10 Days Vietnam Unveiled

• Day 01: Sydney / Melbourne / Perth - Saigon Arrival (No Meal)

  Xin Chào! Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City – The City That Never Sleeps.

  A warm greeting awaits at Ho Chi Minh City’s International Airport. Your private guide and driver will meet you OUTSIDE the arrivals lounge and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Please look for your tour guide who holds up your names on a welcome signboard.

  While every effort is made to have your room available upon arrival, the check-in time is 14.00; your room may or may not be ready before this time. You can leave your luggage at the hotel reception or hotel’s store luggage room and then head to a local restaurant for breakfast on your own (if you arrive early).

  The morning is free for you to explore nearby attractions or simply relax in the hotel lobby until check-in time at approximately 14.00.

  Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

  Please note:
  – Regular check-in time in the hotel: from 14.00 (early check-in service is not included).

  Meals Included: No Meal.

• Day 02: Ho Chi Minh City – Street Food Tour by Motorbike (SIC) (Breakfast / Dinner)

  Breakfast is at the hotel.

  The whole day today will be free for relaxing at the hotel, strolling or shopping in the town or whatever takes your fancy.

  When the sun goes down, we start the local food discovery by motorbike in the evening.

  17.30 Our English-speaking tour guide will pick you up at your hotel. You will have a quick look at the itinerary so that you can make it clear where we will go and what we will eat.

  First, we enjoyed our dinner at a local restaurant. It will be a soup – one of the specialties of our country or also known as a traditional food in the Central beef noodles of Vietnam, sugarcane juice – a kind of drink made by pressing the sugarcanes, grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves – an indispensable dish in Vietnam cuisine.

  After the meals, our guide driver will take you to Nguyen Thien Thuat Street – a “food heaven” in Saigon. Street food sold here is diverse since people in the area come from many places and have different tastes. By coming here, you have a chance to get your stomach satisfied with a wide range of delicious food and drink.

  Then we will go through the area and explore a typical night of residents as well as know more about what has happened in this place through the flow of history.

  The next destination is the biggest flower market located in district 5. Flowers sold there are believed to be collected from every part of Vietnam so that you can easily buy any kind of flowers you like as well as enjoy the sweet smell or the beauty of them.

  Otherwise, in district 5, we will stop for minutes to eat Vietnamese pancakes – a portion of delicious food that is eaten with a wide range of vegetables.

  Back to the tour, the guide will take you to Nguyen Trai Street – a busy street where almost everything is sold: clothes, souvenirs, etc. After that, on Nguyen Van Cu Bridge, you will be impressed by the whole view of Saigon in the nighttime, feel the peaceful moment when looking at the Saigon River with fresh cool air after several hours going in the city.

  Next, we will stop at district 4, which is regarded as the smallest district. Many people from other places in Vietnam move to live there so the lifestyle and tradition of residents are extremely varied there. That is such a special place to get experience while you are in Saigon.

  Say goodbye to district 4, we will next join a BBQ seafood party held by street food restaurants. We can share our happiness with others while eating there. The party may consist of seafood, beer and other fascinating dishes that are recommended by Saigonese.

  After all, we will take you back to your accommodation and wish you a nice dream.

  Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

  Please note:
  – Please inform your local guide about any food allergies you may have.
  – It is recommended that you leave your handbags, passports and jewelry at your hotel for safekeeping.
  – A camera is always encouraged. Please take extra care of your camera to avoid theft.
  – We recommend that you should wear something comfortable and cool. Shorts, T-shirts and light pants are also suitable.

  Meals Included: Breakfast, Street-food Dinner.

• Day 03: Ho Chi Minh City - Day at Leisure (Breakfast)

  Breakfast is at the hotel.

  These days are your day to relax and enjoy Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. Here are some simple suggestions for how you can make the most of your free time:

  – Enjoy the Food: Ho Chi Minh City has delicious street food. Try different local dishes like pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls. You can go on a food tour to taste a variety of flavors.

  – Visit the Ben Thanh Market: Go to the Ben Thanh Market, where you can find a variety of items like clothes, crafts, spices, and souvenirs. Walk around and see what catches your eye.

  – Take a Relaxing Walk: Enjoy a peaceful stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street or by the Saigon River. Admire the buildings and watch the people going about their day. You can also find a cozy café to sit and relax.

  Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

  Or you can choose any below suggested optional tour for your trip:

  Optional Tours (Prices To Be Advised)

  1. Mekong Delta One Day Tour
     This morning, you will be picked up from the hotel after breakfast and travel to the city of My Tho (approx. 1.5 hours) on the banks of the Mekong. Upon arrival, board a motorboat and cruise along the Mekong River. The boat will take you to Xep Canal, a lovely place where you can escape the traffic of the main river. Here you will cruise under coconut trees before arriving at a small islet. Disembark and walk around a small local village. Stop at a local family’s home to enjoy tropical fruit, honey tea and wine and listen to traditional Vietnamese music performed by the villagers. Afterwards continue onwards to another islet where a traditional Vietnamese lunch will be prepared by a local family (included). In the afternoon return to Ho Chi Minh City and your hotel accommodation.
  2. Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour
     This tour, perfect for history and war buffs, will take you back to wartime where you can explore the famous Cu Chi tunnels, have an opportunity to try your hand at shooting accuracy with an AK-47 and even sample food eaten by Vietnamese soldiers during the war.
     We pick up at your hotel to Cu Chi Tunnel for 60km from Ho Chi Minh City. Cu Chi is now considered a heroic district for its role in the anti – American war in Vietnam. It is legendary for its tunnels system of over 220 km and is a popular spot for both Vietnamese and foreigner.
     The famous Cu Chi tunnels are a network of underground tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City. The tunnels were used as a military base for resistance to US forces during the Vietnam War and often used as hiding spots or spy activities.
     Along the way to Cu Chi from Ho Chi Minh city, we will pass by the scenic local countryside, where you might even spot ducks and buffalo cooling off in the river. You will find it hard to imagine the destruction and damage that once dominated the area, caused by bombing and mines when Cu Chi was “a free target zone.”
     Lunch at a local restaurant before going back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

  Meals Included: Breakfast, Street-food Dinner.

• Day 04: Ho Chi Minh City - Flight to Danang - Transfer to Hoi An (Breakfast)

  Breakfast is at the hotel.

  This morning you will be free to relax at the hotel, strolling or shopping in the old quarter or whatever takes your fancy.

  In the afternoon, you will be picked up and driven to Noi Bai International Airport for a short flight to Da Nang – The City of Bridges, located in Central Vietnam.

  Upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport, you will be picked up by your new private driver and tour guide and taken to your hotel in Hoi An – The Ancient City of Colorful Lanterns.

  Overnight in Hoi An.

  Meals Included: Breakfast.

• Day 05: Hoi An - Cooking Class (Breakfast / Lunch)

  Breakfast is at the hotel.

  This trip will take you to join a cooking class and share your great experience of going to the local market to buy fresh ingredients and cook Vietnamese traditional dishes. Besides, you will feel peaceful when visiting the beautiful vegetable gardens, having an opportunity to ride a bike or take a boat trip to discover and experience rural life.

  Leave your hotel around 09:00 AM in the morning, you will conquer the street along the Thu Bon River and visit Hoi An colorful market to choose ingredients and make dishes with them. Finish buying ingredients at the market, embark on a small boat to ride along the Thu Bon River (or cycle 15 minutes) for about 25 minutes to catch the cooking school on the other side of the river.

  Today’s activities end at around 13.00 and depart to your hotel. The rest of the day is your leisure time.

  Overnight in Hoi An.

  Please note:
  – Surcharge for a private class is AUD$ 40 per person (this rate is applied for a group of 2 people above).

  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch at Cooking Class.

• Day 06: Hoi An - Transfer to Danang - Flight to Hanoi - Local Street-Food Discovery (Breakfast / Dinner)

  Breakfast is at your hotel.

  There are no activities for today. You can relax at the hotel, stroll or shop in the town or whatever takes your fancy.

  Then, check out of your hotel at the hotel’s check out time and we will depart Ho Chi Minh city and head to Ho Chi Minh City’s International Airport for a short flight to Hanoi City – Capital of thousand years of civilization, Vietnam.

  Upon arrival, you will be met by a new private driver and tour guide, who will drive you to the hotel in the city centre for check in.

  Then we start our walk through the maze of bustling streets that make up Hanoi’s Old Quarter, we tempt our taste buds with the famed Hanoi dish with Pho for dinner, a Vietnamese Noodle shop. Some of the local people call this world-famous Noodle soup “Mac-Noodles” since it is as popular here as MacDonalds is in other parts of the world! At the restaurant, your tour guide will explain the routine during Vietnamese mealtimes and tell you which special ingredients are needed for you. You can choose beef noodles or chicken noodles.

  Some local restaurants with the traditional flavour and taste which is recommended by Michelin guide, you can choose one of them:

  • Phở Gà Nguyệt (Chicken noodle)
  • Phở Bò Lý Quốc Sư (Beef noodle)

  Overnight in Hanoi.

  Meals Included: Breakfast, Street-food Dinner.

• Option 1 Day 07: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay, Overnight on traditional cruise (SIC) (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

  After breakfast, check out of your hotel and around 08.00 AM, our joining bus (without tour guide) will pick you up to go to Ha Long.

  Enjoy the landscape of the countryside and a short break on the way. Embark on the cruise followed by a short cruise briefing. Savour a delectable lunch as you cruise among the limestone islands. Take a small sampan among the hidden bays around the Luon Cave. Cruise to Ti Top Island, go swimming or relaxing at the beach or climb up to the top of the island for a panorama view of Halong Bay. Enjoy the sunset with dinner. After dinner, fish for squid or just laze around.

  Overnight on cruise in Halong.

  Please note:
  – Depending on cruising conditions, itineraries may change without prior notice.
  – Wi-Fi is available at the restaurant/Piano Lounge areas, however, Internet connectivity may be intermittently interrupted due to the geographical condition of the bay.
  – Detail program of each cruise is different, it will be confirmed later by each booking.

  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• Option 1 Day 08: Ha Long Bay - Transfer back to Hanoi (SIC) (Breakfast / Brunch)

  Start your day with Tai Chi class and breakfast at sunrise. Explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave – the nicest cave in Halong Bay. Continue your cruise exploring Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet and more. While heading back to the harbour, watch the cooking demonstration before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch.

  Check out the cruise, then our joining bus (without tour guide) will pick up & transfer you back to Hanoi. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.

  Overnight in Hanoi.

  Meals Included: Breakfast, Brunch.

• Option 2 Day 07: Hanoi - Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu - Mua Cave & Mountain - River Boating in Tam Coc “Nam Thien De Nhi Dong” (The second beautiful cave in Vietnam) (Breakfast / Lunch)

  Transfer for a two-hour drive to Ninh Binh, a fascinating place where apart from inspiring scenery “towering limes time mountains and the lush rice fields” you have access to the most rural and authentic side of Vietnam. Ninh Binh boasts of the most majestic and impressive natural landscapes in Southeast Asia, yet so many travelers overlook it.

  08.00 AM, we will pick you up at your hotel in a private car, before spending two hours on the road to Ninh Binh, where the Tam Coc – Bich Dong is also known by other names as “Nam Thien De Nhi Dong” (The second beautiful cave in Vietnam) day tour will begin.

  Arrive at Mua Cave, the most beautiful place to view in Ninh Binh, where you can see the city far from standing in front of Tam Coc in the back and the limestone mountain along to the south of Vietnam.

  Stop in Ninh Binh Province is Hoa Lu, the ancient Vietnamese capital of 44 years during the reigns of two separate kings. These kings now have two temples dedicated to their triumphs: King Dinh Temple and King Le Temple, sites of unique, ancient architecture and focal points of the annual Hoa Lu Festival.

  As we continue onto Tam Coc at midday, we will have lunch in a local restaurant featuring local delicacies of Ninh Binh like eel and goat. We board a sampan boat on the Ngo Dong River and a villager will row us down Tam Coc’s serene waters on a two-hour boat trip, taking in views of what is affectionately called the ‘inland Halong Bay’.

  Bich Dong Pagoda will be our next stop, and we will climb its ancient stone staircase, passing the natural cave that houses a couple of shrines and emerging outside to a wonderful view of Tam Coc.

  Overnight in Hanoi.

  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

• Option 2 Day 08: Ninh Binh - Countryside and Local Life Experience (SIC) - Van Lam Lace Embroidery Village - Transfer back to Hanoi (Breakfast / Lunch)

  One of the best ways to experience nature and local life in Vietnam. Experience the real life of a local farmer in Vietnam via rice planting, buffalo riding, fishing… Enjoy the breath-taking landscape of rural northern Vietnam as well as a deep knowledge about Vietnam history.

  Highlights:
  – Get a close-up look at the life of local farmers via their daily activities.
  – Practice traditional rice farming.
  – Experience buffalo riding with locals.
  – Fishing with unique “nơm”.
  – Buffalo cave exploring.
  – Waterfall bathing at buffalo cave
  – Cooking class with traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

  After breakfast at the hotel, the driver will pick you up at your hotel to take you to have an experience for the real life of a local farmer in Vietnam via rice planting, buffalo riding, fishing …

  09.00 – 9.30 AM Feeding buffalo, showering for buffalo and riding buffalo.
  09.30 – 10.00 AM Catching fish with local people.
  10.00 – 10.30 AM Planting Vietnamese rice with local people.
  10.30 – 11.00 AM Waterfall bathing and visit the Buffalo Cave.
  11.00 AM – 13.00 Cooking class and enjoying the meal with the local family.
  13.30 – 14.00 Relaxing at the point before moving to visit Van Lam Lace Embroidery Village.

  Van Lam Village was founded in the 13th century, and it has become famous for items from embroidery year by year. At the gate of Van Lam village, you can see an ancient temple that was built to show respect and gratitude to the person who taught and inspired the embroidery craft to people here. Nowadays, this village is known as an embroidery trade village with about 80% of people in Van Lam knowing embroidery skills, many embroidery enterprises are established and more than 700 embroidery households.

  When you have a great chance to visit Van Lam, you should walk and see how they make embroidered crafts with their skillful hands. You can buy or take some photos of Van Lam embroidery products that are famous not only in Vietnam but also in the US, Japan, and German, etc…

  16.30 – 17.00 Transfer back to Hanoi.

  Overnight in Hanoi.

  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

• Day 09: Morning Making Coffee Workshop Class (SIC) (Breakfast)

  Breakfast is at your hotel.

  Class time: 08.00 AM, 09.00 AM, 14.00 PM, 15.00 PM (you can choose one of the most suitable times for you)
  Duration: 60 minutes – 90 minutes.

  The driver will come to your hotel (without a tour guide) to take you to the class to learn about Vietnamese coffee history and its stories. Learn to make two most famous coffee drinks in Vietnam which are egg coffee and coconut coffee.

  After making yourself the cups of coffee, enjoy them together with a banh mi sandwich or spring roll of your choice in our café.

  Finishing the class, the driver will take you back to your hotel (without a tour guide). The rest of the day is your leisure time.

  Overnight in Hanoi.

  Meals Included: Breakfast.

• Day 10: Hanoi Departure - Back to Sydney / Melbourne / Perth (Breakfast)

  Breakfast is at your hotel.

  There are no activities planned for today, so you are free until the driver picks you up and transfers you to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight back home or to your next destination. Home sweet home.

  Please note:
  – Regular check-out time in the hotel: latest at 12.00 (late check out service is not included).

  Meals Included: Breakfast.