Vietnam Quest

Xin Chào! Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam! Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted by our representative holding a sign with your name. After a short transfer, check in to your hotel in Hanoi. If you arrive early, take some time to explore the colorful streets of Hanoi. The city is a lively mix of ancient temples, narrow streets filled with colorful shops, French colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards, tranquil lakes, graceful pagodas, and bustling street life. Hanoi is one of Asia's most charming cities.
At 6:00 PM, you’ll meet your tour guide and fellow travelers for a group briefing. In the evening, feel free to join the group for an optional dinner, followed by a casual hangout, perhaps enjoying a glass of fresh "Bia Hoi" (a local home-brewed beer) at one of the busy street corners.

Accommodation

• Hotel in Hanoi

Meals included

No meal included on this day

Special notes

Hotel check-in time is from 14:00. If you arrive earlier and wish to access your room before that time, you can book pre-trip accommodation when making your reservation, or let us know in advance so we can arrange it for you.<br>
The group meeting today is important as you will meet your tour guide and fellow travelers, receive essential documentation, instructions, and a brief overview of the trip. If, for any reason, you are unable to attend the meeting, please inform your travel agent or the hotel reception. You can also check with the hotel reception or look for a notice in the lobby for the meeting location.

Start your day early if you'd like to join the locals for morning exercise around Hoan Kiem Lake. After breakfast at the hotel, head out for a city tour of Hanoi. Experience the city's vibrant contrasts, from the bustling Old Quarter to the elegant French Quarter, and discover its unique charm, where the past and present blend together seamlessly. Visit the Memorial Complex dedicated to the father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh. This includes the Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s humble stilt house, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Within the complex, you'll also find the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic landmark of Hanoi, built nearly a thousand years ago.
Next, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first National University, established in 1076. The temple features nearly a hundred large stone stelae, each engraved with the names of scholars who received Doctorate degrees through the Royal Examinations.
In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore Hanoi at your own pace. You can dive deeper into the city’s vibrant culture by joining a cooking class to learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine, or embark on motorbike ride around the city, offering a fun and different perspective of Hanoi's lively streets. Alternatively, relax at a café by the lake or visit one of the city’s many art galleries and hidden gems.

Included activities

• Hanoi sightseeing

Meals included

• Breakfast

Accommodation

• Hotel in Hanoi

Optional activities

• Hanoi cooking class: US$
• Water puppet show: US$

After breakfast, embark on a scenic bus journey to Halong City, where you'll board your boat for a cruise through the breathtaking Halong Bay. Located in the northwest of the Tonkin Gulf, Halong Bay features over 2,000 towering limestone islands, sculpted by wind and water over millions of years. The bay is home to stunning karst caves, hidden lagoons, and picturesque beaches, making it one of Vietnam’s most spectacular landscapes. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is famous for its exceptional geological, archaeological, and cultural significance.
Enjoy a fresh and hearty lunch on board as you cruise through the bay’s dramatic scenery. You’ll have the chance to explore up close by kayaking through limestone formations or taking a refreshing swim in the emerald waters at one of the bay’s beautiful beaches.
In the late afternoon, return to Hanoi. Enjoy some free time to explore the city on your own. You might take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake or dive into Hanoi’s vibrant street food scene with a bowl of pho or a banh mi.
In the evening, take a short transfer to the train station and board the overnight sleeper train to Hue - an adventure in itself!

Included activities

• Halong Bay cruise & sightseeing
• Halong Bay kayaking

Meals included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Accommodation

• Hotel in Hanoi

Special notes

The overnight train journey from Hanoi to Hue takes approximately 13 hours. You'll stay in a shared, four-berth cabin with two levels of comfortable soft-sleeper beds and air conditioning. The cabin can be locked from the inside for security, and restrooms are available at both ends of the carriage. For refreshments, a dining car - usually located at the end of the train - offers simple meals and drinks.

