Taste of Vietnam 10 days
Hanoi, Ha Long bay, Hoian, Hue, Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta
Tour code: VHTOV10D
- Private tour with English/French/German speaking guide
- Tour Operates: Year around / On demand
- Tour Price: Available on request
Day 1: Hanoi arrival (-/-/D)
Upon arrival your guide will greet you and transfer by private car through the city to your hotel for check-in.
Hosted dinner at a local house.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi Street Eats (B/-/D)
After breakfast at hotel, head out to visit:
Fine Arts Museum
Women’s museum
Army Museum
In the afternoon, you will take a walking tour of the City to discover the unique flavors of the Vietnamese cuisine. This will give you the chance to encounter Hanoi’s local specialties such as Bun Cha & Cha Ca. Begin your tour at a local Hanoian Market to see the wide range of beautiful produce available. You then will proceed into the old quarters to sample the different types of cuisine before concluding the tour into the nightlife.
Close your day by attending a wonderful performance of Water Puppet Show
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi - Halong (B/L/D)
Today we transfer to Ha Long Bay for a luxury overnight cruise in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You have lunch with fresh seafood, attend a cooking demo and food-carving class on board while observing the stunning surrounding landscapes in magnificent Halong Bay.
Overnight on board.
Day 4: Halong - Danang - Hoian (Brunch/-)
Spend the morning continue cruising on the bay. After brunch, we will leave the cruise and then transferred to Noi Bai airport for flight to Danang. Arrival in Hoi An.
Overnight in Hoi An
Day 5: Hoi An Walking & Cooking Class Tour (B/L/-)
This morning we head to the market. The Chef will lead us to the market and explain about herbs and spices used in local cuisine. We attend after that a cooking class to learn to prepare some special local dishes.
Lunch with foods prepared by ourselves. Transfer back to town for a walking tour with Phuc Kien Assembly Hall of the former Fukienese community, the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Tan Ky ancient house.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 6: Hoi An - Hue (B/-/D)
This morning leaves Hoi An for Hue for the 3-hours drive to Hue. The scenic route passes through Danang where you will visit the Cham museum that has collected and exhibited the finest collection of Cham statues and works of art. After your visit, continue the drive over the Pass of Ocean Clouds and dropping down to the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co.
No culinary tour of Vietnam would be complete without a visit to Hue. Regarded as the best in the country, the ‘royal cuisine’ of Hue originated with in the days of the Nguyen Dynasty, when the rulers were served lavish meals with contains specific culinary demands. Although the emphasis today is on presentation, the delicious flavors of the royal cuisine continue to tempt modern palettes.
In the afternoon, pick up from hotel by cyclo and head to Dai Noi ‘Old City’ to Tinh Tam Lake where the Emperors used to come to relax; full of lotus flowers in summer there are many local style coffee shops around the lake where university students come to study. Continue by cyclo to Tay Loc Market which is located in the northwest part dai noi. This market is mostly for locals and is rarely visited by tourists.
From here transfer by vehicle to the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. The ancient citadel reflects the pomp and ceremony of the dynastic rulers as well as the scars of many years of turmoil, both ancient and modern (the Royal Citadel was badly damaged in the latter stages of the war) but retains a sense of grace and majesty even today.
Dine tonight at the private ‘garden house’ known locally as ‘nha vuon’ of one Hue's most famous architects. This traditional style house, which is set in a large and attractive formal garden has connections with the ancient Hue Royal Imperial Court. The traditional architecture has long been associated with the natural environment and the ancient belief of ‘feng-shui’. On arrival you’ll be greeted in the foyer of this magnificent house with a traditional Vietnamese welcome. The lady of the house will personally prepare an extraordinary Vietnamese meal which is served privately in the traditional manner in the private gardens of her home.
Overnight in Hue
Day 7: Hue (B/L/-)
Morning to visit Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River; constructed in 1601 the 21-meter tall tower is the centerpiece of the pagoda and represents seven reincarnations of Buddha. In the grounds of the pagoda is the Austin car made famous when in 1963, a resident monk drove the vehicle to what was then Saigon to protest against the southern regime, the photo of his self immortalization was captured and was one of the most well known images of the war. Continuing to visit the tomb of the former emperor Minh Mang which is located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds
For lunch try some Hue specialty food at Huynh Anh Kim Long. Frequented only by the locals and serving banh uot, a steamed rice pancake stuffed with delicate, finely chopped pork and bun thi nuong which is a rice noodle dish served with grilled meat.
