Hidden Charm Vietnam

Arrive Hanoi, pick – up at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

18:00PM, Embark on the Ride of Your Life with our Hanoi After Dark tour!

Upon picking you up at your hotel, we’ll kick off the evening with a refreshing drink and
snack, allowing you to mingle with your guide and fellow explorers. Once acquainted,
we’ll hop back on our Vespas and navigate the enchanting, iconic backstreets of Hanoi’s
Old Quarter.

Our first stop is a cozy eatery where you’ll savor a bowl of bun cha, a Hanoi classic
that combines mouth-watering noodles, grilled pork, and meatballs, accompanied by a
plate of crispy spring rolls.

With our taste buds satisfied, we’ll continue our Vespa journey to a fabulous local spot
offering traditional rice wine and a variety of unique snacks.

Leaving the Old Quarter behind, we’ll cruise past the illuminated Hanoi Flag Tower and Ho
Chi Minh Mausoleum, heading towards the West Lake and Truc Bach area. Here, you’ll get
to indulge in the local specialty of pho cuon, mastering the art of wrap ‘n’ roll,
Vietnamese style, with an array of fresh, aromatic ingredients and pho noodles.

Our final Vespa ride leads us to a live music venue where we immerse ourselves in the
rhythms of passionate music lovers with a drink.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Breakfast at your hotel.

08:30AM, departure from your hotel. For the start of the tour journey to Ho Chi Minh’s
Mausoleum. Enjoy the architectural and historical aspects of ‘ Uncle Ho’s’ final
resting-place (Closed on Monday & Friday)

Just next door is Ho Chi Minh’s ‘house on stilts’, his home from 1954 till 1969. The
wooden ethnic minority style house is surrounded by quiet and peaceful gardens.

Lying to one side of the Mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To
in 1049. The structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi.

Journey to The Temple Of Literature. Vietnam’s first university constructed in 1070, it’s
gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past.
Visit the Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake (one of the oldest in Vietnam) and Quan
Thanh Temple (Taoist, dating from the Ly Dynasty).

Journey back to the centre of town for a walking tour through Hanoi’s old streets,
glimpsing Hanoi’s everyday life. We will take you to Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can see
the peaceful waters, stop at the northern end, and visit Ngoc Son Temple, perfect for
capturing photo opportunities!

Finish the day with Vietnam’s most famous and charming art form, Water Puppetry.

Night at your hotel in Hanoi.

Breakfast at your hotel.

You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Ha Long. Enjoy the landscape of
Red River Delta on the way to Ha Long Bay.

Embark on a unique journey, meeting at Heritage Line’s lounge at Tuan Chau Marina. A
short speedboat transfer takes you to your luxurious floating home, the starting point
for exploring the wonders of Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. Lunch is served in the almost
360-, light-flooded, elegant dining room during we sail deeper into the bay. Unwind on
the terrace deck or private balcony, soaking in the surreal seascape.

Mooring close to Cat Ba Island, we step on land heading to Viet Hai Village, nestled in a
picturesque valley surrounded by jungle-cladded mountains. Cycling through this valley
offers wonderful insights into the isolated life of the local inhabitants. The
community, surrounded by thick forests and mountains, and only accessible by sea, is
self-sufficient, cultivating vegetables, fruits, and fishing on the bay. Returning to
the ship, we sail to our overnight anchorage spot in Lan Ha Bay. The ship’s chef
invites you to a hands-on cooking class in the dining room, showcasing local ingredients
and the preparation of classic Vietnamese dishes.

Extend the evening by unwinding at the bar with a digestif, or joining the team for some
funny squid fishing before retiring to your suite.

Wake up early for a Tai Chi session on the terrace deck. Traditional Vietnamese coffee,
tea and breakfast pastries await in the dining room for a first bite. The ship sails to
a place called “Frog Lake”, a secluded area which is perfect for an energetic morning
excursion by kayak. Explore this captivating marine landscape with cliffs stretching
vertically out of the water and you feel a sense of freedom while paddling through a
labyrinth of jade-green water, rocks and vivid tree-topped islets.

