Arrive Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative. You’ll then be transferred in a private air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel for check-in.

Meals: No meals included
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh – City Tour & Cu Chi Tunnel

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be transferred to Cu Chi, the northernmost suburban district of Ho Chi Minh City. Here, you will discover the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a major underground hideout and resistance base for Viet Cong forces during the wars against the French and Americans. The tunnels form a complex network of interlinked multilevel passageways stretching over 120 km and reaching as far as the Cambodian border. These tunnels were designed with meeting rooms, kitchens, wells, clinics, schools, depots, trenches, and emergency exits, making them a self-contained system capable of withstanding destructive bombings and prolonged sieges.

Activities in Cu Chi Tunnels:

1. Documentary Film:

   • Begin your visit by watching a documentary film that provides an introduction to the Cu Chi Tunnels, taking you back in time to understand their significance and usage during the Vietnam War.

2. Crawling Through Tunnels:

   • Experience crawling through the tunnels that guerrilla fighters used during the war. You’ll see a kitchen, living quarters, and a meeting room along the way. The tunnels have been slightly enlarged for visitors, but you can still imagine the conditions the fighters endured.

3. Booby Traps:

   • Learn about the different types of booby traps, a hallmark of guerrilla warfare, and see how they were created and set up.

4. Weapons Room:

   • Visit the weapons room to discover how the Viet Cong soldiers ingeniously made their weapons.

5. Shooting Range:

   • For the adventurous, head to the shooting range to fire a real AK-47 (note: the cost of bullets is not included in the tour price).

Afternoon: Ho Chi Minh City Tour

After visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, return to Ho Chi Minh City for a half-day city tour.

1. War Remnants Museum:

   • Delve into Vietnam’s war history with the French and Americans. The museum features an extensive collection of machinery, weapons, and photographs from the Vietnamese perspective. It includes moving tributes to journalists, civilians, and soldiers, as well as a critical look at biological warfare, weaponry, and global peace movements.

2. Reunification Palace (Independence Palace):

   • Visit this historic site, which was the residence of the President of South Vietnam until the end of the Vietnam War in April 1975. It was here that the war ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank famously crashed through the gates, leading to the formal reunification of Vietnam.

3. Former American Embassy and Thich Quang Duc Memorial:

   • Drive past the former American Embassy and visit the site where Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc self-immolated on June 11, 1963. His act of protest against the Diem regime sparked significant political change.

4. Ben Thanh Market:

   • End your tour with a visit to the iconic Ben Thanh Market. This centrally located covered market offers ample opportunities to pick up souvenirs or relax with a cup of Vietnamese coffee.

5. Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica:

   • Visit this neo-Roman cathedral built over 130 years ago by the colonial French, with materials entirely imported from Marseilles.

6. Saigon Central Post Office:

   • Explore this fine colonial building designed and built in the early 20th century by the famous French architect Gustave Eiffel.

7. Cholon (Chinatown):

   • Move on to the city’s Chinatown, where you will visit the Jade Emperor Temple (Phuoc Hai), a rare Taoist structure in Vietnam built in 1909 in dedication to the Lord of Heaven.

After the tour, return to your hotel for check-in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Overnight stay at a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta (Home Stay)

Day Trip to Vinh Long and Homestay Experience

Morning Activities:

1. Vinh Long Market:
   • Start your day with a visit to Vinh Long market in the town. This market is an excellent place to capture photos of local produce, including fish, shrimps, prawns, crabs, snakes, rice-field rats, tropical fruits, and vegetables. The vibrant atmosphere and diverse selection make it a photographer’s dream.

Midday Activities:

2. Optional Lunch at a Local House:

   • After exploring the market, take a boat ride to a local house where you can enjoy an optional lunch, experiencing the authentic flavors of the region.

3. Brick Kilns Visit:

   • Visit the brick kilns to see how local artisans create beautiful pottery from clay. This visit provides insight into traditional craftsmanship and the local economy.

