Spirit of Vietnam 30 days

Get out of the city center, you start driving on the dyke of the Red River. You will stop at Bat Trang Ceramic Village – well known place throughout Vietnam for its beautiful ceramics. The products become quite commercial now but the old part of the village is still worth visiting. You can go to visit the family workshop where the whole processed of making ceramic will be explained to you carefully. Leave the village, continue driving back charming city with colorful history and rich culture that integrates the distinct architectural influence of China and France, which continues to impressive Vietnamese women’s museum, among the finest of Vietnam's museums. This excellent and highly informative museum showcases the roles of women in Vietnamese society and culture. Labelled in English and French, exhibits cover everything from marriage customs to childbirth, but it’s the memories of the wartime contribution by individual heroic women that are most poignant. If the glut of information sometimes feels repetitive, for visual stimulation there is a stunning collection of propaganda posters, as well as costumes, tribal basket ware and fabric motifs from Vietnam’s ethnic minority groups. Check the website for special exhibitions. Then, you will enjoy a one-hour cyclo tour into Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, the focal point of the city tour is designed to bring you a feel of Hanoi's unique local culture and give you the opportunity to enjoy sightseeing highlights of the adorable Hanoi. Continue to visit local house, on welcoming you to the host’s house, you will be invited to their living room to enjoy a cup of hot green tea - a traditional custom of showing respect to the guests. Then you will come to the dining room and enjoy the meal prepared by the host. You will have a chance to try the traditional dishes in a cozy atmosphere at home. See how the local enjoy their dinner, what their kitchen looks like, and also witness some customs during the meal: the children need to invite the elders before eating and after finishing meal, how to use chopsticks in the traditional manner, and how to put chopsticks to express that you have finished eating. Through all of that, you will clearly see the difference between Western and Eastern dining etiquette. After meal, have a warm talk with the host.

Drive back to hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi

NOTES

Suggested time: 08:00

Duration: 8 hours

Start a journey to Duong Lam Village to trace back the origin of Vietnam's culture and Vietnam's traditions, pass by Ancient Citadel in Son Tay. Arrival village, a great chance explores architecture of ancient houses while wandering along its narrow alleyways. This village has been known as a museum of laterite with ancient houses aged up to 400 years old. It is also the only place in Vietnam where the two kings came from. King Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen - the two heroes who led resistance wars against China's Sung and Southern Han troops to recover national independence. Walk or bike around the village, you will explore the special architecture, traditional culture and traditions of countryside of Vietnam which is still well preserved today. After lunch at local household, head to Mia Pagoda, built during the Tran Dynasty before 1632 and still preserves many ancient artifacts. Mong Phu is the biggest and the most famous commune of Duong Lam Village. Here, you also can admire ancient houses made of laterite and mud, two materials that are abundant in the area, stroll in small lanes, and watch local people in their daily activities. Then drive to Van Phuc village, the place renowned over centuries for its silk-making and silk products. Van Phuc village is in the Centre of Ha Dong District and the biggest silk production village in Vietnam. The sound of looms has filled Van Phuc for a thousand years, and is a touching sound to villagers when returning from far away. Visit a Vun art shop - assemble silk paintings from scraps of fabric from tailors in Van Phuc silk village. Through the hands of disabled workers, scraps of fabric that are no longer valuable are utilized, cut, assembled, and shaped into a variety of paintings. Most of the paintings are exploited from Dong Ho folk paintings, Hang Trong paintings, Kim Hoang paintings, and Sinh village paintings in Hue.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Start a journey to Da Bac to trace back the origin of Vietnam's culture and Vietnam's traditions. Arrival village, a great chance explores architecture of minority’s houses while coming to Da Bac, you will see an incredible landscape and visit ethnic minority village with 300-year-old as Sung village and enjoy outdoor activities, including walking, kayaking, rafting on the biggest man-made reservoir in Northern Vietnam. You can enjoy the peaceful scenery of beautiful limestone cliffs on the lake or simply enjoy the underwater activities, kayaking or paddle rafting is a good choice for you. It can also be combined with other activities such as swimming and boat trips to fish farms.

Overnight at Xoan Retreat

Notes:

Suggested time: 08:00

Duration: 8 hours

Walking/kayaking: 45-60 mins

Grade: easy

Start your day by walking route from Da Bia to Muc village.  This road takes visitors through a village of Muong people and through the mountains, corn fields, and green forests. Explore tropical forest, luxuriant mountains and ethnic hill tribes. You can stay at the stops and admire the majestic scenery of the clouds, mountains and rice fields. This is an ideal place for you with hilly terrain and rich flora. There are many villages scattered on the walking routes and are home to the Muong, Dao, Tay and Thai. Transfer back to your retreat.

