VietnamExplorer

Day Three: Discover Hanoi's History

Today we continue our tour of Hanoi, beginning with Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (outside visit) and his personal residence, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Tran Quoc Pagoda and Museum of Ethnology or Museum of History. Afterwards, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we visit the Temple of Literature, the first University for the Sons of Mandarins. Next, we’ll explore the famous Train Street on Kham Thien Street, a unique and vibrant area where locals and trains coexist in harmony. Here, we’ll have opportunity to enjoy a cup of authentic Vietnamese coffee while soaking in the extraordinary atmosphere. Lastly we continue to visit Hoa Lo prison; commonly referred to as the Hanoi Hilton. Hoa Lo is famous for the significance it holds within the history of the American war.

• Breakfast & lunch included

Day Four: Cruise the otherworldly beauty of Halong Bay

Day Five: Tai Chi & Village Life

We begin our day with a relaxing morning Tai Chi Class instructed by a specialist on the deck. After breakfast, we transfer to a day boat to visit a village nearby and enjoy our time there. We return to the boat in the afternoon to enjoy some free time on board to relax and indulge in delicious cuisine.

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
• Peony Glory Cruise

Day Six: Journey to Hue

After enjoying breakfast on board, we can enjoy the fresh morning air in the bay. The cruise continues navigating past limestone karsts, many of which form highly photogenic shapes, before disembarking by noon. Transfer back to Hanoi for a flight to Danang. (Please note: Internal flight baggage allowance is 20 kg) Upon arrival at Danang airport, we will transfer to our hotel in Hue. 

• Brunch Included

Day Seven: Imperial Echoes & Riverside Serenity in Hue

After breakfast, we take a relaxing boat ride along the Perfume River, enjoying peaceful views of daily life on the water. We arrive at Thien Mu Pagoda, the city’s iconic seven-story pagoda set on the riverbank. We explore the pagoda grounds and admire its historic architecture and tranquil surroundings. We then continue to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the former seat of the Nguyen emperors. We enter through the grand main gate and walk through courtyards, temples, and gardens while learning about Vietnam’s royal past. Despite damage from the Vietnam War, many sections remain impressive while others are being carefully restored. We end the morning with a visit to Dong Ba Market, where we browse stalls selling local goods, fabrics, and street food. In the afternoon, we visit the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, or alternatively Minh Mang or Khai Dinh Tomb depending on availability, before returning to our hotel for an overnight stay in Hue.

Day Eight: From Mountain Pass to Lantern Streets

After breakfast, we depart Hue and travel south toward Da Nang, passing along the breathtaking Hai Van Pass with its sweeping mountain and ocean views. We enjoy scenic stops along the way to take photos and admire the coastline. Upon arrival in Da Nang, we visit the Cham Museum, known for its remarkable collection of Cham sculptures and ancient artifacts. We explore the exhibits and learn about the rich history of the Champa Kingdom.

Day Nine: Hoi An City Tour

Today we explore the charming ancient town of Hoi An, an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port during the 15th to 19th Centuries. Many of the buildings in the town reflect historical architectural styles and the whole town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.  The old houses and buildings are simply charming and very photogenic, painted in a yellow-hue with wooden shutters and adorned with beautiful, colourful lanterns. We enjoy a walking tour in the Old Town, and visit Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, the Japanese wooden bridge and visit ancient houses. We conclude with a visit to a lantern making cottage and learn how to make this handicraft. 

Day Ten: Day at Leisure

Today can be spent however we wish! We can kick back and relax at the hotel, making use of its facilities, such as its pools, bars or even the wellness and spa area. 

• Breakfast Included

Day Eleven: My Son Temples Cham culture, architecture & civilization

Day Twelve: Sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City

Day Thirteen: Mekong Delta Cruise – Saigon to Ben Tre

After breakfast, we set off from Saigon for a full day exploring the heart of the Mekong Delta, a region known for its warm, welcoming people and lush landscapes. Upon arriving in Ben Tre, famous for its coconut groves and fruit orchards, we board a boat for a scenic cruise along the Ham Luong River. We stop at a traditional rice paper workshop to see how this local specialty is made before continuing to Long Thanh Island to taste fresh fruits and enjoy honey tea at Mr. Ut Viet’s house. Our journey then takes us to Mo Cay, where we explore a coconut processing workshop and visit a factory producing coconut oil and candies. We hop on a xe lam, a local motor cart, to reach a nearby brum-making workshop and then cruise on a sampan to a local home for a simple yet delicious lunch featuring regional specialties.

Day Fourteen: Departure Ho Chi Minh City - London

After breakfast, we depart for a two-hour drive to Cu Chi, located on the outskirts of Saigon. We visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, the immense 250km network of connecting underground tunnels used as part of the Military Campaigns during the Vietnam War. The Tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat and served as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. We spend the rest of the day enjoying our final hours in the city, thanks to a late 6pm check-out. We’ll then transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for our flight home.

• Breakfast & Lunch Included