Vietnam Odyssey: 10-Day North to South Cultural Discovery - 10 Days

Arrive in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi. You’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city centre. After check-in, enjoy free time to explore the Old Quarter, savour street food, or relax after your flight.

08:30: Hotel or private address pick-up by shuttle bus. Stop for a short break halfway.

12:00: Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina and transfer by tender to La Pandora Cruise. Refresh with a welcome drink and cruise briefing.

13:00: Enjoy a special Vietnamese seafood lunch while sailing through the islets of Con Vit.

15:30: Cruise into the quiet, less-touristy Lan Ha Bay surrounded by towering limestone landscapes. Visit the Ong Cam area for kayaking or swimming in crystal-clear waters.

17:30: Return to La Pandora Cruise and anchor overnight. Join the Sunset Party on the sundeck with local wine and fruits.

19:00: Dinner is served in the restaurant. Afterwards, relax with onboard activities including fishing, movies, drinks, or games. Overnight on board.

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06:00: Wake up to sunrise over the bay and join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck.

07:00: Light breakfast served with coffee and tea.

08:00: Explore Dark & Bright Cave by traditional rowing boat—an enchanting part of the World Heritage site.

09:15: Return to the cruise to relax and prepare for check-out.

10:15: Join a spring roll cooking demonstration onboard.

10:45: Early lunch served before disembarkation.

12:00: Disembark at Tuan Chau and return to Hanoi by shuttle bus.

15:30: Arrive at your hotel or personal address. Evening transfer to train station for the overnight sleeper train to Da Nang.

Morning arrival in Da Nang. Car pick-up from train station. Begin your city tour with Linh Ung Pagoda and Marble Mountains. Later, transfer to the charming Hoi An Ancient Town for a walking tour. Explore the Japanese Bridge, old houses, and vibrant markets. Check in to your hotel in Hoi An.

09:00: Your guide picks you up at the hotel. Escape the noisy streets as you bike past rice paddies and lotus ponds toward the Hoi An countryside. Meet friendly local farmers and even ride a strong, gentle buffalo!

10:00: Continue your journey to Tra Que Herb Village—one of Hoi An’s five traditional craft villages.

Enjoy a refreshing herbal drink made from homegrown herbs.

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Dress in a farmer's outfit and learn about ancient organic farming practices. Get hands-on experience hoeing soil, planting, watering, and harvesting vegetables.

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11:30: Savor a freshly made lunch with local specialties including:

Fried spring rolls

Green papaya salad

Vietnamese pancake (Bánh xèo)

Clay pot chicken

Stir-fried morning glory

Steamed rice

Dessert

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13:00: Rest and return to your hotel. Afternoon free at leisure.

Depart Hoi An early and journey north along the legendary Hai Van Pass. About halfway up, we’ll pause at Hai Van Quan, an ancient gate perched on the ridge. Here you can rest, take in ocean views, and hear the gate’s centuries‑old stories.

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Next, descend to the serene Lap An Lagoon, where fishermen farm natural black pearls.

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Our next stop is the ornate Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh. Set on a hillside, this mausoleum blends Gothic and Eastern motifs—every mosaic and stone carving tells a story of the emperor’s.

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By midday, we’ll recharge at one of Hue’s favorite eateries. Dive into Hue’s royal cuisine—think tender bún bò Huế, delicate bánh khoái, and fragrant cơm hến—dishes once served in the imperial court.

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After lunch, we’ll visit the peaceful Thien Mu Pagoda beside the Perfume River. Inside, you’ll see the famous blue Austin car of Thich Quang Duc—a silent reminder of his historic act of protest.

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Finally, explore the heart of Hue’s Imperial City, stepping through Ngo Mon Gate into the vast courtyards of the Forbidden Purple City (Tử Cấm Thành). Wander past the Thai Hoa Palace, imagining the royal ceremonies held there.

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Late afternoon, transfer to Hue Airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a free evening to discover Saigon’s buzzing streets or relax at your own pace.

Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vital historical site from the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, visit Saigon’s top attractions including the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market.

07:30: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho (Tien Giang). Stop at Mekong Rest Stop for breakfast (own expense). Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, an architectural gem blending European and Asian styles.

Board a boat at My Tho Wharf to cruise along the Tien River, passing by the four islets—Long, Lan, Quy, and Phung. Visit floating fish farms and enjoy the river scenery.

At Thoi Son Islet (Lan Islet), visit a honeybee farm, sip honey tea with lemon, listen to traditional Don Ca Tai Tu music, and sample tropical fruits.

Take a paddleboat ride through narrow coconut-lined canals, then board the main boat to Ben Tre. Visit a coconut candy factory, explore local life and village paths.

Lunch is served at a riverside restaurant with hammocks for relaxation. Visit fruit gardens and crocodile and fish farms.

15:30: Depart for Can Tho. Check in at a centrally located hotel.

18:30: Dinner at a riverside restaurant near Ninh Kieu Wharf. Explore Can Tho night market or relax at the hotel.

Morning visit to Cai Rang Floating Market, the busiest wholesale floating market in the Mekong. Continue to Son Islet to witness the unique "flying snakehead fish" phenomenon. Visit Phuong Nam Monastery and the iconic Purple House. After lunch, return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy your final morning in Vietnam. At your scheduled time, transfer to the airport for your international flight. End of services.