Overnight at Xoan Retreat

Suggested time: 08:30

Duration: 6 hours

Trekking distance: 12-15km

Grade: easy

Enjoy a 3.5hour drive to Ninh Binh province. It is a spectacular landscape of limestone karts peaks permeated with valleys, some of which are submerged, and surrounded by vertical cliffs.  Upon arrival Ninh Binh, check in Tam Coc Garden and rest. In the late afternoon, enjoy a leisurely biking trip ranging from 5 km to 15 km (depending on your wish) passing by sleepy villages and picturesque countryside sceneries. Overnight in Tam Coc Garden

Suggested time: 08:00

Durations: 6 hours

Biking distance: 5-15km

Grade: easy

In the early morning, explore Thung Nham (Bird Valley) of diverse biodiversity and perfect harmony between natural landscapes and the creativity of the locals. The highlight of this ecotourism area lies at the bird's garden - the home to 40 species of birds including some bird species recorded in the Vietnam Red Book. The birds are said to gather on the trees before sunset, most crowded from May to July, which is a vivid and colorful picture.

Continue to Tam Coc, board the small rowing boat to explore the incredible scenery of Tam Coc - a beautiful natural setting boasts endless rice paddies surrounded by towering limestone karst mountains. The boat floats through the fields and three natural caves - a precious chance to capture the breath-taking scenery and enjoy watching the water-plants underneath. Then, take a short drive to the Gia Vien Village to learn more historical, visit Dinh Tien Hoang Temple and Ky Lan Pagoda and visit a local house to participate in making your own conical hat by traditional methods that have been passed down for three centuries with local people and have an experience how to draw a nice picture on the conical hat. After an hour or so, transfer back to hotel

Overnight in Ninh Binh

Depart from Ninh Binh for a 3.5-hour drive to Halong bay. Arrive at 12:00 and be greeted with a warm welcome and special tea at the Heritage Cruise’s lounge. Then it’s time to climb aboard the Heritage Cruise and check in; enjoy a welcome drink as you receive a cruise briefing and safety instructions. Sail onwards towards a natural frontier Haiphong. This secret hideaway has beaches, caves and coves, plus the spectacular natural beauty of 400 islands.

You can try kayaking or simply swim in the clear waters of the bay. After your aquatic activities, return to the Heritage Cruise and enjoy the luxuries on offer onboard or just relax in your suite, watching the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin with cocktail in hand. Activities available include an afternoon tea and the chef will also lead a Vietnamese cookery class. A delectable dining experience to remember will be served on board; Savor the finely prepared local cuisine in an intimate and romantic setting. Bask in the radiant evening views of the bay at the bar on top deck. You will also have the chance to go squid fishing or watch a movie in the restaurant. The bars are open until late.

Overnight on Heritage Cruise

Start the day with a session of Vovinam on the sundeck, followed by coffee, tea, and pastries. Then, transfer to a speedboat to visit Viet Hai Village. Take a bicycle ride or electric car through a rainforest tunnel that leads to a rice-field vista. Visit a traditional house in a village deep in a national park where you can observe the lifestyle of the local people and enjoy lunch in the village. Return to the speedboat to visit Lan Ha Bay. Visit the Cat Ba Archipelago, cruise through Cai Beo floating village and then go to the Ba Trai Dao beaches where you can explore the secret trail and beaches, enclosed by vertical cliffs (if the weather and tide permit) or just swimming and kayaking in Tra Bau area. Return to Heritage Cruises to enjoy cocktails, beer, and fine wine as the sky changes color. Enjoy life aboard the vessel or in your suite, and with a cocktail in hand watch the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. The chef will lead a Vietnamese cooking class. Enjoy a fine-dining experience in the main restaurant. Welcome the night at the bar on the top deck, or try squid fishing. The bars are open late.

Overnight onboard

Start the day with a session of Vovinam on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast. Then take a bamboo boat out to explore the Dark and Bright Cave. Then return to the ship for checkout. Enjoy a brunch while cruising back, arriving at harbors and relaxing at our lounge while your transportation arrives. Drive back to Hanoi catch up train to Quang Binh.

Overnight on train

Early morning arrival to Quang Binh province, the narrowest part of Vietnam and famous for the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park which is listed on the World Heritage in 2003. Covering 85,754 ha of outstanding geological and ecological value, the site will let you immerse into sumptuous landscape of karst plateaus and rainforests by surveying its spectacular underground caves and rivers and discovering its abundance of endemic species.

