Flavours of Vietnam

Itinerary

Day 1 Hanoi, Vietnam

After transferring from the airport to our hotel, well meet the group and get to know each other in lively Hanoi a city brimming with busy street food stalls, picturesque pagodas and well-preserved colonial buildings. Tonight, well sample our first taste of Vietnamese cuisine at KOTO restaurant, a social enterprise that gives disadvantaged young people the chance to learn new skills.

Day 2 Hanoi

After a refreshing breakfast at the hotel, well set off for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where well discover more about the man who led the movement for Vietnamese independence. Next, well take a stroll through Hanois bustling streets and visit the Temple of Literature to soak up some of Vietnams unique ancient history. The afternoon will see us embark on a cyclo tour through Hanois Old Quarter, where well learn more about the areas French colonial architecture. Finally, after a busy day of sightseeing well stop in at the home of the citys last remaining mask-making family, where well gain an insight into how traditional papier-mch masks are made.

Day 3 Hanoi – Halong Bay

After breakfast, our transfer will take us to a World Heritage Site thats widely regarded as the jewel in Vietnams crown: the beautiful Halong Bay. Here, well take to the emerald waters in a traditional junk boat and set off to explore the areas famous limestone islets and fascinating grottoes. This evening will be yours to spend reclining on a comfy chair, clinking glasses with the group or watching the twinkling stars from the sun deck.
*Please note: Our exact cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on season and weather conditions.

Day 4 Halong Bay – Hanoi – Danang – Hoi An

Well tuck into tea, coffee and pastries on board the boat before cruising back to Halong City this morning. Upon arrival, well disembark and transfer to the airport, where well begin our journey to historic Hoi An.

Day 5 Hoi An

This morning well get acquainted with Hoi Ans atmospheric Old Town on a guided tour of historic houses, museums and assembly halls not to mention the famous Japanese Covered Bridge. After an included lunch, the afternoon will be yours to spend strolling past the areas tailor shops, artwork-filled stores and aromatic tea warehouses. Tonight, why not enjoy some incredible sunset views over Cua Dai Bridge before heading out into the beautiful paper lantern-lit streets to sample some of the delicious local fare?

Day 6 Hoi An

After this mornings breakfast, well have the opportunity to channel our inner creatives with a silk lantern making workshop. This traditional craft not only adds a wonderful touch of colour to the streets of Hoi An, but its also a practice said to bring luck, happiness and wealth to the family home. After returning to the hotel, youll have the afternoon to spend at your leisure. Tonight, the choice is yours: sample a selection of Hoi Ans specialty dishes at a local restaurant, or simply spend the evening sipping on glasses of crisp wine overlooking the Thu Bon River.

Day 7 Hoi An – Hue

Well awaken our senses with a Vietnamese coffee before we depart Hoi An and move on to our next stop: the imperial city of Hue. Despite having the majority of its ancient architecture destroyed in the American War, this city still resonates with imperial glory at every turn. After lunch, the afternoon will be yours to dive into the illustrious history of the region. Our suggestion for tonight: take some time to hunt down a steaming bowl of Bun Bo Hue at a local haunt.

Day 8 Hue

Today we have an appointment with Hues Imperial City. A citadel-inside-a-citadel, this enormous complex on the banks of the Perfume River once housed the emperors residence, palace and temples within its six-metre-high walls. After taking in the sights of what remains of the ancient city, well visit a historic garden house for a delicious lunch. Youll have some well-deserved time to relax this evening back out our accommodation.

Day 9 Hue – Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, well head to the airport for our flight to the incomparable Ho Chi Minh City. After touching down and dropping off our bags at our hotel, well acquaint ourselves with this pulsating city on a walking tour of the main sights. Be swept up in the swirl of energy as we visit the Central Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Reunification Palace passing incense-filled temples, aromatic street stalls and chic designer malls as we go. Tonight, the evening will be yours to enjoy some contemporary Vietnamese cuisine at your choice of local restaurants.

Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City

First today: well make an early departure for the province of Ben Tre, where well swap the hustle and bustle of the city for a scenic cruise through the Mekong Delta an area thats known as the Rice Basket of Vietnam due to its rich and fertile soil. Well arrive back in Ho Chi Minh City in time to hit the streets and sample more tantalising food stall delights. Why not wrap your tastebuds around some sizzling banh xeo or the full flavours of a bowl of bun mam before returning to the hotel?

Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi – Ho Chi Minh City

Today well set off on a day trip to the labyrinthine Cu Chi Tunnels: a strategic operation base during the Vietnam War that housed kilometre upon kilometre of secret trap doors, weapon factories, living areas and hospitals. After venturing back out into the daylight, well gather for lunch at a remote organic farm in Cu Chi. Then: well put our palates to the test at a craft beer tasting session back in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City

After one last breakfast with the group, our tour will come to a close.