Essence Of Vietnam

14 Days / 13 Nights

From $6,495 Per Person

This immersive 14-day tour through Vietnam blends iconic sights with local encounters, offering a well-paced itinerary from south to north. Begin in Ho Chi Minh City, where secret war-era bunkers and Chinatown alleys reveal hidden layers of the city. Cruise the Mekong Delta by sampan, meet artisans in riverside villages, and journey by speedboat to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Along the way, you’ll meet locals like Duong Dang, whose personal story offers insight into post-war Vietnam.

Fly north to explore lantern-lit Hoi An, the imperial cuisine of Hue, and Hanoi’s lively streets. Unwind with a sunset river cruise, cycle through remote villages, and dine in local homes and rooftop bars. Cap it off with a two-night cruise through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, with kayaking, cave visits, and starlit dinners. With a maximum of 12 travellers and time built in for personal discovery, this journey captures the essence of Vietnam with comfort and connection.

Tour Itinerary

  • Xin chào! Welcome to Vietnam. After disembarking at Tan Son Nhat Airport, you’ll be met by a local representative holding a welcome sign. They’ll assist with immigration formalities and guide you through the visa process. Please note that your visa letter and stamping fees are not included in the program.

    Once you’ve collected your luggage, meet your guide at the terminal exit and transfer by private vehicle to your hotel. The drive into the city takes around 30 to 45 minutes (depending on traffic), and offers a first glimpse of Vietnam’s largest metropolis, where motorbikes stream past colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers rise above lively neighbourhoods.

    Your hotel is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, putting you within easy reach of cafes, markets and cultural landmarks. After checking in and settling into your room, take some time to rest or explore your surroundings at your own pace.

    This evening, join your group for a welcome dinner at Home Saigon, a beautifully restored villa tucked away in a quiet lane. Known for its refined Vietnamese cuisine and elegant atmosphere, the restaurant offers a gentle introduction to the culinary highlights awaiting you across the country.

    🥘 Dinner
    🛏️ Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel
    📸 Group Welcome Dining Experience

    Nestled in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, the Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel offers a harmonious blend of contemporary luxury and authentic Vietnamese charm. Just steps from landmarks like Ben Thanh Market and the Bitexco Financial Tower, this boutique hotel provides an ideal base for exploring the city's vibrant culture. The hotel features 43 elegantly appointed rooms, each designed to offer comfort and tranquility. Guests can unwind at the rooftop plunge pool, indulge in local and international cuisine at the on-site restaurant, or relax in the sauna and Jacuzzi. With its commitment to sustainability and guest satisfaction, Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel ensures a memorable stay in the bustling metropolis.

  • Wake early this morning to experience Ho Chi Minh City at first light. Begin your day in a local park where residents gather to practise tai chi, play games, or enjoy a walk in the cool morning air. This quiet window into daily life offers a calm counterpoint to the city's usual pace.

    Continue to a hidden café tucked down a quiet alley. This is the perfect place to try Vietnam’s distinctive iced coffee, strong and sweet with condensed milk. Follow it with breakfast at a family-run eatery known for its traditional noodle soup, a hearty and aromatic start to the day.

    Mid-morning, head to Cholon, the city's vibrant Chinatown. Wander its narrow backstreets lined with lanterns, herbal shops, and incense-filled temples. Along the way, visit a former Revolutionary Headquarters and hear stories of underground networks that operated during the war years.

    Return to central Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon and take a short walk to one of its more creative spaces. Here, a once-residential apartment block has been reimagined as a hub of small cafés, fashion boutiques, and design studios. It’s a place where past and present meet in typically modern Saigon style.

