12-Day Vietnam Beach Escape Vacation

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, Sonasia’s guide & driver will pick you up and transfer directly to the hotel in the old quarter of Hanoi.

Vietnam's capital races to make up for time lost to the ravages of war and a government that as recently as the 1990s kept the outside world at bay. Its streets surge with scooters vying for right of way amid the din of constantly blaring horns, and all-around layers of history reveal periods of French and Chinese occupation – offering a glimpse into the resilience of ambitious, proud Hanoians.

This morning be picked up at 08:30 at the hotel for an off-the-beaten-track Hanoi city tour. Drive pass the historical Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Vietnam in 1945.

Driver drops off at Lenin Garden – a communal space for locals. Enjoy taking an easy walk through before strolling through areas where family generational sewing shops line the streets and people still practice the old ways. Admire the daily life of local people in the alley of Hanoi.

Proceed to the millenia-old Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a temple.

If interested, make a stop at the last courtyard where Vietnamese traditional instruments contribute to an oriental feel. For music lovers, there are opportunities to play some notes under the guidance of the artists.

Towards the end of the tour, embark on a walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Witness the ancient commercial street names, mirroring the crafts and businesses dating back over a thousand years. Then stop at a Hanoian’s home for tea break and listen to family stories that stretch over decades.

Later this afternoon, take part in a hands-on cooking class with the charming Ms Ai, a renowned local chef. Shop for ingredients at the neighbourhood wet market and step into the kitchen of Chef Ai’s family home.  

Prepare and dine on authentic North Vietnamese cuisine during this afternoon of culinary and cultural discovery. Learn all about the secrets behind North Vietnam’s most popular foods. Using Chef Ai‘s recipes, slice, dice and cook delicious dishes. Enjoy the self-made dinner with Chef Ai.

Overnight in Hanoi

Leave Hanoi after breakfast for a 2-hour transfer to Hai Phong City with a 15-minutes stop on the way. Arrive at Got Pier towards noon then proceed with check-in formalities. Welcome aboard, followed by lunch while cruising towards the bay. Spend the afternoon enjoying some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or relaxing onboard with panoramic views of the karst limestone formation. Complete the evening with dinner served onboard.

Overnight on Lan Ha Bay.

The sun rises on Lan Ha Bay in the morning and breakfast is served (also brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruises slowly back towards port. It is time to say goodbye to the cruise team.
From there, our guide and driver will transfer you directly Noi Bai International Airport to take the flight to Saigon.

Meet with the driver upon arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Once known as the ‘Pearl of Indochina’, Saigon boasts an enormous architectural wealth, mirroring its colourful history. From the pagodas, museums and European architecture of the city’s recent past to the growing number of skyscrapers, Saigon is like a trip through time. On the way to the hotel, make a quick stop at the city historic landmark of Saigon Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral (outside visit)

This afternoon, meet with a respected cultural and history expert and enjoy a guided tour through the Pearl of Indochina. Start with the French colonial area with a visit to the Archbishop's Palace and its more than 200-year-old house of prayer.

Continue through the ages and encounter a local who specialises in the stretch of time that cover the Vietnam war right until today. Visit Gia Long Palace, built in 1885 combining classical Baroque architecture elements with European and Oriental influences.

Walk over to the city’s oldest colonial-era apartment, built in 1886, and see what the young creative Vietnamese are up to from their funky boutiques and coffee shops. Sit down at one of the stylish coffee shops and interact with a local resident who moved here in 1975. During the ride back, there is an optional visit to a restored opium factory. Considering the importance of the opium trade in the first half of the last century, this is another interesting view on Saigon’s history and the city’s power struggles.

Overnight in Saigon.

The local markets, vast emerald rice fields and lush back waterways; these are the things that make the Mekong Delta such a desired destination. This morning, leave bustling Ho Chi Minh for the 1.45 hour drive to the Delta town of Ben Tre. On arrival, board the boat and meet with the crew members who will be the guides on this overnight waterway journey.

Cruise to Phong Nam village in Giong Trom and hop on a rowing sampan boat through the small canals, which are covered green by the water coconut plants. 
Stop at a local house to taste the tropical fruits and chat with the farmer. Visit the rice noodle factory before starting the bike trip around the village. Return to the boat and enjoy lunch onboard while you cruising to Sadec town.  On the way, stop for a visit at the floating fish farm and experience the local river culture.

Head to Long Trung Village and stop for a bike ride to explore more of the daily life and the beauty of Tra Tan canals this place offers a great opportunity for you to interact with the friendly locals.

Return to the sampan, refresh and prepare for a cooking demonstration while enjoying dinner.

Overnight on board.

Wake up to the sounds of the delta. Breakfast will be served onboard and cruising towards the town of Sa Dec. Start exploring  this charming town, where it is the backdrop for the film ‘The Lover’, based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Marguerite Duras.  The story is about a teenage French girl who falls in love with a wealthy Chinese man, Huynh Thuy Le. Visit his old family home as well as the high school where Marguerite’s mother was a teacher. Then, visit the beautiful Temple Kien An. 
Continue with a cycle through the village of An Phu Dong.  For hundreds of years this village has provided Saigon with its daily flower supply.
Meet the driver on land for the return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Note: Sa Dec to HCMC (145km): 3 hours

Departing early in the morning to the beach town of Mui Ne – about 220 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. This is a wildly popular place for water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing, and its giant sand dunes are ideal for jeep safaris. The area is also famous for its cheap, fresh seafood. The days will whizz by as you enjoy your last beach adventures and sunsets. Don’t forget to snap some photos along the way!

Free day at leisure at your own relaxation or explore the beach by yourselves. 

There are plenty of water activities on spots if you wish to spend your day. Just check with your hotel or contact us for further detail.

Overnight on Phu Quoc Island

Free day at leisure at your own relaxation or explore the beach by yourselves. 

There are plenty of water activities on spots if you wish to spend your day. Just check with your hotel or contact us for further detail.

Overnight on Phu Quoc Island

Free day at leisure at your own relaxation or explore the beach by yourselves. 

There are plenty of water activities on spots if you wish to spend your day. Just check with your hotel or contact us for further detail.

Overnight on Phu Quoc Island

Free day at leisure at your own relaxation or explore the beach by yourselves. 

There are plenty of water activities on spots if you wish to spend your day. Just check with your hotel or contact us for further detail.

Overnight on Phu Quoc Island

Free before transferring back to Saigon to connect with another onward flight back home or to the next destination.