08:30 Start your exploration at the War Remnants Museum, where exhibition halls showcase powerful imagery from both the French and American wars. Next, continue to the Reunification Hall, a historic building formerly known as the Presidential Palace. Learn about the dramatic events of April 30, 1975, when North Vietnamese tanks captured the building as Saigon fell.

Next, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Ho Chi Minh City's colonial quarter, passing by scenes of daily life along the way. Take in the stunning architecture of the Opera House, City Hall, and the old Saigon Post Office, while listening to tales of the glory days of French Indochina and its lasting influence on modern Vietnamese culture.

To wrap up your tour, step away from the usual tourist spots for a visit to a local Vietnamese coffee shop. Sit down and savor the rich flavors of coffee as the locals do. After this enlightening experience, you'll return to your hotel and take a rest before a Ho Chi Minh Food Tour for the Adventurous.

Saigon Street Food Expedition @18:00

The tour is more than just a culinary experience; it’s an opportunity to explore parts of the city that most tourists miss. We'll take you to the most popular street stalls and hidden alleyways, giving you a glimpse into the everyday lives of real Vietnamese people and their culinary habits.

At the heart of this tour is “ĂN” – EATING. Our friendly female riders will introduce you to 15 unique and delicious foods and drinks, each more delightful than the last. Come hungry, as we’re here to fill your belly with authentic Vietnamese flavors!

Unlike typical food tours, you won't find Pho, Spring Rolls, Vietnamese Pancakes, or Banh Mi Sandwiches on our menu. Rest assured, we also steer clear of dog meat, insects, organs, or anything too exotic. Instead, we focus on street food dishes that many visitors may never have the chance to try.

Get ready to savor the tastes of Vietnam like a local!

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Today's tour begins at 08:00 with a pickup from your hotel in the city center. Leave behind the bustling streets and modern architecture of Ho Chi Minh City as you embark on a day trip to Ben Tre, famously known as the "land of coconuts" in the Mekong Delta. After a two-hour drive south, you’ll arrive in Ben Tre Province and enjoy a scenic boat cruise along a branch of the Mekong River.

Kick off your day with a brief stroll through local workplaces, giving you a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals. Visit a traditional brick factory to observe the handcrafted brick-making process, then navigate the Cai Son Canal, winding through the lush coconut jungle. Here, you’ll visit a coconut workshop to see the stages of coconut processing, from removing the husk to peeling the fruit by hand.

Continue your exploration as you travel along a small waterway to a coconut candy workshop, where you can witness the artisanal candy-making process, sample some sweets, enjoy fresh fruits, and listen to local music. Afterward, disembark and take a short walk to a farmer's house where sleep mats are handmade.

You then explore the riverside promenade and narrow lanes by Lambro motor-tricycle—once the iconic mode of transportation in southern Vietnam during the 1960s.

After enjoying lunch at a riverside restaurant featuring Mekong Delta specialties, you’ll return to the main pier in Ben Tre by motorboat to meet your driver for the journey back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Check out your room and take a breakfast box.

05:00 Meet your driver (NO guide) and transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for the flight to Dong Hoi.

VN 1404 Ho Chi Minh 07:00 – Dong Hoi 08:35 / Vietnam Airlines

Upon arrival, please go to the exit gate and look for your guide holding a signboard with your name on it. Meet your guide and driver for transferring to Phong Nha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is renowned for its ancient limestone karsts, lush forests, and intricate cave systems, it's a haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The drive to Phong Nha National Park takes approximately 45 minutes, followed by an additional 15-minute journey to Dark Cave. Once you arrive, please bring a small bag containing your swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as you'll need them for an exciting adventure at Dark Cave.

Dark Cave has recently opened to the public, though it was discovered by locals during the Vietnam War and served as a bomb shelter. Your visit will begin with a thrilling zip line ride over Thuy Tien Lake, followed by a short swim to the cave's entrance. From there, you’ll walk through the water and navigate deeper into the cave, wading through increasingly deep mud.

Inside the cave, there are no lights, so headlamps will guide your way. After enjoying a rejuvenating mud bath, you'll make your way back to the cave entrance, rinse off, and paddle inflatable kayaks back to the starting point. You can finish with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the lake or experience more zip lining. All necessary equipment, including headlamps, life jackets, and kayaks, is provided, and your visit will be led by knowledgeable National Park staff.

After your adventure, you'll take a one-hour drive to Tu Lan Lodge for check-in. Afterward, you'll have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy at your leisure.

Overnight at Tu Lan Lodge, River Bungalow.

