Vietnamese Cultural Odyssey: A 10-Day Journey

Welcome to Hanoi! As you step off the plane at Noi Bai International Airport, a warm and friendly reception awaits you. Look for our guide in the baggage claim area; they'll be holding a sign adorned with the distinctive Asia Tour Advisor logo and your name. Your comfort is our utmost priority, and during your transfer to your hotel, we'll provide you with an engaging introduction to this enchanting city. The remainder of the day is yours to settle in, relax, and soak up the local atmosphere.

Hanoi is a culinary paradise, boasting an array of exceptional dining establishments offering French, Vietnamese, and international cuisines. Don't hesitate to seek recommendations from your guide for personalized restaurant experiences.

Hanoi, Vietnam's captivating capital, is home to seven million people and exudes an air of tradition and refinement. With its French colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards, serene lakes, and the bustling Old Quarter, the city seamlessly blends the past with the present. Take a moment to witness locals practicing Tai Chi by the tranquil lakeside, while barbers and street food vendors ply their trade on lively sidewalks.

Our journey embarks from Hanoi where we'll pick you up for a scenic drive through the verdant landscapes of the Red River Delta. Our destination: the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay. Here, you'll embark on a luxurious cruise for an enchanting overnight cruise.

As you relax on board, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking limestone karsts that majestically emerge from the azure waters, surrounded by thousands of jungle-clad islands seemingly suspended on the gentle waves. The turquoise waters of the Gulf of Tonkin conceal hidden grottoes and ancient caves, creating a timeless and mesmerizing world.

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch with breathtaking views and a refreshing drink. Our next destination is a charming fishing village, where locals have ingeniously turned their boats into a floating community. Meet fishermen, explore a stunning lagoon by kayak or rowboat, and unwind on deck as the sun sets. Spend a delightful overnight stay on board!

 Delve deeper into Vietnam's past with a day visit to picturesque Ninh Binh. Explore ancient sites as well as a relaxing sampan cruise through 'Halong Bay on Land'. 

Begin your day with a delectable breakfast at the hotel. We'll depart from Hanoi to Hoa Lu - Tam Coc, where you'll be treated to captivating rural scenery along the way. 

Join the guide for an in-depth exploration of the ruins of Vietnam’s first capital. Learn about the Dinh (968-980) and Le (980-1009) Dynasties and about the history of the site. See ancient tombs and the ruins of the once-imposing Citadel. 

For those feeling adventurous and fit, there's an option to embark on a half-hour trek up one of the nearby limestone karst hills, providing a rewarding panoramic view. Afterward, we'll journey to Tam Coc, located about 10 kilometers from Hoa Lu, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Following lunch, you'll experience the enchanting Tam Coc by boarding a bamboo boat rowed by local experts along the Hoang Long River. Explore the mystical "Three Caves," which provide a refreshing break from the sun. The journey takes approximately two hours, offering glimpses of local fishermen, riverside village life, and the iconic limestone karst formations.

For the more adventurous, you can climb to Bich Dong Pagoda, nestled on Ngu Nhac Mountain and dating back to 1428. Comprising three structures (Ha, Trung, and Thuong Pagodas), the pagoda's ascent offers breathtaking views. Return by sampan to Tam Coc town before heading back to Hanoi, where you'll arrive in the late afternoon.

Our journey embarks from Hanoi where we'll pick you up for a scenic drive through the verdant landscapes of the Red River Delta. Our destination: the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay. Here, you'll embark on a luxurious cruise for an enchanting overnight cruise.

As you relax on board, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking limestone karsts that majestically emerge from the azure waters, surrounded by thousands of jungle-clad islands seemingly suspended on the gentle waves. The turquoise waters of the Gulf of Tonkin conceal hidden grottoes and ancient caves, creating a timeless and mesmerizing world.

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch with breathtaking views and a refreshing drink. Our next destination is a charming fishing village, where locals have ingeniously turned their boats into a floating community. Meet fishermen, explore a stunning lagoon by kayak or rowboat, and unwind on deck as the sun sets. Spend a delightful overnight stay on board!

Kickstart your day with Tai Chi on the top deck or savor the sunrise over the bay. Sip on morning coffee or tea before setting out to explore nearby islands via rowboat.

Upon returning to the junk, witness a fruit carving demonstration and participate in a cooking class, learning to create traditional Vietnamese cuisine from scratch. Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch on board as you cruise back to Halong City. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting at the dock to take you to Noi Bai Airport for your short flight to Danang.

Upon arrival in Danang, your tour guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An—a destination that seamlessly blends old-world charm with pristine beaches and luxurious resorts.

Discover the vibrant tapestry of Vietnamese daily life and rural heritage on this distinctive Hoi An excursion. 

Begin your day with a morning market tour, sourcing fresh ingredients for your upcoming cooking class. Accompanied by your guide and driver, you'll embark on a journey to the bustling Hoi An local market, where a myriad of sights, sounds, and aromas await. Take a leisurely stroll through the market's vibrant aisles, engaging with local vendors and selecting the finest produce for your culinary adventure.

