After breakfast we'll explore the city of Ho Chi Minh on a guided cyclo tour, riding through the streets in a traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxi. This unique tour will allow us to discover some of the city's best local spots, including specialized markets for flowers, electronics, and motorbikes. 

We'll navigate various neighborhoods, visit ancient temples, and gain insights into the city's rich culture and history. Along the way, we'll indulge in delicious southern Vietnamese cuisine, sampling various local dishes. 

In the evening, there will be an optional visit to a cultural performance at the city's renowned opera house, characterized by the impressive acrobatics, choreography, and the sounds of many distinct Vietnamese instruments.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today you will have a leisurely morning to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace, with options such as visiting the War Remnants Museum for a deeper understanding of Vietnam's history, strolling through the Ben Thanh Market to shop for local crafts and street food, or enjoying the serene atmosphere of the Jade Emperor Pagoda. 

In the early afternoon, we’ll bid farewell to the vibrant energy of the big city and board a short flight to the imperial city of Hue.

Upon arrival, we’ll check into our central accommodations, then head out for an evening wander through an atmospheric night market along the river, soaking in the local ambiance. We'll conclude the day with a wonderful dinner featuring local specialties.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

We’ll start the day with an exciting (and optional) excursion! 

Starting at the hotel, we’ll embark on a guided tour from the back of motorcycles, offering a thrilling way to explore the countryside and immerse ourselves in the rich imperial and Buddhist culture. Our adventure will include learning how to make incense, visiting a hidden colosseum, and mastering a local craft directly

from the artisans. We’ll also have lunch at a Buddhist monastery. 

After this optional excursion concludes, we'll head to the Imperial Citadel, the Forbidden Purple City, and the Imperial Tombs.

In the evening, we’ll board a traditional dragon boat for a cruise along the Perfume River, enjoying the city’s sights and sounds from a fresh perspective.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

(*The cost of the optional activity is $35 per person and involves sitting on the back of a motorbike that will be driven by a licensed local driver.)

After breakfast, we’ll leave the serene atmosphere of Hue and embark on a 2.5-hour drive to the charming ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Upon our arrival, we'll enjoy a traditional lunch before diving into an afternoon workshop focused on lantern-making and silk crafting. This hands-on experience will take us through the entire silk production process, from silkworm to finished garment, and allow us to practice the traditional silk weaving techniques that have been part of this region's heritage for over 300 years. 

Later in the evening, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting night markets by the river.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, we’ll participate in a coffee tour run by a company that focuses on supporting and empowering people with disabilities. On this tour, we’ll learn all about the history and development of the Vietnamese coffee industry and get hands-on experience making the different types of coffee that are a staple in daily Vietnamese life. 

In the afternoon, we'll take a leisurely guided tour around Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, visiting an old merchant’s home, the colorful Hoi An Market, a beautiful Chinese temple, and the famous Japanese Bridge. 

This stroll will give us a real feel for the local life and the unique charm of this French-influenced town. We’ll wrap up the day with a delicious regional dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today will be a full free day to explore the charming town of Hoi An at your own pace!

You might choose to start your day with a relaxing massage at one of the town's highly-rated spas, or perhaps join an optional cooking class where you'll visit a local market to source fresh ingredients before learning to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. If you're in the mood for an adventure, consider taking a day trip to the nearby My Son Sanctuary, an ancient cluster of Hindu temples that offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam's history. 

Alternatively, you can spend the day wandering through Hoi An's ancient streets, visiting tailor shops for custom-made clothing, exploring the vibrant lantern-lit alleys, or simply relaxing at a riverside café while soaking in the serene atmosphere. Whatever you choose, your tour leader will be on hand to assist!

Meals: Breakfast

Departing from the quaint charm of Hoi An, we'll make our way to Da Nang to board a quick 1.5-hour flight to Hanoi. Once we land, our journey will continue with a 2-hour drive through Vietnam's lush countryside, leading us to the picturesque region of Ninh Binh. 

Often referred to as the 'Inland Halong Bay,' Ninh Binh will captivate us with its majestic limestone karsts and waterways. Before reaching our destination, we'll take a moment to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of Van Long Nature Reserve with a peaceful boat trip. As we quietly navigate the still waters, surrounded by towering cliffs, we'll be enveloped in tranquility, witnessing the area's rich biodiversity. 

As the evening sets in Ninh Binh, you'll have the chance to settle in and relax, embracing the serenity of this enchanting area.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Exploring the enchanting landscapes of Ninh Binh, our day will be filled with natural beauty and cultural heritage. In the morning we'll embark on a boat trip to explore the Trang An Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its majestic network of caves, lush valleys, and historic temples. 

As we travel through the verdant waterways, we'll be greeted by the striking

limestone karsts that define this region, offering spectacular views at every turn. After our boat trip, we'll enjoy a group lunch at a local restaurant. 

In the afternoon, there'll be an optional hike to Bai Dinh Pagoda, Vietnam's largest pagoda, known for its exquisite architecture and breathtaking panoramic views.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Our day starts with a journey to Cho Rong Ninh Binh, plunging us directly into the heart of Vietnamese market life!

This market is a thriving hub, overflowing with a variety of goods – from noodles and rice to fruits and vegetables. After fully experiencing the lively atmosphere, we'll take a 2-hour drive to Hanoi, Vietnam's energetic capital. 

After checking into our hotel, we’ll find ourselves right in the pulse of the city's dynamic life. As the day winds down, we'll take a leisurely stroll to Hoan Kiem Lake, enjoying the tranquil beauty of the sunset.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we’ll embark on a guided tour through the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. As we wander through its maze-like streets, we'll take in the colorful sights and bustling activity. 

Our exploration includes some of the city’s main landmarks, such as the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake and the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. We'll also visit the city's largest covered market, where numerous street hawkers sell a wide array of fresh produce. In the afternoon, we’ll treat ourselves to a Hanoi specialty – egg coffee – at a well-known café famous for this local drink. 

In the evening, we’ll head out for our farewell dinners consisting of a typical North Vietnamese dinner experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

It's been such a wonderful adventure and we hate to say goodbye! After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel by a private driver who will take you to the airport for your departing flight.

 Meal: Breakfast  

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OPTIONAL 3-DAY ADD-ON

For those of you that wish to stay for our Optional Add-on, we've got more to come!

Leaving Hanoi behind, we’ll take a 2.5 hour drive to reach one of the most gorgeous natural destinations in Vietnam - Bai Tu Long Bay. Neighboring the popular and crowded Ha Long Bay, this is one of the area's best kept secrets, allowing us to enjoy a less touristy, and even more magical experience. After a short check-in process on land, we’ll board our luxury boat and sit down for a fresh lunch while heading out across the deep blue waters of the bay and taking in the dramatic scenery! 

After lunch, we’ll visit caves and lagoons, swim in the emerald water and watch the sunset over the karst studded landscape. You can then spend the evening relaxing, enjoying the view from the upper deck or having a drink at the bar, while also sitting down for another delicious meal.

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We’ll wake up and begin the day floating in the middle of brilliant Bai Tu Long Bay. 

After breakfast, you’ll have a chance to take a smaller boat through a lagoon to admire the serene and majestic surroundings up close. After a visit to a floating fishing farm tucked into the rock formations - to learn about the traditional life of local fishermen - we’ll continue our cruise back to the main pier in Ha Long. 

Upon disembarkation, we’ll make our way back to Hanoi and check into our hotel. In the evening, we’ll go for one final farewell dinner together in the heart of Old Hanoi!

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner