Get ready for an unforgettable journey with "12 Days: The Most Charm of Vietnam"! This exciting tour takes you through the heart and soul of Vietnam, where you'll explore vibrant cities, ancient history, and stunning natural beauty. Start in Hanoi, the bustling capital known for its lively streets and rich culture. Then, dive into the imperial splendor of Hue, where centuries-old palaces and temples await. In Hoian, fall in love with the charm of its lantern-lit streets and timeless architecture. Finally, unwind in the breathtaking Halong Bay, where towering limestone islands rise from emerald waters. Every day promises joy, discovery, and the true magic of Vietnam!
Welcome to Vietnam! On your arrival at airport in Ho Chi Minh, you will be warmly welcomed by our guide and driver then transferred to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh. You will overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
- In the morning
You will begin your journey by visiting Cu Chi Tunnels. The tunnels, famed for their 200-kilometer length, were an incredible underground network built by the Vietcong during the Vietnam War, providing a glimpse into Vietnam's wartime history and the fight against invaders. After exploring the tunnels, you will head to a local restaurant for lunch.
- In the afternoon
After saving with lunch of local foods, you will visit War museum, you will know more about the War in Vietnam.
- In the evening
You will navigate the bustling streets, leaving behind tourist areas to discover local vendors where you can enjoy authentic Vietnamese pancakes while learning about their history and significance. Once you're satisfied, your guide will take you to a hidden coffee shop, where you'll taste traditional Vietnamese coffee made with a filter, offering a unique experience. Finally, you'll indulge in some delightful Vietnamese desserts, leaving you with a lasting impression of the local cuisine. You will overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
The program begins with a quick visit to Cai Be before heading to Tân Phong Island, where you can bike or walk along village paths to observe local life, including orchards, schools, churches, pagodas, and traditional houses. You'll stop to see artisans weaving products from dried water hyacinth, such as baskets and hats. Afterward, a rowboat will take you deeper into the countryside along smaller canals for a peaceful experience, with lunch served at a homestay or on the boat. Then, you'll cross the Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in the world, to An Bình Island, where you'll check in at a local homestay. After a refreshing shower, you'll cook special dishes with a local family and enjoy dinner, staying overnight at the homestay. You will overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
- In the morning
After breakfast and check-out, you'll enjoy a walk through the village to breathe in the fresh morning air before visiting a local workshop to see how rice paper, coconut candy, and pop rice are made, accompanied by some sweets and hot tea. Next, you'll take a boat trip to the brick kilns, where you can watch locals create beautiful pottery from clay, and you'll also see how catfish are farmed in the Mekong River while cruising through a floating village. You can visit Vinh Long market, a great spot for photos of various local produce, including fish, tropical fruits, and vegetables. The cruise will conclude in Vinh Long city around 10:00 AM, after which you'll drive back to Tan Son Nhat airport for your flight from Ho Chi Minh to Hue.
- In the afternoon
You will be on your flight to Hue. You will overnight in Hue.
- In the morning
First day in Hue, you will cycle to Thuy Bieu Eco-village, stopping for photos at the Nam Giao altar, a significant religious site where the Nguyen Dynasty kings offered sacrifices to the heavens. You will then head to the top of Vong Canh Hill for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Perfume River. Continuing along green village roads, you'll ride through vast grapefruit gardens, a local specialty, and take a short walk to immerse yourself in the friendly atmosphere of the village, including a visit to Luong Quan Temple, known for its important ceremonies. For lunch, you'll enjoy specialties of Hue made from local ingredients at the Garden House. Afterward, you can relax in the garden or stroll through the beautiful Thanh Tra Garden.
- In the afternoon
On the way back to Hue city, you will visit Ho Quyen, the Arena of Tigers and Elephants, as well as the Voi Re-Screaming Elephants Altar. Next, you will explore the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, built in the 19th century for the Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. After that, you will enjoy a leisurely boat trip along the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Vietnam's most famous landmarks. If time permits, you'll have the opportunity to explore Dong Ba Market, the largest local market in Hue, where you can experience the daily life of locals and learn about market operations. You will overnight in Hue.
- In the morning
Today, you will begin your journey to Hoi An town. You will first pass through Hai Van Pass and Lang Co, enjoying spectacular views along the spur of the Truong Son Mountain Range that juts into the South-East Sea. Upon reaching Danang around noon, you will have lunch at a local restaurant.
- In the afternoon
After lunch, you will continue your day trip by driving around Son Tra Peninsula, also known as Monkey Mountain, which overlooks Da Nang City. You will visit Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the highest Goddess of Mercy statue in Vietnam, offering stunning views of Da Nang beach and Cham Islands. Next, you will drive to Marble Mountain, where you can take an elevator up to Thuy Son (Water Mountain) to enjoy panoramic views of the countryside, or choose to climb if you prefer. You will also explore Huyen Khong Cave and visit Tam Thai and Linh Ung pagodas, which provide great city views and feature a beautiful Cham Buddha sitting under a natural shaft of light. Lastly, you will stop at Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, where skilled local sculptors create marble products exported worldwide. You will overnight in Hoian.
