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.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. You may choose to enjoy a relaxing spa massage, take a stroll at Ben Thanh Market, browse local shops for souvenirs, or join a jeep adventure.

8:00: 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.

8:30: We begin the day with a visit to the Independence Palace, once the residence and workplace of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Here, you’ll see the North Vietnamese tank that famously crashed through the gates in 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War. Inside, the five-storey palace has been carefully preserved in its late-1960s and 1970s style, including the basement bunker with its original communication rooms and command maps.

We then continue to the War Remnants Museum, one of the most visited and thought-provoking museums in Ho Chi Minh City. Its exhibitions present multiple perspectives on the Vietnam War through historical documents, photography, wartime relics, and personal testimonies. The museum’s powerful displays offer a deeper understanding of the conflict’s human impact and often leave visitors with a lasting emotional impression.

In the afternoon, we visit Quan Am Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in the city, dedicated to Guan Yin and influenced by elements of Taoism and traditional folk worship of the “Queen of Heaven.” Its peaceful courtyards, incense-filled halls, and beautifully carved altars offer a quiet sanctuary amidst the bustle of the surrounding neighborhood.

Then, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Binh Tay Market in Saigon’s vibrant Chinatown. With hundreds of stalls, this bustling wholesale market plays a central role in supplying the city with clothing, souvenirs, food products, and daily essentials. A small food court inside the market also invites visitors to sample local delicacies and classic street dishes.

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

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. 

This moring, we'll explore Hoi An. Our guide and driver pick you up from your hotel in Hoi An for a short transfer to Cam Thanh village. Known for its tranquil waterways and centuries-old nipa palm mangroves, Cam Thanh offers a peaceful glimpse into the daily life of Hoi An’s fishing communities. Upon arrival, you board a traditional bamboo basket boat for a gentle ride through the shaded nipa palm canals while trying your hand at local-style crab fishing - a simple yet enjoyable experience close to nature.

After the boat trip, we return to Hoi An to explore its key highlights. We begin at the Museum of Antiquities, a compact yet rich collection of Cham artefacts and ceramics that reflects Hoi An’s layered cultural history. From here, we walk to the 17th-century Japanese Covered Bridge, the town’s iconic wooden structure symbolising centuries of cultural exchange. Our visit continues at Quan Thang ancient house, one of the best-preserved merchant residences, admired for its refined woodcarvings. The tour concludes at the lively local market, a colourful riverside hub that offers an authentic glimpse into everyday life and local flavours.

You have a free afternoon to relax or explore the surroundings at your own pace. Optional activities include joining a local cooking class, cycling through rural villages, or enjoying a peaceful boat trip on the river. Hoi An is also an excellent place to have clothes tailor-made.

8:30: Depart for Hue, stopping in Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum, home to one of the world’s most significant collections of Cham sculpture and cultural artefacts. Continue your journey along the scenic coastline toward Hue, pausing at the top of the Hai Van Pass to take in sweeping ocean views and the dramatic landscapes that frame this historic mountain route.

In the afternoon, we'll explore the Imperial Citadel, the last remaining symbol of what was once Vietnam’s imperial capital. Inspired by Vauban-style fortifications, the complex is divided into three distinct sections: Kinh Thanh (the Capital City), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial City), and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). Within these walls lie many of Hue’s most remarkable landmarks, including the Flag Tower, the imposing South Gate, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the temples dedicated to past dynasties, and the former royal residential quarters.

Before the day comes to a close, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Dong Ba Market. As you wander its lively aisles, you’ll encounter colourful produce stalls, aromatic spice vendors, traditional conical hats, and local snacks prepared fresh before your eyes. It’s an ideal place to meet friendly shopkeepers, observe the rhythm of everyday commerce, and gain an authentic insight into daily life in Hue.

8:30: We begin the day with a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s oldest spiritual landmarks, founded in 1601. Its elegant octagonal tower and sweeping views over the Perfume River make it an essential stop for anyone wishing to understand the spiritual heart of the city.