Afternoon, proceeding to the Bao La Village on the road to Thanh Toan bridge, Bao La Village is a 500 year old bamboo weaving village where local people are very proud of their quality handicraft products. Bao La villagers work hard to meet the demands of foreign and domestic market and are proud of their dexterity, creativity and passionate expressions. They possess a high degree of specialization in production process liked material treatment, bamboo bases, bamboo rims, finishing touches and decorative details.
Built two centuries ago the covered bridge of Thanh Toan is unique in that only two exist in Vietnam (the other being in Hoi An). Built as a tribute to the villagers by the wife of a high ranking Mandarin, the bridge has survived storms, floods and wars however after it was damaged, the villagers always contributed to repair, renovate and preserve it. Next to the bridge is the local village morning market which can be explored if you desire.
After visiting Thanh Toan it’s an hour’s drive north to the 500-year-old village of Phuoc Tich. Once famous and prosperous because of its pottery, the village has dozens of homes that are from 100 to 200 years old and several old temples, pagodas, worship halls and communal houses still remain. Many imprints of Champa and ancient Viet cultures are still preserved such as lingas (a very complex symbol of Hinduism). The religious culture of the village is seen via families, which have their own ancestor worship halls, each worshiping five direct generations.
At the end of the afternoon head back to your hotel. Evening at leisure.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 8: Hue – Ho Chi Minh (B/-/D)
After a morning at your leisure, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival, your guide and private car will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.
Experience the night life of Ho Chi Minh City (referred locally by its old name Saigon) the way locals do, all from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. Stops include a traditional quan where locals congregate for their evening meal with friends and family for a sampling of street food, and a Vietnamese-style coffee shop, wrap up the evening at one of the city’s predominantly local clubs where excellent live acoustic music is played.
The tour begins at 18:00 with a pick up at your hotel before hitting the buzzing streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Tonight offers a chance to experience the nightlife of local Saigonese from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. The city comes alive at sundown and people congregate on sidewalks, parks and all over the city at the end of each day. The first stop on your culinary exploration will be to sample some light evening snacks. Continue to a traditional quan (bia hoi) for dinner and drinks, to sample Saigon's best authentic street food. An evening out in Ho Chi Minh City is not complete without a visit to a Vietnamese-style coffee shop. Wrap up the evening at one of the many local clubs, where the new generation of Vietnamese unwind and flaunt their unique style. The night adventure finishes at 22:00 when we transfer you back to hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Notes:
+ It is part street food tour; all food and drinks are includes in the price, so you shouldn’t have dinner before the tour (to be hungry and thirsty!!)
+ All clients sit on the back of Vespa’s to travel from place to place
+ Guides are from Vespa’s Team who ride the Vespa’s
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta (B/L/D)
Today we drive to the Mekong Delta. On arrival in Cai Be town in noon, we enjoy a boat trip to visit Cai Be floating market, this whole sale market of agricutural products. Along the way we stop at small handicraft and candy factories. We cruise our private boat through an intricate and bustling maze of waterways and canals. Lunch with the popular “Elephant Ear Fish” and “Green Claw Shrimp” at the home of a local Bonsai gardener before further exploring the delta. We get to our homestay in the afternoon and then go for a stroll around the village, learning more about charming rural life in South Vietnam. Prepare an authentic family dinner and then enjoy the meal with a local family. Overnight at homestay
Day 10: Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh – Departure (B/L)
After breakfast with the friendly hosts, we take the boat to the whafl. On the way to the whafl, we will visit a nusery garden, enjoy fresh tropical fruites from garden and then see a ceramic workshop. On arrival in Vinh Long city, we drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Free until be transferred to airport for our next flight.
Upon arrival your guide will greet you and transfer by private car through the city to your hotel for check-in.
Hosted dinner at a local house.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi Street Eats (B/-/D)
After breakfast at hotel, head out to visit:
Fine Arts Museum
Women’s museum
Army Museum
In the afternoon, you will take a walking tour of the City to discover the unique flavors of the Vietnamese cuisine. This will give you the chance to encounter Hanoi’s local specialties such as Bun Cha & Cha Ca. Begin your tour at a local Hanoian Market to see the wide range of beautiful produce available. You then will proceed into the old quarters to sample the different types of cuisine before concluding the tour into the nightlife.