    🥘 Breakfast, Dinner
    🛏️ Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel
    📸 Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing

    Nestled in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, the Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel offers a harmonious blend of contemporary luxury and authentic Vietnamese charm. Just steps from landmarks like Ben Thanh Market and the Bitexco Financial Tower, this boutique hotel provides an ideal base for exploring the city's vibrant culture. The hotel features 43 elegantly appointed rooms, each designed to offer comfort and tranquility. Guests can unwind at the rooftop plunge pool, indulge in local and international cuisine at the on-site restaurant, or relax in the sauna and Jacuzzi. With its commitment to sustainability and guest satisfaction, Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel ensures a memorable stay in the bustling metropolis.

  • Depart Ho Chi Minh City this morning after breakfast, setting out on a full-day journey into the Mekong Delta. The drive to Cai Be takes approximately 2.5 hours and passes through expanding suburbs, rice paddies, and roadside markets as the city fades into countryside.

    Upon arrival, board the Cai Be Princess, a traditional-style wooden sampan that will carry you through the delta’s quiet waterways. Cool towels and a welcome drink await as you settle in. As the boat moves gently along the river, observe scenes of daily life - children waving from the banks, fishermen hauling in nets, and wooden houses perched on stilts between coconut palms.

    Mid-morning, disembark at the riverside village of Hoa Khanh for a closer look at local life. Choose to explore on foot or by bicycle along narrow village lanes bordered by fruit orchards and canals. Visit the Ba Kiet Ancient House, a 19th-century family residence that offers insight into traditional architecture. Along the way, stop to observe cottage industries such as coconut candy making and rice popping, with techniques still practised by hand.

    Around midday, arrive at Le Longanier, a restored Indochine-style villa set within tropical gardens. Enjoy a long, relaxed lunch here before a short canal-side walk leads you back to your private vehicle. The return journey to Ho Chi Minh City brings you back by late afternoon, with the remainder of the day at leisure.

    🥘 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    🛏️ Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel
    📸 Mekong Delta River Cruise

    Nestled in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, the Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel offers a harmonious blend of contemporary luxury and authentic Vietnamese charm. Just steps from landmarks like Ben Thanh Market and the Bitexco Financial Tower, this boutique hotel provides an ideal base for exploring the city's vibrant culture. The hotel features 43 elegantly appointed rooms, each designed to offer comfort and tranquility. Guests can unwind at the rooftop plunge pool, indulge in local and international cuisine at the on-site restaurant, or relax in the sauna and Jacuzzi. With its commitment to sustainability and guest satisfaction, Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel ensures a memorable stay in the bustling metropolis.

  • After breakfast, set out for the Cu Chi Tunnels by speedboat, avoiding the traffic and early tour groups. A short transfer brings you to the city pier, where you’ll board a sleek, modern boat for a scenic cruise along the Saigon River. As the city recedes, the riverbanks reveal a slower rhythm of life, with stilt houses, fishing boats, and children playing along the shore.

    A light breakfast of pastries, tropical fruit, and sandwiches is served onboard as you travel north through quiet stretches of waterway. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, offering time to enjoy the changing scenery before arriving at Cu Chi.

    With your guide, explore one of Vietnam’s most compelling wartime sites. The Cu Chi Tunnels once formed a vast underground network used by the Viet Cong during the American War. Walk through a preserved section of tunnels, and view narrow crawl spaces, hidden entrances, and remnants of homemade traps. The site offers a sobering and powerful insight into life during conflict, resilience in adversity, and the ingenuity required to survive underground.

    Return to Ho Chi Minh City by boat in time for a relaxed afternoon. Later, sit down for an engaging conversation with Ms. Duong Dang, a local storyteller from the “Doi Moi” generation. Over drinks, she’ll share her personal journey from post-war childhood in Nghe An to her current role as a voice for Vietnam’s cultural evolution. Through her handmade books and vivid storytelling, Vietnam’s complex history comes alive across centuries.

