Wonders of Vietnam 9 Days: Saigon to Lan Ha Bay Cultural Immersion

Emotion & Experience: Achieve a deep closeness to nature and a feeling of authentic discovery as you trade the city's buzz for the peaceful, palm-fringed waterways of the mighty Mekong.

At 8:00 AM, we depart for Ben Tre, the coconut kingdom of the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival at Hung Vuong pier, your adventure begins with a serene boat trip on the Ben Tre River, observing the daily lives unfolding along the banks. We continue to Nhon Thanh Village, where you'll have the opportunity to taste fresh, exotic fruits straight from the source.

The journey transitions from water to land as you take a short bike ride (or Tuk Tuk) along narrow village paths, passing endless coconut groves, lush rice fields, and vibrant vegetable gardens. Lunch is a true Delta feast, featuring the local delicacy Elephant Ear Fish, served in the village setting. Conclude the day with a relaxing boat ride through small, wild palm-shaded canals, completely immersing you in the quiet, verdant rhythm of the Mekong before transferring back to Saigon.

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

• Accommodation: Sanouva Hotel (Premium Deluxe Double Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: Gain an intense, visceral understanding of history and the extraordinary human resilience of the Vietnamese people by exploring an underground city.

Today, we journey to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the most striking historical sites of the Vietnam War. Cu Chi is a massive underground city, a 250km-long network of tunnels meticulously dug over twenty years using only rudimentary tools.

Your guided tour will take you through the incredible complexity of this underground world, showing you kitchens, meeting rooms, and hospitals. You will have the unique opportunity to crawl through a preserved section of the tunnels, experiencing firsthand the challenging conditions the Viet Cong resistance fighters endured. It's a humbling and powerful visit that truly drives home the determination of the local population.

• Optional Thrill: For those seeking an additional dose of adventure, the Cu Chi shooting range offers the chance to fire real firearms under supervision (pay locally).

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

• Accommodation: Sanouva Hotel (Premium Deluxe Double Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: Feel the excitement of connecting the South and Central regions, landing in the coastal beauty of Da Nang and stepping into the timeless, gentle charm of Hoi An.

We begin the day with a transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your included domestic flight from Saigon to Da Nang. Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, you'll be met and transferred to the elegant Parosand Da Nang Hotel.

In the afternoon, we immerse ourselves in the magic of Hoi An Ancient Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Your walking tour includes iconic landmarks: the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the informative Museum of Trade Ceramics, and historic sites like Tan Ky or Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. You’ll have ample free time to wander the lantern-strung streets, explore the vibrant Hoi An Market, and perhaps indulge in a delicious local delicacy.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, Domestic Flight (SGN-DAD).

• Accommodation: Parosand Da Nang Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: Experience the awe and conquest of altitude as you ascend one of the world's most impressive cable cars to a colonial-era paradise, walking above the clouds on a global icon.

Prepare for an extraordinary day trip to Ba Na Hills. Your adventure begins with a 20-minute ride on one of the world's most impressive cable car systems, ascending 1,478m above sea level. The views alone are worth the trip, offering breathtaking panoramas of the national park, ocean, and city below.

Upon arrival, we head straight for the globally famous Golden Bridge. Take a leisurely walk across this stunning architectural marvel, supported by colossal stone hands, and feel like you are literally walking among the clouds. You'll also visit the giant Buddha Statue and the beautiful themed gardens, mixing French colonial architecture with exotic flora. Conclude your visit with time in Fantasy Park, Vietnam’s third-biggest indoor games zone, before descending and transferring back to Da Nang.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Private Transportation, Ba Na Hills Cable Car.

• Accommodation: Parosand Da Nang Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: Journey to the North, feeling the distinct historical elegance and tradition of Vietnam's ancient capital, a city defined by culture and intellectual heritage.

After breakfast, your private driver will transfer you to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport (HAN), you'll be greeted and transferred to the La Nueva Boutique Hotel in the charming Old Quarter.

Your Hanoi discovery begins at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, built in the 11th century. Walk through its peaceful gardens, admire the iconic Khue Van Cac pavilion, and study the World Heritage "stone steles," which record the names of outstanding students—a true sense of intellectual history.

Next, explore the elegant French Quarter, often called "little Paris" for its beautiful tree-lined boulevards and colonial architecture. We continue with a leisurely walk through the botanical gardens near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, visiting the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s simple house on stilts, and the unique One-Pillar Pagoda. We end the day with an essential exploration of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where the "36 Streets" offer a captivating blend of history, unique tube houses, and vibrant daily life that awakens all the senses.

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

• Accommodation: La Nueva Boutique Hotel (Premium Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: The grand natural finale! Feel the total conquest of the ordinary as you cruise into the secluded, breathtakingly beautiful karst landscape of Lan Ha Bay.

08:00 AM: Our shuttle bus picks you up from your Hanoi hotel for the scenic 2.5-3 hour drive to Tuan Chau Harbor.

12:30 PM: You board the luxurious Sena Cruise! After a refreshing welcome drink and safety briefing, you'll check into your Deluxe Balcony Cabin. A delicious lunch is served as the cruise begins its spectacular journey into Lan Ha Bay—the quieter, equally magnificent extension of Ha Long Bay.

15:00 PM: Adventure time! We explore the serene Dark and Bright Cave. You can choose to take a relaxing bamboo boat ride into the hidden lagoon or jump into a kayak to explore the untouched natural beauty of this poetic landscape. You can also take a swim in the calm, emerald waters.

17:00 PM: Return to the cruise for a captivating sunset party on the deck. Join a fun, hands-on Vietnamese cooking class to learn how to make traditional spring rolls. After a gourmet dinner, enjoy onboard activities like squid fishing or cocktails at the panoramic bar.

• Included: Shuttle Bus (Hanoi-Tuan Chau), English-speaking Guide (on board), Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Bamboo Boat Ride, Cooking Class, Mineral Water (2 bottles/pax).

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

Emotion & Experience: Start the day with a sense of inner peace as the sun rises over the karsts, followed by the intimate adventure of kayaking in secluded areas.

06:00 AM: Greet the sunrise with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck—a perfect way to rejuvenate your body and mind amidst the majestic scenery.

07:00 AM: Enjoy a light breakfast as the cruise glides past stunning formations.

08:15 AM: The last water adventure! You’ll kayak and swim in the tranquil waters of the Tra Bau area, a filming location for Kong: Skull Island. This is a final opportunity to discover hidden coves and soak up the absolute serenity of the bay.

10:00 AM: You check out of your cabin. An early light lunch is served as the Sena Cruise makes its final journey back to the harbor.

11:45 AM: Disembark and meet your driver. The shuttle bus transfers you back to Hanoi, arriving in the late afternoon. You'll check back into the La Nueva Boutique Hotel. The evening is free to explore the Old Quarter one last time or enjoy a celebratory Vietnamese dinner.

• Included: Shuttle Bus (Halong-Hanoi), English-speaking Guide (on board), Breakfast, Lunch, Kayaking, Morning Tai Chi, Mineral Water (2 bottles/pax).

• Accommodation: La Nueva Boutique Hotel (Premium Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: Reflect on your comprehensive journey, carrying the warmth and memories of Vietnam from the pulse of Saigon to the serenity of Lan Ha Bay.

Enjoy your final Vietnamese breakfast. At the appropriate time, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel lobby and transfer you to Noi Bai Airport (HAN) for your flight home or to your next destination. You depart Vietnam with a complete and rich understanding of its contrasting and beautiful soul.

• Included: Breakfast, Private Transportation.