12 Day Vibrant Vietnam - A Platinum Small Group Tour

Chao mung! Welcome to Vietnam and its beautiful capital, Hanoi. 

Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted and driven to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, take some time to enjoy the afternoon or evening at leisure before your first full day of sightseeing tomorrow. 

Your hotel is situated in the heart of the Old Quarter; a short walk from Ngoc Son Temple and the French Quarter.

After a leisurely breakfast, meet your Tour Guide and get ready for your first day of sightseeing. 

In a city like Hanoi, the best way to start exploration is to go for a stroll through the city streets and soak up the atmosphere. We’ll begin in the Old Quarter, meandering our way through the famous avenues and alleys where we’ll catch the end of the breakfast rush. 

We’ll head towards Hoan Kiem Lake, or Sword Lake, where we’ll learn about the mythical tale of an emperor, a sword and a turtle. 

It’s time to try your first true Hanoian delicacy: egg coffee. While most travellers only get to try the coffee, we will get to meet a true local legend of Hanoi—a proud octogenarian whose life is devoted to this infamous drink. We’ll chat and learn all about egg coffee, its history and how it has impacted his life personally.
 
Well-caffeinated, we will continue to the Temple of Literature. Built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius, the Temple of Literature is an 11th-century relic and was the site of Vietnam’s first university, Quoc Tu Giam. It’s a perfect example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture, with the halls, courtyards, ponds and altars offering a beautiful graduation photo backdrop. 

After walking the grounds and exploring we’ll head to lunch at Koto Restaurant, a social enterprise which provides training to the disadvantaged and street children. Koto has trained over 700 students in Hanoi and Saigon; 200 of them are currently enrolled. We’ll sit down to a delicious 3-course meal encompassing the aroma and the flavours of Vietnamese and South East Asian ingredients.

After lunch, we will make our way to the Ho Chi Minh Complex where you’ll hear about the first president of Vietnam and national hero. We’ll also learn about Ho Chi Minh’s struggle and fight against the French and American forces in the 20th century, leading to the Vietnam you see today.

Hoa Lo Prison is our final visit today. Used originally by the French colonists as a prison for political prisoners, the prison was used by the Vietnamese to house captured American soldiers and became famously known as the Hanoi Hilton.

Before heading back to the hotel, we’ll stop at a nearby café for some refreshments. 

This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at Michelin selected Backstage restaurant. The Backstage restaurant is designed by the "resort king" Bill Bensley; the mastermind behind Capella Ubud (Bali) - the world's best hotel in 2020. At the Backstage restaurant, the exquisite taste of the ancient land is preserved and enhanced under the guidance of culinary virtuoso Ánh Tuyết. Acting as a culinary mentor, she imparts recipes and instructs the kitchen team on how to cook authentic Hanoi-style dishes. Pho is the signature dish of the restaurant. Prepared meticulously according to traditional recipes with fresh ingredients, the pho features a clear, subtly sweet broth, embodying the quintessential taste of Hanoi

NOTES: 
As there are strict viewing times and often long queues to see Ho Chi Minh, we will visit the complex and main site but not enter the mausoleum. Occasionally the mausoleum and grounds may be closed due to Government organised events. 

We cannot always guarantee availability at the social enterprise restaurant; should it be unavailable we will endeavour to find a suitable alternative.

This morning at 9am, we will drive to UNESCO listed heritage site, Halong Bay (around 2.5 hours), which means 'where the dragon descends into the sea.'

To truly marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay, there's no better way than taking to the skies! Your 25-minute scenic flight provides a captivating showcase of the awe-inspiring seascapes featuring nearly 2,000 limestone islands emerging from the emerald green waters, spanning an expansive area of almost 2,000 square kilometres. This aerial perspective offers a distinct and unparalleled view compared to a traditional cruise ship experience. 

After our scenic flight, we’ll board the ship and enjoy a complimentary drink before being escorted to our luxurious cabins, home for the next two nights. 

Lunch will be a delightful buffet affair at the onboard restaurant, be sure to nab a window table so you can enjoy the limestone karsts drift by. 
 
Then embark on a captivating cruise through Halong Bay, marvelling in areas like the Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Rooster, and Finger Islet. This afternoon choose between two options: Explore Luon Cave, renowned for its mesmerising limestone structures, or head to the famous surprise Cave - one of the most spectacular and largest grottoes of Halong Bay. Cruise for approximately 30 minutes to anchor for the night. 