Enjoy one hour drive up hill, passing rural countryside and enter national park to explore Phong Nha Cave. Discovered in 1994, this famous cave is well-known for its underground river and its system of fantastic stalactites and stalagmites. From the pier, you take the boat following the Son River to the gigantic gate of the grotto. Enjoy a leisure walk to admire the natural masterpieces by crossing some secret corners: Bi Ki Cave, Celestial Palace.

Enjoy lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon have a special discover the Paradise cave (Thien Duong cave). New surprises are waiting for you. Discovered in 2005, with 31.4 km long, 60 m high and 30 to 100 m wide, it is considered as the longest in Asia. After a short walk in the forest, you begin the discovery of this terrestrial paradise through the different rooms that amaze you with the grandiose stalactites and stalagmites both mystical and extraordinary.

Transfer to your hotel, check in and enjoy stay in the peaceful town.

This day is more opened without pre-scheduled program. You just do anything you wish, or just relax on the beach

Optional tour: trekking Tu Lan cave, En cave (2-3 days)

Overnight in Quangbinh

This day is more opened without pre-scheduled program. You just do anything you wish, or just relax on the beach

Overnight in Quangbinh

After breakfast at the hotel, travel to Hue the ancient capital of Vietnam. On the way make a visit to the famous Vinh Moc Tunnel. Local people dug in 2 years (1965 - 1967) to create the system of 1.7 km long and 10 to 23 m deep tunnel which was used as bomb shelter during the Vietnam War. The site is evidence for the heroism of the Vietnamese people.

Continue your journey to Hue stop for an excursion to the well-known 17th Parallel. According to the agreement of Geneva, this historical site was the border of the Communist in the North and the Non-Communist in the South of Vietnam. Visit the museum, flag tower, the Ben Hai River and the Hien Luong Bridge to learn more about the special history of this land.

Keep your way to Hue in the late afternoon and check in hotel. Free to leisurely stroll to visit the ancient capital at night.

Overnight in Hue

You will be picked up and transferred to Hue Imperial citadel which is the most massive structure built in modern history of Vietnam. When visiting this construction, you have a chance to explore the royal architecture, admire its ancient charm as well as review the country’s history.

Then stop by Ngoc Son Princess ‘garden house’ to learn more about historical and Hue's food culture. It has an attractive family altar and the owner is an expert on Hue’s culture and history – his daughter will be pleased to explain the geomantic principles underpinning the building and garden’s construction. You and the members of the home will be the protagonists of the lunch. You can learn about life, culture, habits, … of a traditional family so that you can see the difference between Vietnam and your country. Continue the journey to discover the elaborate Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh - the twelfth king of the Nguyen dynasty, built in 11 years (1920-1931) with a blend of Western and Eastern architecture. In the late afternoon, enjoy a boat trip on the romantic Perfume River and visit the seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda.

Transfer back to your hotel

Overnight in Hue

Start biking tour to Thanh Toan village - one of the most beautiful villages in Hue with clean roads, peaceful landscape and particularly the rural Thanh Toan market to have an insight to local life. It's the time to take part in the most interesting part of the day: Row the boat with the villager on Nhu Y River to enjoy spectacular sceneries and explore how they catch the fish by using some old tools such as fishing trap, casting net, etc. After observing, you can join hand with them to catch your own fish. Get back to our “Eco Garden” where you can see around the vegetable garden with many kinds grown by local farmer such as: Malabar spinach, gourd, fiber melon, winter melon, fig…

Join cooking class to learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Hue special such as fig salad with shrimp and meat, pancake or spring roll. After the lesson, enjoy what you have just cooked and some other local dishes. In the afternoon, continue your trip to Thanh Toan tile roofed bridge which is known as a rare and the most aesthetically valuable bridge among those of Vietnam. Head to Thanh Toan Museum to learn more about the values and the lives of predecessors as well as artifacts reflecting the daily life of rural Thanh Toan village then transfer to Hoian.

Overnight in Hoian

Suggested time: 08:30

Durations: 5 hours

Biking distance: 9-12 km

Grade: easy

Spend a day wind our way into the mountains through the tea plantations. Upon arriving at Bho Hoong, you will be welcome by tea or a shot of locally made wine. The host will show you around their wonderful home, demonstrating how life works in these exceptional abodes and the significance of the various woodcarvings and ornaments dotted throughout. Take the opportunity to try learning Co Tu weaving. Then, you will meet a member of the Co Tu tribe, who will show us the iconic steep-roofed houses of their village while explaining the unique and ancient culture that governs the life of the Co Tu people. Take the opportunity to try crossbow shooting, a hunting practice intrinsic to Co Tu culture that has survived since the Bronze Age.