Close your day by attending a wonderful performance of Water Puppet Show
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi - Halong (B/L/D)
Today we transfer to Ha Long Bay for a luxury overnight cruise in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You have lunch with fresh seafood, attend a cooking demo and food-carving class on board while observing the stunning surrounding landscapes in magnificent Halong Bay.
Overnight on board.
Day 4: Halong - Danang - Hoian (Brunch/-)
Spend the morning continue cruising on the bay. After brunch, we will leave the cruise and then transferred to Noi Bai airport for flight to Danang. Arrival in Hoi An.
Overnight in Hoi An
Day 5: Hoi An Walking & Cooking Class Tour (B/L/-)
This morning we head to the market. The Chef will lead us to the market and explain about herbs and spices used in local cuisine. We attend after that a cooking class to learn to prepare some special local dishes.
Lunch with foods prepared by ourselves. Transfer back to town for a walking tour with Phuc Kien Assembly Hall of the former Fukienese community, the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Tan Ky ancient house.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 6: Hoi An - Hue (B/-/D)
This morning leaves Hoi An for Hue for the 3-hours drive to Hue. The scenic route passes through Danang where you will visit the Cham museum that has collected and exhibited the finest collection of Cham statues and works of art. After your visit, continue the drive over the Pass of Ocean Clouds and dropping down to the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co.
No culinary tour of Vietnam would be complete without a visit to Hue. Regarded as the best in the country, the ‘royal cuisine’ of Hue originated with in the days of the Nguyen Dynasty, when the rulers were served lavish meals with contains specific culinary demands. Although the emphasis today is on presentation, the delicious flavors of the royal cuisine continue to tempt modern palettes.
In the afternoon, pick up from hotel by cyclo and head to Dai Noi ‘Old City’ to Tinh Tam Lake where the Emperors used to come to relax; full of lotus flowers in summer there are many local style coffee shops around the lake where university students come to study. Continue by cyclo to Tay Loc Market which is located in the northwest part dai noi. This market is mostly for locals and is rarely visited by tourists.
From here transfer by vehicle to the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. The ancient citadel reflects the pomp and ceremony of the dynastic rulers as well as the scars of many years of turmoil, both ancient and modern (the Royal Citadel was badly damaged in the latter stages of the war) but retains a sense of grace and majesty even today.
Dine tonight at the private ‘garden house’ known locally as ‘nha vuon’ of one Hue's most famous architects. This traditional style house, which is set in a large and attractive formal garden has connections with the ancient Hue Royal Imperial Court. The traditional architecture has long been associated with the natural environment and the ancient belief of ‘feng-shui’. On arrival you’ll be greeted in the foyer of this magnificent house with a traditional Vietnamese welcome. The lady of the house will personally prepare an extraordinary Vietnamese meal which is served privately in the traditional manner in the private gardens of her home.
Overnight in Hue
Day 7: Hue (B/L/-)
Morning to visit Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River; constructed in 1601 the 21-meter tall tower is the centerpiece of the pagoda and represents seven reincarnations of Buddha. In the grounds of the pagoda is the Austin car made famous when in 1963, a resident monk drove the vehicle to what was then Saigon to protest against the southern regime, the photo of his self immortalization was captured and was one of the most well known images of the war. Continuing to visit the tomb of the former emperor Minh Mang which is located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds
For lunch try some Hue specialty food at Huynh Anh Kim Long. Frequented only by the locals and serving banh uot, a steamed rice pancake stuffed with delicate, finely chopped pork and bun thi nuong which is a rice noodle dish served with grilled meat.
Afternoon, proceeding to the Bao La Village on the road to Thanh Toan bridge, Bao La Village is a 500 year old bamboo weaving village where local people are very proud of their quality handicraft products. Bao La villagers work hard to meet the demands of foreign and domestic market and are proud of their dexterity, creativity and passionate expressions. They possess a high degree of specialization in production process liked material treatment, bamboo bases, bamboo rims, finishing touches and decorative details.
Built two centuries ago the covered bridge of Thanh Toan is unique in that only two exist in Vietnam (the other being in Hoi An). Built as a tribute to the villagers by the wife of a high ranking Mandarin, the bridge has survived storms, floods and wars however after it was damaged, the villagers always contributed to repair, renovate and preserve it. Next to the bridge is the local village morning market which can be explored if you desire.
