Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, you are warmly greeted by our guide and driver at the pick-up lobby. Enjoy a comfortable 45-minute transfer into the heart of the capital, crossing the Red River with its mix of colonial facades, narrow alleys, and the city’s famously lively traffic.

You are then dropped off at your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free for you to rest and recover after the long flight.

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, take a leisurely walk through the elegant French Quarter, often referred to as Hanoi’s “little Paris” for its tree-lined boulevards, grand colonial architecture, and stately government buildings. 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.

8:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter). Enjoy three hour drive from Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay. Your journey will pass the series of villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta. Have a stop for drink and restroom. Continue your driving, arrive at the harbor around noon, get warmly welcomed at cruise reception.

12:45: Enjoy welcome drink and spend a couple minutes to briefing about safety on boat and activities included then we check in our cabin.

13:30: Delicious Vietnamese set menu will be served while leisurely cruising further into Bai Tu Long Bay.

15:00: Arrive in kayaking area – that is Cap La Island. Enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature, swimming and relaxing.

17:30: Get back to the boat and enjoys our Sunset party while our cruise sailing to the overnight anchorage.

19:00: Sumptuous set-dinner onboard.

20:30: Free time to challenge yourself in Vietnamese puzzle games, or gathers your group/family for a board game; try your luck with squid fishing or simply has a cocktail and enjoy the quiet night on the bay.

06:00: Start your day with a Tai Chi routine on sundeck or catch a morning view of the stunning bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.

07:00: Breakfast will be served in Western style, familiar to you to fulfill your strength and ready for another exploring day.

08:00: Explore the well hidden Thien Canh Son Cave.

09:00: Upon return to the boat you will have about 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing.

10:00: Attend in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration. You can quickly learn a simple but delicious Vietnamese dish that Gordon Ramsey (a 2 Michelin Star Chef) used to guide – Nem Cuon or challenge yourself in fruit and vegetables carving.

11:00: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch on boat.

12:00: Back to the harbor.

The shuttle bus driver from the cruise picks you up at the cruise’s reception hall and transfers you back to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you are dropped off in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

In the evening, our driver picks you up at your hotel or address in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and transfers you to Hanoi Train Station for your onward train to Hue.

Upon arriving at Hue train station in the morning, you meet our local guide and driver, then head to a nearby restaurant to enjoy a breakfast.

Afterwards, we board a dragon boat to cruise along the Perfume River, giving you a gentle introduction to Hue’s daily life unfolding on both banks of this poetic waterway.

Reaching Tien Non village, we step ashore for a leisurely bike ride through the countryside. Along the way, you meet villagers working in their fields and vegetable gardens, and stop to visit a traditional family worship house.

We continue to Thanh Tien, a 400-year-old village famous for crafting delicate paper flowers. Here, local families create these symbolic flowers for the New Year festival as offerings to their ancestors. You visit the home of Mr. Hieu, a renowned artisan, and learn how to make your own paper flower under his guidance.

The journey goes on to Sinh village, another 400-year-old craft community known as the birthplace of Hue’s traditional folk prints. Meet Mr. Phuoc, who shares the techniques behind these distinctive artworks - an ideal chance to find meaningful handmade souvenirs.

Around midday, we return to Hue.

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 AM: We continue exploring Hue with a visit to Khai Dinh King's tomb, built in 11 years (1920 – 1931) on Chau Tru hill. Khai Dinh King's tomb is distinguished from other emperor's tombs by the mixture of oriental and western styles. A hundred-step climb will take you to the worship palace at the top. You will discover the amazing decoration with delightful porcelain fragments, a giant painting on the ceiling and a small royal objects museum next door. Finally, the descent offers a panoramic view to the tomb and surrounding area.

Afterwards, we explore 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.  

We’ll head to Hoi An, passing through Da Nang. The journey takes about 3-4 hours, taking you along some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in central Vietnam, including Lang Co Lagoon, the Hai Van Pass, fishing villages, and My Khe Beach. Upon arrival in Hoi An, you will be dropped off at your accommodation.

Enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, visiting iconic landmarks such as the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Museum of Trade Ceramics, and Tan Ky or Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. You’ll also have free time to explore Hoi An Market, known for its vibrant atmosphere and local delicacies.

Today, we take a leisurely bike ride to discover the peaceful rural villages around Hoi An. Depart from your hotel and pedal toward Kim Bong village, a community long celebrated for its traditional woodcarving. Local artisans first inherited their techniques from northern Vietnam, then refined their craft through exchanges with Chinese and Japanese masters, gradually shaping a distinctive style of their own.

Continue cycling along quiet trails lined with rice paddies, bamboo bridges and river views before reaching Tra Nhieu village. This is a wonderful immersion into Central Vietnam’s countryside. Along the way, you meet local families such as Ms. Duoc, who weaves sedge mats; Mr. Kha, known for his round bamboo basket boats; and Mr. Huynh Ri, who maintains a small traditional shipyard. The scenery of nipa palms, rice fields, grazing buffaloes and farmers at work accompanies your ride.

From Tra Nhieu, board a boat along the Thu Bon River to Cam Thanh village. The journey flows through tranquil landscapes of fishing farms and lush water palms. On arrival, step into a small round bamboo basket boat and try your hand at catching crabs in the palm-water channels.

Afterward, relax at the home of a local fisherman, Mr. Phong, where you enjoy green tea and a soothing herbal foot massage using plants grown in his garden. Then, with fresh vegetables and herbs from nearby Tra Que village, take part in a hands-on cooking session to prepare typical Hoi An dishes such as crispy pancakes (with meat, shrimp and bean sprouts) and fresh spring rolls — and then savor the dishes you’ve created.

Return to your hotel in the afternoon.

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 driver will greet you at the pickup area and transfer you to your hotel in the city.

In the afternoon, we begin our exploration of Ho Chi Minh City’s key landmarks with the Independence Palace, once the residence and workplace of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Here, you’ll see the North Vietnamese tank that famously broke through the palace gates in 1975, signaling the end of the Vietnam War. 

We then continue to the War Remnants Museum, where thought-provoking exhibits present different perspectives on the Vietnam War - often revealing stories and angles that may be new to you.

Later, we take a leisurely stroll through Binh Tay Market. With hundreds of stalls, it’s one of the city’s busiest trading hubs, offering everything from clothing and souvenirs to daily essentials. The market also features a small food court where you can sample local specialties and classic street-food flavors.

8:30: Our local driver and guide will pick you up from your hotel in central Ho Chi Minh City. From there, we’ll head to Ben Tre, in the heart of the Mekong Delta.

Upon arrival, board a boat at Phong Nam pier (near Phong Nam Bridge) and begin cruising along the Chet Say River, a scenic branch of the Mekong. Along the way, enjoy views of daily life on the river—fishing, cargo transport, and local activity. Stop at a traditional brick factory where bricks are still handmade using age-old techniques. Refresh with a glass of fresh coconut juice.

Visit a local workshop that produces coconut shell charcoal and learn how coconut shells are transformed into eco-friendly charcoal.

Continue the boat trip to a coconut processing workshop where you’ll discover how coconut candy is made. Taste the delicious coconut treats, enjoy tropical fruits, and sip honey tea.

Take a short walk to visit a family-run mat weaving workshop. Then, hop on a motor cart or bicycle for a peaceful ride through quiet village lanes, giving you a closer look at local farmers’ daily lives.

Enjoy lunch at a local riverside restaurant.

After lunch, transfer by motor cart back to the pier. Then take a traditional rowing boat ride to return to Nha Viec Bridge.

14:50: Our driver will be waiting to pick you up for the return journey to Ho Chi Minh City.

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