Embark on a 14-day journey through Vietnam's rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty, culminating in a vibrant Bangkok escape. Begin in the historic capital, Hanoi, with its bustling Old Quarter and serene lakes. Cruise the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, dotted with limestone karsts. Explore the ancient town of Hoi An, renowned for its preserved architecture and colorful lanterns. Delve into the imperial city of Hue, home to majestic palaces and tombs. Experience the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City, with its blend of modernity and tradition. Venture into the lush landscapes of the Mekong Delta, where life flows with the river's rhythm. Conclude your trip with two days in Bangkok, exploring its ornate temples, bustling markets, and savoring its world-famous cuisine.
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our 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. Once you arrive in the Old Quarter, the driver will drop you off at your hotel.
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.
Follow it with a visit to one of the city’s museums (choose among the National history museum, Hoa Lo, Museum of Ethnology and Fine art museum) before having a break for lunch or some drink (by your own budget).
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.
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 AM: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: Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina and check in at the waiting lounge.
12:00: Board the cruise ship, enjoy welcome drinks, and receive a short briefing. Check into your room and prepare for lunch.
12:30: Indulge in a Vietnamese and international lunch while taking in the scenic beauty of the bay, passing by iconic landmarks such as the Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, and Three Coconuts Island.
14:30: Explore Halong Bay further by visiting the Pearl Farm. This is an ideal opportunity for kayaking and experiencing the timeless beauty of Ha Long Bay up close.
16:00: Explore Sung Sot Cave, also known as the Grotte des Surprising, the largest limestone cave in the area. Marvel at the stunning stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. (Proper footwear is highly recommended, especially in wet conditions.)
17:45: Return to the boat and enjoy the bar’s Happy Hour (buy 2, get 1 free).
(Option: Massage service available. Please book directly with the Cruise Manager.)
19:30: Delight in a deluxe dinner featuring traditional and fusion dishes prepared by our talented chefs.
21:00: After dinner, unwind at the bar and spa, participate in squid fishing, watch a movie in your cabin, play cards or chess, or simply relax on the sundeck.
23:00: Overnight on board.
06:15: Start your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck to awaken your senses, followed by breakfast in the restaurant.
06:30: Enjoy breakfast with coffee, tea, and pastries.
07:30: Visit Titov Island, known for its stunning sandy beaches and panoramic views of the bay from the top of the limestone island. (Proper footwear is recommended, especially when wet.)
09:30: Return to the cruise ship. Check out and settle your bill at the reception.
10:00: Enjoy brunch while cruising back to Tuan Chau Marina. Relax on the sundeck or in the restaurant.
11:30: Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina and bid farewell to the crew.
Our driver will greet you at the Cruise Waiting Lounge and transfer you to Hanoi. The journey takes approximately 2.5-3 hours, with a restroom stop available along the way (optional).
Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Noi Bai Airport. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes.
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.
9:00 AM: Pick up from hotel for Hoi An excursion. Hoi An used to be one of the most typical South-East Asian trading ports dating from the 15th to the 19th century and the Old Town is still well-preserved. The exchanged cultures is displayed on many historic buildings, religion, daily business and enriched by the authentic lifestyle of local inhabitants.
First stop is Cam Pho - one of the oldest communal houses in Hoi An. It was built in the shape of Chinese character means the country for worshipping and trading business and cultural exchange between locality and Chinese, Japanese traders.
Leisurely walk to the Hoi An city’s symbol - the Chua Cau or the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 17th century to allow the Japanese quarter to be accessible from the Chinese neighborhoods. The bridge’s original style has been carefully preserved for the last 400 years.
Continue walking through the town, immersing into local life and stop at Quan Thang ancient house - one of the most authentic old houses in Hoi An with the lively and fine architecture and sculptures were made by craftsmen of famous Kim Bong carpentry village in the oriental style. The house offers a good look of Hoi An family's daily life.
Enrich your tour by visit Phuc Kien or Fujian Assembly Hall, built since 17th century, is the gathering place for residents, traders and visitors from a specific area in China called Fujian. It is also a religious site to honor the deity Thien Hau. Spend a visit, you will admire the colorful fountains in the courtyard, the ornate gates surrounding the property and the beautiful carved dragons in the main room.
8:00 AM: Pick up from hotel then travel to Hue by passing Da Nang along the sea road. Once you arrive in Da Nang, stop to visit the Cham Museum which preserves the most important Cham culture collections in the world. Then, walk to My Khe beach where you can enjoy the view of giant Goodness of Mercy statues in the Linh Ung Pagoda. Take photos of fishermen by the beach then continue driving along the coastline to Hue ancient capital. Make a stop at top of the Hai Van pass to enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean.
Arrival in Hue, enjoy lunch then visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Hue, dating back to 1601. This is the spiritual highlight of the city and well known for its majestic octagon tower and beautiful view of the Perfume River.
Keep your tour Visit the most important sites in city - Hue Citadel, the only vestige symbol for what was once the imperial city of Vietnam. It is inspired by the fortification of Vauban. The city is composed of three parts: Kinh Thanh (the Capital city), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial city) and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). The most beautiful sites in Hue are concentrated in this area including the flag tower, the South gate, the palace of supreme Harmony, the Dynasty temple area and the settlement area.