4. Local Workshop Tour:

   • Explore a local workshop to see how rice paper, coconut candy, and pop-rice are made. Enjoy some sweets accompanied by a cup of hot tea, and learn about the traditional methods used in these processes.

Afternoon Activities:

5. Check-in at Homestay:
   • Walk to Út Trinh, Út Quỳnh, or Út Bình homestay to check in. After a fresh shower, join the local family in cooking some special dishes. This hands-on experience allows you to learn about local culinary traditions and bond with the family members.

Evening Activities:

6. Traditional Music Performance:

   • If your group consists of 1-9 people, enjoy traditional music before check-in. For groups of 10 or more, the traditional music performance will take place after dinner.

7. Dinner at Homestay:

   • Enjoy the dinner you helped prepare with the local family, savoring the flavors of home-cooked Vietnamese cuisine.

Overnight Stay:

• Spend the night at the homestay, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of a local family in the Mekong Delta.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight Stay: Homestay

This day offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, culinary experiences, and traditional crafts, providing a deep understanding of life in the Mekong Delta.

Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh (Drive) & Ho Chi Minh – Danang (By Flight) & Danang – Hoi An (Drive)

Day Trip: Mekong Delta to Hoi An

Morning Activities:

1. Breakfast at Homestay:

   • Start your day with breakfast at the homestay. After checking out, board a boat to cross the Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in the world.

2. Cai Be Floating Market:

   • Visit the Cai Be floating market, a bustling market where vendors sell goods directly from their boats. This vibrant market offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the Mekong Delta’s residents.

3. Rowboat Ride and Tân Phong Island:

   • Take a rowboat deeper into the countryside along smaller canals to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Arrive at Tân Phong island and bike along village paths, observing local daily life such as orchards, schools, churches, pagodas, and traditional houses. Learn about ancestral methods of fruit picking in the Mekong Delta.
   • Make stops along the way to see local crafts, such as making rice-net for spring rolls, sewing coconut leaves for cottage roofs, and weaving dried water-hyacinth into products like baskets, bags, hats, wallets, and shoes.

4. Lunch and Cruise End:

   • Enjoy lunch on the way. The cruise will end at Cai Be pier in the town.

Afternoon Activities:

1. Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City:

   • In the afternoon, transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City to catch a flight to Da Nang.

2. Arrival in Da Nang and Transfer to Hoi An:

   • Upon arrival in Da Nang, meet our guide at the airport and transfer to Hoi An, a 45-minute drive.

3. Check-in and Leisure Time:

   • Check into your hotel in Hoi An and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Overnight Stay: Hotel in Hoi An

This day offers a rich blend of cultural exploration, local crafts, and scenic beauty, followed by a relaxing evening in the historic town of Hoi An.

Hoi An – Half day Cooking Class & Half day Hoi An Historic Tour

Morning: Half-Day Cooking Class Tour (Joining with others)

1. Hotel Pick-Up:

   • Your guide and driver will pick up the group at the hotel lobby and transfer you to Hai Café for a welcome drink.

2. Hoi An Market Visit:

   • Visit Hoi An’s colorful market, experiencing the vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas. Interact with local sellers and learn about the ingredients you’ll use in your cooking lesson.

3. Red Bridge Boat Cruise:

   • Board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely 25-minute cruise along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. Enjoy the scenic river views and capture some memorable photos.

4. Cooking School Tour and Lesson:

   • Upon arrival, explore the cooking school’s herb garden. The cooking lesson, which lasts about 2 hours, includes demonstrations by Red Bridge chefs followed by hands-on preparation of various dishes. The lesson also includes a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving for plate decoration.

5. Recipes:

   • Rice paper (making)
   • Fresh Rice Paper Rolls of Shrimp
   • Crispy Hoi An Pancakes with Shrimp, Herbs, Bean Sprouts & Peanut Sauce
   • Seafood Salad with mixed Vietnamese Herbs served in Half a Pineapple
   • Quang Nam Style Fresh Noodles with Chicken
   • Food Decoration – Pineapple Boat, 3 Colored Flowers & Vietnamese Hand Fan

6. Lunch:

   • After the cooking lesson, sit down and enjoy the dishes you have prepared.

7. Swimming Pool:

   • Bring your swimsuit and relax with free use of the 20-meter swimming pool after the cooking tour. Towels and showers are provided.

Afternoon: Half-Day Hoi An Walking Tour

1. Walking Tour:

   • Take a walking tour around Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This town was once a bustling maritime commercial port from the 15th to the 19th centuries and now is a peaceful town with exceptionally well-preserved architecture, lifestyles, and traditions.

2. Sightseeing Highlights:

   • 400-Year-Old Covered Bridge: Visit this iconic bridge with a small temple attached to one side, a prominent example of Japanese architecture.
   • Museum of Trade Ceramics: Explore this elegant Vietnamese-style wooden house built in 1858 showcasing antique ceramic artifacts.
   • 200-Year-Old Tan Ky House: Visit this ancient Chinese merchant residence.
   • Ong Temple: Built in 1653 by Chinese settlers to worship Guan Yu, an ancient Chinese general known for loyalty, bravery, and justice.
   • Local Market: Vibrant with colors and activities, this market is a great place to observe daily life and pick up souvenirs.

Evening:

• Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Overnight Stay: Hotel in Hoi An

Hoi An – Hanoi (By Flight)

Morning: Free Time in Hoi An

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
• Spend the morning at your leisure, exploring Hoi An on your own. You might visit local shops, cafes, and the beautiful streets of this charming town, or relax by the riverside.

Early Afternoon: Transfer to Hanoi

• In the early afternoon, your guide and car will pick you up at the hotel lobby and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.

Arrival in Hanoi

• Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
• Hanoi, known as the “River-bound City,” is Vietnam’s capital with a rich history dating back to 1010. The city is renowned for its captivating beauty, featuring unique cultural relics, ancient streets lined with antique houses, elegant French colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and romantic lakes. This blend of historical charm and natural scenery makes Hanoi one of Asia’s most enchanting cities.
• After checking in at your hotel, enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure to explore or relax as you wish.

Meals: Breakfast Overnight Stay: Hotel in Hanoi

This day offers a mix of free time for personal exploration in Hoi An and a smooth transition to the historic and beautiful city of Hanoi.

Hanoi

Hanoi – Halong Overnight on Boat

Halong – Hanoi (Drive) & Hanoi – Vientiane (By Flight)

Early Morning Activities:

1. Tai Chi and Sunrise:

   • Rise early to the sound of the ocean and enjoy a Tai Chi class on deck while watching the sunrise over the bay. It’s a serene and invigorating start to your day (optional, for early risers).

2. Breakfast:

   • Enjoy a delicious breakfast on board as the boat begins its final cruise through Ha Long Bay.

3. Limestone Grotto Visit:

   • Visit a beautiful limestone grotto and marvel at the stunning formations inside. This visit provides an intimate look at the natural beauty that makes Ha Long Bay a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Late Morning Activities:

4. Final Cruise:

   • Head back to the junk for a final glimpse of Ha Long Bay while cruising back to the dock. Take in the breathtaking views one last time.

5. Disembarkation:

   • Disembark at the Cruise Café Lounge, where you’ll rejoin your private car for a transfer back to Hanoi Airport.

Midday Activities:

6. Flight to Vientiane:
   • Board a one-and-a-half-hour flight to Vientiane. Enjoy brunch either at the airport or on the flight, ensuring you’re well-fed for the journey ahead.

Afternoon Activities:

7. Arrival in Vientiane:
   • Upon arrival in Vientiane, meet our guide at the airport. You’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Evening Activities:

8. Leisure Time:
   • Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Explore the nearby areas, relax at the hotel, or take a stroll through the capital city of Laos, known for its peaceful ambiance and charming atmosphere.

Meals: Brunch Included Overnight Stay: Hotel in Vientiane

This itinerary combines the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay with the tranquil charm of Vientiane, offering a seamless transition from Vietnam to Laos.

Vientiane

Morning Activities:

1. Breakfast at the Hotel:

   • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.

2. Wat Sisaket:

   • Begin your tour at the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. It is one of the most beautiful temples in the capital, with its breezy teak-covered hallways filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues.

3. Wat Phra Keo:

   • Continue to the nearby Wat Phra Keo, now used as a religious museum. Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art.

4. Presidential Palace:

   • Visit the Presidential Palace. Although entry is not permitted, you can admire this building from the outside. It offers a glimpse into Vientiane’s colonial past, having formerly served as the French governor’s palace.

5. COPE Visitor Center:

   • Visit COPE, an organization dedicated to helping landmine victims. The center provides in-depth information about the history of the American/Vietnam War, the impact of unexploded ordnances (UXOs) in the area, and ongoing efforts to clear them.

Lunch:

• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon Activities:

6. Patuxay Monument:

   • Continue your tour to the Patuxay monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe. You can climb the stairs to the roof for sweeping panoramic views of the city.

7. That Luang Stupa:

   • Next, visit That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthethirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun shines upon its towering golden spire.

Evening Activities:

8. Mekong Riverbank:
   • End your tour of the capital along the banks of the Mekong River as the sun begins to set. Stroll along the river, enjoy a cold drink, or sample a snack from one of the many local food stalls.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Vientiane

This comprehensive tour provides a deep dive into the cultural and historical richness of Vientiane, blending visits to significant landmarks with moments of relaxation and local experiences.

Vientiane – Vang Vieng (Drive)

Morning Activities:

1. Departure from Vientiane:

   • Depart early from the capital for a journey northbound towards Vang Vieng. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you pass through the spectacular countryside towards the mountainous region.

2. KM52 Market:

   • Along the way, visit the busy and colorful market at KM52, where various hill tribes come to trade goods and buy provisions. This market offers a vibrant glimpse into local life and culture.

3. Photo Stops:

   • Make a short photo stop at Hin Heup bridge, capturing the scenic views. Also, visit the fish market in Ban Tha Heua to see local fishing activities and market scenes.

4. Arrival in Vang Vieng:

   • Reach your destination, Vang Vieng, nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. Despite recent tourism developments, its stunning scenery with limestone outcrops remains unspoiled.

Lunch:

• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon Activities:

1. Tham Phoukham Caves:

   • In the afternoon, board through paddy field areas heading to Tham Phoukham caves. Be awed by the most beautiful and famous limestone cavern, surrounded by natural forests. Along the way, explore local cultures by greeting the villagers and learning about their daily lifestyle.

2. Natural Pool:

   • There is a small natural pool in front of the caves where you can take a swim to refresh yourself from the hot climate. Alternatively, explore the nearby area and enjoy the serene natural beauty.

3. Return to Town:

   • Late in the afternoon, transfer back to town.

Evening Activities:

4. Leisure Time in Vang Vieng:
   • Spend the evening at your leisure, exploring the charming town of Vang Vieng. You might want to walk along the river, visit local cafes, or simply relax at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Vang Vieng

This day offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and relaxation, providing a comprehensive experience of the journey from Vientiane to Vang Vieng.

Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang (Drive)

Luang Prabang

Morning:

• Royal Palace Museum: Explore artifacts from the royal period.
• Wat Xiengthong: Visit this temple with classic Laotian architecture.
• Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center: Learn about traditional Lao crafts and silk weaving.

Lunch: Local restaurant.

Afternoon:

• Kuang Si Waterfall: Swim in the pools, walk forest trails, and visit the Bear Rescue Centre.

Evening:

• Phousi Hill: Climb 329 steps for a sunset view over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang

Leave Luang Prabang

Departure Day

• Breakfast at the Hotel: Enjoy your final breakfast in Luang Prabang.
• Check-Out: Complete the check-out process at your hotel.
• Transfer to Airport: You will be transferred to Luang Prabang Airport to board your flight back home.

Meals: Breakfast

Safe travels! We hope you had an unforgettable journey through Vietnam and Laos!