Vietnam Culture and Wading Birdwatching Experience

• Tan Dinh Church: Well-known for its striking pink façade, which makes it one of the most distinctive and recognisable buildings in the city.
• Reunification Palace: The palace is most famously known as the site where the Vietnam War officially ended.
• Notre Dame Cathedral (outside): This is one of the most famous architectural and historical icons in the city, admired for its French colonial architecture and spiritual significance.
• Old Central Post Office: The Saigon Central Post Office is still an active post office today, serving the city’s residents.

Go Cong

• Spend time here on a Bird Watching Tour. This is an important location for various migratory shorebirds.

Hoi An

• Enjoy a guided visit of the Ancient Town of Hoi An.

Hue

• Ancient Citadel: The political, cultural, and religious heart of the Nguyễn Dynasty.

Hanoi

• Hoan Kiem Lake: This serene freshwater lake houses the beautiful Ngoc Son Temple.
• Old Quarter: Explore this bustling area where you can find beautiful architecture, religious buildings, and artisans’ workshops.

Sapa

• Embrace traditional, local life through visiting minority villages and taking part in local workshops.

Bai Tu Long Bay

• Thien Canh Son Cave: This cave is well-known for its impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and panoramic views of the surrounding bay
• Hon Co Island: Here you can swim or kayak.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Experience Traditional Vietnamese Coffee: In Ho Chi Minh, embark on a Coffee Experience, where you can savour various coffee, try home-made Vietnamese cakes, learn about the history of coffee, and have a go at making this yourself!

Tan Dinh Market: Here you can experience local culture and explore one of the oldest markets in the city.

Ben Thanh Market: The market is always lively, bustling with energy from both local vendors and international visitors.

Farmer to Fisherman Tour: Here you can join local farmers and try catching fish in a traditional Thung Chai Basket Boat.

Silk Lanterns: Visit a traditional local house and learn how to make silk lanterns.

Cooking Class: In Hoi An, visit a local market to shop for your ingredients for a local cooking class.

Thuy Bieu: Visit this rural village – an untouched gem. Here you will cycle around the village and visit traditional handicraft families.

Candle Making Workshop: In Hanoi, take part in this private workshop. Here you can make your own souvenirs!

Giang Ta Chai Village: Here you can visit the Red Dao ethnic minority people and embrace the local lifestyle.

Hands-on-Handicraft: Visit Ta Phin village and take part in a traditional, local weaving class.

Water Puppet Show: A traditional and unique form of Vietnamese folk art that dates back over a thousand years.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Vietnam

During your holiday to Vietnam, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including Pho. This is a comforting bowl of rice noodles in a fragrant broth made from beef or chicken, topped with thin slices of meat, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lime. Hanoi is considered the birthplace of this dish. You could also try Bánh Bèo (Steamed Rice Cakes). These are popular in central Vietnam, especially in Huế, and consist of delicate steamed rice cakes served in small dishes, topped with shrimp, pork cracklings, and scallion oil, often eaten with a tangy dipping sauce. This tour also includes an exciting ‘Street Life’ experience. Here you can taste various local dishes.

Water-based Activities and Cruises

Sail along the Thu Bon estuary: Here you can cruise along the coastline and enjoy watching the local fishermen at work.

Experience a traditional ‘Thung Chai’ basket boat.

Bai Tu Long Bay: Cruise along this serene bay, taking in all its beauty.

Vung Vieng Fishing Village: Explore this beautiful village by a rustic rowboat.

Accommodation of this Tour

• Ho Chi Minh City: EdenStar Saigon hotel (city centre location, nice rooftop swimming
  pool – Premium Deluxe room).
• Hoi An: Lasenta Boutique Hotel (located in a quiet part of town overlooking the verdant
  rice fields, only 5-minute drive from Hoi An Ancient town – Deluxe Rice Field view
  room).
• Hue: Eldora hotel (located in the heart of the city within walking distance to many
  tourist attractions, exquisite style, spacious room – Deluxe City View room).
• Hanoi: Hanoi La Siesta Classic Hotel (an exclusive oasis in the Hanoi Old Quarter, just a
  short walk to the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake – Deluxe room).
• Sapa: Pao’s Sapa Hotel (an elegant hotel set on a hilltop overlooking Muong Hoa Valley – Deluxe Garden View room).
• Ha Long Bay: Dragon Legend Cruise (Deluxe quality boat modelled on Imperial Court
  vessels).

Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival

Upon arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, our guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day to unwind after your trip.

Day 2: The Rhythm of Saigon

This morning, you will explore a charming, hidden coffee shop. Here you can sample various types of coffee, receive insights into their preparation, and have a go at making traditional Vietnamese coffee. You’ll also have the chance to chat and learn about the personal stories and unique perspectives of Saigon’s residents.

After, visit Tan Dinh Church (the Pink Church), famous for its striking colour and as one of the city’s oldest and most significant Roman Catholic sites. Afterward, we’ll stroll to Tan Dinh Market, where you can immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture and interact with locals.

