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.

The capital city of Vietnam, celebrating its 1,000th anniversary in 2010, boasts a wealth of captivating cultural and historic sites that we will explore during our full-day tour.

Our itinerary includes a visit to the grand and solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (please note, it can be viewed from the outside and is closed on Mondays and Fridays, as well as during October and November). We'll also pay homage to the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, admire the exquisite Temple of Literature, and visit Tran Quoc Temple by the scenic West Lake. Our journey continues with a stop at the Quan Thanh Pagoda, followed by a visit to the fascinating Ethnology Museum. As we wander through the bustling Old Quarter, we'll conclude our day with the mesmerizing water puppet performance.

Our adventure commences with an 8:00 am pickup from your Hanoi location, as we embark on a journey through the lush Red River Delta to the renowned UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay. There, you'll step aboard a luxurious junk ship for an enchanting overnight cruise. As you relax on board, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking limestone karsts gracefully emerging from the sea, creating a mesmerizing seascape.

Halong Bay's charm lies in its thousands of jungle-covered islands seemingly floating on the waves of the Gulf of Tonkin. Turquoise waters swirl around hidden grottoes and ancient caves, crafting a timeless realm of enchantment.

As you savor the awe-inspiring vistas, we'll treat you to a delectable seafood lunch. Our journey then takes us to a traditional fishing village, where resourceful locals have ingeniously established an entire community on the decks of their boats. You'll have the opportunity to explore the mystical Tien Ong Cave before returning to the cruise for cocktails, canapés, and a breathtaking sunset. The day concludes with a romantic, candlelit dinner.

Awaken on board to the magnificent vista of Halong Bay in the morning. You have the option to kickstart your day with a Tai Chi class on deck, surrounded by the early morning mist, or simply bask in the beauty of the scenery as the sun gracefully rises over the azure waters. The boat continues its tranquil journey, allowing you to decide when it's time to rise from your slumber.

As we make our way back to Halong City, indulge in a leisurely brunch on board. After disembarking, you'll enjoy a relaxing ride through the rural countryside back to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you'll have access to a day-use room for rest and a quick shower.

At 8:00 p.m., your guide will pick you up and transfer you to the railway station for an overnight train journey to Hue.

Upon your early morning arrival in Hue, your guide will welcome you and accompany you to a delightful breakfast venue. Your exploration of Hue begins with a visit to the ruins of the Imperial Citadel, which served as the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945.

Next, embark on a bicycle excursion through the historic Old City to Tinh Tam Lake, surrounded by the ancient gardens of emperors. In the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Mu Pagoda, which offers a captivating view overlooking the emerald Perfume River. Our journey concludes with an exploration of Khai Dinh's Tomb, a traditional Vietnamese temple with a distinct European influence, making it a truly unique tomb amidst Hue's ancestral ruins. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city at your leisure.

After savoring a delicious breakfast at your hotel, prepare for pickup as we embark on a journey to Hoi An. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to stop and visit Lang Co Beach, followed by a picturesque drive through the Pass of Ocean Clouds, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains and sea. Upon arriving in Hoi An, you'll check in to your hotel and have the remainder of the day free for your leisurely exploration.

At 8:00 am, your local guide will rendezvous with you at your hotel, bicycles in tow. Together, we'll embark on a delightful journey to Tra Que Village. Begin your adventure with a leisurely stroll through the village's verdant vegetable gardens. Join in the preparation and fertilization of the land, using seaweed from a local lake. Engage in various gardening activities, from raking the soil to sowing, watering, and harvesting vegetables. Afterward, take a moment to enjoy a soothing foot bath before assisting a local family in preparing lunch.

Your lunch will feature an array of local delicacies, including 'tam huu' spring rolls and Banh xeo, a regional pancake. You'll even have the opportunity to join the chef in the cooking process. Following your morning activities and a hearty lunch, indulge in a traditional Vietnamese post-prandial nap before learning how to harvest and package the vegetables. Around 1:00 p.m., bid farewell to your host family and embark on a leisurely bicycle ride back to Hoi An. Once you return, you'll have the opportunity to explore the charming Hoian Old Quarter, known for its well-preserved ancient town center. This walking tour will transport you back in time to when Hoi An was a bustling trading port in Asia. Explore old shophouses, cross the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Bridge, visit a Chinese communal hall, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local market. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind on An Bang Beach.

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.

Our day begins with a morning pickup as we embark on an enlightening journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a significant relic of the Vietnam-American War. Explore these mysterious tunnels, uncovering hidden doors and once-lethal traps. Following your subterranean adventure, we'll return to Ho Chi Minh City and spend the afternoon exploring either the War Remnants Museum or the Reunification Palace, depending on your personal preference. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the city's colonial streets, visiting landmarks such as the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, Continental Hotel, Opera House, and City Hall.

After indulging in a hearty breakfast at your hotel, your guide will pick you up for your journey to Ben Tre. Upon arriving at Ham Luong dock, you'll board a boat and cruise along the Ham Luong River, a tributary of the Mekong River. The gentle river breeze and the lush tropical islands dotting the landscape will instantly captivate your senses.

During your visit, you'll explore various local workplaces, witnessing remarkable examples of age-old techniques employed by local artisans. These skilled craftsmen produce items such as activated charcoal, dried coconut products, and handy coconut husk brooms. You'll also have the opportunity to observe family-run businesses using coir, or coconut fiber, to craft exquisite art pieces. Enjoy a delightful cruise along village roads aboard a "Xe Lôi," a local vehicle reminiscent of a motorized rickshaw. Immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of the Mekong River as you kayak through its natural canals. Lunch will be served at a local host's house, and afterward, you'll have time to relax before taking a car back to Ho Chi Minh City.