Vietnam 8-Day Odyssey: Hanoi, Serene Lan Ha Bay Cruise & Imperial Central Heritage

Emotion & Experience: A day dedicated to intellectual discovery and appreciating the rich diversity of Vietnam’s people.

9:00 AM: Our cultural exploration begins at the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu), Vietnam’s first national university (11th Century). As you stroll through the peaceful gardens and admire the historic stone steles, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for the country’s long-standing dedication to scholarship and education.

Next, we visit the highly acclaimed Ethnology Museum (closed on Mondays). This museum offers a profound insight into Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through immersive exhibits of traditional costumes, musical instruments, and life-size village houses. Spend two hours here, truly appreciating the rich cultural tapestry of the nation.

In the afternoon, we explore the elegant French Quarter, often called "Little Paris," with its tree-lined boulevards and grand government buildings. We view the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (from the outside) and take a serene walk through the surrounding botanical gardens, visiting the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s humble House on Stilts.

The day concludes with the mesmerizing Water Puppet Show, an 11th-century art form unique to North Vietnam. This performance, accompanied by live traditional music, is a magical reflection of Vietnamese folklore and rural life.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water Puppet Show, Mineral Water.

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

Emotion & Experience: A feeling of exclusive escape and utter tranquility aboard a luxury cruise ship, surrounded by ethereal natural beauty.

9:00 AM: You are collected from your hotel for the seamless 2.5-hour drive to Hai Phong, utilizing the new highway. The journey offers picturesque views of the Red River Delta and its vibrant rice fields.

12:30 PM: You are warmly welcomed aboard Peony Cruises, transferring to your luxurious craft. After a brief safety and itinerary orientation, settle into your Deluxe Balcony Cabin—your floating sanctuary for the night.

1:00 PM: Indulge in a spectacular, fresh seafood and fusion lunch as we sail deep into the core of Lan Ha Bay (a member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays). This region offers the same spectacular karst scenery as Halong Bay but with significantly fewer boats, ensuring a sense of privacy and serenity.

3:30 PM: Time for exploration and adventure! We anchor in the stunning Tra Bau area. This is the perfect moment for kayaking through hidden passages, getting up close to the majestic limestone islands, or simply taking a refreshing dip in the emerald green waters.

5:30 PM: Return to the cruise for a delightful Cooking Demonstration, where you'll learn the secrets to making classic Vietnamese spring rolls. Afterwards, enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin during Happy Hour—a truly romantic moment to capture on camera.

• Included: Shuttle Bus Transfer, English-speaking Guide (on board), Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance Fees, Kayaking, Cooking Class, Mineral Water.

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

Emotion & Experience: A final sense of natural exhilaration before the excitement of flying south to the charming Central Coast.

6:00 AM: Start the day with an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the dawn breaks over the karsts—a wonderfully peaceful way to welcome the day.

7:30 AM: We transfer to Cat Ba Island for a visit to Trung Trang Cave. This impressive limestone cave features a complex ecosystem and thousands of stunning stalactites, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into geological history.

9:30 AM: Return to the main boat, check out, and enjoy an early brunch as we cruise slowly back to the harbor, savoring the final views of the bay.

11:30 AM: Disembark at Tuan Chau port and meet your driver for the 2.5-hour journey back to Hanoi, using the express highway. You are immediately transferred to Noi Bai Airport (HAN) for your afternoon flight to Da Nang (DAD) (VN181 at 16:10).

Upon arrival in Da Nang, your local Central Vietnam guide and driver will meet you and transfer you directly to Hoi An Ancient Town (30 minutes). The evening is yours to relax or step out to see the famous lanterns illuminating the streets for the first time.

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

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

Emotion & Experience: A deep cultural intimacy through active exploration, connecting you with local artisans and the peaceful countryside.

8:00 AM: We begin with a walking tour of UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town. We explore the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the historic Cam Pho Communal House, the exquisite wood carvings of Quan Thang Ancient House, and the vibrant Phuc Kien Assembly Hall.

Next, we embark on a cycling journey! We cross the Thu Bon River by ferry to Kim Bong Village, famous for its wood carving. You will bike through the village, visiting a carpenter’s workshop to admire the blend of Northern, Chinese, and Japanese carving techniques.

We cycle onwards to Tra Nhieu Village and Cam Thanh Village, immersing ourselves in the tranquil countryside—a true feeling of rural escape. You’ll have unprecedented meetings with local artisans: see Ms. Duoc mat weaving, Mr. Kha making bamboo sampan baskets, and Mr. Huynh Ri in his craftsman shipyard.

In Cam Thanh, you will enjoy a refreshing foot massage with medicinal herbs, followed by a hands-on cooking class with fresh ingredients from Tra Que village. You’ll learn to prepare specialties like crispy pancake and spring rolls, which you will enjoy for lunch.

The afternoon concludes with a relaxing ride in a small, round bamboo sampan basket boat through the lush water palm forest—a uniquely Vietnamese, joyful and photogenic moment.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Boat/Ferry Transfers, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Bike Rental, Cooking Class, Foot Massage, Mineral Water.

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

Emotion & Experience: An exhilarating sense of triumph over the mountains, followed by an immediate dive into Hue's imperial majesty.

8:00 AM: We begin the majestic drive to Hue. The journey starts with a stop in Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum, housing the world's most significant collection of Cham sculptures.

The absolute highlight of the morning is the drive over the spectacular Hai Van Pass (Sea Cloud Pass). We pause at the summit to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views where the mountains plunge into the deep blue ocean—a stunning, exhilarating experience often hailed as one of the world's best coastal routes.

After lunch in Hue, we explore the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest and most spiritual sites in Hue, known for its majestic Octagon Tower and beautiful position overlooking the Perfume River.

We then enter the massive Hue Citadel, the symbol of Vietnam’s imperial past. You will walk through the three layers of fortification: Kinh Thanh (Capital City), Hoang Thanh (Imperial City), and the Cam Thanh (Forbidden City), discovering the stunning palaces and temples that defined the Nguyễn Dynasty's rule—a powerful feeling of historical immersion.

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

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

Emotion & Experience: A final day of profound discovery, blending imperial history with the quiet, authentic traditions of local craft villages.

8:00 AM: Our day begins with a Royal boat trip on the poetic Perfume River (Huong River), heading east to discover riverside life and traditional craft villages.

We disembark in Tien Non Village for a delightful bike ride through the peaceful countryside, passing through rice fields and vegetable gardens. We visit the famous craft villages of Thanh Tien (400-year-old artificial paper flower making) and Sinh Village (cradle of traditional folklore woodcut prints). You’ll meet artisans like Mr. Phuoc and learn the techniques behind these ancient crafts—a truly insightful and hands-on cultural experience.

In the afternoon, we visit the magnificent Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh. This tomb is uniquely distinguished by its dramatic blend of Oriental and Western architectural styles and its incredible interior decoration, featuring delightful porcelain fragments and a giant ceiling painting. The hundred-step climb to the worship palace offers a panoramic view and a powerful sense of majesty and artistry.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Boat Trip, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Bike Rental, Mineral Water.

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

Emotion & Experience: Departure with a sense of fulfillment and a collection of cherished memories from your journey across Vietnam’s imperial and natural highlights.

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel in Hue. Your private driver will pick you up and transfer you to Phu Bai Airport (HUI) for your onward flight, concluding your unforgettable 8-day journey through Northern and Central Vietnam.

• Included: Breakfast, Private Transportation, Mineral Water.