    🥘 Breakfast, Dinner
    🛏️ Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel
    📸 Chi Chi Tunnels

    Nestled in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, the Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel offers a harmonious blend of contemporary luxury and authentic Vietnamese charm. Just steps from landmarks like Ben Thanh Market and the Bitexco Financial Tower, this boutique hotel provides an ideal base for exploring the city's vibrant culture. The hotel features 43 elegantly appointed rooms, each designed to offer comfort and tranquility. Guests can unwind at the rooftop plunge pool, indulge in local and international cuisine at the on-site restaurant, or relax in the sauna and Jacuzzi. With its commitment to sustainability and guest satisfaction, Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel ensures a memorable stay in the bustling metropolis.

  • After breakfast, meet your guide and driver for a transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport. The flight to Danang takes approximately 1.5 hours and brings you to the central coast, where the landscape begins to shift from urban sprawl to breezy seaside charm. Upon landing, continue by road to Hoi An, a journey of around 45 minutes passing rice paddies, rivers, and small coastal towns.

    Arrive at your accommodation nestled among shaded courtyards and quiet laneways in Hoi An. Designed with traditional architecture and modern comforts, this retreat offers a peaceful setting just beyond the historic town centre. After check-in, enjoy some time to relax or explore your surroundings before the afternoon’s outing.

    As the heat of the day fades, head to the riverside for a scenic cruise along the Thu Bon River. This slow journey offers a chance to witness life along the water: villagers mending nets, children playing on the banks, and boats drifting past under the softening light of the late afternoon.

    Sail through the nipa palm groves of Bay Mau, where fishermen cast their nets using traditional techniques passed down through generations. With a cool drink in hand, watch as the sun dips behind the rooftops of Hoi An Old Town, casting golden reflections across the river. Return to your hotel as dusk settles in.

    🥘 Breakfast, Dinner
    🛏️ Hoi An Ancient House Resort & Spa
    📸 Hoi An Sunset Cruise

    Nestled along the tranquil De Vong River, Hoi An Ancient House Resort & Spa offers a serene escape just 1.5 km from the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town. This family-run resort harmoniously blends traditional Vietnamese architecture with modern comforts, featuring clay-tiled roofs, wooden interiors, and lush tropical gardens. Guests can unwind at the outdoor pool, indulge in spa treatments, or enjoy all-day dining at the on-site restaurant. With a private beach accessible via a complimentary shuttle, the resort provides a peaceful retreat amidst Hoi An's vibrant culture.

  • Start the morning with a guided walk through Hoi An’s Central Market, one of the town’s liveliest places at daybreak. The air is filled with the scent of herbs, spices, and fresh produce, while stalls brim with colourful fruits, flowers, and seafood. It’s a chance to observe the daily rhythms of local life and engage with vendors as they set up for the day.

    Leaving the market, follow your guide through the quieter side of town. Winding through backstreets and shaded laneways, you’ll be welcomed into family-run workshops and ancestral homes, some of which have stood for generations. Stop for a cool drink on a quiet veranda overlooking the Thu Bon River and enjoy a moment of stillness as boats drift slowly by.

    Continue on foot through Hoi An’s atmospheric streets, lined with tiled-roof buildings, assembly halls, and shrines that hint at the town’s trading history. Your morning ends with a visit to a local home where you’ll take part in a hands-on lantern-making experience. This traditional craft remains a cherished symbol of Hoi An and a meaningful way to connect with its heritage.

    Later in the evening, delve into Hoi An’s hidden cocktail culture. With your guide, explore tucked-away bars and quiet courtyards, each with its own story and atmosphere. Sip innovative drinks crafted with Vietnamese ingredients by some of the country’s leading mixologists. The night unfolds with intimate stories, creative cocktails, and a deeper understanding of the town’s evolving character.

    🥘 Breakfast, Dinner
    🛏️ Hoi An Ancient House Resort & Spa
    📸 Hoi An Walking Tour, Lantern Making Class

    Nestled along the tranquil De Vong River, Hoi An Ancient House Resort & Spa offers a serene escape just 1.5 km from the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town. This family-run resort harmoniously blends traditional Vietnamese architecture with modern comforts, featuring clay-tiled roofs, wooden interiors, and lush tropical gardens. Guests can unwind at the outdoor pool, indulge in spa treatments, or enjoy all-day dining at the on-site restaurant. With a private beach accessible via a complimentary shuttle, the resort provides a peaceful retreat amidst Hoi An's vibrant culture.

