Vietnam Heritage & Waterways Tour, 9 Days | Ideal Travel Asia

Explore the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City and discover its rich history. Visit the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam, followed by the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office. Continue to the War Remnants Museum, which offers insight into Vietnam’s wartime history.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before departing for the Cu Chi Tunnels, located approximately 70 km northwest of the city. Upon arrival, watch a brief introductory video and learn about the tunnel network used during the war. Explore the underground passages, living quarters, storage areas, field hospitals, and command centers. Conclude your visit with traditional tea and cassava, once a staple food of the guerrilla fighters. Guests may also have the opportunity to try shooting activities at the firing range (optional, at own expense).

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Begin the day with a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, located on West Lake. Continue to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, then explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university. After lunch at a local restaurant, join an Egg Coffee Brewing Class and learn how to make Hanoi’s famous specialty eggs coffee. Then, take a tri-cycle ride (xich lo - a traditional vehicle), to visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter, passing highlights such as some famous sites Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

Overnight in Hanoi.

HOA LU – MUA CAVE – TAM COC           (B/L/-) 

Morning: Ancient Capital & Breathtaking Heights

Depart from Hanoi for a scenic 2-hour drive to Ninh Binh province. Your journey begins at the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, exploring the historic temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties while uncovering Vietnam's 10th-century history. Next, head straight to Mua Cave (Hang Múa) before the midday heat. Challenge yourself to climb nearly 500 stone steps along the dragon’s spine to the mountain peak, where you will be rewarded with a spectacular, 360-degree panoramic view of the entire Tam Coc valley.

Afternoon: Regional Delicacies & Timeless River Cruise

After descending the mountain, enjoy a relaxing lunch break at a local restaurant to savor Ninh Binh's most famous regional specialties, featuring authentic, flavorful goat meat dishes (thịt dê) paired with crispy burnt rice (cơm cháy).

Following lunch, transition to Tam Coc and step onto a traditional bamboo rowboat. Let a local rower glide you along the winding Ngo Dong River, passing through three magnificent natural caves and navigating between towering limestone karsts that rise dramatically above the lush rice paddies. Conclude the day with a peaceful drive back to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi

Your journey begins with a morning shuttle bus pickup from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter, heading towards the coast. Arriving at Tuan Chau Port around noon, a speedboat transfers you to the 5-star Luxury Cruise, where a warm welcome drink and a brief safety briefing await. As the ship sets sail, enjoy a delightful lunch while cruising into Lan Ha Bay—a pristine, tranquil extension of Halong Bay filled with thousands of uniquely shaped limestone towers like Finger and Candle Islets. In the afternoon, discover the mystical beauty of the Dark & Bright Cave area, where you can choose to kayak independently or relax on a traditional bamboo boat rowed by locals through a hidden lagoon. Back on board, join the festive Sunset Party on the sundeck. Afterward, the chef will guide you through a hands-on cooking class to master traditional Vietnamese fried spring rolls. The day culminates in a romantic, candle-lit dinner on the sundeck, followed by cultural evening activities including a "Footsteps of Heritage" traditional costume show, squid fishing, or a complimentary herbal foot bath. 

Overnight on board.

Greet the day early with the serene beauty of the bay's sunrise, followed by an energizing Tai Chi session on the sundeck to refresh your mind and body. After a light breakfast of fresh pastries, tea, and coffee, the cruise takes you to the breathtaking Tra Bau area of Lan Ha Bay, renowned for its pristine emerald waters and dramatic limestone karsts. Here, you will have ample time to immerse yourself in nature, swimming and kayaking through the crystal-clear waters surrounded by spectacular scenery. Return to the vessel by 09:00 to pack your bags and complete the check-out procedures. A lavish buffet-style early lunch will be served in the restaurant on the second deck as the cruise leisurely glides back toward the mainland, allowing you to settle any cabin accounts. By late morning, the ship docks at Tuan Chau Port, where your comfortable shuttle bus is ready to transfer you back to Hanoi. Reunite with your tour guide and head to the airport for your onward flight to Ho Chi Minh city.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Explore the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City and discover its rich history. Visit the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam, followed by the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office. Continue to the War Remnants Museum, which offers insight into Vietnam’s wartime history.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before departing for the Cu Chi Tunnels, located approximately 70 km northwest of the city. Upon arrival, watch a brief introductory video and learn about the tunnel network used during the war. Explore the underground passages, living quarters, storage areas, field hospitals, and command centers. Conclude your visit with traditional tea and cassava, once a staple food of the guerrilla fighters. Guests may also have the opportunity to try shooting activities at the firing range (optional, at own expense).

