Dreams of Nature

Breakfast - Lunch
This day tour is our first introduction to the history of Vietnam. We spend the morning visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and learn more about the historical and cultural events at the peaceful Temple of Literature. In the afternoon, we visit the Ethnologic museum.

Today you will have Pho for lunch, a Vietnamese noodle soup. Some of the local people call this world-famous noodle soup “Mac-Noodles”, since it is as popular here as Mac Donalds is in other parts of the world!  At the restaurant, your tour guide will explain the routine during Vietnamese meal times, and tell you which special ingredients are needed for you.

Next is Hoa Lo (so-called Hanoi Hilton) and embark on a fun cycle (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi) ride through the French colonial architecture of the precinct, known as the French Quarter, past the French-style villas, the Vietnam History Museum, the heritage Metropole Legend Hotel and the Opera House, only to name a few.

Finish the day with a walking tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter (in contrast to the French Quarter). You’ll discover the street food scenes in Hanoi. You’ll see every a few metres another street food stall. Your guide will talk you through the ingredients and the different herbs of each dish, while you are sitting on tiny plastic stools in a back alley. Typical delicious dishes are Nom Du Du (green papaya salad), Banh Mi Pa Te (a sandwich that reflects Vietnam’s culinary heritage), and the famous Hanoi dish Bun Cha (grilled pork and noodles).

Enjoy a cup of egg coffee at Pho Co Café with a stunning view of Hoan Kiem Lake and the surroundings.

Overnight in Hanoi

We leave Hanoi and go to Ha Long Bay, listed as a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. “Dragon descending to the sea“ as it is known in Vietnamese, the picturesque Ha Long bay has more than 1.000 limestone islets rising from the sea, many of them containing beautiful grottoes.

Upon arrival at Ha Long Bay, we embark on a boat trip to cruise and discover this magnificent UNESCO World Wonder. This is a great journey among surreal islands rising from a peaceful emerald sea. You will visit several top locations.

Visits:
– One of the most stunning caves of Halong Bay
– Stop at a beautiful beach and take a refreshing swim or sunbathe on the sundeck; take a short trek to the nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay.

Back on board of the junk, you will watch the sunset and you will be served a sumptuous dinner, with cocktails available for purchase at the bar. You will spend the night on board of the junk, in a cabin with an ensuite bathroom.

Notes: The program may differ slightly based on the junk cruise’s itinerary. An extra night can be added to the program. If your time is flexible, we highly recommend it.

Breakfast - Lunch
Early morning coffee and tea will be served on the sundeck, followed by a Tai Chi class. After breakfast, we take a Sampan boat or a kayak to explore the bay. We may have a chance to see the wild monkeys that gather around waiting for food from the tourists. Afterwards, we continue our cruise along the bay. On our way back to the docks, lunch is served on the boat, then we transfer to Noi Bai airport for a short flight to Hue. On the way, stop over for Dinh Bang Village in Bac Ninh Province to visit the Do temple. This temple was built during the Le Dynasty and has been altered several times from that date. The major reconstruction took place under the reign of Le Trung Hung in the 17th century.

Overnight in Hue

Breakfast - Lunch
After breakfast, we gather again with your private guide and driver in the hotel lobby.

Your day starts with a short visit to Thanh Toan Village where we can see the lively morning market. This is where the locals come to buy their daily food. Nearby is the 300-year-old Thanh Toan bridge and a Cultural Museum which you can visit and talk to the locals.

We go further to the Hue Royal Complex, former home to the Nguyen Dynasty, the last Monarchy of Vietnam from 1802 – 1945. You will explore the ancient and atmospheric walled Citadel, which contains the former Imperial Palace and the Forbidden Purple City.

Wind your way to visit Cat Tuong Quan Zen House. It’s a perfect combination of architecture, culture and people. Here we have a chance to learn about the Hue culture, experience Qigong and do meditation.

In the afternoon, you will visit the final resting place:  the so-called King tomb of Tu Duc.  Then we cruise on the Perfume River to see the Old Thien Mu Pagoda. On your way back to town, you will visit a local workshop where you can see how people make incense sticks and traditional conical hats. If time permits, we will explore Dong Ba market, running along the north bank of Huong (Perfume) River.

Overnight in Hue

Breakfast - Lunch
We cross the spectacular Hai Van Pass and pass Lang Co beach to reach Da Nang city. Here we see the best Cham Museum in Vietnam and take a short break at Marble Mountain. We continue towards Hoi An, an ancient town of meandering narrow streets dating back to the 16th century. An afternoon tour takes us to the Japanese Bridge, the Phuoc Kien Pagoda, the ancient house Tran Phu and the Hoi an Museum (Sa Huynh museum or Ceramic museum). Enjoy shopping for tailor made clothing, lanterns, shoes and food, or simply relax on the beach.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Breakfast - Lunch
Today we visit My Son Holy land. Located 70 km Southwest of Da Nang, My Son was the capital of the once mighty Champa Kingdom. It boasts a complex of ancient ruins which date back 1,700 years ago. This is the most complete example of ancient Champa ruins in Vietnam.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Breakfast
This morning, we transfer from the Hoi An Ancient Town to Da Nang Airport for a flight to Nha Trang. The remaining time of today is free to enjoy swimming or relaxing at one of Asia’s most beautiful beaches.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Breakfast – Lunch
This morning, you will leave to the docks and you embark a boat cruise around Nha Trang Bay: you have the opportunity to snorkel and swim. During this trip, you will also stop at a local fishing village. From here you will go for a walk, meet the locals and learn about their local life. You will also stop at the Aquarium to see the tropical sea creatures, followed by a lunch on Tre Island before your boat brings you back to the docks.

Upon arrival at your hotel, the rest of the day will be free to explore at your leisure.

Overnight in Nha Trang

Breakfast - Lunch
This morning, we transfer to the airport for our onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. It is the largest city in Vietnam and is located near the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, you will be met by your private guide and driver and taken to the hotel (Rooms are usually available after mid-day).

Later we visit the controversial War Remnants Museum – Historically this war museum, as part of the Vietnam and World Peace museums system, has its origin on Sep 4 1975 at 28 Vo Van Tan street, district 3, HCMC. We see the Rex Hotel, the City Hall, the Opera House, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Post office, built between 1877 and 1883. These are excellent examples of classic French colonial architecture. End your day at the Jade Emperor Pagoda before returning to your hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Breakfast - Lunch
8.30 we start the trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Vietnam's rice basket, the Mekong Delta. We will pass through idyllic, rural scenes before we arrive at My Tho, a peaceful town on the banks of the Mekong River, where we will visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda. Next we will have a boat ride on the Mekong, visit local homes and orchards, a coconut candy workshop, a honeybee farm, take a sampan ride on palm-shaded creeks, try a taste of seasonal fruit and honey tea and enjoy a performance of traditional Southern singing. We return to Ho Chi Minh City. The rest of the day is yours to explore and take it easy. You can visit the night market to discover the authentic local cuisine.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Breakfast
Free time until you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.