Back on board, we serve a hearty breakfast or brunch while cruising back to the
disembarkation spot, from where we transfer you back to the pier by speedboat. Savour
the last moments of this unique journey while relaxing on the terrace deck.

Back to Hanoi around 15:00PM. Free time at leisure.

Evening, drive back to Hanoi station for your night train to Laocai.

Night on the train.

Arrive at Laocai Station around 05:30AM, meet your guide there and transfer to your hotel
in Sapa for breakfast and a short break.

09:00AM, You first sneak through the market and leave the busy town behind. After a
couple of minutes, you follow a road going downhill to Cat Cat village. You will stop by
a waterfall and a hydroelectric station for a while before you trek on a dirt trail
through rice paddy terraces. You will also enjoy spectacular scenery while walking along
a narrow river. The area is still covered by rainforest under the protection of Hoang
Lien National Park. You eventually arrive in Y Linh Ho village of Black Hmong minority,
where you can take a rest in a nice spot near the beautiful river before climbing toward
a road, where you return to Sapa by car.

Night at your hotel in Sapa

Breakfast at your hotel.

We will first travel by car downhill to Mong Sen, where you start ascending on a dirt
trail through a mountainous area. En route, you have many opportunities to enjoy a
spectacular view over rice paddy terraces and cornfields. You will take a stop for lunch
at a nice spot.

After lunch, the trek will continue by going downhill toward Taphin, where you can meet
Red Dao and Black Hmong minorities, the two largest ethnic groups in Sapa. Here, your
guide will tell you about local daily life. You will return to Sapa by car in the
afternoon.

End of the day, transfer to Laocai Station.

Dinner at a local restaurant and night train back to Hanoi. Night on the train.

Arrive in Hanoi around 06:00AM, pick up at Hanoi Station, and transfer to Noi Bai airport
for your flight to Hue, the ancient royal capital of Vietnam.

Arrive in Hue, meet your guide, and start your exploration of the old capital of Vietnam.
Your visit to the citadel & Tu Duc royal Tomb.

After your delicious lunch at a nice local restaurant, drive to your hotel for check-in.
Free time at leisure.

Overnight in Hue.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning, boat trip on the Perfume River. Visit one of the most famous structures in
Vietnam, the Thien Mu Pagoda, built in 1601. The structure has 7 tiers and is now the
official symbol of the city of Hue, then cruise to Khai Dinh royal tomb for your visit.

Lunch in the restaurant in Hue.

After lunch, Journey to Hoian. The scenic drive over Hai Van Pass. From the top of the
Hai Van Pass, on nice days, one can admire Lang Co beach to the north and enjoy the
whole view of Danang city to the South. The pass is a great place for dazzling panoramic
views over Da Nang, the Tien Sa Port, the Son Tra Peninsula, the Cham Islands, and the
picturesque, endless white-sand beaches.

Arrive in Hoian in the afternoon, check into your hotel. Overnight in Hoian.

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:30AM, Depart from your hotel.

The first place in our day is the Bay Mau Water coconut forest. We will take a basket
boat to go fishing crabs, and fish with the locals. Moreover, you will learn more about
their culture, daily life, the local community; how to use simple tools to fish.

Then, we will explore the My Son Sanctuary– the worshiping area of the Champa Kingdom. We
will learn how special this Holy Land is such as how they made the bricks, what kind of
mortar they used, the layout of the cluster of temples, as well as mysterious stories
about their gods.

Back to the ancient town for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon, start your walking tour to explore the World Heritage sites in Hoi An. From
the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port for
Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab traders. These people came
primarily to trade ceramics and high-grade silk, which is still produced in the area.
Today, Hoi An is a quaint riverside town, popular with tourists for its eclectic
architecture, tailor shops, and numerous cafes. Some of the buildings in the narrow
streets have remained unchanged for more than a century. In the morning, we spend a
half-day walking through the narrow winding streets of the ancient quarter, visiting
Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200-year-old Tam Ky ancestral house, and
the Japanese Bridge.

18:00PM, Teh Dar: Must-see cultural show in Hoi An.

