Xin Chao Vietnam – From Hanoi/ Hoi An To Ho Chi Minh City – 11 Days

08:00 – Commence your journey to Ri village in Ba Vi. After a 1.5-hour drive, you will reach Mr. Duoc's residence, where a welcoming drink awaits you.

10:00 – Explore the 30-year-old tea plantation in Ri Village, a serene and verdant locale offering picturesque views of the village. This tea plantation plays a pivotal role in supplying tea products to the entire northern region of Vietnam. You'll have the opportunity to assist a local family in harvesting tea leaves, learning the art of selecting the finest parts of the tea tree to craft the most exquisite beverage, as per Vietnamese tea-making traditions.

Mr. Duoc, a Vietnam War veteran and the proprietor of a sizable tea farm, is a seasoned expert in handling raw tea leaves. He will guide you in creating exceptional green tea before it goes to market.

Engage in delightful conversations as Mr. Duoc shares stories from his life during the Vietnam War, while relishing tea accompanied by green lentils or lotus seeds prepared by his family.

11:15 – Journey approximately 10 minutes to visit another host family in Moc Village, where Mrs. Chin, a skilled host, will provide you with a Vietnamese cooking class. Enjoy a satisfying lunch with the dishes you've prepared.

12:30: Share lunch with the host's family and take a brief break afterward.

In the morning, complete the check-out process from the hotel, and around 7:30 am, the cruise will pick you up. Embark on the most picturesque route to Halong Bay, traversing the Red River Delta with expansive emerald green rice paddies extending as far as the eye can see. Upon reaching Halong, indulge in a scenic cruise on the bay to thoroughly explore the limestone rocks and karst grottoes.

After your bay exploration, relish an exquisite seafood lunch. Following the culinary delight, visit the renowned limestone cave in Ha Long Bay, where you'll have the opportunity to engage in activities such as kayaking or swimming, allowing you to get closer to the floating villages and shops. As evening approaches, return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by leisure time. Choose to participate in the boat's activities or simply unwind for the day.

Overnight on the cruise.

The boat will navigate back to the port, making a stop at the Limestone Cave adorned with stalagmites and stalactites. Subsequently, the journey proceeds smoothly back to the primary harbor, reaching Hanoi around 17:00. Following this, catch a flight to Hoi An, where you'll check in to your hotel and have leisure time to replenish your energy.

Would you be interested in engaging in a fishing excursion with the local fishermen? How about immersing yourself in a delightful experience aboard the amusing basket boat? There's no need for hesitation because this day promises to bring a wide smile to your face. Engaging in fishing along the river with the local fishermen, where you catch your own fish, adds a fascinating element, and we'll prepare the catch for you.

Embark on the Fishermen & Waterways of a Past War Tour, offering a diverse array of experiences. From acquiring traditional fishing techniques to navigating the distinctive Vietnamese bamboo basket boats, you'll explore the now serene waterways flanked by coconut palms, remnants of a bygone era. This tour provides an authentic glimpse into the local Vietnamese way of life, offering social and cultural insights. Additionally, you'll participate in hands-on activities that are enjoyable, secure, and captivating for individuals of all ages.

Make the most of your leisure time and unwind in the charming surroundings of Hoi An.

Enjoying some leisure time to independently explore the town. Get prepared for pick-up as you transition to Hue.

Upon reaching Hue, complete the check-in process at the hotel. Subsequently, take advantage of your free time to explore the city. You may opt to visit attractions such as Thuan An Beach, Lang Co Beach, and the Garden House. Capture memorable moments through photography. Spend the night in Hue.

Followed by a leisurely period of free time. Later, a private cab will be arranged to transfer you to the airport for your upcoming flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Depart for the Cu Chi tunnels at 8:00 - 08:30 am, and the journey will encompass approximately one and a half hours of bus travel. Upon arrival, before delving into the tunnels, you will receive a brief introduction, followed by a video detailing the construction of the tunnels and the resilience of the people in the challenging conditions of wartime.

Explore the remaining area and tunnel systems, featuring specially constructed living quarters with kitchens and bedrooms alongside other military facilities like storage areas, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. Additionally, discover hidden trap doors and intricate traps within the labyrinthine tunnels designed for security purposes during the war. Following the exploration, indulge in a serving of the unique native Cu Chi tapioca.

Take a break to relax or for those interested, an opportunity to experience real gun shooting.

Return to Saigon at 13:00 - 13:30. The trip concludes.

7:20 am - Begin the day with a hotel pickup.

Commence your morning with a satisfying breakfast, followed by an excursion to the Mekong Delta. Set off for My Tho, a charming town situated on the left bank of the Mekong River. Board a sampan and cruise along the river, navigating the enchanting Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands.

Make a stop at Unicorn Island, where you can leisurely walk along country lanes, explore orchards, savor tropical fruits, and enjoy local folk music performed by the talented residents. Visit a fruit plantation to delve deeper into the local agricultural practices.

Subsequently, take a serene hand-rowed sampan journey through Thoi Son canal, immersing yourself in the scenic beauty of the countryside. Explore family workshops and a honey-bee farm, relishing honey tea and coconut candies.

Recharge with lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a well-deserved break.

In the afternoon, embark on a cycling adventure around Tan Thach village, engaging with local villagers to gain insights into daily life in the Mekong Delta. For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, unwind in a hammock, enjoying the refreshing breeze. Return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Finalize the check-out process at the hotel, and take the opportunity to explore local markets, purchasing souvenirs for your dear ones. Subsequently, prepare for departure and embark on your flight back home. The trip concludes.