14 Days - Classic Vietnam

Welcome to Vietnam, and to the bustling capital of Hanoi.

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, make your way through immigration and complete the necessary visa procedures. Please note that the visa approval letter and stamping fee are not included in your program. After collecting your luggage, proceed to the arrivals hall where your local guide will be waiting with a personalised welcome. Together with your driver, you’ll travel by private vehicle to your hotel located in the historic Old Quarter. The journey into the city takes approximately one hour, passing a mix of rice paddies, modern highways, and the growing outskirts of Hanoi - a first glimpse into the contrasts that define Vietnam today.

Hanoi is the political and cultural capital of Vietnam, offering an intriguing blend of French colonial charm, communist-era landmarks, ancient temples, and fast-paced urban life. Your hotel is located in the Old Quarter, a lively neighbourhood known for its narrow streets named after traditional trades and its endless street food options, from steaming bowls of pho to crispy spring rolls.

Hotel check-in is available from 2:00pm. The remainder of your day is at leisure to rest after your journey or begin exploring the local area. Depending on your energy level, you might choose to take a gentle walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit the nearby Ngoc Son Temple, or simply enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee at a local café while watching the city go by. This first afternoon is a soft landing into Vietnam, giving you time to settle in and adjust to the pace of the country before your journey truly begins tomorrow.

After breakfast, embark on a flavourful introduction to Hanoi with a hands-on cooking experience that begins with a local twist. Travel by cyclo - a traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxi - through the city’s narrow streets, soaking up the atmosphere on your way to Dong Xuan Market. This busy wholesale market is one of the oldest in Hanoi and offers an eye-opening immersion into the daily life of the capital. Walk among stalls overflowing with herbs, spices, fresh produce, and street snacks, and sample a few local delicacies along the way.

From the market, continue to Thom Culinary, a peaceful garden retreat tucked away from the noise of the city. Here, you’ll be welcomed by the resident chef and staff, who will guide you through the next part of your culinary journey. Begin with a tour of the on-site garden, where you’ll pick fresh herbs and greens for your cooking session. The setting is calm and inviting, offering a refreshing contrast to the buzz of Hanoi’s streets.

In the kitchen, learn to prepare several traditional Vietnamese dishes under the guidance of an expert instructor. Techniques will vary depending on the menu, but may include making fresh spring rolls, slicing herbs for green papaya salad, or mastering the balance of flavours in nuoc cham dipping sauce. The class is hands-on and designed to give you a deeper understanding of Vietnamese cuisine beyond the recipes - exploring the regional differences, symbolic meanings, and cultural significance of the food you’re preparing.

Once your dishes are complete, sit down to enjoy your creations in the garden, accompanied by a selection of refreshing drinks and homemade dessert. It’s a relaxed and rewarding way to connect with the flavours of Vietnam, and to take home skills that will let you share your journey with friends and family around your own table. Return to your hotel in the afternoon, with time at leisure for a walk through the Old Quarter or simply to relax.

After breakfast, spend the day discovering Hanoi through the eyes of a local. While many of the city’s highlights are included, this experience offers a fresh perspective by following a quieter route and focusing on authentic local encounters.

Begin your morning with a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, where residents gather at dawn to practice tai chi, aerobics, and group dance. It’s a peaceful and communal way to start the day, reflecting the rhythm of daily life in the capital. Visit Ngoc Son Temple, situated on a small island in the lake, before pausing for a ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) or Hanoi’s signature egg coffee at a nearby café.

Continue your walk through the Old Quarter, where French colonial buildings sit alongside traditional shopfronts and temples. Explore Hoa Lo Prison, a former colonial jail with a complex history tied to both French occupation and the Vietnam War. From here, visit B-52 Lake, where remnants of a downed American bomber still rest, then make your way to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, founded in 1070.

For lunch, enjoy bun cha, a beloved Hanoian dish of grilled pork served with rice noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce. After your meal, visit one of Hanoi’s most curious sights - a narrow street where train tracks run just metres from the surrounding homes. Walk along the tracks, take photos, and chat with locals who have adapted their daily lives around the train schedule. Wrap up your afternoon with a bia hoi, a freshly brewed draft beer served on low plastic stools in street-side bars where locals gather to socialise.

In the early evening, attend a traditional water puppet performance at a nearby theatre. This expressive art form, unique to northern Vietnam, uses puppets controlled from beneath the water to depict folktales, historical legends, and rural scenes, accompanied by live traditional music and narration. It’s an engaging and culturally rich performance, deeply tied to the region’s storytelling traditions.

After the show, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant known for serving Cha Ca La Vong - grilled turmeric-marinated fish served with dill, rice noodles, and peanuts. This signature Hanoi dish is so iconic that the restaurant specialises in nothing else. If you prefer a different dining experience, your guide can take you to Vi Lai for elegant vegan Vietnamese cuisine, or to Ngon, a stylish restaurant offering a broad selection of regional dishes.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Hanoi and meet your guide and driver for the journey to Ha Long Bay. The drive takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, passing through rural villages, rice fields, and lush green landscapes before reaching the coast. On arrival at the pier, board your overnight cruise vessel and settle into your cabin as your Ha Long Bay adventure begins.

As the boat pulls away from the harbour, spend your first moments on the sun deck, soaking up the extraordinary scenery. Towering limestone karsts rise from the emerald waters, creating one of Vietnam’s most iconic and photogenic landscapes. Enjoy a welcome drink and familiarise yourself with the cruise facilities as the boat makes its way deeper into the bay.

Your first stop is Cua Van, one of the last traditional floating fishing villages in the bay. Still home to a small community of fishermen and aquaculture farmers, the village offers a rare look at life on the water. Explore the area by bamboo boat, rowed by locals, or take a kayak if you prefer a more active experience. Visit the Cua Van Cultural Centre to see displays of archaeological artefacts, traditional tools, and historic photographs that tell the story of the village and its people.

From the village, continue by tender to Tien Ong Cave. This cavern reveals signs of human habitation dating back as far as 10,000 BC. Follow your guide through chambers filled with limestone formations and learn how rising sea levels transformed this once-dry cave into part of the bay’s submerged beauty. The cave covers around 1,000 square metres and offers both geological and archaeological insight.

Return to the cruise boat and set sail toward the overnight anchoring point. As the sun begins to set, take in the soft light of the “blue hour” from the deck with a drink in hand. You may wish to join an informal cooking session with the onboard chef, learning to prepare classic Vietnamese dishes using local ingredients.

Dinner is served in the dining room, with a multi-course menu offering both Vietnamese specialities and international favourites. After the meal, enjoy a short presentation from the guide about the unique ecology and mythology of Ha Long Bay. If you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at squid fishing with the crew - an enjoyable way to end the evening. Relax under the stars and fall asleep surrounded by the still waters and dramatic cliffs of Ha Long Bay.

Begin your second day in Ha Long Bay with the peaceful rhythm of the water as you wake to the soft sounds of waves and birdsong. Freshly brewed coffee and a light breakfast of pastries await in the dining room for early risers. For those who wish to start the morning with gentle movement, join a Tai Chi session on the sun deck. With limestone peaks surrounding the boat and the bay still cloaked in morning light, it’s a meditative way to ease into the day.

After breakfast, transfer to a smaller day boat named Sunset for a full day of exploration in a more remote area of the bay. As you cruise through new stretches of limestone islets, enjoy a more intimate perspective of this remarkable landscape. The first stop is Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in Ha Long Bay. Spanning over 10,000 square metres, this impressive cavern consists of two vast chambers. The outer chamber features stalactites that hang like chandeliers from the high ceilings, while a narrow path leads to the inner chamber, often referred to as the “opera house” for its grandeur. Inside, discover rock formations, a natural pond, and lush vegetation, all illuminated by soft lighting that enhances the cave’s natural beauty.

Returning to the day boat, relax on the deck with a chilled ca phe sua da or rest indoors as the boat continues to a quiet bay for kayaking. Paddle through calm waters flanked by vertical cliffs and thick greenery. This independent exploration gives you time to enjoy the bay’s natural silence and serenity at your own pace, far from the larger cruise routes.

