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: We begin our discovery of Hanoi with 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.

Afterwards, we explore 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, we will explore 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.

Then, we make our way to 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. 

Afterwards, take a stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, originally established in the 15th century as a bustling trading hub, features 36 streets—each historically dedicated to a specific craft or product. Despite the city’s evolution, the Old Quarter remains a vibrant living museum. Its iconic tube houses, narrow alleyways, centuries-old temples, open-air markets, and mouthwatering street food come together in a captivating blend of history and everyday life. Exploring this charming neighborhood on foot is the best way to awaken all your senses.

Finally, enjoy 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.

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 33, Tuan Chau Marina. Complete your check-in procedures at the comfortable waiting lounge, where you’ll be warmly welcomed with a special herbal tea.

11:45 – 12:00: Transfer to Nostalgia Cruises by speedboat. Once on board, enjoy a welcome drink and gather in the restaurant for a brief orientation and safety instructions.

12:45 – 13:00: Delight in a delicious lunch as the cruise begins its journey through the breathtaking scenery of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay—one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

15:00 – 15:30: Explore Ao Ech, a tranquil hidden gem far from the crowds. Glide through emerald waters on a kayak and take in the unspoiled beauty of this secluded paradise.

17:00 – 17:30: The cruise anchors in Tra Bau, a peaceful area of Lan Ha Bay. Take in the serene surroundings and relax amid nature's calm.

18:00 – 18:15: Join a fun cooking demonstration on board, and don't miss Happy Hour (buy 1 get 1 free) at the bar—perfect for sunset views over the bay.

Optional: Indulge in a relaxing massage (extra charge)—please book with the Cruise Manager.

19:15 – 19:30: Enjoy a gourmet dinner featuring a fusion of local and international cuisine, served in a refined setting that blends elegant French neoclassical design with traditional Oriental accents.

21:00 – 21:30: Experience a traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony at the restaurant—learn the art of tea preparation and gain insight into Vietnamese culture.

21:30 – 22:00: Embrace the peaceful night on the bay. Relax at the bar on the sundeck or in the restaurant, try your hand at squid fishing, watch a movie, or enjoy a quiet game of chess or cards. Overnight stay 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. 

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.

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: We depart for 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. 

Option:

At the Cu Chi shooting range, guests can enhance their experience by trying real gun firing. This service allows visitors to test their aim with a variety of firearms under supervision. It’s a thrilling option for those seeking a bit of adventure. This is an optional service not included in the tour price, and guests will need to pay on the spot.

Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport.