VIETNAM: Boutique Small Group Cultural, Foodie & Handicraft Tour - 14 days

Destination:  VIETNAM: Ho Chi Minh City | Mekong Delta | Hoi An | Hue | Hanoi | Ha Long Bay,

Tour Commences in: Ho Chi Minh City

Tour Concludes in: Hanoi

Number of Days:  14 days / 13 nights

Tour Style:  Boutique Tour  (groups, couples & solo travellers)

Accommodation:  Modern & Boutique Hotels

Meals:    Breakfasts; 13: Lunches; 10: Dinners; 1:

Leaders:   Professional specialised guides

Transportation:    Private chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles, boats & planes

Tour Grading:    MODERATE: Suitable for travellers with an above average level of fitness and mobility

• A specially curated itinerary for Boutique Tours & Travel

• Discover significant landscapes and cultural sites throughout the country

• Experience the bustling city of HCMC

• Explore the local markets

• Visit the famous The Reunification Palace (Presidential Palace) Notre Dame Cathedral, the Centre Old Post Office

• Be moved at The War Remnants Museum,

• Experience the Cai Be floating fruit & vegetable market,

• Enjoy cruising the Mekong Delta River

• Encounter with guerrilla women in Mekong delta

• Tour an ancient mandarin house

• Walk & shop the delightful high-end shopping streets

• Be captivated UNESCO Listed charming ancient township of Hoi An

• ‘Shop till you drop’ amongst masterful tailors, artists in Hoi An

• Experience optional cooking & or lantern making lessons

• Explore the Old City including the 400 year old Japanese Bridge & Chinese Pagoda

• Be intrigued by the Imperial Citidel at Hue

• Enjoy cruising the Perfumed River

• Experience a cyclo ride in the old quarter of Hanoi

• Step inside Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, house on stilts. One Pillar Pagoda; full of history

• Visit Van Mieu- Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature & Vietnam’s first university). Constructed in 11th century,

• The Water Puppet show- a uniquely Northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history

• Meet silk weaving artisan

• Participate in a market tour & cooking class

• Be overwhelmed by Ha Long Bay, one of the World Natural Heritages recognized by UNESCO

• Enjoy fabulous wonderful cuisine and regional delicacies

Day 1:    Friday:    Arrive Ho Ci Minh City:    (Welcome Cocktails/D)
Welcome to Vietnam. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be greeted by our VIP concierge immigration coordinators and ‘Fast Tracked’ through customs where you will be meet by your tour host and transferred to our hotel in the city centre. Depending on your arrival time you may have time to explore the local surrounding area or relax.
Later this evening guests are invited to rendezvous in the hotel lobby to meet fellow travelling companions for a tour briefing before enjoying our welcome dinner at a lovely local restaurant.  
You may wish to arrive a day earlier to shop or maybe just to get your bearings and recover from any jet lag you may have. If you do choose to arrive a day or so earlier, we can extend your hotel booking and provide any information or advice you may need in order to make the most of your time in this exciting city. (Please inform us asap if you require a pre and or post tour hotel rooms)

Day 2:    Saturday:    Ho Chi Minh City:    (B/L)
We begin the day exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s historical sights and present-day attractions. Visit the War Remnants Museum - originally opened in September 1975; it displays old military equipment and other related items from the Vietnam War. (American War) This is a very moving experience.
Later drive to visit the Reunification Palace, former residence of the President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam until the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. (One of the final photos of the war was ‘a North Vietnamese tank ‘smashing the front gates of this Palace.)
Continue onto the splendid Notre Dame Cathedral and walk to the historical General Post Officewhich are beautiful examples of architecture from the French colonial period.
Enjoy lunch at one of the best local restaurants and sample Vietnam’s most popular noodle soup. The restaurant has been run by successive generations of the same family, which adds a little history and ambience. The broth recipe here is a family secret which helps create a little mystique around the flavours. Served with your bowl of pho is a plate of deep fried bread called “qouy”. This bread is actually of Chinese origin, but it is finding favour as a daytime side dish.
Later, visit The FITO Museum. It offers a wonderful insight into the years of traditional herbal medicines and has a vast collection of almost 30000 items. Our visit concludes with a cup of herbal tea.
Saigon coffee is a must and is something that can’t be grasped or interpreted, it is only known that Saigon coffee has a strong attachment to people every day and has gradually become an indispensable part of Saigon people’s life and loves. We stop at one of our favourite coffee shops and taste the local coffee and enjoy a moment with the owners. Saigon will share his technique and experiences on how to select good coffee. If time permits the guide will walk you through a local flower market. Later we return to our hotel. This evening is at your leisure.

