Vietnam Explorer

As soon as your feet touch the ground at Hanoi International Airport, you can already feel the pulse of this fascinating city. Your personal chauffeur will be waiting to guide you through the hustle and bustle of the streets to your oasis of peace, your hand-picked hotel.

After check-in, the vibrant panorama of Hanoi opens up before you - a city that welcomes you with open arms. Let yourself be seduced by the unique atmosphere of this metropolis, which combines tradition and modernity in a fascinating symbiosis.

Stroll through shady avenues, past majestic colonial buildings that tell of bygone eras. Discover hidden park jewels that form oases of tranquillity in the midst of the vibrant city.

The centrepiece of Hanoi awaits you at the "Lake of the Returned Sword" - Hoan Kiem Lake. Here, where the water stretches like liquid silver between ancient trees and historic buildings, you can feel the true spirit of the city. Watch locals of all ages practising Tai Chi on the shore, playing chess or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

This first day in Hanoi is your personal adventure. Whether you immerse yourself in the alleyways of the Old Quarter, explore the flavours of the local cuisine or simply soak up the soul of the city, Hanoi will captivate you from the very first moment.

Prepare for a day of wonder and discovery in Hanoi - a symphony of history, culture and flavours awaits you!

Your experienced tour guide will lead you through a kaleidoscope of impressions, starting with the legendary Long Bien Bridge, which majestically spans the Red River. Feel the breath of history as you walk across this imposing structure.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of Hanoi, where the markets of Hang Ngang and Hang Dao Street welcome you with a firework display of the senses. Let yourself be enchanted by the scent of exotic spices and carried away by the colourful hustle and bustle.

The secrets of bygone eras are revealed to you in the picturesque old quarter. Every alley tells a story, every building whispers of French influences and Vietnamese tradition. In the French Quarter, the colonial era comes to life, while the vibrant night markets and the famous Ta Hien Beer Street represent modern Hanoi.

Venerable landmarks such as Hoan Kiem Lake, the Red Bridge and the Temple of Literature will take your breath away. The Tran Quoc Pagoda, the fascinating One Pillar Pagoda and the Jade Mountain Temple reveal the spiritual soul of the city.

A special highlight awaits you during the tasting of authentic Vietnamese specialities. Here you will not only tantalise your taste buds, but also immerse yourself in the soul of Vietnamese cuisine.

After this day full of unforgettable impressions and experiences, a special surprise awaits you in the evening: a romantic train journey to Sapa, where the next chapter of your Vietnamese adventure begins.

After your arrival in Lao Cai, a special kind of adventure awaits you. A warm smile and a firm handshake greet you at the railway station before you set off into the enchanting mountain world of Sapa.

You can fortify yourself with regional delicacies in a cosy restaurant before setting off on an unforgettable hike through the Muong Hoa Valley. Steep rice fields, traditional villages and the warm hospitality of the hill tribes await you. Be enchanted by the breathtaking natural scenery and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the H'mong and Zao. After a day full of impressions, you will find peace and relaxation at the Topas Eco Lodge. Nestled in the green hills, you can enjoy the panoramic view and round off the day with a glass of local wine.

Hidden behind a wall of bamboo and ancient trees is Giang Ta Chai, the village of the Red Dao. A magical place where time seems to stand still. Cross suspension bridges that look down into the depths and be mesmerised by the thundering Cau May waterfall. Your path leads you further up, through jungle-like paths, until you reach the village of Su Pan. The Red Dzao and Black H'mong live here in the middle of the mountains. Immerse yourself in their world, learn about their customs and enjoy their warm hospitality. In the evening, it's time to say goodbye to Sapa. The return journey to Lao Cai takes you through breathtaking scenery.

After a fortifying breakfast in Hanoi, a comfortable shuttle bus will take you to the breathtaking Halong Bay in the north of Vietnam. On board your luxurious Renea Cruise **** cruise ship, you will be greeted with a refreshing welcome drink.

After a short safety and activity briefing, you can settle into your comfortable cabin. As the yacht glides deeper into the fascinating Bai Tu Long Bay with its impressive limestone formations, a delicious Vietnamese lunch awaits you.

A highlight is the arrival on the island of Cap La, where you set off on an adventurous kayak tour through the marvellous natural scenery. Paddle through crystal-clear water and admire the majestic rocks up close.

Back on board, you can enjoy the sunset with a relaxing sundowner before mooring at your quiet anchorage for the night. A sumptuous dinner rounds off the eventful day perfectly.

The evening is all yours - whether you want to try your luck at squid fishing or cosy up with a cocktail and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. Spend the night on board your floating resort surrounded by this breathtaking natural scenery.

