Vietnam: Ancient Charm, Modern Thrill

[Day 1] Hanoi arrival

• Meal: not included | Accommodation: in Hanoi
• Arriving at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you’ll find our driver waiting to take you to your hotel in the city center. Time for relaxing after the journey. You’ll spend the night in Hanoi.
• Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is a captivating destination that offers travelers a rich blend of history, culture, and vibrant urban life. Located in the northern part of the country, the city is known for its seamless blending of tradition with modernity, making it a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience the heart and soul of Vietnam. Whether you're interested in history, cuisine, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, Hanoi has something for all.

[Day 2] Hanoi Orientation

• Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Hanoi
• Your day begins at 8:00 am with a warm hotel pick-up, where we'll whisk you away to start your day orientating around Hanoi.
• First, we'll delve into Vietnam's rich educational heritage with a visit to the prestigious Temple of Literature. Be enchanted by the beautiful architecture and tranquil gardens of this ancient university, a symbol of wisdom and intellectual achievement. Next, prepare to be captivated by the diversity of Vietnamese culture at the Museum of Ethnology. Immerse yourself in the fascinating exhibits that showcase the country's ethnic groups, their traditional customs, and colorful heritage.
• After a delightful lunch tantalizing your taste buds with authentic Hanoi cuisine, in the afternoon, we continue our journey with a visit to the iconic Ho Chi Minh Complex to gain insight into the life of Vietnam's beloved leader as we explore the Presidential Palace, Stilt House, and One Pillar Pagoda.
• Next, we'll immerse ourselves in Hanoi's bustling heart, the Old Quarter, navigating its charming alleys and partaking in an enticing street food tasting to savor the city's culinary delights. Finally, we'll be awed by the mesmerizing Water Puppet Show, a traditional art form that brings age-old tales to life. Back to your hotel before sunset time.

[Day 3] Hanoi - Halong bay

• Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Accommodation: on board the Treasure Junk
• 8:00 to 8:30 am we will pick you up at your hotel and leave on our shuttle bus for a 3.5-hour drive to Halong City. 
• Upon arrival, we'll board the Treasure Junk for a delightful cruise through Halong Bay, savoring a delicious seafood lunch (vegetarian and kid's options available). After lunch, take it easy and soak in the breathtaking scenery of limestone formations rising from the emerald water. Our first stop awaits at the convergence of Halong and Bai Tu Long waters, where you'll have the chance to paddle through the bay with our kayaks. As the sun sets, enjoy a cocktail on board while we sail to our night anchorage spot. Dinner will be served indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather. You'll spend the night in our comfortable, air-conditioned cabins with en-suite bathrooms aboard the Treasure.
• Note: On our way to Halong, we will stop at a place with food, beverages, and souvenirs for sale. Please bear in mind that we are not trying to incite you to buy any product. This is just the only place on the way with proper facilities that our travelers, guide, and driver can use without being forced to buy anything. Thanks for your understanding.

[Day 4] Halong - Hanoi - Hue

• Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Hue
• Awaken to the serene misty bay at 6:30 am, where coffee, tea, and cakes await. You can choose to energize your body, mind, and soul with a 30-minute Tai Chi session led by our on-board master or simply bask in the sun with coffee. Later, embark on a bamboo boat to explore a secluded floating village, meandering through floating houses and rowing boats serving various purposes. Returning to the Treasure before 9:00 am, we'll cruise back to the pier, followed by a brunch at 9:30. As we bid farewell to the majestic rocks guarding the kingdom, we'll head to the pier and get a transfer back to Hanoi by our shuttle bus. 
• You'll have free time until our driver arrives to take you to Hanoi airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, our local guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for your overnight accommodation. 

[Day 5] Hue Cultural Heritage

• Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Hue
• 8:00 - pick up from your hotel, your exploration begins with a scenic boat trip along the serene Perfume River, leading you to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of the city's historical significance dating back to the 17th centuries. Following this, a comfortable car transfer will take you to the Imperial Citadel, where you'll stroll along the ancient ramparts and delve into the intriguing relics nestled within. Savor the flavors of Hue during a delectable lunch at a local restaurant, where you'll indulge in the city's specialty dishes. 
• In the afternoon, the exploration continues with a visit to the majestic Minh Mang Tomb, showcasing the grandeur of imperial architecture. Wrap up your day by visiting a delightful garden house in Thuy Bieu village, offering you the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing tea break with the welcoming host and engage in any questions you may have.

