Taste of Vietnam 11 Days

Prepare to be greeted with a warm welcome as you step outside the baggage claim area. Look for your guide, who will be holding a distinctive welcome sign adorned with the ASIA TOUR ADVISOR LOGO and your name. As you begin your journey towards downtown Hanoi, your guide will provide you with a captivating introduction to this enchanting city.

Hanoi - Where Tradition Meets Refinement

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a captivating city home to seven million residents. Here, tradition harmoniously coexists with refinement, characterized by its French colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards, serene lakes, and the bustling Old Quarter. Hanoi's sophisticated charm beckons exploration. As you stroll along the tranquil lakeshores, you may witness locals practicing Tai Chi, while barbers and food vendors ply their trades along the picturesque sidewalks.

It is unmissable in terms of its pretty pagodas, ancient temples, enchanting French colonial quarter and cultural institutions. Just as fun, however, is darting down its winding lanes and discovering your own favourite hidden corners.

After a satisfying breakfast at your hotel, our local tour guide will pick you up to embark on an exploration of Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi. With over a thousand years of history, this city is rich with captivating cultural and historical sites. Your itinerary includes visits to the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, home to the preserved body of "Uncle Ho."  and his House on Stilts to observe how he lived and how his life unfolded to become one of modern history’s greatest names. 

You'll also experience the delicate beauty of the One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Temple are a spiritual and cultural symbol of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. With special features in its structure along with historical values, the temple will surely be a real eye-opener for tourists.

After lunch, continue to visit the millennia-old Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a Confucius temple. Next is Hoa Lo , a prison used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. Prisoners of War.

To cap off your day, enjoy a one-hour cyclo tour through the bustling and lively Old Quarter, immersing yourself in the vibrant marketplace atmosphere.  Sample delicious dishes like Nom Du Du (green papaya salad), Banh Mi Pa Te (a sandwich that reflects Vietnam’s culinary heritage)

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 Hue.

Upon arrival in Hue, your tour guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel

Hue is one of the most charming towns in the Central Vietnam and has a long and illustrious history as it used to be one of the main royal capitals of the country

Today you will explore the royal city of Hue once served as an imperial capital to the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty which reigned from the 17th to the 19th century. With splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the citadel, the city retains its royal charm.

After breakfast, you are picked up by your private guide and driver and begin your day with a visit to the atmospheric Imperial Citadel, a large complex that contains the remains of the former Imperial Palace and Forbidden Purple City, where the emperors and his family once lived. The two-hour walking tour allows you to see the magnificent architecture and gardens as your guide explains the events and the intrigue of the former royal court.

From the Imperial City, your guide will take you to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda – Hue’s most famous religious site with its origins dating back to 1601. Here you will explore the pagoda’s landscaped gardens, the seven-tiered octagonal tower, and watch the monks chanting.

Hue is famous for its Royal cuisine. The Nguyen Emperors’ banquets were legendary. Some feats were said to have included 300 rare dishes served in more than a thousand bowls. Today your guide will take you to the fine-dining Ancient Hue restaurant where you will be served a royal lunch. This old fashioned style meal which brings a boutique and unique experience.

After lunch, you will explore the tomb of the longest-reigned Emperor Tu Duc, located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds, inspired by the Chinese Confucianism, harmonious design of balance and symmetry for the emperor’s resting place.

Continue to visit the tomb of King Khai Dinh, designed in traditional Vietnamese style with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue.

After breakfast and check out of your hotel, meet your private guide and driver for a three-hour drive to Hoi An via the stunningly Hai Van Pass. Also known as the “Cloudy Pass,” this winding mountain road overlooks the lush countryside, sandy beaches, the blue waters of the South China Sea, and the coastal city of Da Nang.

En route, you will pause in Danang to visit the Marble Mountain with its beautiful caves of worship and the Museum of Cham Sculpture’s collection of artifacts dating back to the seventh century.

Upon arriving in Hoi An, you'll check in to your hotel and have the rest of the afternoon to unwind on the sandy shores of Cua Dai Beach.

Hoi An thrived as a bustling port city from the 16th to the 19th century, conducting trade with merchants from China, Japan, India, Indonesia, and Europe. 

Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Old Quarter of Hoi An preserves the city's past with ornate pagodas, antique trading houses, and historic tile-roofed shops. These have been transformed into art galleries, boutique restaurants, bars, and cafes. 

Hoi An is renowned for its architectural fusion of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and European styles, offering a rich cultural tapestry. Surrounding the city are scenic countryside landscapes with traditional farming and fishing, as well as sandy beaches featuring modern seaside 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.

Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel, followed by a captivating walking tour of Hoi An's ancient town center. Immerse yourself in the charm of a bygone era when Hoi An thrived as a major trading port in Asia. Explore the quaint old shophouses, cross the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Bridge, pay a visit to a Chinese communal hall, and soak up the lively atmosphere of the local market.

After your exploration of Hoi An, you'll have some free time to relax on the picturesque Cua Dai Beach. Later in the day, prepare for your transfer to the airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon your arrival, you'll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel, where you can unwind and enjoy leisurely moments.

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 Ho Chi Minh 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