Vietnam Wonders 9 Days: Spiritual Journeys from Mekong Delta to Bai Tu Long

Emotion & Experience: Dive deep into the contrasting narrative of Saigon, feeling the echoes of French colonial elegance and the enduring vitality of its local communities.

We begin the day at 9:00 AM with a crucial stop at the Independence Palace, standing at the epicentre where the Vietnam War officially ended. Explore the preserved 1960s-era rooms, the underground bunker, and witness the North Vietnamese tank that broke the gates, providing a visceral sense of historical significance.

Next, we enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the French colonial architecture: the magnificent Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and the architecturally stunning Saigon Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel.

In the afternoon, we leave the tourist center for a truly local immersion. We drive to the bustling Cholon (Chinatown) area to explore Binh Tay Market, a massive commercial hub offering everything from clothing to local street food. Then, we seek spiritual peace at Quan Am Pagoda, one of the city's oldest temples. We conclude with a visit to the FITO Museum of Traditional Medicine, where ancient medicinal recipes and tools offer insight into Vietnam's deep-rooted health 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: Achieve a deep closeness to nature and experience the unhurried rhythm of life on the water, sharing moments of genuine warmth with local villagers.

At 8:00 AM, we depart for Ben Tre, the lush, coconut-laden heart of the Mekong Delta. Our immersion begins immediately with a boat trip on the Ben Tre River, offering authentic views of the daily local life. We cruise through narrow canals to Nhon Thanh Village, where you’ll taste refreshing fresh fruits straight from the source.

The journey continues with a peaceful bike ride (or Tuk Tuk) along narrow village paths, where you’ll be surrounded by vibrant coconut ranges, green rice paddies, and vegetable gardens. Lunch is a traditional Delta delight, featuring the local specialty, Elephant Ear Fish. The day concludes with a tranquil boat ride through small canals shaded by wild palm trees, before transferring back to 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: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: From the unyielding resilience of the tunnels to the spiritual awe of the Cao Dai faith, this is a day of powerful contrasts before flying to the capital.

8:00 AM: We embark on a significant day of historical and cultural discovery. First, we visit the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels. Crawl through a preserved section of this 250km-long underground network, gaining an intense, firsthand understanding of the immense resilience and resourcefulness of the resistance fighters.

• Optional Thrill: Guests seeking adventure can try real gun firing at the Cu Chi shooting range (pay locally).

We then continue to Tay Ninh to visit the magnificent Cao Đài Temple . This unique religious complex, which synthesizes elements of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Catholicism, inspires genuine spiritual awe. You will have the privilege of attending the fascinating midday mass to witness the vibrant colors and unique rituals of this uniquely Vietnamese religion.

After a local lunch, we transfer back to Saigon for your evening flight to Hanoi (VN256, 20:45 – 22:50). Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport (HAN), your guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to the Conifer Grand Hotel in the heart of Hanoi.

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

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

Emotion & Experience: Explore the timeless elegance of Hanoi, connecting with centuries of intellectual, political, and cultural history across its grand boulevards and labyrinthine Old Quarter.

We begin the day at 9:00 AM at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university from the 11th century. Walk through its tranquil gardens, view the iconic Khue Van Cac, and learn about the "stone steles" honoring outstanding scholars—a true sense of intellectual history.

Next, we gain a deep cultural insight at the Ethnology Museum (closed Mondays), which beautifully showcases the traditional costumes, tools, and houses of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.

In the afternoon, we explore the contrast of the French Quarter with its elegant tree-lined boulevards and government offices. We visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex (outside view), taking a leisurely walk to the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s simple house on stilts, and the unique One-Pillar Pagoda.

We conclude the day with an immersive walking tour of the bustling Old Quarter. Your guide will navigate the famous "36 Streets," pointing out the traditional medicine shops (Lan Ong Street) and metal craft areas (Lo Ren Street). We visit the historic Ba Da Pagoda and the Hanoi Great Cathedral, ending the walk at Ta Hien Street for a taste of local street food and the city’s vibrant nightlife. The day culminates with a mesmerizing Water Puppet Show, a unique art form that dates back to the 11th century.

• 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 thrill of authentic exploration as you cycle through the idyllic rice fields and connect with local artisans and traditions in the peaceful countryside.

8:00 AM: We transfer from Hanoi to the scenic province of Ninh Binh, driving through the gorgeous, flat rice fields of the Red River Delta.

In Ninh Binh, you have the option for a relaxing 15km bike ride (or walk) along village paths and dykes, enjoying the spectacular views of rice fields framed by soaring limestone karsts. We explore Thung La Temple, a hidden 11th-century site, where you’ll meet the temple guardian, Mr. Tuong, and enjoy a brief, authentic 20-minute drum show—a truly intimate cultural experience.

Later, we take a sampan boat trip through the serene Van Long Nature Reserve. This reserve is known for its incredible biodiversity, and if luck is on your side, you might spot rare white monkeys or various species of birds on the cliffs. The day concludes with a hands-on experience at an embroidery village, where craftswoman Mrs. Lam will proudly instruct you in the delicate techniques of this traditional craft.

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

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

Emotion & Experience: Experience the ultimate feeling of exclusive serenity and uninterrupted connection with nature as you begin your overnight cruise on the quieter, majestic waters of Bai Tu Long Bay.

8:00 AM: Our shuttle bus picks you up for the scenic drive to Ha Long International Cruise Port.

12:15 PM: Welcome aboard the elegant Swan Cruise! After a welcome drink and safety briefing, we set sail deeper into the pristine landscape of Bai Tu Long Bay—a hidden gem with the same geological beauty as Ha Long but with fewer vessels, ensuring a more peaceful and exclusive experience. A sumptuous Vietnamese set menu lunch is served as we glide past the limestone peaks.

15:00 PM: We arrive at Cap La Island for our afternoon activities. You can choose to kayak through hidden lagoons and karst formations or simply go swimming in the emerald waters.

17:40 PM: Return to the boat for a relaxing Sunset Party as the cruise finds its overnight anchorage. Participate in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, learning how to make delicious local dishes like Nem Cuon. Dinner is served onboard, followed by free time for relaxing, board games, or trying your luck at squid fishing.

• Included: Shuttle Bus (Hanoi-Halong), English-speaking Guide (on board), Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance Fees, Kayak, Swimming, Cooking Class, Overnight Cruise (Deluxe Cabin), Mineral Water (2 bottles/pax).

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

Emotion & Experience: Start the day with spiritual calm during Tai Chi, followed by the thrill of discovery as you explore a secluded, hidden cave before cruising back to the capital.

06:30 AM: Greet the sunrise with an optional Tai Chi session on the sundeck—a tranquil way to start the day surrounded by the stunning bay scenery.

07:45 AM: We take a small boat to explore the well-hidden secrets of Thien Canh Son Cave, admiring its beautiful formations of stalactites and stalagmites.

09:30 AM: After returning to the cruise, it's time to check out. A final, traditional Vietnamese lunch is served onboard as the cruise leisurely makes its way back to the harbor.

11:30 AM: Disembark at Ha Long Cruise Port, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Hanoi. The journey is comfortable and includes a rest stop. You will be dropped off at the Conifer Grand Hotel in the Old Quarter in the late afternoon.

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

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

Emotion & Experience: Depart with a suitcase full of incredible memories and a deep, multi-faceted understanding of Vietnam's stunning geography and warm culture.

Enjoy your final breakfast in Hanoi. At the scheduled time, your private driver will pick you up from the hotel lobby and transfer you to Noi Bai Airport (HAN) for your flight home or onward destination.

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