The Authentic Vietnam: 9-Day Cultural Immersion from Hanoi to the Mekong Delta

Emotion & Experience: Absorb the intellectual legacy of a thousand-year-old civilization and gain a deep insight into the diverse cultures that make up the Vietnamese nation.

9:00 AM: Our cultural exploration begins at the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu), Vietnam's first national university (11th century). Wander through its peaceful courtyards, admire the Khue Van Cac, and contemplate the history represented by the World Heritage stone steles, which honor outstanding scholars.

Next, we journey to the Museum of Ethnology (closed Mondays). This outstanding institution offers a rich, deep dive into the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam, showcasing their traditional costumes, tools, music, and unique house designs. Plan for a two-hour visit to fully appreciate the cultural diversity.

In the afternoon, we visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex. We see (outside) the Mausoleum, then stroll through the tranquil botanical gardens to visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts, and the unique One-Pillar Pagoda. The day concludes with a mesmerizing Water Puppet Show—a unique art form dating back to the 11th century—where puppets dance on the water, narrating Vietnamese folklore and daily life.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water Puppet Show, Mineral Water (2 bottles/pax).

• Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: Feel the profound closeness to nature as you cycle through the idyllic karst landscape, followed by a unique, personal connection to an ancient Vietnamese craft.

8:00 AM: We drive out of Hanoi to Ninh Binh (approx. 2 hours), immediately plunging into the picturesque countryside of the Red River Delta. This region is a true escape from the city.

Upon arrival, you can choose a gentle 15km bike ride (or walk) along the tranquil dykes, offering gorgeous, uninterrupted views of rice fields, rivers, and dramatic limestone mountains—a genuine conquest over the crowded path. We stop to discover the 11th-century Thung La Temple. Meet Mr. Tuong, the guardian, and enjoy a unique cultural moment: an authentic 20-minute drum show [Video: Thung La temple music].

Next, board a small sampan boat for a quiet trip through the streams and caves of Van Long Nature Reserve. This reserve is less visited than other areas, ensuring absolute serenity. Keep an eye out for white monkeys and egrets on the cliffs—nature at its finest.

The day concludes with an intimate visit to an embroidery village [Video: Thung La temple embroidery course]. Here, you'll join a hands-on embroidery course with local craftswoman Mrs. Lam, learning the techniques of this traditional art and practicing on fabric like a real artisan. We transfer back to Hanoi in the late afternoon, refreshed by nature and culture.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Boat Trip (Van Long), Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, Bike Rental (Ninh Binh), Thung La Temple Music, Embroidery Course, Mineral Water (2 bottles/pax).

• Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: Trade the busy bay for the quiet majesty of Lan Ha Bay. Experience the unforgettable beauty of cruising, kayaking, and relaxing in a secluded, pristine environment.

9:00 AM: Pick up from your Hanoi hotel and travel directly to Hai Phong and then Tuan Chau Port (approx. 2.5 hours via the new highway).

12:30 PM: You are warmly welcomed aboard the luxurious Peony Cruise. Enjoy fresh drinks and wet towels before a special lunch featuring Vietnamese and international delicacies as we set sail immediately for the tranquil Lan Ha Bay—a protected area known for its lower density of tourist traffic.

3:30 PM: The afternoon is dedicated to the unspoiled beauty of the Tra Bau area. This is the perfect time for kayaking—paddling through the emerald waters offers a personalized, intimate encounter with the towering karsts. You can also swim or enjoy the onboard Jacuzzi.

5:30 PM: Join a complimentary cooking demonstration to learn the secrets of making famous Vietnamese spring rolls. Afterward, head to the top deck for a magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin, followed by Happy Hour.

7:30 PM: Indulge in a delicious deluxe dinner served in an intimate, romantic setting. The evening concludes with relaxing at the sky bar, enjoying spa services (optional), or trying your luck at squid fishing on the main deck.

• Included: Shuttle Bus (Hanoi - Tuan Chau), English-speaking Guide (on board), Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance Fees, Kayaking, Cooking Demonstration, Overnight Cruise (Deluxe Balcony Cabin), Mineral Water (2 bottles/pax).

• Accommodation: Peony Cruise - 2D1N (Deluxe Balcony Cabin).

