Highlights:
- Explore the cities of Hanoi, Saigon and Hoi An and discover the local cuisine and culture through fun tours
- Cruise along the Halong Bay on an overnight tour, which includes swimming, kayaking, cave excursions and tai chi on the deck!
- Catch a water puppet theatre show and explore the myriad night markets in each of the cities
- Be charmed by Hoi An countryside and cycle to the village and have lunch with a local family
- Take an engaging tour of the Cu Chi tunnels in Saigon
- Explore Saigon nightlife on the back of motorbikes zipping through the city
Day 1: Saigon
Arrive in Saigon by early evening and settle into your beautiful hotel. Start your time in Vietnam in an exciting way: with a tour of the city’s nightlife on motorbikes!
Meals: None
Experience: Motorbike tour
Day 2: Saigon
Wake up early for a truly unique experience. Head to the Tao Dan Park, be prepared for a songbird symphony as the city’s songbird enthusiasts bring along their birds for a practice session in large numbers. Later, take a guided tour of Saigon which includes the Independence Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Opera House, Ben Thanh market among other sights. In the afternoon, head out for a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels located amidst the jungles, 40 kms from Saigon. It is an intricate network of tunnels, which served as the Viet Cong’s hiding spots and was significant in the Viet Cong’s opposition of American forces in the 60s during the Vietnam War. In the evening, you could consider getting your fix of culture at the Saigon Opera House or just walk around the city to explore the nightlife. The nightlife in Saigon is arguably the best you’ll see in Vietnam. We’ll give you a list of the best clubs and restaurants before your travel.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Experience: Songbird symphony (DIY)| Saigon city tour| Explore Cu Chi Tunnels | Saigon nightlife (DIY)
Note that attending a show at the opera house is an optional activity. Tickets start at USD 10.
Day 3: Saigon to Hoi An (1.15 hours by flight)
We take a morning flight to Da Nang and make our way to Hoi An (30 kms from Da Nang), a small town where old world charm meets contemporary chic. We check into our beautiful hotel in Hoi An. You can take a quick bike/cycle ride to An Bang Beach (located 3 kilometres north of the city) or Cua Dai Beach (located 5 kilometres east of the city) and spend the day chilling at the beach. You have the evening at leisure to explore the amazing cafes, restaurants, bars and nightlife that Hoi An has to offer.
Meals: Breakfast
Experience: Explore beautiful beaches and cafés near Hoi An (DIY)
Day 4: Hoi An
Spend the day leisurely cycling though the scenic countryside near Hoi An, far from the traffic and the noise of the city. You will cross the islands on the Song Thu river delta using local transportation, including ferries and the floating bridge. This tour will show you how wooden river boats are made, learn the art of weaving colourful sleeping mats seen in Hoi An and maybe even ride the Vietnamese basket boats. At lunchtime you will be invited into the home of a local Vietnamese family for a traditional Vietnamese meal, and learn their customs and traditions. After you have relaxed for a while under the shade of a mango tree, you will begin your journey back to Hoi An. One of the great pleasures of any visit to Hoi An is strolling along the beautiful streets of the old town at night under the flickering lights of the many beautiful lanterns which makes everything that much more romantic.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Experience: Cycle tour | rural life | Lunch at a local’s home
Day 5: Hoi An to Hanoi (1.15 hours by flight)
On reaching Hanoi, after relaxing at our hotel, we suggest a small expedition to find the yummiest egg coffee (you read that right!) in Hanoi. Your local guide with take you on a city tour. Later in the evening, head out to catch a show at the Water Puppet Theatre and wind down by exploring the Hanoi night market.
Meals: Breakfast
Experience: Taste the delicious egg coffee | Guided city tour | Water puppet theatre
Day 6: Halong Bay
Board your Junk boat and let adventure find you in Halong Bay. The boat offers a range of activities (apart from delicious food and yum cocktails!) like kayaking and cave excursions. The lazy ones can chill on the boat or take a dip in the bay.
Meals: All meals
Experience: Take in the beauty of Halong Bay | Kayaking | Cave Excursions | Swimming in open waters
Day 7: Halong Bay-Hanoi
Wake up and enjoy a relaxing session of tai chi on the deck. Transfer back to your hotel in Hanoi evening. You have the evening at leisure. Do check out the fun Hanoi night market.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch (onboard)
Experience: Tai chi on the boat | Explore the exciting Hanoi night market (DIY)
Day 8: Hanoi return
Make your way back home, with a bag full of memories
Meals: Breakfast