  • After breakfast, depart Hoi An and begin the overland journey to Hue, a drive of approximately 4 hours in total. The route offers a blend of cultural stops and scenic viewpoints as you make your way north along Vietnam’s central coast.

    Your first stop is in Da Nang, reached in about 45 minutes. Visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture, home to the world’s largest collection of Cham artefacts. The museum showcases beautifully preserved sandstone carvings that reflect the rich artistic traditions of this once-powerful civilisation. It offers a glimpse into a culture that predates many of Vietnam’s more familiar historical narratives.

    Continue 20 minutes further to the Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone outcrops dotted with hidden caves, pagodas, and viewpoints. Climb a short path to explore shrines nestled in grottoes and take in sweeping views of the coast and city below - an area long revered as a pilgrimage site.

    The final leg of today’s journey takes you along the Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most scenic mountain roads. The drive from the Marble Mountains to Hue takes around 2.5 hours, including time for photo stops. As you wind through jungle-covered peaks, enjoy panoramic views over Lang Co Lagoon, fishing hamlets, and the East Sea stretching into the distance.

    Arrive in Hue and check in to your hotel, set along the banks of the Perfume River. In the evening, hop into a traditional cyclo for a guided street food tour. Explore alleyways and night markets as you sample Hue’s culinary specialities, including delicate steamed rice cakes like bánh bèo and bánh nậm, spicy bún bò Huế noodle soup, and grilled dishes at a bustling local barbecue. Finish the evening with a refreshing bowl of chè, a sweet local dessert layered with beans, lotus seeds, and coconut milk.

    🥘 Breakfast, Dinner
    🛏️ Romance Hotel Hue
    📸 Marble Mountains, Hai Van Pass, Hue Street Food Tour

    Situated in the heart of Hue, Romance Hotel offers a blend of traditional charm and modern comforts. Just steps away from the Perfume River and the iconic Trang Tien Bridge, the hotel provides easy access to the city's top attractions. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms with contemporary amenities, a rooftop swimming pool with panoramic views, and a range of dining options serving both local and international cuisine. Whether you're exploring the historic sites or relaxing by the pool, Romance Hotel ensures a memorable stay in Vietnam's former imperial capital.

  • After breakfast, travel by boat along the Perfume River, a gentle journey through Hue’s green outer districts. The river, once used by emperors and poets alike, remains central to life in the city. Cruise past temples and riverbank gardens before arriving in the village of Phuong Duc, where bronze casting has been practised for centuries.

    Spend the morning with local artisans, observing the detailed process of moulding, melting, and shaping bronze into ceremonial urns, gongs, and other traditional items. These skills are passed through generations and remain an important part of Hue’s cultural identity. Learn how the village has adapted over time while still preserving its techniques and tools.

    Continue your exploration with a walking tour through the lesser-known backstreets of Hue. As you pass quiet alleyways and family homes, your guide shares personal stories of life in the city: from memories of wartime Hue to the evolution of its artistic and intellectual life. These conversations provide a more intimate perspective of a place often defined by its monuments.

    Enjoy lunch at a shaded garden café overlooking the walls of the Imperial City. Later in the afternoon, walk through the UNESCO-listed complex itself. Discover royal courtyards, shrines, and palaces, many of which were damaged in past conflicts but retain a powerful presence. End the day with a rare meeting: sit down with a descendant of the Nguyen dynasty and hear first-hand reflections on life as part of Vietnam’s last imperial family.