After lunch, you join the study of ethnic musical instruments Co Tu and other artists in the village. A traditional dancing performance and a chance to interact with the villagers, gaining more insight into their rich culture. Afterwards, transfer back to Hoian.

Suggested time: 08:00

Durations: 9 hours

Transfer distance: 80 km/way

Grade: easy

Free and transfer to the airport for flight to Hochiminh City.

During these 3.5 hours tour, you will have your amazing chance to sample around 10 different dishes, from those little pancakes to big bowl of noodles, then have a sip of Vietnamese coffee and get everything done with a sweet dessert. Not only you will be able to explore our culinary world but you also get to know our usual life habit. That's too much for 3.5 hours huh? Nah, I bet you are more than ready for this food tour. Overnight in Hochiminh City

Saigon Food tour 3.5h (18:00-21:30)

Early morning departure from Saigon to My Tho, gateway to the Mekong Delta. Board your boat where a refreshing welcome coconut drink awaits and begin cruising along the An Hoa Canal. Shore excursions include a small home factory making coconut-based handicrafts and a brick workshop where bricks are made by hand using centuries-old traditional methods. Take a 4km (2mi) tri-motorcycle trip along narrow village roads with a stop at a rice noodle factory, one of the specialties of My Tho. Learning about the famous and beautiful land which is the hometown of a lot of Nguyen Dynasty’s concubines including Nam Phuong Queen. Explore some of the Delta’s famed waterways via rowing sampan before enjoying a restaurant lunch of Mekong Delta specialties. After lunch visit the local home of Mr. Sau Tuong, a former soldier who survived two years of fighting the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia before his current occupation as a rice paper maker. Return by boat to the Hung Vuong Pier in Ben Tre where transport awaits to take you back to Saigon.

NOTES

Mango Cruise

Suggested departure time: 08:00

Tour duration: 9 hours

Max capacity: 18 pax per boat

Free and transfer to the airport for flight to Buonmathuot. Upon arrival in Buon Me Thuot, check into hotel and leisure. After lunch, transfer to visit two magnificent waterfalls of D’ray Nur and D’ray Sap; during the walking tour, you can do some swimming in the fresh pure water. After that, go to Ede Village (near the waterfalls) to explore the Ede’s Matriarchal Society, a unique custom reflected in almost every aspect of their life. Continue the tour with the stop at Coffee Plantation and a Coffee Factory and get to know how the local people process the coffee. Then drive to the Kotam Ecotourism - the place of indigenous customs and cultures, visit Ede's Water Wharf, Coffee Farm, Trung Nguyen Coffee Village - one of the most famous coffee brands in Vietnam, Buonmathuot Central Market - where all local representative products are available. And of course, you will be served the best cups of coffee in Central Highland province.

Transfer to YokDon National Park – Vietnam's biggest nature reserves with the total area of 115,545 hectares. The park is home to numerous species of wild mammals, birds and plants, many of which you can encounter during 2–3-hour trekking tour. Enjoy the picnic lunch with fresh air in the forest. Explore the wild-life while going up-stream the S’repok River by boating, enjoy the beautiful landscapes and experience daily routine activities of the residents along the river-sides. You might have opportunities to see many bird species like king-fisher, drongo, oriole... After the boat trip, visit Yang Lanh Village, admire the 133 years-old Bodhi tree - a Viet Nam Tree Heritage, interact and share with local people to explore multi-cultures and the traditional customs among different ethnic groups of the Ede, M’nong and Laos...Take the elephant to the forest and walk back to the accommodation (2 – 3 km) for check-in. Enjoy the dinner with local dishes and overnight in Ede’s traditional long house-on-stilts nearby the S’repok riverside.

Depart from Buonmathuot to Kontum-the lovely town in the central highland where the Bahnar, Jarai, Rengao and Sedeng ethnic groups inhabited with visits to Bahnar and Jarai villages en route, stop at the sacred Cemetery of “Ede” Tribe and the lake in Pleiku.

In the afternoon, visit Cathedral of Kontum, the impressive 'Wooden Church' originally built by the French missionaries in 1913 and was restored in the 1990's. The church presents the perfect combination of classic Roman architecture and Bahnar's traditional stilt house. Spend some time at Vinh Son orphanage behind the church with the resident children. Any form of gift or donation is highly appreciated. Explore the Kon Tum Rong house - unique type of communal house which can only be found in Tay Nguyen. Afterwards, visit the Catholic Seminary School and its adjoining Minorities Museum that provides a history of Christianity and conversion in the region and some great examples of local culture.

