Vietnam Exploration Tour – December 2023

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City. A representative of Advent Tours will meet our group at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) and transfer them to the Eden Star Hotel (or similar) in downtown Ho Chi Minh City.

We being our adventure as we explore the beautiful countryside of Vietnam on our way to the Cu Chi Tunnels. These tunnels were no ordinary ones! They were an elaborate underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Once we arrive, we’ll watch a short intro video, and then it’s time to get underground and explore the maze. After we resurface, we will head back to Ho Chi Minh City, where we will have a delicious lunch!

After lunch, we’ll travel back in time as we explore the city’s most iconic French colonial buildings. The Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office are stunning examples of classic French architecture that will leave you feeling like you’re in Paris!

Next, we’ll visit the Reunification Palace, where we’ll learn about its crucial role in the Vietnam War. But be prepared for a reality check when we visit the War Remnants Museum, where you’ll see poignant displays that remind us the high cost of a war that took so many lives.

And of course, no trip to Ho Chi Minh City would be complete without stopping by the bustling Ben Thanh Market! You can pick up some souvenirs or sample some local delicacies before we head back to our home base at the Eden Star Hotel (or similar).

Welcome to the Mekong River tour, where we’ll embark on an adventure to the four islands of Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix! But don’t worry, you won’t be alone because we’ll be cruising along the river, enjoying the sights and sounds of the beautiful scenery.

After sightseeing, we’ll head to the Unicorn Island, which is the biggest island in the area. Here, you’ll get to see beehives and enjoy some honey tea at the local people’s house. Then, we’ll visit a coconut candy workshop in An Hóa Island, where you can learn how to make candy and even try some for yourself.
But that’s not all! We’ll also take a horse-carriage or electric cart ride along the village road and stop at a farm-house to enjoy some fresh tropical fruits and listen to traditional music performed by local people. Afterward, we’ll row a small boat (sampan) along a beautiful natural canal and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the countryside.

Hungry yet? We’ll take a break and head to a local restaurant for lunch, where you’ll have the chance to try some typical Mekong Delta food. But before we return to Mỹ Tho city, we’ll enjoy some fresh coconut on the boat.

The Mekong tour may be over, but we have one more stop for you – Vinh Trang Pagoda. This beautiful temple has a rich history and has undergone many changes throughout its lifetime. You’ll have the chance to learn about the pagoda’s formation and explore the grounds.

After a full day of adventure, we’ll return to Ho Chi Minh city in the late afternoon. It’s time to head back  to the Eden Star Hotel (or similar) to relax and unwind after a day of fun and discovery. Come and join us on the Mekong River tour – an experience you’ll never forget! Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City. 

After a few thrilling days of adventure, it’s time to take it easy and recharge. This morning, we can hit that snooze button, sip on some delicious coffee, and get ready for the next leg of our journey.

Our trusty driver will then whisk us away to the Tan Son Nhat airport, where we’ll hop on a plane to the beautiful city of Da Nang. Once we arrive and get transferred to the Lantana Boutique Hotel Hoi An  (or similar), it’s time to sit back, relax, and soak up the stunning scenery.

You can choose to take a dip in the pool, pamper yourself with some spa treatments, or explore the nearby attractions – it’s all up to you!

We’ll start with an enjoyable rickshaw ride, taking in all the breathtaking views that the countryside has to offer. From green water coconut forests to vibrant rice fields, you won’t want to miss a single moment of this picturesque scenery.

When we arrive at the Trà Quế organic farm, we’ll be welcomed with open arms and given a tour of the farm’s vegetable garden. Get ready to learn as the farmers share with us what it is like to live on a farm and teach us about the organic methods they use to cultivate their crops. We’ll even have the chance to get our hands dirty with some gardening activities like raking the ground, sowing herb seeds, and perhaps even helping them pick some vegetables.

Next, we’ll visit a rice farming village and learn how to make white rice by hand. Join in the process of husking, sifting, and pounding rice to make rice flour.

Before heading back to the Lantana Boutique Hotel in Hoi An (or similar), it’s time to sit back, relax, and soak up the stunning scenery. Hoi An, we’ll enjoy a delicious meal with our new farmer friends. Feast on deep-fried spring rolls, local rice pancakes, and fresh organic vegetables. And for dessert? We’ll be indulging in some sweet and juicy seasonal fruits.

So get ready to embrace the Vietnamese farmer lifestyle and join us for an unforgettable day full of adventure, learning, and of course, delicious food!

Are you ready for an awesome day in Hoi An? Today, you’ve got three options to choose from to make your day unforgettable!

First up, Option One: A Vietnamese Cook Class and Foot Massage.

After a delicious breakfast at our hotel, we’ll catch a minivan to the Tra Que Organic Village. There, we’ll learn about traditional farming methods and and head to the local market where we will pick all the fresh ingredients for our Vietnamese vegetarian meal. Our local host will then teach us how to prepare and cook the meal from scratch. And, of course, we’ll get to enjoy the delicious results afterward!

After lunch, we will enjoy a leisurely cruise back to central Hoi An on the Hoi An River, and then conclude our day with a relaxing foot massage. Sounds like a perfect day to me!

Option Two is for the history buffs: A Trip to My Son Sanctuary.

