Journey Through Vietnam’s Beauty

Day 1: Welcome to Vietnam

Upon arrival into Hanoi, you’ll be met by your Sky Vacations ambassador who will transfer you to your hotel.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Today you’ll experience the very best Hanoi has to offer with this full day tour of the city. Your morning begins with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where you’ll hear all about the man whose name adorns the museum and his leadership of Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. Ho Chi Minh dedicated his life to the liberation of his country from foreign rule before passing away in 1969. His body has been preserved for later generations. Each year the mausoleum closes it doors in October for upkeep. The grounds are well worth a wander, check out the One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace. Next, visit the 11th century relic, the Temple of Literature, which was built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius.

After lunch at your own leisure, head over to Ngoc Son Temple, famed for being set on a tiny island on the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. Discover how the island got its name from the legend of an emperor, a magic sword and a giant turtle.
End your day with Vietnamese Women’s Museum was built in 1987 with the mission of spreading the public knowledge of Vietnamese women and devoting to gender equality in Vietnam and it is being run by The Women’s Union of Vietnam which is known as one of the most dynamic organizations. Since its complete inauguration in 1995, it has been successfully displayed 25,000 artifacts, photos and items with regards to Vietnamese Women contemporary life and cultural customs; also chosen to hold a number of formal exhibitions such as Ao Dai, traditional dress of Vietnamese women or artworks about ethnic minorities.

Day 3: Halong Bay

We travel on to the mysterious. Halong Bay, which literally means “where the dragon descends into the sea”. Board your Halong bay overnight cruise, set in your cabin and follow cruise’s itinerary. In the afternoon we take a boat trip through Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This beautiful nature reserve is the result of centuries of erosion and is unique in the world. The bay contains no less than 1969 beautiful and photogenic islands, often consisting exclusively of mysterious rocks, even more mysterious caves and beautiful tropical beaches. It is not surprising that many poets, painters and writers found their inspiration here for their works.

DAY 4: Halong – Hoi An

Wake with the sun and enjoy coffee, tea, and cookies on board as the horizon brightens. This morning if weather permits, in the summer, visit a pearl farm to see how these precious ‘stones’ are farmed or in winter you can visit Ti Top Island. Back en route to the port, pass by Halong Bay and its stunning islets before disembarking and then heading back to Hanoi airport to take your flight to Hoi An.

DAY 5:  Hoi An 

Hoi An Ancient Town’s impeccable preservation has earned it recognition as a UNESCO heritage site. On today’s walking tour we will gain an insight into the kaleidoscope of cultures that have shaped this former port city and what keeps it thriving today. Your guide will start by taking you to the iconic 16th Century Japanese covered bridge with pagoda (Chùa Cầu). If you are experiencing déjà vu, this bridge is an important symbol of Vietnam’s history and is featured on the 20,000VND note. We will then come to learn the history behind the bridge’s origin and how it still functions as a place of worship today.

Meandering through the Ancient town towards our next stop your guide will help you to recognise all the cultures that have influenced the designs of the building, both indigenous and foreign. We will then get the opportunity to go into one of Hoi An’s ancient homes where we will meet the 14th generation still living in this house.
From vibrant past to bright future, we will visit Quynh’s tailor shop. At one of her stores, we will come to learn how she set about starting a tailor shop, the mistakes she made along the way and the school she has set up to help support those wanting to start a career in the industry. More than just meeting the owner we will get to see where the magic happens and meet the faces behind the incredible clothing.

Traditional Vietnamese theatre is often accompanied by a series of decorative and elaborate masks. But the number of people dedicating their lives to preserving the art of mask making is few and far between. After lunch at your own leisure, you will have the opportunity to meet one of these individuals who has dedicated over thirty years to perfecting their craft. You will get to understand the origin of the masks and the passion of the people responsible for keeping the art alive. Afterwards, take part in a workshop and get to paint your very own mask based on traditional designs or something more contemporary. This mask will then become a unique souvenir to take home.
Then we will finish today’s tour by going to a local teahouse which supports people with disabilities to learn skills and gain meaningful employment. Here the teahouse is a silent haven from the hustle and bustle of Hoi An. Enjoy your local tea in this restorative setting before we head back to the hotel.

In the late evening, you will enjoy a cooking class in unforgettable surroundings in the vegetable village of Hoi An and witnessing age-old farming techniques. Make your way to a local café where you’ll meet your guide and enjoy a Vietnamese iced coffee, we’ll then swing by a local market and watch the hustle and bustle of local life gaining insight into the herbs, spices and flavours we may use today. We will then head to our cooking class centre in the heart of Tra Que ‘Vegetable village’. Here you be able to admire the scenic views as you walk or ride around the organic herb and vegetable gardens. It’s difficult to remember what year you are in as you watch local farmers carry water and tend the gardens in the same way their ancestors have done for centuries. Try your hand at farming or fishing yourself or relax with a head and herbal foot massage.