As the sun begins to set, it’s time for your first happy hour on board. French-style crêpes and canapés on the sundeck sets the stage for a sumptuous dinner served at the onboard restaurant. The night takes a whimsical turn with seasonal squid fishing—an exciting experience you won’t forget! 

Start your morning in Halong Bay with a Tai Chi session aboard as the sun rises over the water. 
A light breakfast of European and Asian flavours will be served afterwards, preparing you for a day of exploration. 

You will be picked up by a smaller boat to embark on a immersive experience of the homes of locals, to experience life in Halong Bay.

Enjoy lunch before being transferred by tender to the mystical Me Cung Cave where we’ll view prehistoric imprints and ascend to the cave's highest point for a panoramic view of the surroundings.

Back on board, indulge in French-style crêpes and canapés on the sundeck as we continue the journey to Pearl Village (seasonal). Participate in a hands-on spring roll making class on the sundeck as the sun goes down over the Bay.

Followed by a delicious buffet dinner at the restaurant, the evening continues with seasonal squid fishing, or unwind by watching a movie and enjoying the facilities on board.

Our third and final day aboard. Start your morning with a final Tai Chi session before a little indulgence: tea, coffee, and delectable cakes. 

Afterwards, we will set off in a small boat and explore the Sung Sot Cave or Surprise Cave, the largest and most well-known cave in Halong Bay. At an elevation of 25 metres above sea level and covering 10,000 sqm, the cave was discovered in 1901 by the French. 

Once back on board it’s time to pack and check out, but not before enjoying the final views of the Bay over brunch at the restaurant. Back at the port (approximately 10.30am), we will drive to Hanoi Airport (approximately 3.5 hrs) for our flight south to Hue and transfer to your luxury resort for the next two nights.

Once checked in, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Enjoy the resort facilities or simply relax before dinner—a royal dinner no less, with traditional Nguyen Dynasty music. You’ll experience the same authentic cuisine that Hue’s royalty enjoyed and have the chance to try on the royal costume, too! 

This morning at 8am, we’ll set off and explore Hue’s dynastical past and traditions. The day will begin with a visit to the Imperial City of Nguyen Dynasty (The Citadel), which is modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. The Imperial City is home to a number of palaces, temples which, although a number had been destroyed during war and conflict, have been restored to their former glory.

After the Citadel, we’ll stop by a hidden teahouse which honours the craft of brewing the perfect cup. We’ll meet the owner, whose Chinese ancestors were granted land for their services to the emperor to grow tea and ever since, their family has honoured this tradition.

We’ll learn about the history of tea in Vietnam, and the tea practices and preferences of the royal court in Hue. We’ll be shown how to brew the perfect cup of white lotus tea; the leaves infused in the centre of a lotus flower provide a taste of a bygone era. After witnessing how it's made, it’ll be your turn to brew the perfect cup yourself. 

After lunch, we’ll then take a short journey to the surrounding countryside to visit the royal tombs of two previous emperors before taking a short boat ride on the Perfume River to see the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda. 

We’ll then head back to the hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure. 

Note: 

You are offered a standard laundry service (not express) at your hotel in Hue, including 2 shirts or T-shirts, 2 trousers or shorts, 2 pairs of socks and 2 pairs of underwear.

Enjoy breakfast at the resort before driving to the beautiful heritage town of Hoi An (approximately 3 hours). The journey will pass over the scenic Hai Van Pass, the most scenic stretch of coastal road in Vietnam. 

Today you will avoid the crowds, and get the unique chance to meet a local fishing family who own an oyster farm on a lagoon. We will be taken out onto the clear waters and head to the shelter on stilts where the hosts will recount stories about their lives. Please feel free to ask any questions! 

We will then explore the lagoon itself, our hosts demonstrating local fishing techniques and how they grow and harvest oysters. We’ll learn how to grow oysters naturally and, more importantly, what they taste like! Freshly shucked, oysters don't get much fresher than this—enjoy! 

After exploring the lagoon, we’ll share a delicious seafood lunch with our hosts. Tonight the evening will be yours—feel free to ask the guide to recommend a restaurant that serves Hoi An cuisine.

NOTES: 
As the tour is based at the lagoon, we’re dependent on good weather. If there are adverse weather conditions we may have to cancel. You may wish to bring a raincoat just in case. Weather can be more unpredictable from September to November.

