You will land at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, a massive city with all the amenities of a modern city. It is known as a city of commercial, educational, scientific, and technological hubs, with developing infrastructure and up-to-date facilities. Due to its growth, Ho Chi Minh City is a popular choice for travelers to arrive at or depart from. After collecting your checked baggage, please move to the arrival lounge where Viland Travel’s representative is waiting for you with a welcome signboard. After greeting, you are transferred 45 minutes to Ho Chi Minh City downtown. Check in to the room and spend the rest of the day to relax.
Note: Hotel check-in time is at 2:00 pm; your room may or may not be ready before this time.

After breakfast we drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, created by the Viet Cong to counter first the French and then American forces. Cu Chi Tunnels is 75 km outer suburb of Ho Chi Minh City. This vast network of tunnels, stretching over 250 kilometers is a sobering insight into the dedication of the Viet Cong who lived almost entirely underground in the narrow tunnels.

At the site, we have a chance to watch a brief video that will introduce you to the Cu Chi tunnels, followed by a walk through the reserve. Nearby is a chilling demonstration of the traps and weapons used against the American GIs. The Cu Chi tunnels have been made wider and cleaner for western visitors, however they can still be dark and claustrophobic inside so please keep in mind if you do not like enclosed spaces (it is optional to walk through the dark tunnels). 

Optional: Visit the underground villages with a VC veteran who used to live there, to better understand the tunnels’ history, life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese’s resilience during the combats. Discuss with the veteran and find out about his experience living in the subterranean hamlets where lack of air, food and water can made life unbearable. Your guide will be there to translate the veteran’s experiences.

We then drive back to HCM CIty with stop for lunch en route.

In the afternoon, you will embark on a city tour of Saigon, including the Reunification Palace. The war officially ended here on April 30th 1975 when tank 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of the home of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. Then we visit the War Remnants Museum, a poignant display of the futility of war. We also stop at the Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office. The post office, built between 1877 and 1883, is an excellent example of classic French colonial architecture. 

Finally, you'll explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market, a bustling hub where you can experience the local culture, shop for souvenirs, and savor delicious Vietnamese street food. 

08.00: A short 2.5 hour car transfer delivers you to the pristine natural beauty that is Ben Tre Province. Known as “Coconut Island,” many of its people still rely on tradition and centuries old methods of production. We will focuses on the Giong Trom and Huu Dinh districts, areas untouched by commercial tourism.

On arrival, meet with your guide and take a short walk through a local village to enjoy the landscape of local houses and gardens. Upon reaching the local pier, board your Mango Cruise and enjoy the river views as you cruise through the smaller tributaries of Ben Tre province. 

As you arrive in a neighboring village, the cruise will first stop at a coconut processing operation that is owned by a local family. Learn about the many uses of the coconut which Ben Tre province is famous for. Then begin cycling with your guide through small village pathways with lush vegetation. Listen for “Hello!” from the friendly local people as we witness true local life away from the mass tourism operations. 

Reconnect with your Day Cruiser and Captain and transfer across the river to “Bao Island” and meet a local farmer. His family has a large Coconut Garden in a tranquil setting. Enjoy a fresh coconut and learn more about his life in the Mekong Delta. 

Return to your cruise and relax as your guide and captain will transfer you to one of the many beautiful canals found in the Mekong Delta. Board a rowboat and be paddled by a personalized rower trip to discover the maze of small canals. After our team rows you through the quiet canal you will arrive at the local house of Ms. Huong to enjoy tea.

After your stop for tea, take a motorized cart to a nearby pier and cruise on your day boat to Mango Home. It is time for you to relax and enjoy a set menu lunch of local specialties, some grown organically in Mango Home Garden! Relax and have a walk around the lush garden setting. 

After lunch, continue your cycling trip to My Long to visit Mr Sau Tuong, a former Vietcong soldier who survived two years fighting the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh. Now he and his wife live on making rice paper which is the most famous specialty of My Long village. Have a chat with him and enjoy the crispy rice paper made by his wife and see how it is made.

After the visit, your car will be waiting for you at the nearby road to return you to Ho Chi Minh Airport for the flight to Da Nang. 