End of the day, check in hotel and enjoy stay in ancient capital.
Transfer from hotel to visit the Emperor Minh Mang's tomb, an architectural masterpiece that harmoniously highlights the nature and imperial religious works. The tomb was planned during Minh Mang’s reign (1820–40) but built by his successor, Thieu Tri with the effort of ten thousand workers and artisans.
Continue your trip, take a boat along Huong River (or Perfume River) to Thuy Bieu Village, admire the picturesque landscapes on both sides. After 1 hour, we arrive to Thuy Bieu, well-known for its divine grapefruit trees where you can take a bike around the village under the shade of the grapefruit trees and enjoy their pleasant perfume aroma and the harvested straw. The peaceful atmosphere is in every corner of the village. Then, visit a temple dedicated to the village protector, a traditional garden house built several centuries ago. This is a wonderful opportunity to stop for great photos and interact with the villagers working in the gardens and vegetable fields which should not be missed.
Join in cooking class with Hue's specialties selected then have lunch in village then transfer back to city in the afternoon. Tour ends around 3:00 PM. Transfer to the airport to take flight to Ho Chi Minh City
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.
9:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel to the Independence Palace, once used as the home - office of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Our visit includes the North Vietnamese tank which effectively attacked the palace in 1975 to bring the controversial Vietnam War to an end and the five-story palace with its rooms have been preserved in their late 1960s, 1970s style and a bunker basement.
Continue by a leisurely waking tour. Heading to the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, originally built between 1863 and 1880, evidently reflects the French colonist influences. It’s a picturesque spot in the city.
Toward to Nguyen Hue walking street, walk to the unmissable city's famous landmark. The Saigon Central Post Office is a stunning building, designed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel. It is an actually working post office with beautiful indoor decorations.
Have a break for lunch or drink (on your own account) then in the afternoon go to the top visited in Ho Chi Minh – the War Remnant museum. The exhibits offer you all-sided views of the Vietnam War that might bring a big surprise than you are probably used to hearing and seeing.
End of the day, visit the most famous market in the city, Ben Thanh Market, which has been opened since 1870. The market not only supplies the daily needs of local people but also excellent place to pick up inexpensive souvenirs and enjoy Vietnam’s local street foods.
Come back to your hotel. Free to discover city or just relax
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.
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.
Continue to visit one of the most sacred attractions in Vietnam - the Cao Dai Temple. Caodaism is a uniquely Vietnamese religion that is influenced by elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism and even Roman Catholicism. On a visit, you can attend the midday mass.
Have lunch at local restaurant then transfer back to hotel in the afternoon.
After breakfast at the hotel, meet our tour guide and driver for your transfer to Cai Be. Visit Cao Dai temple on route. On arrival, experience the rhythm of life on the legendary Mekong River by visiting the canals lined with orchards.
Visit craft workshops of rice popcorn, coconut caramel and rice cake…Go biking or walking on the village paths to discover the ancient and beautiful Phu Chau pagoda where the serenity reigns and meet the local people. Enjoy lunch in an open air restaurant where you can taste a famous local specialty, the elephant ear fish. Finally, enjoy tasty seasonal fruits while rowing a small rowboat in the canals, shaded by the fruit trees.
Back to Saigon in the late afternoon
Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport.
Upon arrival at Bangkok Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. The rich history of Thailand's capital, Bangkok, is closely tied to the Chakri Dynasty, which still reigns but does not govern the country.
We will board a long-tail boat for an excursion along the Chao Phraya River and through the lively inner canals, providing a fascinating glimpse into local life. Along the way, we will stop at Wat Arun, the iconic Temple of Dawn.
Afterward, we will return to the hotel, where you will have free time to relax.
We will visit the Grand Royal Palace, the ceremonial center of the Thai royal family. Within the same complex lies the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, renowned for housing the Emerald Buddha statue. After exploring this historic site, we will continue to Wat Pho, home to the impressive Reclining Buddha. Next, we will visit Wat Traimit, famous for its stunning Golden Buddha.
We will visit the Jim Thompson House, an oasis in the heart of Bangkok. Learn about Jim Thompson, the American businessman who revitalized the Thai silk industry, and tour his exquisite teakwood home, constructed from historic houses relocated from across Thailand. Uncover the mystery surrounding his 1967 disappearance in the Malaysian jungle and admire his remarkable collection of Southeast Asian art.
In the morning, depart for Ayutthaya, the former Thai capital, just over an hour’s drive away. Discover the grandeur of this ancient city through its temple and palace ruins.
Our first stop is Wat Phu Khao Thong, or the "Monastery of the Golden Mount," located just outside Ayutthaya. We then explore the ancient palace and Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the city's most important temple. A visit to Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit follows, where one of Thailand’s largest bronze Buddha statues is enshrined.
Lunch will be at your own expense.
In the afternoon, visit Wat Lokaya Sutha, home to a massive reclining Buddha statue. Our final stop is the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a stunning retreat built during the Ayutthaya period. This royal residence showcases a blend of European, Khmer, Thai, and Chinese architectural influences.
Return to Bangkok in the late afternoon.
Transfer to Bangkok airport for your departure flight.