Vietnam

From Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, along the Mekong River, through ancient capitals, and to UNESCO-listed bays

A journey from south to north to discover the many facets of Vietnam, taking in major cities, ancient capitals, villages, and natural landscapes. The journey begins in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, then continues on to Hue and Hoi An, where history and tradition come together. The journey continues with a cruise through Ha Long Bay and an exploration of Ninh Binh, amid karst landscapes and waterways, all the way to Hanoi, with its temples, the Old Quarter, and culinary experiences. An itinerary that combines cultural visits and local experiences, offering a comprehensive view of the country.

Program

Day 1 — Departure: Departure on a scheduled flight. Meals and overnight stay on board.

Day 2 — Ho Chi Minh City, arrival: arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, immigration formalities, and transfer to the hotel (rooms available from 2:00 p.m.). Free time, followed by an evening guided street food tour of Ho Chi Minh City to discover the flavors and traditional dishes of old Saigon.

Day 3 — Ho Chi Minh City: Excursion to Ben Tre, the cradle of coconuts: visit to a traditional brick kiln, sampan cruise along the Mekong River, exploration of the villages aboard a Xe Lam or by bicycle, tasting of honey tea and tropical fruit, workshop on making coconut sweets and spiced rice wine, rowboat excursion among the coconut palms. Lunch featuring regional specialties from the Mekong.

Day 4 — Ho Chi Minh City – Hue: Tour of Ho Chi Minh City: Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Central Post Office, Cholon with the Thien Hau Pagoda, Binh Tay Market, and the War Remnants Museum. This evening, I’m flying to Hue.

Day 5 — Hue: A day exploring the ancient imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty: the Imperial Citadel, a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, and a visit to the royal tombs of Emperors Minh Mang and Tu Duc, nestled among lakes and pine forests.

Day 6 — Hue – Hoi An: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of My Son, featuring the ruins of Hindu temples built by the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 14th centuries. The tour continues to Hoi An, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Covered Japanese Bridge, Phuc Kien Pagoda, the riverside market, and the old merchants’ houses. Dinner along the Thu Bon River and a stroll among the lanterns in the historic center.

Day 7 — Hoi An – Ha Long Bay: Flight from Da Nang to Hai Phong and transfer to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring thousands of limestone islands. Board the cruise ship for lunch on board; in the afternoon, enjoy scenic tours, kayaking, swimming, and a visit to a cave. Dinner and overnight stay on board.

Day 8 — Ha Long Bay – Ninh Binh: Morning cruise to explore the bay’s most secluded spots, followed by brunch on board. Arrival and transfer to Ninh Binh, Vietnam’s ancient capital in the 10th century: visit to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Dai Co Viet, with temples dedicated to Kings Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh set against the backdrop of the karst mountains.

Day 9 — Ninh Binh – Hanoi: Boat tour through the Trang An Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 31 valleys and 50 caves traversed by water. Lunch at a local restaurant and transfer to Hanoi.

Day 10 — Hanoi: Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Presidential Palace, the Stilt House, the One-Pillar Pagoda, and the Mausoleum; Temple of Literature, founded in 1070; Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake with The Huc Bridge; a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter; and a water puppet show at the Thang Long Theater. In the evening, a street food tour featuring bun cha, pho, banh mi, and bia hoi.

Day 11 — Hanoi, departure: free time until the transfer to the airport for the return flight.

Scheduled hotels or similar

• Ho Chi Minh City: Nhat Ha L’Opera Hotel
• Hue: TTC Hue Imperial
• Hoi An: Lasenta Boutique Hotel
• Halong Bay: Rita Cruise
• Ninh Binh: The Legend of Ninh Binh
• Hanoi: Hanoi Pearl Hotel

The hotels may differ from those listed as planned, but they will always be of the same category.

Flight schedule: To be announced as soon as it is available. Checked baggage allowance: To be announced.