“Teh Dar, which means ‘traveling the circle’ in the K’Ho tongue, is an epic tale of
the birth-death-rebirth circle of every living being on earth, told with captivating
color and flare of Vietnamese tribal culture. Combining breathtaking handling of bamboo,
storytelling circus arts, and enchanting live music from authentic tribal instruments
such as the Gong, elephant drum, buffalo horn, and T’Rưng, the show depicts a realm of
mythical mountains and jungles, tribal life in all its wildness and beauty.

Dinner at a local restaurant and back to your hotel.

Overnight in Hoian.

Breakfast at your hotel.

Morning, transfer to Danang’s airport for your 1,5 hrs flight to Ho Chi Minh City (or
Saigon).

Arrive at Tan Son Nhat airport, picked up by your private English-speaking guide, and
drive to your hotel. (Standard check-in time is 15:00PM, an early check-in is subject to
the room’s availability).

17:30PM, A Fun Ride to Explore Saigon’s Amazing Food Scenes! (For 3 persons)

Vietnam has one of the most diversified street food cultures and dishes in the world.

On the “XO Foodie” tour, we do not serve you mainstream dishes like Pho, Banh Mi, or
spring rolls on the tour, no starch-based food to make you feel full, only the most
authentic local food that the Vietnamese people love to eat!!

Your lovely female drivers, dressed in their beautiful traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai,
will pick you up at your hotel on motorbikes, and from there will safely whisk you
around the city through 5 unique districts, to show you how the locals live, work and
eat!

Your first stop is a popular restaurant in District 5 serving the most famous dish from
the Imperial City of Hue called “Bun Bo Hue”. We think this aromatic noodle
dish is much tastier than its more famous northern cousin “Pho”, and is a
great way to whet your appetite for what’s to come.

Up next, we will pass through the largest outdoor wet market in the city, where you can
see street vendors selling all sorts of fresh meats, seafood, fruits and vegetables.
We’ll stop in front of the largest wholesale market in Chinatown, where you will
get a short history lesson on the oldest area of Saigon. It will take about 20 minutes
to get from Chinatown to our next stop in District 8.

Along the way, you will drive through one of the busiest streets in the city, where all
the young people converge at night to shop. Our destination in District 8 is a large
outdoor restaurant specializing in grilled goat meat and hot pot. There are many other
delicious dishes at this stop also, but we don’t want to ruin the surprise for you!

After we leave District 8 it’s on to the newest and most modern part of the city
called Phu My Hung. This area was swampland not too long ago, but was drained and
transformed into a place that could be mistaken for Singapore now. Your knowledgeable
tour guides, will provide you with a brief socioeconomic perspective of the area and its
inhabitants, which offers a dramatic contrast to the lives of most Vietnamese people.

Our last stop is District 4, the poorest area in Saigon. 10 years ago, this district was
avoided by many locals, due to the high crime rate. The government has cleaned up the
bad elements however, which has allowed District 4 to turn into one of the best areas in
the city for delicious street food. You definitely won’t go home hungry after this
last stop!

From District 4, your drivers will transport you back full and happy to your hotel.

Overnight in Saigon.

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:30AM: Visit the center of the city with the Municipal Theatre, the Notre Dame
Cathedral, the General Post Office, the Reunification Palace, which left much the same
as it was when it was overrun by advancing North Vietnamese forces in 1975, a
fascinating place to visit. And the war museum.

After lunch at a nice local restaurant, back to your hotel. Free time at leisure.

Overnight in Saigon.

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:30 departure. An enjoyable 3-hour journey to Cai Be.

Boarding off Cai Be at noon. Welcome drink, Introduction to the ship and crew, check into
the cabins.

Departure towards Cho Lach on the Tien Giang river.

Lunch while en route. Rest on the deck.

The Bassac slips into the Chợ Lách canal, in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the
river traffic, between markets and churches, a unique opportunity for a glimpse of the
very varied life on the banks as well as on the water.

By mid-afternoon, the Bassac casts anchor for a visit on shore: past the first tree line,
quiet discovery of the peaceful life in the delta’s countryside, of rice fields,
fruit trees and the welcoming inhabitants, or, at your option, short cycling tour of the
surrounding area.

Boarding back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Rest on the deck enjoying
the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising Mang Thit river.

The Bassac sets anchor just downstream from Tra On for the night.

