Vietnam Explorer: Culture and Landscapes

Your English speaking guide will accompany you from Hanoi airport to your hotel in a private vehicle

Personalised Discovery of Hanoi

Discover the rich heritage of Vietnam’s capital city on this leisurely tour that takes you through the city’s tree-lined avenues, colonial structures, and national monuments. Begin on a delicious note at the old coffee shop in Hanoi’s Old Quarter as you walk down the winding alleyways of the neighborhood.

Pay your respects to ‘Uncle Ho’ at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, as the beloved leader is affectionately called and get to know more about the nation's revolutionary architect. Afterward, drop by the exquisitely beautiful 9th century Buddhist temple, One Pillar Pagoda, built in the shape of a lotus on a single stone pillar.

Stop at the simple little house where Ho Chi Minh lived during his years in Hanoi and view a collection of his personal artifacts. End your city tour with a visit to Vietnam’s first national university, the 11th century Temple of Literature that is a remarkable example of traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Your chauffeur will drive you from Hanoi to Halong Bay (Pier) in a private vehicle (Duration: 2.5 hrs). A guide will accompany you on this drive.

Group Cruise Around Halong Bay on Bhaya Classic Cruise (1 night/2 days)

Day One: Board your junk to discover the World Heritage site of Halong Bay with its spectacular kingdom of islands and limestone wonders on this two-day cruise.Enjoy a delectable luncheon aboard the cruise liner, as you sail deep into Halong Bay, riding past the delightful little islands of Chicken Rock, Finger and Frog Islet along the way.

In the afternoon, explore the Dark and Bright Lagoon that is only accessible by row boats or kayaks. It is one of the most stunning and fascinating of caves in the Bay area. Enjoy a swim and a kayak ride before returning to the cruise to relax with refreshing beverages on the deck.

Sail back to anchor overnight at Ho Dong Tien, where you can join a cook-off session with the cruise chef before enjoying a delicious dinner. You could also try squid fishing this evening, before calling it a day.

Day Two: Wake up with Tai Chi sessions on the deck, and then you are off to explore one of the most beautiful highlights of the Bay – Surprise Cave. This is one of the largest and oldest cave formations in the area, with thick foliage and paved stone flags leading to the entrance. Return to a scrumptious buffet brunch aboard the cruise boat, before disembarking.

Group Cruise Around Halong Bay by Dragon Pearl (2 Days/1 Night)

Day One: Discover the dramatic limestone karst formations of the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay, on this leisurely overnight cruise. Head to the Port of Hon Gai to board your cruise. Relish lunch and participate in a quick safety briefing as you sail to the lesser known, yet equally picturesque Bai Tu Long Bay.

Take in the scenic vistas of forested cliffs, hidden caves and stunning beaches in the Vung Dang-Cong Dam area. Set off on a kayaking adventure among the karst cliffs before you enjoy a dinner onboard and retire for the night.

Day Two: Wake up early the next day to catch the gorgeous sunrise over the bay from the upper deck. Fuel up with a hearty breakfast as you cruise to the island of Cong Do. Step ashore to explore the limestone stalactites and stalagmites at the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave. Afterwards, relish a buffet lunch onboard as you head back. Disembark and drive to your onward destination.

Your chauffeur will drive you from Halong Bay (Pier) to Hanoi in a private vehicle (Duration: 2.5 hrs). A guide will accompany you on this drive.

Board your flight from Hanoi to Danang (Duration: 1.5 hrs). Your chauffeur will drive you from Danang to Hoi An in a private vehicle (Duration: 1 hr). A guide will accompany you on this drive.

Personalised Walking Tour of Hoi An

Accompany your local expert through the narrow lanes of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An, which served as a prosperous trading port from the 15th century to the 19th century.

Stroll through the pedestrian-only streets of this well-preserved architectural heritage passing by various buildings, temples, merchant houses, and pagodas showcasing French, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Walk across the 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge over the stream as your guide narrates its history.

Head on to the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation for a closer look at the intricate wood carvings on the walls and beams. Explore the vibrant local market, past stalls displaying colourful wares, spices, and exotic fruits, that is particularly famous for its locally produced silk and tailors who even have a section of the market dedicated to them.

