Vietnam Insight

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at your leisure. Enjoy your overnight stay in HCMC

Today, you will embark on a leisurely walking tour of downtown, also known as District One. You’ll have the opportunity to view some impressive colonial-era structures, including Notre Dame Cathedral and the General Post Office, both designed by Gustave Eiffel. After that, we will continue to Reunification Hall, historically known as Independence Palace, where you can tour the former nerve center of the war for South Vietnam. Later, we’ll visit the bustling Ben Thanh Market for some shopping.

Following that, we will head to China town, where you can explore ancient pagodas and temples. You’ll also have free time to stroll down the fashionable Rue Catinat of old Saigon. We will spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

This morning, we will drive to Cao Dai Temples in Tay Ninh to witness the midday service. Tay Ninh, situated near the Cambodian border, is the home of the unique Cao Dai sect. The Cao Dai Temple at Tay Ninh is often described as a Walt Disney fantasia of the East due to its vibrant and ornate architecture. Our trip to Tay Ninh will also include a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. During the height of the conflict, this tunnel system stretched over 250km from Saigon to the Cambodian border, consisting of three levels. The network comprised numerous trap doors, living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens.

Today, the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction, offering visitors a unique experience and a glimpse of what underground life during the U.S.-Vietnam War was like. We will spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, we will board a boat and cruise along narrow waterways adorned with lush vegetation. Our journey will take us to various places, including the fish wharf and the four famous islands named Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix. At one point, we will visit a candy workshop, and later, we will continue our adventure on a traditional sampan, gliding through the serene canals and picturesque mangrove forests. Here, we can witness the skilled fishermen laying their fish traps.

We’ll have a delightful time on Unicorn Island, where we can savor the local fruits, indulge in tea mixed with bee’s honey, and relish a folk show featuring traditional Mekong Delta music. This captivating experience will give us a glimpse of the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the Mekong Delta. In the afternoon, we will transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Morning transfer from Saigon to Phan Thiet, home to the largest sand dunes in the country and one of the most idyllic seaside resorts in Vietnam, well-known for its spectacular sand dunes, endless beaches, beautiful streams, and cliffs. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy your day on the beach. Overnight in Phan Thiet..

Free day on the beach. Overnight in Phan Thiet.

Transfer back to Ho Chi Minh city for a short flight to Nha Trang, a beautifully coastal city. Rest of the day is free for relaxing on the beach. Overnight in Nha Trang.

The fabulous sunny weather, turquoise water surrounding a string of islands, and white sandy beaches stretching the whole length of the city make Nha Trang one of Vietnam’s premier beach resorts. In the afternoon, you will visit the Long Son Pagoda with its enormous white Buddha statue and the impressive Ponagar Cham Towers, a secret Hindu site dating back to the 2nd century AD. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Enjoy a free day on the beach. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Depart Nha Trang towards Da Lat, known as the “City of Eternal Spring.” Nestled by a lake and enveloped by evergreen forests, gardens, meadows, lakes, waterfalls, and picturesque countryside, Da Lat is a captivating town. Once we arrive, our itinerary in Da Lat will encompass exploring attractions such as Love Valley, Xuan Huong Lake, the Lake of Sighs, and the Flower Garden. Our stay will be overnight in the enchanting Da Lat.

In the morning, we will visit the summer residence of Vietnam’s last Emperor Bao Dai, the Lam Ty Ni Pagoda, Hang Nga Guesthouse, and Truc Lam Thien Vien Pagoda. After that, we will have some free time before transferring to the airport for our flight to Danang.

Once in Danang, we will proceed to Hoi An, a recognized World Heritage Site known for its ancient architecture, featuring a unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese styles dating back to the 16th century. During our time in Hoi An, we will enjoy a sunset boat trip along the tranquil Thu Bon River, allowing us to witness the local life on both sides of the river.

We will spend the night in Hoi An, immersing ourselves in the charm of this historic town.

In the morning, we will embark on a cycling adventure, passing by picturesque mulberry fences, flower gardens.

Our cycling route will lead us to the renowned Tra Que vegetable and herbal village, where traditional methods of vegetable cultivation are practiced. The village’s fertile soil, nourished by the two river branches, allows the locals to maintain vibrant vegetable gardens. As we explore the village, we will be captivated by the beautiful scenery and the various vegetables grown in distinct beds. You’ll even get to experience life as a real farmer by working in one of the vegetable gardens.

Continuing our journey along the scenic road, we’ll pass through the water coconut area, situated among the river’s many branches. We will pause for a few moments to take photos and, out of respect, maintain a moment of silence to acknowledge the historical significance of this area during the Vietnam War, as the tour guide shares its stories.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to Hoi An for a delightful stroll through the ancient town, which boasts a rich history of over 600 years. During our visit, we’ll explore the 200-year-old Tan Ky house, the Phuc Kien Pagoda, the Assembly Hall, and the former merchants’ houses. We’ll also marvel at the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the riverside market.

The evening will offer some free time to unwind and discover the charm of this peaceful town. For those interested, there will be an opportunity for tailor-made clothes shopping. We’ll spend the night in Hoi An, appreciating all the beauty and cultural richness it has to offer.

