High-End Vietnam: Cruise along The Mythical Mekong (Life on the River) 12 Days/11 Nights

Welcome to Hanoi! Upon your arrival at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport, you'll be warmly greeted by your own personal tour guide. They'll assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Take this time to relax and recover from your journey or venture out to explore the vibrant city at your own pace.

Today marks the beginning of your exciting journey through Vietnam. We'll introduce you to the captivating history and culture of the country. Our first stops include the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, and the One Pillar Pagoda.

Next, we'll immerse you in the daily life of Hanoians with a visit to the bustling Old Quarter. Your taste buds are in for a treat as you savor local cuisine, including Vietnamese sandwiches, egg coffee, rice cakes, and the famous pho!

In the late afternoon, relax and enjoy a traditional water puppet show—a unique and delightful Vietnamese art form.

After a refreshing breakfast, we'll embark on a journey to the stunning Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you'll find a perfect blend of natural beauty, onboard services, and opportunities for activities like kayaking, swimming, and diving.

While cruising, you'll likely visit Cua Van Fishing Village, Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Me Cung Caves, Virgin Cave, Surprise Cave, and pass by charming islets like Flight Cock Islet, Human Head Islet, and Toad Islet. Some cruises even offer a cooking class at night and a morning taichi lesson.

Relax and soak in the beauty of Halong Bay as you make unforgettable memories.

Your enchanting cruise comes to a close, and a shuttle transfer will take you back to Hanoi. Reunite with your tour guide and head to the airport for your onward flight to Danang. In just a 40-minute car ride, you'll arrive in the enchanting town of Hoi An.

Today, you'll dive into the rich culture of Hoi An's ancient town. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you to iconic sites like the Japanese Covered Bridge, Fujian Assembly Hall, and Old House of Tan Ky.

Following that, you'll embark on a scenic 40-minute boat ride along the Thu Bon River to a charming pottery village. Here, you'll explore its charming alleyways, engage with locals, and even create your own handicraft.

After breakfast, it's time to transfer to Danang for your morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Private transfers with your tour guide are included in both cities. Upon arrival, check-in at your leisure and enjoy the city as you wish.

Despite its modernity, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) exudes nostalgic charm with its colonial-era buildings, quaint street-side cafés, and leafy boulevards. Take a leisurely stroll downtown to discover landmarks such as the General Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the former Presidential Palace.

Next, visit the War Remnants Museum for a vivid perspective on the war through the eyes of the Vietnamese. Please note that this part of history can be emotionally impactful due to its sensitive nature.

Experience Saigon's famous coffee street culture, and enjoy a brief language lesson from your guide. Gain insights into the daily life of the locals before returning to your hotel.

Embark on a morning drive to Vinh Long in the Mekong Delta. Here, you'll visit the vibrant Vinh Long Market, where you can witness the abundance of river fish, rice fields, and produce from local farmers.

Enjoy a bicycle ride to better explore this wonderfully rural area, ending up at Le Longanier Restaurant. Lunch is served in this exquisite colonial-style villa set in a lush tropical garden by the river.

Overnight at Vinhlong.

Meet us at your hotel at 8:00 am and transfer to Cai Be by road. Begin cruising from Phu An Jetty at 10:00 am.

From the sampan, observe life as it plays out on shore – people going about their daily activities set against mesmerising backdrops. En route to Binh Minh, we will stop at various points along the river for a look into some of the cottage industries of the region including the making of coconut candy and puffed rice (the local equivalent of popcorn) including a visit to an ancient house in Dong Hoa Hiep village.

Continue by sampan and observe the life on the shore, the people, and the stunning landscapes from your boat. We will then cross the Co Chien River passing by quaint villages to visit a clay pot factory. Lunch is served on board while cruising towards Binh Minh along a narrow canal teeming with life. Observe the endless boat traffic and the quiet but constant activity along the banks. Enjoy shore excursions to gain insight into how the local people make a living, and stop for a visit to a Cao Dai temple.

Back to your sampan and enjoy the sunset boat while the sampan continues its way towards the Hau River. Dinner and overnight on board.

Wake up early at 6:00 am for a visit to the famous Cai Rang Floating Market. Witness the hustle and bustle of the morning market as traders offer their wares on the waterway vying for attention from potential punters. Breakfast is served on board while the sampan navigates towards the market among local barges loaded down with fruits and vegetables from the Delta, making for some stunning photos.

Continue cruising towards shore and disembark at the hotel’s private jetty.

Morning city tour of Can Tho, beginning with a visit to the Can Tho Museum, which showcases the agriculture and river life of the Mekong Delta, as well as the peaceful co-existence of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer ethnic groups.

Next, head to the Binh Thuy Ancient House, originally a place of worship for ancestors.

Afternoon transfer back to Hochiminh city. Check-in hotel and relax.

After breakfast, you'll have some free time to enjoy at your leisure. Your private tour guide will then pick you up and transfer you to the airport. Have a safe and pleasant flight home, and we hope to welcome you back soon