Start the day on board your floating resort with a relaxing tai chi session on the sun deck. Or enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while you take in the enchanting scenery of Halong Bay.

Strengthened by a delicious western breakfast buffet, we set off to explore the hidden natural beauties. A highlight is the boat tour to the hidden Thien Canh Son Cave and a beach holiday on Hon Co Island with its white sandy beach.

Back on the ship, there is still time to freshen up and pack your bags for the onward journey. As a grand finale, an instructive Vietnamese cookery demonstration awaits you before you enjoy a typical Vietnamese lunch.

During the return journey to Halong harbour, you will once again indulge in the unforgettable experiences and impressions of the past days at sea.
In the early afternoon, you will continue to the airport, from where you will take your flight to Hue.

After a hearty breakfast, your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel. Embark on an unforgettable private city tour through the historic former imperial city of Hue.

The first stop is the beautiful Thanh Toan Bridge, a wooden brick structure with unique architecture. Continue to the tomb of the Gia Long King, the founder of the Nguyen dynasty. In the midst of a picturesque mountain landscape, a peaceful natural setting with imposing historical buildings awaits you.

At lunchtime, stop off at a local restaurant and sample the tasty traditional specialities of Hueanese cuisine.
In the afternoon, you will visit the stunning UNESCO-protected citadel. As you walk through the mighty walls of the royal castle to the Forbidden City, you will learn interesting facts about the culture and history of the Nguyen rulers. Lakes, gardens, bridges and magnificent palace complexes round off the majestic ensemble.

The tour continues to An Hien Garden House, one of the most beautiful traditional garden houses in Hue. The typical architecture and gardens bring history to life.
The crowning glory is a visit to the fascinating Thien Mu Pagoda directly on the picturesque Huong River. Admire the typical architecture of the Buddhist monastery and the idyllic natural backdrop.

After this eventful day, relax on a return trip by dragon boat to your hotel.

Climb aboard a travelling picture frame and be enchanted by the beauty of Vietnam. The Cloud Pass is a masterpiece of nature, a painting of clouds and mountains. During the train journey, your eyes will wander over a breathtaking landscape: the sea glistens deep below, while the mountains rise majestically into the sky. An unforgettable experience for all the senses.

After a fortifying breakfast in Hue, a transfer will take you to the airport in Da Nang today. From here, you will fly on to the electrifying metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon.

In this never-sleeping, bustling metropolis, an exciting contrast programme to the quiet Hue awaits you. With an estimated eight million inhabitants and just as many motorbikes on the streets, you can immerse yourself in the fast-paced rhythm of a true urban jungle.

In the afternoon, you will explore some of the most famous landmarks on an extensive city tour. The magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, which was modelled on its Parisian counterpart, and the imposing main post office are two architectural highlights.

You can delve deeper into recent history at the War Remnants Museum, which provides an insight into the Vietnam War and its traces.

Round off an eventful day in the city with a cosy coffee and a chat with your tour guide at Landmark 81, the tallest building in Vietnam. The spectacular view from up here gives you another impressive overview of the fast-paced megacity.

Welcome to an exciting day in the famous Mekong Delta! The journey to Cai Be, which takes around 2.5 hours, offers a breathtaking backdrop of the green rice fields of the Mekong Delta.

Discover the sweet side of the Mekong Delta with a visit to Jimmy Chocolatier. Immerse yourself in a world of handmade chocolate creations and experience delicious flavours made from high-quality local ingredients. You will experience the entire process of cocoa production, from harvesting the cocoa fruit to artisanal processing, while savouring the authentic taste of fresh cocoa.

Once in Cai Be, your adventure on the water begins as you board a boat and explore the majestic Mekong River. Your senses will be enlivened by the lively impression of the small floating market of Cai Be, where locals sell their wares and a colourful hustle and bustle prevails.

The journey continues with a picturesque sampan ride on a small canal, while you let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the place. The route continues through a traditional craftsmen's village, where you will gain an insight into local craftsmanship. Your taste buds will also be spoilt as you enjoy a delicious meal at an authentic local restaurant on Tan Phong Island. From here you can enjoy the panoramic view of the majestic Mekong River.

Your friendly tour guide will not only accompany you, but also offer insights into the everyday life of the locals as you travel through charming villages and picturesque landscapes.

The eventful day comes to a harmonious end as you sit back with a cup of fragrant coffee or a refreshing drink. At around 18:00, we will take you to your hotel in Can Tho, where you can reflect on the impressions of the day. This trip to the Mekong Delta will not only offer scenic beauty, but also bring you closer to the culture and life of the locals - an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a long time.

The day starts at 5.30 a.m. with pick-up, as a real highlight awaits you: the legendary Cai Rang floating market. This lively trading centre is famous for the many large boats selling products from local factories, farms and fruit plantations.

The Mekong Delta is widely known for its fresh and high-quality fruit. Here you have the opportunity to discover an impressive selection of exotic delicacies such as the first-class durian, juicy coconuts, flavoursome jackfruit, sweet rambutan and much more.

After visiting the colourful hustle and bustle of the floating market, continue to the old Binh Thuy house. This historic building is characterised by the typical architecture of the Mekong region and gives you a deep insight into the culture and way of life of the local people.

Another highlight is a visit to the Khmer temple Phu Ly - a journey into another world. This architectural jewel in the middle of the rural landscape is not far from the centre of Can Tho. The colourful, magnificent temples, the exotic courtyard and the authentic atmosphere will make you forget the busy surroundings for a moment.

In the late morning transfer to the airport in Can Tho with destination Hoi An.

After a relaxed lunch in Can Tho, a transfer will take you to the airport today, from where you will board your flight to Hoi An.

In the late afternoon, a first private city tour of this beautiful jewel in central Vietnam awaits you. Hoi An was once an extremely important trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries. Although the structural change and economic boom could not be stopped, the architecture and relaxed lifestyle have hardly changed to this day.

Stroll through the charming alleyways of the old town and immerse yourself in another era. The wealthy merchant families left behind a legacy of magnificent houses, temples and pagodas. When the harbour finally silted up and Da Nang became the leading port city, Hoi An fell into a long slumber. It was precisely this circumstance that gave the city its unspoilt, historical flair.

A special highlight of your tour is the town's extremely lively tailors' guild. In the workshops you will find first-class textiles and garments made using traditional methods.

After this first stroll through the enchanting old town, check into the cosy Aira Boutique Hotel **** for your overnight stay.

After the eventful tours of the last few days, you now have a few days at leisure in the picturesque coastal town of Hoi An. Relaxation is the order of the day here!

Hoi An is not only known for its historical heritage and famous tailoring, but also attracts visitors with its beautiful beaches. Take the opportunity to enjoy a marvellous beach holiday right next to the hotel.

Relax by the pool area or on the fine sandy beach of the Aira Boutique Hotel ****. Recharge your batteries while you listen to the refreshing sea breeze and unwind. Here, time seems to stand still for a moment.

Between swimming and sunbathing, you should not miss out on the local culinary delights. The varied and flavourful cuisine of the region is a delight for the palate.

During your beach holiday, reflect on the last impressions and experiences of this unforgettable trip. With recharged batteries and relaxed composure, you will start the next stage of your adventure with renewed vigour.

Yesterday you already gained a first impression of the enchanting city of Hoi An. This morning, another cultural highlight awaits you in the area - the impressive temple ruins of My Son.

Located just 50 km south-east of Hoi An, My Son was once the religious centre and one of the most important places of the mighty Champa kingdom in Vietnam. The sophisticated Cham construction method, in which the bricks were laid on top of each other without mortar, as well as the marvellous decorations are unique in the whole of Southeast Asia.

The impressive temple complexes have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. During your visit, you will have plenty of time to explore the extensive ruins in detail and soak up the mystical atmosphere of this spiritual site. Surrounded by a picturesque landscape of hills and rivers, the remains of the magnificent sanctuaries invite you to travel back in time to bygone eras.

After this deep immersion in the fascinating Cham culture and history, you will return to Hoi An in the evening, where another overnight stay is on the programme.

Hoi An is the perfect place to really switch off after all the impressions and activities of the last few days. The cosy coastal town with its laid-back flair, beautiful beaches and exquisite cuisine invites you to slow down and enjoy yourself.

Here are a few ways to organise the remaining days according to your individual preferences:

• Explore the picturesque old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its well-preserved merchant houses, temples and winding alleyways.
• Take a leisurely river cruise on the Hoai River and admire the characteristic yellow facades from the boats.
  Treat yourself to a shopping spree and discover local traders for lanterns, textiles or even have a tailor-made suit made for you.
• Visit temples and shrines such as the Cantonese Assembly Hall or the famous covered Japanese Bridge and immerse yourself in the rich culture.
• Enjoy water sports such as snorkelling or diving off the coast at the offshore Cham Islands and discover colourful coral reefs and fish species.
  Try the unique local cuisine with specialities such as Cao Lau noodles or Banh Mi sandwiches.

After these last relaxing days in Hoi An, your driver will take you to Da Nang airport in about 30 minutes on the 18th day of your trip. From here you will start your journey home after an unforgettable exploration of Vietnam.
If you are interested, we can also extend your stay or add additional destinations in Vietnam to your itinerary. Just get in touch with us!