    🥘 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    🛏️ Romance Hotel Hue
    📸 Phuong Duc Artist Village, Hue Imperial City

    Situated in the heart of Hue, Romance Hotel offers a blend of traditional charm and modern comforts. Just steps away from the Perfume River and the iconic Trang Tien Bridge, the hotel provides easy access to the city's top attractions. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms with contemporary amenities, a rooftop swimming pool with panoramic views, and a range of dining options serving both local and international cuisine. Whether you're exploring the historic sites or relaxing by the pool, Romance Hotel ensures a memorable stay in Vietnam's former imperial capital.

  • Begin your morning with a transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, meet your driver at the terminal exit and travel by private vehicle into the city. The drive to the Old Quarter takes around 45 minutes, offering glimpses of Hanoi’s outer suburbs and lakes as you approach the historic centre.

    Check in to your hotel, located within easy walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake. This well-positioned base places you in the heart of the Old Quarter, close to tree-lined boulevards, narrow laneways, and local eateries. Take time to settle in or explore your surroundings before this afternoon’s program begins.

    Later in the day, meet Mr Tran Hau Yen The, a respected artist and cultural historian, for an insightful introduction to Vietnam’s artistic legacy. Begin with a guided visit to the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts, where he shares his perspective on how French influence, local tradition, and political change have shaped Vietnam’s distinctive modern art movements.

    Explore a collection that includes colonial-era paintings, resistance-era woodcuts, wartime propaganda posters, and lacquer works. As you move through the galleries, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for how artists have documented, challenged, and shaped national identity throughout Vietnam’s history of colonisation, conflict, and cultural renewal.

    🥘 Breakfast, Dinner
    🛏️ Hanoi Pearl Hotel
    📸 Vietnamese Art Experience

    The Hanoi Pearl Hotel is a distinguished 4-star boutique establishment nestled in the heart of Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter. Situated on Bao Khanh Lane, the hotel offers guests immediate access to the city's vibrant cultural tapestry, being just steps away from the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and the renowned Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Guests can indulge in the hotel's diverse culinary offerings at the Candles Restaurant, which serves a blend of traditional Vietnamese and international cuisines. For a more relaxed setting, the rooftop Pearl Lounge provides panoramic views of Hoan Kiem Lake and the surrounding cityscape, making it an ideal spot for evening cocktails. The Hanoi Pearl Hotel seamlessly combines traditional Vietnamese charm with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay for all visitors.

  • Rise early and join the morning rhythm of Hanoi with a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. As the city wakes, you’ll see locals practising tai chi, jogging, or chatting with friends beneath old trees that line the water’s edge. Visit Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in the lake, before pausing at a nearby café to try a classic Vietnamese iced coffee or the city’s signature egg coffee.

    Continue on foot through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where narrow streets are alive with street vendors, motorbikes, and colonial-era buildings painted in soft yellow hues. This part of the city blends old-world character with a lively energy, revealing Hanoi’s layered identity through its architecture, shopfronts, and markets.

    Step away from the crowds to visit several key landmarks. Begin at Hoa Lo Prison, once used by French colonists and later by North Vietnamese forces during the war. Visit B-52 Lake, where remnants of a downed American aircraft remain visible, and explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university and a peaceful space of Confucian heritage.

    For lunch, sit down at a street-side eatery to try bun cha, Hanoi’s beloved dish of grilled pork served with noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce. In the afternoon, take a walk along Hanoi’s train street, where residential buildings stand remarkably close to the tracks. Stop for a cold beer at a local bia hoi corner and chat with residents as trains occasionally pass through.

    In the evening, attend a traditional water puppet performance, a unique northern Vietnamese art form that tells folktales through puppetry, music, and water. After the show, enjoy dinner at Cha Ca La Vong, a long-standing favourite known for grilled turmeric fish cooked at your table. Alternative dining options are available if preferred.

