Upon arrival to Noi Bai International Airport you will be welcomed by your guide holding a sign with your name on it. He will escort you to your hotel (approx. 1-hour drive). Check in time is after 2 PM.

If time permits, in the late afternoon, down time with a one hour cyclo ride around the Old Quarter in the heart of Hanoi. A cyclo is a bicycle cab with a roof, pedaled by a driver who sits behind you, allowing you to immerse yourself in an old atmosphere of an area that perfectly captures the timelessness and nostalgia of Vietnam. The Old Quarter consists of 36 old streets named after the kind of goods or crafts that used to be made or sold on those streets, such as Hang Dao (Silk Street), Hang Bac (Silver Street), Hang Duong (Sugar Street), and Hang Muoi (Salt Street). After the cyclo ride, walk around Hoan Kiem lake and visit Thanh Ha wet market to have a look at the local life.  Conclude your walk over a cup of delicious Vietnamese egg coffee at a hidden café nestled inside a tiny alley. Hot café Trung, with its rich taste of coffee, creamy egg yolk, and sweet condensed milk, will leave you smiling. 

Back to your hotel and free at leisure.

Meal: N/A

Overnight at hotel

Experience the best of Hanoi with The Insider’s Hanoi Tour, a scooter tour designed to immerse you in the culture, history, and unique charm of Vietnam’s bustling capital. Whether it’s savoring traditional Vietnamese coffee or exploring the vibrant art scene, this adventure tour offers an insider’s view of Hanoi’s iconic highlights and hidden treasures. 

The adventure kicks off at 08:00 with a refreshing cup of coffee in Hanoi’s Old Quarter — an easygoing start before setting off through the city’s maze of lively lanes. Your first photo stop is the beautiful St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a favorite landmark and a perfect introduction to the city’s charm.

As you ride through Hanoi’s iconic narrow streets, you’ll catch glimpses of both traditional and contemporary art before heading toward the historic Long Bien Bridge – the iconic bridge stretches across the Red River and has survived decades of history and wartime bombing. Take time for photos, and if the weather allows, enjoy the thrill of riding across the bridge itself.

The journey continues with a scenic ride past Hanoi’s largest lake, followed by a relaxed stroll through a bustling local market. A short ride later brings you to a quieter lake, where you’ll visit a 400-year-old temple and see the remains of a B-52 aircraft shot down during the 1972 bombing raids—an eye-opening glimpse into Hanoi’s past.

The Vespa ride wraps up with a warm and personal local encounter. Depending on the season, you may meet a friendly kumquat farmer or spend time with a Vietnamese tea master, sharing stories and traditions before heading back to your hotel with unforgettable memories of the city.

In the afternoon, continue to explore the attractive sights of Hanoi. Visit the Museum of History, which used to be the building of the archaeological research institution of the French School of the Far East during the colonial era. The building was designed by architect Ernest Hébrard, a combination of French and Chinese architecture: a cupola shaped edifice in the shape of a pagoda, incorporates double walls and balconies for a natural ventilation system and protection from sunshine. More than 7,000 exhibits are on display, some date back more than 1,000 years old. Historic objects exhibited here are not only of Vietnamese origin but also consist of other cultures like China, Japan, Thailand and especially Cham.

Continue to the Ngoc Son Temple, a pagoda situated on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake accessible by a classically painted wooden bridge. 

At the end of the day, enjoy the walking tour to discover Hanoi’s Old Quarter which was also known as “36 guild streets” in the past. Stand to watch O Quan Chuong Gate, the only one out of 21 original entrances to the old Thang Long Citadel to remain over a thousand years old. Walk through the arched main entrance, admire the beauty in architecture that represents Hanoi ancient history. We navigate the street vendors and the winding back alleyways in the old quarter, it's a hive of activity that holds your attention from the moment you arrive at this area. We will finish at the well known Bia Hoi Ta Hien where you will taste local beer while our guide introduces you to Vietnamese cuisine and enjoy the dynamic nightlife of Hanoi, ending the day as a local Hanoian before getting back to the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel

After breakfast, depart Hanoi for a 3-hour drive to Ha Long Bay. Arrive at the jetty in Ha Long City around noon and proceed with the check-in formalities. You will be welcomed on board, and lunch will be served as the boat begins cruising into the heart of the bay. In the afternoon, enjoy sightseeing and onboard activities according to your boat’s itinerary, or simply relax and take in the magnificent surroundings. Toward the end of the day, the boat will anchor for the night among the impressive karst formations. Dinner will be served on board.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight on Ha Long cruise

Enjoy the fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Ha Long in the morning and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruise slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi airport for flying to Da Nang.

