Vietnam Cultural Odyssey 13 Days 12 Nights

Upon arrival in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. (Check-in standard time: from 14:00). Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the vibrant streets of Hanoi or relaxing at your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

Meals: No

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet our tour guide at the scheduled time and start to explore Hanoi – the charming capital of Vietnam. Our morning journey begins with visits to iconic landmarks, including the One Pillar Pagoda. We’ll then explore the outer part of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a monument honoring the esteemed country leader Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known as Bác Hồ (Uncle Hồ) by the Vietnamese people. Our tour continues with visits to the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House. Next, we’ll delve into the tranquility of the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám (Temple of Literature), a symbol of Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage, originally built in 1070 as a Confucian temple and later housing the country’s first university.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Our afternoon adventures take us to the nearby Tran Quoc Pagoda, the city’s oldest pagoda dating back to the 6th century. Following our visit, we’ll enjoy a traditional cyclo in the vibrant ambiance of the Old Quarter, renowned for its labyrinthine streets, bustling markets, and ancient temples. Finally, take a leisurely break at a coffee shop, savoring the unique flavors of egg coffee or fresh juice.

Late check out at the hotel until 17h30. At scheduled time, transfer to the train station for your night train to Lao Cai province.

Overnight on the train (Shared cabin with 4 berths)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The train arrives at Lao Cai station around 4-5 am. Upon arrival, meet our local team, and we’ll set off on a journey of over 70km to the vibrant Bac Ha Market (approximately 1.5 hours by car). Renowned as the largest market in the region, it draws a diverse range of ethnic groups, including the Flower H’mong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, and Nung minorities, who gather here for trading. Nestled within the charming town of Bac Ha, this market opens every Sunday morning, offering primarily agricultural products like rice, corn, and vegetables, along with live animals and handmade products from local villagers. While local women are interested in food and clothing, the unique cattle area captures the attention of the local men.

Enjoy a light breakfast in the market to energize yourself before further exploration. Spend your morning leisurely visiting the market before heading to a local restaurant for lunch.

In the afternoon, our visit continues to Ban Pho village, where you can take a short walk around. This village is home to the Flower Hmong, Tay, and Nung minorities. From here, we’ll drive to your hotel in Sapa for check-in.

Overnight at hotel in Sapa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, we will embark on our adventure with a trek through the rolling hills, meandering through the intricate maze of rice terrace fields, and visiting the Black Hmong villages of Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai. Engage with the friendly locals, whose warm hospitality offers a glimpse into their rich cultural heritage. A picnic lunch will be provided along the way.

In the afternoon, continue your trekking adventure as you journey to Ta Van village, a hidden gem nestled amidst the verdant hills and valleys, home to the vibrant Giay ethnic minority. Delve into the cultural tapestry of the region as you explore the quaint village, adorned with traditional stilt houses and vibrant market stalls. Immerse yourself in the colorful traditions and customs of the Giay people, learning more about their way of life and age-old traditions.

Return to your hotel. Late check out at the hotel until 17:30.

At the scheduled time, we will be transferred to Lao Cai train station where you will embark on a journey back to Hanoi.

Overnight on the train (Shared cabin with 4 berths)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

4:30 am: Arrival to Hanoi. Transfer to a nearby hotel (3*) to have a short rest and breakfast before your adventure to Ha Long.

At scheduled time, we’ll embark on a journey to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning limestone karsts and islets, being formed over 500 million years ago. Upon arrival at the boat pier, you’ll be greeted by the cruise members with a refreshing drink at the lounge while awaiting embarkation. A small sampan will transport you to the main cruise, where you’ll complete the check-in process, receive a safety briefing, and get a brief introduction to the cruise itinerary. Enjoy a delectable lunch onboard as the cruise glides past picturesque islands and towering rock formations, allowing you to marvel at the breathtaking scenery. After lunch, take a short rest before participating in the afternoon activities offered by the cruise, which could include visiting caves, fishing villages, kayaking*, or swimming at a quiet beach, depending on the cruise’s program. Dinner will be served at the cruise’s restaurant while it anchors in a safe and serene area for the night.

Overnight onboard the cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up early to join a taichi or meditation class on the sundeck before enjoying breakfast on board. Today, we’ll embark on a full-day adventure to visit the magnificent Ha Long Bay. As you follow the cruise’s itinerary, you’ll participate in a variety of exciting activities, such as exploring a stunning cave in Ha Long Bay, taking a bicycle or electric car ride to visit a local village on Cat Ba Island, or enjoying kayaking and swimming in a tranquil spot in the bay. Each cruise offers a unique program, with detailed itineraries available upon request. Savor lunch and dinner on board as you soak in the breathtaking views and serene atmosphere of the bay.

Overnight onboard the cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day with an early morning Tai Chi class on the sundeck, allowing yourself to embrace a meditative state through gentle movements and controlled breathing. Witness the tranquil beauty of the bay as the sun slowly ascends behind the limestone cliffs, casting a serene glow over the horizon. Continue with the morning activities outlined in the cruise program or bask in the sun’s warmth on the sundeck. Indulge in a leisurely brunch aboard the cruise, savoring each bite as you glide past majestic rock formations on your journey back to the dock. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, check-in at the hotel and enjoy your free time in the afternoon/evening.

