Vietnam Tranquil Escape
Vietnam - 15 Days
Private Journeys
Journey Details and Highlights
Vietnam Tranquil Escape
Day 1: Arrival in Saigon
Upon arrival in Saigon, you will be warmly welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. As early check-in is not included, you may store your luggage while waiting for your room to be ready. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the surroundings at your own pace. Saigon’s dynamic streets, cafés, and shops provide an energetic first impression of the city. Settle comfortably into your hotel and refresh after your journey.
Overnight in SaigonDay 2: Saigon City Highlights (B)
Today you will enjoy a full-day city tour that introduces Saigon’s historical and cultural landmarks. Begin with a visit to the History Museum before continuing to Cholon to explore Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street and observe traditional Chinese medicine practices. Discover the Thien Hau Pagoda and nearby Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda, both vibrant examples of local worship. Continue to the Fito Museum (closed on Mondays) to learn about Vietnamese herbal medicine traditions. Return to the city center to admire Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Reunification Palace, concluding with free time at Dong Khoi Street or Ben Thanh Market.
Overnight in SaigonDay 3: Saigon – Mekong Delta (B/L)
Depart Saigon this morning for Ben Tre, a scenic 1.5-hour drive into the heart of the Mekong Delta. Meet your local guide upon arrival and take a short village walk before boarding your day cruiser to navigate the tranquil tributaries of the region. Visit Bao Island to explore its coconut garden, followed by a stop at a coconut processing workshop to observe local craftsmanship. Continue with a leisurely bicycle ride through Huu Dinh village, stopping at a traditional brick factory, then enjoy a sampan journey through narrow canals. Visit local families, taste tropical fruits and honey tea, and explore rural life by tri-motorcycle before concluding with a 5-course lunch at Mango Home Restaurant. Return to Ben Tre pier in the afternoon and drive back to Saigon.
Overnight in SaigonDay 4: Saigon – Danang – Hoi An (B)
Enjoy leisure time in the morning before your transfer to the airport for your flight to Danang. Depending on flight times, you may arrange a late check-out in Saigon or early check-in upon arrival in Danang (not included). Upon landing, your guide will welcome you and accompany you on the scenic transfer to Hoi An. Check in to your hotel and unwind in the peaceful atmosphere of this charming town. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore independently.
Overnight in Hoi AnDay 5: Hoi An Ancient Town (B)
Begin your morning with a guided walking tour through Hoi An’s beautifully preserved old quarter. Visit the Culture and History Museum, followed by a stroll through the local market to observe daily life. Continue to the Fujien Assembly Hall, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, before walking along charming streets decorated with lanterns and traditional shop houses. Explore the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An, and visit a UNESCO-recognized historic old house. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy Hoi An at your own pace.
Overnight in Hoi AnDay 6: My Son Sanctuary (B)
This morning, travel to My Son, the former spiritual capital of the Cham civilization dating back to the 2nd century. Explore the atmospheric ruins, including ancient temples and towers surrounded by lush mountains. Learn about Cham culture, Hindu influences, and the historical significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After your visit, return to Hoi An for a relaxing afternoon. You may choose to explore the old town, enjoy the beach, or simply rest at your hotel.
Overnight in Hoi AnDay 7: Hoi An – Hue (B)
After a relaxed breakfast, depart Hoi An and travel toward Hue, stopping in Danang to visit the Cham Museum and its impressive collection of sculptures. Continue the scenic journey to Hue, where your hotel arrangements depend on your selected category. Guests in the Deluxe category will stay at Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa in Phu Loc, offering a peaceful lakeside setting. Superior category guests will stay in central Hue. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure after check-in.
Overnight in HueDay 8: Leisure in Hue (B)
Enjoy a free day to relax and explore Hue at your own pace. Guests staying at Vedana Lagoon Resort may join a morning Tai Chi or Yoga class and choose from the resort’s spa menu for optional treatments. Those in the Superior category can take advantage of the day to explore Hue’s cafés, markets, or riverside promenade. This unstructured time allows you to rest before continuing your journey through Vietnam. Spend the afternoon enjoying hotel facilities or independent sightseeing.
Overnight in HueDay 9: Hue Imperial Heritage (B)
This morning, explore the Imperial City, the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty. Enter through the citadel gates to visit Thai Hoa Palace and the surrounding ceremonial halls, followed by a relaxing one-hour cyclo ride within the complex. Continue to the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, set amid serene pine forests and known for its graceful architecture. Learn about the emperor’s life, his long reign, and the symbolic layout of his resting place. In the afternoon, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight in HueDay 10: Hue: Perfume River & Imperial Tombs (B)
Begin the day with a peaceful Dragon Boat cruise along the Perfume River to visit the historical Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic symbol overlooking the water. Explore the pagoda’s two distinct sections and learn about its deep spiritual significance, including the preserved car linked to Thich Quang Duc. Continue to Minh Mang Tomb, notable for its harmonious blend of architecture and nature. Wander through its gates, courtyards, pavilions, and lotus ponds as you learn about the emperor’s legacy. The afternoon is free for relaxation or optional sightseeing around the city.
Overnight in HueDay 11: Hue – Hanoi (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, begin a half-day city tour exploring landmarks such as Ba Dinh Square, the Presidential Palace, One-Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. Continue to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, followed by a walking exploration of the Old Quarter. Discover its 36 traditional streets, each named after a particular craft or trade, and browse through local shops and markets. Conclude the day with a visit to Dong Xuan Market before transferring to your hotel.
Overnight in HanoiDay 12: Hanoi Cooking Experience (B)
This morning, meet your instructor for a hands-on cooking class beginning with a guided visit to a local market. Learn how to identify fresh produce commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine and gain useful tips for ingredient selection. Return to the kitchen to prepare several traditional dishes under the instructor’s guidance. Once the class concludes, sit down to enjoy the meal you have created. The afternoon is free for independent exploration, shopping, or relaxing with a Vietnamese coffee.
Overnight in HanoiDay 13: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B/L/D)
After breakfast, journey to Halong Bay and arrive around midday to board your cruise for a three-day exploration. Settle into your cabin before beginning the cruise through the emerald waters and limestone formations of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a variety of activities depending on the cruise program, such as kayaking, swimming, or participating in a cooking demonstration. Take in the breathtaking scenery as the boat sails deeper into the bay. Dinner is served on board as you unwind for the evening.
Overnight on Halong Bay cruise.Day 14: Halong Bay Exploration (B/L/D)
Start your day early with an optional Tai Chi session on the sundeck while admiring the tranquil morning views. Spend the day continuing your exploration of Halong Bay with additional excursions arranged by the cruise. Enjoy lunch on board as the boat navigates through lesser-visited areas of the bay. Spend the afternoon relaxing on deck, joining optional activities, or simply savoring the peaceful ambiance. Dinner is served on board before settling in for a restful night on the water..
Overnight on Halong Bay cruise.Day 15: Departure (B)
Enjoy your final morning on the cruise as the boat makes its way back toward the mainland. Savor a leisurely brunch on board before disembarking at the pier. Meet your driver for the return transfer to Hanoi, where you will proceed directly to the airport. Your journey concludes with your departure flight home.
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Included Services
All described sightseeing as in program above
Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle
Accommodation in hotels with daily breakfast
English-speaking local guides
Domestic flights SGN-DAD and HUI-HAN
Admission fees to indicated sights
Meals mentioned in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) Domestic gov’t tax and service charge
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Excluded Services
International air tickets
Flights & visa fees
Travel Insurance in all kinds
Meals not mentioned in itinerary
Compulsory Meals
Drinks during Meals
Tip, drinks, any personal expenses
Early check-in and late check-out
