Xin chào and welcome to Vietnam! Saigon, officially known as Ho Chi Minh City, is Vietnam’s largest city, established between 1623 and 1698. Serving as the strategic capital of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, the city played a pivotal role in 20th-century history. Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel. Standard hotel check-in starts at 2 PM.

Overnight: Grand Hotel, Saigon (3 nights)

Today, we set out on a full-day tour exploring the city’s major historical sites. We start at the War Remnants Museum, which offers a vivid look at the American War through military artifacts, armored vehicles, and photographs.

Next, we visit the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975. We then admire the exterior of the red-brick Notre Dame Cathedral (inside visit not available), built with materials imported from France, before crossing the square to the 19th-century Central Post Office.

In the afternoon, we head to Cho Lon, the city's vibrant Chinatown, where we visit the 19th-century Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. Opt to enjoy a leisure walk through the narrow streets to admire the Chinese architecture, including local houses, pagodas and temples. During the day, we’ll also take a relaxing break at a local artist’s home-shop to enjoy a refreshing dessert. We conclude our tour at Ben Thanh Market, an iconic hub for local goods and shopping. (B)

Exchanging the bustling city for rural landscapes, we depart Ho Chi Minh City on a scenic drive to My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival at the waterfront pier, we board a motorboat to navigate the delta, passing houses built on stilts and local fish farms along the riverbanks. We explore narrow village lanes lined with lush fruit orchards and traditional cottages, observing a rural way of life that has remained unchanged for generations.

Along our route, we visit a family-run business to watch artisan coconut candy being made directly by the pier. We take time to sample local honey tea and fresh tropical fruits while chatting with residents to learn about traditional customs in the Mekong Delta. We then enjoy a ride on a horse-drawn cart through the surrounding fruit farms before boarding a rowing sampan. Our cruise takes us through narrow, tree-shaded canals past quiet villages. After tasting some local delicacies, we drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in the mid-afternoon. (B, L)

After transferring to the airport in Ho Chi Minh City, we catch our flight north to Da Nang. Upon arrival in Central Vietnam's commercial hub, we begin exploring the city's key sites, starting at the iconic Dragon Bridge. Designed to reflect traditional Vietnamese beliefs, this impressive structure has become a modern symbol of Da Nang.

Next, we visit the Cham Museum, home to one of the world's finest collections of Champa Kingdom artifacts dating from the 2nd to 15th centuries. We then continue to the Marble Mountains, exploring natural caves and mountain temples while taking in views of the surrounding city and coastline. Nearby, we stop at a traditional stone-carving village with a history spanning over 200 years. Finally, a short drive brings us to our hotel in the historic town of Hoi An.

Overnight: Boutique Hoi An Resort, Hoi An (2 nights) (B)

We set off on a half-day excursion to Tra Que Village in the outskirts of Hoi An. Upon arrival, we enjoy a 2 to 2.5 km bicycle ride through rural farmlands, observing local farmers who cultivate organic crops using centuries-old methods (alternate methods of transportation available for those who do not want to cycle – please inquire). We take a short walk through the vegetable gardens to meet a farmer and learn how seaweed from the nearby lake is used as natural fertilizer, producing some of the region's most flavorful herbs. Wearing traditional farming attire, we roll up our sleeves to help prepare the soil, plant herbs, and water crops using age-old techniques. Next, a skilled local chef guides us through an engaging cooking session using fresh local ingredients. We savor our freshly prepared lunch in the peaceful countryside setting before driving back to Hoi An.

In the afternoon, we set out on a guided walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its preserved architecture and pedestrian streets. We explore historic merchant houses, ancient pagodas, and Chinese assembly halls, stopping to admire the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the intricate woodcarvings of the Chaozhou Assembly Hall. We will also have the option to either learn about local calligraphy or create and decorate a local-style lantern to take home as a souvenir. (B, L)

Please note: Your Hoi An entrance ticket grants 24-hour access to five historic sites—such as merchant houses, pagodas, assembly halls, and the Japanese Covered Bridge—and valid entry into the Ancient Town for the duration of your stay. Please keep this ticket with you at all times for independent exploration.

After being picked up at our hotel, we set off on a drive to the historic city of Hue. Our route takes us along the legendary Hai Van Pass, a dramatic mountain road rising 450 metres above sea level along Vietnam’s central coast. As we wind through its high-altitude curves, sweeping panoramas of turquoise seas, rugged peaks, and open sky unfold around us.