Following the market escapade, head to Cam Thanh village, making a pitstop at the enchanting Bay Mau Water Palm forest. Enjoy a brief riverside walk in this quaint fishing hamlet, then hop onto a traditional Coracle bamboo boat for a scenic cruise along a charming canal with local fishermen. 

Continue to Tra Que herbs and vegetables village, where a farmer's family awaits. Don traditional farmer attire, explore the nearby farming land with authentic tools, and engage in a cooking class at a local home. Relish the experience of preparing and enjoying your own meal, culminating in a soothing foot soak with local herbs and a foot massage.

Cap off the day with an afternoon exploration of Hoi An's UNESCO-recognized ancient town. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Japanese Bridge, a Sino-Vietnamese merchant house, a Chinese Temple, Hoian Central Market, and the Culture Museum. Conclude this splendid day trip back at your hotel.

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast, savoring the flavors and tranquility of your Hoian surroundings. As the morning sun bathes this charming town, our team will arrive to accompany you on your journey to Danang, where you'll catch a flight to vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Upon your arrival, we'll whisk you away to your hotel, providing you with the evening to immerse yourself in the bustling energy of Saigon.

Saigon, a city that never sleeps, presents an abundance of culinary delights and entertainment options. Whether you're enticed by the sizzle of street food vendors or the sophistication of a rooftop bar at the historic Rex Hotel, Saigon caters to all tastes. Feel free to consult your guide for personalized recommendations tailored to your interests.

After enjoying your breakfast, your private guide will meet you and accompany you on a drive to Cu Chi, a quaint community located 60km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Cu Chi is renowned for its extensive network of tunnels, which served as a strategic hideout and infiltration route for the Viet Cong during the latter stages of the Vietnam War.

Upon arrival, you'll have the opportunity to watch a brief introductory video from the era before delving into the tunnels themselves, widely recognized as one of the world's most significant battlegrounds. This hidden labyrinth of Viet Cong tunnels spans "hundreds of miles" in total length, featuring living quarters, storage facilities, makeshift hospitals, kitchens, and more. While some sections of the tunnels remain narrow as originally constructed, others have been widened to accommodate tourists like yourself, offering you the chance to explore a portion of this remarkable system.

Following your exploration of the Cu Chi Tunnels, you'll be transferred back to the city, where you'll enjoy a delicious lunch at Local restaurant.

As the afternoon unfolds, you'll embark on a journey to discover some of Ho Chi Minh City's most iconic landmarks.

Your itinerary may include a visit to the Independence Palace  or the War Remnants Museum, providing you with a profound and sobering insight into Vietnam's tumultuous military history.

Next, you'll explore the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Ben Thanh Market , where vendors display an array of goods and handicrafts, offering you a deeper understanding of local life.

Afterward, you'll return to your hotel. With some time left in the day, you're free to relax and unwind, or perhaps venture out to experience the vibrant nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City.

Ben Tre is one the best area of the Mekong Delta that seems to retain the feeling of being a complete backwater, to fascinatingly invite tourists to the untouched and natural landscapes to discover its rustic local life, beautiful canals and traditional activities

After breakfast, your private guide and driver will take you out of Ho Chi Minh City in a private vehicle and onto some beautiful country roads to Ben Tre Town in the Mekong Delta, famous for its vast rice fields, numerous waterways, and beautiful landscapes. Known as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, this region produces most of Vietnam’s fruit, rice, sugar cane, and coconuts.

After the two-hour drive through the lush farming land, you will arrive in Ben Tre where you will set out on a motorized boat trip on narrow channels winding through the coconut forest. During the boat ride, you will stop at the local cottage industries to see how the local people make bricks and weave sleeping mats by hand. Learn about their craft handed down through generations.

Take a leisure walk along the village lanes, visiting the local homes to try fresh fruits, taste delicious honey tea while enjoying a local Tai Tu music show. Continue to visit another workshop where the local delicacy of coconut candy is produced and a wide range of coconut husk and fiber products are skillfully handcrafted.

Next, take a small sampan through palm-fringed back canals, gliding peacefully along the hidden waterways surrounded by an immense variety of tropical plants. The quiet, rural setting is a welcome and restorative retreat to the frenetic buzz of HCM City which seems far, far away.

Enjoy sitting in the back a Motor Cart (xe lôi) passing local hamlets, rice fields, coconut groves, and lush orchard farms while meeting with local people.

After finishing your sightseeing tour your guide will take you to a riverside restaurant for lunch with local specialties then return to the pier and drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.

This evening you will be free to visit the night market to discover the authentic local cuisine .Overnight in Ho Chi MInh City

You have the morning free to relax and explore at your own pace. Later, your private car will arrive to transfer you to the airport for your departing flight. This concludes our Flavor of Vietnam tour with Asia Tour Advisor. We extend our heartfelt thanks for joining us on this remarkable journey through the wonders of Vietnam. Goodbye, and we hope to welcome you back soon. If you're interested in exploring more of our beautiful country, consider our Vietnam tour for a variety of additional options and experiences.