Vietnam Culture Explorer 9 Days: Heritage Journey Saigon to Halong Ba

Emotion & Experience: Achieve a deep closeness to nature and a feeling of authentic discovery as you glide through the peaceful, life-giving waterways of the mighty Mekong.

At 8:00 AM, we depart for Ben Tre, the coconut-rich region of the Mekong Delta. Your journey begins at Hung Vuong pier with a serene boat trip on the Ben Tre River, allowing you to observe the tranquil daily life along the water's edge. We continue to Nhon Thanh Village, where you'll have the opportunity for a hands-on experience and a refreshing taste of fresh, local fruits.

The adventure moves to land with a short bike ride (or Tuk Tuk) along narrow village paths. You’ll be surrounded by endless coconut ranges, lush rice fields, and productive vegetable gardens—a true sensory immersion. Lunch is a traditional Delta feast, highlighted by the local delicacy Elephant Ear Fish. We conclude with a peaceful boat ride on small, secluded canals shaded by wild palm trees before transferring back to the bustling energy of Saigon in the late afternoon.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Boat Trip (Ben Tre), Bike/Tuk Tuk, Private Transportation, Mineral Water (2 bottles/pax).

• Accommodation: Sanouva Hotel (Premium Deluxe Double Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: Gain an intense, visceral understanding of history and the extraordinary human resilience of the Vietnamese people by exploring an ingenious underground city.

Today, we journey to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the most striking places in the history of the Vietnam War. Cu Chi is a massive underground city—a 250km-long network of tunnels meticulously dug over twenty years using only rudimentary tools.

Your guided tour will take you through the incredible complexity of this underground world. You will have the opportunity to crawl through a preserved section of the tunnels, experiencing firsthand the challenging conditions endured by the Viet Cong resistance fighters. It is a powerful and unforgettable immersion into the determination of the local population.

• Optional Thrill: For those seeking an extra burst of adventure, the Cu Chi shooting range offers the chance to try real gun firing under supervision (pay locally).

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Private Transportation, Entrance Fees.

• Accommodation: Sanouva Hotel (Premium Deluxe Double Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: Feel the excitement of linking the South and Central regions, landing in the coastal beauty of Da Nang and stepping into the timeless, gentle charm of Hoi An.

We begin the day with a transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your included domestic flight from Saigon to Da Nang. Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, you'll be met and transferred to the elegant Parosand Da Nang Hotel.

In the afternoon, we immerse ourselves in the magic of Hoi An Ancient Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Your relaxing walking tour includes iconic landmarks: the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Museum of Trade Ceramics, and historic sites like Tan Ky or Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. Afterward, you’ll have free time to wander the lantern-strung streets, explore the vibrant Hoi An Market, and feel the artistic soul of this ancient trading port.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, Domestic Flight (SGN-DAD).

• Accommodation: Parosand Da Nang Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: Experience the awe and conquest of altitude as you ascend on one of the world's most impressive cable cars, walking above the clouds on a global icon.

Prepare for an extraordinary day trip to Ba Na Hills. Your adventure begins with a 20-minute ride on the impressive cable car system, ascending 1,478m above sea level to a resort paradise first developed by the French colonists.

Upon arrival, we head straight for the globally famous Golden Bridge. Take a leisurely walk across this stunning architectural marvel, supported by colossal stone hands, and feel like you are walking among the clouds. You'll visit the giant Buddha Statue, the peaceful pagoda, and the themed gardens, soaking in the panoramic views of the national park and ocean. Conclude your visit with time in Fantasy Park before descending and transferring back to Da Nang.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Private Transportation, Ba Na Hills Cable Car.

• Accommodation: Parosand Da Nang Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: Journey to the North, embracing the distinct historical elegance and tradition of Vietnam's ancient capital, a city defined by culture and intellectual heritage.

After breakfast, your private driver transfers you to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport (HAN), you’ll be greeted and transferred to the elegant La Nueva Boutique Hotel in the charming Old Quarter.

Your Hanoi cultural exploration begins at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, built in the 11th century. Walk through its peaceful grounds, admire the iconic Khue Van Cac, and view the World Heritage "stone steles"—a true sense of intellectual history.

Afterwards, we explore the elegant French Quarter, a "little Paris" in Hanoi. We then walk through the botanical gardens near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, visiting the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s simple house on stilts, and the unique One-Pillar Pagoda. We conclude the day with an essential stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where the "36 Streets" offer a captivating blend of history, centuries-old temples, and vibrant daily life.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, Domestic Flight (DAD-HAN).

• Accommodation: La Nueva Boutique Hotel (Premium Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: Experience spiritual awe and serenity as you glide through the towering karst landscape of Ninh Binh, often called "Halong Bay on Land."

8:00 AM: We transfer from Hanoi to Trang An, Ninh Binh, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a true marvel of nature and culture. Upon arrival, you’ll board a traditional sampan, gently rowed by a local. This poetic river cruise will take you through a series of dramatic natural caves, some stretching hundreds of meters, revealing tranquil, isolated valleys with every turn.

We stop to wander through serene pagodas and temples, connecting with the area's rich history rooted in the Tran Dynasty. After lunch, we visit the expansive Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of the most impressive Buddhist centers in Vietnam. Walk along a path lined with 500 stone arhats and take a lift to the viewpoint tower, which offers a breathtaking, panoramic view of the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia, framed by the exquisite karst valley. We then transfer back to Hanoi.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Boat Trip (Trang An), Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, Electric Car (Bai Dinh), Mineral Water (2 bottles/pax).

• Accommodation: La Nueva Boutique Hotel (Premium Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: Conquer the bucket list! Feel the profound awe and majesty of the world-famous UNESCO heritage site, Halong Bay, on a thrilling day cruise.

08:15 AM: Our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel for the drive to Tuan Chau Harbor.

12:30 PM: Welcome aboard the Cozy Bay Premium Cruise! We embark on a 5-hour journey through the striking passages of Halong Bay. A delightful lunch is served as you admire the incredible landscape of limestone islets and towering karsts.

14:00 PM: We explore the illuminated beauty of Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave), marveling at the stalagmites and stalactites that resemble fantastic sea life.

15:00 PM: Next, we visit Titop Island. You have the option to climb to Titop Peak for a panoramic view that truly captures the paradise-like backdrop of the Bay, or relax on the sandy beach below.

16:00 PM: Adventure time! Enjoy kayaking or a peaceful bamboo boat ride in Luon Cave to discover a beautiful, hidden lagoon. As the day ends, enjoy a Sunset Party on the upper deck while cruising back to the harbor, concluding a magnificent day on the water before transferring back to Hanoi.

• Included: English-speaking Guide (on board), Breakfast, Lunch, Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, Kayaking/Bamboo Boat.

• Accommodation: La Nueva Boutique Hotel (Premium Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: Reflect on your immersive journey, carrying the warmth and incredible memories of Vietnam's history, culture, and nature with you.

Enjoy your final Vietnamese breakfast. At the appropriate time, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel lobby in Hanoi and transfer you to Noi Bai Airport (HAN) for your flight home or onward journey. You depart Vietnam with a complete and rich understanding of its contrasting and beautiful soul.

• Included: Breakfast, Private Transportation.