Next, visit a floating pearl farm to learn about one of the region’s traditional industries. Watch as a skilled technician demonstrates the intricate process of pearl cultivation, from seeding the oyster to harvest. The procedure is delicate and time-intensive, requiring both precision and patience. This insight into local aquaculture adds another layer to your understanding of how life is sustained on the bay.

In the late afternoon, return to your main vessel. Enjoy some free time to sunbathe, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply take in the beauty of Ha Long Bay during the golden light of the early evening. As the boat anchors once again for the night, dinner is served on board with a choice of Vietnamese or international dishes, accompanied by a fine selection of drinks.

After dinner, you may like to try your hand at squid fishing with the assistance of the crew. Alternatively, enjoy a quiet drink from the bar and unwind on deck, taking in the peaceful surroundings under a sky full of stars.

Start your final morning in Ha Long Bay with a quiet coffee or tea and a light breakfast of pastries available in the dining room. For those who enjoy a mindful start to the day, a Tai Chi session is once again offered on the sun deck. Surrounded by calm waters and limestone formations, it’s a peaceful farewell to one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes.

After breakfast, your cruise sets course for Ti Top Island. Originally named Cat Nang, this small islet was renamed in 1962 in honour of Russian astronaut German Titov, who visited the bay with President Ho Chi Minh. So struck was he by the island’s beauty that it became a symbol of friendship between Vietnam and the former Soviet Union.

Upon arrival, you’ll have time to enjoy Ti Top’s crescent-shaped beach for a refreshing swim beneath the shadow of towering cliffs. If you're feeling energetic, climb the 400 steps to the island’s summit. The short but steep hike rewards you with panoramic views over the bay - an excellent final photo opportunity. There's also a lower viewing platform partway up the hill that offers sweeping vistas framed by trees and rocky outcrops.

Return to the boat to freshen up and enjoy a full breakfast while the cruise begins its journey back to the harbour. Spend your final hour aboard relaxing on the sun deck or in the dining room as you take in the last views of Ha Long’s dramatic seascape. Disembark at the pier and transfer by private vehicle to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours, with the flight from Hanoi to Hue taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Nestled along the banks of the Perfume River in central Vietnam, Hue was the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty and remains home to many of the country’s most significant cultural treasures. The city’s centrepiece is the UNESCO-listed Imperial City, a vast complex of palaces, temples, and ancient gates enclosed within moats and stone walls. Beyond its royal heritage, Hue is known for its refined cuisine, distinctive architecture, and a slower pace of life.

Upon arrival at Hue Airport in the afternoon, you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in the city centre. The drive from the airport into Hue takes around 30 minutes, with glimpses of quiet countryside and riverside villages along the way. After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours to rest or explore at your own pace.

Spend a full day uncovering the character and charm of Hue beyond its well-known monuments, gaining insight into the lives, memories, and traditions of its people. This immersive experience offers a layered perspective of the former imperial capital, blending local encounters with historical discovery.

Begin the day by meeting residents who share personal stories from their childhood: experiences shaped by war, resilience, and the changes in their communities over time. These accounts reveal how Hue’s cultural identity has evolved through everyday life, not just royal legacy. Stroll through quiet laneways and overlooked corners of the city, where small family temples, markets, and hidden courtyards speak to a slower, deeply rooted way of living.

Next, board a boat and cruise along the Perfume River, whose gentle flow and leafy banks have long inspired artists and poets. Stop at Phuong Duc village to visit bronze workshops where skilled artisans craft bells, incense holders, and ritual items using age-old techniques. Watching these crafts come to life offers a deeper appreciation for Hue’s enduring connection to artistry and tradition.

Pause for lunch at a peaceful garden restaurant with views of the outer walls of the Imperial City. This quiet spot offers a reflective moment amid the day’s discoveries. In the afternoon, explore the Imperial City itself, walking through ornate gates and courtyards while hearing stories of royal life, cultural upheaval, and restoration efforts.