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

EXPLORE MEKONG DELTA & TRANSFER TO CAN THO    (B/L/-) 

Morning: Sacred Temples & River Life 

At 08:00, your guide and private driver will pick you up from your hotel in downtown Ho Chi Minh City for a scenic 1.5-hour drive to the Mekong Delta, passing by lush green rice fields. Your first stop is the magnificent Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the most celebrated and architecturally unique ancient temples in the region.Next, arrive in My Tho and board a motorized boat to cruise the Tien River, passing by the scenic Dragon, Phoenix, Unicorn, and Tortoise Islets. Step ashore to wander through a local orchard, where you will savor fresh tropical fruits while listening to Don Ca Tai Tu (Southern Vietnamese folk music) performed by the islanders.

Afternoon: The Coconut Land & Journey to Can Tho 

Deepen your exploration by boarding a traditional hand-rowed sampan, gliding smoothly through narrow canals fully shaded by water coconut palms. The boat then cruises into Ben Tre province—affectionately known as "The Land of Coconut"—where you will visit a rustic workshop to see how traditional coconut candy is crafted.After a delightful lunch featuring regional delicacies at a local riverside restaurant, enjoy some downtime to relax on a hammock or take a leisurely bicycle ride around the peaceful village pathways. Later in the afternoon, transfer to Can Tho, the vibrant heart of the Mekong Delta. Check into your hotel and enjoy a free evening to explore the charming city and its night market at your own pace.

Overnight in Can Tho. 

FLOATING MARKET & CITY TOUR OF CAN THO                                                                                                 (B/L/-) 

Early Morning: Cai Rang Floating Market & Artisan Noodles 

Start your day early to catch the most vibrant hours of the famous Cai Rang Floating Market. Board a private boat to witness the fascinating hustle and bustle of river commerce, where hundreds of boats display their fruits and vegetables on long bamboo poles. During the cruise, pull up alongside a local vendor boat to sample a hot bowl of traditional noodle soup or sip a morning coffee right on the water.Continue your boat journey to a traditional Rice Noodle Factory to see the fascinating step-by-step process of making noodles by hand. Before heading back, take a stroll through a bustling mainland wet market filled with colorful stalls of fresh produce and spices.

Can Tho Cultural Tour & Heritage House 

Return to your hotel to freshen up, enjoy a relaxed breakfast, and complete your check-out. Before bidding farewell to the Mekong Delta, embark on a curated city tour of Can Tho. Begin with a visit to the Can Tho Museum, which beautifully showcases the rich agriculture and vibrant river life of the region, as well as the historic, peaceful co-existence of the Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer ethnic groups.

Next, head to the iconic Binh Thuy Ancient House. Originally built in 1870 as a sacred place of worship for the family ancestors, this beautifully preserved mansion features a stunning blend of French-colonial architecture and traditional Vietnamese design. Take a peaceful stroll through its historic rooms and lush gardens.

Before heading back to the bustling city, indulge in a specialized riverside lunch featuring the Mekong’s most celebrated delicacy: Crispy Elephant Ear Fish. The fish is served upright, featuring wonderfully crunchy scales and tender, sweet white meat. Guests will enjoy rolling the fish in delicate rice paper with fresh local herbs, creating a perfect harmony of textures and authentic flavors. 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, you'll have some free time to enjoy at your leisure. Your private tour guide will then pick you up and transfer you to the airport. Have a safe and pleasant flight home, and we hope to welcome you back soon.