Discover Vietnam: an epic adventure from north to south
An epic adventure through history and legends; and more importantly delicious food. Combining off-the-tourist trail experiences, cultural immersion, mouth watering food and handpicked boutique accommodations. Traverse Hanoi's lively streets, relish generations-old street foods, and engage with friendly locals. Explore the rice terraces, swim at a waterfall, traverse lantern-lit Hoi An and learn a new craft at a private artist' studio. Sail around La Ha Bay, and cruise the Mekong River. This epic Vietnam adventure is for the curious traveller who wants to discover more!
In this workshop, led by local Vietnamese artist, Thuy, you'll have the chance to learn the traditional indigo dyeing technique.
This style of dyeing has been used by Vietnamese Hmong people for centuries.
You get to choose your own design and take home your creation.
After breakfast at your hotel, you'll head out for a cycle tour* around Hoi An countryside. Meet your guide for a bike and helmet fitting and cycle the backstreets from Hoi An to Cam Kim island.
*for those not keen or unable to cycle there will be an option for you too.
From here, we spend a morning on bicycle to discover local farms, rivers, canals and rural villages. We will learn the secret of weaving the colourful straw sleeping mats, see how wooden boats are made, farmers and buffalos working in rice fields. We will stop in at a moonshine maker who supplies the shops around town. It is a strong wine spirit not for the faint hearted! Have some local tea and learn their way of life.
Afterwards, we drop in on a noodle family who supply the delicious handmade noodles for Hoi An restaurants. Get your hands busy and learn how to make Hoi An traditional noodles and Banh Dap cake. Enjoy lunch with what you have made!
After lunch, load your bike on a private boat and enjoy a boat ride back towards Hoi An.
You have the chance to take part in an optional cooking class with a well-known local chef who was trained in high-end western hotels. He went on to combine his deep love and knowledge of Vietnamese flavours from family recipes with his formal training to become one of the pioneers of Vietnamese fusion.
And of course you get to eat all the delicious food you've created!
After you arrive in Hội An and settle in, get ready to rendezvous with your local guide for a walk in the Old Quarter of this amazing town. Explore the different influences on the architecture of the town: from the Japanese covered bridge, to the houses of the Chinese, to the inspiration of the French and Portuguese.
Enjoy a special Welcome Dinner together on our first night.
In Ben tre, we have the opportunity to hop from one island to another on a small-boat tour. This includes a visit to an artisan workshop and a mouthwatering lunch with a friendly local farmer family.
To top it off, you’ll get to witness the beauty of the Mekong Delta at water level as you cruise through the narrow canals aboard a traditional sampan boat.
Today, meet your guide in the lobby for a discovery of Saigon. You will start with a visit to the historic Presidential Palace, soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market and wander through its colourful stalls. Admire the stunning French-inspired architecture of Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and explore the Old Post Office. Visit the War Remnants Museum and take a leisurely stroll along Dong Khoi Street, soaking up all of modern Saigon’s charm.
If time permits, we will stop at a well known coffee stop in Saigon, famed for their quirky brewing technique using a large filter sock. There are legions of fans of this place, which, has been around for 3 generations. Also we need to savour some Saigon style phở as a contrast with Hanoi style.
In the evening, explore more of Saigon’s exciting bar and live music scene.
Hanoi street food tour
The food culture of this city is unique as the quintessential of northern flavours. A street food adventure of Ha Noi to uncover the secret eats known only to local food lovers and the layered history of this ancient city.
Ninh Binh, is considered to be the birth place of Vietnam. Drift along tranquil riverways, nestled between towering limestone cliffs and lush rice paddies, aboard traditional bamboo boats. Explore ancient caves, adorned with mystique and history, and ascend to panoramic viewpoints for breathtaking vistas.
This afternoon, we head to Bich Dong, a gorgeous temple complex and ride on sampan to soak in the beautiful scenery of this area.
It's all aboard a local train today as you ride the rails on one of the most beautiful train routes in Southeast Asia. The destination? Hoi An.
The joy is truly in the journey, as scenes of rural life and coastal beauty play out through the train windows as you roll along. Be curious and open during the three- hour ride; you might find that locals are willing to chat about their daily lives in this part of Vietnam. Someone might even offer to share a snack with you. This coastal train ride was voted as one of the 10 most beautiful train rides in the world by Conde Naste.
Arrive the day before your trip in Hanoi and stay an extra night at the Hanoi the Q Boutique Hotel.
Cost is AUD $135 per room per night, including breakfast.
Cost is AUD $ 152 per room for a single room, including breakfast.
AUD $ 198 per room for a twin room, including breakfast for two.
Cost is AUD $ 152 per room for a single room, including breakfast.
AUD $ 198 per room for a twin room, including breakfast for two.
Vietnam 