End the day with a personal encounter - an informal visit with a princess from the Nguyen royal family. Listening to her family’s stories and reflections offers a rare opportunity to connect with the living history of Vietnam’s last imperial dynasty.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Hue and meet your guide and driver for the journey south to Hoi An. The drive takes approximately 3 hours and follows National Highway 1, a route known for its remarkable scenery and cultural significance. As you travel, you'll pass through coastal plains, fishing villages, and mountain foothills, gradually leaving behind the more temperate climate of northern Vietnam and entering the warm, tropical landscapes of the central region.

A highlight of this journey is the Hai Van Pass, one of the most scenic stretches of road in the country. Known as the “Ocean Cloud Pass,” this mountain road winds along a ridge between the Annamite Mountains and the sea. At nearly 500 metres above sea level and extending for about 20km, the pass offers panoramic views of the coastline, with cloud-shrouded peaks on one side and the sparkling South China Sea on the other. Once a natural boundary between the ancient kingdoms of Dại Viet and Champa, it now marks the climatic divide between north and south Vietnam. Your driver will make a stop for photos, as this is an excellent chance to capture sweeping views of Lang Co Beach, the blue lagoon, and nearby fishing communities nestled along the shoreline.

Continuing your journey, you’ll arrive in Da Nang, where you’ll pause to visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture. Founded in 1915, this museum houses the world’s largest collection of Cham artefacts, including sandstone sculptures and temple fragments from the 4th to 14th centuries. The Cham civilisation, with its Hindu-Buddhist influences, played a significant role in Vietnam’s early history, and the museum provides a fascinating insight into their artistic and religious heritage.

From here, you’ll travel to the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone and marble hills named after the five elements. This spiritual site is filled with caves, pagodas, and hidden shrines, many carved directly into the rock. You’ll have the chance to explore some of the natural caverns and climb to a viewpoint offering panoramic views over Da Nang, the coastline, and the surrounding countryside. One notable site is Huyen Khong Cave, where light filters down through a circular opening in the ceiling, illuminating the statues and altars below in a dramatic play of shadow and sunlight.

After your visit, continue driving towards Hoi An. The landscape shifts again as you descend toward the Thu Bon River Delta, where rice paddies, waterways, and villages begin to appear. Upon arrival in Hoi An, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. This ancient trading town, once a bustling port, is now a UNESCO-listed gem known for its lantern-lit streets, merchant houses, and cultural charm.

Begin your morning with a guided walking tour through Hoi An’s vibrant Central Market, a bustling riverside hub where the town’s culinary and social life come together. After being picked up from your hotel, you’ll arrive early to experience the market at its liveliest: when fishermen bring in fresh catch, vendors stack colourful produce, and the scent of herbs, spices, and grilled snacks fills the air. It’s a lively and authentic way to see how the day begins in Hoi An.

From the market, step into the maze of narrow laneways that wind through the historic Old Town. These quiet backstreets are lined with artisan workshops, family shrines, and cafes set in beautifully preserved shophouses. You’ll stop in at a few small businesses, where local craftspeople still work with wood, paper, and textiles using age-old methods. This part of the walk reveals the quieter, more personal side of Hoi An’s history - one that is shaped by pride, skill and strong community ties. Locals are friendly and often keen to chat or show their work.

Mid-morning, take a break on a shaded veranda overlooking the Thu Bon River. Once a major trading route, the river is still busy today with fishing boats and ferries. As you sit and enjoy a cold drink, you’ll see everyday life play out along the water with vendors loading supplies, boat drivers calling out to each other, and children playing on the banks.

Continue on foot through the heart of the Old Town. Your guide will explain the town’s architectural mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and French influences, visible in the tile-roofed buildings, wooden shopfronts, and pastel-painted walls. Learn about Hoi An’s days as a thriving port and its role in regional trade networks. Visit historic sites such as merchant houses, Chinese assembly halls, and old tea warehouses, each with their own stories and significance.

Before lunch, stop at the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Built in the 1590s, the bridge is a much-loved symbol of Hoi An and a reminder of the town’s cultural diversity. End your morning with a hands-on lantern-making workshop in the home of a local family. With their help, you’ll shape a bamboo frame, stretch the colourful silk, and create a lantern of your own. It’s a memorable way to connect with one of Hoi An’s most recognisable traditions, and a chance to take home a handmade reminder of your visit.