The boat departs at 6:00AM then cruises towards Can Tho. The breakfast is available at
7:00AM.

Arrival in Cần Thơ, transfer onto a local boat to visit the Cai Rang floating market,
then a small bamboo basket workshop and return to the Ninh Kieu pier.

End of services by mid-morning on shore at Cần Thơ. Your private driver is waiting for a
3-hour journey back to Saigon.

Afternoon, free time at leisure.

Overnight in Saigon.

Breakfast at your hotel.

Check out at noon.

Transfer to the airport for your flight onward.

Arrive Hanoi, pick–up at the airport and transfer to the Station for your night train to
Sapa.

Night in the train.

Arrive at Laocai Station around 05:30AM, meet your guide there, and after having
breakfast at a local restaurant, you will travel by car to Bac Ha, which is 70 km
Northeast of Lao Cai. The dride is relatively flat from Lao Cai to Bao Nhai, where you
will be taken through a rural area.

Bac Ha is the largest market in the area, situated inside the small town of Bac Ha. On
every Sunday morning, it is literally a riot of color as many different ethnic groups,
such as Flower Hmong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, Nung minorities… gather to buy and sell.
After spending the whole morning exploring the market, your lunch will be served in a
local restaurant.

After lunch, you drive downhill for about half an hour. You will then start a short walk
to Trung Do village, which belongs to the Tay minority. Here you can visit a traditional
Tay house, before getting on a boat. You will have a cruise upstream the Chay River to
experience the picturesque scenes on the river banks. You will then cruise down stream
to the Bao Nhai Bridge, where you get on the car for the journey back to Sapa.

Overnight in Sapa.

Breakfast at your hotel.

You first sneak through the market and leave the busy town behind. After a couple of
minutes, you will follow a road going downhill to Cat Cat village. You will stop by a
waterfall and a hydroelectric station for a while before you trek on a dirt trail
through rice paddy terraces. You will also enjoy spectacular scenery while walking along
a narrow river. You eventually arrive in Y Linh Ho village of Black Hmong minority,
where you can take a rest while you are served lunch nearby the river.

After lunch, you head Muong Hoa valley. You will pass through Lao Chai village of Black
Hmong minority and then Tavan village of Giay minority by following a very popular
trekking route. You will spend the night in local house of Giay minority. You will be
able to take a walk to enjoy the valley view as well as swim in the river nearby.

Homestay in Ta Van village.

Once you get energy for your last day trek by having a delicious breakfast, you leave for
Giang Ta Chai village of the Red Dao minority. You will trek through a bamboo forest,
which belongs to Hoang Lien National Park. On the way, you will pass by a waterfall
where you will have time to take a rest and enjoy the surroundings. You will find a nice
place to enjoy lunch.

After lunch, you continue toward Su Pan, a small village located by the road. Here you
start your journey back to Sapa by car. Overnight at Sapa.

Breakfast at the hotel.

The walk commences from Sapa on a trail running through the beautiful gardens and lush
pine forests. You will then pass through the Black Hmong ethnic minority village of
Matra, a very small village hiding way from the civilisation. The walk continues through
rice paddy fields and spectacular scenery. During the day, you will also be able to
visit a local school. You will enjoy your lunch before arriving at the Taphin village.
Here you can hear about the unmixed cultural life of Black Hmong and Red Dao minorities,
2 largest ethnic groups in the area. You can already recognise them by dressing while
they are both very famous for handicraft. You will enjoy walking among local people. The
trip also offers you the opportunity to visit the local houses as well as visit the
local caves.

Than Transfer to Laocai Station for your night train back to Hanoi.

Dinner at a local restaurant and a night on the train.

Arrive in Hanoi around 06:00AM, pick-up at Hanoi Station, and Transfer to Noi Bai airport
for your flight onward.

07:00AM, Depart from your hotel in Hanoi. The drive takes around 6 hrs on the road.

Arrive in Ha Giang in the afternoon, time at leisure for walking around the small town or
to the rural villages.

