08:30 Meet your guide and embark on a captivating journey of cultural discovery through our immersive culinary adventure.

Begin your experience with a charming cyclo ride from your hotel in the Old Quarter to Dong Xuan Market. Here, you'll dive into a vibrant world of bustling trade and tempting street food. As you navigate through the lively crowds, soak in the essence of local culture. The market is a sensory feast, brimming with sights and sounds that offer a window into the everyday lives of the Vietnamese people. Delight your palate with an array of delectable street food specialties.

Arrive at Thom Culinary, a serene oasis amid the city’s energy. Step into a peaceful garden house where you can explore its hidden gems—a sacred worship hall, a tranquil fish pond, and a lush vegetable garden. Connect with time-honored traditions as you gather fresh herbs for your culinary creations. Enjoy refreshing welcome drinks and seasonal fruits as your host shares intriguing insights into Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage. Discover the importance of herbs, spices, and fish sauce in building the harmonious flavors that define traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Learn the art of balancing contrasting tastes and textures, ensuring each ingredient shines.

Roll up your sleeves and dive into the cooking process. With hands-on experience, you’ll chop, sauté, season, and plate authentic Vietnamese dishes under the careful guidance of your host, who will equip you with essential techniques. Relish your culinary masterpieces during a leisurely feast, accompanied by a delightful homemade dessert, endless herbal drinks, and traditional rice wine. Share eating etiquette and the stories behind each dish, enriching your understanding of the cuisine. Finally, bid farewell to Thom Culinary and enjoy a smooth transfer back to your next visit, filled with memories of flavors and connections.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, established in 1076 as Vietnam's first university to educate royalty, mandarins, and the elite. Walk through the well-preserved architecture and gardens that offer a captivating glimpse into Vietnam's rich history. Finally, you will explore the historical Hoa Loa Prison, also known as the Hanoi Hilton, that once incarcerated Vietnamese dissidents, French and American POWs. A haunting glimpse into the past, the majority of the prison was razed for the Hanoi Towers. The preserved southern corner serves as a memorial for the revolutionaries who perished under gruesome conditions.

Return to hotel and the rest of day is free at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Nestled in the remote northeastern region of Vietnam, about a six-hour drive from Hanoi and close to the Chinese border, Cao Bằng boasts stunning limestone mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and verdant valleys. The breathtaking landscapes and dramatic scenery are perfect for photography, so be sure to bring your camera!

Continue your journey to Phia Thap Village, home to 50 families from the Nung ethnic minority. Surrounded by lush rice paddies and majestic mountains, the village offers a refreshing glimpse into Nung culture through its traditional cuisine, lifestyle, and the craft of incense-making.

Enjoy dinner and spend the night at a local Nung family's home in Phia Thap Village. From your accommodation, you'll be treated to picturesque views over the rice paddies and cornfields. The ground floor features an inviting living space that doubles as a spacious dining area. Constructed entirely of wood with beautiful yin and yang roof tiles, this charming house showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Overnight at the local house of Nung people in Cao Bang, dorm without en-suite.

After breakfast, you'll head to Ban Gioc Waterfall, a breathtaking natural wonder that marks the border between Vietnam and China. Take in the stunning views and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of Vietnam's most iconic waterfall before continuing your journey to Nguom Ngao Cave, an impressive limestone cave system that spans over 2,000 meters. Inside, you'll be captivated by the intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations, dramatically illuminated to enhance their beauty. The immense cave features towering columns and natural sculptures that have been sculpted over millions of years, creating an awe-inspiring underground landscape.

Your next stop is Khuoi Ky Village, nestled in a small valley near the cave and home to the Nung ethnic community. Here, you'll meet welcoming villagers, explore their ancient homes with unique yin and yang clay roofs, and gain insights into their culture, which is deeply rooted in rice cultivation and rich traditions.

After enjoying lunch, you'll check in at your homestay in Quay Son Village. In the afternoon, you can either cycle around the picturesque village or go kayaking on the scenic Quay Son River.

Comfortable Shoes: The area around Ban Gioc Waterfall and the caves requires walking, so sturdy, comfortable shoes are essential.

Overnight at the local house of Nung people in Cao Bang, dorm without en-suite.

After breakfast and saying goodbye to your host, you'll head to Pac Bo Cave, an important historical site where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during the early years of Vietnam’s struggle for independence. Explore the cave where he stayed, as well as the scenic Lenin Stream and Mount Karl Marx, named in honor of his revolutionary influences. This peaceful visit offers an enlightening glimpse into the country’s history and the life of its legendary leader.

Following your visit, you'll embark on a scenic 7-hour drive back to Hanoi. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax and explore at your leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, at 09:00 leave the city buildings behind in exchange for the beauty of the Red River Delta. Pass by smaller towns and farmlands, enjoying views of the typical Vietnamese countryside.

Arrive at the pier, towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities for your overnight cruise. Cast off and cruise across the emerald-green waters of UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. After your welcome onboard, feast on a delicious and fresh seafood lunch while cruising the Bay’s 1,500 limestone islands, providing an opportunity to see these remarkable, geologic wonders both up-close and from afar. Relax on the terrace deck or on your private balcony and soak in the enchanting aura which emanates from the surreal seascape. While we cruise along in the early afternoon, there is time to enjoy the ship’s vast wellness and spa offerings (at your cost).

In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day, the boat sets sail for an exclusive and undisturbed parking spot in the midst of the bay for the overnight mooring.

Savor a fusion dinner made with the freshest ingredients in a sophisticated space with traditional oriental touches. After dining, you can also opt for one of the best ways to spend the evening by just taking a seat under the stars on the terrace deck or on your balcony to embrace the serenity of this surreal landscape.

Note: This tour may be subject to change depending on weather conditions.

Overnight on board Halong Cruise.

Wake up early, a perfect time to refresh and indulge yourself in the peaceful beauty of the bay with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. If you want to hunt for dawn, get up from 5:30 to 6:00 depending on the season, and consult our sailors. Traditional Vietnamese coffee, tea, and breakfast pastries await in the dining room to start the day. Enjoy a visit and/or activity (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board while the vessel cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port.

Say farewell to the ship’s crew and climb back into the vehicle for the return journey to Hanoi – Noi Bai Airport for your flight to your next destination/ back home.