over the famous Japanese covered bridge.  Finally, we’ll head through the old town to a lovely local restaurant for lunch where we can try Cao Lau, a local noodle specialty and a perfect way to end a busy morning exploring Hoi An’s sights.  After lunch, we’ll take part in a workshop led by a local family who will show you the skills required to make your own colorful handmade lantern.  Lanterns are one of the most famous symbols of Hoi An and are believed to bring good luck, happiness and wealth.  The lantern is foldable and will fit in your suitcase to take home as a souvenir!

After our workshop, we’ll head back to our hotel where you can relax or explore more of Hoi An on your own.

Teh Dar Show

At 5:30 pm we’ll meet in the lobby of our hotel and take a short walk to the Lune Performing Arts Center where we will see a spectacular Teh Dar show.  This hour-long production features live music, acrobatics, contemporary dance, and more.  Combining breathtaking handling of bamboo, circus arts, and enchanting live music from authentic tribal instruments such as the Gong, elephant drum, buffalo horn, and T’rưng, the show depicts a realm of mythical mountains, jungles and tribal life in all its wildness and beauty.  Dinner on own after the show.

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Overnight at Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel

Today we will learn the secrets of the Vietnamese kitchen!  We will meet our guide and driver in the morning to transfer to a local café to start our day, as the locals do, enjoying traditional Vietnamese iced coffee (Cafe Sfra Oa).  Next, we’ll visit the hub of Vietnamese village life, a bustling local market where we’ll engage with local sellers and learn about the fresh produce we will prepare in our cooking class.  Gain an insight into the scents and flavors of Vietnamese herbs and spices and experience real Vietnamese market culture, learning how to bargain and find the freshest ingredients.  During the “Spirit of Reu” cooking class we will learn to prepare special local dishes and be given a sound understanding of the ingredients and flavors used in Vietnamese cooking.  At the end of class, we will sit down and enjoy a delightful lunch prepared by us!

After lunch, our driver will transfer us to Danang airport to take the flight to Hanoi.

Flight VN 1544 Danang DAD 16:10 – Hanoi HAN 17:35, Economy class, Vietnam Airlines

Upon arrival in Hanoi – Noi Bai International Airport, we’ll meet our guide and driver and head to our hotel.

After settling into our rooms, we will head to a local restaurant for a group dinner.

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Overnight at GM Premium Hotel

 If you’re an early riser, feel free to take a short walk from the hotel to Hoan Kiem Lake to join groups of local people practicing tai chi and aerobics – a regular morning routine!  After breakfast, we’ll meet with our guide to visit Ngoc Son temple in the middle of the lake, then we’ll head to a traditional café where we can try Vietnam’s local iced coffee, ca phe sua da, and if you’re feeling adventurous – the “egg coffee.”  We then continue to a street food stall for a delicious banh mi – a typical baguette sandwich filled with a variety of ingredients.  Afterwards head to Hanoi’s Old Quarter where we will see some of the French colonial architecture of former times, including St. Joseph’s Cathedral – a French gothic building constructed in 1886.  Next, walk to the Hoa Lo Prison, where Vietnamese as well as American and French prisoners of war were once held.  Then it’s on to the Huu Tiep Lake, better known as B-52 lake, where the wreckage of a US B-5 bomber can still be seen.  At noon, we’ll stop to enjoy Hanoi’s traditional bun cha noodle dish, made with grilled pork and rice noodles.  In the afternoon, we’ll go to the Temple of Literature built in 1076, where Vietnam’s first university was established to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite – a fascinating glimpse into the country’s past.  Last but not least, head to a street where the tracks of Hanoi’s railway pass only meters from the entrance to homes and businesses.  Together with our guide, we can walk along the tracks and take some beautiful photos of the city.  The day finishes with a refreshing glass of draught beer at a local bia hoi spot – a chance to mingle with the locals.

Thang Long Water Puppet Show

This evening we will head to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, a famous cultural attraction in Hanoi.  Water puppetry has become a significant cultural symbol of Vietnam.  In 2010, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.  We will see a traditional hour-long performance depicting scenes from Vietnamese folklore, history, and daily life, accompanied by live music.  After the show, dinner on our own.

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Overnight at GM Premium Hotel

 We’ll meet our guide in the morning and drive to Ninh Binh, a city about 2.5 hours south of Hanoi, where we will enter the stunning Tam Coc Region.  Much of the topography in this region consists of soaring limestone karst mountains.  Here, we will visit the Tam Coc grottoes and admire the spectacular, peaceful scenery while gliding along a river among the rice paddies and limestone mountains.  After the boat ride, we’ll have time to explore the Thai Vi temple.  With its ornate carvings, tranquil gardens and rich history, this temple is a gem of ancient architecture and spiritual significance.  Afterwards, we’ll take a short bike ride through the rice fields and villages (flat easy path) where we will get a glimpse of the daily life of the locals while enjoying the serene beauty of the countryside.  We’ll then have lunch at a local restaurant, before heading on to visit Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries when Vietnam was under the Dinh and Le dynasties.  We will then transfer to our resort to relax for the remainder of the afternoon.

Group dinner at resort.

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Overnight at Emeralda Tam Coc

 Today we will take a vacation from our vacation!  Enjoy the amenities at our resort -- take a dip in the infinity pool, get a massage at the spa, or enjoy the shaded comfort of the open-air terrace.  With an extensive drink list and snack menu, it’s the perfect spot for chilling time.  You can also take a short walk into town where you will find a variety of restaurants, bars and shops.

For anyone who is interested, there will be an optional short hike in the morning at Hang Mua, a mountain with spectacular viewpoints.  When you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a stunning panorama of the region’s mountains, rice paddies, winding river and the villages below.  Also at the top, you will find the Lying Dragon Statue, an impressive stone sculpture that is approximately 200 meters long.

Lunch and dinner on own.

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Overnight at Emeralda Tam Coc

This morning we will depart for Ha Long.  Arrive at 11:45 am and transfer to the Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise boat.  Enjoy a welcome drink as we receive a cruise briefing, safety instructions, and get settled into our suites.  We will then depart for Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago while enjoying lunch on the boat.  Lan Ha Bay is untouched and remote as not many cruise boats use this route.  Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening.  You can choose to go kayaking, visit a white sandy beach, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the bay, or simply relax aboard the boat with a refreshing drink on the Sundeck.  Spa treatments are also available throughout the day and evening at the White Lotus Spa.  In the evening, we will be treated to a fine dining experience.  After dinner, you can try your hand at squid fishing off the lower deck of the boat or enjoy stargazing while sipping cocktails on the Panorama Deck with beautiful views of the bay.

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Overnight on Heritage Binh Chuan

This morning you can choose to relax on the cruise boat or head off on an optional excursion in a bamboo boat to explore the Dark and Bright Cave.  Admire the sparkling stalactites on the ceiling and feel the soul of the surrounding nature.  Enjoy a delicious brunch while cruising back to the mainland.

We will then meet our guide and driver and head back to Hanoi for our departure flight back home. 

On our way to the airport we will stop at Bat Trang pottery village for a visit.  Bat Trang is a top brand in Vietnam and Asia and the vendors offer a wide variety of exquisite ceramic goods.  All products here are created by experienced artisans.  In the market’s little pottery courtyards, you can observe the ceramics-making process.

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