Vietnam - Secret Wonders

Welcome to the vibrant metropolis of Ho Chi Minh, formerly known as Saigon, where the captivating blend of tradition and modernity sets the stage for an unforgettable journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may want to visit the War Remnants Museum to gain an introduction to the country’s history, explore the lively streets, or simply relax at the rooftop pool of your hotel, enjoying cocktails and epic views of the city’s skyscrapers. In the evening, get ready to meet your fellow travellers and head out for a dinner, providing the perfect opportunity to get acquainted.

Good Morning, Vietnam! Prepare for an exciting journey as we travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War. We’ll explore the historical significance of these tunnels and gain valuable insights into the challenging conditions and strategies employed by the Viet Cong. The adventurous souls will even have the opportunity to crawl through narrow passages. After lunch we’ll have some free time to relax or take a walk to nearby attractions such as Ben Thanh market and Nguyen Hue street. As the sun sets, get ready for an exciting Vespa street food adventure! Accompanied by our experienced motorbike drivers, we’ll spend our evening navigating through narrow alleyways and backstreets, uncovering the city’s best-kept culinary secrets. For those seeking to explore Ho Chi Minh City’s legendary nightlife after the tour, we’ll venture to its hotspots to spend a memorable night!  

Say goodbye to the lively atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City as we board a flight to Da Nang. From there, we’ll journey to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its charming and well-preserved old town. After a refreshing dip in the hotel’s pool, we’ll delve into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage with a guided walking tour. We’ll wander through the romantic, colorful lantern-lit streets and marvel at the unique blend of French, Chinese, and Japanese architectural influences that make Hoi An so special, while our guide shares fascinating stories about its past. We’ll also explore Hoi An’s ancient temples, each adding to the city’s enchanting atmosphere. As night falls, we’ll take a magical boat ride along the Thu Bồn River, drifting among glowing lanterns floating on the water  

This morning we’ll hop on our bicycles and venture to Hoi An’s serene countryside. We’ll explore the village’s fresh produce and herbs, learn how to row a traditional bamboo boat and traditional fishing techniques from locals. Interacting with the friendly villagers, we’ll fully embrace the authentic Vietnamese living. After lunch with a local family, we’ll return to the city and will have a few hours to relax, before reuniting with our group for a Vietnamese cooking class, held in a heritage building with a lovely courtyard. Led by a local chef, we’ll learn to cook three authentic dishes and enjoy together the delicious handmade dinner we’ve prepared.  

Today is all about enjoying Hoi An at your own pace. You might head to the nearby beaches to stretch out on the sand and take in the peaceful coastal vibes. Or dive deeper into the old town’s colorful streets, getting lost among vibrant markets, unique handicraft shops, and local art galleries. Don’t forget to stop by cozy cafés for a refreshing drink while you soak in the city’s timeless charm.  

After a lazy morning, we’ll bid farewell to our lovely Hoi An and begin our journey towards Hue. We’ll make several captivating stops, including the Marble Mountain, Non Nuoc Pagoda, and An Bang Cemetery, also known as the City of Ghosts. On our way, we’ll ride through the Hai Van Pass, a scenic hillside route offering epic views of the sea, considered one of the world’s most beautiful coastal roads. In the afternoon, get ready for a unique experience as we hop on a fishing boat to join local fishermen on the picturesque Tam Giang Lagoon. As we cruise along the serene waters, we’ll witness the sunset and discover traditional fishing villages that offer a glimpse into the local way of life. To conclude our tour, we’ll enjoy a fresh seafood dinner in cottages nestled by the lagoon.  

Today, get ready for a captivating guided tour as we set out to discover Hue’s rich history and cultural heritage. Our explorations will take us to the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, the Tu Duc tombs, and the Thien Mu Pagoda. We’ll venture to the unique Thuy Bieu eco-village situated at the banks of the Perfume River, known for its vast grapefruit gardens and authentic ancient houses. Cycling around the village, we’ll embrace the peaceful surroundings and enjoy a lunch with a local family. Later in the afternoon, we’ll have some free time to wander around the city’s markets, before embarking on a night train adventure to our next destination, Ninh Binh.  

We’ll wake up to the idyllic countryside as we approach Ninh Binh, known as the “Halong Bay on land.” Our local guide will greet us and take us to a local spot for an authentic breakfast, before taking us on a bamboo boat trip through the Trang An complex. We’ll drift through spectacular caves, tranquil waterways, and towering limestone formations, enjoying the serene setting of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Keep an eye out for the skilled boatmen who row with their feet! After some relaxation time, we’ll hop on bicycles and ride through rural landscapes, past rice fields and limestone karsts. Our day concludes with a climb of 500 steps to the Mua Cave, where a panoramic view of the vast Lying Dragon and the surrounding nature awaits. In the evening, we’ll relax at our charming homestay, offering scenic views and a refreshing pool.  

This morning, we set off for Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of nature. The scenic drive will take us through picturesque landscapes, rice fields, and quaint villages. Later in the afternoon, we’ll embark on a short trek to a local village, marvelling at the rural scenery. Our day will culminate with a traditional bamboo rafting experience on the river. We’ll spend our evening at our charming homestay, where a local family will prepare delicious food for us to enjoy while we admire the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and share memorable moments with our group.  

We’ll wake up to the serene beauty of Pu Luong and start our day with a dip in the pool overlooking the rice fields. After bidding farewell to our hosts, we’ll set off on a trek to dive deeper into the nature reserve. We’ll explore hidden trails, encounter local communities, and witness traditional ways of life. Along the way, we’ll have the opportunity to plunge into a refreshing waterfall. In the afternoon, we’ll reach Hieu village, a remote Thai ethnic village situated in a lush jungle valley. Prepare for an unique experience as we settle in our authentic homestay, where our local family has prepared for us our very own house on stilts. We’ll spend the evening at our homestay, enjoying home-made food and the tranquillity of this untouched destination.  

This morning we’ll take some time to relax, stroll around the village, or take another dip in the waterfall. After lunch at our homestay, we’ll bid farewell to the tranquil countryside and make our way to Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam. As we step into the city, be prepared to embark on a sensory journey like no other. The constant hum of motorbikes, honking horns, and animated conversations all come together to create a vibrant symphony, while the aroma of steaming bowls of pho and sizzling street food fills the air. We’ll wander through the Old Quarter, visit the famous Train Street, and venture to Ta Hien Corner—a vibrant hub of local food, drinks, and entertainment in the heart of Hanoi, highly popular among both locals and tourists.  

Today, we’ll bid farewell to the mainland and set sail on a wooden boutique boat for a cruise on Bai Tu Long Bay, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adjacent to the famous Halong Bay, this spectacular location offers a real off-the-beaten-track experience, still preserved from mass tourism. After a lunch on board, we’ll embark on kayaking adventures amidst the karst formations, hidden caves, and secluded lagoons. As the day unfolds, we’ll enjoy the sunset cocktails while our cruise sails towards the overnight anchorage. After dinner we’ll spend a relaxing evening with Vietnamese board games, try our luck in squid fishing, or simply admire the beautiful night on the bay.  

We’ll start our day with a Tai Chi routine on the sundeck or enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the breathtaking morning views of the bay’s landscape. Get ready for an adventurous morning as we climb to the hidden Thien Canh Son Cave—the natural masterpiece of stalactites and stalagmites that create unique rock formations. After a cooking demonstration by the crew members and a lunch on board, we’ll make our way back to Hanoi. We’ll take some time to relax by the hotel’s rooftop pool or explore the streets of the Old Quarter. Then it’s time for a farewell night with our group. We’ll gather on the rooftop of our hotel to start the evening, sipping sunset drinks and cherishing the unforgettable memories created and the friendships made!  

The time has come to bid farewell to your newfound friends and conclude our unforgettable journey! If you have some time before your flight, you can start by relaxing at the rooftop pool, then head out to explore the city at your own pace. Take a stroll through the French Quarter, stop by the Temple of Literature, relax at a spa or, go souvenir shopping. Our tour coordinator will be there to assist you in arranging a transfer to the airport or your next destination.  

Our handpicked accommodations are chosen to truly enhance your experience. Every accommodation is personally tested and loved by our founders, so you can rest assured you’re in the best hands. Below, you’ll find a selection of our favorite accommodations on this trip. We work closely with these or similar options to ensure every stay feels exceptional.