11 Days - Hanoi – Ky Son - Hanoi -Danang - Hoi An - Saigon - Cho Gao - Tam Hiep - Saigon

Tour overview:

Blessed with a ravishing coastline, emerald- green mountains, breathtaking national parks, dynamic cities, outstanding cultural interest and one of the world’s best cuisines, Vietnam has it all. In this tour city, countryside, and sea meet. Your family will take a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter of ’36 streets’ in Hanoi, meet a puppet magician, bicycle in the countryside, have a cooking class, check out wood carvers, weavers, and more in Hoi An. Take a sunset basket boat cruise and float colored lanterns in the river. Enjoy a Vespa ride in Saigon and try the diversity of dishes along the way. Add a 3-night visit to Cambodia. Explore the magnificent Khmer ruins of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. Visit the School of Arts and a Silk Farm. The amazing Cambodian Circus show highlights traditional and modern theatre, dance, acrobatic feats, and juggling.

Day 1 - Arrive Hanoi

Arrive this evening in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital for nearly 1,000 years. Historical emphasis on the arts and learning stipulates that Hanoi’s buildings remain small, simple and in harmony with nature. You are met at the airport and escorted to your hotel.

Day 2 - Hanoi

In the morning, we will meet the water puppet “magician.” Learn more about this traditional art and how to make the puppets. Start your exploration with a short walk through the Hanoi backstreets, alive with daily activities. Later, take a one-hour cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. It is such fun to catch glimpses of the traditional crafts and shops. Lunch at Pizza 4 P’s Pizza 4 P’s has an interesting story: they have their own cheese factory and raise the vegetables for a farm to pizza experience. (B,L)

Day 3 - Hanoi - City Tour

This morning we explore Hanoi’s illustrious history. Pass the imposing marble edifice housing the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum before moving on to his wooden stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda. Stop at the first university of Vietnam, the Temple of Literature. We have arranged lunch at Koto Villa – A Training Restaurant. KOTO (Know One Teach One) trains disadvantaged youth for careers in the restaurant industry. Good Food and a Great Cause The balance of the day is at leisure. (B,L)

Day 4 - Hanoi / Ky Son

"After breakfast drive to Ky Son, a traditional village outside of Hanoi. On arrival take a walk to explore the area. There will be a cooking class followed by lunch. Take a bicycle ride with a local guide to discover Ky Son, and the surrounding farming communities. Visit Duong Lam ancient village, Then ride back along the paths of Thang Thac village to discover a temple along the way. Return to Ky Son and enjoy some local snacks, such as maize, sweet potatoes, cassava, and peanuts (depending on the season). Take a traditional, refreshing steam bath with fragrant herbs (lemon grass, pomelo leaves, holy basil leaves) before dinner. You may observe the evening Buddhist worship if you choose. After dinner a foot bath of warm water with ginger, salt and medicinal herbs will surely be refreshing before bedtime.Overnight at Moon Garden Homestay. 

This is the perfect place for a family stay, to get a real taste of Vietnam rural daily life and culture .Moon Garden Home Stay is located in Ky Son Village It is 33 miles from Hanoi City Center. Wooden houses have been carefully restored. An unforgettable experience. (B,L,D)"

Day 5 - Ky Son / Hanoi /Danang/ Hoi An

"Early in the morning, join in Yi Jin Ying traditional exercises to energize you . After breakfast we will walk around Ky Son village to further discover the countryside .We’ll transfer to Hanoi Airport for our flight to Danang and drive to Hoi An. Afternoon at leisure.

The evening begins with a private ride from your hotel to the local port. Board a boat that will cruise along the river. Enjoy the day-end ambiance while having a Vietnamese family-style candle-lit 6 – course meal. The cruise journey continues to the town riverfront where shops’ and restaurants’ colourful lanterns give you a magnificent view of Hoi An reflecting on the calm water. Disembark at the Hoi An dock for a walk through the night market and the Japanese Bridge before transferring back to your hotel. Overnight in Hoi An. (B,D)"

Day 6 - Hoi An - SIC tour

"Early in the morning, join in Yi Jin Ying traditional exercises to energize you . After breakfast we will walk around Ky Son village to further discover the countryside .We’ll transfer to Hanoi Airport for our flight to Danang and drive to Hoi An. Afternoon at leisure.

The evening begins with a private ride from your hotel to the local port. Board a boat that will cruise along the river. Enjoy the day-end ambiance while having a Vietnamese family-style candle-lit 6 – course meal. The cruise journey continues to the town riverfront where shops’ and restaurants’ colourful lanterns give you a magnificent view of Hoi An reflecting on the calm water. Disembark at the Hoi An dock for a walk through the night market and the Japanese Bridge before transferring back to your hotel. Overnight in Hoi An. (B,D)". 