    🥘 Breakfast, Dinner
    🛏️ Hanoi Pearl Hotel
    📸 Vietnamese Water Puppet Show

    The Hanoi Pearl Hotel is a distinguished 4-star boutique establishment nestled in the heart of Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter. Situated on Bao Khanh Lane, the hotel offers guests immediate access to the city's vibrant cultural tapestry, being just steps away from the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and the renowned Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Guests can indulge in the hotel's diverse culinary offerings at the Candles Restaurant, which serves a blend of traditional Vietnamese and international cuisines. For a more relaxed setting, the rooftop Pearl Lounge provides panoramic views of Hoan Kiem Lake and the surrounding cityscape, making it an ideal spot for evening cocktails. The Hanoi Pearl Hotel seamlessly combines traditional Vietnamese charm with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay for all visitors.

  • After breakfast, depart Hanoi with your guide and driver for the journey to Tuan Chau Marina. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours and passes through a mix of rural farmland, industrial zones, and limestone hills. As you approach the coast, the landscape begins to shift, giving way to views of the Gulf of Tonkin and clusters of boats waiting in the harbour.

    On arrival at the marina, check in and board Swan Cruise, your floating home for the next two nights. After a welcome drink and safety briefing, settle into your cabin and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch as the boat begins its journey into Ha Long Bay and on toward the quieter waters of Lan Ha Bay. Towering limestone karsts rise from the water on all sides, creating a striking natural seascape.

    In the afternoon, explore the Dark and Bright Caves by kayak or traditional bamboo boat. Paddle through narrow passages and quiet lagoons, where cliffs rise vertically from the water and mangrove forests edge the shoreline. This is one of the more peaceful corners of the bay, often missed by larger day-trip boats.

    Return to the cruise in time to watch the sun set over the bay. The boat anchors for the night in the calm waters of Tra Bau. Join a casual cooking class on deck, followed by Happy Hour and a fusion-style dinner featuring fresh local ingredients. The evening is free to enjoy as you like - try squid fishing with the crew, relax under the stars, or unwind in your cabin with a book or a film.

    🥘 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    🛏️ Swan Cruises
    📸 Bright & Dark Cave

    Embark on an unforgettable journey through the serene waters of Bai Tu Long Bay with Swan Cruises, a boutique vessel renowned for its elegant design and exceptional service. Launched in 2015, Swan Cruises offers a unique experience, navigating the less-travelled routes of Bai Tu Long Bay, allowing guests to witness the bay's untouched beauty. The cruise features 18 beautifully appointed cabins, including deluxe, suite, and family connecting options, all designed with traditional Vietnamese elements and modern comforts. Onboard, guests can indulge in a range of activities such as kayaking, swimming, and exploring the Thien Canh Son Cave. The spacious sundeck provides a perfect setting for Tai Chi sessions at dawn or relaxing with a cocktail during the sunset party. Culinary enthusiasts can participate in a cooking class to learn the art of making Vietnamese spring rolls. With a commitment to sustainable tourism and a focus on delivering a personalized experience, Swan Cruise ensures a memorable voyage through the majestic landscapes of Ha Long Bay.

  • Wake early to join a gentle Tai Chi session on the sundeck as dawn breaks over Ha Long Bay. The soft light and quiet waters offer a peaceful start to the day. After the session, enjoy a leisurely breakfast while the boat continues its journey through the limestone islands and hidden coves of the bay.

    Mid-morning, transfer to a smaller day boat for deeper exploration. Travel toward Cat Ba Island, where you'll cycle through Viet Hai Village, a remote community surrounded by jungle and steep karst peaks. Ride along narrow paths bordered by rice fields and bamboo groves, pausing to visit a local home and gain insight into everyday life in this secluded part of northern Vietnam.

    Return to the boat for a freshly prepared lunch served on board. In the afternoon, head toward Ba Men Temple, set in a peaceful stretch of the bay. Here, you can choose to kayak through calm waters, swim in a quiet lagoon, or simply relax on the deck and enjoy the natural surroundings.

    Later in the day, return to Swan Cruise in time for a second onboard cooking demonstration and sunset Happy Hour. Dinner is served as the boat anchors in a sheltered area of the bay. The evening is yours to enjoy.

