Vietnam: Legendary Landscapes

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

Personalised City Highlights Tour of Hanoi with Cyclos

Visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square. Vietnam’s beloved leader, affectionately known as ’Bac Ho’, rests here in a glass case. Drop by the One Pillar Pagoda next door. Originally from 1049, this unique wooden structure resembles a lotus blossom.

Continue on to Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, nestled amid the tranquil gardens of the Presidential Palace nearby. This modest house offers a glimpse into the life of Vietnam’s founding father. Next, head to the 11th century Temple of Literature complex, and admire its well-preserved Vietnamese architecture. Here, five courtyards with manicured lawns are dotted with wells, bells, pavilions and Confucius altars.

Later, at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, browse an extensive collection of traditional artefacts that showcase the rich diversity of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities. Later, in downtown Hanoi, take a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter. Learn about the history of its streets and trades, while exploring its back alleys highlighted by ’tube houses’!

End the day with a North Vietnamese water puppet performance, a unique art form said to have originated from the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta. Utilising vibrant wooden puppets, the show depicts scenes from rural life, and episodes of national history set to music.

Your chauffeur will drive you from Hanoi to Sapa in a private vehicle (Duration: 5 hrs). A guide will accompany you on this drive.

Personalised Hiking Among Vibrant Ethnic Villages

Discover the colourful ethnic villages dotting this highland region while trekking from Lao Chai to Ta Van, out of Sapa. After an early breakfast or lunch at your hotel, drive up to the picturesque highland countryside of Muong Hoa Valley. Look out for the spectacular sight of terraced paddy fields along the way. Depending upon the season, the rice terraces don various verdant shades that turn golden at harvest time.

From the valley, trek up to Black H'mong Village, home to the local Lao Chai hill community. Spend time with the villagers, getting to know their lifestyles and customs better. Learn why village homes are built without windows high up on these hills. Get back on your trail and hike up to Ta Van Village of the local Zay people, known for their colourful traditional fabrics. Visit the bustling local market or simply stop along the way to interact with the villagers.

Continue along your hiking trail, as Indochina’s highest peak, Mount Fansipan, beckons. Soak in the ethereal sights of terraced paddy farms along your journey, garnished with majestic views of Mount Fansipan in the distance. Drive back to Sapa at the end of your trek.

Personalised Trek to Love Waterfall & Heaven's Gate

Discover Love in Sapa! Take a short 30 minute drive to visit the twinkling Love Waterfalls and soak in stunning panoramic views of the sweeping landscape. Admire the towering mountains that form a backdrop to the lush forests of Hoang Line National Park near the waterfalls. A charming local farm lies just a short walk away.

Journey uphill by car for another 15 min to reach the aptly-named Heaven’s Gate, for breathtaking views of Fansipan Mountain - the highest in Indochina. Enjoy a few moments of rest and indulge your love for photography at this picturesque location, before returning to Sapa Town from your half day tour. The best time to do this activity is from May to November.

Your chauffeur will drive you from Sapa to Hanoi in a private vehicle (Duration: 5 hrs). A guide will accompany you on this drive.

Your chauffeur will drive you from Hanoi to Mai Chau in a private vehicle (Duration: 3.5 hrs). A guide will accompany you on this drive.

Personalised tour of Mai Chai: 3 Days/2 Nights

Day 1: Journey through Northern Vietnam, on this round-trip from Hanoi. Drive to the remote mountain town of Mai Chau, set in a picturesque valley. This settlement is inhabited by the ethnic White Thai people, who reside in traditional stilt houses. On arrival in Mai Chau enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before taking a cycle ride through the countryside, acquire knowledge about local lifestyle and customs.

Day 2: Head to Xa Linh Village and proceed for a hike along plantations and farmland. In the afternoon, take a leisurely 2hour tour through the beautiful valley of Mai Chau via local bikes or trekking. Your guide will facilitate chats with local hill tribe people to learn about their daily lives including planting rice, herding buffaloes and building traditional houses.

Your chauffeur will drive you from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh in a private vehicle (Duration: 4 hrs). A guide will accompany you on this drive.

Personalised tour of Ninh Binh (1 night /2 days)

Day 1: Travel to Ninh Binh, a city in the Red River Delta. At the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, hop into a rowboat and venture deep into the sanctuary. While meandering the waterways, sail past limestone karsts draped in lush foliage and see varied vegetation including ancient trees and delicate aquatic plants.

Day 2: Drive to Halong Bay

Your chauffeur will drive you from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay/Lan Ha Bay in a private vehicle (Duration: 4 hrs). A guide will accompany you on this drive.

Paradise Sails: Group Cruise of Halong Bay (2 Days/1 Night)

Experience the scenic beauty of the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay on this overnight cruise. At the scheduled time, drive to Tuan Chau Island, check into Paradise Suites Hotel and transfer to the cruise boat by electric cart. Set sail as you listen to a short briefing about your itinerary and the safety regulations.

After lunch onboard, go ashore at Titov Island. You could enjoy swimming in the cool waters and also climb up 400 stone steps to the highest point on the island for panoramic views. Next, travel in a kayak or a bamboo boat to Luon Cave and get a closer look at the limestone mountain with its natural rock formations. Return to the cruise boat and unwind with your favorite drink as you take in a beautiful sunset.

Watch a demonstration of Vietnamese cooking and then relish dinner at the restaurant onboard. You could try your hand at squid fishing before turning in for the night. Start your morning with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. After, hop into a kayak or a bamboo boat and head to Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in Halong Bay.

Check out the numerous stalactites and stalagmites, and savor panoramic views from the cliffside location. Return to the cruise boat and sail past Thien Cung and Dau Go caves, and Fighting Cock Islet. Checkout and disembark at Tuan Chau Marina to continue your onward journey.

Group Cruise Around Halong Bay in Bhaya Premium (2 Days/1 Night)

Settle into your comfortable ensuite cabins as you sail into the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay. Glide past picturesque islets and the magnificent limestone formations as you head to Trinh Nu Cave. Stroll around the sunlight-filled cave marvelling at the stalagmites and stalactites within.

You could then enjoy a refreshing swim or soak in the sun on the pristine beach before returning to the cruiser. Back on board, enjoy squid fishing, fruit carving demonstrations, and a cooking competition. At mealtimes, feast on authentic Vietnamese cuisine and international delicacies. Savor the gorgeous sunset from the deck as you sip on an exotic cocktail from the open bar while the boat drops anchor for the night.

Early next morning, participate in a rejuvenating Tai Chi class as the sun rises over the spectacular landscape. Afterward, step ashore to tour the bay’s most famous attraction Sung Sot Cave with its two chambers vast enough to accommodate thousands of people at a time! Disembark in the mid-morning to continue on your onward journey.

Your chauffeur will drive you from Halong Bay pier to Hanoi in a private vehicle (Duration: 2.5 hrs). Board your flight from Hanoi to Danang (Duration: 1.5 hrs).

You will be driven 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.

Personalised Tour of My Son Temples

Discover the UNESCO-listed site of My Son on this enjoyable tour. Head out to the spiritual center of the Champa dynasty that ruled central Vietnam from the 2nd to the 13th centuries. Explore the ruins of about 20 of the 68 Hindu shrines that were once filled with devotees at this temple complex.

This cluster of ancient shrines lies in a verdant jungle valley at the foothills of Cat’s Tooth Mountain, and was rediscovered in the late 19th century. Gain insights into Cham culture and civilisation as well as their strong ties to Hindu deities such as Shiva, worshipped by the Champa kings. Capture beautiful images of the temple towers silhouetted against the lush green backdrop, before it’s time to head back.

Your chauffeur will drive you from Hoi An to Hue in a private vehicle. Enroute you will visit Hai Van pass (Duration without stops: 3 hrs)

Personalised En-Route Drive Through Hai Van Pass

Look out on gorgeous views of misty mountains rising high over the South China Sea, deserted sandy beaches and forests as you wind through the Hai Van Pass! Also known as the Sea Clouds Pass, Hai Van Pass stands at 500m above sea level, making it the highest pass in Vietnam. It connects the city of Da Nang to Lang Co in the Hue Province.

Drive along the 25-kilometre-long mountain pass, which is popular with thrill-seeking motorcyclists. The winding roads and sudden curves which give way to a breath-taking landscape of lush mountains and blue skies. Catch glimpses of the Da Nang City, Tien Sa Port, Son Tra Peninsula, and the South China Sea as you cross over the spur of Truong Son mountain range. Stop at one of the many lookout points on the way to take pictures of the scenic Da Nang Bay before you continue on towards Hoi An.

Personalised City Highlights Tour of Hue

Immerse yourself in the royal charm of Hue. Take a cyclo to the Imperial Citadel, within the protected Complex of Hue Monuments. Listen to historical events of this former royal court. Next door, at the Long An Palace, is the Museum of Royal Antiquities that showcases the life and style of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Later, drive to the 17th century Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic seven-storied monument perched on a hilltop overlooking the Perfume River. In the afternoon, explore the hillside Khai Dinh Royal Tomb that has Vietnamese and European influences in its architecture.

Past the carved and blackened exteriors, admire the intricate ceramic mosaics inside. Continue to the Tu Duc Royal Tomb that features pleasure pavilions, lakes, an island and a palace. Finally, ascend the Vong Canh hill to enjoy the sunset over a drink. Covered in pine forests, daisies and ancient relics, it offers panoramic vistas of the Perfume River and the lush mountains beyond.

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

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 more.

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.

Personalised Tour of Ben Tre

Spend a day at the rice paddy and fruit farms of Bến Tre, which stands at the mouth of the Mekong Delta. After an early breakfast in your hotel, meet your local guide and drive a little out of Ho Chi Minh City. Depart Saigon for a 1.5hr drive to Ben Tre Province in the Mekong Delta, famous for its tropical fruit gardens and traditional products made of coconuts.

Visit a brick factory to learn how bricks are made by hand using centuries-old traditional methods before boarding your private local boat and cruising along the waterways to observe the way of life on the river. Shore excursions include a coconut workshop where almost every part of the coconut is used for candies and crafts, and a family-run mat workshop where you can try your hand at weaving the ubiquitous straw sleeping mats. A

3km (2mi) ride by tuk-tuk or bicycle takes you to the home of a fruit farmer where you can sample tropical fruits. After lunch at a local restaurant, board a rowing sampan for close up views of the water palm-lined waterways of the Delta. Travel back to the Hung Vuong pier by boat before transferring by car back to Saigon.

Personalised City Highlights Tour of Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy a day out in Ho Chi Minh City, admiring its French colonial architecture and modern vibe. Accompanied by your expert insider guide, explore Saigon’s historic attractions. See the restored exteriors of the Saigon Municipal Opera House and the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.

Drop by the grand Saigon Central Post Office, and hopefully meet the famous Duong Van Ngo, who has been writing letters by hand for three decades. Head to the Reunification Palace, which has become a symbol of the Fall of Saigon in 1975. Make your way to the War Remnants Museum that houses war artefacts and highly graphic exhibits.

It offers a Vietnamese perspective of the American War, and conflicts with France and China. Before returning to your accommodation, experience Saigon’s famed street coffee culture. Pick up a few Vietnamese phrases and gain insights into the daily life here.

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 IndoChina 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.