Our guide will meet you at your hotel in Ha Giang around 9:00AM. From there, we’ll
take you to our office, where we’ll begin the essential safety procedures. After
gearing up, we’ll provide a comprehensive briefing about Vietnam traffic and
practice some fundamental bike skills on roads around Ha Giang. This practice session is
designed to prepare you for your upcoming trip. Our guide will assess your ability at
the end of the session and recommend whether you should use an automatic,
semi-automatic, or avoid riding altogether for your safety.

After the session, we’ll serve lunch around 12:30PM, followed by a trip briefing
conducted by our guide. You’ll depart for our Dao homestay in Nam Dam, Quang Ba
District, passing through stunning valleys and villages along the way. We’ll make
several stops throughout the journey for photos and rest, including a beautiful sunset
view from the top of Lung Khuy Cave. Finally, you’ll check into the homestay and
enjoy dinner before spending a peaceful night nestled in the mountainous heart of Nam
Dam Village.

Once we’ve had breakfast at our homestay, we’ll prepare the bikes and embark on
the next part of our adventure. During today’s journey, we will visit a charming
village called Lung Tam which is known for producing high-quality hemp linen. Here,
you’ll have the opportunity to watch the entire linen-making process, from start to
finish, and even try your hand at rolling out the cloth. You’ll be surprised by how
much balance and strength it requires!

After crossing a mountain via a shortcut, we’ll arrive in Yen Minh for lunch.
Following that, we’ll head towards the border between Vietnam and China, covering a
guest favorite 50km stretch along the way. While en route, we’ll make a stop at the
house of the Hmong Opium King, where you’ll get an insight into the life of the
wealthiest man in the region. We will also visit the Extreme North Point, where, on a
clear day, you might glimpse some of the Chinese towns on the other side.

Upon reaching Dong Van, we’ll check into our hotel. Dinner will once again include
plenty of happy water for those of drinking age who wish to partake. We strongly
recommend scheduling your trip to pass through Dong Van on Sunday, as this is when the
villagers host their weekly highland market. This market is not only a chance for locals
to trade goods and livestock, but it’s also eagerly anticipated as a weekly social
gathering.

We will depart after breakfast and venture into the most tranquil areas of the region.
Our destination today is towards Ma Pi Leng, deemed as the most beautiful pass in
Vietnam. During our 7km hike here, you’ll have the opportunity to capture
breathtaking photos. Later, we’ll be cruising via Tu San Abyss Alley before
breaking for lunch at Meo Vac.

Our journey continues to Bao Lac where we will spend the night. Along the way, Along the
way, we passed by remote villages and lush forests, immersing ourselves in the sights
and sounds of rural Vietnam. As we approached Bao Lac, the scenery changed dramatically,
with vast rice paddies and rolling hills stretching out before us.

After breakfast, we will embark on our journey to Cao Bang province. This will be the
ALONG THE BORDER RIDE day of our trip as we follow a road that runs alongside the
Chinese border. The landscapes along this route are quite remote and stunningly
beautiful. The road itself also offers an impressive sight with its narrow asphalt lane
full of twists, turns, and knots that constantly negotiate the challenging terrain.

During our ride, we will visit Me Pia, the only pass of its kind, which is breathtaking.
To ascend this essentially vertical wall of rock, the road passes through 14 consecutive
switchbacks, earning it the nickname ‘Dragon’s Stairway’. We will stop
here for lunch and enjoy the most epic pass in Vietnam.

Our next destination is Nui Thung Camping Site. This is near where Uncle Ho (Ho Chi Minh)
re-entered Vietnam in 1941 after being absent for 30 years, and started his struggle for
an independent nation. We will spend the night in our camp at this location.

After enjoying a lovely day near the Chinese border, we plan to begin our journey towards
Ban Gioc Waterfall following breakfast. During our trip, we will witness the picturesque
landscape of luscious valleys along with ascending the challenging Ma Phuc Pass that
offers breathtaking views of the karst-studded valley. Once we reach our homestay around
lunchtime, we can take some time to rest and swim before embarking on our final
destination. Later, during dinner, we can enjoy drinks with our host at the homestay.