    🥘 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    🛏️ Swan Cruises
    📸 Cat Ba Island, Viet Hai Village Cycling, Ba Men Temple

    Embark on an unforgettable journey through the serene waters of Bai Tu Long Bay with Swan Cruises, a boutique vessel renowned for its elegant design and exceptional service. Launched in 2015, Swan Cruises offers a unique experience, navigating the less-travelled routes of Bai Tu Long Bay, allowing guests to witness the bay's untouched beauty. The cruise features 18 beautifully appointed cabins, including deluxe, suite, and family connecting options, all designed with traditional Vietnamese elements and modern comforts. Onboard, guests can indulge in a range of activities such as kayaking, swimming, and exploring the Thien Canh Son Cave. The spacious sundeck provides a perfect setting for Tai Chi sessions at dawn or relaxing with a cocktail during the sunset party. Culinary enthusiasts can participate in a cooking class to learn the art of making Vietnamese spring rolls. With a commitment to sustainable tourism and a focus on delivering a personalized experience, Swan Cruise ensures a memorable voyage through the majestic landscapes of Ha Long Bay.

  • Begin your final morning on the bay with an early Tai Chi session on the sundeck. As the first light touches the limestone peaks around you, enjoy a moment of calm and reflection. This is a peaceful way to farewell the natural beauty of Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays.

    After breakfast on board, take a small boat to visit Hoa Cuong (Diamond) Cave, set in a quiet part of the bay. Known for its dramatic stalactites and tranquil surroundings, the cave offers one last close-up look at the unique limestone landscape that defines this region.

    Return to Swan Cruise for check-out and a farewell brunch served as the boat makes its way back to Tuan Chau Marina. Take in the last views of the bay from the deck before disembarking around late morning. Your driver will be waiting at the pier for the 2.5-hour transfer back to Hanoi.

    In the evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at Ly Club, one of Hanoi’s most refined dining venues. Housed in a colonial-era villa, the restaurant offers a fitting setting to reflect on the journey, share final stories, and raise a glass to the experiences and friendships formed along the way.

    🥘 Breakfast, Dinner
    🛏️ Hanoi Pearl Hotel
    📸 Diamond Cave

    The Hanoi Pearl Hotel is a distinguished 4-star boutique establishment nestled in the heart of Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter. Situated on Bao Khanh Lane, the hotel offers guests immediate access to the city's vibrant cultural tapestry, being just steps away from the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and the renowned Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Guests can indulge in the hotel's diverse culinary offerings at the Candles Restaurant, which serves a blend of traditional Vietnamese and international cuisines. For a more relaxed setting, the rooftop Pearl Lounge provides panoramic views of Hoan Kiem Lake and the surrounding cityscape, making it an ideal spot for evening cocktails. The Hanoi Pearl Hotel seamlessly combines traditional Vietnamese charm with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay for all visitors.

  • Spend your final day at leisure, soaking in the atmosphere of Hanoi at your own pace. When it’s time, your driver and guide will pick you up approximately three hours before your flight to ensure a smooth transfer to the airport. Check out of your hotel by noon and prepare for your onward journey home. Thank you for joining us in Vietnam!

    🥘 Breakfast

  • Vietnam is a place where the past lingers in every corner, and yet the future is rushing forward at full speed.

    Thomas Friedman

Key Information

  • At Remarkable East, we believe small group touring should be just that: small.

    As such, the group size will be capped at a maximum of 12 people, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

    This way, we’re able to get around with ease, utilise local transport and visit more off-the-beaten-track destinations. Our Vietnam small group tours are a great opportunity to connect with like-minded travellers, and you may even leave with lifelong friendships.

