Vietnam Heritage & Cave Conquest: 17-Day Epic Journey from Hanoi to Saigon

Cradle of Learning (9:00 AM): Your cultural exploration starts at the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, Vietnam’s first national university. Stroll through peaceful courtyards, admire the iconic Khue Van Cac, and touch the ancient stone steles that bear the names of history's outstanding students—a moment of true academic reverence.

A Tapestry of Peoples: Next, dive deep into Vietnam’s vibrant culture at the Ethnology Museum (closed Mondays). Spend two hours immersed in the lives of 54 ethnic groups, viewing their traditional costumes, tools, and intricate houses. It’s a powerful insight into the nation’s diversity.

French Legacy & Ho Chi Minh’s Spirit: The afternoon takes you through the elegant French Quarter, a "little Paris" of tree-lined boulevards. View the Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (outside) before a leisurely walk through the Botanical Gardens to the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts, feeling the modesty of the revered leader. Conclude at the unique One-Pillar Pagoda.

Evening Enchantment: End the day with a cherished Vietnamese art form: a Water Puppet Show. Watch the daily life, culture, and beliefs of Vietnamese people gracefully brought to life by puppets dancing on water, accompanied by mesmerizing traditional music.

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

Driving Through the Delta: Transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, witnessing the picturesque, lush countryside of the Red River Delta unfold outside your window.

Rural Conquest: Take an optional 15km bike ride (or walk) through authentic villages. Cycling along the dyke provides truly gorgeous landscapes of rice fields and towering limestone mountains. Enjoy stops to interact with locals and capture stunning photos.

Spiritual Sound: Walk to Thung La Temple, dating back to the 11th century. Meet the guardian, Mr. Tuong, for an authentic conversation and be treated to a powerful, 20-minute traditional drum show—a unique cultural and auditory experience.

Van Long’s Hidden Beauty: Later, take a peaceful sampan boat trip through Van Long Nature Reserve, often called the "Halong Bay on Land." Glide silently among the mountains, and keep your eyes peeled for the rare white-breeched langurs (monkeys) and majestic egrets on the cliffs.

The Art of Thread: Following your boat trip, visit an embroidery village and join an intimate embroidery course with local craftswoman, Mrs. Lam. Practice on fabric like a real artisan and take home a beautiful, hand-crafted memory.

Accommodation: Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel (Delux City View Room) *or similar.

The Journey Begins (9:00 AM): Be picked up and enjoy the drive from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay via the new highway. The journey is scenic, passing the Red River Delta’s villages and rice fields.

Luxury Aboard Peony: Board the luxurious Peony Cruises at Tuan Chau Port. Be welcomed with fresh drinks and wet towels before settling into your Deluxe Balcony Cabin. Enjoy a special lunch featuring fresh local delicacies as you set sail for Lan Ha Bay—one of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays.

Kayaking Conquest: Sail to the secluded Tra Bau area. This is your moment for natural conquest—grab a kayak to explore hidden lagoons and limestone islands up close. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the bay's emerald waters for a swim or relax in the Jacuzzi pool.

Golden Hour: Join a fun cooking demonstration to learn how to roll Vietnamese spring rolls. Later, head to the top deck for Happy Hour (Buy One Get One Free) and witness the magnificent, fiery sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin—a dream for photography lovers.

Intimate Dinner: Indulge in a delicious dinner prepared by the onboard chef in a romantic setting. The night ends with optional cocktails, spa services, or trying your luck at squid fishing on the main deck.

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

Ocean Tai Chi: Start the day full of energy with a calming Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the horizon. Enjoy breakfast while cruising towards the jetty.

Underground Marvel: Take a 30-minute transfer to Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island. Explore this impressive limestone cave with its thousands of uniquely shaped stalactites—a beautiful insight into Cat Ba National Park's geology.

Farewell & Return: Return to the main boat for an early lunch before checking out and disembarking at Tuan Chau port. Your driver will meet you for the two-and-a-half-hour return trip to Hanoi.

The Southern Push: In the evening, be transferred to Hanoi Train Station for your thrilling overnight journey on the traditional SE3 Train to Quang Binh. Relax in your Deluxe 4-berth cabin, anticipating the wonders of Central Vietnam.

Accommodation: Overnight Train (SE3 - Deluxe 4 berths/cabin).

Central Coast Welcome: Arrive early morning in Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh—the narrowest part of Vietnam and the gateway to adventure. Be greeted by your local guide and driver.