Following this, you’ll have the chance to sample some local dishes in Saigon. You can choose from options such as “broken rice,” “noodle soup,” or “Banh Mi,” a beloved local specialty. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral (viewed from the outside), and the Old Central Post Office. You’ll then have the option to visit Ben Thanh Market or return to your hotel to relax.

✓ Breakfast, Street Food.

Day 3: Bird Watching

Today you will be picked up at 05:30am. You will depart for Tan Thanh in Go Cong, a small coastal area approximately a 2-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, for our bird-watching tour. Go Cong, particularly Tan Thanh Beach, is renowned as one of the top birding spots for migratory shorebirds in Southern Vietnam. This site is crucial for many migratory shorebirds along the East Asian Flyway. The intertidal mudflats here provide habitat for thousands of these birds, including the rare Spoon-billed Sandpiper, one of the world’s most endangered migrant species.

The highlights of today could include sightings such as the Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Nordmann’s Greenshank, Spot-billed Pelican, White-faced Plover, Far Eastern Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, Great Knot, Curlew Sandpiper, Red-necked Stint, and the Asian Dowitche. Telescopes are included.

✓ Breakfast Box and Lunch.

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An

After breakfast, you will have a flight to Danang. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to Hoi An. Upon reaching Hoi An, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Ancient Town.

✓ Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 5: Farmer to Fisherman and Lantern Making

Enjoy a bicycle ride along the narrow roads of the countryside, taking you through a local farming village. You’ll pass rice paddies, water buffalo, bamboo bridges, and see local farmers at work. You’ll have the chance to participate in their daily activities, such as hoeing soil, watering vegetables in an organic herb garden, and even riding a water buffalo in the fields.

Afterwards, you’ll board a boat and cruise to the mouth of the Thu Bon River, where it meets the Cua Dai Sea, observing the local fishermen and their coastal activities along the way.

After experiencing traditional fishing techniques in a ‘Thung Chai’ basket boat with local fishermen, you’ll drift through the water palm coconut canal. This area was used by Viet Cong soldiers during the American War as a strategic hiding spot from enemy attacks. Following a fascinating visit to a local fishing village, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch. You will then visit a local house where you’ll learn the art of making traditional Hoi An silk lanterns.

Next, you’ll head to Otta Cuisine. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your guide, who will provide you with a conical hat and bag for your market visit. At the Hoi An market, you’ll interact with local vendors and select ingredients for your cooking class. Afterward, you’ll return to the restaurant to start your cooking lesson with our professional chefs. They will guide you through each step of the process, and once your meal is prepared, you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Please note: You are advised to bring spare clothes in case of the weather and/or the boating activity. Please also bring comfortable shoes that can be worn in mud.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 6: Free Time in Hoi An

Enjoy some free time in this charming city.

✓ Breakfast.

Day 7: Hoi An to Hue

After breakfast, you’ll drive to Hue via the scenic Hai Van Pass. From the summit, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Lang Co Beach and the lagoon below, with Hue visible to the north. Upon reaching Hue, you’ll explore the Ancient Citadel, which was the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty Emperors who ruled Vietnam from around 1800 to 1945.

Your visit will start with a walk around the area between the Citadel’s massive walls and the defensive moat, which is now adorned with blooming lotus flowers. You’ll then enter through the Noon Gate to explore the Thai Hoa Palace, the Pavilion housing, the Nine Urns of the Nguyen rulers, and the remains of the Royal Palaces.

✓ Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 8: Biking in Thuy Bieu village

After breakfast, you’ll drive to Thuy Bieu Village, an ancient settlement located on the southern bank of the Perfume River. This hidden gem, renowned for its untouched natural beauty and cultural heritage, is famous for its sweet Thanh Tra grapefruit. In Thuy Bieu, you’ll explore the village by bicycle, passing through vast grapefruit orchards that are a regional specialty. You’ll visit local families engaged in traditional crafts like incense making and paper painting, gaining
insight into their daily lives and the joyful, enthusiastic work they do.

Afterwards, you’ll return to the garden house where you’ll learn to cook two traditional Hue dishes with the help of your host. You’ll enjoy your culinary creations alongside other dishes prepared by your host. You can then unwind with a relaxing herbal foot bath.

You will then be transferred to Hue Airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, your guide will greet you and take you to your hotel.

✓ Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 9: Candle Making Workshop

After breakfast, enjoy a tour of central Hanoi. You’ll explore key attractions such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and the vibrant Old Quarter. The day will also feature a ‘Street Life’ experience, including a street food brunch. Choose from local favourites like Hanoi Pho (beef noodle soup), Nom (green papaya salad with seasoned beef), and Banh Goi (pillow-shaped rice pastry with minced pork and mushroom).

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a private candle making workshop. This includes a 2-hour workshop where you will be provided with an overview of the candle making process and be able to make a candle in Vietnamese traditional vessels.

