Itinerary

• Day 1: HO CHI MINH

  Arrival at Ho Chi Minh City International Airport (formerly Saigon) and transfer to the hotel. Free time until check-in (rooms are generally not available before 3:00 PM). Overnight stay. Recommendation: For this free afternoon, we recommend booking a relaxing massage, having coffee or a drink at Landmark 81 or Bitexco (the tallest towers in Saigon), or participating in a Vietnamese cooking class.

• Day 2: HO CHI MINH – MEKONG DELTA – HO CHI MINH

  After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the Mekong Delta, one of Vietnam's most famous destinations, where local life has flowed since ancient times. This spectacular delta is located about two hours by road from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival in My Tho/Ben Tre, we board a boat that will take us for approximately an hour and a half through narrow canals, surrounded by dense vegetation, to the heart of the Delta with its market and floating houses, its excellent cuisine, and its lush tropical landscapes. You will discover a completely different world, where life revolves around the Mekong River. Throughout the day, you will have the opportunity to sample many local products, such as exotic fruits grown in the Delta's orchards and coconut candies made in family-run factories. Upon reaching the riverbank, we will take a ride through the village in a traditional horse-drawn cart (Xe Loi) to get a closer look at the area's features. Next, we'll take a rowboat through the narrow canals framed by coconut palms and lush tropical vegetation. Lunch will be at a local restaurant, followed by a return to Ho Chi Minh City by road. In the afternoon, we'll visit Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, where we'll first see the historic Reunification Palace (exterior view only) and the old Central Post Office with its impressive architecture. We'll then stroll along Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, where the municipal buildings, the Ho Chi Minh statue, and the City Hall are located. This concludes our tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Accommodation.

  Recommendation: For your free time after the visit, we suggest having an authentic Vietnamese "cafetito" (coffee), enjoying the sunset, experiencing the bustling city scene, its businesses and friendly people, shopping at the Takashima Mall, exploring the Ben Thanh Market, attending the A O Show at the Opera House, or enjoying a wonderful dinner cruise on the Saigon River.

• Day 3: HO CHI MINH – CU CHI TUNNELS – HOI AN

  After breakfast at the hotel, depart on an excursion to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an impressive network of underground tunnels stretching over 200 kilometers, which served as the base of operations for the Viet Cong guerrillas during the Vietnam War. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch at a local restaurant. Transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, transfer directly to Hoi An. Check in to your hotel. In the evening, transfer to the Hoai River for a boat tour. This river holds special significance for the people of Hoi An, having witnessed many events in Vietnam throughout the years. As night falls, the streets are illuminated with lanterns and colorful lights, and lanterns are released into the water for good fortune. The city takes on a new, luminous, and mysterious appearance. After the river tour, disembark and enjoy free time to explore the city and return to your hotel independently. Overnight stay.

• Day 4: HOI AN

  Breakfast at the hotel and departure for a panoramic tour of Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries, whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle have changed little in recent years. Arrival in the Old Town, from where we will begin our walking tour through the old town center to visit Phung Hung (Old Merchant House), the over 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Hall, the old Tan Ky House with its traditional architecture, and the Sa Huynh History Museum. Lunch at a local restaurant. Free afternoon to enjoy the beach, stroll through the colorful central market, or do some shopping. Overnight stay.

  Recommendations: For this free afternoon, we suggest enjoying the beach, visiting My Son or Tra Que Village, visiting the Hand Bridge, or having a coffee in the Old Town.

• Day 5: HOI AN – DA NANG – HUE

  After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Da Nang, where you can admire its idyllic beaches. We will also visit the Linh Ung Pagoda with its stunning panoramic views of the city and the enchanting coastline of the Son Tra Peninsula. Continue by road to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, via the Hai Van Pass ("Ocean of Clouds" in Vietnamese) and the picturesque Lang Co Beach. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and transfer to the hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, visit the Thien Mu Pagoda (Heavenly Lady), the symbol of Hue, built in 1601 between a river and a pine forest on the banks of the famous Perfume River. Before returning to the hotel, explore the vibrant Dong Ba Market, an important site for the people of Hue and a place to experience Vietnamese life. Accommodation.