Gateway to Wonders: Drive into the UNESCO World Heritage Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

The Water Grotto: Start your exploration at Phong Nha Cave. Take a scenic boat trip along the Son River directly into the gigantic mouth of the grotto. Enjoy a leisurely walk inside to admire the underground river, the fantastic stalactites and stalagmites—a true geological masterpiece.

Paradise Revealed: After lunch, prepare for the spectacular Paradise Cave (Thien Duong Cave). Discovered in 2005, this cave is considered one of the longest in Asia. After a short walk through the forest, you step into this terrestrial paradise, where colossal stalactites and stalagmites fill the massive chambers, leaving you utterly amazed.

Accommodation: Phong Nha Lake House (Superior Pool View) *or similar, enjoying the peaceful lake view.

Underground Heroes: Journey south, stopping at the renowned Vinh Moc Tunnels. Descend into this incredible 1.7km long, three-level underground village, dug by hand between 1965 and 1967. Witnessing this heroic sanctuary offers a powerful testament to the resilience of the Vietnamese people.

Historical Echoes: Continue your excursion to the 17th Parallel, the historical border of North and South Vietnam. Visit Hien Luong Bridge and the Ben Hai River, absorbing the deeply moving history of this divided land.

Arrival in Hue: Arrive in Hue, the ancient Imperial Capital, in the late afternoon. Check into your hotel and enjoy a free evening to leisurely stroll and soak in the historical atmosphere of the city at night.

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

Poetic Cruise: Begin the day with a serene Royal boat trip on the Perfume River (Huong River), discovering the poetic beauty and local life along its banks.

Village Immersion: Disembark at Tien Non village for a delightful bike ride (or walk) through three unique villages: Tien Non, Thanh Tien, and Sinh. Immerse yourself in the daily, gentle rhythm of rural life.

Master Crafts:

• Visit Thanh Tien village, famous for its 400-year-old tradition of making artificial paper flowers. Meet Mr. Hieu’s family and learn the craft firsthand.

• Continue to Sinh village, the cradle of traditional Hue folk prints. Meet Mr. Phuoc, who will explain the techniques of this unique art form.

Spiritual Heart: In the afternoon, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's oldest pagoda (dating back to 1601), famous for its majestic octagon tower and stunning river view.

The Citadel’s Glory: Conclude your day at the Hue Citadel—the only symbol of Vietnam’s former Imperial City. Explore the vast complex, including the Flag Tower, the Ngo Mon Gate, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, and the Forbidden City, stepping directly into the age of emperors.

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

Final Imperial View (7:30 AM): Visit Khai Dinh King's Tomb, a stunning blend of Oriental and Western styles. Climb the hundred steps to the worship palace and admire the lavish decoration, including a giant ceiling painting.

Legendary Drive: Begin the exhilarating drive to Hoi An via the Mandarin Road and the breathtaking Hai Van Pass (Sea Cloud Pass). Stop at the summit to capture the unforgettable panoramic view of the ocean and Da Nang City.

Cham History: Arriving in Da Nang, visit the Cham Museum, preserving the world’s most important Cham cultural collections. See the giant Goddess of Mercy statue at Linh Ung Pagoda from afar.

Timeless Town: In the afternoon, explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the well-preserved streets, discovering the influences of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese traders.

• See the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau), preserved for 400 years.

• Visit Quan Thang Ancient House, showcasing authentic architecture.

• Explore Phuc Kien (Fujian) Assembly Hall, a vibrant religious site with ornate gates and colorful dragons.

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

A Day of Interaction: Meet at your hotel and begin cycling to the pier. Take the ferry across the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong Village, famous for its wood carving. Bike around the village, observe artisans at work, and feel the closeness to the local community.

Rural Encounters: Continue cycling through rice paddies to Tra Nhieu Village. This trip provides unprecedented access to local life: meet Ms. Duoc (mat weaving), Mr. Kha (bamboo basket making), and Mr. Huynh Ri (shipyard).

Basket Boat Adventure: From Tra Nhieu, take a boat to Cam Thanh Village. Transfer to a small, round bamboo basket boat and navigate the mysterious water palm forest, trying your hand at crab catching—a relaxing and highly fun moment.