Overnight at the hotel in Hue

Meals: Brunch

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we embark on a journey to explore Hue City, once the imperial capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled the country from 1802 to 1945. Our journey into the past begins with a visit to the complex of Hue Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. Our first stop is the Hue Imperial City, spanning 520 hectares. It is divided into three main sections: Kinh Thành Huế (Hue Citadel), a square fortress enclosing the entire compound; Đại Nội (Royal City), serving as the administrative center where the kings and their entourage conducted their affairs; and Tử Cấm Thành (Forbidden Purple City), a private enclave reserved exclusively for emperors and royal families. After lunch, we’ll venture to the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, an architectural marvel blending Western influences with traditional Vietnamese design. Reigning from 1916 to 1925, Emperor Khai Dinh’s elaborate tomb stands as a testament to his era’s cultural shifts and influences. Following this, we’ll explore the serene surroundings of the ancient Tu Hieu Pagoda, nestled amidst verdant gardens and ancient wooden structures, providing a tranquil space for introspection and spiritual contemplation. Our journey concludes with a visit to the incense village, a bustling community where artisans meticulously handcraft fragrant incense sticks, preserving age-old traditions.

Overnight at the hotel in Hue

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, we’ll visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic landmark nestled on the banks of the Perfume River (Song Huong). Then we’ll venture into the bustling Dong Ba market where you can immerse yourself in vibrant local culture. We’ll continue our journey to Hoi An, passing by the Hai Van Pass, celebrated as one of the world’s top ten most beautiful coastal roads. Upon reaching Hoi An, lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we’ll start to visit the Old Quarter, including the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge dating back over 400 years. Explore the ornate Phuc Kien Assembly Hall (Fujian Assembly Hall) – a 300-year-old Chinese congregation known for its ancient and precious architecture. Continue our journey to the Tan Ky Old House – a residence spanning 7 generations that once served as a trading hub for local and foreign merchants during the 18th and 19th centuries. Finally, we’ll visit The Museum of Sa Huynh Culture to learn about the cultural heritage of the Sa Huynh civilization – considered the first settlers of the port town, who engaged in trade with countries in Southeast Asia, South India, and China. End the tour with a scenic boat ride along the Thu Bon River, offering picturesque views of quaint villages nestled along its banks. Return to your hotel to check-in.

Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we depart from Hoi An town for My Son Sanctuary. Located just 40 km from Hoi An ancient town, My Son Sanctuary is a must-see for enthusiasts of ancient architecture and civilizations influenced by Hindu culture and beliefs. Constructed between the 4th and 13th centuries CE by the King of Champa, My Son boasts a collection of ancient Hindu temples, marking it as Vietnam’s paramount archaeological site. Some of the temples form a remarkable architectural ensemble that developed over ten centuries, even older than Borobudur in Indonesia, Bagan in Myanmar, or Angkor Wat in Cambodia. It offers a vivid picture of spiritual and political life in an important phase of South-East Asian history. After a scenic 1-1.5-hour drive, we arrive at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its cultural significance and architectural excellence. Despite enduring bombings and looting, remnants of this once-grand complex still stand today, bearing witness to Vietnam’s dramatic history. Here, you encounter the ruins of majestic temples dedicated to the god Shiva, revered as protectors of the Champa Kingdom. You learn about the history of this Kingdom and gain a deeper understanding of the My Son civilization. On our return journey to Hoi An, we’ll stop by an artisan village beside the Thu Bon River, where small silk factories offer a glimpse into traditional craftsmanship and local livelihoods. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, check in at hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Saigon

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, we’ll depart for the Mekong Delta, just a 2.5-hour drive from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City. As we arrive at the pier in Ben Tre – also known as the Coconut Kingdom, the adventure truly begins. We’ll transfer by motorboat on the Ben Tre River, enjoying the fresh air as the boat passes local houses, pagodas, and markets. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to see various activities along the river such as fishing and water transferring. Glide along the quiet waters and prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking landscapes unfolding before your eyes. Don’t forget to capture the stunning view of the maze-like rivers, lush mangroves, scattered islands, and serene swamps – perfect for your photo album! Upon reaching the shore, we will visit the age-old tradition of brickmaking, where artisans skillfully print and bake bricks in a traditional manner. Afterwards, continue the visit to one of the numerous coconut processing workshops nestled along the canal. Navigate through natural scissor creeks, where the waterways gradually narrow, leading to quaint villages. Enjoy a leisurely walk to a family workshop where sleep mats are crafted, and treat yourself to some locally grown fruits and tea. Experience the authentic rural life by riding a motor cart (xe lôi) or bike along shaded paths, passing by verdant rice fields and vegetable plains, and gaining insight into tropical culture from local peasants. Lunch at a local house. In the afternoon, we embark on a mini-adventure on a traditional rowing boat, navigating the narrow waterways of the Mekong tributaries before returning by motorboat to Hàm Luông pier, where your driver awaits. After a day filled with excitement and discovery, we’ll journey back to Ho Chi Minh City by road.

**Lunch at a local restaurant here offers simple fare, and while the flavors may not cater to every palate, it provides an authentic taste of the region. Adjusting expectations accordingly will ensure a more enjoyable dining experience.

Overnight at the hotel in Saigon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, we set out early to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels (Địa Đạo Củ Chi), located just 70 km from Ho Chi Minh City. This extraordinary complex comprises over 200 kilometers of underground passages, originally constructed during the Indochina War (1945-1954) and used as hiding spots during combat. Upon arrival, you’ll explore the complex on the ground level, encountering hundreds of inventive booby traps and counterfeit bunkers set up to trap enemies. On the underground level, you’ll have the chance to crawl through narrow passages, discover hidden entrances, and examine booby traps, gaining firsthand insight into the hardships faced by Vietnamese soldiers during the war.

At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast