Discover Vietnam
Trip Summary:
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At a glance
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Don't forget that all of our itineraries are totally customized and so this is just an idea of what we can build for you.
Embark on a captivating journey through Vietnam, immersing yourself in its vibrant cities, serene countryside, and rich cultural heritage.
Begin your adventure in Ho Chi Minh City, where the bustling streets and dynamic markets await your exploration. Dive deep into the heart of Vietnamese culture as you witness locals practicing Tai Chi at Tao Dan Park and sample authentic street food delicacies at the lively markets.
From there, journey to the enchanting Mekong Delta, where a leisurely boat cruise and bike tour will unveil the region’s natural beauty and traditional way of life.
Continue your odyssey to Hoi An, a charming ancient town renowned for its historic architecture and delectable fusion cuisine. Indulge in a cooking class to master the art of Vietnamese gastronomy before setting sail for the iconic Halong Bay, where breathtaking landscapes and tranquil waters beckon.
Throughout your trip, savor the essence of Vietnamese culture, from morning Tai Chi classes in Hoan Kiem Lake to intimate dinners with local families, and let each moment be a testament to the unparalleled beauty and allure of Vietnam.
In detail
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Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.
Day 1 and 2: Ho Chi Minh City
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. The following morning you will catch the sunrise over Saigon. You will spend the morning immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the city.
You will make a stop at ‘Tao Dan Park’ where you will see the locals practicing Tai Chi, aerobics and badminton for a spot of morning exercise. Stroll around the park to a small pagoda where you are likely to see locals performing daily prayers.
After this, you will head to a market where shoppers haggle over the fresh produce on offer. Wander through the stalls where vendors are selling everything from live seafood to dried meats, fresh seasonal vegetables and homeware goods.
This evening, explore the city on the back of a scooter like the locals and see how the city comes alive at sunset. Explore the streets and taste some of the local cuisines.
Day 3: Mekong Delta
Today you’ll visit the Mekong Delta. You will board a boat for a cruise up a small side river to the starting point of your bike tour. This leisurely ride takes you along the back roads and over some of the tiny canals which are scattered amongst the landscape. En-route stop at some traditional workshops which make turmeric spring roll paper and roof thatching made from the water palm tree.
You will then arrive at an orchid farm where a diverse range of tropical fruits are grown. This farm is family run, with the leader being a war veteran. He will share some stories with you about his past experiences whilst taking you around his garden where you will be offered some samples of the amazing fruit that grows there.
After bidding your host goodbye, relax while enjoying the view from a small sampan boat as you are paddled slowly along tropical canals.
Disembark and continue cycling to a stunning 100-year old house which is architecturally a mixture of traditional Vietnamese and European designs. Here a Vietnamese lunch will be served consisting of dishes only found in the Mekong Delta. After your meal, bid farewell to the family before returning to Saigon where you will arrive in the late afternoon.
Day 4: Hoi An
Fly to Danang. You’ll be met and driven to Hoi An, which was a major trading port in the 17th and 18th century.
You will enjoy lunch at one of the best restaurants in town serving a fusion of Asian cuisine which is sure to dazzle your taste buds! You will then be taken on a walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit the former merchants’ homes, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese communal hall and the colorful market.
The rest of the day is at your own leisure. Explore or head back to the hotel to relax.
Day 5: Hoi An
Join a cooking class where you will learn how to prepare some classic Vietnamese dishes. The class also covers herbal remedies and tricks to using Vietnamese vegetable graters and knives. All efforts are rewarded with the lunch that you have made for yourself!
In the afternoon you will enjoy a stroll through town, where you will then board a boat for a short boat trip across the river for a painting class with a professional Vietnamese painter, who will teach you all the traditional techniques.
After this, you will then be taught how to make traditional lanterns which are used to decorate the streets in the city centre. You will learn about Vietnamese life through interesting discussions with the class instructor and Lifestart members. Learn how the Foundation is helping people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Meet some of these lovely ladies and see how their beautiful products are made.
Day 6 and 7: Hanoi
Fly to Hanoi.
In the evening enjoy a lovely meal with a local family. After the meal your host will play a traditional one-string musical instrument that he has made himself.
The following morning, catch the first rays of the sun and a chance to see Hanoi waking up. You will head to Long Bien market, the biggest fruit and vegetable wholesale market in North Vietnam. This market is constantly buzzing with so much going on, scooters zooming down the streets, farmers selling their produce and eager buyers looking for the best deal – an incredible atmosphere to experience.
Head to Hoan Kiem Lake where you will see the locals practicing Tai Chai, gymnastics, martial arts, or simply a walk around the lake. Your last stop this morning will be a local coffee shop, where you will sip your drink with a view of the lake, before continuing to your next activity of the day.
Take a walking tour through the charming Hang Be Market. Stop at Ngoc Son temple. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It’s a great place to explore and take lots of pictures.
You will then head to the Temple of Literature, which is Vietnam’s first ever university. it was created to educate Vietnam’s royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. Tts stunning architecture and beautiful gardens give a nice insight into its past.
You will end the day with a visit to the nearby mausoleum of the historic figure and father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh. You will then visit the former president’s house on stilts.
Day 8: Halong Bay
Today you’ll head towards Halong Bay. You will arrive and board your boat, where you will be served lunch and will begin your cruise toward the bay itself.
At the end of the bay, your boat with anchor up for the evening and you will be served a delicious dinner on board.
Day 9 and 10: Hanoi
Wake up to a delicious breakfast served on board the boat. You will be blessed with a gorgeous sunrise spreading over Halong Bay. Your boat will slowly cruise through the magnificent rock formations and back towards the port where you will be met by your driver and transferred back to Hanoi.
The rest of your time in Vietnam is for you to relax or explore further.
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