Upon arrival in Hue, we explore the Tomb of Minh Mang, one of the grandest imperial constructions of the Nguyen Dynasty, celebrated for its symmetry and harmonious architectural design. We then visit the tranquil Royal Tu Duc Tomb, enclosed by ancient walls and pine forests. At its center lies a serene lake with a lotus-filled pavilion where Emperor Tu Duc once composed poetry, listened to music, and fished. Serving as his second residence and sanctuary of leisure, this was also where he indulged in lavish 50-course imperial feasts.

Please note: Some areas of Tu Duc’s Tomb are currently closed for renovations, but the main sites remain open. In unfavourable weather conditions, we travel through the Hai Van Tunnel instead of over the Hai Van Pass for safety.

Overnight: Thanh Lich Royal Boutique Hotel, Hue (2 nights) (B)

This morning, we embark on a tranquil boat trip along the Perfume River, which flows through the heart of Hue. We disembark to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the city's oldest religious structures. Built in 1601, this iconic seven-storey tower sits perched on a hill overlooking the river. Next, we travel to the Tomb of Khai Dinh on Chau Chu Mountain. After climbing 127 steps, we reach the main building, which features a fusion of European and Asian architecture, grand dragon pillars, and vibrant glass-and-ceramic murals depicting the "Four Seasons" and "Eight Precious Objects".

In the afternoon, we explore the Imperial Citadel, located at the center of the Complex of Hue Monuments*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entering through the towering main gate, we walk through the royal grounds and gardens as our guide shares the history and intrigue of the former Nguyen Dynasty court. Though sections were damaged during the Vietnam War, much of this magnificent fortress remains remarkably preserved. (B, L)

Please note: To visit the whole compound of Khai Dinh’s tomb, it is necessary to climb up to 127 steps.

After transferring to the airport in Hue, we take a short flight north to Hanoi. This afternoon, we set out to explore Vietnam's capital city, starting at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which showcases the traditional costumes and artifacts of the country's 54 ethnic groups.

We then take a walk around picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, passing the Hanoi Post Office, City Hall, and the Ly Thai To Statue before viewing the square towers and stained-glass windows of the neo-Gothic St. Joseph Cathedral. Next, we board a traditional three-wheeled cyclo for a ride through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter. We visit the 19th-century Ma May Ancient House to observe traditional Hanoian residential architecture and lifestyle, before concluding our tour amidst the vibrant local trade at Hang Da Market.

Please note: For the temple visit, it is necessary to have clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is closed on Mondays.

Overnight: La Jardin Hotel Haute Couture, Hanoi (1 night) (B)

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, Ha Long Bay* includes over 1,600 untouched limestone islands and islets rising from turquoise waters. Meaning "where the dragon descends into the sea," the bay is world-renowned for its dramatic seascape and rich biodiversity.

This morning, we depart Hanoi on a 2.5-hour bus ride (shared bus with tour guide escort) to Tuan Chau Marina. Upon arrival, we settle into our cruise ship with a welcome drink and listen to a brief safety orientation as we set sail past towering rock formations and secluded beaches. Later, we explore the bay's tranquil corners by kayak or aboard a small bamboo boat rowed by local villagers. Returning on board, we can participate in a cooking demonstration with the chef or relax on the sundeck as the sun sets. Following dinner, we can try our hand at night squid fishing or unwind in our cabin.

Please note: Cruise itinerary subject to change and weather.

Overnight: Mila Lux Cruise, Ha Long Bay (1 night) (B, L, D)

We begin our morning on board with a gentle Tai Chi session on the deck, combining deep breathing with slow movements as the sun rises over the bay. We then enjoy breakfast with views of the surrounding limestone landscape while our boat cruises through quieter stretches of the bay, passing Incense Burner Islet, Dog Stone Islet, and Fighting Cock Islet.

Next, we disembark to explore one of Ha Long Bay’s most magnificent caves, admiring its elaborate stalactites and stalagmites. Returning to the ship, we cruise back towards the wharf, relaxing on the sundeck or in the dining room as we take in the final views of the seascape. We disembark at approximately 10:30 AM, where our driver meets us for our return drive to Hanoi.

Overnight: Sunway Hotel, Hanoi (1 night) (B, Brunch)

This morning, we depart Vietnam with pleasant memories of this historic and artistically rich country. Check out time is by 12 PM and transfer to the airport is provided today to connect with our departure flight. Or, extend your adventure with visits to the neighbouring countries of Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand. Contact Bestway Tours & Safaris for further details. (B)