Welcome to Hanoi, the proud and venerable capital of Vietnam, situated on the Red River! After your arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the vibrant hustle and bustle of Hanoi with a stroll through the Old Quarter and take in the diverse sights during a rickshaw ride. A short stroll along Hoan Kiem Lake, with its Ngoc Son Temple on the small Jade Island, rounds out the sightseeing program. Afterwards, you can start your free afternoon with your first impressions.

Today, you will travel to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and view its exterior, as well as the revolutionary's former residence. Ho Chi Minh is considered Vietnam's most famous figure. He proclaimed independence in 1945, thus founding the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. You will also visit the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049, and gain insight into Vietnam's ethnological diversity during a visit to the Ethnology Museum. You will also explore the nearly 1,000-year-old Temple of Literature, which is home to Vietnam's first national academy. Today, you will have lunch at the KOTO restaurant, where young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are trained in the culinary arts, thus giving them a new perspective on their future.

Egg Coffee – Hanoi's Legend:

Try a legendary coffee created by a Vietnamese man who worked at a world-renowned hotel in Hanoi, the Sofitel Legend Metropole. Although egg coffee is now sold in many cafes around Hanoi, it's recommended to try it at a place directly connected to the inventor and his family; this makes the experience truly special. When you taste the coffee, you'll undoubtedly also feel its history.

In the morning, you will travel to Ha Long Bay it's therefore little wonder that UNESCO declared Halong Bay a World Heritage Site back in 1994. Explore the mystical Halong Bay on a cruise in a classic wooden junk. While there, you'll also have the opportunity to visit one of the numerous grottoes. Overnight on the Cruise

In the morning you will get up early if you want to learn about TaiChi. After breakfast you will going to see one of the most beautiful cave in Halong, today the boat will be back to the harbor at 11am or 11:30 am. From here, you'll drive to the airport for fly to Hue (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) in the evening (flight time: approx. 1 hour 10 minutes).

 Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel (approx. 30 km; approx. 40 minutes). Two nights in Hue. (F/M)

This morning, you'll take a journey back in time to the Nguyen Dynasty and visit the massive citadel with its Imperial Palace, modeled on the Forbidden City in China. Due to its stylistic blend of Oriental and French architecture, the tomb of Kai Dinh, the twelfth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, offers another interesting excursion. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B)

A boat trip on the Perfume River takes you to Thien Mu Pagoda, a landmark of Hue. If possible, the Buddhist monks will give you a deeper insight into their daily lives and their beliefs. After crossing the scenic Cloud Pass, you will then head towards the picturesque coastal town of Hoi An. You will also visit the Cham Museum, which displays many relics of the ancient kingdom's culture. You will then reach picturesque Hoi An. Founded during the Champa Kingdom, the city once had one of the largest trading ports in Asia and, thanks to its connection to the Silk Road, was exposed to many different cultural influences, which are still reflected in the architecture of the well-preserved old town. 3 nights in Hoi An. (B)

(Distance: approx. 150 km; travel time: approx. 3.5 hours)

Early in the morning, you'll have the opportunity to browse the local market's rich offerings before boarding a boat and learning firsthand from local fishermen which traditional fishing techniques are most efficient. Discover the history of Hoi An on a city tour and stroll past old Chinese teak houses, the Japanese bridge, and many different temples, all of which make up the architectural diversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)

OPTION: Reaching-Out Teahouse

During your visit to Hoi An, be sure to stop at the Reaching-Out Teahouse – a branch of the Reaching Out brand, a retail outlet selling local decor, clothing, bags, jewelry, lacquerware, and other unique and individual products. Each piece is carefully handcrafted by disabled artisans; the designs are inspired by traditional Vietnamese culture and folklore. The Reaching Out Teahouse employs hearing-impaired staff, and the proceeds are reinvested to train and employ people with disabilities from across Vietnam.

At the teahouse, you'll be immersed in the tranquility of the place as you sit back, sip one of the various teas and coffees, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The scents, flavors, atmosphere, and people will awaken all your senses and refresh your body, mind, and soul.