Driving to Hue, Vietnam’s last feudal capital, which has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site since 1993. We will visit the Imperial Citadel, the Purple Forbidden City, and explore the bustling Dong Ba market.

Optional: In the evening, you have the opportunity to enjoy a royal dinner accompanied by Hue traditional music and songs while dressing like an Emperor, Empress, or Mandarin (cost: 90 USD per person). We will spend the night in Hue.

Begin your day by savoring a delightful breakfast in the hotel while immersing yourself in the charm of this ancient land. Next, you will board a private boat for a romantic cruise along the Perfume River, visiting the enchanting Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda) and the ornate Minh Mang’s tomb.

Following the river cruise, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.

After a short break upon arrival, you will embark on a captivating cyclo tour to explore the fascinating Old Quarter with its myriad of specialty shops. These shops offer a wide array of items, including silk clothing, lacquerware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo products, cooking utensils, ceremonial objects, and much more. The Old Quarter’s vibrant atmosphere and bustling streets will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

In the evening, you will have the pleasure of enjoying the traditional water puppet show, a unique and delightful Vietnamese art form. The performance will add a touch of cultural richness to your day.

Your overnight stay will be in Hanoi, providing you with the opportunity to further discover the city’s unique character and all it has to offer.

Full-day private city tour. The post-colonial capital city of Hanoi is a unique Asian city Full-day private city tour. Hanoi, the post-colonial capital city, boasts a unique blend of Asian charm with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, serene lakes, pagodas, and temples. This comprehensive tour will take you to the most intriguing sights of Hanoi, starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his Stilt House, the Presidential Palace, and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda.

Next, we’ll visit the scenic Westlake and the Tran Quoc Pagoda, followed by a trip to Van Mieu or the Temple of Literature, an ancient site dating back to 1070, dedicated to the veneration of Confucius. Our journey continues with a visit to the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, historically referred to as the “Hanoi Hilton” by prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.

We’ll then explore the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, known as the Lake of the Restored Sword. To experience the essence of Hanoi’s bustling life, we’ll take a cyclo tour through the captivating Old Quarter, where you’ll find a myriad of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquerware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo crafts, cooking utensils, ceremonial objects, and much more.

Transfer to the Hanoi railway station to catch the night train heading to Lao Cai.. Overnight on the train.

Upon early arrival at Lao Cai train station, we will proceed to Sapa for breakfast. From there, we will drive to Bac Ha (on Sundays), passing through the Chinese border town of Lao Cai, to reach the vibrant and colorful Sunday Market in Bac Ha (approximately 50km). This market is a lively gathering spot for various ethnic minority groups, each showcasing their unique cultural traditions through their distinctive attire. The sight of this diverse congregation is truly captivating. After exploring the market, we will take a leisurely walk around the area, including a visit to the former residence of the Hmong King, Hoang A Tuong’s palace. The palace, built in 1914, features a captivating blend of French and Vietnamese architecture. Additionally, we will visit the “Pho” village of the Flower H’Mong People, where locals produce the potent local maize alcohol. We will then drive back to Sapa for an overnight stay.

Today’s adventure involves trekking to the picturesque villages of Ta Van, inhabited by the Zay hill tribe, and Lao Chai, home to the Black H’Mong people. During this trek, you will have the opportunity to experience the warm hospitality of these welcoming people, who take great pride in preserving their rich culture and traditional way of life. The Zay women, distinguishable by their traditional shirts in shades of purple, blue, or green, still maintain their distinct language. Their houses are constructed from wood and bamboo, with clay floors. On the other hand, the Black H’Mong women are easily identifiable by their traditional indigo blue clothing. After an enriching day, we will return to Sapa for the night.

Overland to Ha Long Bay, which has been twice awarded the title of World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in 1994 and 2000. Upon arrival, we’ll check-in, enjoy a welcome drink, and receive a cruise briefing. Afterward, we’ll have lunch while cruising to explore the breathtaking Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s most wondrous and scenic sights. Prepare to be amazed by the picturesque scenery, with over 3,000 limestone islets emerging magnificently from the clear and emerald waters. The bay is adorned with hundreds of peerless karst formations, beautiful grottoes, and caves.

During our journey, we will anchor at a secluded cove, inviting you to take a leisurely swim or hike up a hill for a spectacular overview of the bay. Overnight accommodation on board.

Wake up on the bay to the soothing sounds of waves and birds welcoming the new day. You will have the opportunity to witness the stunning sunrise over the bay while enjoying an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck. After breakfast, we will visit a beautiful limestone grotto, followed by a leisurely walk back to the boat to capture a final glimpse of Halong Bay as we cruise back to the dock.

In the afternoon, we will transfer back to Ha Noi. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the chaotic world and immerse yourself in the present moment by directing your thoughts and emotions towards the purified land. Our special trip offers you the opportunity to rediscover your true self and experience inner peace and clarity through the practice of Buddhism.

The program included:

• Buddha’s golden lessons
• The art of touching peace
• Peace in every step
• Mindful breathing
• Secret favour
• Mindful talking
• Compassionate practicing
• Grateful meal

You have some free time before we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of our services.