Vietnamese Adventure

Once you have arrived at Hanoi Airport, a shuttle bus takes you to the hotel in the heart of Hanoi’s old quarter. Despite its three million inhabitants, you can feel Hanoi’s traditional charm. The historic old town district is considered one of the best preserved in Southeast Asia. There may be time to enjoy a walk through the vibrant, lively streets before meeting your fellow travellers at the hotel in the late afternoon. During a visit to the famous water puppet theatre, a traditional Vietnamese art form, and dinner at a local restaurant, everyone has the chance to get to know each other better. Overnight stay at the hotel in Hanoi. (Meals: D)

After breakfast, our shuttle bus takes us in the direction of the rural province of Ninh Binh. This is the starting point of our first cycling tour which leads along vibrant green rice fields to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam. After exploring the fascinating historical site with its well-preserved relics of past dynasties, we continue our cycling tour through Vietnam‘s most spectacular landscapes. Along the way we stop in the quaint village of Trang An Farm where we try some local specialties for lunch. After lunch, we cycle on for a few kilometres to Tam Coc where we enjoy the most spectacular view of limestone karst peaks looming out of serene rice fields. Here we leave the bikes and board a traditional rowboat, which takes us into the heart of a hidden valley. The last activity for today is a visit to a local bird sanctuary. The flock of birds returning to their nests in the evening is a truly spectacular sight. Overnight stay at the hotel in Tam Coc. (Meals: B, L, D)

After breakfast, we visit a hidden valley nestled in a dramatic rocky landscape and home to a Buddhist temple. Afterwards, we take a four-hour transfer to Ha Long Bay, where we board a junk (a traditional wooden boat) and enjoy our lunch. Soon after we leave the harbour for our first boat passage through the spectacular UNESCO protected island world of Ha Long Bay with its wonderful, bizarre rock formations. Here we get a first impression of the lush vegetation of the islands and the numerous caves that have formed over the millennia in the bay. In the late afternoon a sunset kayak tour is offered to those who wish to take part. The night is spent on anchor. (Meals: B, L, D)

After breakfast we cruise, via a smaller boat, to the national park of Cat Ba Island. Once we have arrived, we begin our cycling tour to a small tribal village of the Việt Hải minority. We park the bikes here and enjoy a guided walk through the protected old-growth forest where wild, unspoilt nature rules. The destination is the highest peak of the island which, on a good day, offers breath-taking views over the island and out to Hạ Long Bay. We then cruise east of Bo Hon Island to the so-called ‘Virgin Cave’ (Trinh Nu Cave). A visit to this cave combines the incredible beauty of Halong Bay with the folklore of Vietnamese heritage. We will enjoy dinner followed by an overnight on the ship. (Meals: B, L, D)

In the morning, we disembark the junk and take a transfer boat to Lan Ha Bay, where we enjoy a guided kayak tour around the lagoon-like shoreline. Our first stop is a beautiful hidden beach. After a picnic and a lengthy relaxing swim break, we continue with a kayak tour past floating houses to Cat Ba, the next destination of our journey. A short transfer takes us to a beautiful resort, where the evening can be enjoyed on the hotel’s very own sandy beach or by the pool. (Meals: B, L, D)

After a morning visit to the Cat Ba market, we can enjoy a free morning by the beach (late hotel checkout until 2:00 pm). We then take a transfer to Hai Phong / Hanoi Airport for a late afternoon flight to Danang. Dinner and overnight will be enjoyed in a hotel in Hội An.
Note: in the event the original flight to Danang (from Hai Phong) is cancelled or changed, we will transfer guests to Hanoi to catch a connecting flight. (Meals: B, L, D)

Today we have the opportunity to experience the everyday life and work of the local farmers. After breakfast, we ride through the quiet countryside of Hội An towards Tra Que Village. The name of the area originates from a sweet-scented vegetable often used by the locals to spice up their meals: a totally new and foreign speciality! We prepare a meal with our host who familiarises us with the exotic ingredients. The afternoon can be spent as you wish: A stroll through the picturesque old town or a relaxing afternoon swim at the white beach of Cửa Đại or at An Bang Beach. Overnight stay at a hotel in Hội An. (Meals: B, L)

