Timeless Scenery And Cultural Immersion In Vietnam's Green Journey 12 days

Begin your day at the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, which showcases the country's rich culture and history through its various exhibitions and international collections. The museum facilitates engagement between local art enthusiasts and worldwide artistic trends. Next, visit a lacquerware workshop in Ha Thai village, where you'll meet a skilled artist and learn the centuries-old technique of creating beautiful lacquer pieces. Participate in an interactive session, where you’ll create your own folk artwork, gaining hands-on experience in material selection, drawing, and polishing. Then, head to Phuc Am Village, known for its votive offerings. The vibrant atmosphere and drying offerings along the roads set the scene as you observe the meticulous crafting process carried out by local artisans. These votive items are eventually burned during Tet, a tradition honoring ancestors and seeking blessings, emphasizing their ephemeral nature rather than decorative use.

Overnight in Hanoi.

*Internal notes:

• Invite an artisan to lead clients while visiting Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum
• Invite artisan to set up a workshop and talk at Ha Thai village
• Set up a ceremony at the village hall/temple, used local votive products of Phuc Am village to raise community responsible awareness.

After transferring to Ninh Binh, embark on a scenic journey by small rowing boat to experience the stunning landscapes of Tam Coc. This area is renowned for its endless rice paddies framed by towering limestone karst mountains, offering breathtaking views at every turn. As you glide along the tranquil waters, your boat will navigate through lush fields and three natural caves, providing ample opportunities to appreciate the mesmerizing scenery and observe the aquatic plants beneath the surface.

In the afternoon, enjoy a biking excursion to Thung Nham, also known as Bird Valley. This ecotourism destination showcases a rich biodiversity where the beauty of nature harmonizes with local creativity. The highlight of your visit will be the bird garden, which hosts about 40 species of birds, including those listed in the Vietnam Red Book. Particularly vibrant during the gathering of birds in the trees at sunset, the best time to witness this spectacular display is from May to July, offering a colorful and lively experience in this natural paradise. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

* Internal notes: Add WOW factor into activities in Ninh Binh, associated with Tam Coc Garden team

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast before transferring to the pier. Upon arrival, relax in the cruise lounge before boarding. As the cruise sets sail, a sumptuous Vietnamese lunch is served on the main deck, allowing you to savor local flavors while taking in the beauty of Ha Long Bay. The highlight of the trip is a visit to a cave rich in historical and archaeological significance, showcasing impressive stalactites and stalagmites and a diverse ecosystem. Later, enjoy free time to kayak and explore the breathtaking surroundings. Back on the cruise, relish afternoon tea with music on the Sundeck and participate in a cooking demonstration to learn traditional Vietnamese culinary skills. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner, immersing yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Ha Long Bay at night.

Overnight on-board.

*Internal notes: Add Ca Tru performance on board of Heritage Cruises; decorated with Pham Luc art painting exhibition led by Pham Ha 

Start your day in Halong Bay with an energizing Vovinam session on the sundeck, enjoying the fresh air and stunning views. After this martial arts experience, indulge in a light breakfast on the cruise, then set off on a bamboo boat to explore the Dark and Bright Cave. Glide through serene waters surrounded by impressive limestone cliffs, taking in the area's natural beauty. Upon returning to the ship, enjoy a delicious brunch while the cruise gently heads back to the harbor, allowing you to savor the final views of the bay. Once in Hanoi, the vibrant "capital of the motorbike kingdom", embarks on a guided tour on a USSR Vintage Minsk motorbike. Discover hidden gems and iconic sites as you navigate the bustling streets. After a day full of exploration and flavors, relax at the Hanoi station before your overnight train journey, ready for the next adventure in Vietnam.

Overnight on train.

* Internal notes:

• Dinner should be arranged at Koto Restaurant at Van Mieu Street, which is close to Hanoi Train Station. “Day use” rooms for bathing & clothing changes should be booked as well.
• Prefer booking tickets for Livitrans on SE3 depart Hanoi at 19.20, and arrive in Hue at 07.51
• Logistic: prepare snacks, drinks, coffee and teas for breakfast next morning on the train (even though Livitrans includes some in their ticket prices); sleeping silk bags for a comfortable stay on the train.
• Add pocket fee for train staff to clean up the bathroom on train.

