Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City—Vietnam’s gateway of energy and contrast, where modern towers stand beside tree-lined boulevards, and scooters weave through the rhythm of daily life.

Your guide for this Vietnam Wellness tour will greet you at the airport and offer a gentle introduction to the journey ahead as you transfer to your hotel.

After check-in, allow the body to settle from the long flight: stretch, breathe, maybe take an evening stroll around your neighborhood. You will have Welcome Dinner with local specialties,

Stay: 4-star Hotel

This morning, explore Saigon at a relaxed pace. Visit the War Remnants Museum, a powerful space that invites reflection rather than haste, followed by the Reunification Palace. This once a symbol of history, is now a quiet place to understand Vietnam’s past.

Walk through the elegant French Quarter, where architecture whispers stories of another era: Notre Dame Cathedral with its red bricks imported from France, the Old Post Office designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the graceful Opera House.

Do You Know? During the peak of the 1960s and early 70s, Saigon experienced an economic boom unlike any other city in Asia. It is estimated that the U.S. poured over $140 billion (which would be over $1 trillion today when adjusted for inflation) into the Vietnam War effort. A significant portion of this flowed directly into Saigon’s economy through infrastructure, construction, and the service industry.

At one point, Saigon’s port became one of the busiest in the world, and the city’s streets were filled with the latest American cars and French fashions. This massive influx of capital transformed Saigon into a glittering, neon-lit metropolis that was often more modern than many European cities at the time, earning it the nickname "The Paris of the Orient". Even today, that "gold rush" energy remains in the city’s DNA, fueling its status as the unstoppable financial heart of Vietnam!

Stay: 4-star Hotel

Leave Saigon in the morning, heading to Ben Tre

Begin with a gentle stroll through a local village to admire traditional garden-house architecture before boarding your private day cruiser. Navigate the serene tributaries of the Mekong to Bao Island, where you will wander through lush groves and savor freshly harvested coconuts.

Your rural exploration continues with a scenic bicycle or Xe Loi ride through Huu Dinh village, including a stop at a heritage brick factory to witness ancient hand-molding techniques and beehive-shaped kilns. Transition to a hand-rowed sampan through a maze of palm-fringed canals, arriving at the home of Mrs. Huong to enjoy local tea and coconut delicacies in her peaceful garden.

After a spirited Xe Loi ride through verdant lanes, savor a refined 5-course regional lunch at Mango Home Restaurant. Conclude your journey with an artisan immersion, learning the secrets of traditional rice wine and the delicate craft of My Long rice paper before meeting your private vehicle for the return transfer to Saigon.

Do You Know? Ben Tre is affectionately known as the "Kingdom of Coconuts" (Xứ Dừa), home to over 72,000 hectares of coconut groves. But the real "fun fact" is that the locals have mastered the art of "zero waste" living. In Ben Tre, nothing from the coconut tree goes to waste: the water is for drinking, the flesh for candy and oil, the shells for high-quality charcoal and handicrafts, the trunks for furniture, and the leaves for thatched roofs.

Even the Coconut Worm (Đuông Dừa), which lives inside the tree, is a famous local delicacy! It is said that Ben Tre people have "coconut oil in their blood"—they are as resilient, sweet, and versatile as the trees that shade their homes.

Stay: 4-star Hotel

Taking the morning flight to Danang/Hoian.

Upon arrival, check in and rest a bit before joining a guided tour, visiting temples, merchant houses, and assembly halls that survived centuries of tides and trade. Cross the 400-year-old Japanese Bridge—a quiet moment worth pausing for.

This afternoon is yours: relax by the pool, sip iced coffee by the river, or enjoy a spa session. In the evening, the old town glows with lanterns—a photographer’s dream and a traveler’s memory.

Do You Know? The Banh Mi is a perfect symbol of Vietnamese culinary ingenuity. It began as a French import—the classic baguette with butter and pâté—which was initially a luxury item for the elite. However, after the French left in 1954, Saigonese locals "Vietnamese-ified" it by adding airy rice flour to the dough to make it lighter and crispier.

They swapped expensive butter for creamy egg yolk mayo and added a "crunchy garden" of pickled daikon, carrots, cilantro, and fiery chilies. The result was a culinary masterpiece that turned a French colonial staple into a democratic, world-famous street food. Today, Bánh Mì is so iconic that it has been officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary, standing proudly alongside "Pho" as a word that needs no translation!

Stay: 4-star Beach/Riverside Resort

Following a leisurely breakfast, we embark on a gentle, relaxing cycling excursion through the serene countryside paths surrounding Hoi An. Our first stop is a lively local market, where your guide will introduce you to the vibrant local life and the array of exotic fresh produce and spices. You will learn the art of selecting the finest ingredients, essential to Vietnamese cuisine.

We then cycle onward to a tranquil nearby herb and vegetable village. Here, you will engage directly with local farmers, gaining insight into traditional, sustainable farming practices passed down through generations.