Today’s tour begins in Hoi An Ancient Town, a beautifully-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. On this morning’s walking tour of the UNESCO site, we’ll learn how this former port area developed and transformed into the city we see today. 

We’ll start at the iconic 16th century Japanese Bridge, or Pagoda Bridge (Chùa Cầu). If this bridge seems familiar, you’re right! The bridge is an important symbol of Vietnam’s history and is featured on the 20,000 Vietnamese Dong note. We learn the history behind its origins and how it still functions as a place of worship today.

Wandering through the Ancient Town towards our next stop, we’ll chat about all the cultures that have influenced the designs of the buildings, and we’ll get the opportunity to go into one of Hoi An’s ancient homes where we will meet the 14th generation resident of the house.

Our last stop of the tour will be visiting a famous tailor shop, Yaly Couture, where you will get the unique opportunity to meet the owner, Ms Quynh. We will learn how she established her business, the mistakes made along the way, and learn more about the school she opened to support those wanting to start a career in the industry.

You have the option to partake in the amazing My Son Half Day Private Tour, or else spend the rest of the day exploring the streets of Hoi An at your leisure. Tonight the evening will be free for you to eat at one of Hoi An’s many incredible restaurants, where you can perhaps try one of Hoi An’s local specialties like Cao Lau or the famed White Rose Dumplings.

Enjoy breakfast before we transfer to the airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon.

Upon arrival, you will be met by your Tour Guide who will transfer you to Caravelle Saigon Hotel where you’ll check in and spend the rest of the day as you wish. 
The hotel is located in District 1, the very heart of the city centre. Just a short walk away you’ll find the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral (currently no visits inside due to renovations), Nguyen Hue Street, and Ben Thanh Market.

After breakfast we’ll visit the War Remnants Museum, one of the oldest museums in the city. The displays reflect on the atrocities and consequences of the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War. Please note: the documents, images and video can be graphic in nature. 

We’ll then walk to the Saigon Central Post Office which was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the late 19th century and was designed by the French architect Alfred Foulhoux.

Next, we will see the historic Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, followed by a stroll toward the Saigon River along Dong Khoi Street, which appeared prominently in Graham Greene’s famous novel, The Quiet American, to the Saigon Opera House, a commanding building completed in 1901. Shelled during World War II, it was used to shelter French citizens fleeing North Vietnam in 1954, the year Vietnam gained its independence from France.

For the remainder of the day you’ll  have the option to go on the Bean to Bar Chocolate Experience either in the morning or afternoon, or explore Ho Chi Minh City as you please.

The evening is at leisure. 

NOTES
* Estimated pick-up time: either 8am or 13:30pm - tour guide will notify you (estimated duration: 4 hrs)
* Due to the closure of Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral for renovation since 1st July 2017, a visit to Vinh Nghiem Pagoda will be replaced during this period.

After breakfast we’ll embark on a fascinating journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels, departing from the hotel around 8am. As we travel through the picturesque countryside, we’ll be transported back to a time when this very land served as a formidable stronghold of the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

The Cu Chi Tunnels played a pivotal role in several strategic operations during the war, most notably in the 1968 Tet Offensive. Despite being subject to relentless attacks from American B52 bombers, the tunnels stood as a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Vietnamese people.

Upon arriving at the Cu Chi Tunnels, we’ll have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of what life was like for the soldiers who lived within this intricate 120 km-long network of underground passages. Watch a short, compelling video that offers insights into the daily challenges and remarkable resilience of those who fought and survived here. 

As we explore the narrow, dimly-lit tunnels, we’ll learn how these tunnels served not only as living quarters, but also as crucial supply routes and hidden hospitals for thousands of guerrilla fighters.

After this insightful journey, we’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City. 

This evening we’ll meet in the hotel foyer to enjoy pre-dinner canapes and a drink. 

Enjoy your dinner at Michelin selected Nén Light. Nén is known for its story concept dining, where each menu is designed around a central theme or story. These menus offer multi-course dining experiences that showcase the diversity of Vietnamese ingredients and culinary techniques. The emphasis on storytelling adds an immersive element to the dining journey.

After breakfast it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow travellers and Vietnam—what amazing memories you’ve made!  

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home, or you can choose to stay on and further explore this amazing city.