12 DAYS VIETNAM CUISINES AND CULTURE

DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon landing at Noi Bai International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our friendly local guide and transferred to your hotel in downtown Hanoi. Take the rest of the day to unwind after your flight — or, if you’re feeling energetic, step outside for your first taste of Hanoi’s charming chaos: motorbikes whizzing by, the scent of street food drifting through the air, and the rhythm of local life buzzing all around you. Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 2: HALONG BAY OVERNIGHT CRUISE

After breakfast, leave the city behind for a scenic drive to Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Watch as the landscape changes from bustling streets to peaceful rice paddies and limestone peaks in the distance. Upon arrival at the pier, board your Cruise and enjoy a refreshing welcome drink as the crew introduces the program. Savour a delicious seafood lunch as your boat begins gliding through emerald waters dotted with towering limestone islands. In the afternoon, visit Luon Cave by bamboo boat and stop at Titov Island — a perfect spot for swimming or climbing to the top for panoramic views of the bay. Back on board, relax with a cocktail on deck while the sun sets over the karsts. Dinner is served with a fine selection of local dishes, followed by evening options such as squid fishing, karaoke, or a rejuvenating spa treatment (optional). Overnight on the cruise.

DAY 3: HALONG BACK TO HANOI

Wake up early to join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, surrounded by misty limestone peaks. Enjoy a light breakfast as the boat sails toward the day’s highlight. Visit the impressive Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Halong Bay.  Return to your cabin to check out, then enjoy a buffet brunch of Vietnamese specialties while cruising back to the harbor. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi, arriving in the afternoon. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city’s vibrant café culture. Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 4: HANOI MORNING TOUR

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore the capital’s most iconic landmarks. Your first stop is the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you’ll visit Ba Dinh Square, the historic site of Vietnam’s Declaration of Independence, and see Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (outside view). Nearby stands the elegant One Pillar Pagoda, built in the 11th century and shaped like a lotus flower rising from the water — a symbol of purity. After a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, take a walking tour through the Old Quarter, a labyrinth of narrow streets where each lane is named after a traditional craft — silk, paper, jewelry, and more. Enjoy the charming mix of French colonial buildings, temples, and tiny cafes serving Hanoi’s famous egg coffee. Back to your hotel for a free afternoon. Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 5: HANOI FLY TO DANANG

After breakfast, free morning until time to transfer to the airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and drive to Danang city for checking in your hotel and follow by a free afternoon. Overnight in Danang.

DAY 6: BANA HILLS

After breakfast, depart for an exciting full-day trip to Ba Na Hills, one of Vietnam’s most famous mountain resorts. Ride the world’s longest cable car up to the top and enjoy breathtaking views of lush forests and misty peaks. Visit Le Jardin d’Amour Flower Garden, the beautiful Linh Ung Pagoda, and the iconic Golden Bridge, held by a pair of giant stone hands — one of the most photographed landmarks in Vietnam. Enjoy a buffet lunch at the mountaintop restaurant, then continue exploring the French Village, Fantasy Park, and other attractions before descending by cable car. Return to Danang in the late afternoon. Overnight in Danang.

DAY 7: BASKET BOAT & HOI AN TOUR

After breakfast at the hotel, take a short transfer to the peaceful Coconut Village — a serene countryside haven surrounded by lush palm groves and gentle waterways. Here, hop on a traditional basket boat and glide through the narrow coconut-lined canals as local fishermen demonstrate their unique rowing techniques. Enjoy the lively rhythm of rural life and maybe try your hand at a fun round of crab catching! Afterward, enjoy a delicious local lunch before heading to the charming Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through its lantern-lit streets, where time seems to stand still among the beautifully preserved merchant houses, ancient temples, and riverside cafes. Visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of the town’s rich cultural blend, and the Fujian Assembly Hall, known for its ornate architecture and spiritual atmosphere. As the sun sets, check in at your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure — perhaps explore Hoi An’s magical night market or dine by the Thu Bon River under a sky full of lanterns. Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 8: HOI AN AT LEISURE

Enjoy a relaxing morning with breakfast at your hotel. Today is yours to explore at your own pace — wander through Hoi An’s Ancient Town, a UNESCO Heritage site filled with colorful lanterns, tailor shops, and riverside cafes. You might choose to cycle to An Bang Beach, join a cooking class, or take an optional tour to My Son Sanctuary, the former capital of the ancient Champa Kingdom. In the evening, stroll through lantern-lit streets and enjoy the romantic charm of Hoi An by night. Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 9: DANANG FLY TO SAIGON

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Danang Airport for your flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) — Vietnam’s vibrant southern metropolis. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by your local guide and escorted to the hotel for check-in. The afternoon is free for you to unwind or explore at your own pace. You may choose to stroll along the bustling Dong Khoi Street, relax in a cozy café, or discover Saigon’s rich blend of French colonial charm and modern energy. In the evening, enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere and diverse dining scene. Overnight in Saigon.

DAY 10: MEKONG DELTA TOUR

After breakfast, leave the city behind and travel to My Tho, gateway to the Mekong Delta. Board a motorboat to cruise along the mighty Mekong River, passing floating houses and lush islands. Stop at a local family’s home to enjoy tropical fruits, honey tea, and homemade rice wine, while listening to traditional Vietnamese folk music performed by villagers. Take a sampan ride through narrow palm-shaded canals to experience the delta’s peaceful charm up close. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Saigon in the late afternoon. Overnight in Saigon.

DAY 11: CU CHI TUNNELS TOUR

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for an exciting excursion to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 60 kilometers northwest of Saigon. Upon arrival, watch a short documentary film to learn about the history and construction of this vast underground network used by Vietnamese soldiers during the war. Then, venture into the tunnels themselves — a fascinating maze of narrow passageways, hidden chambers, and ingenious traps that reveal the resilience and ingenuity of the local people. After exploring, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Saigon. The afternoon is free for you to relax or continue exploring the city’s vibrant streets, colorful markets, or elegant French colonial landmarks. Overnight in Saigon.

DAY 12: SAIGON DEPARTURE

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Spend some free time for last-minute shopping or relaxing before your transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight home. As your journey comes to an end, we hope you take with you unforgettable memories of Vietnam — its warmth, its flavors, and its people. Farewell and see you again!