  Recommendations: For your free time, we suggest taking a cycle tour, booking a traditional massage, or visiting the night market.

• Day 6: HUE – HANOI

  Breakfast at the hotel and departure for a panoramic tour of the imperial city of Hue, the former capital of the country for over 140 years. We will discover its rich historical past and glorious monumental jewels scattered within its walls. Visit the Imperial Citadel, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, which houses the mythical "Forbidden Purple City." The city was protected by a massive wall and a moat stretching 10 km, with walls 2 meters thick, and was the seat of power for the Nguyen Dynasty between 1802 and 1945. Afterward, we visit the tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, also known as the "Temple of Supreme Grace." Lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the most spectacular tomb in Hue, the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh. We tour the Stele Pavilion, the tomb hall, and the bronze statue of the emperor with its overwhelming and dazzling decoration. Afterward, transfer to the airport and departure on a local flight to Hanoi. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

  Recommendations: For free time in Hanoi, we suggest booking a relaxing traditional massage, strolling and having a coffee at Hoan Kiem Lake, or shopping in the Old Quarter.

• Day 7: HANOI

  Breakfast at the hotel and departure to begin the tour of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. It is also considered one of the few Asian cities with tree-lined avenues, French colonial architecture, tranquil lakes, and oriental temples. The tour includes a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070 in honor of Confucius and considered the symbol of Hanoi. We continue to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, visiting its exterior from Ba Dinh Square. We will then proceed to the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 on a single stone pillar by Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who reigned from 1028 to 1054. The pagoda is designed in the shape of a lotus flower in honor of Buddha. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, we will have an experience with flowers and their traditional arranging techniques. Visit a traditional flower shop to see how bouquets are made, how this beautiful and traditional Vietnamese spiritual art is passed down and preserved from generation to generation. There, you will learn to recognize exotic flowers while enjoying preparing a spiritual floral offering. Afterward, we arrive at Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of Hanoi, where we will take a stroll around its perimeter with a panoramic view of Ngoc Son Temple, located in the middle of the lake, along with the red Huc Bridge. Finally, we will take a scenic cycle tour through Hanoi's Old Quarter, also known as the 36 Streets, as it was once famous for the artisans who lived there and the workshops located within. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

• Day 8: HANOI – HALONG BAY

  Breakfast at the hotel and departure by road to Halong Bay, which in Vietnamese means "the dragon descending from the sea." According to legend, it was a dragon who formed the islands of the bay. Board a wonderful cruise ship to visit the bay. Lunch on board. The sailing continues, revealing thousands of islands and islets covered in lush vegetation that emerge from the bay with their unusual shapes and varying sizes. The emerald waters of this legendary natural treasure lead us to explore sublime islands such as Turtle Island, Dog Island, Man's Head Island, and others. Due to its unique beauty, geological features, biological richness, and cultural and historical significance, Halong Bay was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and included on the list of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World in 2011. Beyond contemplating the magnificent scenery, we enjoy free time or some optional activities such as swimming, kayaking, or participating in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the ship's deck. Dinner and overnight stay on board. (The cruise itinerary will be adjusted according to weather conditions.)

• Day 9: HALONG BAY – DA NANG – HOI AN

  At sunrise, for those interested, there will be a Tai Chi class on the sun terrace. The cruise continues through the bay with its nearly 2,000 limestone islands, allowing you to further enjoy its unique landscapes. Take advantage of this time to capture the best photos of this natural wonder. Enjoy a late breakfast (brunch) on board to recharge before heading back to shore. Disembark at Halong Pier and transfer to Hanoi International Airport.

  Important Note: Clients must book a flight departing from Hanoi after 5:00 PM; otherwise, they will not be able to participate in the activities planned for this day.