Next, we visit the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, built over 11 years (1920–1931) on Chau Tru Hill. Unlike the tombs of other Nguyen emperors, Khai Dinh’s mausoleum stands out for its striking blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles. A climb of nearly one hundred steps leads you to the worship palace, where intricate porcelain inlays, an impressive painted ceiling, and a small museum of royal objects reveal the emperor’s refined aesthetic.

We then continue to Thuy Bieu, a peaceful riverside village known for its fragrant pomelo orchards. Here, you may choose to enjoy a gentle bicycle ride through leafy lanes, stopping at ancestral temples, century-old garden houses, and small vegetable plots lovingly tended by local farmers.

The experience concludes at Mrs. Loan’s charming garden house, where you take part in a hands-on cooking class to learn several Hue specialties - from delicate vegetable carving to Nem, fig salad, and savoury stuffed pancakes.

Transfer to Phu Bai Airport. The drive from Hue city center to Phu Bai Airport takes approximately one hour.

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.

8:30: Start your day at the Temple of Literature, founded in the 11th century under the Ly dynasty to honor Confucius and educate royal scholars. Stroll through its peaceful courtyards and gardens until you reach Khue Van Cac, the iconic pavilion that symbolizes Hanoi. Continue to the UNESCO-recognized stone steles, which record the names of Vietnam’s most outstanding graduates, before exploring Quoc Tu Giam, regarded as the country’s first national university.

Next, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), an engaging institution that offers deep insight into the cultures of Vietnam’s many ethnic groups. Its rich collection includes traditional costumes, agricultural tools, musical instruments, and life-size replicas of ethnic minority houses. A full visit typically takes about two hours.

For lunch, enjoy one of Hanoi’s most beloved dishes: cha ca, fragrant turmeric-marinated grilled fish served with fresh herbs, rice noodles, and a tangy dipping sauce — a true staple of the capital’s culinary heritage.

In the afternoon, continue with an exterior visit of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, then enjoy a relaxing walk through the nearby botanical gardens to see the simple House on Stilts, where Ho Chi Minh once lived and worked. Conclude this section of the tour at the unique One-Pillar Pagoda, one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks.

For a delightful gourmet pause, settle onto a small stool inside a traditional tube house and savor a cup of egg coffee - a creamy specialty born during the French colonial era. Made from whipped egg yolk and rich Vietnamese coffee, this iconic drink remains a local favorite.

End your day with a stroll through the atmospheric Old Quarter. Originating in the 15th century as a busy trading hub, its famed “36 streets” each once specialized in a particular craft or product. Today, the Old Quarter is a vibrant open-air museum of living history, with narrow alleyways, tube houses, small temples, bustling markets, and irresistible street food creating an unforgettable sensory experience.

In the evening, 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.

8:30: Our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel before we begin a two-hour drive to Ninh Binh. As we travel through the Red River Delta, feel free to make short stops along the way to capture photos of the rural landscapes.

Upon arrival, take a sampan boat trip along the stream and amidst the limestone mountains to uncover the beauty of Van Long Nature Reserve. Recognized as one of the country's largest reserves and designated as a Ramsar Site, it offers a unique experience. If you're fortunate, you might catch sight of white monkeys and egrets perched on the cliffs.

In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the Van Long dike, where open views of emerald rice fields stretch toward dramatic limestone mountains. Along the way, feel free to stop for photos or brief exchanges with local residents, offering a glimpse into daily rural life.

The ride ends at Thung La Temple, a sacred site dating back to the 11th century. Visit the temple and attend a traditional folk music performance, an art form deeply connected to the spiritual life of the local Vietnamese community.

On the return journey to the homestay, stop at Lang Van Church, one of the most striking modern religious landmarks in Ninh Binh. Built in an impressive Gothic style, the church is distinguished by pointed arches, soaring vaulted ceilings, and a monumental bell tower rising over 100 meters, making it one of the tallest churches in Vietnam.

To conclude the day, take part in an embroidery workshop led by a local craftswoman, Mrs. Lam. She shares the techniques and stories behind her traditional craft, then guides you as you practice embroidery on fabric—an authentic hands-on experience rooted in local heritage.

