Breathtaking best of Vietnam escape with cultural excursions

Excursions

Day 2: City tour of Hanoi

Take an exciting tour of Hanoi, a city often referred to as the "Paris of the East." With its charming ochre colonial buildings, shaded boulevards and picturesque lakes, this metropolis offers a fascinating mix of history and culture. Your first stop is the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument made of marble and granite where the remains of the beloved revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known as "Uncle Ho," rest. Then, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist temple built in 1049 that stands on a single stone pillar and is modelled after a lotus flower. Continue to the Temple of Literature, the first national university in Vietnam, founded in the 11th century. century. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Ethnology, which displays an impressive collection of traditional costumes and artefacts from Vietnam's 54 officially recognised ethnicities. Afterwards, return to the centre and take a walking tour through the old town, known for its "36 streets", which are named after the original craft guilds.

Day 4: Trek from Kho Mường to Uoi

Meet your guide at 9am and start your trek into the scenic valley below the retreat. You'll hike along narrow paths for about six kilometres, passing through rice terraces before reaching a charming village at the foot of a high mountain. From there, continue to Kho Mường, a village in the heart of the valley, where you'll have the opportunity to interact with the locals and gain insight into rural life. A highlight of the day is a visit to the "Bat Cave", which is considered the historic home of the Muong ancestors. Lunch is served in a traditional stilt house before you set off on a seven kilometre hike through the jungle. Discover the rich flora and fauna of the region and enjoy the changing landscape: mountains, villages, fields, ponds and rivers.

Day 5: Excursion to Tam Cốc with Hang Múa

After lunch, the tour continues to Tam Cốc, the so-called "Halong Bay on land". Experience a scenic, two-hour boat ride through the canals and winding river, passing impressive karst formations. Your expert rower will take you through three natural caves that stretch beneath the hills. You'll then hike up Mua Mountain, whose steps are lined with skilfully carved dragons and phoenixes. After almost 500 steps, you'll reach the summit, where a small altar to Quan Âm (the goddess of mercy) and a breathtaking view of the landscape await.

Day 8: City tour through Hội An

A visit to Hoi An, Vietnam's charming old town, is like stepping back in time. The well-preserved architecture combines Vietnamese, Chinese and French influences, which are reflected in the picturesque alleys. A highlight is the famous Japanese Bridge, a symbol of the city, which inspires with its filigree carvings. Equally impressive is the magnificent Chaozhou Assembly Hall, with its ornate facades and colourful ceramics. Along the Thu-Bồn River, small cafés and shops invite you to enjoy the flair of this unique city.

Day 11: City tour in Vũng Tàu

You'll be picked up in Hồ Tràm and then driven to Vũng Tàu (approximately 50 kilometres away) to visit the city. You'll journey to the top of a hill, admiring the lighthouse of Vũng Tàu. Along the way, make a photo stop at the Jesus statue, one of the largest in the world. Afterwards, you will visit the Niet Ban Tinh Xa Pagoda with its famous, 12-metre-high, reclining marble Buddha statue. Continue along a beautiful bonsai garden on the beach and then reach the White Palace (Villa Blanche), which was built as a royal palace in 1898, and the city museum. Continue through the fishing village of Ben Dinh and along the main road in the centre. You'll also visit the Whale Temple, where you'll learn about local customs. After lunch in a local restaurant, seize the opportunity to do some shopping before returning to Hồ Tràm.