  • With a maximum of 12 guests per tour, standard inclusions are:

    • 13 nights accommodation

    • All breakfasts and dinners, some lunches (as indicated in the itinerary)

    • All transfers, touring and sightseeing by air-conditioned vehicle/s

    • 2 x Internal flights: Ho Chi Minh to Danang, and Hue to Hanoi in economy class

    • Tour host and accompanying English speaking tour escort/guide and local guides

    • All activities as outlined including entrance fees

    • Tips

    • Drinking water in the vehicle

    • All land and vehicle taxes

  • The following expenses are not included in the tour package and must be covered individually:

    • International airfares

    • Meals not specified in the itinerary

    • Optional activities and excursions

    • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)

    • Visas (if required)

    • Personal expenses (e.g. laundry, drinks)

    • Any costs not explicitly stated in the inclusions

    Australian passport holders visiting Vietnam for short-term tourism require a visa. However, visa policies are subject to change, and it is the responsibility of each traveller to verify the latest requirements with the appropriate consulate or embassy. Any necessary visas for travel to or from Visa must be obtained independently, and all associated costs are the responsibility of the traveller. Failure to secure the required documents may result in additional fees. You can confirm if you are eligible for an e-visa here.

    A copy of your passport photo page must be provided at the time of booking. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that all names are submitted in full, exactly as they appear on the passport, and that the passport remains valid for at least six months beyond the trip’s completion. Any fees resulting from incorrect names, expired passports, or invalid passport details will be the responsibility of the traveller.

  • To make a booking, we simply require a deposit of $750 AUD with the balance due 60 days prior to travel. Full payment is due at the time of booking for departures within 60 days. Please contact us for more information.

  • While not considered to be strenuous, this tour requires a moderate level of fitness. Participants must be able to:

    • Move independently without assistance

    • Board and exit vehicles and other transportation

    • Walk up and down stairs

    • Navigate uneven or steep terrain

    • Carry their own luggage between hotels, stations, and terminals

    Unfortunately this tour is not suitable for travellers requiring wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or specialized accessibility facilities. Walking aids may be permitted, but participants must be able to keep up with the tour’s pace.

    Many sites in Vietnam involve staircases and extensive walking. If you have any physical concerns, please disclose them at the time of booking so we can advise whether this trip is suitable for you.

    Travellers must ensure they meet all health, vaccination, COVID-19, and immigration requirements for both their departure and destination countries, as well as any regulations imposed by airlines, tour operators, cruise lines, and accommodations. Costs associated with vaccinations, testing, and quarantine measures are the responsibility of the traveller. Comprehensive travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage is strongly recommended.

  • Each traveller is allowed one piece of luggage weighing no more than 20kg. A small day bag or backpack is allowed on the coach for personal items. Porterage services are not included, so you will need to carry your own luggage. Please be mindful that all baggage and personal belongings are your responsibility, and we cannot be held liable for lost or damaged items.

  • This tour is best enjoyed by adult travellers and is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Children 12 years and above are subject to the adult price and must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Tipping in Vietnam is not mandatory and not part of the culture in most situations. However, it is becoming more common to tip in specific situations, such as for tour guides, in mid-to-high-end restaurants, and for spa and massage services, especially when you feel the service was exceptional. Tipping is included in the tour price.

  • Absolutely! Pre or post-tour accommodation in Vietnam with breakfast in the same tour hotel or a similar location can be added for one or two persons at an additional cost. This is subject to availability, so please advise us if this is required when making your booking.

    In addition, we have many years of first-hand experience exploring Vietnam. If there’s a particular add-on you would like to discuss, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

  • While you will not spend much time in the hotels, each has been carefully selected to suit the size and needs of the group while being centrally located. Your friendly guide will provide a helpful orientation tour on arrival into many of the cities you visit. Our accommodation is generally of a quality 3-star or higher local rating and heritage properties that beautifully reflect local charm. All rooms are lead-in category or run-of-house unless otherwise specified. The standard check-in time is after 2:00pm and check-out is before 10:00am, although actual times may vary.

  • It’s as easy as getting in touch with us via [email protected] - we like to chat with our guests before making a reservation to ensure this is the right trip for them.

Contact Us

Asia Small Group Tours

This is Vietnam,
just not as you know it.