Day 1: Hanoi (D)
Welcome to Hanoi! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you'll be
greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel in the atmospheric
Old Quarter near Hoan Kiem Lake. After settling in, take some time to relax and
refresh. In the late afternoon, embark on a cyclo ride through the bustling 36
streets of the Old Quarter. Explore the maze of narrow streets and alleys lined
with historical colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and local street
vendors. Experience the lively atmosphere filled with the sounds of motorbikes,
the aroma of street food, and the colorful sights of daily life. Enjoy a
welcome dinner at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi – City Tour (B, L)
After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, begin your day with a leisurely walk
around Hoan Kiem Lake. Observe locals practicing tai chi and engaging in
morning exercises, offering a glimpse into the daily rhythms of Hanoi. Cross
the iconic red Sunbeam Bridge to visit Ngoc Son Temple, perched on a small
island and dedicated to the national hero, General Tran Hung Dao. Continue to
Ba Dinh Square, the political heart of Vietnam, where you will discover the
life and legacy of Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum. Explore the surrounding
historical buildings, including the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh
Museum. Visit the serene One-Pillar Pagoda, a unique structure symbolizing
purity and resilience. Proceed to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first
university, dedicated to Confucius, and admire its classical architecture and
tranquil gardens. After a delicious lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the
vibrant Old Quarter or visit the bustling Dong Xuan Market with your guide, where
you can shop for local goods and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay (B, L, D)
Enjoy breakfast before departing Hanoi for Ha Long Bay by private shuttle bus.
Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Ferry Terminal, board your comfortable cruise ship
and set sail through the stunning limestone karsts that emerge dramatically
from the emerald waters. Marvel at the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO
World Heritage site known for its thousands of limestone islands and islets.
Savor an international buffet lunch onboard while cruising through the
picturesque Con Vit islets. Participate in a sampan rowing excursion to explore
the mysterious Dark and Light Caves, and enjoy swimming and sunbathing at Tra
Bau Beach. Return to the cruise ship to witness a breathtaking sunset over the
Gulf of Tonkin. In the evening, engage in a traditional Vietnamese cooking
class led by our expert chef, followed by a sumptuous dinner onboard. Overnight
on the cruise amidst the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay.
Day 4: Ha Long Bay – Nam Dinh (Brunch, D)
Rise early to witness the serene sunrise over Ha Long Bay and join an
invigorating tai chi session on the sundeck. After a light breakfast, continue
cruising through the scenic Thoi Quyt area and Gia Luan, part of the expansive
Cat Ba National Park. Disembark for a guided tour of Trung Trang Cave, located
deep within the lush Kim Giao Forest. Explore the cave's impressive stalactites
and stalagmites, and learn about the geological formations that make Ha Long
Bay so unique. Return to the cruise for a hearty brunch before heading back to
the mainland. Transfer to Nam Dinh, with a brief transit stop in Hanoi. In the
afternoon, visit Co Chat Village in Phuong Dinh Commune, renowned for its
traditional sericulture and silk weaving practices. Discover the intricate
process of silk production and witness local artisans at work. Stroll through
the village to appreciate its rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship.
Overnight in Nam Dinh.
Day 5: Nam Dinh (B, L)
After breakfast, embark on a full-day exploration of Hai Hau, a picturesque
village known for its Catholic churches, wooden handicraft workshops, and
vibrant fishing communities. Visit Hai Ly Church in Hai Chinh Village, an
architectural gem blending European and Vietnamese styles. Experience a
hands-on demonstration of traditional mesh-making techniques in the fishing
village, where locals create intricate nets essential for their livelihood.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at Hai Hau Eco Host, featuring local delicacies. In the
afternoon, cycle through the scenic village to visit Pham Phao Cathedral and a
traditional brass trumpet-making workshop, where you can observe artisans
crafting musical instruments by hand. Explore the ancient Chua Luong
Tile-Roofed Bridge, built in the 16th century, and marvel at its unique
architecture and historical significance. Learn about the local customs and
ancestral worship practices that continue to shape the community's cultural
identity. Overnight in Nam Dinh.
Day 6: Nam Dinh – Hanoi/Can Tho – Cai Be (B, D)
After breakfast, take some time to explore Nam Dinh's old quarter, where
traditional Vietnamese architecture and modern developments coexist
harmoniously. Visit local landmarks, bustling markets, and perhaps enjoy a cup
of coffee at a charming local café. Transfer to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi for
your domestic flight to Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta. Upon
arrival in Can Tho, meet your local driver who will assist you with your
transfer to Cai Be, a quaint town known for its traditional floating markets
and lush river landscapes. Check in to your accommodation, enjoy dinner, and
relax amidst the serene surroundings of Cai Be. Overnight in Cai Be.