River Bungalow offers a weather-adaptive accommodation inspired by the flood-resistant floating houses of the Tan Hoa community. When flooding occurs in the area, these bungalows gently rise, allowing you to continue your activities without interruption. This distinctive experience is unique to Tan Hoa village, showcasing the resilience and creativity of its residents.

Each River Bungalow features a spacious 49m² layout and includes a large balcony with stunning views of the lush fields and the serene Rao Nan River. You can fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural beauty right from your room. This accommodation is perfect for those seeking a unique blend of novelty, nature, and an authentic local experience.

9:00 AM Your tour guide will pick you up and introduce you to Tu Lan Lodge, a weather-adaptive accommodation model designed for Net-Zero sustainability.

Afterward, you’ll explore Tan Hoa Village by bike, visiting local households that offer homestay and home-cooked meal services. Enjoy authentic dishes prepared by the homeowners, including the unique 'Boi' dish from the Nguon people, while gaining insight into their culture, customs, and traditions.

In the afternoon, you’ll discover Rat Cave, a filming location for the movies *Kong: Skull Island* and *Nguoi Bat Tu* (The Immortal). This 3-hour trek will lead you through a stunning cave system adorned with breathtaking stalactites, previously used as a film set. You’ll feel like a true explorer, and the journey is not overly strenuous, as Rat Cave is conveniently located at the forest's edge, easily accessible by motorbike or bicycle. The tour will conclude by 4 PM.

Overnight at Tu Lan Lodge, River Bungalow.

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Hue south, starting this morning with a visit to the historic Vinh Moc Tunnels. As you traverse through the picturesque landscape, discover the hidden gems of Vietnam, from quaint villages to the scenic Cua Tung Beach.

Uncover the poignant story of Vinh Moc Tunnel, which endured the ravages of war in one of the most heavily bombed areas. Learn about the ingenious underground tunnels, spanning approximately 2.8 km, where villagers sought refuge during the bombings from 1966 to 1971, a testament to resilience and survival.

Cross the iconic Ben Hai River, symbolizing the division between North and South Vietnam, where fierce battles once raged. Delve into history as you explore remnants of the past amidst the tranquil surroundings.

You'll enjoy a simple local-style lunch (at your own expense) during the journey, followed by a 2-hour drive to Hue. Upon arriving at Hue Garden House, you can check into your room, and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Take a relaxing herbal footbath before savoring an authentic home dinner. In the evening, practice Vietnamese with the host, listen to the calm and tranquility of the countryside or explore a recommended selection of books and movies about Hue.

Overnight at Hue Garden House, private room without en-suite.

The Garden House is located in Kim Long village, 9 km (20 minutes) west of Hue city, offering convenient access to explore Hue’s highlights while enjoying the tranquility of the countryside. The house is surrounded by a 3000m2 garden, bonsai, and fruit trees. The wooden beam house features two private rooms, namely “Happiness” and “Longevity,” each with a double bed (1m60), and a single room, the “Wealth Chamber,” with a 1m40 bed privatized by blind curtains. Additionally, there are two more private rooms (Triple and Double) in the modern annex house.

In terms of traditionalism and architecture, there are no private en-suite bathrooms, but two groups of toilets and bathrooms are nicely set up inside the main house. Shower/bath gel, soap, and towels are provided, while other amenities (toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, etc.) are available upon request.

Hue –the Imperial City- was named by UNESCO’s President as “a masterpiece of urban poetry” thanks to its remarkable landscape, embracing in itself the green Citadel, royal gardens, garden royal mausoleums, garden pagodas, and garden houses. This last category used to be the private residence of princes and princesses or the premises of high-ranking mandarins and rich families. It was from these places that the royal and aristocratic lifestyle spread to commoners and then shaped Hue’s elegant way of life. Due to the pressure of urbanization, population expansion, and economic, and lifestyle changes, Hue has been losing this treasure, from thousands to just more than a hundred nowadays. In an effort to preserve these threatened heritages, we have been engaging in helping local families renovate their ancestor’s houses and make them charming places to welcome travelers from afar.

Come experience Hue’s slow living and share our culture, and heritage!

Meet your guide at 08:30 and kick off the UNESCO-Heritage Imperial Citadel. Roam the expansive grounds, admiring buildings that reflect the pomp and ceremony of the once-mighty Nguyen Dynasty. Hear the stories of the majestic buildings and intriguing former emperors. Continue to the characteristic Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s iconic landmarks. Discover the many unique spiritual and architectural elements of Thien Mu while touring the compound with a guide. As the nation’s capital for roughly 200 years, Hue is the cradle of quintessential cuisines and vegetarian cuisine finds its own fame through the effect of Buddhism on locals’ life, which you should never miss when you visit Vietnam.

After a short drive, take a leisurely stroll around Bao Vinh town with its lively market selling typical commodities, and its charming merchant houses inviting you over for a local-style tea break. Join the old ladies with palm leaf conical hats and aromatic vegetable baskets on a ferry ride to reach the handicraft villages, where you will cycle along the flower and rice fields. Visit a local artisan making colorful Thanh Tien paper flowers. After learning about the aesthetic and ritual aspects, try your hands crafting one and keep it for a souvenir. Your exploration is prolonged through authentic scenes of the countryside, and households producing objects for offerings like votive paper, incense sticks, roasted kernels, etc. Arrive at a home workshop, where Mr. Ky heartily shares his whole-life journey preserving the art of xylographic printings, the nature-based coloring that Sinh village paintings are famous for. The last stop at a centuries-old village pagoda completes the insight into the local spiritual path for wellness. Besides their worshipping practices, almost everyone needs to reside in Buddha’s teachings and blessings to gain a healthy life and to extricate from unpropitious fates. A dragon boat is waiting to slowly ride you back to modern life.

Evening Foodie & Cyclo tour @18:00

Explore slow living through slow food and an evening slow ride on a cyclo. Your guide will provide a basic introduction to Hue cuisine and teach you some survival Vietnamese before heading to a vegetarian restaurant, where you can witness Buddhist traditions imprinted in Hue’s food art. Farther away from the tourist quarter, in a laid-back cyclo, the night tranquility will reveal the inner soul of Hue. Suddenly, street food stalls come into sight, and a crispy Hue-styled pancake or lemongrass skewers will be worth a try with both your hands and your tongue.

Enjoy some leisure time over a glass of savory specialty drinks at a charming coffee house while sharing more about Hue eating habits. Sweet soups may not be your favorite desserts, but Hue’s varieties of colors and flavors will promise a sweet ending to a delightful night! Take it easy and make it fun.

Overnight at Hue Garden House, private room without en-suite.

08:30 Embark on an exciting journey from Hue to Hoi An, a renowned Asian trading port with a rich history dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Experience the timeless charm of Hoi An's architecture and laid-back lifestyle during this approximately 3-hour drive. Enjoy the scenic route as you pass through the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co, offering ample opportunities for captivating photographs. Traverse the iconic Pass of Ocean Clouds, a breathtaking mountain pass that offers stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Make a stop in Danang to explore the Marble Mountain, a cluster of limestone hills steeped in history and spirituality. Adorned with marble caves, ancient pagodas, and panoramic viewpoints, Marble Mountain offers a blend of spirituality, history, and natural beauty.

Keep driving to Hoi An ancient town for check-in and refresh yourself before the sunset boat trip on Thu Bon River.

Hoi An Sunset Sails and Local Life @16:30

You'll be picked up from your hotel lobby and taken to the pier. From there, board a wooden boat that will navigate the main branch of the lower Thu Bon River. As you sail, take in the stunning scenery and witness local life, including traditional fishing practices. Before arriving at Hoi An Old Town, you'll pass through the Bay Mau water coconut forest. Keep your camera ready to capture the breathtaking sunset while you relax with a drink.

At 18:30, you will disembark at Bach Dang Pier and return to your hotel for an overnight stay. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

08:00 Travel by minivan for a quick 10-minute ride to Tra Que Organic Village, where you'll stroll through the market gardens and observe local farmers practicing traditional farming methods that have been in place for centuries—no electrical machinery here. You'll also gather fresh saw-tooth coriander and Vietnamese mint for your upcoming cooking lesson, and enjoy a special herbal drink at a local home.

Next, head to the village market with a shopping list in hand to purchase a variety of local ingredients, such as star anise, cardamom, sesame rice paper, water spinach, and banana flower. Upon arriving at Red Bridge Cooking School, you'll have a chance to freshen up before starting your class. Under the guidance of a Red Bridge Chef, you will learn to prepare and cook four iconic Vietnamese dishes, including the national favorite, Pho, using the freshest ingredients and traditional Vietnamese utensils still in use today.

After the class, sit down to enjoy the delicious dishes you've prepared. To wrap up the experience, enjoy a leisurely 25-minute cruise along the Hoi An River back to central Hoi An. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit, as you'll have the opportunity to relax and make use of the 20-meter swimming pool after your cooking tour.

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure as you explore Hoi An Ancient Town and indulge in some shopping at your own pace.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Today you will have free time until your driver (NO GUIDE) picks you up 2.5 hours (domestic flight)/ 3.5 hours (international flight) before your departure time and transfer you to the airport for your flight back home.

**NOTE: The standard check-out time is 12:00 (A late check-out is on request and subject to availability, the extra cost will be applied to guarantee this service).