Arrive in Hue around 9:00 AM. Your tour guide will meet you at the train station and transfer you to your hotel. While waiting for check-in, feel free to explore the surroundings. Located in central Vietnam, Hue was the imperial capital and remains a treasure trove of the country’s royal heritage. The city is renowned for its rich history, ancient architecture, and scenic beauty along the Perfume River.(br> This afternoon, embark on a guided tour of the Imperial City. Built between 1804 and 1832, this grand complex served as the political and cultural center of the Nguyen Dynasty. The citadel features massive Vauban-style fortified walls surrounded by a deep moat, with the inner Royal City leading to the Purple Forbidden City, once reserved for the emperor and his family. Despite damage from past wars, many palaces, temples, and gates remain, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s regal past.
Later, visit the bustling Dong Ba Market, Hue’s largest and oldest marketplace, where you can browse an array of local specialties, from fresh produce and fragrant spices to traditional handicrafts and famous Hue delicacies like ‘banh khoai’ (savory pancakes) and ‘me xung’ (sesame candy). It’s a great place to experience the everyday life of locals and pick up unique souvenirs.
Evening at leisure – explore the lively night streets along the Perfume River, or opt for a royal banquet dinner, where you can dress in traditional imperial attire and enjoy an authentic feast fit for a king.

Included activities

• • Hue Imperial City tour

Meals included

No meal included today

Accommodation

• Hotel in Hue

Take a scenic bus ride through picturesque countryside, mountains, and lagoons to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Hoi An. Along the way, stop at Lang Co Beach and Hai Van Pass, the highest point in central Vietnam, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Nestled along the peaceful Thu Bon River, Hoi An was once a major trading port from the 15th to the 19th century, welcoming merchant boats from both East and West. The town’s narrow streets, lined with yellow-painted ancient houses, reflect a blend of Japanese, Chinese, and European architectural influences. Well-preserved buildings, traditions, and a vibrant local lifestyle make Hoi An one of Vietnam's most beloved destinations.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of Hoi An’s ancient town, visiting key attractions like the bustling market, Tan Ky Ancient House, the communal hall, Hoi An Museum, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and so on.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Hoi An is renowned for its skilled tailor shops, where you can have custom-made clothes, from suits and dresses to traditional Ao Dai. With a wide range of fabrics and quick turnaround times, it's a great opportunity to get a perfectly tailored outfit.
As the sun sets, Hoi An transforms into an enchanting scene. The streets come alive with colorful lanterns, casting a magical glow along the winding lanes. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank and join the popular tradition of releasing a lantern onto the water, a symbol of good luck and future wishes.

Included activities

• Hoi An walking tour

Meals included

• Breakfast

Accommodation

• Hotel in Hoi An

Enjoy a free day to explore Hoi An at your own pace. Wander the charming streets to discover timeless beauties - from moss-covered roofs to lantern-lit balconies. Relax at a local bar with a café au lait or a cold beer, browse the shops, or savor local specialties like a bowl of Cao Lau noodles or a plate of White Rose dumplings.
You can also explore the countryside by bike, taking in the rural landscapes, or enjoy a boat cruise along the Thu Bon River. If you’re interested, you could join a cooking class to learn how to make delicious Vietnamese dishes.

Meals included

• Breakfast

Accommodation

• Hotel in Hoi An

Optional activities

• Cooking class: US$

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy some free time in the morning until getting a transfer to Da Nang to catch a scenic day train ride to Nha Trang. This journey offers stunning views of Vietnam’s rural landscapes, green rice paddies, peaceful villages, lagoons, lush hills, and beautiful beaches along the coastline.
Nha Trang, a popular seaside resort in southern Vietnam, is renowned for its pristine beaches, pleasant weather, and emerald waters. The area is home to beautiful islands and marine life protection zones, making it one of the top destinations for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Arrive in Nha Trang in the evening, where you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure—explore the beachfront street or enjoy the lively atmosphere at one of the local bars.

Meals included

• Breakfast

Accommodation

• Overnight train

Special notes

Today's train ride is a bit long but offers a fascinating journey. There is usually a dining car serving simple Vietnamese meals, but you may want to pack some food from Hoi An for lunch. Trolleys also circulate offering drinks and snacks, but if you're in the mood for a cold beer or fresh coffee, head to the dining car to take a seat and enjoy. As this is a public train, it's recommended to keep your valuables in a small bag or belt, ensuring you carry them with you at all times.
The train cabin is air-conditioned and accommodates four people with soft sleeper bunks on two levels. It’s comfortable for sitting and enjoying the views through the window or resting as you like. Depending on the group size, you may share the cabin with other passengers not part of your group.

Enjoy a full day of relaxation on the beautiful beaches of Nha Trang. Soak up the sun, swim in the clear, warm waters, and take in the stunning coastal scenery. It's the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge by the sea.
For those wanting to explore more, consider taking an optional boat tour of Nha Trang Bay.
Alternatively, you can visit the fascinating Oceanographic Museum, home to a variety of marine life exhibits, or the historic Ponaga Temple, a well-preserved Cham structure. Another popular option is the Long Son Pagoda, known for its impressive white Buddha statue.
You can also treat yourself to a rejuvenating mud bath at Thap Ba Hot Springs, a therapeutic experience to leave you feeling refreshed.

Meals included

• Breakfast

Accommodation

• Hotel in Nha Trang

Optional activities

• Country cycling: US$

Special notes

Nha Trang is famous for its fresh, affordable seafood. In addition to the restaurants in the city center, you may want to explore local-style eateries on the northern side of the city. Here, you can enjoy a casual dining experience, sitting on colorful plastic chairs, and savoring dishes like lobster, snails, and other local specialties.
Be cautious of taxi scams, as some drivers may try to take you to overpriced places where they earn a commission. To avoid this, always check with your hotel receptionist for trusted recommendations.
If you plan to explore the town at night and visit crowded bars or discotheques, make sure to leave your valuables and passport in the hotel safe or with the reception. Bring only what you need for the evening.

Spend another relaxing day at Nha Trang’s beautiful beaches or explore the city at your own pace. For an exciting optional activity, take a cable car ride over the bay to Vinpearl Land, where you can enjoy the water park and explore the attractions. In the evening, transfer to the train station to board the overnight train to Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals included

• Breakfast

Accommodation

• Overnight train

Special notes

The train to Ho Chi Minh City departs in the evening. After checking out of your room, you can store your luggage at the hotel’s storage. If you plan to spend the day exploring, make sure to check out of your room before heading out. For added security, it's recommended to leave your valuables at the hotel reception. The hotel also provides public bathrooms, so you can freshen up before catching your train.

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon! As the largest city in Vietnam, it’s a vibrant, bustling place filled with a mix of old and new, East and West. The city is a fascinating blend of colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers, with lively streets teeming with people from early morning until midnight.
You’ll arrive at Saigon Station in the morning, where a bus will take you to your hotel.
Later, enjoy a city tour of some of Ho Chi Minh City’s main attractions, including the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace (the former Presidential Palace of South Vietnam before the country reunited in 1975), the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Saigon Post Office, the Theatre Hall, and Ben Thanh Market.
Afterward, the rest of the day is free for you to relax.
For those interested in the Vietnam War history, an optional visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels is highly recommended. If you're a foodie, don’t miss the chance to experience Saigon's vibrant nightlife and food scene on a motorbike.

Included activities

• Ho Chi Minh City sightseeing

Meals included

• No meal included on this day

Accommodation

• Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Optional activities

• Cu Chi Tunnels tours: US$
• Saigon nightlife & foodie tour by motorbike: US$

After breakfast, leave Ho Chi Minh City for a day trip to explore the Mekong Delta, known as the "rice basket" of Vietnam. Over thousands of years, the Mekong River has deposited rich alluvial soil that has shaped the lush landscape of rice paddies, tropical orchards, and mangroves along the delta’s waterways.
Board a wooden boat for a leisurely cruise along the river, where you’ll witness local activities like fishing and water transport. Visit a green orchard and sample fresh tropical fruits. Then, explore local workshops to see how coconut candy, puffed rice, and woven mats are made, and get the chance to taste some local specialties.
Next, hop on a motor cart for an exciting ride along shady paths, passing coconut forests, rice fields, and vegetable plantations, offering a glimpse of daily life in this vibrant tropical region. Enjoy a delicious local lunch featuring Mekong specialties like elephant ear fish, prawns, and crispy banana flower cakes. Afterward, take a relaxing sampan ride along meandering canals surrounded by lush water coconut mangroves before returning to the pier and heading back to Ho Chi Minh City.
As tonight is your last evening in the city, why not gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner and celebrate your journey together?

Included activities

• Mekong (Ben Tre) excursion

Meals included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Accommodation

• Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Today is departure day so you there are no activity organized. Just relax and enjoy time at your own pace until check out time then get transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Safe travel and see you again!

Meals included

• Breakfast

Special notes

The hotel check-out time is 11.00AM so, if your departure flight is later and you wish to keep the room longer, please let us know so that we can book the room for you, otherwise you can store your luggage in the hotel storage and use the public bathroom there. In case you have extra stay in Ho Chi Minh City we can arrange post-trip accommodation and activities for you. If you wish to explore other countries in the region, you can have a look at our tour list and find suitable set departure date to combine this with.