Optional Evening Private Tour: Craft Beer Tasting:
This tour reveals the best craft breweries in town. All the beers have been carefully selected by each Master Brewer especially for this adventure, so you can get a taste of the broad range of flavours of the impressively growing craft beer scene in this vibrant city. Our tour will share the knowledge, story and the actual brewing process with unique ingredients & flavors, so you can fully appreciate the taste of their creations.
Inclusions: Round trip transfer by vintage Vespa, experienced driver, helmet, English speaking guide, craft beers & matching foods

Day 3:    Sunday:    Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta:    (B/L)
We leave bustling Saigon and drive to the “rice bowl” of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta. It is carpeted with rice paddies, floating markets, crisscross rivers and canals. We drive to a not so well-known area by tourists to Ben Tre. Ben Tre, well known for coconuts, it attracts visitors to its fresh-aired environment of large green coconut & fruits gardens. On the way, stop in My Tho  at a Bamboo & Silk Shop.
We continue driving onto Ben Tre, board a private river barge—open-sided to let the river breeze flow through, offering a naturally air-conditioned, local-style experience.
Meandering down the Mekong, observe local life as it plays out on the riverbanks: the people and stunning landscapes, whilst at the same time enjoy cold drinks and seasonal local fruit offered by the very attentive staff.  Stop and visit a local factory to learn the traditional methods used to make ‘coal’ from the coconut hard-shell. Following this take a tuktuk ride through peaceful villages.
Lunch at a Riverside Restaurant serving local Mekong specialities. Relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere before a boat transfer back to the pier and to the hotel to check in. This evening is at your leisure.   

Day 4:    Monday:    Mekong Delta – Can Tho City:    (B/L)
Cai Rang market is one of the largest floating markets in Mekong Delta. In the early morning, the waterways become a maze of boats selling daily necessities of seasonal fruits and farming products and even noodles for breakfast. Sellers tie their goods to a tall pole so that buyers can see from a distance what they are selling.
Early this morning with your guide, cruise in a small private boat and learn more of this unique trading way in Mekong Delta and have a fabulous time interacting with the community. Then continue to small canal to visit a fruit garden where your guide will show you around before having a plate of delicious fruits.
Later, disembark at a local market and enjoy a guided walk through its bustling stalls, offering an authentic glimpse into daily life. And then return to the hotel for breakfast.  Later transfer to an organic cacao farm and learn about Mekong countryside life, culture, and fruits. Cross the Mekong River to see a famous old giant ficus microcarpa tree, known for its role during the Vietnam War. Continue our excursion to a lovely town situated on the bank of Mekong River and visit the delightful Huynh Thuy Le's Ancient House where Marguerite Duras spent some of her childhood.
After exploring the nearby local market and flower village in Sa Dec, visit a delightful garden for afternoon tea. Later return the hotel. This evening at your leisure.

Day 5:    Tuesday:    Mekong Delta  – Danang – Hoi An:    (B/Snack/D)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Danang City.  On arrival you will be meet by your guide and driver, then it’s a 40-minute drive to the quaint town of Hoi An.
After checking in, embark on a guided walking tour through the enchanting Ancient Town of Hoi An. Discover its unique architectural highlights, including the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, traditional Phuc KienChinese Assembly Hall, Museum and Quong Kong Temple. Our exploration continues through both the main thoroughfares and hidden laneways, studded by houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architecture where local street vendors sell their wares.
This afternoon, enjoy a street food walking tour. Along the way, you’ll discover a different side of Hoi An, tasting your way through its local flavours and hidden corners. It’s a fun and delicious way to experience the town. Afterwards, return to your hotel. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Optional Tour: Hoi An Memories  Show:
This is a colourful music show that recalls the history of Hoi An. It’s a dazzling state of the art show that captures the history and culture and the essence of Vietnam.
Commences: 20:00hrs
Cost: USD 50.00 pp VIP Seats or USD 32.00 General Seats

Day 6:    Wednesday:    Hoi An:  (B/L)
This morning, begin with a guided walk to the Central Market alongside the chef, where you'll learn how to select the freshest ingredients, pick up bargaining tips, and engage with local stallholders about their produce and daily life. Afterwards, take part in a hands-on cooking class, carefully preparing and plating a selection of traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Then enjoy a scenic cruise along the Thu Bon River to a cooking school nestled within the tranquil water coconut forest. Upon arrival, you’ll be introduced to a variety of Vietnamese vegetables and herbs before preparing four signature dishes. Relish the delicious lunch you’ve created in this serene setting. Later, return to the hotel in the early afternoon, with the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Optional Tour: Hoi An Memories  Show:
This is a colourful music show that recalls the history of Hoi An. It’s a dazzling state of the art show that captures the history and culture and the essence of Vietnam.