We’ll then embark on our cooking class putting together multiple dishes and coming to understand more about the ingredients and famous dishes of Vietnamese cuisine. At the end of the class, you will sit down and try the fruits of your labour.

DAY 6: Hoi An  

Your tour begins early this morning after breakfast at your hotel. Today you will be meeting with one of our Local Legends. These are a collection of locally selected superstars each with a memorable story to share of their impressive lives, crafts or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide.
We will be exploring the idyllic countryside that surrounds Hoi An and we will start by peddling across the Thu Bon river and into the peaceful island of Cam Kim, a suburb of Hoi An. Here, on an island renowned for craft making, we will get to see a local weaving demonstration and watch as ladies who have dedicated themselves to this craft have perfected the art. We will then continue our journey taking in the peaceful rural setting on our way to meet our Local Legend.

Upon arrival, we will park our bikes and cool off in the shade as we enjoy a healthy welcome drink and the opportunity to enjoy the splendid views over the Paddy fields of our Local Legends home. The Farm is entirely organic and the predominant crop here is Black Rice. Our host will then greet us and share her story. How she has gone from being advised against her lifestyle change to running a successful farm, drinks shop and a free educational program to help others who wish to change to organic farming practice.

After learning about the life of our captivating host we will then be taken to one of the paddy fields nearby for a quick demonstration of the rice farm life cycle, where you will be encouraged to get stuck in should you so wish!
We will then enjoy a delicious farm-to-table meal made by our hosts using ingredients grown from the land and enjoy the views from the shade of the cafe. You will then jump back onto your bikes and make your way back to your accommodation.
Worth Noting: This is an authentic working farm and the view of the paddy will vary depending on the season.

Experience dinner in a truly unique setting at the Distillerie d’Indochine. This picturesque beachfront distillery located in South Hoi An is the humble home of world-renowned Sampan Rum and tonight, after our tour of the rum distillery, we shall enjoy a BBQ in this idyllic setting.

On this evening’s tour, we shall start with an array of welcome cocktails before going behind the scenes to discover how the facility uses centuries-old distillation techniques to transform local, freshly pressed sugarcane into award-winning white rhums and dark rhums. After our tour, we will then indulge in a White Rhum tasting with our gregarious hosts. Then we shall indulge in a 2 course BBQ dinner and soak up the ambience of the Distillerie d’Indochine.

DAY 7: Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City   

Be met by your guide and transfer by road to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Upon arrival, you will be met by your Sky Vacations ambassador who will escort you to your hotel. 

Follow in the footsteps of the Quiet American, one of the most iconic novels set in Vietnam, depicting the end of French colonialism and the beginning involvement of American forces in Vietnam. Start your tour by being picked up and transferred to the Continental Hotel. First, head to the Notre Dame Cathedral, which Graham Greene famously described as “…the hideous pink cathedral…” despite its beautiful design. Continue through Dong Khoi street (also known as Rue Catinat) where you will pass by Direction de la Police et de la Sûreté, the workplace of Inspector Vigot who investigates the death of the title character, CIA Agent Alden Pyle. Next, see the site where the last helicopter famously left Saigon, taking the last people out of southern Vietnam at the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Turn down Charner/Nguyễn Huệ boulevard towards the Rex Hotel, one of Saigon’s most luxurious hotels and the headquarters of the United States military command’s daily press conference. From here, return back down Dong Khoi Street and pass the Theatre, Grand Saigon, a symbol of 60s Saigon. End your tour with a refreshing cocktail at the Majestic Hotel, where Quiet American British journalist, Thomas Fowler, would often come for drinks.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be Princess Cruise

Depart from Saigon and drive about 2 hours from to the township of Cai Be to board the Cai Be Princess. The crew welcomes you aboard with cold towels and a refreshing drink as the Cai Be Princess Sampan sets off for its leisurely cruise on the busy waterways of the Mekong Delta.

On the river, all sorts of boats ply the water, from small fishing boats to cargo barges loaded with fruit and vegetables. Observe a little of river life as it plays out on the banks – noting the people and the stunning landscapes – while your attentive crew serves you tea and seasonal fruit. At Tan Phong Islet board a little rowing boat to explore the canal’s hidden mangroves. Return to your sampan to visit an ancient house built in the 19th century. Make stops along the way to provide glimpses of local cottage industries, including factories for the production of coconut candy and puffed rice (the local equivalent of popcorn), products that provide a living for the river people.