Next, immerse yourself fully in a hands-on cooking class, led by experienced, friendly chefs. This session is designed to be mindful and unhurried, allowing you to master classic Vietnamese dishes with ease and joy. Lunch is the delicious, satisfying result of your own mindful culinary work, a true taste of the local culture.

The afternoon is free for a swim, or simply on your own plan.

Do You Know? In Vietnam, you can "taste" where you are just by the balance of seasonings! Vietnamese cuisine is famously divided into three distinct flavor profiles:

The North (Hanoi): Values "Balance and Subtlety". Cooks here use salt and fish sauce sparingly, aiming for a clean, delicate taste where the natural flavor of the ingredients shines through.

The Centre (Hue/Hoi An): Loves "Spice and Sophistication". This is the land of chili and shrimp paste. Influenced by Imperial royalty, dishes are often served in small, beautiful portions but pack a fiery, bold punch.

The South (Saigon/Mekong): Craves "Sweetness and Abundance". With plenty of sunlight and coconut groves, Southerners love adding sugar and coconut milk to almost everything, creating rich, vibrant, and comforting flavors.

It’s often said that a journey through Vietnam is a journey from "Salty" to "Spicy" to "Sweet"!

Stay: 4-star Beach/Riverside Resort

No schedules, no plans, just freedom. Read a book by the beach, explore hidden alleys, or book a yoga or spa session. Traveling well means allowing space for your own rhythm.

Stay: 4-star Beach/Riverside Resort

No schedules, no plans, just freedom.

Stay: 4-star Beach/Riverside Resort

Depart from Hoi An and embark on a scenic journey north along the legendary Hai Van Pass. This stunning coastal road offers breathtaking views of the sea, mountains, and misty peaks.

Your next stop is An Bang “Ghost City,” a remarkable coastal necropolis. Here, you’ll find intricate tombs that resemble grand palaces, reflecting the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of Vietnam. These elaborate structures were built by families whose loved ones immigrated to North America and Europe, achieving prosperity and sending funds back home to honor their ancestors.

Arrive in Hue by midday and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or embracing the serene pace of this historic imperial capital. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, recharging for tomorrow’s adventures.

Do You Know? In a small fishing village just outside of Hue lies An Bang, famously known as the "City of Ghosts". But don't let the name scare you—it isn’t haunted; it is home to one of the most lavish and colorful cemeteries in the world. In a display of extreme filial piety, the local villagers (many of whom have relatives living abroad) compete to build the most magnificent "homes" for their ancestors.

Some of these tombs are two stories high, featuring intricate stone carvings, sparkling mosaic tiles, and grand pillars that rival the Imperial Tombs of the Kings. Incredibly, many of these "houses for the dead" cost over $100,000 USD to build—often costing significantly more than the actual houses the living residents inhabit nearby! It is a breathtaking forest of colors that proves in Vietnam, the bond with family lasts forever.

Stay: 4-star Hotel

Hue stands as the grand witness to the final imperial dynasty of Vietnam, where the echoes of the past are still beautifully preserved through its majestic architecture, from the sprawling Imperial City (The Citadel) to the elaborate Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Kings. Please share your personal interests with your guide, and they will curate the ideal route for you.

With your half-day schedule, you can comfortably visit two major imperial sites, such as the Imperial City and one of the Royal Tombs (like Khai Dinh or Tu Duc). Following this, your journey continues with a visit to some traditional craft workshops to see local artisans at work, before concluding at the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda. While here, you will find a moving piece of modern history: the original car used by the monk Thích Quảng Đức, who drove it to Saigon in 1963 before his self-immolation to protest the oppression of the era.

Do You Know? In Hue, the Royal Tombs were much more than just cemeteries; they were designed as "Second Palaces" for the Kings to enjoy while they were still very much alive. Many emperors, such as King Tu Duc, designed their own tombs as lavish retreats and spent years living, working, and even composing poetry at the site before they passed away.

These complexes featured beautiful lakes, hunting grounds, and pavilions for music and performance. For the Kings, building their tomb was a way to ensure they would be surrounded by beauty and peace in the afterlife, but they certainly didn't see any reason why they couldn't start the party early! Visiting these tombs today feels less like a walk through a graveyard and more like a stroll through a majestic, peaceful royal garden.

Stay: 4-star Hotel

This morning, we trade the imperial charm of Central Vietnam for the sophisticated energy of the north. Fly to Hanoi, the country’s 1,000-year-old capital, where the air is thick with history and the scent of street food. Hanoi is a city of distinct character, defined by its tranquil lakes, narrow ancient alleys, and grand French colonial boulevards lined with towering trees.

Upon arrival and a seamless check-in at your hotel, take a moment to refresh before we dive into the heart of the city.

We embark on a leisurely Cyclo ride, a quintessential Hanoi experience. This slow-paced, traditional transport allows you to sit back and observe the vibrant "36 Streets" of the Old Quarter. You will weave through a labyrinth of specialized guild streets where artisans have traded for centuries, offering a front-row seat to the city’s rhythmic hustle without the effort of walking.

