Vietnam Delights: Culinary, Cultural and Natural Wonders

Today, depart for an impressive journey to Halong Bay – the jewel of North Vietnam famous for its thousands of dramatic limestone islands sprinkled around the bay.

Our shuttle bus will take you through the peaceful scenery of rice fields as we travel through the countryside and the lush land of Red River Delta.

At around noon, after a scenic drive, we arrive at the pier. Upon boarding our luxurious cruise, join the crew and the captain with a welcome drink and a cruise briefing.

After settling into your cabin, enjoy a delicious lunch while the ship starts heading out to the bay passing numerous jungle-clad mountains and mysterious caves.

You have plenty of time to climb up to the top for the panoramic view of the bay or kayak around the limestone karsts. Back on board for a cruise to the anchorage spot in a quiet area.

This evening, join your fellow passengers with a fresh cocktail on the sundeck while enjoying the awe-inspiring scenery of the surroundings before having dinner with delicious Vietnamese foods.

After dinner, enjoy your time onboard with a range of interesting activities including playing games, fishing squid or watching movies. Overnight on the cruise. 

Start your new day this early morning with a relaxing Tai Chi session onboard to rejuvenate your soul and body in the astonishingly tranquil ambiance.

Enjoy breakfast while the ship makes its way through numerous limestone karsts and caves.

After breakfast, prepare to check out of your cabin. As the ship cruises back to the harbor, take your leisure time to relax on board or simply enjoy the spectacular views passing by.

Brunch will be served onboard on the way back. Upon arrival back in the harbor, transfer by shuttle bus to Hanoi. You arrive in Hanoi at around 17.00 pm. Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel. 

Spend the morning at leisure, perhaps exploring Hanoi or simply relaxing before the street food adventure.

By 11:30 AM, your guide will meet you at the hotel and lead you through Hanoi’s narrow streets and hidden alleys, where the city’s culinary secrets await. Savor authentic street flavors such as Bánh Cuốn (steamed rice rolls) freshly prepared at a local restaurant, and treat your palate to a sweet serving of Chè (Vietnamese dessert). Along the way, soak in the atmosphere of a local market where Hanoian daily life unfolds in vibrant detail. 

NOTE: the food selection may vary slightly depending on the day

After three hours of delicious exploration, return to your hotel for check-out. Enjoy some free time until you are transferred to the station for your overnight train journey to Da Nang.

Suggested Train: SE19 Hanoi – Da Nang (19:50 – 12:20 +1 day), soft berth in a 4-berth shared cabin. Overnight onboard.

Welcome on arrival in Da Nang. The train will arrive at 01:26 PM, our driver and tour guide will welcome and transfer you to the hotel in Hoi An to check in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

At around 07:30 - 08:00 AM, your guide and minivan will pick you up from your hotel for a scenic drive to Ba Na Hills. Upon arrival, you’ll board the renowned cable car system, one of Southeast Asia’s longest and most modern, offering panoramic views of Da Nang’s coastline.

Begin at the Golden Bridge, a surreal walkway cradled by giant stone hands, then wander through the romantic Jardin D’Amour Gardens and pause at Linh Ung Pagoda, marveling at the serene Goddess of Mercy statue that watches peacefully over the hills.

As the cable car takes you higher, the charming French Village comes into view. This whimsical setting offers not only lively street performances but also quiet corners like the Nine-Floor Goddess Shrine. After enjoying a buffet lunch, you will board the Lava Train for a fun ride to new highlights such as Helios Waterfall and the Moon Kingdom. In the afternoon, thrill-seekers can play over 90 exciting games at Fantasy Park before returning to the city by cable car.

• Includes: A two-way hotel pickup and drop off, English-speaking tourguide, return cable cars, buffet lunch Golden Bridge, Le Jardin D’amour, Fantasy Park, Moon Caste, French Village,...A bottle of water
• Trip excludes: Special services in Fantasy Park: Wax Statue Museum, France Wine Cellar entrance & wine, Roller Coaster game, climbing game, or some games with prizes, 10D movie, personal expenses and services not mentioned above

Around 8:30, meet your local guide and kick off your countryside journey with the experience of a colorful Ba Le market. Let's gain some tips on how to deal with local sellers and choose ingredients for the meals. 

Following your friendly local guide to the charming Cam Thanh Coconut Village, a tranquil spot also known as Hoi An Coconut Village, nestled among emerald palms and winding waterways. Here, you'll meet residents and hear fascinating stories about their lives and traditions, an intimate window into rural Vietnam.

Then, take to the water for a hands-on experience with nature and community. Try your hand at traditional round net and cast net fishing and “Purple Crabs” in the canal, glide through coconut canals in a bamboo basket boat, and even join in a friendly basket boat race, which is a highlight for many visitors!

Since you have a fun-filled morning, visit a local family’s home where a warm welcome drink awaits. Roll up your sleeves for a lively Vietnamese cooking class, where you’ll prepare authentic dishes alongside four delicious side plates. Savor your creations over a relaxing lunch and take home recipes that are sure to impress family and friends.

Around 12:30 PM, return to your hotel for a well-earned rest, with wonderful memories and new culinary skills in hand. 

Menu: (vegetarian menu available upon request)

1. Appetizer: Papaya Salad
2. Starter: Deep-Fried Spring Roll
3. Main Course: Vietnamese Pancake
4. Main Course: Braised Chicken in Clay Pot
5. Side Dishes: Morning Glory, Steamed Rice, Dessert

NOTE: We accommodate vegetarian and other dietary requirements upon request

Enjoy the last day exploring the charming town: walk around the town, explore ancient houses and architecture, take photos of fascinating architecture. Free at leisure until being transferred to Danang airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival at Ho Chi Minh airport, our driver will meet and transfer you to the hotel in Ho Chi Minh to check in.

Meet your guide at the hotel after breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City for a journey to the serene Mekong Delta, where daily life flows to the rhythm of the river.

As you reach My Tho, step aboard a traditional boat and cruise along the Mekong River, gliding past riverside villages and local craft workshops. Witness how coconut candy and rice popcorn are made, then hop into a small sampan for a tranquil paddle through narrow palm-shaded canals.

Continue to Thoi Son Islet, where you’ll explore its lush gardens and gain insight into life along the delta. 

A countryside-style lunch awaits, featuring regional specialties prepared with fresh local ingredients.

After your meal, enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride through the quiet village paths or relax at a riverside café, soaking in the slow rhythm of delta life.

In the late afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City, bringing back serene memories of one of Vietnam’s most iconic and timeless landscapes.

Enjoy the last day in this vibrant city with anything that takes your fancy until being transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Room is at your disposal until noon. Meals on your own. End of services.