This morning, escape the bustle of the Old Town and delve into the rhythms of rural life just beyond Hoi An. Begin with a short drive - about 20 minutes - from your hotel to a local family home nestled on the outskirts of the town. Here, you’ll be warmly welcomed with a glass of freshly brewed ca phe sua da, Vietnam’s iconic iced coffee, as the family shares their story of preserving both their home and the broader heritage of their community. Their passion for cultural continuity sets the tone for the day ahead.

After this introduction, hop on a bicycle and set off on a relaxed ride through lush rice paddies and quiet country lanes. The landscape is dotted with water buffalo, farmers at work, and scenes of everyday life that remain unchanged by time. Your guide will lead you to small family-run workshops and homes where traditional crafts still flourish. At one stop, compare modern and manual methods of rice milling and see the care that goes into each grain. Next, meet a husband and wife team who create incense by hand, using age-old techniques and fragrant materials passed down through generations.

As you continue through the village, you’ll pass local fishermen mending their nets and boats - essential work in a community closely tied to the river and sea. Visit the village’s whale temple, where fishermen make offerings to the whale spirit believed to protect them at sea. Nearby, stop at a modest rice wine producer and learn about the local distillation process, then visit a home where colourful fabrics are still woven by hand on wooden looms. The artisans you meet along the way offer not only demonstrations but also personal insights into their daily lives, customs, and the evolving challenges of maintaining traditional livelihoods.

To finish the experience, board a coracle - a round bamboo fishing boat used in Vietnam’s central coast - and try your hand at traditional fishing methods on a peaceful stretch of water. After this final hands-on activity, return to the family home where a simple, delicious local meal awaits. Relax with a cold drink, reflect on the people and stories you’ve encountered, and enjoy the genuine hospitality that defines life in Hoi An’s countryside.

After breakfast, check out and meet your guide and driver for the transfer to Danang Airport, approximately a 30-minute drive from Hoi An. Your short flight to Ho Chi Minh City takes around 1.5 hours, offering a chance to relax and prepare for the next chapter of your journey. Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting at the airport exit to welcome you and assist with your transfer into the city centre, which takes approximately 1 hour depending on traffic.

Once checked into your hotel, take some time to enjoy lunch and rest before your afternoon adventure begins. Ho Chi Minh City - still called Saigon by locals - is Vietnam’s commercial and cultural heartbeat, a place where past and present collide in fascinating ways. Begin your guided city tour at the Reunification Palace, a landmark steeped in history, once serving as the residence and workplace of the President of South Vietnam until the end of the war in 1975. Continue to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, two of the city’s most iconic examples of French colonial architecture. Although the cathedral is currently undergoing restoration and open only for services, its twin spires and red brick façade still make it a photogenic stop.

From here, your guide will take you through Saigon’s eclectic streets, where sleek modern towers rise alongside traditional temples and open-air markets. This contrast defines the city’s unique energy, blending Vietnamese tradition with international influence. Conclude your afternoon at the War Remnants Museum. Despite its sobering subject matter, the museum offers valuable context for understanding Vietnam’s recent history and is considered essential for any visitor.

In the evening, get ready to experience the city in true Saigonese style on the back of a vintage Vespa. This immersive food and nightlife tour begins with a rooftop cocktail, where you’ll watch the skyline light up as the sun sets over the city. Then hop on your Vespa with an experienced driver and weave through the buzzing streets, stopping at two favourite local eateries to sample a variety of authentic dishes and drinks. As you ride through alleyways and past neon-lit boulevards, you’ll glimpse the city’s vibrant nightlife, from quiet residential corners to lively entertainment districts. Finish the night at a live music venue, where young locals gather to relax, perform and socialise. It’s a fun and flavourful way to experience the rhythms and tastes of modern Saigon.