After visiting Thanh Toan it’s an hour’s drive north to the 500-year-old village of Phuoc Tich. Once famous and prosperous because of its pottery, the village has dozens of homes that are from 100 to 200 years old and several old temples, pagodas, worship halls and communal houses still remain. Many imprints of Champa and ancient Viet cultures are still preserved such as lingas (a very complex symbol of Hinduism). The religious culture of the village is seen via families, which have their own ancestor worship halls, each worshiping five direct generations.
At the end of the afternoon head back to your hotel. Evening at leisure.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 8: Hue – Ho Chi Minh (B/-/D)
After a morning at your leisure, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival, your guide and private car will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.
Experience the night life of Ho Chi Minh City (referred locally by its old name Saigon) the way locals do, all from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. Stops include a traditional quan where locals congregate for their evening meal with friends and family for a sampling of street food, and a Vietnamese-style coffee shop, wrap up the evening at one of the city’s predominantly local clubs where excellent live acoustic music is played.
The tour begins at 18:00 with a pick up at your hotel before hitting the buzzing streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Tonight offers a chance to experience the nightlife of local Saigonese from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. The city comes alive at sundown and people congregate on sidewalks, parks and all over the city at the end of each day. The first stop on your culinary exploration will be to sample some light evening snacks. Continue to a traditional quan (bia hoi) for dinner and drinks, to sample Saigon's best authentic street food. An evening out in Ho Chi Minh City is not complete without a visit to a Vietnamese-style coffee shop. Wrap up the evening at one of the many local clubs, where the new generation of Vietnamese unwind and flaunt their unique style. The night adventure finishes at 22:00 when we transfer you back to hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Notes:
+ It is part street food tour; all food and drinks are includes in the price, so you shouldn’t have dinner before the tour (to be hungry and thirsty!!)
+ All clients sit on the back of Vespa’s to travel from place to place
+ Guides are from Vespa’s Team who ride the Vespa’s
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta (B/L/D)
Today we drive to the Mekong Delta. On arrival in Cai Be town in noon, we enjoy a boat trip to visit Cai Be floating market, this whole sale market of agricutural products. Along the way we stop at small handicraft and candy factories. We cruise our private boat through an intricate and bustling maze of waterways and canals. Lunch with the popular “Elephant Ear Fish” and “Green Claw Shrimp” at the home of a local Bonsai gardener before further exploring the delta. We get to our homestay in the afternoon and then go for a stroll around the village, learning more about charming rural life in South Vietnam. Prepare an authentic family dinner and then enjoy the meal with a local family. Overnight at homestay
Day 10: Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh – Departure (B/L)
After breakfast with the friendly hosts, we take the boat to the whafl. On the way to the whafl, we will visit a nusery garden, enjoy fresh tropical fruites from garden and then see a ceramic workshop. On arrival in Vinh Long city, we drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Free until be transferred to airport for our next flight.
Inclusions:
+ Accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast at the below indicated room types (see hotel category list below) (check in and check out around noontime)
+ 2Days/1Night cruise on boat in Ha Long Bay (shared double or twin cabin on shared boat)
+ 01 Night at local family house (homestay) in Vinh Long (simple facilities)
+ All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles (types of vehicles depending on the number of pax):
- 1-2 pax: car of 4 seats
- 3-7 pax: van of 16 seats
- 8-12 pax: coach of 25-29 seats
- 13-15 pax: coach of 30-35 seats
- 16-24 pax: coach of 45 seats
+ All entrance fees as program
+ Private boat trip in Vinh Long
+ Meals (B/L/D) (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) as indicated in the program (Local food)
+ 02 bottles of mineral water per person per day on bus on days of transfer and sightseeing only
Exclusions:
+ Airfares (international and domestic)
+ Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
+ Drinks
+ Visas to Vietnam
+ Mineral water beyond that supplied
+ Tips
+ Early check in or late check out
+ Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
+ Optional excursions and activities
+ Additional transfer required due to any emergency situation
+ Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages…)
+ Peak season surcharges if any
+ Any other items not mentioned in the ‘Tour Price Includes’ section aboves
| Cities | Hotels List | Room Type |
| Class Category / 4-star hotel | ||
| Hanoi | Lan Vien Hotel | Deluxe |
| Halong | Pelican Cruise | Deluxe |
| Hoian | Vinh Hung Resort | Superior |
| Hue | Mondial Hue | Deluxe |
| Ho Chi Minh | Grand hotel Saigon | Deluxe |
| Mekong | Homestay | |