To start your day, enjoy a breakfast and coffee before continuing on your hike to Truc
Lam Phat Tich pagoda. This pagoda was the first to be constructed at the Northern border
position in Dam Thuy, Trung Khanh, and Cao Bang. From this hillside pagoda and temple,
you can enjoy great views of the Ban Gioc Waterfall and the entire karst valley.

Just 5 km away, visit Nguom Ngao Cave, a must-visit attraction when in the Ban Gioc area.
The astonishing cave with stalactites of various shapes is the most famous limestone
grotto in the northern mountains. You will be amazed by its beauty.

You will arrive in Hanoi around 19:00PM.

Arrive at Phu Bai airport (Hue city), pick-up by your private guide, and start your
exploration of the old capital of Vietnam. Your visit to the citadel & Tu Duc royal
Tomb.

After your delicious lunch at a nice local restaurant, drive to your hotel for check-in.
Free time at leisure.

Overnight in Hue.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning, boat trip on the Perfume River. Visit one of the most famous structures in
Vietnam, the Thien Mu Pagoda, built in 1601. The structure has 7 tiers and is now the
official symbol of the city of Hue, then cruise to Khai Dinh royal tomb for your visit.

Lunch in the restaurant in Hue.

After lunch, Journey to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. The drive takes around 3,5 hrs
on the road.

Overnight in Phong Nha.

Breakfast at your hotel.

8:15AM, departure from the hotel for your visit to the Paradise cave. The longest dry
cave in Asia (located in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park’s core zone).

You will then be taken by golf cart (1.6km) from the main gate, through the jungle, to
where you will then climb to the mouth of the cave, a climb that boasts spectacular
views of the mountainous region around the cave.

According to spelunkers (cave explorers), the deeper one journeys into the cave, the more
one feels the wells of heavenly clarity all around. The cave height can reach to 72 m
and up to 150 m wide. There is a series of white crystal stalactites (limestone
deposits) resembling natural pillars and many other spectacular formations.

After your lunch at a local restaurant. Your visit to the Dark Cave. Dark cave is an
adventurous and action-packed experience. Visiting this cave includes zip lining over a
turquoise river, swimming into the mouth of the cave (lifejackets included), walking
through the dark with only the head torch on your mining helmet to illuminate the way,
having a mud fight in the buoyant mud baths deep in the cave, washing clean with a swim
in the lake inside the cave, then finally kayaking back across the river.

Overnight in Phong Nha.

Breakfast at your hotel.

08:00AM, on road to Hoian. The drive takes around 6,5 hrs.

Arrive in Hoian in the afternoon, check into your hotel. Overnight in Hoian.

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:30AM, Depart from your hotel.

The first place in our day is the Bay Mau Water coconut forest. We will take a basket
boat to go fishing crabs, and fish with the locals. Moreover, you will learn more about
their culture, daily life, the local community; how to use simple tools to fish.

Then, we will explore the My Son Sanctuary– the worshiping area of the Champa Kingdom. We
will learn how special this Holy Land is such as how they made the bricks, what kind of
mortar they used, the layout of the cluster of temples, as well as mysterious stories
about their gods.

Back to the ancient town for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon, start your walking tour to explore the World Heritage sites in Hoi An. From
the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port for
Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab traders. These people came
primarily to trade ceramics and high-grade silk, which is still produced in the area.
Today, Hoi An is a quaint riverside town, popular with tourists for its eclectic
architecture, tailor shops, and numerous cafes. Some of the buildings in the narrow
streets have remained unchanged for more than a century. In the morning, we spend a
half-day walking through the narrow winding streets of the ancient quarter, visiting
Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200-year-old Tam Ky ancestral house, and
the Japanese Bridge.

18:00PM, Teh Dar: Must-see cultural show in Hoi An.

“Teh Dar, which means ‘traveling the circle’ in the K’Ho tongue, is an epic tale of
the birth-death-rebirth circle of every living being on earth, told with captivating
color and flare of Vietnamese tribal culture. Combining breathtaking handling of bamboo,
storytelling circus arts, and enchanting live music from authentic tribal instruments
such as the Gong, elephant drum, buffalo horn, and T’Rưng, the show depicts a realm of
mythical mountains and jungles, tribal life in all its wildness and beauty.

Dinner at a local restaurant and back to your hotel.

Overnight in Hoian.

Breakfast at your hotel.

08:00AM, depart from your hotel.

Visit Hoi An’s colourful market, and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of
this busy market. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and
learn about all the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later.

We board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River
to the Red Bridge Cooking School. This is a chance to view local river life, so make
sure your camera is handy.

On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb garden, before learning about some of
Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours –
the Red Bridge chefs first demonstrate each dish before we prepare the same dish
ourselves. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving
(plate decoration). After the lesson, we sit down and eat what we have cooked.

Afternoon, free time at leisure.

Overnight in Hoian.

Breakfast at your hotel.

09:00AM, check out and driver to Danang city. On the way, visit the Marble Mountain with
the Non-Nuoc Marble carving village. Marble Mountains Da Nang is a cluster of 5
limestone and marble mountains named following the 5 basic Elements as well as the five
fingers of Buddha. You also have a great chance to admire the wonderful skills of the
local artists at the 200 years old Non-Nuoc Marble carving village. Take photos of
beautiful sculptures, and even shop for some marble stuff for friends and family.

Drive to your hotel for check-in. Free time at leisure to enjoy its stunning beach, a
paradise of white sand and gentle waves.

Overnight in Danang.

Breakfast at your hotel.

Free time at leisure to enjoy its stunning beach, a paradise of white sand and gentle
waves.

Overnight in Danang.

Breakfast at your hotel.

Check out at noon.

Transfer to the airport for your flight onward.

Arrive at Tan Son Nhat airport, picked up by your private English-speaking guide, and
drive to your hotel. (Standard check-in time is 15:00PM, an early check-in is subject to
the room’s availability).

17:30PM, A Fun Ride to Explore Saigon’s Amazing Food Scenes! (For 3 persons)

Vietnam has one of the most diversified street food cultures and dishes in the world.

On the “XO Foodie” tour, we do not serve you mainstream dishes like Pho, Banh Mi, or
spring rolls on the tour, no starch-based food to make you feel full, only the most
authentic local food that the Vietnamese people love to eat!!

Your lovely female drivers, dressed in their beautiful traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai,
will pick you up at your hotel on motorbikes, and from there will safely whisk you
around the city through 5 unique districts, to show you how the locals live, work and
eat!

Your first stop is a popular restaurant in District 5 serving the most famous dish from
the Imperial City of Hue called “Bun Bo Hue”. We think this aromatic noodle
dish is much tastier than its more famous northern cousin “Pho”, and is a
great way to whet your appetite for what’s to come.

Up next, we will pass through the largest outdoor wet market in the city, where you can
see street vendors selling all sorts of fresh meats, seafood, fruits and vegetables.
We’ll stop in front of the largest wholesale market in Chinatown, where you will
get a short history lesson on the oldest area of Saigon. It will take about 20 minutes
to get from Chinatown to our next stop in District 8.

Along the way, you will drive through one of the busiest streets in the city, where all
the young people converge at night to shop. Our destination in District 8 is a large
outdoor restaurant specializing in grilled goat meat and hot pot. There are many other
delicious dishes at this stop also, but we don’t want to ruin the surprise for you!

After we leave District 8 it’s on to the newest and most modern part of the city
called Phu My Hung. This area was swampland not too long ago, but was drained and
transformed into a place that could be mistaken for Singapore now. Your knowledgeable
tour guides, will provide you with a brief socioeconomic perspective of the area and its
inhabitants, which offers a dramatic contrast to the lives of most Vietnamese people.

Our last stop is District 4, the poorest area in Saigon. 10 years ago, this district was
avoided by many locals, due to the high crime rate. The government has cleaned up the
bad elements however, which has allowed District 4 to turn into one of the best areas in
the city for delicious street food. You definitely won’t go home hungry after this
last stop!

From District 4, your drivers will transport you back full and happy to your hotel.

Overnight in Saigon.

06:30AM, Join the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City on the cyclo tour and see more
than you could do on your own in 3 hours. This is a great way for sightseeing in 3
hours.

HIGHLIGHTS :

War Remnants Museum | Reunification Palace | Vietnamese Temple | Buddhist Monument |
Notre Dame Cathedral | Central Post Office | Opera House | Saigon River | Ben Thanh
Market

**Note: Our cyclo driver just drives pass War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace to
cover for you all of the sights as listed.

Back to your hotel for breakfast.

11:00AM, depart for Cuchi tunnels by speed boat.

Our half-day Cu Chi Tunnels tour is one of our best-selling tours, offering a VIP
experience that sets us apart from other tour operators. By traveling to the Cu Chi
Tunnels by speedboat, you’ll arrive ahead of the large bus tour groups, allowing you to
explore the tunnels in a more peaceful and uncrowded environment. Our speedboats are
comfortable and spacious, with plenty of room for you to stretch out and relax during
the journey. As you travel along the Saigon River, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the
city and the traditional Mekong river life that lines the banks. Our English-speaking
guide will share insights into life along the river and the history of the area, giving
you a unique perspective on this vibrant city.

Once you arrive at the Cu Chi Tunnels, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this
fascinating network of underground passageways that were built and used by the VC during
various conflicts. Our knowledgeable guide will lead you through the tunnels, explaining
the various communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches, and
living quarters that were constructed here. One of the highlights of the tour is the
chance to crawl through a section of the tunnels yourself, giving you a firsthand
experience of what it was like for the soldiers who lived and fought here. After
exploring the tunnels, you’ll enjoy a delicious traditional Vietnamese lunch, featuring
local specialties like lemongrass chicken and caramelized clay pot pork.

Back to your hotel around 17:00PM.

Overnight in Saigon.

Breakfast at your hotel.

Hochiminh City—often still called Saigon—is a vibrant, fast-paced destination that’s well
worth spending a day exploring on your own. The city blends old-world charm with modern
energy, where French colonial buildings stand alongside sleek skyscrapers and bustling
markets.

You can start your day wandering through historic landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral
Basilica of Saigon and the nearby Saigon Central Post Office, then dive into the lively
atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market. Along the way, you’ll experience the rhythm of daily
life—motorbikes streaming through the streets, the aroma of street food, and friendly
locals going about their day.

End your day by AO Show, a unique “bamboo circus” that beautifully captures
Vietnam’s transition from rural life to modern urbanization, held in the historic
19th-century Saigon Opera House.

Overnight in Saigon.

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:30 departure. An enjoyable 3-hour journey to Cai Be.

Boarding off Cai Be at noon. Welcome drink, Introduction to the ship and crew, check into
the cabins.

Departure towards Cho Lach on the Tien Giang river.

Lunch while en route. Rest on the deck.

The Bassac slips into the Chợ Lách canal, in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the
river traffic, between markets and churches, a unique opportunity for a glimpse of the
very varied life on the banks as well as on the water.

By mid-afternoon, the Bassac casts anchor for a visit on shore: past the first tree line,
quiet discovery of the peaceful life in the delta’s countryside, of rice fields,
fruit trees and the welcoming inhabitants, or, at your option, short cycling tour of the
surrounding area.

Boarding back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Rest on the deck enjoying
the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising Mang Thit river.

The Bassac sets anchor just downstream from Tra On for the night.

The boat departs at 6:00AM then cruises towards Can Tho. The breakfast is available at
7:00AM.

Arrival in Cần Thơ, transfer onto a local boat to visit the Cai Rang floating market,
then a small bamboo basket workshop and return to the Ninh Kieu pier.

End of services by mid-morning on shore at Cần Thơ. Transfer to Can Tho airport for your
flight to Con Dao island.

Overnight in Con Dao.

Breakfast at your hotel.

Con Dao Island is a truly captivating destination for a beach holiday, known for its
untouched beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Far from the crowds, the islands offer
pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush green landscapes
that feel almost untouched by time.

Beyond the beaches, Con Dao carries a strong historical and cultural atmosphere. It was
once home to infamous prison complexes during French colonial rule and later conflicts,
giving the island a layered identity that mixes beauty with remembrance. Visiting these
sites adds depth to the experience—it’s not just a beach escape, but also a place of
reflection.

Overnight in Con Dao.

Breakfast at your hotel.

Check out at noon.

Transfer to the airport for your flight onward.