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.

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." You'll also experience the delicate beauty of the One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Temple, and Quan Thanh Pagoda.

Following a delicious lunch, you'll venture to the Temple of Literature, a treasure trove of ancient Vietnamese relics. 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. Your day culminates with a unique water puppet show, showcasing the cultural richness of northern Vietnam.

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. On arrival in Ninh Binh province, your guide will escort you to the historical city of Hoa Lu. Here, you'll explore the temples dedicated to Dinh and Le kings, learning about their heroic tales from the 10th century during the Chinese Wars.

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 at 8:0 AM, 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. Here, you'll embark on a luxurious junk ship 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.

Indulge in a sumptuous seafood lunch as you savor the awe-inspiring views, with a refreshing drink in hand. Our next stop will be a traditional fishing village, where resourceful locals have transformed their boats into an entire floating community. Following this, you'll have the opportunity to explore Tien Ong Cave before returning to the cruise for an evening of cocktails, canapés, and a magnificent sunset. The day culminates in a romantic candlelit dinner.

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.

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.

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before embarking on an exciting adventure. Your local guide will lead you on a bicycle ride to Tra Que Village, located just 10 kilometers away. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the daily activities of local farmers.

Continue your bicycle journey along the De Vong River to Hoi An Beach wharf. From there, board a boat to Cua Dai Sand Dune, where you'll enjoy a captivating casting net show and learn the art of casting a net from a local fisherman. Continue to Cam Thanh Water Coconut Village, where you'll receive a brief introduction to its history.

Embark on a basket boat adventure along the water coconut river, with fishermen teaching you how to catch crabs (two passengers per boat). Engage in a friendly competition as the group is divided into two teams for a thrilling basket boat race and crab-catching challenge, with a delightful prize awaiting the winners.

At 12:20 PM, board a boat and enjoy a folk songs show by local performers. Then, at 12:30 PM, savor special local delicacies, including pancakes, Tam Huu spring rolls, fried fish, and more. After lunch, learn to craft amusing tools from water coconut leaves.

At 2:00 PM, continue to the ancient town of Hoi An, where you'll experience the daily life of fishermen along the Thu Bon River. A walking tour of Hoi An's well-preserved ancient town center will transport you back in time to when it was a major trading port in Asia. Explore old shophouses, the 400-year-old Japanese Bridge, a Chinese communal hall, and the vibrant market. Conclude your day with free time to relax on Cua Dai Beach.

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.

In the morning, we'll pick you up for a riveting excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a poignant relic of the Vietnam-American War. Delve into the mysteries of these underground passages, uncover hidden entrances, and learn about the ingenious traps that once protected them. After a satisfying lunch, return to Ho Chi Minh City and devote your afternoon to exploring either the War Remnants Museum or the Presidential Palace, based on your preferences. As evening descends upon the city, take a leisurely stroll along colonial streets, visiting iconic landmarks such as the historic Old Saigon Post Office, the bustling Dong Khoi Street, the elegant Continental Hotel, the grand Opera House, and the majestic City Hall.

Meet with your guide and embark on a scenic journey through the green rice fields of the Mekong Delta towards Ben Tre and the market town of My Tho. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Vinh Trang, a beautiful garden temple, flanked by giant statues of the Buddha, that has been open for visitations and prayer since the 19th century. Afterward, take a leisurely sampan ride along the winding Mekong River. Admire fishing villages along the riverbank as you pass each of Dragon, Phoenix, Tortoise, and Unicorn Islands, stopping at the latter for a tour of the its orchid gardens and fruit plantations.

Moving onward through the Thoi Son canal, you’ll see buzzing honey farms and be able to see a coconut candy workshop in action and try an assortment of local dishes from a Mekong Delta kitchen. Next, cycle through picturesque Tan Thach, the birthplace of the infamous Coconut Monk, and meet with the villagers to get a whiff of local life in the Mekong Delta, or simply relax in a hammock and enjoy the cool breeze.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City after a lively day of sensational sights and culinary experiences.

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.