Your local team will meet you at Da Nang airport and transfer to Hoi An.

Check in hotel and free at leisure.

Meal: Breakfast or Brunch

Overnight at hotel

Spend a day leisurely cycling through the scenic countryside of Vietnam, far from the traffic the motor scooters, and the noises of the city.  You will cross the islands on the Song Thu river delta using local transportation, including ferries and floating bridge. This tour will take you to discover how wooden river boats are made, learn the secret of weaving the colorful straw “Hoi An” sleeping mats. Try the renowned Vietnamese basket boats and much more. You will spend the day with first-hand contact with one of the rural inhabitant of the region, far from the usual tourist circuits. 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 return towards Hoi An by boat, which will take about 35 minutes.

Return to Hoi An and discover the charm of the historic old town. Begin at the 200-year-old Tan Ky House, lovingly preserved by seven generations. Continue to the Museum of Trade Ceramics, home to captivating artifacts collected from across Asia and the Middle East. A short stroll brings you to the 17th-century Chua Ong Pagoda, surrounded by a neighborhood rich in Chinese architectural heritage—perfect for a relaxed wander. While in town, don’t miss the chance to try Bánh Mì, often hailed as the world’s best sandwich. It’s one of the iconic Hoi An specialty that no traveler should leave without tasting. 

Back to your hotel for refreshment.

At 6.30PM, our guide will pick you up again at hotel for a special “Hoi An Memories” show. 

Hoi An Memories is a unique and grand performance with a charismatic storyline that recreates the culture of more than 400 year-old history of the ancient town, which is the exquisite synthesis of dances, lights, music, poetry, creation form.... Starting from humble beginnings in the small town of Hoi An, it has now grown into a global phenomenon. “The most beautiful show in the world” and “a feast for the eyes” is how some of the audience described the performance where 500 skilled dancers deliver a glimpse of the way Hoi An has been developing from a small harbor town into a vibrant tourists’ destination, using breath-taking effects, detailed props and intricate and expressive choreography. Adding to the grandeur of the performance is the 25,000 m2 stage, the biggest outdoor stage in Vietnam that has been built on a natural islet on the Thu Bon River.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch

Overnight at hotel

Hoi An’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its wonderfully diverse and mouthwatering cuisine, home to one of the world’s most celebrated street food scenes. The morning markets are especially lively, as locals stop by their favorite food stalls on the way to work. This morning, your English-speaking guide will take you to the edge of Hoi An’s historic old town. From there, continue on foot to explore the town’s narrow lanes, sampling local delicacies while admiring the charming architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The focus is on Hoi An’s signature specialties, including bánh vạc, delicate shrimp dumplings topped with crispy onions, and bánh bao, steamed dumplings filled with minced pork or chicken, onions, eggs, and mushrooms, reflecting strong Chinese culinary influences. You’ll also taste cao lầu, a distinctive noodle dish inspired by Japanese cuisine, prepared with herbs, fresh greens, bean sprouts, and slices of roasted pork.

In total, you will sample around ten different dishes, as your guide shares stories about local food culture and traditions. All food stops are carefully selected for their hygiene standards and use of fresh ingredients. After wandering the lantern-lit alleyways, take a well-deserved break with a relaxing foot massage, the perfect way to recharge—no lunch needed after such a delicious morning—before continuing your day refreshed and energized.

In the afternoon, begin the scenic 3–3.5-hour drive through the scenic Hai Van Pass to the imperial city of Hue. Stopover in Da Nang to visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture, a collection of sacred Champa kingdom artifacts and excavations from My Son curated by French archaeologists.