Get ready for an exciting day as we embark on a journey to the mystical My Son Sanctuary! Our adventure begins with a scenic drive across the Cua Dai bridge where you’ll be able to feast your eyes on the majestic Hoi An river system, towering mountains, and the beautiful Cham Islands. We’ll even make a pit stop at a charming local fishing village where you can watch the fishermen sell their fresh catch.

Once we arrive at the Sanctuary, we’ll be greeted by a stunning traditional dance performance. Then, it’s time to explore the jungle-bordered track that leads to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hindu temples. You’ll be amazed by the breathtaking beauty and intricate details of the temples which date back to the 4th to 13th centuries.

After a fulfilling day of adventure, we’ll unwind with a scenic countryside cruise back to the Lantana Boutique Hotel in Hoi An (or similar) on the Thu Bon River. We will then top off the day with a relaxing foot massage.

But hey, if you’re feeling lazy and want to take it easy, Option Three is always open! You can choose to sleep in and spend the day in Hoi An doing whatever your heart desires. Either way, I guarantee it will be a memorable time filled with fun and relaxation.

Today, we have a free morning in Hoi An, so you can catch up on some much-needed sleep or explore the charming town. Take a stroll along the peaceful river and breathe in the fresh air, or indulge in a shopping excursion at the colorful markets to grab some souvenirs for your loved ones back home. But, don’t get too comfortable because we have a flight to catch to the bustling city of Hanoi!

Get your taste buds ready for a culinary adventure through Hanoi’s Old Quarter! After checking into the Tirana Hotel (or similar) and taking a quick breather, it’s time to hit the streets for an evening excursion like no other. As we meander through the maze-like alleys, we’ll unveil the delicious secrets of local street food. Satisfy your hunger with the world-renowned Banh Mi Chay sandwich, slurp up the mouth-watering Pho Bo, or enjoy a tasty plate of Bot Chien. Our taste buds will dance with joy as we indulge in the authentic flavors of Vietnam.

But wait, there’s more! Our tour will finish with the unique and delightful Ca Phe Trung, or Egg Coffee. You won’t want to miss this sweet treat. And if you’re not ready to say goodbye to the vibrant city of Hanoi, feel free to hang out in a nearby coffee shop and soak up the atmosphere.

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure in Vietnam? Get ready to embark on a two-day 5-star cruise on Halong Bay, where we’ll discover breathtaking limestone rock formations that tower out of the sparkling emerald waters.

Our journey begins with a pickup from our hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Once we arrive in Ha Long, we’ll check in and receive a refreshing drink to quench our thirst. After settling into our cabins, we’ll indulge in a scrumptious lunch as we set sail towards Trinh Nu cave. Once we arrive, we’ll explore the cave and have the option to paddle around in kayaks to Trinh Nu beach, which is a picture-perfect paradise.

When we’re back on board, the fun doesn’t stop. You can learn how to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes in a cooking class or just soak up the sun on the sundeck while sipping tea or coffee. As the day comes to a close, we’ll dine on a scrumptious meal under the stars before dipping our toes in herbal wood foot baths or trying our hand at night squid fishing. Or, if you prefer, just kick back and admire the starry night sky.

Get ready to make some unforgettable memories on this amazing Halong Bay cruise!

Are you ready for an adventurous morning in Ha Long Bay? Wake up to stunning views and start your day with complimentary Tai chi lessons – perfect for getting your blood pumping.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, join us for a lite breakfast before we head off to explore the incredible Sung Sot cave. This cave is truly one of a kind with unique rock formations you won’t see anywhere else. As we walk through the steep stone steps, you’ll feel like you’re climbing to the sky!

Back on board, it’s time to relax and indulge in some well-deserved pampering. Take a nap in your cozy room, or treat yourself to a rejuvenating herbal foot bath prepared by our amazing crew. You can also catch some rays on the sundeck or snap some pics of Ha Long Bay to show off to your friends. Don’t forget to grab some souvenirs to take home with you!

After packing up our belongings, we’ll enjoy a delicious early lunch buffet at the restaurant. Then, it’s time to disembark around 11 am at Tuan Chau Marina.

Once we get back to Hanoi, get ready for a truly unique experience – an authentic Vietnamese water puppet show! You’ll be delighted by puppets performing traditional dances and stories while floating gracefully on water.

Finally, we will head back to the Tirana Hotel (or similar), where we will enjoy a good night’s rest.

For our last day in Vietnam, we will immerse ourselves in the rich history and culture of Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi!

First up, we’ll be stopping to pay our respects at the mausoleum and former residence of the famous leader of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh. Then, we’ll be visiting the One-Pillar Pagoda, which is like no other pagoda you’ve seen before!

Next stop, the Temple of Literature! It’s a thousand years old and was Vietnam’s first university! And if you think that’s impressive, just wait until you see the Museum of Ethnology! With thousands of artifacts from 54 different ethnic groups in Vietnam, you’ll be blown away by the diversity and richness of Vietnamese culture. And we won’t want to miss the outside exhibition, which has fascinating ethnic houses from all over Vietnam.

But wait, there’s more! After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll visit the stunning Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Finally, we’ll be taking a walking tour through the hidden alleys of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Get your cameras ready for some amazing street photography!

Around 5 pm, we will head to the airport to catch our flights home. As we do we will take one last glance at the stunning landscapes of Vietnam and reflect on our amazing time together. And who knows, maybe we’ll meet again on another adventure with Advent Tours!