- In the morning
In this morning, you will start riding your bicycle to Tra Que village, with a private car available if you cannot ride a bike. You will be introduced to the village's history, the cultivation of vegetables, and their use in traditional Vietnamese medicine. Then, you will take a trip around the vegetable garden and join the farmers in preparing the land, fertilizing it with seaweed from the local lake. You will continue with activities such as raking, sowing, watering greens, and picking greens before spending the rest of the morning working the land in the traditional way. After finishing all the activities, you will take a break and prepare lunch with a local family. You will enjoy lunch in a local house featuring many delicacies, including Tam Huu spring rolls and Banh Xeo, the local pancake from the middle region.
- In the afternoon
At around 15:00, you will ride back to Hoi An town to start discovering this World Heritage site. You will be introduced to the many delights of Hoi An, from expert dressmakers and tailors who can craft a complete outfit for you in just a couple of days, to a dawn photo trip along the river. You can also enjoy a fun visit to Hoi An Local Market, followed by exploring small alleys to see the Chinese Assembly Hall, the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Ancient House, and the Chinatown across the canal. As you wander through this unique port town, you’ll find yourself captivated by every corner. You will overnight in Hoian.
- In the morning
Today you will visit Ba Na Hills. Upon arrival, you will take the award-winning cable car to Ba Na Hills station, making a stop at By Night station to visit Vong Nguyet Hills, Linh Ung Pagoda, and the Old Villas of the French. You will then continue ascending by cable car to Nui Chua Mountain, the highest point of the Ba Na range, where you will visit Nghinh Phong Top, Le Nim Villas, and the Orchid Garden. You can also experience the hill-climbing train, Vietnam's first funicular, and enjoy an alpine coaster, visit Debay Ancient Wine Cellar, and stroll through Le Jardin D'amour flower garden. An optional visit to the Wax Museum is available for those interested in taking photos with wax celebrities. At noon, you will enjoy a buffet lunch at the restaurant.
- In the afternoon
You will now have free time to enjoy games in Fantasy Park, the third largest indoor games zone in Vietnam, featuring attractions like 4D and 5D films, a skiver, the death race, and a dinosaur park. Later, you will visit the Golden Bridge, which opened in June 2018 and is considered a highlight of the area. In the afternoon, you will transfer to Danang airport for your flight to Hanoi. You will overnight in Hanoi.
- In the morning
Today, you begin your exploration of Hanoi City. You will first visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a monument honoring the great leader Ho Chi Minh, along with the nearby One Pillar Pagoda and his ancient house. After spending about two hours at these sites, you will continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, dedicated to Confucius (KhongTu).
- In the afternoon
After enjoying a local lunch, you will head to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which highlights the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam. You will spend about two hours exploring the museum before being transferred back to the Old Quarter to visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Finally, you will enjoy a captivating water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre before returning to your hotel. You will overnight in Hanoi.
- In the morning
You’ll be picked up and transferred to Halong Bay/Lan Ha Bay, where you'll have the opportunity to experience the longest and newest bridge in Southeast Asia. Upon arrival, the crew members of Peony Cruise will welcome you at No. 34, Tuan Chau Marina, Quang Ninh.
- In the afternoon
You will embark on our support vessel to reach the luxurious Peony Cruises, where you will enjoy a welcome with fresh drinks and a special lunch featuring a variety of delicious delicacies while sailing through Lan Ha Bay, one of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays. Afterward, you will visit the Tra Bau area, known for its stunning natural beauty, where you can kayak and explore the limestone islands. Later, you can join a cooking demonstration to learn how to make Vietnamese spring rolls, or you can head to the top deck to admire the breathtaking sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Don't miss the Happy Hour at the bar, which is perfect for capturing the picturesque sunset.
- In the evening
You will enjoy delicious local food prepared and served by our skillful chef, creating a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting. Afterward, you can relax and sip exotic cocktails and drinks at the sky bar (with surcharge). You have the option to indulge in a spa service or simply relax on the top deck under the beautifully illuminated sky. Alternatively, you can try your luck at squid fishing on the main deck. You will overnight on the cruise.
- In the morning
You will begin your day full of energy with a Tai Chi session, enjoying the sunrise beyond the horizon. Breakfast will be served while cruising back to Gia Luan jetty, with the timing possibly adjusted according to the itinerary. After breakfast, you will join a tour of the Cat Ba World Biosphere, taking a 30-minute transfer from Gia Luan to Trung Trang, one of the most impressive caves on Cat Ba Island, featuring thousands of stalactites and a unique cave ecosystem. After exploring the cave, you will return to the main boat to check out of your cabin, and lunch will be served at the restaurant.
- In the afternoon
You will return to Hanoi. You will overnight in Hanoi.
Depending on your flight time, our driver and guide will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