You will be picked up and taken to the Hue Imperial Citadel, a monumental structure in Vietnam's modern history that showcases royal architecture and rich historical significance. Hue is celebrated as an ideal kite-flying destination, where hundreds of kites can be seen soaring above the Imperial Citadel on clear afternoons, making it a beloved pastime for all generations. You'll also visit Mr. Cu, an experienced kite craftsman with 45 years of expertise. Engaging in conversation with him will provide insights into the history and passion behind this traditional activity. You'll have the opportunity to create your own kite and, if the weather permits, experience the joy of watching it ascend into the blue sky, adding a personal touch to your visit to this historic city.

Overnight in Hue.

*Internal notes: Add an unforgettable dinner experience in Hue

Today is free time at your leisure. Overnight in Hue.

Optional Tour

Biking heads 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 into local life. It's the time to take part in the most interesting part of the day: the Vietnamese cooking class with some local specialties, especially Chung cake – the traditional food in Vietnam.

Then, 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 experience conical hat making. Last stop at Phu Ton That Thuyet that was built around the year of Tu Duc in 19th century (1866) to see a special kind of architecture and hear the story about a great man in Vietnam history.

Begin your journey with a transfer to Hoi An through the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, renowned for its stunning views of mountains and the sea. Upon arrival, embark on a guided walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, exploring historical sites such as old merchant houses reflecting Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architecture, the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and the intricately carved Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation. Visit the vibrant market, filled with local specialties, including silk that can be crafted into garments within a day. Next, participate in an engaging cooking class focused on mastering various types of Vietnamese noodles. Enjoy a hands-on experience under the guidance of students, where you’ll learn about noodle preparation, from Pho to local dishes. Conclude the experience with a delightful lunch featuring the famous Mi Quang noodles, immersing yourself in the rich culinary culture of Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoian.

Today is free time at your leisure. Overnight in Hoian.

Optional Tour

Begin your day cycling through the picturesque Cam Thanh countryside, where you’ll encounter lush green water coconut forests and local farms. Arriving at Madame Vân organic farm, enjoy a stroll through the vegetable garden while learning about the farmers' transition to organic cultivation methods. You’ll be treated to a refreshing Lemon Tea made with Butterfly Pea Flower from the garden. Participate in hands-on experience making hand soaps from used cooking oil, highlighting sustainable practices. Before returning to your hotel in an electric car, indulge in a short cooking class to prepare “Banh Xeo,” a traditional Vietnamese dish, followed by a delightful Vietnamese family-style lunch. This immersive experience connects you to the local culture and promotes sustainability, offering a memorable insight into rural life in Vietnam.

Relax until departing time for Danang airport and catch your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Experience unparalleled luxury at a top-tier hotel, where exceptional hospitality awaits. Your adventure begins at the Fito Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine. Here, you will explore a unique collection of exhibits dedicated to the rich history and practices of herbal medicine in Vietnam. The museum provides an insightful glimpse into the ancient healing techniques, showcasing well-preserved artifacts and engaging displays that celebrate this vital part of Vietnamese culture. Next, immerse yourself in the local lifestyle as you visit Binh Tay Market, the largest wholesale market in Chinatown. As you wander through its vibrant stalls, you'll encounter a diverse array of produce, spices, and traditional goods that reflect the everyday lives of the locals. The market buzzes with energy, offering a perfect opportunity to engage with vendors, sample local snacks, and experience the authentic rhythm of the city. After a fulfilling day of exploration, settle in for a restful overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City, ready to continue your journey the next day.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

*Internal notes: Add “My Village” show at Opera House upon available.

After 2 hours driving from HCM city, you will arrive Ben Tre province. Take the boat to visit a local factory to see many kilns to make activated charcoal from coconut hard-shell. Crossing Mekong River, called “Cửa Đại & Cửa Tiểu”, 30km far from the Eastern Sea, we arrive Tam Hiep Island. Walking on small village paths through huge orchards of longan to come to the local family to enjoy some kinds of fruits & honey-tea. Next, the rowing boat will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals to enjoy the peaceful time. Biking to special farm where they are planting the creepers (called LÁ SÂM). We picked up some leaves for making & tasting this special herbal jelly.

Continue to bike back to the boat, then go to Ut Trinh homestay to have the best lunch with some special dishes. After lunch, we can relax on the hammocks before coming back to our boat to the ferry station and end the trip.

Overnight in HCMC

*Internal notes: Farewell Dinner might take place at Reflection fine dining restaurant in Caravelle Saigon Hotel, then enjoy live music at Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar at the hotel.

After breakfast at hotel, you are free for shopping until transferring to airport for your onward flight to go home.

We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels!

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