Day 7:    Thursday:    Hoi An:    (B)
Free day at leisure or participate in an optional Tour.

Optional Tour: Discover Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge: (B)
Drive to the Ba Na Hill. A scenic mountainous area with panoramic views. Ride the Ba Na Hills cable car to enjoy a birds eye view of the strikingly beautiful countryside. Later walk the Golden Bridge – a pair of golden hand jutting out of the mountain Enjoy a delicious lunch before returning to your hotel.

Optional Tour: Hoi An – Cooking Class at Red Bridge with Lunch: (B/L)
Start your day with a welcome drink at a Café, then explore Hoi An’s lively market to learn about fresh local ingredients. Enjoy a scenic 25-minute boat ride to the Red Bridge Cooking School, where you’ll tour the herb garden and join a fun hands-on cooking class. Learn to prepare iconic Vietnamese dishes, try simple food carving techniques, then sit down to enjoy your creations. A perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and riverside charm.

Day 8:    Friday:    Hoi An – Hue:    (B/L)
Today we drive tothe Imperial City of Hue travelling via the scenic Hai Van Pass, which offers sweeping panoramic views of Vietnam’s central coastline. Along the way, we’ll make a ‘comfort’ stop at a local café—an area also renowned for its oyster farms and pearl cultivation. We continue on to Hue, where lunch will be served in a beautiful ancient Hue garden house restaurant.
Following lunch we visit Hope Centre in Hue, an N.G.O established in 1999, which provides free vocational training courses and creates job for disabled and disadvantaged children and ethnic minority people. On the tour of the centre, they demonstrate how to “throw” on the potter’s wheel and weaving from electrical wires and bamboo. It is a humbling experience.
Next, visit an Incense Village. It offers a vibrant and fragrant experience, where colourful bundles of handmade incense sticks line the streets in artistic displays. Observe the skilled craftsmanship of the locals and gain insight into this centuries-old tradition. It's a perfect stop for cultural immersion and striking photo opportunities, just a few kilometres from the city centre. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel for check-in. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Day 9:    Saturday:    Hue:    (B/L/D)
After breakfast, set out to explore the amazing Hue Imperial City including– UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site of the Imperial Citadel, once the seat of power from where Kings of Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty ruled from 1802 to 1945. The site includes the Flag Tower, Nine Holy Cannons, Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Nine Dynastic Urns and the Forbidden Purple City.
Next, visit an ancient pagoda, a convent for Buddhist monks on the outskirts of Hue. The Pagoda is, surrounded by lush greenery, big-leafed palm, banana and fig trees. The tranquil setting and gentle rhythm of monastic life offer a glimpse into the spiritual heart of Vietnamese Buddhism. Lunch today is at a local vegetarian restaurant.
Continue on and visit the last resting place of the 12th  King Khai Dinh, who left behind a magnificent and huge burial idyllically located in Chau Chu Mountain just outside of Hue, it is a mix of eastern and western architecture, Return to the hotel.
Later this evening transfer to a special restaurant for dinner.

Day 10:    Sunday:    Hue – Hanoi:    (B/L)
After breakfast check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for a short morning flight to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to the city centre. Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the most stylish vegetarian restaurants in Hanoi. Buddhism has a long history of development in Vietnam so vegetarian food is an indispensable part of its culinary culture. With their creativeness, Vietnamese chefs have made diverse vegetarian foods which are full of delicious Vietnamese tastes.
After lunch, explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, the largest museum featuring both indoor and open-air exhibits. This fascinating museum showcases the culture and daily lives of Vietnam’s fifty-four ethnic minority groups, offering an engaging insight into their diverse traditions. Later, ride a cyclo (trishaw) to explore the famous streets of Hanoi’s old quarter. Check into hotel and this evening is at your leisure.

Day 11:    Monday:    Hanoi:    (B)
After breakfast, enjoy a free day of leisure or participate in an optional Tour.

Optional Tour: Coffee Workshop Tour (Private)
Dive into Vietnam’s rich coffee culture Start with hotel pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Learn about the history of coffee in Vietnam and exploring beans, brewing tools, and roasting techniques. Guided by seasoned experts, you’ll craft two of five unique Vietnamese coffees. This immersive experience ends with a return transfer to your hotel, leaving you inspired and caffeinated.