Your cruise ends at Le Longanier Restaurant. Lunch is served in this exquisite colonial-style villa set in a lush tropical garden by the river, surrounded by fruit trees, giving you a sense of life during the Indochina of yesteryear. After lunch, take a short walk along a small canal, towards the Ba Bon Bridge where your personal vehicle awaits to drive you to Victoria Can Tho Resort.

DAY 9: Ho Chi Minh – Coffee Culture and Flower Power Walking Tour

The best time to experience the local floating markets is early morning. An early start to your day guarantees you see the floating markets of Can Tho at their most vibrant. See the local boats trading their wares from fruit, vegetables and household goods and then you set off to Ho Chi Minh city by road.

Start the tour by making tracks for a nearby monument commemorating a revered monk who made the ultimate sacrifice for his beliefs. We’ll then continue onto a famous Flower market where we’ll be able to meander through the maze of sights and scents of the market understanding the significance and importance of different flowers as we go. We’ll dig further into the market and also see some of the snacks on offer to the morning shoppers and sellers.

After, we’ll be taken to a very local coffee shop with an age-old technique for brewing and making coffee. Watch them brew and then sample a small, yet potent, cup of Vietnamese coffee and condensed milk. Well caffeinated we’ll then head to a monument of religious significance which plays host to thousands of statues of Buddha. Here your guide will acquaint you with the religious culture of the locals.

DAY 10: Ho Chi Minh Departure

Following breakfast today we will be going for a coffee with a bit of a difference. Our host will be inviting us to understand the art of making the perfect cup of coffee as well as some insight into a balanced and meditative outlook on life.
We will begin with some background information on the farms that grow and provide the beans we are about to try, then we will get to witness the roasting process. After learning about the roasting process our host will provide a Kung-fu demonstration and its importance to his meditative lifestyle.

After the History, roasting and meditation it’s time to make our perfect cup of coffee, naturally getting to understand the balance of flavours, the different methods of brewing and ultimately getting to try the coffee in various forms. Later today, your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your onward journey. 

Prices are land only per person based on double occupancy. Restrictions apply. For our complete terms and conditions, click here.

Day 1: Welcome to Vietnam

Upon arrival into Hanoi, you’ll be met by your Sky Vacations ambassador who will transfer you to your hotel.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Today you’ll experience the very best Hanoi has to offer with this full day tour of the city. Your morning begins with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where you’ll hear all about the man whose name adorns the museum and his leadership of Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. Ho Chi Minh dedicated his life to the liberation of his country from foreign rule before passing away in 1969. His body has been preserved for later generations. Each year the mausoleum closes it doors in October for upkeep. The grounds are well worth a wander, check out the One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace. Next, visit the 11th century relic, the Temple of Literature, which was built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius.

After lunch at your own leisure, head over to Ngoc Son Temple, famed for being set on a tiny island on the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. Discover how the island got its name from the legend of an emperor, a magic sword and a giant turtle.
End your day with Vietnamese Women’s Museum was built in 1987 with the mission of spreading the public knowledge of Vietnamese women and devoting to gender equality in Vietnam and it is being run by The Women’s Union of Vietnam which is known as one of the most dynamic organizations. Since its complete inauguration in 1995, it has been successfully displayed 25,000 artifacts, photos and items with regards to Vietnamese Women contemporary life and cultural customs; also chosen to hold a number of formal exhibitions such as Ao Dai, traditional dress of Vietnamese women or artworks about ethnic minorities.

Day 3: Halong Bay

We travel on to the mysterious. Halong Bay, which literally means “where the dragon descends into the sea”. Board your Halong bay overnight cruise, set in your cabin and follow cruise’s itinerary. In the afternoon we take a boat trip through Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This beautiful nature reserve is the result of centuries of erosion and is unique in the world. The bay contains no less than 1969 beautiful and photogenic islands, often consisting exclusively of mysterious rocks, even more mysterious caves and beautiful tropical beaches. It is not surprising that many poets, painters and writers found their inspiration here for their works.

DAY 4: Halong – Hoi An

Wake with the sun and enjoy coffee, tea, and cookies on board as the horizon brightens. This morning if weather permits, in the summer, visit a pearl farm to see how these precious ‘stones’ are farmed or in winter you can visit Ti Top Island. Back en route to the port, pass by Halong Bay and its stunning islets before disembarking and then heading back to Hanoi airport to take your flight to Hoi An.

DAY 5:  Hoi An 

Hoi An Ancient Town’s impeccable preservation has earned it recognition as a UNESCO heritage site. On today’s walking tour we will gain an insight into the kaleidoscope of cultures that have shaped this former port city and what keeps it thriving today. Your guide will start by taking you to the iconic 16th Century Japanese covered bridge with pagoda (Chùa Cầu). If you are experiencing déjà vu, this bridge is an important symbol of Vietnam’s history and is featured on the 20,000VND note. We will then come to learn the history behind the bridge’s origin and how it still functions as a place of worship today.

Meandering through the Ancient town towards our next stop your guide will help you to recognise all the cultures that have influenced the designs of the building, both indigenous and foreign. We will then get the opportunity to go into one of Hoi An’s ancient homes where we will meet the 14th generation still living in this house.
From vibrant past to bright future, we will visit Quynh’s tailor shop. At one of her stores, we will come to learn how she set about starting a tailor shop, the mistakes she made along the way and the school she has set up to help support those wanting to start a career in the industry. More than just meeting the owner we will get to see where the magic happens and meet the faces behind the incredible clothing.

Traditional Vietnamese theatre is often accompanied by a series of decorative and elaborate masks. But the number of people dedicating their lives to preserving the art of mask making is few and far between. After lunch at your own leisure, you will have the opportunity to meet one of these individuals who has dedicated over thirty years to perfecting their craft. You will get to understand the origin of the masks and the passion of the people responsible for keeping the art alive. Afterwards, take part in a workshop and get to paint your very own mask based on traditional designs or something more contemporary. This mask will then become a unique souvenir to take home.
Then we will finish today’s tour by going to a local teahouse which supports people with disabilities to learn skills and gain meaningful employment. Here the teahouse is a silent haven from the hustle and bustle of Hoi An. Enjoy your local tea in this restorative setting before we head back to the hotel.

In the late evening, you will enjoy a cooking class in unforgettable surroundings in the vegetable village of Hoi An and witnessing age-old farming techniques. Make your way to a local café where you’ll meet your guide and enjoy a Vietnamese iced coffee, we’ll then swing by a local market and watch the hustle and bustle of local life gaining insight into the herbs, spices and flavours we may use today. We will then head to our cooking class centre in the heart of Tra Que ‘Vegetable village’. Here you be able to admire the scenic views as you walk or ride around the organic herb and vegetable gardens. It’s difficult to remember what year you are in as you watch local farmers carry water and tend the gardens in the same way their ancestors have done for centuries. Try your hand at farming or fishing yourself or relax with a head and herbal foot massage.

We’ll then embark on our cooking class putting together multiple dishes and coming to understand more about the ingredients and famous dishes of Vietnamese cuisine. At the end of the class, you will sit down and try the fruits of your labour.

DAY 6: Hoi An  

Your tour begins early this morning after breakfast at your hotel. Today you will be meeting with one of our Local Legends. These are a collection of locally selected superstars each with a memorable story to share of their impressive lives, crafts or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide.
We will be exploring the idyllic countryside that surrounds Hoi An and we will start by peddling across the Thu Bon river and into the peaceful island of Cam Kim, a suburb of Hoi An. Here, on an island renowned for craft making, we will get to see a local weaving demonstration and watch as ladies who have dedicated themselves to this craft have perfected the art. We will then continue our journey taking in the peaceful rural setting on our way to meet our Local Legend.

Upon arrival, we will park our bikes and cool off in the shade as we enjoy a healthy welcome drink and the opportunity to enjoy the splendid views over the Paddy fields of our Local Legends home. The Farm is entirely organic and the predominant crop here is Black Rice. Our host will then greet us and share her story. How she has gone from being advised against her lifestyle change to running a successful farm, drinks shop and a free educational program to help others who wish to change to organic farming practice.

After learning about the life of our captivating host we will then be taken to one of the paddy fields nearby for a quick demonstration of the rice farm life cycle, where you will be encouraged to get stuck in should you so wish!
We will then enjoy a delicious farm-to-table meal made by our hosts using ingredients grown from the land and enjoy the views from the shade of the cafe. You will then jump back onto your bikes and make your way back to your accommodation.
Worth Noting: This is an authentic working farm and the view of the paddy will vary depending on the season.

Experience dinner in a truly unique setting at the Distillerie d’Indochine. This picturesque beachfront distillery located in South Hoi An is the humble home of world-renowned Sampan Rum and tonight, after our tour of the rum distillery, we shall enjoy a BBQ in this idyllic setting.

On this evening’s tour, we shall start with an array of welcome cocktails before going behind the scenes to discover how the facility uses centuries-old distillation techniques to transform local, freshly pressed sugarcane into award-winning white rhums and dark rhums. After our tour, we will then indulge in a White Rhum tasting with our gregarious hosts. Then we shall indulge in a 2 course BBQ dinner and soak up the ambience of the Distillerie d’Indochine.

DAY 7: Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City   

Be met by your guide and transfer by road to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Upon arrival, you will be met by your Sky Vacations ambassador who will escort you to your hotel. 

Follow in the footsteps of the Quiet American, one of the most iconic novels set in Vietnam, depicting the end of French colonialism and the beginning involvement of American forces in Vietnam. Start your tour by being picked up and transferred to the Continental Hotel. First, head to the Notre Dame Cathedral, which Graham Greene famously described as “…the hideous pink cathedral…” despite its beautiful design. Continue through Dong Khoi street (also known as Rue Catinat) where you will pass by Direction de la Police et de la Sûreté, the workplace of Inspector Vigot who investigates the death of the title character, CIA Agent Alden Pyle. Next, see the site where the last helicopter famously left Saigon, taking the last people out of southern Vietnam at the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Turn down Charner/Nguyễn Huệ boulevard towards the Rex Hotel, one of Saigon’s most luxurious hotels and the headquarters of the United States military command’s daily press conference. From here, return back down Dong Khoi Street and pass the Theatre, Grand Saigon, a symbol of 60s Saigon. End your tour with a refreshing cocktail at the Majestic Hotel, where Quiet American British journalist, Thomas Fowler, would often come for drinks.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be Princess Cruise

Depart from Saigon and drive about 2 hours from to the township of Cai Be to board the Cai Be Princess. The crew welcomes you aboard with cold towels and a refreshing drink as the Cai Be Princess Sampan sets off for its leisurely cruise on the busy waterways of the Mekong Delta.

On the river, all sorts of boats ply the water, from small fishing boats to cargo barges loaded with fruit and vegetables. Observe a little of river life as it plays out on the banks – noting the people and the stunning landscapes – while your attentive crew serves you tea and seasonal fruit. At Tan Phong Islet board a little rowing boat to explore the canal’s hidden mangroves. Return to your sampan to visit an ancient house built in the 19th century. Make stops along the way to provide glimpses of local cottage industries, including factories for the production of coconut candy and puffed rice (the local equivalent of popcorn), products that provide a living for the river people.

Your cruise ends at Le Longanier Restaurant. Lunch is served in this exquisite colonial-style villa set in a lush tropical garden by the river, surrounded by fruit trees, giving you a sense of life during the Indochina of yesteryear. After lunch, take a short walk along a small canal, towards the Ba Bon Bridge where your personal vehicle awaits to drive you to Victoria Can Tho Resort.

DAY 9: Ho Chi Minh – Coffee Culture and Flower Power Walking Tour

The best time to experience the local floating markets is early morning. An early start to your day guarantees you see the floating markets of Can Tho at their most vibrant. See the local boats trading their wares from fruit, vegetables and household goods and then you set off to Ho Chi Minh city by road.

Start the tour by making tracks for a nearby monument commemorating a revered monk who made the ultimate sacrifice for his beliefs. We’ll then continue onto a famous Flower market where we’ll be able to meander through the maze of sights and scents of the market understanding the significance and importance of different flowers as we go. We’ll dig further into the market and also see some of the snacks on offer to the morning shoppers and sellers.

After, we’ll be taken to a very local coffee shop with an age-old technique for brewing and making coffee. Watch them brew and then sample a small, yet potent, cup of Vietnamese coffee and condensed milk. Well caffeinated we’ll then head to a monument of religious significance which plays host to thousands of statues of Buddha. Here your guide will acquaint you with the religious culture of the locals.

DAY 10: Ho Chi Minh Departure

Following breakfast today we will be going for a coffee with a bit of a difference. Our host will be inviting us to understand the art of making the perfect cup of coffee as well as some insight into a balanced and meditative outlook on life.
We will begin with some background information on the farms that grow and provide the beans we are about to try, then we will get to witness the roasting process. After learning about the roasting process our host will provide a Kung-fu demonstration and its importance to his meditative lifestyle.

After the History, roasting and meditation it’s time to make our perfect cup of coffee, naturally getting to understand the balance of flavours, the different methods of brewing and ultimately getting to try the coffee in various forms. Later today, your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your onward journey. 

Prices are land only per person based on double occupancy. Restrictions apply. For our complete terms and conditions, click here.