Rise and shine, sleepyheads! At 8.15am, meet with the tour group for a briefing before diving into a tour of Hanoi. We’ll visit the grounds of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and view the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh in its glass case. Wander through the park to the Presidential Palace, then stop by Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the leader’s historic private residence which still stands just as it did over 50 years ago.
In the afternoon, let’s dive deep into culture at the Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university. Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, then venture across the Huc Bridge for a visit to the 18th-century Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
At night, we’ll meet for drinks to see where the night takes us, or you can check out the pillows for a well-deserved snooze.
#historynerdsunite
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours
Get your sea legs ready – at 8am we’ll meet with our trusty guide and hit the road to Ha Long Bay. Once we reach Tuan Chau Marina, it’s time to set sail! After meeting the captain and crew, sit down for a cuppa as we cruise through those breathtaking emerald waters. Gaze out at hundreds of little islands at lunch before anchoring later this evening for a night spent floating between the limestone peaks – seriously, it’s paradise.
#sailawaytoparadise
Travel time: Driving – approx. 2.5 hours
Luxury cruise in Ha Long Bay
Wake up with the sun and sip on a tea or coffee on the expansive sundeck while soaking in the views. Embrace the zen with a tranquil tai chi class before spending the morning cruising between the stunning cliffs. Disembark later this morning, it’s back to Hanoi and then off to the Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) for an internal flight to Da Nang International Airport (DAD).
We’ll be transferred to Hoi An, an amazing place for tailor-made custom clothing – so bring your favourite clothes to have them tailored while we’re there. The night is yours to relax, or come along with Fi to karaoke and test your pipes!
#karaokequeens
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours / Flight – approx. 90 minutes
Put on your walking shoes and get amongst it! Today we’re hitting the streets of Hoi An, starting with the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, first constructed in the 16th century. Get lost in the charm of this ancient town as we explore ornate temples and ancient buildings. Discover the Chinese- and Japanese-influenced architecture of the Tran Family Chapel, a 200-year-old ancestral hall. Then we’ll stop at the traditional Fujian Assembly Hall, constructed in the 17th century and later repurposed as a temple for worshipping Thien Hau, a Chinese sea goddess.
But wait, there’s more! We’ll dive into Hoi An’s food scene and explore its ancient alleyways, taking in the sights and sounds with expert commentary from our guide.
As the sun sets, we’ll enjoy some delicious cocktails as we work our way through four hidden Old Town spots – drinks are on Fi! We’ll have an experienced host take us on our cocktail journey while listening to stories about Hoi An, with one unique cocktail included at each secret location paired with simple snacks.
#educationalbevvies
Secret cocktail tour of Hoi An
Let’s get this day rolling – literally! At 8.30am, it’s time to test our legs by biking to the colourful market for some fresh ingredients. For all the Insta fiends, snap some scenic pics before we pedal to Tra Que Vegetable Village for a garden tour before we get hands-on during a cooking class with a chef. Once we’ve cooked up a storm and feasted on our creations, it’s time for a little pampering – a two-hour spa treatment awaits back at the hotel.
The night is yours to spend as you wish.
#sweatandspa
Countryside biking and cooking class
It’s time to say hooroo to Hoi An, today we’ll transfer back to Da Nang International Airport (DAD) for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City, historically known as Saigon.
Once we land, prepare to soak in the city’s history with visits to the War Remnants Museum, the soaring Notre Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh City Opera House and City Hall. Gaze upon the intricate detail of Saigon Central Post Office, then learn about the history of the Reunification Palace, where a convoy of tanks broke through in 1975.
At night, you’ll have the option of joining an adventure with Fi or letting your head hit the pillow in preparation for tomorrow.
#saigonshenanigans
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours / Flight – approx. 90 minutes
Get ready for a Mekong adventure! We’ll meet our guide and hop on a motorboat to cruise its scenic waterways. Venture into the lush countryside with a stop at a local coconut plantation to see how this fruit is harvested. Then, cycle to a local farm where we’ll learn how to make green grass jelly – a refreshing herbal dessert popular for its cooling properties in Vietnam’s tropical heat.
Lunch is with a local family, where we can share stories together before checking out how brooms are crafted from the shells of coconuts during a workshop.
To wrap up the day, we’ll head back to Ho Chi Minh City for a farewell dinner at the Saigon Bar at Caravelle – the views are to die for!
#goodbyeandgoodcocktails
Mekong Delta cruise and local workshops
Well, it’s time to say one final TOOT TOOT and goodbye to your Vietnam adventure. After breakfast, a transfer will bring you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) for your flight back to the motherland. What a trip!