Kickstart with Coffee

Join your friendly English-speaking guide at a local café and kickstart your day the Vietnamese way with a delicious Café Sữa Đá (traditional iced coffee).

Market Adventure

A bustling local market where we engage with local sellers and learn about the fresh produce you will prepare in your cooking class. Gain an insight into the scents and flavors of Vietnamese herbs and spices and experience real Vietnamese market culture learning how to bargain and find the freshest ingredients.

Scenic Drive

We then take you on a short drive to Rêu Dining. Soak up the wonderful sights of scenic local life as you make your way to our charming restaurant.

Welcome to Rêu Dining

Arrive at Rêu Dining and refresh with a cool organic herb juice. Here you will settle in, admiring the scenic views as you walk or ride around the organic herb and vegetable gardens. It’s difficult to remember what year you are in as you watch local farmers carry water and tend the gardens in the same way their ancestors have done for centuries.

Dive into Farm Fun and Relaxation

Try your hand at farming or fishing, or simply unwind with a soothing head and herbal foot massage. Lots of fun and relaxation await!

Cooking Class

Get hands-on in our ‘Spirit of Rêu’ cooking class. Learn to whip up special local dishes, discover the secrets of Vietnamese herbs and spices, and enjoy tastings of unique local specialties.

Lunch Feast

Sit down with friends and enjoy a delightful lunch prepared by you. Bon appétit! Afternoon at leisure. (B, L)"

Day 7 - Hoi An

After breakfast take a slow ferry ride away from the Ancient Town in Hoi An, Cam Kim sits years back from the rest of town, separated by a small inlet of water. Hop off the ferry and explore by bicycle the thin alleys, rice paddies & floating bridges, and check out furniture makers, wood carvers, and straw mat weavers, who concoct the dyes at home and lay the vibrant colored piles out to dry in front of their houses. Having not been swamped (yet) with tourism, the locals smile, shout hellos, and laugh when they see tourists roaming around on their bicycles. A must see in Hoi An if you would like to experience how things must have been 10 years ago. The balance of the day is at leisure. This evening we have a sunset basket boat cruise and float colored lanterns in the river.(B,L,D)

Day 8 - Hoi An / Saigon

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Saigon and head to the hotel on arrival. The balance of the day is at leisure. In the early evening, you will be picked up from your hotel to start your Vespa night trip. Take in the scene of complex traffic while riding through old Saigon. Stop by some street food restaurants to try Vietnamese seafood and crepes and discover the diversity of the local Cafés. (Total riding distance: approximately 10 miles). (B,D)

Day 9 - Saigon

"In the morning you will visit the amazing Cu Chi Tunnels where Vietnamese guerrillas built a labyrinth of narrow tunnels as hideouts during the war. Return to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the afternoon for a half-day city tour. Highlights include the Reunification Palace (photo stop), Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, Chinatown, the Binh Tay Market and either the Thien Hau Temple or the Quan Am Pagoda. (B)

Note: Notre Dame Cathedral is under renovation till 2027. Visit will be arranged outside

OPTIONAL TOUR INCLUDED:

Dinner On Saigon River Cruise

Evening, embark on a lovely dinner cruise along the Saigon River. Experience the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City at night when you join the Saigon River cruise for a memorable two-hour dinner cruise on Saigon Princess Cruise (3-course Fusion set menu). Step on the cruise and listen to the sounds of Saigon! On board the cruise, you will experience completely new things, in a cool evening in Saigon, enjoy gastronomic food on one of the most authentic vessels on the Saigon river, enjoy special performance, and admire the shimmering scenery along the banks of the Saigon River. After dinner, transfer back to your hotel. 

Services included: English speaking guide, transfer, 3-course Fusion set menu dinner, water during transfer.

Services NOT included: Other expenses not mentioned in the itinerary.

OPTIONAL TOUR: Need to be pre booked

A O Show

Experience local Vietnamese culture and theater entertainment at its best with entry tickets to the Vietnamese Bamboo Circus - À Ố Show at the Saigon Opera House in Saigon. Vietnamese Bamboo Circus combines a new circus, unique live music, and creative use of bamboo to form an awe-inspiring performance art. This art genre displays the deeply rooted beauty of Vietnamese culture, which transcends language allowing thousands of audiences all over the world to enjoy it. Inspired by the charming beauty of Southern Vietnamese culture, À Ố Show represents a contrasting portrait of village and city, a transformation from peaceful life to bustling urbanization with a delicate touch of humor and live music from folk instruments. Since 2015, the show has been on several tours in Europe, and other countries such as Brazil, Oman, Taiwan, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Saudi Arabia. À Ố Show is the first show from Vietnam to perform at the Sydney Opera House in June 2019.