Tour duration: 8 hours

A day exploring the highlands of Kon Tum – Mang Den Mountain will give you the chance to go back in time and to explore and experience the traditional lifestyle of indigenous people, whose living space is often located along rivers, streams, hills or on the slopes of faraway mountains. It is an amazing way for you to get closer to nature and get a glimpse into the lives of the tribal people of Vietnam. This full-day activity highly supports the region. You are educated on the specificities of this region, as well as the indigenous minorities living there.

After breakfast, transfer from Kontum to Quynhon. It is a province of central Vietnam well-known for its long sand beaches gently washed by sea waves for thousands of years and the golden past of the ancient Kingdom of Champa in the 11th – 15th centuries…and also famous for being the stage of glorious victories of the National Hero Quang Trung – Nguyen Hue is late 18th century, and of the local guerillas during the Resistance against the French colonialists and American imperialists in mid-20th century.

In the afternoon, transfer to Thien Hung pagoda, this is not only spiritual elements but also very beautiful scenery. Then, continue to Twins Tower or called in Vietnamese “Thap Doi” – a beautiful and unique ancient Champa architectural art built at the end of the XII Century. Back to the central city to visit Ghenh Rang tourist area with the tomb of Han Mac Tu, Mong Cam hill, Queen beach…

Local markets and shopping for Binh Dinh specialties.

Crossing the Thi Nai 7km-length bridge connecting Quy Nhon City and Phuong Mai peninsula. Fun discovery at Phuong Mai sand dunes.

Getting on the boat to Ky Co Island and experience its unique landscape. Located in a great natural location, Ky Co beach belongs to Nhon Ly island commune, has a natural unspoiled beauty. This is considered as the “island paradise”.

Free to swim and join some fun activities on the silk white sand beach. Continuously getting on a local fisherman’s boat to experience as a coastal fisherman, the guide will instruct you the use of snorkeling and swimming glasses to explore the world of the ocean and watch the colorful coral at Bai Dua – Great feeling and unforgettable impression when coming to Nhon Ly beach. Lunch with fresh seafood in the local restaurant.

Visiting Eo Gio – the windy pass with the pristine nature beauty.

Continuously stopping at Ngoc Hoa Vihara to admire the mountainous tourist area with the highest buddha statue of Vietnam.

Back to hotel

Getting to 1D high way to visit Mang Lang church – considered one of the oldest ancient churches in Phu Yen province. Continue to visit Ganh Da Dia is recognized as a national heritage. The area is covered over 50 meters in width & 200 meters in length – stone in the shape of plates naturally arranged in columns with an interesting legend.

Lunch with Seafood dishes at local restaurant in O Loan Swamp.

That of “Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass” where Victor Vu – Vietnamese film director has chosen this place for the famous movie in the same name.

Transfer back to your hotel.

This day is more opened without pre-scheduled program. You just do anything you wish, or just relax on the beach.

Located about 2km from the city center, belonging to Ghenh Rang tourist area, Hoang Hau beach is as beautiful as its name. You will have a great feeling when stepping barefoot on round and smooth stones like giant bird eggs, white stones and gray stones with sculpted motifs. unique from the "artists" of nature. Nam Phuong Queen Beach is like lying in the middle of the high cliffs, like the bare back of a gorgeous fairy protected by a giant bodyguard. This rock beach is also known as Nhan Chau (Nhan Beach). The reason it is called such a name is because here often flocks of terns come to find prey, crowded, extremely bustling. From the top of Ghenh Rang, visitors to Quy Nhon tour can zoom their eyes to see all four directions. Looking at the fishing boats roaming around day and night undulating in the mist or watching the sky-blue waters in the sun, it feels like the whole ocean is coming into view. Looking to the South, visitors will admire the natural picture adorned by long mountain ranges running in layers with high places, low places, all running along the coast to Quy Hoa. When looking to the north, behind are soft sand strips.

Overnight in Quynhon

This day is more opened without pre-scheduled program. You just do anything you wish, or just relax on the beach.

Free and transfer to the airport for flight to Hochiminh in the afternoon. Pick up and transfer for hotel check-in and overnight in Hochiminh. Relaxing and shopping by your own Optional show

Enjoy a fine dining experience at Michelin star restaurant in Hochiminh City with the professional team as farewell dinner with the menu emphasizes the use of organic ingredients sourced locally Overnight in Hochiminh

Breakfast at the hotel - Free and transfer to the airport for flight departure

“Cam on va chao tam biet” – Thank you for traveling with us and see you again!