Arrive in Hue in the late afternoon. Check in hotel and free at leisure.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel

This morning you will visit a peaceful village in the suburb and experience a wide range of captivating activities, from preparing royal cakes and dishes, enjoying herbal foot spa to cruising along its famous pomelo gardens, cycling around the village. Through this journey, you will not only upgrade your cooking techniques but also admire the rustic beauty of Hue as you travel to Thuy Bieu, Nguyet Bieu, Luong Quan villages.

08:30: Meet your guide at your hotel. Then we will take a short car-ride to the harbor and depart for Thuy Bieu Village on a dragon boat from Toa Kham Wharf.

09:00: Before coming to Thuy Bieu village, we will visit Thien Mu pagoda – the oldest pagoda in Hue and the symbol of the city.

09:30: Go back to the wharf and continue to admire the beautiful scenery of the Huong river, with the famous pomelo garden on the river bank

10:00: Arrive at Thuy Bieu village. You will cycle around the village and see the ancient buildings there.

10:30: Ride a bicycle to Chợ Quê (Countryside Market) to prepare some fresh food and ingredients to get ready for the kitchen with the hospitable homeowner.

11:30: Start making pomelo skin jam under the guidance of the house owner. After that, you can try to make it yourself and bring home your products. You will also get a pack of Pomelo jam from the house owner as a gift.

12:00: Enjoy lunch in the garden, with fresh ingredients made by skillful local women. Then you will have time to take a rest on your own

13:30: You will have an opportunity to relax your feet after a long day with 30 minutes of herbal foot bath. The bath is prepared by the locals and contains different types of herbs that help heal your skin and give you a relaxing mind.

In the afternoon, say goodbye to the locals and explore the must-see attraction of Hue. Begin your exploration at the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 520 hectares. Continue to the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, a tranquil royal retreat of lakes, pavilions, and pine forests, reflecting the poetic and contemplative spirit of the Nguyen emperor. On the way back to your hotel, stop by the mysterious, forgotten cemetery dedicated to the eunuchs of Nguyen Dynasty, also the only one in Vietnam. This special place is located on a secluded pine hill in the 19th century Tu Hieu pagoda where 92-year-old Thich Nhat Hanh – the father of mindfulness and one of the most influential spiritual leaders of our times, just after Dalai Lama, spent his remaining days at his "root temple”, awaiting the end of this life.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight at hotel in Hue

After breakfast, you will be privately transferred to Hue airport to take the flight to Ho Chi Minh city. You will be privately transferred to Hue airport to take the domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh city.

Upon arrival to Tan Son Nhat International Airport you will be welcomed by your guide holding a sign with your name on it. He will escort you to your hotel (approx. 30-minute-drive). Check in hotel after 2 PM.

First explore Saigon — a city of many layers, where the energy of a modern life blends seamlessly with a rich and complex past. This experience offers a deeper look into the vibrant metropolis while uncovering hidden stories and lesser-known landmarks.

Meet your guide and set out to explore a secret underground bunker hidden inside a century-old building. Here, you’ll learn about its construction and the crucial role it played during the Vietnam War era, offering valuable historical context.

Continue to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Reunification Palace. Preserved almost exactly as it was in 1975, the palace’s underground war rooms and grand reception halls provide a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in Vietnam’s history.

Stroll through the leafy 30 April Park to reach the Central Post Office, a beautiful example of French colonial architecture. Nearby, catch sight of the former CIA building, the site of one of the last helicopter evacuations in 1975, and hear the story behind the famous “Fall of Saigon” photograph taken by Hubert van Es.

From here, walk through the historic city center and central business district, passing architectural highlights such as City Hall, Dong Khoi Street, the Continental Hotel, and the Saigon Opera House.

Step off the main boulevard to discover a historic apartment building transformed by the city’s youth into a vibrant creative hub. Independent boutiques, cafés, and art spaces reflect the spirit of Saigon’s young generation. Pause to relax with a refreshment at one of the building’s trendy cafés.

