13-Day Vietnam City, Cruise and Culture

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Escorted by a local potter guide, you will thrill to the sights and sounds of the kilns, explore pottery techniques handed down from generation to generation and become familiar with the potters’ daily life in Bat Trang. You can also try glazing some small pottery pieces which will be delivered to you within 48 hours. In the afternoon, you will go on a cultural tour of Hanoi visiting the Temple of Literature, Hỏa Lò Prison, Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Old Quarter and finish with a water puppet show.

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This excursion takes you to Mong Phu village in Duong Lam - graced by ancient houses made of red laterite and rammed soil - and Tay Phuong Pagoda, famous for its 79 wooden lacquer statues with the idyllic surroundings of quaint old villages in the Red River Delta. For full enjoyment, you should try to schedule this tour to coincide with the monthly full-moon rites at the pagoda where devout pilgrims gather for prayer. You'll arrive back in Hanoi in the late afternoon.

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Today, you will transfer to Halong Bay where a wonderful two-day, one-night cruise awaits you. Halong Bay is a picturesque bay with almost 2,000 islets rising from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. You'll check-in and begin your two-day cruise in the tranquillity of Halong Bay. You'll enjoy the scenery as you cruise from destination to destination enjoying wonderful meals onboard.

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You can enjoy the morning view of the beautiful landscape with a cup of coffee or tea and have breakfast in the fresh air. You will visit the impressive Cave of Halong Bay – Surprising Cave (Sửng Sốt) with your tour guide, a truly awesome and amazing cave to experience. You'll then check out of your cabin and settle your bill as the boat begins cruising back to the harbour. Back on land, you'll jump in the car and make your way to the airport for your flight to Dong Hoi where you'll overnight.

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Embark on a leisurely bicycle ride around Kim Long village to immerse yourself into the so-called “Garden City.” Travel to an ancient Garden House of a three-generation family who will not only share their lifestyle with you, they will also invite you to cook and enjoy an authentic meal. Indulge yourself with a relaxing herbal foot bath before returning to Hue by boat. In the afternoon, you will embark on a tour visiting the Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda.

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Today, you'll travel to Da Nang and Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass. The Hai Van Pass is located along the Hai Van mountain side, between Thua Thien-Hue and Da Nang city. It is the highest and the most beautiful pass in Vietnam (about 500 metres above sea level) with stunning views. Upon arrival in Hoi An, you'll embark on an afternoon tour of the city visiting the must-see landmarks and learning about this pretty ancient town.

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In the morning, you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Saigon. Once you arrive in Saigon, you'll enjoy a tour through the busiest city of Vietnam. You will learn its history and culture with stops at the War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral (from outside). Then, you'll visit the Vinh Nghiem Pagoda and Ben Thanh Market. You'll finish the day at a well-known lacquerware workshop to gain knowledge of an art form passed down many generations. Then, you'll transfer to the hotel.

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This morning, you'll transfer to Tây Ninh city where the main temple of the Cao Dai religious community is located. You'll arrive in time for the prayer ceremony, which takes place every day. After the ceremony, you'll proceed to Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels. They were used by Vietcong soldiers as hiding spots during combat with the American forces, as well as hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters.

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Today, you'll head to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta and take a bike or motor cart to Mr Sau Khanh’s house – a passionate local who has collected a lot of ancient ceramics. You'll continue your insight into local life with a ride through villages by cart or bike. You'll then board a boat to explore canals and stop at a riverside coconut processing family-run workshop. You'll continue boating to the last stop, a brick factory where old kiln techniques are still used, before returning to Saigon.

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Today, you will be transferred to Ho Tram. Found in the Vung Tau Province, a popular beach escape for those living in South Vietnam, Ho Tram boasts ten kilometres of uninterrupted waters, sandy beaches and palm trees. Complete with expansive views, beautiful thatched seafood restaurants and beach activities, Ho Tram is the perfect beach escape. You'll have the rest of the day free to spend as you wish here.

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Today, you'll have yet another day free to spend as you wish in Ho Tram. With its abundance of beautiful waters and sandy beaches, you may want to spend the day relaxing under a swaying palm tree. If you're looking to explore, you can head out to the mud baths or find the perfect seafood restaurant to enjoy a lunch of locally caught seafood!