Set off early for a memorable day trip to one of Vietnam’s most important wartime sites, travelling by speedboat along the Saigon River to beat the crowds. This tour offers a refreshing and efficient alternative to road travel, taking you from central Ho Chi Minh City directly to the Cu Chi Tunnels while offering scenic views and cultural glimpses along the way.

You’ll begin with a hotel pickup and a short transfer to the riverside pier, where your modern speedboat awaits. As you cruise northward, a light breakfast of pastries, fresh fruit and sandwiches will be served. The journey takes approximately 60 to 75 minutes, winding through canals lined with stilt houses, coconut palms, and riverbanks teeming with daily life. Your English-speaking guide will offer insight into the communities that live along the water, pointing out floating hyacinths, small temples, and fishing boats as you travel through the rural edges of Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival at the Cu Chi Tunnels, you’ll explore this remarkable and sobering network of underground passageways used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. These tunnels once served as communication routes, living quarters, weapons storage, and makeshift hospitals. You’ll have a chance to walk through preserved sections of the tunnels, observe cleverly disguised entrances and ventilation shafts, and learn how soldiers lived and fought in these cramped, dark spaces. Your guide will share stories that bring the wartime ingenuity and endurance of the Vietnamese people into sharp focus.

After the tour, board your speedboat for the return journey to the city. The afternoon light casts a golden hue on the river, making the trip back just as enjoyable and photogenic as the way out. This waterborne journey to Cu Chi offers a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War while allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty and cultural life along the Saigon River.

Return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for an afternoon at leisure.

Begin your full-day journey into the heart of the Mekong Delta with an early morning departure from Ho Chi Minh City. The drive to Ben Tre takes approximately 2.5 hours, passing through a patchwork of rice paddies, small villages, and roadside stalls brimming with tropical fruits. Upon arrival, your first stop is My Long Market, a lively local trading hub where vendors sort, weigh, and sell an array of freshly caught fish, herbs, vegetables, and regional delicacies. This is also an opportunity to see the traditional method of making delicate rice paper, a staple in Vietnamese cuisine.

From here, step aboard a motorised boat and begin cruising the maze-like waterways that define the delta. As you travel along coconut-lined canals and shaded backwaters, the landscape unfolds slowly, revealing stilted homes, family-run orchards, and river life that has remained unchanged for generations. Stop at a local farmer’s home to learn how coconut jam is made by hand and enjoy a warm welcome with a tasting of local tea and jam amid a peaceful garden setting.

Next, hop aboard a xe loi, a motorised rickshaw unique to the region, for a gentle ride through neighbouring hamlets. Visit a coconut workshop where skilled artisans craft everyday items from the humble coconut, from candy and oil to woven goods. As you ride through the area, you’ll meet residents eager to share stories of village life and the history of this agriculturally rich region.

Continue the journey aboard a small rowboat, paddled slowly by a local guide through narrow canals under a green canopy of nipa palms. This peaceful stretch offers some of the most scenic views of the day - perfect for capturing photographs of traditional delta life. Your midday break takes place at a tranquil riverside restaurant where you’ll enjoy a meal of Mekong specialities including elephant ear fish, caramelised pork, and fresh vegetables.

In the afternoon, return by boat with a final stop at a traditional brick kiln. Watch how bricks are handmade and baked in towering kilns, a fading craft that still plays a role in local construction. After a short cruise back to the pier, you’ll rejoin your driver for the return journey to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in the early evening with a deeper understanding of the Mekong’s rhythms and traditions.

Enjoy your final morning in Vietnam with time to relax, reflect, or squeeze in a last stroll around the neighbourhood. Depending on your flight schedule, you may wish to visit a nearby café, pick up a few final souvenirs, or simply unwind at your hotel. Standard check-out time is at 12:00pm, though a late check-out may be available on request.

Your driver and guide will meet you at your hotel approximately three hours before your departure to ensure a comfortable and unhurried transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport. The journey from central Ho Chi Minh City to the airport typically takes around 1 hour, depending on traffic.

As you make your way to the airport, take a final look at the city's ever-moving streets - a fitting end to your journey through a country defined by its energy, history, and warmth. Safe travels and we hope to welcome you back to Vietnam again.