8:30: Continue exploring Ninh Binh with a visit to Hoa Lu, you will visit the temples dedicated toEmperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009) who played a vital role in gaining the country’s independence after it was ruled by China for a thousand years. Both temples were built in the 17th symbolizing a deep respect to the King’s contributions.

Then, we make our way to Tam Coc, which has been well-known as the “Halong Bay on land” and appeared in famous French movie “Indochina”. On arrival at the pier, you will take a private sampan boat for a ninety-minute cruise along Ngo Dong River. Pass through three caves and witness a stunning landscape interleaved by small communities, rice fields, cemetery and temples.

In the afternoon, we will visit Bich Dong pagoda, a typical pagoda in the countryside of the Red River Delta, built in the 15th century. On arrival, you will cross a stone bridge to Chua Ha, from which over 100 steps lead to Chua Trung – the cave pagoda with unique clay statues. You will then hike up to Chua Thuong. You not only have the chance to learn about Buddhism but also get to experience incredible countryside views.

Return to your hotel and immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture and cuisine with a fun hands-on cooking class hosted by the welcoming team at Nep’s House. Learn how to prepare authentic yet simple Vietnamese dishes with step-by-step guidance from your local host. After cooking, sit down to enjoy the delicious meal you’ve created together. It’s a warm, personal experience that connects you to local life through food.

8:00: Our driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to Halong. The journey takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, with an optional stop for a restroom break along the way. Upon arrival, you'll be dropped off at Tuan Chau / Bai Chay pier, where you will board your cruise.

11:30 – 12:00: Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor.

12:00 – 12:30: Board a tender to transfer to the main vessel. Welcome aboard Sena Cruise! Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink as our Cruise Manager gives a safety briefing and a short introduction to the cruise program. Afterward, check into your cabin and settle in.

13:15 – 13:45: Lunch is served while Sena Cruise begins its journey into the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay—an extension of Ha Long Bay, known for its tranquility and fewer visitors. Along the way, admire iconic formations such as Finger Islet and Candle Islet, as well as countless limestone karsts and islands.

15:00: Explore the serene Dark and Bright Cave, renowned for its untouched natural beauty and poetic landscape. Take stunning photos of this romantic area or enjoy a relaxing bamboo boat ride. You may also swim in the calm, emerald waters—a perfect way to experience the hidden charm of Lan Ha Bay.

17:00: Return to the cruise. Join a sunset party on the deck—an ideal moment for photographers to capture the golden hour over the bay. Participate in a Vietnamese cooking class and learn how to make traditional spring rolls.
Our captain will anchor the boat in a peaceful area for the night.

19:00: Enjoy a delicious dinner in the onboard restaurant. Afterward, unwind with your choice of activities: Chat at the bar or enjoy a movie in the restaurant; Treat yourself to a spa session (*); Sip cocktails at the panoramic bar (*); Try your hand at squid fishing with our prepared rods and lighting.

Overnight onboard in Lan Ha Bay.

(*) Additional charges apply for some services—please book with the cruise team directly.

06:00: Start your day early with a sunrise photo opportunity and join our Tai Chi session on the sundeck to rejuvenate your body and mind.

07:00: The Sena Cruise sails through more majestic karst formations. Enjoy tea, coffee, and a light breakfast in the fresh morning air.

08:15: Experience kayaking and swimming in the peaceful waters of Tra Bau, one of the filming locations for Kong: Skull Island (2018). Discover hidden corners and soak up the serene atmosphere.

09:30: Return to the boat and check out of your cabin.

10:00: While enjoying a set-menu early light lunch, Sena Cruise gently sails back toward the harbor, passing by a panorama of limestone cliffs.

11:30 – 11:45: Arrive at the harbor, disembark, and 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).

The rest of the day is free for you to explore Hanoi at your own pace. You may choose to enjoy a relaxing spa massage, browse local shops for souvenirs, or join an exciting Jeep adventure around the city.

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.