Your chauffeur will drive you from Hoi An hotel to Hue hotel in a private vehicle (Duration: 3 hrs)

Personalised Cyclo Tour of Hue and Thien Mu Pagoda

Explore the main attractions of Hue on this leisurely cyclo tour. Settle into the iconic three-wheeled version of the cycle rickshaw pedaled by a driver. Sit back and relax as your unique mode of transportation takes you across the Trang Tien Bridge located over the Perfume River. Pass through the bustling Dong Ba Market as you head to the outer perimeter of the citadel.

Get a closer look at ancient houses built in the traditional style where generations of families have lived. Step off your cyclo at the Noon Gate and walk to the UNESCO-listed citadel. Admire the beautiful architecture and manicured gardens as you learn about Hue’s past as the imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty. Stop to watch the restoration of sections of the imperial city that survived wartime bombings.

Leave behind the citadel and visit the Royal Antiquities Museum for a glimpse into the city’s imperial past. Afterwards, your driver will take you to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s best preserved shrine. Take in the sight of the pagoda’s seven-tiered tower soaring over the riverbank, before it’s time to wind up your tour.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to Hue airport in a private vehicle. Board your flight from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon (Duration: 1.5 hrs).

Your English speaking guide will accompany you from Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon airport to your hotel in a private vehicle.

Personalised Walking Tour of Saigon

Explore Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam’s largest and busiest city, as you walk past boulevards lined by colonial French buildings. Discover fine examples of French architecture such as the iconic Saigon Opera House, CIA building, and the Central Post Office designed by architect Gustav Eiffel of the Eiffel Tower fame.

Admire the neo-Romanesque features of Notre Dame Cathedral nearby before you stroll through lush gardens and secret rooms of the Independence Palace. Hop over to Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street and pass by the regal Supreme Court building. Walk through the colourful Ben Thanh market, stopping for coffee at a small cafe.

Admire the boat-shaped Nguyen Van Hao’s building built by a rich businessman in 1933 pausing to click pictures. Stop by the Maison Marou for a little history lesson and a tasting session of the best Vietnamese chocolate. Stroll through Le Thi Hong Gam Street, the Fine Arts Museum, and Le Cong Kieu Street browsing through antique shops.

After the walk, unwind with a craft beer at the Pasteur Street Brewing Company, or with traditional tea at Villa Downtown Royal Antique, or local lunch at a hidden restaurant.

Personalised Tour of Cu Chi Tunnels

Start your day with a scenic drive through the Vietnamese countryside to reach the world-famous Cu Chi Tunnels, located about an hour northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. This iconic attraction is part of several such war memorial parks across Vietnam.

Communist Viet Cong guerrillas dug them, mostly by hand, to survive from foreign attacks during the Indo-China War, and then the Vietnam War. First built in 1948, this elaborate network of tunnels spanning over 155 miles housed living quarters, medical facilities and booby traps. Listen to live commentary about how these tunnels were used for transportation and communication.

These stories also reveal the diseases and insect infestations that were rampant due to the harsh conditions, and the difficulty in accessing basic necessities such as air, food and water. Later, these shelters were expanded to support entire underground villages. You can step inside certain sections to experience and understand the lives of Vietnamese troops at the time.

Your chauffeur will drive you from Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon to Can Tho in a private vehicle (Duration: 4 hrs). A guide will accompany you on this drive.

Personalised Can Tho Floating Market & City Tour

Visit Cai Rang floating market and explore the city of Can Tho. Set off early in the morning and embark on a motorboat trip to the city’s largest floating market located on the Can Tho River. The market opens at sunrise and is packed with wooden boats laden to the brim with colourful produce, flowers, and sundries.

As you glide on the water, get a glimpse of life on the Mekong Delta and watch the vendors peddle their wares to buyers. Later, return to shore and see some of the region’s prominent attractions and landmarks. Begin your tour at Binh Thuy ancient house, built in the French-style of architecture and dating back to the early 19th century.

The mansion, featured in the movie ‘The Lover’, showcases a distinctive blend of Western and Eastern design elements. Next, hop into a boat and head to Con Son Island for an enjoyable community tourism experience. You will stop by a fish raft before traveling along the rugged road that leads to the islet, winding past lush fruit orchards. Sample delicacies specific to south Vietnamese cuisine.

Your chauffeur will drive you from Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon in a private vehicle (Duration: 4 hrs). A guide will accompany you on this drive.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon airport in a private vehicle.