Vietnam Essence: Nature & Traditions 12 days

Welcome to Hanoi, where tradition and modern life blend seamlessly at every corner. Upon arrival at the airport, our driver will be waiting to take you directly to your hotel.

NOTE: Check-in time is usually at 2:00 PM, but early check-in is available for an extra fee. 

To start your journey, join our local guide with an optional food tour for a tasting of Vietnamese traditional dishes — a perfect way to experience the city’s authentic flavors and connect with Vietnamese culture.

Discover Hanoi, a city where history and daily life intertwine everywhere. Begin with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and an important symbol of its educational heritage.

Then head to Ba Dinh Square, known for its historical significance as the site of key national events, and see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, dedicated to the country’s most beloved leader. You’ll also visit the unique One Pillar Pagoda, famous for its special architecture.

NOTE: We will not enter the Mausoleum, as it remains closed to the public for several months each year.

Later, wander through the lively Old Quarter, a maze of alleys filled with shops, temples, and traditional flavors. Walk along Hoan Kiem Lake, steeped in local legends and always full of life.

For lunch, we will enjoy a delicious serving of authentic Pho at a local street stall, followed by a visit to a bustling market to see the fresh ingredients that make Vietnamese cuisine so special.

Around 08:00, leave Hanoi’s urban rhythm behind and dive into the unmatched beauty of Halong Bay, among the world’s most stunning natural wonders. A calm sea dotted with thousands of limestone islands awaits you for a truly unique experience.

After about three hours, we’ll board our cruise and glide past more than 2,000 limestone islands rising from emerald waters.

We’ll have the chance to paddle our kayaks through the bay’s emerald waters or slip in for a refreshing swim surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. And, with a bit of luck, we may spot one of the rare golden-headed langurs leaping gracefully among the trees — a truly special sight in this pristine spot of Vietnam.

Enjoy the peaceful sound of the waves, savor freshly prepared local dishes onboard, and watch the sunset over the bay. At the end of the day, rest in a cabin with panoramic views, drifting to sleep as the sea rocks you softly.

NOTE:

• The cruise is staffed with English-speaking guide only.
• The itinerary may vary depending on whether your cruise follows the Halong Bay route or the Lan Ha Bay route.

In the morning, continue cruising through Halong Bay and enjoy brunch onboard before disembarking. Then travel about three hours by minivan to Ninh Binh, known as the “Halong Bay on land” for its striking karst landscapes and vast rice paddies.

Spend the night in a hotel or eco-lodge surrounded by the tranquility of the Vietnamese countryside.

Discover Ninh Binh, where spectacular scenery meets imperial history. Visit the Ancient Citadel of Hoa Lu, a testament to Vietnam’s glorious past, and cycle through paths lined with rice fields and lotus flowers to reach the Bich Dong Pagoda, nestled among mountains.

Later, savor authentic local cuisine before boarding a traditional boat to explore the Van Long Nature Reserve, a serene wetland sanctuary and home to the rare Delacour’s langur.

At sunset, head to Hanoi airport for your flight to Hue, Vietnam’s last imperial city, where you’ll spend the night.

Today you’ll explore Hue, the former imperial capital that preserves the grandeur of the Nguyen dynasty. Visit the majestic Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to discover its unique architecture. Then wander among the remnants of ancient temples and palaces while uncovering stories of Vietnam’s imperial past and its sociopolitical history.

After the visit, we’ll savor traditional Hue cuisine at the city’s local restaurants.

We’ll then explore the majestic Minh Mang Tomb, celebrated for its tranquil twin lakes and intricate decorative architecture, before continuing our journey to Hoi An.

If time permits, we’ll take the scenic Hai Van Pass — one of Vietnam’s most iconic mountain roads — on our way to Hoi An, often hailed as the most beautiful city in the country.

In the evening, you have free time to meander through the lantern-lit streets of the Hoi An Old Town, soaking in its timeless charm, or explore the lively stalls of the Night Market brimming with local crafts and flavors.

Once a bustling international trading port, Hoi An welcomed merchants from across the globe, each leaving their mark on the town’s architecture and culture.

Today, its streets still showcase this rich heritage — from ornate Chinese Assembly Halls and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge to traditional Vietnamese houses and traces of French influence.

In the morning, we’ll take a guided walking tour of the Old Town, discovering its unique cultural blend and timeless charm before returning to the hotel.

The afternoon is free for you to relax at leisure, or you may choose to join our optional food tour to savor Hoi An’s famous local specialties.

Enjoy a full day in Hoi An to explore however you like. Relax on the beach, wander through charming streets, or sample more of the local cuisine.

You might also browse artisan shops or simply unwind and soak up the calm atmosphere that makes this town so special.

After breakfast, we’ll head to Da Nang Airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City — Vietnam’s vibrant largest metropolis and bustling economic hub.

Upon arrival, start discovering its dynamic contrasts, where French colonial buildings stand beside modern skyscrapers and traditional markets.

Visit the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office, two architectural gems reflecting the colonial legacy. See the City Hall Square and the grand Opera House, symbols of the city’s vibrant spirit.

Explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market, perfect for experiencing local life, colors, and flavors. If you wish, you can join an optional food tour to sample the best of Saigon’s cuisine.

Later, enjoy free time to explore and relax at the hotel.

In the morning, visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam’s history through real photos and artifacts.

Next, we’ll journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels - an extensive underground network once used by Vietnamese resistance forces. Here, you’ll discover how people lived, moved, and fought beneath the ground, with the option to venture into a section of the tunnels yourself.

By late afternoon, we’ll travel to Can Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta, to prepare for tomorrow’s floating market experience.

Dedicate the day to exploring the fascinating Mekong Delta, a region of canals, villages, and floating markets that reveal southern Vietnam’s authentic life. Your first stop is the famous Cai Rang floating market, where you’ll see fruit, vegetables, and fresh products traded directly from boats.

Cruise along peaceful canals, discover traditional villages and palm-lined fields, and observe the relaxed pace and hospitality of local people. Visit a local family to share moments and learn about their daily life and customs.

Enjoy a homemade lunch prepared with fresh regional ingredients before returning to Ho Chi Minh City to rest and reflect on this unique experience.

On your last day, you’ll have free time to enjoy Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. You might savor your favorite dish one last time or shop for souvenirs at local markets and stores.

When it’s time, a driver will take you to the airport for your return flight, bringing home unforgettable memories from this journey through Vietnam.