Vietnam Vacation with Authentic Local Experience

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, better known as Saigon! Once touchdown, you will be greeted by your private tour guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to recover from jet lag.

This morning, delve into the history of the Vietnam War through a visit to Cu Chi Tunnels, which were used as hiding spots and living quarters by Vietcong guerillas. On your visit, you will have a chance to crawl around some parts of the tunnel system and experience the conditions of the Vietcong during the Vietnam War.

After lunch, return to the city and spend this afternoon independently. Our handpicked accommodation, usually located in the city's heart, makes it convenient for you to browse some city attractions, such as the Reunification Palace, Saigon Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market.

When night falls, sit on the back of a vintage Vespa scooter and follow your driver to explore the busy streets and quiet alleyways of old Saigon, taste authentic snacks, visit Vietnamese-style cafes, and take in the worldly lives of locals.

Leave the hustle of Saigon behind and drive into the rural countryside of the Mekong Delta for a glimpse into typical village life. Visit the Wholesale Fruit Thanh Tri Market, explore an island village on a horse cart, and take a long-tail boat rowing through narrow canals cloaked under dense palm trees.

The tour also includes a stopover at Vinh Trang Pagoda, an ornate Buddhist shrine dating from the 19th century and mixing various architectural styles. Afterward, head to Can Tho for the night with a private transfer.

The best time to visit the Cai Rang Floating Market is around 6:30 am. In the early morning, your private guide will lead you to explore this largest and busiest floating market in the Mekong area. Once reaching there, take a cruise to see hundreds of boats crowding the river, selling an astonishing array of fruits, vegetables, clothes, handicrafts, and household products. As you like, bargain with the vendors and sample some exotic flavors.

After that, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City (about 3.5 hours) for your flight to the imperial capital of Hue. Upon arriving, be picked up and escorted to your hotel for the night.

Spend the day marveling at the legacy of the Nguyen dynasty, the last monarchy in Vietnamese history that was established in 1802 and abdicated in 1945. Within the Imperial Citadel, roam the palaces and pavilions to learn about the glorious past of the Nguyen Dynasty. Then explore the serene Thien Mu Pagoda and take a dragon boat along the picturesque Perfume River to visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, the resting place of the Nguyen dynasty's longest-reigning ruler.

The evening is at your disposal. For those who want a deeper understanding of the Vietnamese royal family and the Feng Shui elements of the imperial buildings, it is recommended to enjoy a home-hosted dinner at the garden home of Princess Ngoc Son.

This morning, set off on a 3-hour scenic drive along mountainous and coastal roads to Hoi An. At a quaint fishing village, explore a lagoon by boat to discover ancestral fishing techniques and have lunch at a local restaurant. You will then stop by Hai Van Pass for sweeping views of Da Nang City and the South China Sea.

In the late afternoon, check into your hotel in Hoi An and relax for the rest of today.

After breakfast, take a cycle ride to the center of Hoi An with your guide to visit a colorful market, where you will see the locals selling goods and bargaining. Communicate with them and learn about the fresh ingredients you may need during your cooking lesson later in the day. Move on to Tra Que vegetable village. After enjoying a welcome drink, walk through the vegetable gardens and explore what life is like for farmers in Vietnam's countryside. You will then learn to cook authentic Vietnamese dishes and enjoy what you've cooked as lunch. After the tour, return to Hoi An and enjoy this afternoon at your leisure.

As a UNESCO-inscribed ancient town, Hoi An preserves a rich history and culture of its fascinating past as a prosperous trading port. On this free day, you may like to wander the narrow streets, make a traditional bamboo lantern as a memorable souvenir to take home, or find a fine restaurant to try local delicacies and soak in the laid-back, relaxed atmosphere. If you prefer exploring some historical sites out of town, it is worth taking a trip to My Son Sanctuary.

Bid farewell to the idyllic Hoi An and travel onward by flight from Da Nang to Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam.

On arrival, be welcomed and start a half-day city tour. Visit the Stilt House, where Vietnam's former president Ho Chi Minh lived intermittently from 1958 to 1969. Then take a mesmerizing cyclo ride through the busy and chaotic Hanoi Old Quarter to browse those lively streets lined with various architecture of the 15th century. Finally, settle into your hotel for a restful sleep.

Take a drive to Halong Bay in the morning (approximately 3 hours). Upon arrival at the Hon Gai Pier, board a traditional junk boat and spend the afternoon cruising around Halong Bay's beautiful limestone islets. Besides the visual feast of seascape, You can kayak on the bay, learn Vietnamese cuisine in a cooking lesson, enjoy a sauna, or even join the others for squid fishing. Just enjoy!

For any visit to Halong bay, watching the sun hit the water would be a memorable moment. Get up early to catch the breathtaking sunrise and practice Tai Chi on the open deck. After a light breakfast, visit the Thien Canh Son Cave in the Bai Tu Long area of Halong Bay to explore beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

After brunch, the junk boat will arrive at the pier, where your private guide and driver will pick you up and escort you back to Hanoi. Enjoy your last night in Vietnam!

Pack up your happy memories and head to the airport for your flight home. Enjoy a safe journey back home!