Day 7: Cai Be (B, L)
Begin your day with a visit to Dong Hoa Hiep Village, a historic area
established in 1732 by Lord Nguyễn Phúc Chu to control river traffic. Explore
the traditional houses and learn about the village's strategic importance in
regional trade and governance. Board a sampan to navigate the narrow canals,
observing daily life along the waterways—from bustling floating markets to
tranquil riverbanks. Visit ancient houses, including the renowned Ba Kiet
House, and witness traditional pop rice making techniques that have been passed
down through generations. After a delightful lunch at Le Longanier Restaurant,
return to your resort for some relaxation. In the afternoon, bike through the
alleys to visit ancient residences, such as Bà Kiệt’s house, and explore a
local pop rice factory where traditional methods are still in use. Immerse
yourself in the local culture and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Cai Be.
Overnight in Cai Be.
Day 8: Cai Be – Can Tho (B, L, D)
After breakfast and checking out, board a river cruise from Cai Be and set sail
towards Cho Lach on the Tien Giang River. Enjoy a scenic lunch onboard as you
cruise through the vibrant waterways of the Mekong Delta. In the afternoon,
disembark for a visit to a local village, where you can explore expansive rice
fields, fruit orchards, and interact with friendly inhabitants. Optional short
cycling tours are available to further explore the surrounding countryside,
offering stunning views of the lush landscapes and glimpses into rural
Vietnamese life. Return to the boat for a relaxing sunset over the Mang Thit
River, followed by a delicious dinner as you cruise along the tranquil waters.
Anchor just downstream from Tra On for the night, enjoying the serene
environment of the delta. Overnight on board the cruise.
Day 9: Can Tho – Phu Quoc (B)
Set sail early in the morning towards Can Tho, enjoying a hearty breakfast
onboard. Upon arrival, transfer to a local boat to visit the bustling Cai Rang
Floating Market, one of the largest and most vibrant in the Mekong Delta.
Witness the lively trade of fresh produce, seafood, and handmade goods from
boats lining the waterways. Next, visit a bamboo basket workshop to observe the
intricate craftsmanship involved in creating traditional Vietnamese baskets.
Disembark at Ninh Kieu Pier in Can Tho by mid-morning, where you'll meet your
driver for the transfer to Can Tho Airport. Fly to Phu Quoc Island, known for
its pristine beaches, clear waters, and lush tropical landscapes. Upon arrival,
take the resort's shuttle bus to your hotel, check in, and enjoy the rest of
the day at leisure. Relax on the stunning beaches, take a dip in the warm
waters, or explore the island's natural beauty. Overnight in Phu Quoc.
Day 10: Phu Quoc (B)
Enjoy a full day of leisure on the beautiful beaches of Phu Quoc Island.
Whether you choose to relax under the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or
explore the island's diverse marine life through snorkeling or diving, there's
something for everyone. Alternatively, you can take a guided tour to visit
local attractions such as the Phu Quoc National Park, pepper plantations, or
the historic Ham Ninh Fishing Village. Indulge in delicious seafood at a
beachfront restaurant and experience the island's laid-back charm. Overnight in
Phu Quoc.
Day 11: Phu Quoc (B)
Another day to unwind and enjoy the tropical paradise of Phu Quoc. Optionally,
engage in water sports like kayaking, jet skiing, or paddleboarding. Visit the
Vinpearl Safari, home to a wide variety of animals in a naturalistic setting,
or explore the island's waterfalls and secluded beaches. For those interested
in local culture, take a tour to visit traditional fishing villages and pearl
farms. Savor fresh seafood at a local eatery and immerse yourself in the
island's serene environment. Overnight in Phu Quoc.
Day 12: Phu Quoc – Ho Chi Minh City (B, D)
After breakfast, enjoy some free time to soak up the sun or explore any
remaining sights on Phu Quoc Island. When it's time to depart, transfer to Phu
Quoc Airport via the resort's shuttle bus for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival, meet your local driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the
vibrant city center. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and prepare for
the next day's exploration of Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City – Full-Day Tour (B, L, D)
Start your day with an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive network of
underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War.
Experience a short walk through the narrow passages to gain insight into the
harsh conditions and ingenious strategies employed during the war. Reflect on
the resilience and determination of the Vietnamese people who endured and
overcame immense challenges. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch. In the
afternoon, tour the city's iconic landmarks, including the Notre Dame
Cathedral, the Saigon Opera House, and the bustling Ben Thanh Market. Explore
the cultural alleys of Ho Chi Minh City, where traditional shops and modern
cafes coexist. In the evening, celebrate the end of your journey with a
farewell dinner aboard the Saigon Princess Cruise, enjoying stunning views of
the Saigon River and the city skyline. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City – Departure (B)
After a final breakfast in Vietnam, enjoy free time to do some last-minute
shopping, visit a local café, or simply relax at your hotel. When it's time to
depart, transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your international
flight back home or to your next destination, taking with you unforgettable
memories of your Timeless Vietnam journey.