VIETNAM HERITAGE JOURNEY – 14 DAYS

Xin chào! Welcome to Hanoi. On arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for refreshment (standard check-in time 2:00 PM), with the rest of the day free to explore the city at your own pace.

Drive to Ninh Binh to visit the ancient capital of Vietnam under the Dinh and early Le Dynasties (968–1010 AD), including two temples dedicated to the kings of that era, each nearly a thousand years old.

Continue to Tam Coc, exploring its limestone caves by traditional rowing boat, followed by a visit to Bich Dong Pagoda and a climb to a scenic viewpoint. Check in to your hotel in Ninh Binh.

Rise early for the scenic drive through the countryside and rice paddies to Ha Long Bay, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. On arrival at the harbour, board a traditional wooden boat and cruise among the limestone islands, with a seafood lunch on board, a sampan ride to a fishing village, a short cooking class, and dinner as you relax on the upper deck at sunset.

Rise early for Tai Chi on the top deck and a light breakfast, then disembark to explore a nearby cave. Return to the boat, check out of your cabin, and enjoy brunch while sailing back to shore, where your vehicle transfers you back to Hanoi, arriving in the afternoon with the rest of the day free.

This morning, take an in-depth tour of Hanoi’s most notable sights: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his former residence, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Ethnology Museum, the Temple of Literature and Ngoc Son Temple, followed by a walking tour of the Old Quarter and an hour-long water puppet performance.

In the evening, transfer to the station for the overnight train to Hue, in a shared soft-berth cabin of four.

Note: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays, all afternoons, and throughout October and November for maintenance — during closures it can only be viewed from outside. The Ethnology Museum is closed on Mondays and will be replaced with a visit to Hoa Lo Prison or the Museum of Vietnamese Women.

On arrival at Hue station, you will be met by your local guide for a simple breakfast, followed by an in-depth tour of the former imperial capital, including Cau Ngoi village and its countryside market, the Hue Citadel with its Imperial City and Purple Forbidden City, a leisurely boat trip on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, and a visit to the tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. Time permitting, visit a village known for incense-stick and conical-hat making.

A guided cycling excursion to Thanh Toan Village, passing the bustling morning market, green rice fields and family temples along the way, to visit the celebrated Thanh Toan tile-roofed bridge and its Agricultural Museum.

Row along the Nhu Y River with local villagers to observe traditional fishing methods, then join a cooking class at a local eco-garden to prepare Hue specialities such as fig salad with shrimp and pork, and spring rolls, followed by lunch. Return to the city by bicycle in the early afternoon, with the rest of the day free.

Travel toward Hoi An along the coastal road, crossing the Hai Van Pass with a stop to explore old French bunkers and enjoy views over Da Nang Bay, then continue via Nam O Bridge and Red Beach.

Visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture before continuing to Hoi An via Marble Mountain, with its cave temples and panoramic viewpoint. Check in to your hotel, with the rest of the day free.

Drive through the countryside to My Son Sanctuary, transferring by electric cart to the ruins for time to explore and enjoy a traditional Cham performance.

Return to Hoi An for an in-depth walking tour of the historic centre, including the Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese Assembly Halls, Tan Ky Ancient House and the local market. Overnight in Hoi An.

Optional: this evening you may attend the large-scale Hoi An Memories Show (surcharge US$30 per ticket).

Free time until your transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

A full day exploring Ho Chi Minh City, including the Cu Chi Tunnels — an extensive underground network hand-dug during the Vietnam War, with the opportunity to sample tea and cassava, the food of the guerrilla fighters — the War Remnants Museum, a walk through the alleys and markets of old Saigon, and the riverside square by the Saigon River and the Bitexco Tower.

Depart Ho Chi Minh City for Ben Tre, boarding a boat to cruise the Ham Luong River and cross to Long Thanh Island to visit a coconut-charcoal workshop, then continue to Mo Cay to see a coconut-processing workshop.

Travel by xe lam (motorised cart) to a bamboo-broom workshop, then row by sampan along the canals to a local home for fruit tasting and a short walk through the village, followed by a home-cooked lunch of local specialities.

In the afternoon, continue to Can Tho for overnight.

Depart early to catch the sunrise, then board a sampan to visit Cai Rang floating market, orchards and cottage workshops. Return by boat for breakfast and some rest.

Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping en route to visit the historic Binh Thuy Ancient House. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

At leisure until your transfer to the airport for your flight home. End of trip.