Upon arrival at Da Nang airport, you will be picked up by your private guide & driver and taken to your hotel in Hoi An, the UNESCO heritage town. Hoi An has a pick of two beaches just 5kms (3 miles) away with so many beautiful beach resorts so please advise us if you prefer to stay on the beach.

After breakfast at the hotel, free on your own time until check out time. Your private driver will pick you up and head to Hoi An. Check into the hotel and prepare for the Ancient Town Walking Tour in the afternoon. 

Afternoon take walking tour to visit Hoi An Ancient town. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An known then as ‘Faifo’, was a prosperous trading port, attracting Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish ships amongst others. Today, this World Heritage ancient town is recognised for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets and distinctive local cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. Hoi An’s narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour of its many atmospheric sights including: the old merchant houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, first built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with its intricate woodcarvings; and the colourful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two.

Tailoring in Hoi An has been around since two decades ago, which was originally mainly for international tourists. Now, the service has become a typical feature of the ancient town so before getting to your hotel, stop on a tailored shop for dressing an Ao Dai/dresses by silk. Please choose which one you prefer with the tailor consultant. It will be done on the next day before you fly to the next destination.

In the morning, you will visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village, which is a long-standing traditional craft village in Hoi An ancient town. It offers a wide variety of over 40 products that serve diverse purposes in daily life and cultural practices. These include jars, vases, pots, incense burners, and candle holders. Some items serve as tools in other crafts, such as weaving or sugar-making. 

Transfer to Driftwood village, nestled in the lush Tra Que vegetable village.  At village, skilled artisans breathe new life into driftwood, creating unique sculptures and artworks that reflect Vietnam's rich heritage. 

Continue to move to the workshop provides a welcoming space to explore traditional techniques in wood carving and painting. This workshop is the perfect helpful experience for younger artists in the family. 

After a brief introduction to the history of the craft, you’ll receive all the tools and materials needed to create your very own masterpiece. Under the guidance of our expert artisans, you’ll begin carving and shaping your chosen piece into a unique work of art. Once you’ve completed your carving, you’ll paint and decorate your creation, showcasing your personal style and creativity. It’s a great way for younger creatives to express themselves while parents or older children practice wood carving. This hands-on workshop is the perfect way to take home a memorable gift from Hoi An, crafted by your own hands. Whether you’re making a gift for a loved one or simply creating something beautiful for yourself, you’ll leave with a special souvenir of your time in Vietnam.

Today is yours to unwind and enjoy the gentle rhythm of Hoi An at your own pace.
In the morning, take a leisurely stroll through the lantern-lined streets, stop by a riverside café for a cup of Vietnamese coffee, or simply relax at your resort with a spa treatment. 

Breakfast at your hotel and spend your own time in the morning. The room only disposal to the noon time. Lunch on your own account. 

Your private driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer to the airport for the flight to Hanoi. 

Upon arrival, you will be picked up by your private guide & driver and taken to your hotel in the city centre. Check in to your hotel and prepare for the dinner 

In the evening, be exclusively invited by our hosts to visit their beautiful and cozy home, sip a cup of tea while listening to the host introducing family’s history.

Stories continue around the table as we join them in a traditional home cooked dinner, prepared by mothers. After the meal, enjoy a green tea to relax and chat more, our host offers a great opening to find out about the family’s life in the past and today.

Our experience guide will meet you at the meeting point and give you a brief introduction before the tour. The guide will tell you all what you need to know for a 100%-happy-trip and then we will start our adventure. 

At 08:30 your driver will pick you up at your hotel for departing for Halong Bay, arriving at the jetty around noon. 
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. Participate in a Vietnamese tea tasting, pamper yourself with spa a treatment, or enjoy some time in the sauna located in the ship’s vast spa area. After dinner offers you can opt for a guided “Singing Bowl Meditation” in the wellness studio or simply relax under the stars on the terrace deck or your private balcony to embrace the serenity of this surreal landscape.

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.

Your private car takes you back to Hanoi and head directly to the airport for home flight. 

Note: The itinerary is subject to change without notice, in accordance with the weather and other operating conditions.