Ultimate Relaxation & Cooking: Take a rest at fisherman Mr. Phong’s house. Enjoy green tea and, uniquely, a therapeutic foot massage with medicinal herbs from the family garden. Then, join a small cooking practice to prepare typical local dishes like crispy pancake (Banh Xeo) and Hoi An spring rolls. Enjoy the delicious dishes you made!

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

The Sacred Valley (8:00 AM): Drive to the sacred valley of the Champa Kingdom: My Son Sanctuary. Explore this UNESCO World Culture Heritage site, which preserves the 70 ruined architecture works built between the 7th and 13th centuries. Your guide will illuminate the cultural, historical, and architectural values of this ancient Hindu center.

Champa Dance: Enrich your tour by attending a graceful traditional Champa dancing show before leaving the sanctuary.

Flight to the South: Transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN), be welcomed by your new local guide and driver and transferred to your vibrant city hotel.

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

Independence & History (9:00 AM): Start at the Independence Palace (Reunification Palace), the former home and office of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Explore the preserved rooms and the historic bunker basement.

French Grandeur: Take a leisurely walk to the iconic Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and the stunning Saigon Central Post Office, a working post office designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Chinatown Dynamics: Drive to Binh Tay Market in Chinatown, the largest market in the city. Experience the hustle and bustle, a hub for everything from clothing to exotic food items.

Spiritual Oasis: Visit Quan Am Pagoda, one of the city's oldest, dedicated to Guan Yin. Finally, explore the Traditional Medicine Museum (FITO), a fascinating look at Vietnam's medicinal herb recipes and antique tools.

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

Underground City (8:00 AM): Leave the city for the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. Explore parts of this massive, over 250km long underground network where the Viet Cong conducted resistance. It’s a humbling and visceral experience demonstrating remarkable resilience and resourcefulness.

• (Optional: Try real gun firing at the Cu Chi shooting range - cost payable on the spot).

A Unique Faith: Continue to Tay Ninh to visit the spectacular Cao Dai Temple. Caodaism is a uniquely Vietnamese religion blending elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Catholicism. If timed correctly, you can attend the colorful midday mass—a truly distinctive spiritual experience.

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

Southbound Escape (8:00 AM): Travel to Ben Tre, the beautiful coconut kingdom of the Mekong Delta.

River Life: Take a charming boat trip on the Ben Tre River, observing daily local life. Continue through a small canal to Nhon Thanh Village to taste fresh, tropical fruits.

Rural Immersion: Take a bike ride (or Tuk Tuk) on narrow paths through coconut ranges and rice fields. Enjoy lunch featuring the local specialty: Elephant Ear Fish.

Intimate Welcome: Transfer to Cai Lay. You will be warmly welcomed by your host at the homestay. Immediately join in preparing the local dish Banh Xeo Nam Bo (savory pancake) for dinner—a perfect chance for genuine cultural exchange.

Accommodation: Hai My's Homestay (Standard Room) *or similar.

Fruit Paradise: Enjoy breakfast and embark on a 1-1.5 hour bike ride through a kaleidoscope of fruit gardens: durian, sapota, and longan. Interact with locals and visit the village market. (Non-bikers can ride pillion on a local motorbike).

The Lover’s House: Transfer to Long Xuyen via Sa Dec. Visit the stunning Kien An Cung Pagoda and, crucially, the Huynh Thuy Le’s house—the setting for Marguerite Duras’s famous novel, The Lover (L’Amant). Explore the local market, bursting with Mekong produce.

Onward to Long Xuyen: Continue to Long Xuyen, visiting a Cao Dai temple and a local crocodile farm en route.

Accommodation: Hoa Binh 1 Hotel (Standard Room) *or similar.

Authentic River Market: In the morning, take an exhilarating boat trip to the Long Xuyen Floating Market and Floating Village. This market is known for being authentic and less touristy, giving you a true glimpse into daily life on the Mekong’s small tributaries.

Cu Lao Ong Ho Island: Take your boat to Cu Lao Ong Ho Island (Mr. Tiger’s Islet), where a small museum honors President Ton Duc Thang. Bike ride around the peaceful island, enjoying the beautiful landscapes.

The Journey Back: After lunch, take the road back to Ho Chi Minh City, checking into your hotel in the late afternoon. Reflect on the incredible contrast between the Delta's calm and the city's pulse.

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

Farewell: Enjoy your final breakfast in Vietnam. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) for your flight to your next destination, carrying cherished memories of your 17-day Vietnam Heritage Tour.

Inclusions: Meal (B), Transportation.