To conclude your first afternoon in the North, we stop at a local corner to experience "Bia Hoi Hanoi".

Do You Know? Hanoi’s Fresh Beer is more than just a drink; it is a living history of the city. Originally introduced by the French, it became a cultural icon during the Subsidy Period (1975–1986). Back then, beer was a luxury. People had to wait in long lines with "beer coupons," and since there weren't enough glasses, locals would bring anything to carry their precious golden liquid home.

The iconic pale-green, recycled glass mugs you see today were designed in the 1970s specifically to be cheap, durable, and stackable. Today, Bia Hoi has evolved into the "social glue" of Hanoi. Every afternoon, you’ll see professors sitting next to construction workers on tiny plastic stools, enjoying a glass that costs less than a bottle of water. It is crisp, light, preservative-free, and brewed daily!

Stay: 4-star Boutique Hotel

Hanoi offers a wealth of fascinating sites to explore, ranging from cultural landmarks like the Temple of Literature, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, the Old Quarter, and the Fine Arts Museum, to the Ethnology Museum and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. For those interested in history and wartime legacy, you can visit the National Museum of History, the B-52 Victory Museum, the infamous Hoa Lo Prison (the "Hanoi Hilton"), or Huu Tiep Lake, where the wreckage of a B-52 bomber still rests.

Please let your guide know your specific interests, and they will tailor the perfect route for you. Within a half-day tour, you can typically visit three different locations comfortably. Your guide will handle all the logistics to ensure you make the most of your time in the capital.

After lunch, enjoy a leisurely rest of your day

Stay: Hanoi

Today is yours to embrace the gentle, poetic rhythm of Hanoi on your own terms. After the excitement of the previous days, enjoy a slow morning with a late breakfast at your boutique hotel. You might choose to wander back to Hoan Kiem Lake to join the locals for a lakeside stroll, explore the hidden "train street" for a unique photo opportunity, or lose yourself in the vintage charm of the city’s many hidden antique shops and art galleries.

For a true Hanoian experience, find a quiet balcony at a colonial-style café to enjoy a signature Egg Coffee while watching the world go by below. Whether you wish to revisit a favorite museum, browse the silk shops of Hang Gai street, or simply relax and reflect on your journey so far, this free day provides the perfect pause before we head into the mountain retreats of the north.

Stay: 4-star Boutique Hotel

Following breakfast, we leave the capital behind and journey toward the Gulf of Tonkin to embark on your highly anticipated maritime adventure. Upon arrival at the pier, you will be welcomed aboard a premium 4/5-star luxury cruise. As the vessel glides into the emerald waters of the bay, enjoy a gourmet lunch on deck, surrounded by the dramatic silhouettes of thousands of limestone islands.

Spend the afternoon soaking in the views from your private balcony or join the onboard activities as we navigate toward the quieter, more secluded corners of the archipelago. As evening falls, the ship anchors in a tranquil lagoon for a sunset party, followed by a multi-course dinner under the stars.

Do You Know? In Vietnam, if you ask a local where to find the absolute best seafood, the answer is almost always Quang Ninh. While the country has over 3,000 km of coastline, the waters of the Gulf of Tonkin—specifically around Halong and Bai Tu Long—are unique. The combination of calm, sheltered limestone bays and a specific salinity level creates a "seafood paradise."

The star of the show is the Sá Sùng (peanut worm), a rare and expensive delicacy once used as a natural "MSG" for royal soups. But even the everyday favorites like squid, mantis shrimp, and mud crabs are famously sweeter and firmer here than anywhere else in the country. Locals say the seafood "exercises" less in the calm bay waters, making the meat incredibly tender. It’s no wonder that a meal on a Halong cruise is often remembered as the culinary highlight of the entire trip!

Stay: 4/5-star Luxury Cruise

Wake up to the soft light of dawn over the water, perhaps joining a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Today is dedicated to a deeper immersion into Lan Ha Bay, the quieter sibling of Halong. We transfer to a smaller day boat to reach the remote Viet Hai Village, hidden within Cat Ba National Park. Here, you will cycle along scenic paths through tropical forests and rice fields, meeting local villagers and learning about their traditional way of life.

The afternoon is reserved for pure water fun—kayaking through hidden lagoons and swimming in the pristine, quiet waters of a secluded beach. This extended pace allows your family to experience the bay’s natural wonder far from the tourist crowds.

Stay: 4/5-star Luxury Cruise

Enjoy a final morning of serenity as the soft mist rises over the karst peaks. You might choose a slow breakfast on deck or a final visit to a hidden cave as the ship begins its gentle cruise back to the harbor.

After a farewell brunch and a final toast to the sea, disembark and meet your private driver for the transfer to the airport. Carrying the calm of the bay with you, you will board your flight for the next leg of your journey, having experienced the very best of Vietnam's maritime heritage.