Conclude the tour at Ben Thanh Market, a lively landmark that continues to serve local residents while welcoming visitors from around the world. With a richer understanding of Saigon’s culture, history, and evolving identity, return to your hotel at the end of the experience.

Tonight, enjoy a truly unique experience together at Noir where you will embark on a sensory journey into a different world and savor exquisite tastes and textures in complete darkness. This multi-sensory dining experience will stimulate your senses and open your mind.

The experience begins in our pitch black dining room where you will be guided and served by blind or visually impaired staff who have been specially trained to assist and reassure sighted guests who are in complete darkness. Transfer your trust to these skilled guides. They lead you to experience a new way of sensing the environment around you. After a few moments of adjustment, the darkness will kill off any shyness or trepidation and bring about an open-minded atmosphere.

The unique menus are a symphony of flavors. And will stimulate your other senses as you are deprived of the dominating sense of sight. Textures and subtle flavors will come to the forefront as you dine your way through unique dishes that have not been described beforehand. You will discover the stunning truth that people tend to experience food with their eyes, rather than with their palates.

At Noir. Dining in the Dark, it is more than just a meal. It is a sensory journey that will make you re-evaluate your perception of taste and smell. A must try experience!!

Notes for dress code

. Relaxed, smart casual

. Shorts and slippers are fine, however no tank tops

. No glowing shoes, clothing or accessories

Meal: Breakfast, dinner

Overnight at hotel

Venture beyond the city and experience the peaceful rhythms of rural life in the Mekong Delta. This immersive day trip offers an authentic look at the region’s fruit orchards, coconut groves, and quiet countryside roads, revealing the hidden charms of Ben Tre, often called the coconut capital of the Delta.

The day begins at 08:00 with hotel pickup in central Ho Chi Minh City. Leave behind the city’s busy streets and modern skyline as you travel approximately two hours south to Ben Tre Province.

Upon arrival, board a local boat for your first introduction to Delta life. Cruise through a network of winding canals while enjoying a refreshing drink of freshly harvested coconut water. Along the way, stop at a traditional brick kiln, where centuries-old techniques are still used to produce bricks by hand.

Continue to a coconut-processing workshop to learn how every part of the coconut is utilized, then visit family-run cottage industries specializing in coconut candy. Watch local women boil sticky coconut mixtures in large cauldrons before shaping and cutting them into bite-sized treats.

Next, relax in a garden setting while sampling tropical fruits and honey tea. Explore the riverside paths and narrow village lanes by bicycle, or opt for a ride on a traditional motor-tricycle (xe lôi)—once a common mode of transport in southern Vietnam during the 1960s (advance request required).

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant featuring Mekong Delta specialties, continue your exploration with a peaceful sampan boat ride. Glide through a hidden maze of small canals lined with water palms, offering a quintessential glimpse of Delta life.

In the mid-afternoon, begin the drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, concluding a memorable day in the heart of the Mekong Delta.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch

Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh city

Get up early in the morning then transfer to Ho Thi Ky flower market. Known as the biggest wholesale flower market in the south of Vietnam, the market offers hundreds of kinds of flowers from Da Lat, Mekong delta and even overseas. Experiencing the people buying and selling then get back to the car to drive to Tao Dan park. Stop at the coffee shop and sip the first coffee from the filter like the Saigonian usually do. You also have the opportunity to see the people to socialize their birds. 

After the coffee, walk inside the park and interact and join with the locals doing exercise, taichi, and playing badminton. 

Back to the hotel for breakfast or you can have an option for a local noodle soup or Com Tam (broken rice) like locals do.

After breakfast, drive to Talk Barista, a social coffee project founded by Viet Bui, a former tour guide whose passion for coffee led him down a new path. Inspired by organic agriculture and sustainable living, Viet became a barista and now dedicates his work to training and empowering disadvantaged young people. During your visit, learn about the coffee roasting process, enjoy a hands-on pour-over coffee experience, and savor the flavors of carefully selected Vietnamese beans. Before leaving, receive a small coffee-related gift as a meaningful souvenir from Vietnam.

Then transfer to the airport for your departure flight home. End of services.

Meal: Breakfast