Vietnam Beach Holiday 12 Days

Upon your arrival, an enthusiastic guide will be there to welcome you and ensure a seamless transfer to downtown Hanoi. During the journey, your guide will provide you with a brief introduction to this captivating city. Look for your guide holding a distinctive welcome sign adorned with the ASIA TOUR ADVISOR LOGO and your name. Once you're settled, the rest of the day is yours to explore the city's tree-lined boulevards, French Indochinese architecture, and serene lakes.

Hanoi - Where Tradition Meets Refinement

Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, is a bustling metropolis of seven million residents. This city seamlessly blends tradition with refinement, boasting elegant French colonial architecture, charming tree-lined boulevards, picturesque lakes, and a vibrant Old Quarter. Hanoi exudes a sophisticated charm that invites exploration. As you wander the streets, you'll likely encounter locals practicing Tai Chi by the lakeshores, while sidewalk barbers and food vendors go about their trades.

Notes:

• Hotel check-in time is from 14:00; early check-in is subject to room availability.
• We are flexible and can adjust the itinerary to accommodate starting or ending your trip in another city.

Following a delightful breakfast at your hotel, our driver and tour guide will pick you up at around 8:30 am for a captivating city tour. You'll kickstart your exploration with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, home to Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum (please note it can only be viewed from the outside), which serves as the final resting place of the revered national hero, Uncle Ho. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to visit President Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, where he resided intermittently from 1958 to 1969.

Next on the agenda is the One Pillar Pagoda, a collection of structures that together form a pagoda built over the water in the center of a square lake. Your journey continues to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, dedicated to Confucius.

A highlight of the day is a visit to the Vietnamese Women's Museum, rated as one of Vietnam's finest museums. Visitors to the recently refurbished Vietnamese Women's Museum can expect a transformative experience. The exhibition showcases over 1,000 materials, objects, and photos that vividly recount the stories of Vietnamese women in rituals, customs related to marriage, childbirth, and family life. Visitors can also delve into historical and contemporary figures, recollect wartime memories, and appreciate the products imbued with national cultural identity created by Vietnamese women, highlighting their creativity and skill.

After the museum visit, embark on a FOOD on FOOT discovery tour along the picturesque Hoan Kiem lakeside. This walking loop through the bustling Old Quarter provides a glimpse of the past, with visits to the century-old Long Bien Bridge and Phung Hung mural contemporary painting, depicting vivid memories of Hanoi and the enduring features that still resonate in the minds of Hanoians.

Your culinary journey will introduce you to various local flavors, from starters like dried beef with papaya salad to heartier dishes like Pho or Bun Cha. Finish your food exploration with a taste of Che, a delightful sweet bean dessert. As you stroll, take a break at a cozy café next to the narrow railways built by the French in the early 19th century. Here, you can savor Hanoi's renowned Egg Coffee while anticipating the passage of the local train. The old curved train tracks weave through the heart of the city, flanked by charming houses on both sides, creating a striking contrast between the glorious past and the bustling present as the train passes by.

Our team will pick you up from your hotel, and we'll journey through the lush Red River Delta to reach the famous UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay. Upon arrival, you'll step aboard a luxurious junk ship for an enchanting overnight cruise. As you relax on board, you'll be mesmerized by the breathtaking limestone karsts that gracefully emerge from the sea, creating a captivating tableau. Halong Bay is adorned with thousands of jungle-covered islands that appear to float upon the waves of the Gulf of Tonkin, where turquoise waters swirl around hidden grottoes and ancient caves, fashioning an enchanting and timeless realm.

We will indulge you with a delectable seafood lunch while you savor the awe-inspiring vistas, all while holding a refreshing drink in hand. An excursion to a traditional fishing village is next on our agenda, where local residents have ingeniously constructed an entire town on the decks of their boats. You'll also have the opportunity to explore Tien Ong Cave before returning to the cruise for cocktails, canapés, and a breathtaking sunset. Our day concludes with a romantic, candlelit dinner.

Awaken on board to the magnificent vista of Halong Bay in the morning. Kickstart your day with a Tai Chi class on the deck, enveloped in 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 you gradually make your way back to Halong City, enjoy a leisurely brunch on board. Upon disembarking, you'll embark on 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 airport for a short flight to Danang. Upon arrival in Danang, your guide will be waiting to greet you and take you to your hotel.

Hoi An - A Glimpse into History

Hoi An, a former prosperous port city from the 16th to 19th centuries, was a hub for trade with merchants from China, Japan, India, Indonesia, and Europe who came to purchase silk, spices, and porcelain. The UNESCO World Heritage Old Quarter of Hoi An remains beautifully preserved, with ornate pagodas, antique trading houses, and old tile-roofed shops.

The town's architecture reflects a rich fusion of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and European styles. Many historic buildings along the canals and pedestrian streets have been transformed into art galleries, boutique restaurants, bars, and cafes. Hoi An is nestled amidst attractive countryside featuring traditional farming and fishing, as well as sandy beaches with modern seaside resorts.