Optional Tour:  Half Day Foodie, Cultural Sights Tour : Vintage Jeep
Explore Hanoi like never before in a classic Jeep! This 4.5-hour guided tour combines hidden gems, iconic sights, vibrant local life, and authentic street food. Perfect for travellers seeking fun, culture, and culinary delights—all from the open-air charm of a vintage ride.

Optional Tour: Private Cooking Class
Discover the heart of Vietnamese cuisine through this immersive half-day cooking class. Perfectly designed for travellers seeking an authentic culinary adventure. Visit a bustling local market where you'll select fresh ingredients alongside your instructor, learning about the essential herbs and spices that define Vietnamese cooking. Then its a hands-on class learning to master traditional techniques while preparing signature Vietnamese dishes under expert guidance. You'll savour the fruits of your labour, before returning to your hotel with new skills, recipes, and a deeper appreciation for Vietnam's rich culinary heritage.

Optional Tour: Water Puppet Show:
A unique Northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from national history.

Day 12:    Tuesday:    Hanoi – Ha Long Bay:    (B/L/D)
After breakfast, depart Hanoi for the breathtaking Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site famed for its thousands of towering limestone islets and mysterious grottoes emerging from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Upon arrival at the port, board your traditional wooden boat and check in to your cabin. Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink before lunch on board. As the cruise begins, relax and take in the scenic beauty as we sail past dramatic rock formations, floating villages, and secluded beaches. We’ll visit a floating fishing village to gain insight into this unique way of life. Dinner is served once the boat anchors for the night in a peaceful, designated area. (Please note: You may leave your main suitcase at the hotel and bring an overnight bag for this excursion.)

Note: Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions or local administration regulations.

Day 13:   Wednesday:     Ha Long Bay – Hanoi: (Brunch / Cocktails /D)
Early risers may wish to join a Tai Chi class on the sundeck, a peaceful way to start the day as the sun rises over Ha Long Bay. Breakfast is served on board while the boat continues its leisurely cruise through the bay, passing numerous limestone islets—many named for the shapes they resemble. There is an option to visit a magnificent grotto before we begin our return journey to the port.
Following disembarking we transfer back to Hanoi and check in to our hotel. This afternoon is at your leisure.
Later, we gather in the hotel foyer for pre-dinner drinks before enjoying a farewell dinner in a beautifully restored colonial building—an ideal setting to reflect and share memories of our journey together.

Day 14:    Thursday:    Depart Hanoi:    (B)
Our small group tour concludes after breakfast and for most guests today it is time to say farewell to acquaintances, new-found friends and Vietnam.
At your leisure before transferring to the airport for your onward or homebound journey.
Depending on your departure itinerary, you may have time for some last-minute sightseeing and shopping. We are able to organize our private guide to accompany you.

Some guests may wish to stay another day or more in this amazing city; please don’t hesitate to contact Boutique Tours & Travel for further travel arrangements.

Our itineraries are carefully planned to ensure you are rewarded with the best experiences in Vietnam.  The magic of travelling in a small group allows us to cater for spontaneity and it is sometimes these unplanned moments that can be the most memorable and together with the rich tapestry of experiences and the characters we meet along the way that make this a very special tour.

• A specially curated itinerary for Boutique Tours & Travel. 

• A Small Group Tour (2 – 12  Guests)

• Private international airport arrival transfers (1 - 2 days Pre Tour- to Tour Hotel)

• Private international airport departure transfers for all guests (1 – 2 days  Post Tour- from Tour Hotel)

• Private airport International & Domestic arrival and departure transfers for all guests

• Internal Airfare – Economy Class: HCMC/Danang - Hue/Hanoi – Business class on request

• Modern & Boutique Hotel accommodation – upgrades available at extra costs

• Two day / one night cruise package in Ha Long Bay

• Private air-conditioned chauffer driven vehicles for all your transportation

• Private Boat fees where applicable; Mekong Delta, Hue

• Meals as listed in the program B= Breakfast; L= Lunch & D = Dinner

• Experienced professional tour guide

• Street foods as indicated in itinerary

• Coffee culture in Ho Chi Minh

• Bicycle & cyclo tour as mentioned in itinerary

• Private cooking class with lunch in Hoi An

• Entrance fees to buildings, monuments, workshops,

• Some Gratuities & Tipping

• Bottled water in car during the tour

• An exclusive BT&T Information iPhone App.

Not Included:

• International and domestic airfares and airport taxes

• Travel Insurance, personal expenses & Tips

• Visa processing fee, visa stamping fee

• Meals & Drinks not included

• Some Gratuities & Tipping

• Optional Tours