[Day 6] Hue - Hai Van Pass - Hoi An Old Town

• Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Hoi An.
• 9:00 am - depart from your hotel to Danang via the awe-inspiring Hai Van Pass. Get ready to go through a truly beautiful coastal road! The views from the top are simply excellent; we should be able to see Lang Co beach, the Laguna far below and Danang spreading out in the south. We will understand why this is considered the prettiest road in the country. 
• Once in Danang, we will have time to make a stop en-route at the Marble Mountains before settling down at our address in Hoi An.
• In the afternoon, we discover the enchanting beauty of Hoi An's Old Town on foot. Strolling through the ancient streets, you'll be captivated by the significant architecture that has earned Hoi An a UNESCO World Heritage status. Our guide will regale you with captivating tales and historical anecdotes, allowing you to truly appreciate the charm of this historic gem.
• A visit to Hoi An is incomplete without trying one of the city's delectable street foods. We’ll take you to a local spot where you can relish the mouthwatering flavors of Vietnam, choose a savory delicacy or a sweet treat that will tantalize your taste buds.

[Day 7] Hoi An countryside cycling

• Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Hoi An
• Explore the picturesque Hoi An countryside on a delightful cycling tour! The adventure begins at 8:00 AM when we pick you up from your hotel and provide you with bicycles. We'll pedal our way towards Cam Kim island, where fascinating experiences await. Along the route, we'll stop at a local house to learn about traditional handicrafts, gaining insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region. The excitement continues as we take an exhilarating bamboo basket ride and cross the river in a charming traditional boat. 
• After working up an appetite, we'll savor a scrumptious lunch at a riverside eatery, relishing the local flavors amidst stunning scenery. We'll conclude the trip with a transfer back to your hotel. Trip ends around 1:00 PM
• Total cycling distance is around 12 km (by city bicycles and at easy level). If cycling is something not your favorite, a transfer by local motorbike or ArmyJeep can be arranged with a surcharge

[Day 8] Hoi An - Danang - Ho Chi Minh city - Cu Chi tunnels

• Meal: breakfast, dinner | Accommodation: in Ho Chi Minh city
• Savor your free time at your own pace until our driver comes to bring you to Danang airport, where your morning flight to Ho Chi Minh city awaits. 
• Upon landing in Ho Chi Minh city, our dedicated guide will be on hand to warmly welcome you at the airport and take you to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, where you'll immerse yourself in the rich wartime history of Vietnam. Discover the intricate tunnel network, learn about guerrilla warfare tactics, and gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the Vietnamese people. 
• In the early evening, let’s adventure through the heart of Saigon by joining our thrilling Night Motorbike Tour. Picked up from your hotel at 18:00, hopping onto a motorbike to join the city's vibrant rush-hour traffic. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting an open market, where the sights, sounds, and aromas of Vietnam come alive. Indulge your taste buds with a tantalizing array of street food, each a renowned gem of Saigon's culinary scene. Your journey takes a unique turn as you explore an old apartment building, a living testament to Saigon's history since 1968. Step inside a local family's home to gain deeper insights into Saigon's authentic way of life. 

[Day 9] Mekong delta excursion

• Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Ho Chi Minh city
• Join us on a captivating day trip as we pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 am, embarking on a scenic 2.5-hour journey to the picturesque destination of Ben Tre. There, we'll set sail on a traditional wooden boat, meandering through the winding river, and immersing ourselves in the local culture. Discover a wide range of varied cottage industries, from coconut processing, to brick making and mat weaving..., gaining a deep appreciation for the region's craftsmanship. Experience the charm of daily life as you explore the surroundings by bicycle and rowing sampan. 
• A delicious lunch at a local restaurant will satisfy your taste buds with authentic flavors. As the day draws to a close, we'll return to Saigon, concluding this enriching adventure around 5 pm, leaving you with cherished memories of the Mekong delta's scenic beauty.

[Day 10] Ho Chi Minh city departure

• Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: not included
• Time will be on your own until our driver arrives and takes you to Tan Son Nhat airport, in a good time for boarding your departure flight. End of our service