Xin chao! Upon arrival at Hanoi International Airport, we are met and transferred to our hotel. Hotel check-in is from 2:00 PM. As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi reigned as the country's primary political centre from 1010 until 1802, leaving behind a well-preserved architectural legacy. The city balances the energy of its ancient, narrow merchant lanes with the elegance of French colonial tree-lined boulevards, peaceful lakes, and green parks.

Overnight: Mercure Hanoi Le Gare Hotel, Hanoi (3 nights)

Today, embark on a city tour that include the Temple of Literature, one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070, the temple is dedicated to Confucius, and the site of Vietnam's first university. Next, we visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader. Then, enjoy a ride on an electric car through the city center to view Hoan Kiem Lake, Quan Su Pagoda, Silk Street, Hanoi Railway Station, Hoa Lo Prison and the Hanoi Opera House. Afterwards, we enjoy a walking tour of the Old Quarter. Here we see local shops, roadside markets offering fresh herbs, fruits and vegetable and small eateries. Hanoi street food is amazing in its variety of fresh meals and snacks. We end our day attending a traditional Water Puppet show, a uniquely Northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national legends.

In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant to sample our first taste of northern Vietnamese cuisine, known for its delicate balance of fresh herbs and clean flavours. (B, L, D)

*Please note Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays & Fridays. Entry requires security screening and appropriate attire (long pants or skirts below the knee, tops with sleeves). Water puppet show is shared with other travellers.

A tasty day ahead as we take part in a cooking class on traditional Northern Vietnamese cuisine. After breakfast at our hotel, we are picked up by taxi or motorbike taxi. We then embark on a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter to reach a vibrant local market, where the chef explains different ingredients. Enjoy the tantalizing sights, smells and flavors of local Vietnamese products, plus taste some samples of street foods and tropical fruits. We then continue to our hands-on cooking class. We then get to eat the dishes we’ve created for lunch!

Afterwards, return to our hotel for a brief rest before we make our way to St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a striking 19th-century Neo-Gothic landmark, passing Tonkin Palace and the Hanoi Post Office en route. We then wake up our taste buds with a coffee and chocolate croissant at ta charming bakery near the cathedral. We stroll through the serene garden of the National Library of Vietnam and then savour a bowl of climbing perch noodle soup, a northern specialty. We then explore a hidden backstreet community, where we’ll meet a cell secretary of the Communist Party at his home, before tasting the king of street foods, a Vietnamese baguette with grilled meat. We navigate residential areas via hidden passages to reach bustling Hom Market, and enjoy Bun Cha at Huong Lien, famous for hosting former US President Barack Obama and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain. With delectable stops for Hanoi’s beloved beef noodle soup, pho, and fresh spring rolls and lotus stem salad, we conclude our tour by walking past the grand Opera House and treating ourselves to famous Trang Tien ice cream. (B, L, D)

*Please note cooking class is shared with other travellers.  

This morning, we depart on a 2.5-hour journey to Ha Long Bay*, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring over 1,600 untouched limestone islands and islets. Meaning "where the dragon descends into the sea," this legendary seascape is celebrated for its towering limestone pillars and rich ecological biodiversity.  Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Marina, we board our vessel and enjoy a welcome drink during the safety briefing. As we set sail into the emerald waters, we cruise past dramatic rock formations and secluded beaches. We get a closer look at the bay's natural environment by kayaking or boarding a traditional small bamboo boat rowed by local villagers. Afterwards, we return to the ship to relax on the sundeck or participate in a cooking demonstration with the chef. Following dinner, we can try night squid fishing from the deck or unwind in our cabins.

Overnight: Indochina Sails Cruise, Ha Long Bay (1 night) (B, L, D)

*Please note cruise itinerary varies and is subject to weather conditions.