We have the full day to explore (on foot) the sights and sounds of Hội An. Its narrow streets, lantern-lit storefronts and fusion of various styles of traditional Asian architecture give it a charming feel. Two of the city’s main specialties are clothing and food. Also, don’t miss visiting the Japanese Bridge and Quan Cong Temple. In the afternoon you can enjoy all the benefits of your luxurious hotel resort and end the day at the palm tree shaded pool. Overnight at the Hotel in Hội An. (Meals: B, L)

After breakfast we check out of the hotel and make our way to the former imperial city of Huế. Our transfer takes us over the Cloud Pass, the weather line between North and South Vietnam. After a short stopover on Lăng Cô Beach we have the opportunity to cycle all the way along the coastline to Thuan An beach. On the way we will have a lunchbreak.
You can decide for yourself how many kilometres you wish to travel by bike or by bus. If weather conditions allow, we can stay for a refreshing swim before continuing to Huế. After checking into our lodge, the evening offers us some leisure time to explore the city for ourselves. Overnight stay at a hotel in Huế. (Meals: B, L, D)

Today is dedicated to the old imperial city Huế, charmingly situated between hills and rice fields on the bend of the Perfume River. It is here that the spiritual heart of Vietnam beats with more than 300 temples and pagodas. After breakfast, we enjoy a relatively easy ride toward Thanh Thuy Village. After exploring the village (with its unique architecture, temples & bridges) we bike back to Huế where guests will eat lunch before taking a tour of the Imperial Citadel. After lunch, we visit the extensive citadel with its “Forbidden Purple City“, which was once exclusively for the use of the emperors of the Nguyen dynasty. The evening can be spent as you wish with plenty of time to explore the lively centre of Huế. (Meals: B, L)

After breakfast we catch a morning flight to Hồ Chí Minh City with a subsequent transfer to Ben Tre, where we check-in on board the boat. We sail along the Mekong Delta in the direction of Cái Bè. During the short trip we cruise along the Mekong Delta during which we enjoy the flourishing nature and observe the river life of the locals. North from Ben Tre, we will set off on our first bike tour in the region before returning to the boat for lunch. The boat cruises to the small island of Nau Hiep for a second bike tour. Along the way be sure to take the opportunity to try exotic fruits and be astonished by various local handcrafts. Afterwards, the junk takes us for a sunset sail towards Cai Be, where we spend the night on anchor. (Meals: B, L, D)

In the morning we cross over to Vĩnh Long Island, where we cycle under palm-shaded paths around the island. We continue by boat to Traon Island where we again have the opportunity to explore the surroundings by bike. Later on, we enjoy the excellent cuisine on board and the wonderful evening atmosphere in the water labyrinth of the Mekong Delta. We spend the night aboard. (Meals: B, L, D)

During breakfast, we cruise to Cần Thơ where we discover one of the last floating markets in Vietnam. We then visit the region’s largest farmer´s market, rounding out our cultural experience of Southern Vietnam. Make sure to have a camera at the ready, as the colourful fruit stands beg to be captured. After lunch on board the junk, we check out and take a transfer back to Hồ Chí Minh City. Overnight stay at a hotel in Hồ Chí Minh City. (Meals: B, L)

Hồ Chí Minh City, formerly Saigon, is a boomtown and the modern centre of Vietnam. On a guided city tour we learn about this growing megacity, and visit the town hall, the cathedral Notre Dame, the main post office, influenced by Renaissance architecture, and other important sights which characterize the city’s history. In the afternoon, you are free to do as you please. Take the opportunity to buy some souvenirs and dive into the bustling crowds in the Bến Thành Market. A comfortable evening meal together allows us to reflect on the events of the vacation and to say goodbye to fellow guests and tour guides. Overnight stay at the hotel in Hồ Chí Minh City. (Meals: B, L, D)

Departure after breakfast or extended stay in Hồ Chí Minh City. (Meals: B)