Emotion & Experience: Start with the spiritual calm of Tai Chi and geological exploration before transitioning rapidly to the dynamic energy and contrasts of Ho Chi Minh City.

6:00 AM: Awaken your body and mind with an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the peaceful bay.

7:30 AM: We transfer to Cat Ba Island to visit the fascinating Trung Trang Cave—one of the largest and most impressive caves in the area, showcasing millions of years of geological formation.

9:30 AM: Return to the main boat, check out of your cabin, and enjoy an early brunch as we cruise back towards Tuan Chau Port.

11:30 AM: Disembark the cruise and meet your driver for the transfer back to Hanoi (approx. 2.5 hours). You are then transferred to Noi Bai Airport for your evening flight to the South (VN265, 20:30 – 22:30).

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, your local guide and driver will provide a warm welcome and transfer you directly to the Elios Hotel.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Brunch, Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, Tai Chi Session, Domestic Flight (HAN-SGN), Mineral Water (2 bottles/pax).

• Accommodation: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: Experience the complex historical resilience of Saigon alongside the vibrant life of its Chinatown and the fascinating world of traditional medicine.

9:00 AM: Our exploration of Saigon begins at the symbolic Independence Palace, the former home and office of the South Vietnamese President. We explore the preserved rooms and the historic bunker, offering a powerful reflection on the Vietnam War's final moments.

We continue with a short walking tour to admire colonial masterpieces: the beautiful Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and the stunning Saigon Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel.

We then take a short drive to the bustling Chinatown district. Here, we delve into the authentic, local side of the city by visiting the enormous Binh Tay Market, a central hub for food and goods. We also visit the serene Quan Am Pagoda, one of the city's oldest, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.

The day concludes with a visit to the FITO Museum of Traditional Medicine. This fascinating museum showcases antique tools, medicinal herb recipes, and magic potions, giving you a deep appreciation for Vietnam's ancient healing practices.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, Mineral Water (2 bottles/pax).

• Accommodation: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: Experience a day of profound awe and spiritual immersion by witnessing Vietnam’s unique Cao Đài faith, contrasted with the stark historical reality of the Cu Chi Tunnels.

8:00 AM: We embark on a journey to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels. This striking historical site is an immense network of over 250km of hand-dug underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the war. Your visit includes the opportunity to crawl through a section of the tunnels, offering a tangible sense of the historical resilience of the soldiers who lived there. (Optional: Guests can visit the Cu Chi shooting range to fire real guns at their own expense).

In the afternoon, we continue to Tay Ninh to visit one of Vietnam’s most sacred attractions: the Cao Đài Temple. Caodaism is a uniquely Vietnamese religion that blends elements of Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, and Taoism. Your visit is timed to attend the midday mass, an extraordinary, colourful ceremony that provides a truly awe-inspiring moment of cultural discovery.

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, we transfer back to Saigon.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, Mineral Water (2 bottles/pax).

• Accommodation: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: Slow down entirely. Experience the gentle warmth of community life and the deep closeness to nature as you navigate the shaded, fertile waterways of the Mekong Delta.

8:00 AM: We drive to Ben Tre (approx. 2.5 hours), the "land of coconuts" in the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, we embark on a boat trip on the Ben Tre River, observing the daily life of the local people.

We continue along a canal to Nhon Thanh Village, where you’ll taste fresh local fruits. You’ll then take a bike ride (or Tuk Tuk) along narrow village paths, passing lush coconut ranges, rice fields, and vegetable gardens.

Lunch is a true Mekong specialty: the delicious Elephant Ear Fish, served in the village. After a short walk to discover local life in depth, the highlight is a peaceful rowboat ride through small, quiet canals, completely shaded by the wild palm trees—a tranquil moment of absolute serenity. We transfer back to Saigon in the late afternoon.

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

• Accommodation: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: Depart with a sense of fulfillment and deep understanding, having genuinely connected with the authentic spirit of Vietnam.

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning at leisure before your private driver picks you up and transfers you to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) for your onward flight, carrying the incredible memories of your authentic Vietnamese journey.

• Included: Breakfast, Private Transportation, Mineral Water (2 bottles/pax).