We begin our morning on the sundeck with a gentle Tai Chi demonstration. Afterwards, coffee, tea, and pastries are served in the dining room, offering panoramic views of the morning mist lifting off the water. As we enjoy breakfast in the fresh air, the vessel continues cruising through the quieter reaches of the bay, passing iconic limestone karsts like Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Soi Sim Beach, and Coconut Three Island. We then disembark to explore one of the most magnificent caverns in Ha Long Bay, noted for its expansive chambers filled with intricate stalactites and stalagmites.  Returning to the ship, we relax on the sundeck as we approach the wharf. Disembarking at approximately 10:30 AM, our private vehicle meets us for the drive back to Hanoi. We transfer directly to Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport for a short domestic flight to Da Nang.  We are met and transfer to our hotel in Hoi An upon arrival (check-in typically from 2 or 3 PM). The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An* is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. In the evening, we gather for dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Vinh Hung Riverside Resort & Spa, Hoi An (3 nights) (B, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we join a half-day cooking class to explore Hoi An's famous culinary heritage. First, visit a local market with our chef to select fresh ingredients, then head to the cooking school—an elegant building blending French colonial and traditional local styles. Here, we sample street food delicacies like banh mi, see traditional rice paper and noodles made by hand and steamed over the fire, and enjoy a hands-on cooking lesson to prepare and eat classic Central Vietnamese dishes. 
In the afternoon, explore on your own or join our optional Hoi An Ancient Town walking tour (approximately 2 to 3 km walk on flat terrain). (B, L)  

Optional Tour: Hoi An Ancient Town
Explore Hoi An’s historic streets lined with old tile-roofed houses and Chinese assembly halls. We visit the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, first built in the 1590s, as well as the Assembly Hall, noted for its gorgeous woodcarvings. Along the way, our guide tells us less-known stories about Hoi An and its residents. After stopping by one of the town's famous express tailor shops, we choose one of two local cultural experiences: 

Option 1: Calligraphy Experience – Meet a local master in a back alley. Chat with him over tea to learn how calligraphy can express one’s innermost thoughts and feelings, then see him at work as he creates a lucky character for you to take home.   

Option 2: Lantern Making – Visit a local craftsman's home to discover the history of Hoi An's silk lanterns and handcraft your own to take home. 

Note: Your Hoi An entrance ticket is valid for 24 hours for 5 sightseeing spots (including merchant houses, museums, and assembly halls) and covers entry to the Ancient Town for the duration of your stay. Keep it with you for independent exploration. 

We begin the day with a transfer from our hotel to the peaceful countryside of Vong Nhi Village, where our cycling experience begins. We pedal gently through scenic village paths surrounded by lush water coconut forests, local prawn and red snapper farms, and tranquil rice paddies, offering an authentic glimpse into rural life in Central Vietnam.

Arrive at Thanh Dong Organic Farm, a community-supported organic garden that provides sustainable livelihoods for local farming families. We stroll through the vibrant vegetable gardens while learning about the transformation toward organic farming methods and traditional herb cultivation. Afterwards, we join the farmers in hands-on gardening activities such as preparing organic fertilizer, raking the soil, sowing seeds, watering plants, or harvesting fresh vegetables depending on the season.

Next, we take a relaxing basket boat journey along the peaceful Do River toward The Field Restaurant & Bar. Along the way, we take in the beautiful countryside scenery and observe the quiet rhythm of local fishing life. Before returning to our hotel, we enjoy a short cooking demonstration featuring the famous Vietnamese savoury pancake, Banh Xeo, followed by a delicious Vietnamese family-style lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients.

Our afternoon is free in Hoi An. (B, L)

*Please note we can offer the cycling portion of the tour by vehicle if preferred.

This morning, we head back to Danang to embark for our short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, we are transferred to Cai Be River Wharf and board our charming shuttle boat to reach Mekong Lodge, the green pearl of Mekong Delta. The boat transfer is part of the experience itself as it will be our first contact with the Mekong’s fertile alluvial water, which shapes the richness of the land. Upon arrival, we check in to our charming private bungalow surrounded by lush tropical gardens and peaceful river landscapes (check in is from 2 or 3 PM, early check-in is subject to availability). Enjoy a Vietnamese set-menu lunch at the lodge’s riverside restaurant, featuring fresh local ingredients and regional flavours.

