Embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure to uncover the best of Vietnam! This carefully crafted itinerary blends unique experiences with stays in comfortable accommodations. Explore Hanoi’s iconic landmarks and the famous Train Street, relax on a luxurious boutique cruise through the breathtaking Halong Bay, enjoy a private cooking class in the charming town of Hoi An, zoom through the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City on a classic Vespa, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Mekong Delta, and explore the rich history of the Cu Chi Tunnels. Get ready for a journey full of culture, flavors, and memories that will last a lifetime!
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our guide and driver at the pickup lobby. You’ll then enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi, passing over the Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city’s unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic.
9:00 AM: Get pick up by tour guide to the Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city’s symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "stone steles” which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.
Continue to Hoa Lo prison museum. Spend an hour to learn about the Vietnamese War. Hoa Lo was one of the largest prisons in Indochina, built by the French colonists in 1896 for Vietnamese political prisoners. Later, it was better known as the Hanoi Hilton since it imprisoned American pilots.
In the afternoon, you visit the French Quarter – it is a “little Paris” in Hanoi with tree-lined boulevards, government head offices and a big square. Visit (outside) Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum before having a leisurely walk in the botanical gardens to visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he used to live and work. Towards the unique One – pillar pagoda which is one of the city’s symbols. It takes us from 1 to 2 hours to explore this complex, depending on the number of traveler.
Hanoi Train Street is a one-of-a-kind, vibrant alley in the heart of Hanoi, where a railway track runs just inches away from residential homes. It offers a fascinating glimpse into local life combined with the excitement of trains passing up close. If you're lucky, you might witness a train passing right in front of you—a thrilling and unforgettable experience. While you're there, relax with a local drink at one of the cozy trackside cafes and soak in the unique atmosphere.
Exploring the Hanoi Old Quarter which was built in the 15th century as a trading center in the capital city with 36 streets of different products. Despite the changes, the Old Quarter is always considered a live city museum. The unique tube houses, small alleys, temples, open door markets and street vendor foods come together in a beautiful harmony. Discovering the town by walking is the best way to stimulate all your senses.
Finally, enjoying the water puppet shows that is the unique performances, first appeared in the 11th century. In these shows, the daily life, culture and belief of Vietnamese people are described by puppets on water. The show usually integrates a traditional music performance as well.
Come back to hotel. End of the day
8:00 – 8:30 AM: If transport is included, our driver will pick you up from your hotel in the heart of Hanoi. From there, we’ll begin our journey to Halong City, enjoying a scenic drive through the picturesque Red River Delta. The trip takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with a convenient stop along the way for restrooms if needed.
11:00 – 11:30: Arrive at Lot 32 – Tuan Chau Marina. Complete check-in procedures at the waiting lounge and enjoy a special welcome tea.
11:45 – 12:00: Transfer to the Nostalgia Cruise by speedboat. Enjoy a welcome drink in the restaurant while receiving a cruise briefing and safety instructions for your journey.
12:45 – 13:00: Lunch will be served as the Nostalgia sets sail into Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
15:00 – 15:30: Visit the Dark and Bright Cave – a must-see destination. Kayaking through these caves is the best way to experience the breathtaking beauty of Ha Long Bay up close.
Option 2: Discover Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches Islets), where tranquil waters and stunning landscapes create the perfect setting for kayaking or relaxing on a sandy beach. You can also enjoy a refreshing swim in the emerald-green waters (weather permitting).
17:00 – 17:30: Return to the boat. The Nostalgia Cruise anchors for an overnight stay at Tra Bau in Lan Ha Bay. Take a relaxing swim in the crystal-clear, emerald waters.
18:00 – 18:15: Onboard, participate in a cooking demonstration where you'll learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. Enjoy Happy Hour (buy one, get one free) at the bar while watching the sunset over the bay.
19:15 – 19:30: Savor a fusion dinner made with the freshest ingredients in the restaurant, featuring elegant French neoclassical style blended with traditional oriental touches.
21:00 – 21:30: Admire the beauty of the bay at night. Our bar on the sundeck and in the restaurant is open for you to enjoy. Try your luck with squid fishing or play some board games in the restaurant.
23:00: Overnight on board.
06:00 – 06:30: Start your day early to experience the bay at its most serene, while enjoying a Tai Chi session on the sundeck.
06:45 – 07:00: A light breakfast will be served. After breakfast, we will continue our journey and explore the surrounding area of the bay.