Please note that the cruise itinerary may be adjusted due to weather conditions and different cruise operators.

Option 1 – Cooking Class:

Your cooking adventure begins with a visit to vibrant local markets to procure all the necessary ingredients. You'll then return to a prepared kitchen, where your skilled chef will demonstrate the preparation of typical Vietnamese cuisine. Following the chef's guidance, you'll have the opportunity to cook these dishes yourself and savor your creations.

In the afternoon, you'll explore the enchanting time-capsule town of Old Hoi An on a guided walking tour. Hoi An was once a major Asian seaport, resulting in a fusion of styles and cultures that have been beautifully preserved. Wander through traditional Chinese shops, elegant French residences, and an ancient Japanese bridge. The town also boasts silk markets, Vietnamese street food stalls, and talented street performers, all of which are sure to captivate you.

Option 2 – Vegetable Village:

Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel, followed by an invigorating bike ride to Tra Que Village, where you'll embark on an insightful visit to a local farm. This experience immerses you in authentic Vietnamese rural life. Learn about the village's history and gain insight into the daily activities of vegetable cultivation. Discover how vegetables are used in traditional Vietnamese medicine. Engage in farming tasks, including raking, sowing, watering, and harvesting vegetables, among others. After these activities, take a short break and enjoy a foot bath before preparing lunch with a local family.

Lunch will feature a variety of local delicacies, including 'tam huu' spring rolls and Banh xeo, a regional pancake. You'll have the chance to join the chef in the cooking process. After your morning activities and lunch, indulge in a traditional Vietnamese post-meal nap before learning how to harvest and package the vegetables. Around 1:00 p.m., bid farewell to your host family and cycle back to Hoi An. Upon your return, you'll have the opportunity to explore Hoi An's Old Quarter. A walking tour of Hoi An's ancient town center will transport you back in time to its heyday as a major trading port in Asia. Visit old shophouses, the 400-year-old Japanese Bridge, a Chinese communal hall, and the vibrant local market. The remainder of the day is yours to relax on An Bang Beach.

Option 3 – Countryside Biking or Motor Riding:

Our guide will pick you up at the hotel on a motorbike, and you'll ride to Tra Que Village before heading to the river to board a local ferry to Kim Bong Village. This village is renowned for its wood carving and traditional weaving of sleeping mats. You'll stop at a local family to witness the art of mat weaving and learn about the traditional use of mats in Vietnam. You'll also visit a local family that specializes in making the famous local noodle, Mi Quang. Take part in making and tasting the perfect banh dap (rice cracker). Afterward, ride through a small village, gear up for an adrenaline-pumping 300-meter bamboo bridge river crossing to the opposite landscape of the sea-side of the island. You'll make your way to Duy Hai market and harbor, where you can have lunch at Cam Thanh homestay.

Return to your hotel by motorbike or bike. Please note that if you prefer biking over a scooter tour, we can adapt the route to match your skill level.

You'll have the morning to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before our team picks you up and takes you to Danang for a flight to Saigon.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

In the morning, our team will pick you up and take you to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an integral part of the Vietnam-American War. Explore these mysterious tunnels, uncovering hidden doors and once-lethal traps.

After lunch, return to Ho Chi Minh City and spend the afternoon either visiting 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.

Begin your day by leaving your hotel and heading to the Mekong Delta for an unforgettable visit. Upon arrival at Hàm Luông pier, embark on a cruise along the Bến Tre River, where you'll witness the vibrant activities along the river, such as fishing and water transport. You'll also observe the traditional brick-making process in a charming, time-honored style, involving printing and baking. A visit to one of the numerous coconut processing workshops along the canal will offer insights into this local craft. Cruise along the canal to reach a picturesque village, taking a walk to a family workshop where sleep mats are created using traditional methods. Enjoy a ride on a motor cart (xe lôi) or a bike along shaded paths, passing through lush rice fields and vegetable gardens. This is your chance to experience authentic rural life and gain an understanding of tropical culture from the local farmers. Lunch will be served at Hai Hồ house.

In the afternoon, you'll ride a sampan along the canal before returning to Hàm Luông pier. Your journey will then continue to Can Tho for an overnight stay.

Embark on a leisurely boat trip to explore the charming tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River), followed by a visit to the lively Cai Răng floating market, known as the liveliest in the entire region. Return to your hotel for check-out and board a flight to Phu Quoc. Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting to transport you to your beautiful resort on Phu Quoc Island.

Please note that the floating market may not be as bustling as depicted in some pictures, as new road access and transport options have provided traders with alternatives to boats. Nonetheless, it remains a unique and worthwhile experience to visit before it possibly fades away.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and spend your day at your own pace.

Phu Quoc Island, often referred to as the "Pearl Island," boasts stunning beaches, beautiful islands, and deserted shores. Whether you seek relaxation or outdoor activities, our travel experts are at your disposal to provide recommendations and help you tailor your day to your preferences.

Savor your breakfast at the hotel and take your time at leisure until your flight back to Saigon. Airport transfers will be arranged.