Vietnam
Overview
Welcome to Vietnam!
Stunning scenery, combined with charming local culture makes Vietnam an ideal Southeast Asian destination.
Experience the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese big-city living in Hanoi. Explore nature in the bio-diverse wetlands and mountains of Ninh Binh province. Settle down for a more relaxed stay in the cultural town of Hue nestled along the Perfume River. Step back into a time machine to colonial Vietnam with a stay in Hoi An’s ancient town.
Along the way, sample a variety of Vietnamese specialties that have made the cuisine of Vietnam one of the most famous in the world!
All in all, Vietnam is a country with a wide range of activities and destinations that suit every type of traveller, from cities to small villages and from vast mountains and valleys to spectacular beaches.
Xin chao, Vietnam! Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), take the included transportation to your hotel located in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a fascinating city renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine. After settling in, join your Trip Leader on an orientation walk to Hoan Kiem Lake. Enjoy this city's sights, sounds, and ambience.
Gather with your newfound friends for your first tastes of the famous Vietnamese cuisine.
On your second day, you can start with a cup of world-famous Vietnamese coffee. Then your group will head over to the Temple of Literature, a historic site dedicated to Confucius, which served as Vietnam's first national university.
Explore Hanoi on a guided walking tour. Experience the peaceful alleys on Hang Hanh, known as Coffee Street. Admire Saint Joseph's Cathedral, the oldest church in Hanoi. Observe the chaos of Hanoi's motorbike traffic as you make your way to the Old Quarter.
In the evening, you'll have a guided Hanoi Street Food Experience tour, which is an excellent opportunity to sample a variety of Vietnamese specialties such as banh cuon and banh mi, sip on bia hoi (Vietnamese draught beer), and slurp up a bowl of pho. Finish it off with the tastiest ice cream in Hanoi!
Today, leave the city behind and make our way through the Vietnamese countryside to Ninh Binh! You'll visit the household of a local artisan who will teach you how to make traditional Vietnamese toy figurines known as To He.
In Ninh Binh, you'll have lunch at the home of a local family. Enjoy a home-cooked meal in this tiny village surrounded by limestone cliffs. It's a unique opportunity to learn more about Vietnamese culture while having a meal with your host family.
Van Long Nature Reserve is one of the most biodiverse wetlands in Vietnam. Experience this surreal landscape of rainforests and mountains on a traditional sampan boat rowed by local boatmen.
Venture up 500+ stairs to one of the most impressive viewpoints of Trang An. Upon reaching the top of Hang Mua, you will be impressed with a fantastic panoramic view of the river, rice fields, and mountains of Ninh Binh province.
Learn about Vietnamese Buddhism and discover the spiritual allure of Bich Dong Pagoda, a timeless cultural and historical landmark in Vietnam. The unique architecture of the pagodas is built into limestone karsts.
In the afternoon, you can discover more of Ninh Binh with a few hours of free time before boarding the overnight train to Hue, the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam.
Wake up on board the train arriving in Hue, a city with rich history, culture, and famous cuisine. After breakfast at a local restaurant, you'll have an orientation walk with your Trip Leader to help you get a feel for this city.
Later that morning, you'll visit a Garden House, known for its traditional architecture and natural landscape. It's a perfect spot for savoring a cup of tea and a slice of cake while taking in a glimpse of Hue's ancient imperial heritage.
For lunch, try Bun Bo Hue, a spicy and flavorful noodle soup originating from Hue. Then, you can take the rest of the day to explore Hue at your leisure. The Imperial City or shop for "lon la", the iconic conical hats of Vietnamese culture, are a great choice.
Weave through the small alleyways of Bao Vinh trading town, known as Hue's "lost city". Observe local artisans who keep alive the ancestral crafts of blacksmithing, pearl inlay, and casting statues of 'Ong Tao'.
Take a break at a local tea and coffee house. Then join a traditional Hue cake workshop where you will make your own cake under the guidance of a local artisan.
Visit the gardens and meditation pavilion of the Tu Duc mausoleum. Experience Tu Hieu Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist temple nestled within a forest, surrounded by tombs and a serene lake.
Leaving Hue behind, you'll make your way to Danang, traveling over the famous Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam's most scenic drives.
You'll visit Nam O Fishing village, where you'll be welcomed into the home of Mr. Phu, whose family has been processing fish sauce in this region for four generations now. You can see the traditional fish sauce-making process, from salting the fish to packaging the product.
You'll have a guided walking tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An Ancient Town. Its well-preserved streets and houses are characterized by their yellow buildings, lantern-lit streets, and charming atmosphere.
Today's bicycle ride to Tra Que Herbal Village is a great way for you to explore the rural scenery of Hoi An's countryside. Known for its aromatic herbs, you'll see local farmers harvesting seasonal crops. Relax with an herbal foot bath and massage upon arrival in the village.
If you want to learn about the various herbs and spices used in creating some of Vietnam's delicious dishes, you can participate in a cooking demonstration. We'll have lunch at the village before cycling back to Hoi An town.
Enjoy an afternoon of free time to explore Hoi An as you please before meeting back up with the group for your final dinner together in Vietnam.
Your final morning in Hoi An has arrived. After checking out of the hotel, head into the town for some last-minute shopping or stroll the riverside and snap some photos.
Say goodbye to Vietnam and take the included private transportation to Danang International Airport (DAD) for your departure at 12:00 noon.