Unveiled Vietnam Cultural Odyssey 11 Days : Saigon, Hue Royal Grandeur, & Bai Tu Long Bay Majesty

The Spirit of Saigon: 9:00 AM: Dive into Saigon's complex history. We start at the Independence Palace, the site where the controversial Vietnam War officially ended. Step inside the preserved 1970s bunker basement to feel the weight of history. Next, embark on a leisurely walking tour past French colonial masterpieces: the beautiful Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and the stunning Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel.

In the afternoon, we explore the Authentic Immersion of Cholon (Chinatown), navigating the bustling hundreds of stalls at Binh Tay Market—the city’s true commercial hub. Find peace at the ancient Quan Am Pagoda before concluding your day with a fascinating look at traditional Vietnamese medicine at the FITO Museum.

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

• Included: B, Transportation, Entrance Fees.

Close-to-Nature Immersion: 8:00 AM: Escape the city bustle and drive to Ben Tre (approx. 2.5 hours), the undisputed "Land of Coconuts" in the Mekong Delta. Our day is dedicated to Authentic Immersion in local river life. Embark on a private boat trip along the peaceful Ben Tre River, observing the daily rituals of the locals.

We venture into smaller canals shaded by wild palm trees. Taste fresh, tropical fruits in Nhon Thanh Village. You'll then enjoy a bike ride (or Tuk-tuk) through serene villages, past lush coconut groves, and vibrant rice fields. After a delicious local lunch, including the regional specialty elephant ear fish, a gentle boat ride on a small, shaded canal offers a moment of ultimate close-to-nature relaxation. Return to Saigon in the late afternoon.

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

• Included: B, L, Boat Trip, Biking

From Underground History to Spiritual Awe: 8:00 AM: Begin a powerful morning at the Cu Chi Tunnels, the vast, 250km underground network where Viet Cong soldiers lived and fought. Crawl through a segment of the tunnels to truly understand the resilience of the resistance movement.

Midday, prepare for a moment of profound Spiritual Discovery at the Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh. Caodaism is a fascinating, uniquely Vietnamese religion blending elements of global faiths. You will witness the mesmerizing midday mass, a colorful spectacle of faith and ritual. After lunch, we transfer back to Saigon for your flight to Danang, and then a short transfer takes you to the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An.

• Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe City View Room) or similar.

• Included: B, L, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Flight (SGN-DAD).

Timeless Charm and Connection: 8:00 AM: Discover the soul of Hoi An with a leisurely morning walking tour through the UNESCO Ancient Town. See the preserved Japanese Covered Bridge and the stunning Quan Thang Ancient House.

The afternoon is dedicated to Authentic Immersion in rural crafts. We take a short ferry across the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong Village, famous for its wood carving. Bike along tranquil trails to see artisan workshops. Continue cycling to Tra Nhieu Village to meet locals practicing traditional crafts, such as mat weaving and bamboo sampan basket making.

Later, glide on a small round bamboo sampan basket boat through the water palm forest in Cam Thanh Village. The day concludes with a hands-on cooking class at Mr. Phong’s house, followed by a relaxing medicinal herb foot massage.

• Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe City View Room) or similar.

• Included: B, L, Boat Trips, Entrance Fees, Biking, Cooking Class, Foot Massage.

A Journey of Breathtaking Views: 8:00 AM: We embark on a scenic drive to Hue (approx. 3 hours), taking the stunning coastal road. Along the way, we stop in Danang to explore the Cham Museum, home to the world's finest collection of Cham sculptures.

The climax of the drive is the Hai Van Pass, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains—a perfect photo opportunity. Arriving in Hue, the former imperial capital, we delve into Royal Grandeur. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, the spiritual symbol of the city, before exploring the monumental Hue Citadel—the only vestige of the Imperial City, built like a Vauban fortress.

• Accommodation: Rosaleen Boutique Hotel (Deluxe Double Room) or similar.

• Included: B, L, Transportation, Entrance Fees.

Royal Grandeur and Artistic Legacy: 8:00 AM: Start your day with a peaceful Royal boat trip on the Perfume River. Disembark at Tien Non Village for a gentle bike ride through the surrounding countryside. This provides deep Authentic Immersion into the local life of three villages (Tien Non, Thanh Tien, Sinh).

In Thanh Tien, you'll learn the 400-year-old art of artificial paper flower making with artisan Mr. Hieu. In Sinh Village, meet Mr. Phuoc to discover the techniques of traditional folklore prints. The afternoon brings you to the Khai Dinh King's Tomb, a mesmerizing fusion of Oriental and Western architecture. A hundred-step climb rewards you with a panoramic view of this majestic structure. In the evening, we transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.

• Accommodation: Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel (Deluxe City View Room) or similar.

• Included: B, Boat Trip, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Biking, Flight (HUI-HAN).

Intellectual and Sensory Awakening: 9:00 AM: Explore Hanoi’s intellectual heart at the Temple of Literature, the nation’s first university. Next, spend two hours at the Ethnology Museum to deepen your understanding of Vietnam’s diverse ethnic tapestry.

The afternoon blends history and street culture. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex (outside viewing of the Mausoleum) and the charming One-Pillar Pagoda. Then, dive into the Old Quarter with a walking tour, discovering hidden spots like Ba Da Pagoda and specialty lanes (Lan Ong Street). Conclude the day with a must-see traditional Water Puppet Show, followed by a taste of local life on the famous Ta Hien Street.

• Accommodation: Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel (Deluxe City View Room) or similar.

• Included: B, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water Puppet Show.

Breathtaking Majesty on Water: 8:00 AM: Leave the land behind and drive to Bai Tu Long Bay (approx. 3 hours), the quieter, more pristine sister bay of Ha Long. You will be warmly welcomed aboard the Swan Cruise.

1:00 PM: A delicious lunch is served as we cruise into the Breathtaking Majesty of the bay. The afternoon is dedicated to close-to-nature adventure: kayaking through the stunning karst formations around Cap La Island and enjoying a swim. As the sun sets, join the Sunset Party and a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the sundeck before a sumptuous dinner.

• Accommodation: Swan Cruise (Deluxe Cabin).

• Included: B, L, D, Shuttle Bus, Kayaking, Swimming, Cooking Demonstration.

A Peaceful Conclusion: 6:30 AM: Start your day with a serene Tai Chi session on the sundeck, greeting the sunrise over the towering limestone peaks. After breakfast, we explore the well-hidden charm of Thien Canh Son Cave.

Enjoy a final, unique cruising route back to the harbor, reflecting on your Spiritual Discovery and Royal Grandeur experiences. A traditional Vietnamese lunch is served onboard before disembarking around 11:30 AM. We transfer back to Hanoi (expected arrival 3:00 PM).

• Accommodation: Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel (Deluxe City View Room) or similar.

• Included: B, L, Transportation, Tai Chi, Entrance Fees.

Reflections and Departure: Enjoy a final breakfast in Hanoi. Your private driver will pick you up from the hotel lobby and ensure a comfortable, timely transfer to Noi Bai Airport (HAN) for your international departure or onward flight.

• Included: B, Transportation.