Heritage and Traditional of Vietnam In 13 Days

8.00-8.30: Begin your immersive cultural exploration of Hanoi as our friendly guide picks you up for the day's adventures. 8.45: Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda, situated on the enchanting Golden Fish Island in West Lake. This pagoda, dating back to the 6th century, holds the distinction of being the oldest in Hanoi. 9.30: Visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, where you will have the extraordinary opportunity to witness the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh himself. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque garden and explore the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Continue your journey to the One Pillar Pagoda, a remarkable architectural gem that pays homage to the Goddess of Mercy. It is renowned as one of the most unique pagodas in the world. Please remember to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, when visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, temples, and pagodas. Note: Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. Additionally, it undergoes annual maintenance for at least two months (from 15th June to 15th August), during which you can still take photographs and explore the surrounding area. 11.15: Visit the Vietnam Ethnology Museum, a fascinating institution that provides insights into the rich cultural tapestry of the 54 ethnic groups residing throughout Vietnam. On Mondays, we will visit the Women's Museum instead, offering a unique perspective on the role and contributions of women in Vietnamese society. 12.45: Savor a delightful lunch at our restaurant, where you'll have the opportunity to indulge in a delectable array of Vietnamese cuisine, consisting of eight delicious dishes. 14.00-14.15: Continue your cultural journey with a visit to the Temple of Literature, a venerable institution that served as Vietnam's first university, established in the 11th century. 15.15: Depart for Hoa Lo Prison Museum, originally utilized by French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners. Later, during the Vietnam War, it housed American prisoners of war, earning the infamous nickname "Hanoi Hilton" among American POWs. 16.15-16.30: Conclude the tour and return to your hotel, enriched with a deeper understanding of Vietnam's culture and history.

07:00 – 07:30: Embark on an enchanting 110km bus journey through the picturesque countryside, as our knowledgeable guide awaits you at your hotel/stay. Enjoy short breaks along the way to soak in the verdant landscapes. 10:00: Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, where you'll explore the Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple, both dating back to the 17th century. 12:00: Indulge in a delectable lunch at our restaurant, savoring the flavors of local cuisine that showcase the region's culinary delights. 13:30: Step aboard a small sampan for an unforgettable 1.5-hour boat trip through Tam Coc, also known as the "three caves." Marvel at the breathtaking Halong Bay-like vistas, adorned with majestic limestone cliffs and mysterious caves. Traverse the tranquil streams, witness the lush rice paddies, and traverse the serene green fields. Tam Coc offers a feast for the senses, providing ample opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture these special moments and breathtaking scenery. 15:30: Engage in leisurely cycling along the idyllic rural roads, meandering alongside the extensive canal network and charming villages. Immerse yourself in the captivating backdrop of the limestone mountains, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. 16:45: Bid farewell to the captivating Ninh Binh Province as we return to our bus, commencing our journey back to Ha Noi. 18:45: Conclude the tour as we drop you off at your hotel/stay, leaving you with cherished memories of this remarkable experience.

Duration: 01 day Location: Moc village, Ba Vi district, Hanoi (Approximately 68km from central Hanoi city, about 1.5 hours by car) Highlights: Harvesting tea leaves on a traditional, 30-year-old Tea Plantation Engaging in a cooking session with a friendly local host Exploring local workshops in the village Cycling through the scenic rice fields and charming villages Indulging in a traditional Foot Soak with herbal remedies, following the ancient recipes of the Muong ethnic minority 08:00 – Your private guide and car will pick you up from your hotel/residence. 09:30 – Arrive at Ri village, where your journey begins at the home of your welcoming host. Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and meet Duoc (Mr.), a Vietnam War veteran and tea-farm owner who shares captivating historical stories from his personal experiences. 10:00 – Accompany Duoc to his expansive tea-farm and discover the art of harvesting tea leaves. Immerse yourself in the tranquil and verdant surroundings of the village as you witness the picturesque scenery. You'll have the opportunity to assist in picking tea leaves and learn the techniques of selecting the finest parts of the tea tree to create Vietnam's exquisite traditional tea. Continue the tea-making process at Duoc's small workshop, where most of the tasks are performed manually, preserving the authenticity of the tea production. 11:15 – Take a short ten-minute drive to visit another hospitable family in Moc village, where you'll embark on a delightful cooking class with Chin (Mrs.). Learn the secrets of preparing Vietnamese dishes and savor a delicious lunch featuring the food you helped prepare. 13:30 – Wander through the village, visiting local families to gain insights into the rural lifestyle and observe the production of tofu, conical hats, and other traditional products. 14:45 – Embark on a cycling excursion through the breathtaking paddy fields, immersing yourself in the idyllic countryside and having serendipitous encounters with local farmers. 15:30 – Conclude your countryside tour with a soothing traditional foot bath in warm water infused with herbal remedies, following the time-honored recipes of the Muong ethnic minority. This rejuvenating experience will provide relaxation and relief for your feet after the cycling adventure. 16:00 – Return to your hotel/residence in Hanoi, reflecting on the tranquility and cherished memories of the countryside escapade.

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel, followed by a leisurely morning to relax and unwind. Take advantage of this free time to immerse yourself in the surroundings at your own pace. Later, a private cab will be arranged to transfer you to the airport, preparing you for your onward flight to Hue.

Embark on a captivating journey into the realm of Feng Shui, the ancient Asian principle that emphasizes the harmonious arrangement of objects within living spaces to attain balance and positive energy. Discover the profound influence of Feng Shui in the construction of the Imperial Citadel, an architectural masterpiece. Stroll through the Citadel on a guided tour, allowing yourself to witness firsthand the application of Feng Shui in shaping this majestic royal site. Experience the serene atmosphere and marvel at the strategic positioning of elements to create a harmonious environment. In the evening, delight in a sit-down dinner amidst the enchanting garden of Princess Ngoc Son's ancestral home. Engage in a pleasant conversation with the royal descendants who currently reside in the house, gaining valuable insights into the life of the royal family and the century-old home's Feng Shui elements. This unique experience promises to deepen your understanding of both the royal heritage and the significance of Feng Shui in Vietnamese culture.

Embark on a journey to Thanh Toan Villages, a living testament to the rich history that dates back to the 16th century. Immerse yourself in the captivating ambiance as you gain valuable insights into the lives of the people who once inhabited this ancient settlement. Continue your exploration as you transfer to the remarkable Phuoc Tich Village, boasting a remarkable heritage of 500 years. Marvel at the well-preserved architecture of its 30 century-old houses. Take a leisurely stroll through the village, passing by a splendid Hue-style wooden house and a charming pottery shop. Conclude your visit with a delightful lunch in an ancient home, where you will engage in lively conversations with the welcoming family owners.

Embark on a breathtaking journey as you traverse the iconic Hai Van Pass. Feast your eyes on the awe-inspiring vistas of lush mountains blending seamlessly with the boundless sky. This winding pass, extending into the East Sea while traversing the majestic Annam Mountain range, offers unparalleled panoramas that will leave you in awe. Upon arrival at the enchanting Hoi An Ancient Town, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, prepare to be captivated by its unique architecture, tantalizing local cuisine, and serene surroundings. Take a glimpse into the past as you immerse yourself in the charm of this historic trading port.

Indulge in a delightful cooking class that not only promises a fun-filled activity but also provides a fascinating glimpse into the local culinary culture. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable culinary journey where you'll not only learn incredible recipes but also create mouthwatering dishes and everlasting memories. Experience an authentic cooking class with a local villager, allowing you to truly discover the essence of Vietnam. In the morning, our knowledgeable local host will meet you at your hotel lobby. Get ready for an immersive adventure as you join your host on a bicycle ride to a local market that remains undiscovered by most tourists. Exploring the market is an excellent opportunity to witness the vibrant culture of the region. Our host will guide you through the market, sharing insights about various cooking spices and the art of preparing healthy Vietnamese meals. Afterward, you will visit a local family, where you can enjoy a leisurely basket boat ride through the picturesque water palm garden in front of their house, adding a touch of fun to your experience. Next, it's time to roll up your sleeves and engage in a hands-on cooking session with our expert local chef. Learn the secrets behind creating delectable dishes such as green papaya salad, Hoi An spring rolls, special Hoi An pancakes, and savory clay-pot fish or lemongrass-infused chicken. Once your culinary masterpieces are complete, savor the fruits of your labor during a satisfying lunch. After the cooking class, you'll have some free time to relax and enjoy the rest of your day at your own leisure. Please note that the duration of the trip is approximately 4 hours, and the cooking class menu includes local favorites such as Banh Xeo (Local Pancake), Tam Huu Spring Rolls, Green Papaya Salad, and Pork/Fish/Chicken in a clay pot.

7:45 – 8:15: Begin your day as our comfortable minivan and knowledgeable tour guide pick you up from your hotel. Embark on a journey to the renowned My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. 9:30: Arrive at My Son and immerse yourself in the rich history as you stroll through the captivating landscape. Accompanied by our local English-speaking guide, delve into the mysteries of this ancient site and witness traditional Champa performances. 11:45: Return to the minivan and proceed to a local house, where you'll have the unique opportunity to learn the art of making rice paper. Experience the joy of creating your own rice paper, a skill you can later savor and share. 12:30: Relish a delightful lunch at another local house, where you can unwind in the serene ambiance, sipping refreshing herbal tea and savoring delectable local cuisine amidst the fresh air. 13:30: Embark on a picturesque boat trip along the Thu Bon River, Central Vietnam's largest river, and bask in the gentle breeze while admiring the stunning river scenery. The journey takes you to the enchanting city of Hoi An. 14:00: Arrive in Hoi An, where our tour concludes. We will drop you off at your hotel, leaving you to enjoy the rest of your day at your leisure.

After enjoying a satisfying breakfast at your hotel, you'll have some free time to relax and engage in activities of your choice. Later, a private cab will transfer you to the airport, preparing you for your onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Embark on a captivating journey to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling and vibrant metropolis of Vietnam. Witness the seamless blend of rapid development and rich historical heritage as you embark on a half-day tour in a comfortable vintage motorcycle sidecar. Marvel at the stunning vistas of iconic landmarks and immerse yourself in the city's fascinating past. Gain a profound understanding of the Vietnam War from a Vietnamese perspective with a visit to the War Remnants Museum. Continue your exploration with a visit to the remarkable Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network built by the resilient Viet Cong during the war. Experience firsthand the challenges and sacrifices endured by the Vietnamese people in their fight for independence.

Indulge in a nutritious breakfast on your final day of the trip. Complete the check-out process at your hotel and take the opportunity to explore local markets, where you can find unique souvenirs for your loved ones. Later, bid farewell to Ho Chi Minh City as you proceed to the airport for your departure. Board your flight back home, cherishing the memories of your unforgettable journey. Trip Ends.