In the afternoon, we embark on a leisurely cycling excursion around Tan Phong Island. Along quiet village paths, we discover traditional handicrafts crafted by local families, including handmade banana-leaf hammocks, water coconut leaf weaving, and household products made from water hyacinth. As evening falls, we enjoy a cooking demonstration introducing traditional southern Vietnamese cuisine before dinner is served at the restaurant. Afterwards, we can relax by the riverside bar and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the delta.

Overnight: Mekong Lodge, Cai Be (1 night) (B, L, D)

*Please note alternative activities can be arranged for those who prefer not to cycle.

We begin the morning with breakfast at the lodge’s restaurant while enjoying views over the peaceful river surroundings. Afterwards, we board a boat to explore Cai Be Market on land and visit nearby traditional workshops, where local artisans produce coconut candy, popped rice, and rice wine using time-honoured techniques. We continue with a relaxing rowboat journey through the narrow canals of Tan Phong Island, shaded by lush tropical vegetation and lined with quiet village life. Next, we visit a local garden house to enjoy fresh tropical fruits accompanied by traditional Vietnamese folk music.  Late in the morning, we check out from the resort and transfer by boat back to Cai Be Harbour, where our vehicle waits for the drive back to Ho Chi Minh City (hotel check-in time 2 or 3 PM). The remainder of our day is free to relax or explore.

Overnight: Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel, Saigon (4 nights) (B, L)

Today, we enjoy a full-day tour of Ho Chi Minh City, locally known as Saigon. The city teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the convergence of traditional and modern life. We begin with a tour of the historic centre, strolling along Dong Khoi Street, formerly known as the Rue Catinat, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. We pass by classic European-style landmarks, such as the ornate Hotel De Ville (City Hall, the Opera House, and Notre Dame Cathedral. We then check out the beautifully-preserved Central Post Office and iconic Ben Thanh Market, with its colourful authentic stalls. Afterwards see the Emperor of Jade Pagoda, one of Saigon's most spiritually significant temple. In the afternoon, head out to Cholon, Saigon’s historic Chinatown. Here we explore the highlights of this fascinating area, wandering on foot through bustling local streets and markets, and visiting Cha Tam Church. We continue to Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to the heavenly goddess, built by the Cantonese congregation. (B, L)

This morning, we will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to the pier for a boat trip to the Cu Chi tunnels, which were a very important Vietcong base during the Vietnam War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. We walk through the area and learn about the day-to-day life of the Vietcong, see the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists. We enjoy a light lunch and return to Saigon by speedboat. Evening free. (B, L)

Set off with a professional chef to discover the fresh textures and vibrant colours that shape southern cuisine. First, visit a local market with our chef to learn how to select the fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and specialized ingredients used in traditional cooking. After experiencing the sights, sounds, and scents of the market, we head to the cooking school for a hands-on culinary class. The chef guides us through specific recipes for preparing an authentic Vietnamese meal and decorating the dishes. We also enjoy a brief lesson on using chopsticks before sitting down to savour our creations.

Our afternoon is free to relax or explore.

Famed for its busy street life, Ho Chi Minh City particularly comes alive at night. This evening, we experience the vibrant nightlife the way the locals do—all from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. Following a safety briefing, we join the traffic and zoom through the bustling streets of District 1 and beyond to discover iconic local eateries. We stroll through District 4 to experience an authentic side of the city's evening culture, joining residents to taste fresh street seafood and cold drinks. Our ride continues to a hidden Vietnamese-style coffee shop to experience local live music before capping off the night excursion at a lively rock bar. We bid farewell to our drivers and transfer back to our hotel. (B, L)

*Please note cooking class and evening street food tour are shared with other travellers. For the evening tour, participants ride pillion behind experienced professional drivers who navigate local city traffic safely.

After experiencing the sights, sounds and tastes of Vietnam, we are transferred to the airport for our departing flight to our onward destination. Please note that check out time from our hotel is 11:00 AM. (B)