Today is yours to explore the diversity of Hoi An on your own or simply enjoy a relaxing day on the long, white sandy beach. Alternatively, you can take an optional excursion to the ancient My Son temple complex (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

This optional excursion can be booked with your local tour guide (the price depends on the number of participants; for 4 guests, approximately USD 17 (2020)). (B)

Early in the morning, you'll be transferred to the airport in Danang (approx. 40 km; approx. 45 min.). Shortly afterward, you'll land in the bustling metropolis of Saigon, officially known as Ho Chi Minh City. From there, you'll continue to the Mekong Delta, also known as the "Rice Bowl" of Vietnam due to its enormous rice production. During a boat trip through the Mekong's countless small canals and branches, you'll have the opportunity to observe the lives of the local people. Along the way, you can also visit small local craft workshops, where you can watch how puffed rice and coconut candy are made. At noon, a local family will invite you to lunch. 1 night in Ben Tre. (B/L)

(Distance: approx. 115 km; travel time: approx. 3.5 hours)

Today, you'll leave Ben Tre and head to Sa Dec. The city's many canals make Sa Dec seem a bit like a miniature version of Venice in the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival in Sa Dec, you'll take a stroll to a lively local market before visiting Kien An Cung, whose ancient Chinese architecture has played an important role in the Chinese community in Dong Thap for almost a hundred years. You'll then continue through the enchanting landscape of the expansive Mekong Delta, finally reaching your destination for today, Can Tho. 1 night in Can Tho. (B)

(Distance: approx. 120 km; travel time: approx. 3 hours)

Early in the morning, Cai Rang and its floating market become a major attraction. From small and large boats, residents from across the region sell a wide variety of exotic goods. The floating markets in the Mekong Delta are not tourist markets, but wholesale markets where fruit and vegetables from the Mekong Delta are sold. The number of sales boats fluctuates seasonally according to harvest times and demand. Afterward, it's time to say goodbye to the Mekong Delta and return to the vibrant and dynamic city of Saigon in the morning. While you're there, visit the Cholon district, Saigon's bustling and colorful Chinatown. To round off the day, visit the Thien Hau Temple, where local women in particular make offerings to various goddesses, and the very traditional Binh Tay Market. Here you can shop for souvenirs to your heart's content, but don't forget to haggle! 2 nights in Saigon. (F)

(Distance: approx. 170 km; travel time: approx. 4 hours)

Feel the metropolis awaken early in the morning and begin its typical bustle. Today's plan includes a detour to Tao Dan Park, which locals enthusiastically use for early morning exercise and as an oasis of peace. Join the locals and stroll through one of the many local markets and enjoy a delicious and fortifying noodle soup at a popular noodle restaurant, just like the locals do. Take a short break at a coffee house and mingle with local students and businesspeople. In the afternoon, learn more about the history of the former capital of the Republic of Vietnam on a city tour through the historic center of Saigon. (B/D)

Note: Please be aware that Notre-Dame Cathedral has been undergoing renovations since July 4th. Visiting the cathedral is not possible until the renovations are completed in early 2027. However, you can admire the cathedral from the outside and take photos.

Today you're in charge of the program! You can either stroll through Saigon on your own or book the optional excursion to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels and the Caio Dai Temple. This optional excursion can be booked with your local tour guide (the price depends on the number of participants; for 4 guests, it costs approximately USD 44). The Cu Chi Tunnels are a tunnel system over 200 km long that primarily served as an underground base of operations for the Viet Cong during the Indochina War against French troops. At the large and colorful Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh, you'll gain insight into the Cao Dai religion, which emerged in the early 20th century. It is a blend of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and various indigenous Vietnamese beliefs. Your hotel room in Saigon will be available until 12:00 PM. If you wish, you can also book a late check-out (approx. €30 per room; room availability until 6:00 PM). If you wish, please contact us in advance of your trip so we can make the appropriate reservation for you. Upon returning to Saigon, you will be transferred to the airport (approx. 8 km; approx. 30 min.) for your return flight. (F)