07:15 – 07:30: We will head to Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island by bus. Located in the heart of Cat Ba National Park, surrounded by Kim Giao Forest, Trung Trang Cave lies in Trung Trang Valley, 15 km northwest of Cat Ba Town. This 300-meter-long cave, passing through the mountain, is renowned for its mysterious beauty, shaped by millions of years of geological activity, and is home to various historical relics. Inside, you’ll find numerous stalactites in fascinating shapes that spark the imagination and amaze visitors.
09:45 – 10:00: The Nostalgia Cruise welcomes you back on board, and it’s time to check out.
10:00 – 10:30: Enjoy a delightful brunch at our restaurant as we cruise back.
11:00 – 11:45: We will bid farewell at Tuan Chau Port, marking the end of the cruise program.
Our driver will meet you at the Cruise Waiting Lounge and transfer you to Hanoi Airport. The journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, with an optional restroom stop along the way. You will be dropped off at Noi Bai Airport for your onward flight.
Upon your arrival at Da Nang airport, our local driver will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation in Hoi An, a journey of approximately 1 hour. Once you reach your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy at your leisure.
Welcome at the Hai Café (98 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi An) rendezvous point (Transfer from hotel to meeting point on your own). After briefing, cycle to Tra Que village. We suggest you visit the vegetable garden where the villagers work according to the traditional method. Here, you will find and choose the coriander and fresh mint to prepare your dishes before drinking the local herbs.
Then, you will go to a local market with the list of spices you need, select the local ingredients such as star anise, cardamom, sesame rice papers, banana flowers and return to Red Bridge Restaurant. You will have a chance to refresh before starting the cooking class. Accompanied by the cooks of Red Bridge, you will learn how to make traditional Vietnamese cuisine, using local ingredients to prepare 4 famous dishes including the famous national dish, Pho. After the cooking class, you can taste the dishes you prepared yourselves. Later, you will enjoy a half hour cruise on Thu Bon River back to Hoi An town center. Today's activities end at around 14:30 PM.
Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hoi An and transfer you to Da Nang Airport.
Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, our local guide and driver will warmly welcome you at the pickup area. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel in the city, a journey of approximately 45 - 60 minutes. Once you arrive, proceed with check-in* and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure—whether you choose to relax or begin exploring on your own.
To start off this Saigon night tour, enjoy drinks at our Vespa-themed café, Café Zoom, to watch “as the world goes by” (as said in the Lonely Planet guide book)
Throughout the night, try a variety of food and drinks at 2 local restaurants and samplings of Saigon’s best authentic local food.
Zoom past the famous must-see sights of Ho Chi Minh City while in the bustling traffic. We’ll also go to a Vietnamese-style coffee shop with special live music, and then wrap up the evening at an exciting music bar where the new generation of Vietnamese unwind and flaunt their unique styles.
Guests ride pillion behind our drivers to enjoy and experience the Vietnamese nightlife with friends. This tour includes free flowing drinks and all you can eat, so come with an appetite!
At the end of the tour, drive back to your hotel.
8:00 AM: Tour guide and driver welcome you at your hotel for your transfer to Ben Tre, a beautiful region in the Mekong Delta River, famous for making coconut candy. Arrive at Hung Vuong pier, take a boat trip on Ben Tre River to discover the daily local life. Continue your boat trip on a canal to Nhon Thanh Village. This will be an opportunity to taste the fresh fruits.
Take a bike ride (or Tuk tuk) on a small path through the villages and enjoy views of the coconut ranges, rice fields and vegetable gardens. A lunch of elephant ear fish is served in the village. A short walk will help you to discover the local life in depth. This is followed by a boat ride on the small canal shaded by the wild palm trees.
Transfer back to Saigon in the late afternoon.
8:00 AM: Leave from your hotel to visit the most striking place in the history of the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Cu Chi is a real underground city made up of a large network of tunnels covering an area of over 250km long where the Viet Cong conducted the war of resistance against American troops. All of the tunnels were dug over a period of twenty years using only pickaxes and shovels. The tour includes special entering some part of tunnels.
Our driver will pick you up from your hotel lobby in Ho Chi Minh City and take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport. The drive typically takes 45 to 60 minutes.
Please note that for domestic flights, you should arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure, and for international flights, at least 3 hours in advance. During rush hours (7:00–8:30 AM and 4:30–6:30 PM), the drive from downtown Ho Chi Minh City to Tan Son Nhat Airport can take more time. Plan accordingly to ensure a stress-free journey.