Services included: English speaking guide, transfer, show ticket (Ooh class), water during transfer.

Services NOT included: Other expenses not mentioned in the itinerary."

Day 10 - Saigon / Cho Gao /Tam Hiep / Saigon

"Our excursion leaves the bustle Ho Chi Minh City behind as we travel to the rural area of the Mekong Delta. On our way, we will pass through a landscape of rice paddies and vast waterways.

On the journey we will travel by motorboat to experience how locals make their living along the riverbank making rice cakes, processing coconut, making coconut charcoal. Disembark and start cycling on the island roads to a farm that grows Suong Sam – a native plant in South East Asia which is used in local refreshments. Pick the leaves and learn how to make Suong Sam, a dessert jelly. Enjoy a typical Mekong delta lunch served at a villager’s house. The excursion also includes a chance to visit a family where traditional coconut brooms are still made. We’ll take a sampan ride through a canal lined with water coconut palms to the main Mekong River. Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon. (B,L)"

Day 11 - Depart saigon

"Pack your memories and souvenirs as you say Goodbye to Vietnam. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home or continue to Cambodia. (B)

CAMBODIA EXTENSION"

Day 11 - Cambodia Extension-Saigon / Siem Reap (1 hour)

"Transfer to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap where you will be met and transported to the hotel .In the afternoon enter Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer empire, via the Southern Gate. Explore this city’s ancient ruins: Bayon, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, the Royal Palace, the Elephant Terrace and the Leper King Terrace.

Overnight Treeline Urban (Deluxe room)

Please note! This program is applicable to morning flight Saigon to Siem Reap only. "

Day 12 - Siem Reap - Phnom Kulen National Park – Siem Reap

"A day trip to Kulen Mountain from Siem Reap is a perfect way to get off the beaten path and see more of rural Cambodia, including its flora, fauna, and less-known historic sites.

Depart in the morning from your hotel with private car/van to Phnom Kulen National Park. Drive through wide open rice fields and scattered villages with traditional houses, before winding up the rocky road to the top of the mountain. Phnom Kulen is widely regarded as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire. During the construction of the ancient temples, sandstones were brought from this sacred mountain to Angkor. Kulen is considered by Khmers to be the most sacred mountain in Cambodia. 

Visit the River of 1000 Lingas, divided into three ports for the Hindu trinity gods, and with a riverbed filled with thousands of unique, ancient carvings. Ascend to the summit of the hill to marvel at the Buddhist Pagoda and the large Reclining Buddha statue. Continue to the waterfalls of Kulen, pausing at two beautiful spots for a swim and perhaps a spot of lunch (lunch at your own cost). 

At around 2:00 PM, we will drive back to Siem Reap. Visit the School of Arts and a Silk Farm. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B,D)"

Day 13 - Siem Reap Angkor temples

"After breakfast, we explore South Gate of Angkor Thom known as Big Angkor, 3km2 walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire, The famous Bayon Temple was an architectural muddle, in part because it was constructed in a somewhat piecemeal fashion for over a century. Terrace of the Elephants is an impressive, two and a half meter tall, 300 meter long terrace wall adorned with carved elephants and gradual that spans the heart of Angkor Thom in front of Baphuon - huge temple mountain in the heart of Angkor Thom, Royal Palace Area and Phimeanakas - impressive rite and sandstone pyramid. Terrace of the Leper King is at the north end of the Terrace of the Elephants, a double terrace wall with deeply carved nag as, demons and other mythological beings. Last visit Ta Prohm temple which is a wonderful combination of human genius and natural beauty! Giant trees have grown here for centuries! 

This afternoon we visit Angkor Wat temple, the Cambodia's ancient temple is one of the wonders of the oriental world. Masterpieces of decorative details as well as of architectural style, its awe-inspiring ruins survive as testament to the spectacular achievements of Southeast Asia's greatest civilization. It is a replica of the universe according to the Hindu mythology. It is composed by the Mount Meru, surrounded by the continents and the oceans. Its extraordinary bas-reliefs, describe some Khmer epics and myths. Angkor Wat's five famous towers rise into the sky, a geometrical arrangement of numerous galleries, adorned with beliefs and the stone images of celestial Apsara dancers, as well as portals, chambers and courtyards. Enjoy sunset at Phnom Bakheng which rises almost 70 meters above the plain where the rest of the temples are located, which gives a magnificent views of Angkor. 

It’s your time at leisure until evening, picked up for Phare Circus - the top-rated modern cultural performance in Siem Reap. The spectacular show itself is at 8pm every evening but the venue is open throughout the day and offers workshops for young ones so that they can learn some of the acrobatic skills from the performers. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B,L)"

Day 14 - Depart Siem Reap

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.(B)