✓ Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 10: Explore an Ethnic Village

Around 6:30 am, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Sapa via the new highway through Yen Bai and Lao Cai provinces. This scenic route takes you through the Red River Delta and up to Lao Cai City, near the border with China.

After lunch in Sapa and a brief check-in at your hotel, you’ll embark on a hike to visit the Red Dao ethnic minority community in Giang Ta Chai village. You’ll have the chance to admire thestunning mountain scenery and rice terraces while exploring the local way of life. Your day will conclude with a traditional Red Dao herb bath.

✓ Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 11: Handicraft Experience

In the morning, visit Ta Phin Village, renowned for its traditional customs and garment weaving. You will then begin with a 30-minute introductory session on weaving, followed by a hands-on experience. You will also participate in a 30-minute session on Black H’mong Batik, including an introduction to tools and techniques, with a hands-on component. After, learn about batik dyeing in a 30-minute session that includes a practical demonstration, before enjoying a 1.5
hour introduction to Hmong and Vietnamese cooking, covering traditional methods and ingredients.

After lunch, enjoy a trek from the handicraft workshop to a cave where locals seek blessings for children’s health recovery. You will then engage in a 2-hour embroidery session with both an introductory overview and hands-on practice. You will then be transferred to Lao Cai for your overnight train journey to Hanoi, where you’ll spend the night on board.

✓ Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 12: Bai Tu Long Bay

You will arrive at Hanoi train station around 05:30am. You will be taken to a mini hotel for breakfast.

A shuttle bus will then pick you up from your hotel and take you to Bai Tu Long Bay. Upon arrival, you’ll board a wooden junk and cruise through the picturesque Bai Tu Long Bay, admiring the striking limestone karsts along the way. After lunch, the cruise will take you to Thien Canh Son Cave in the Cong Do area. You’ll then can relax on the white sandy beach at Hon Co Island, where you can swim or kayak.

As the Dragon Legend Cruise heads to Tra San, you can unwind in the Mineral Seawater Pool, visit the Fitness Room, or enjoy Spa and Massage Services (note: Spa and Massage services are not included). The route is designed to avoid crowded areas, offering a tranquil setting in Tra San for your overnight stay.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 13: Vung Vieng Fishing Village

You’ll wake up to the fresh air of the bay and begin your day with a Tai Chi session on the large sundeck. After breakfast, the cruise will continue to Vung Vieng fishing village, where you’ll explore by rustic rowboat, meet residents, and pass by the floating school and fish farms.

Following this visit, you’ll check out of your cabin and enjoy a buffet lunch as the boat heads back to the harbour. You’ll arrive at the dock around noon, where you’ll be transferred to Yen Duc Village. There, you’ll enjoy a traditional water puppet show performed by local artists.

After the show, you’ll be driven back to Hanoi, arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon.

✓ Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 14: Hanoi Departure

Enjoy free time until your departure flight.

✓ Breakfast

Price

£2691

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this tour is an example of our many exciting offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect holiday or to tailor or upgrade elements of any holiday. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Map

Tour Summary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh Arrival

Arrive at Tan Son Nhat airport and relax at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight at Eden Star Saigon Hotel.

Day 2: Rhythm of Saigon

Visit a hidden coffee shop where you can sample traditional coffees, learn about the history, and make some traditional Vietnamese coffee. Then, visit Tan Dinh church, Tan Dinh Market and try Saigon’s local dishes. In the afternoon, visit the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral (outside) and the Old Central Post Office. You will then visit Ben Thanh Market or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Eden Star Saigon Hotel.

Day 3: Bird Tour

Leave for Tan Thanh. Birding highlights could include Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Nordmann’s Greenshank, Spot-billed Pelican, White-faced Plover, Far Eastern Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, Great Knot, Curlew Sandpiper, Red-necked Stint, and the Asian Dowitche.

Overnight at Eden Star Saigon Hotel.

Day 4: Hoi An

Fly to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An. Enjoy a city tour.

Overnight at Lasenta Boutique Hotel.

Day 5: Lantern Making Class

Cycle the narrow, rural roads and join local farmers. Board a boat and try catching local fish in a Thung Chai basket boat. You will then visit a local fishing village and enjoy a seafood lunch. Next, learn how to make silk lanterns, before visiting a local market to purchase ingredients for a cooking class.

Overnight at Lasenta Boutique Hotel.

Day 6: Free time in Hoi An.

Enjoy free time in this Ancient Town.

Overnight at Lasenta Boutique Hotel.

Day 7: Explore Hue

Drive to Hue via the Hai Van Pass, before visiting Hue’s Ancient Citadel.

Overnight at Eldora Hotel.

Day 8: Bike around Thuy Bieu

Enjoy a bike around Thuy Bieu Village and visit handicraft families. Take part in a traditional cooking class, before a flight to Hanoi.

Overnight at Hanoi La Siesta Classic Hotel.

Day 9: Candle Making Workshop

Enjoy a tour around Hanoi, including Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ngoc Son temple the Old Quarter. You will also experience a Street Life experience, before a private Candle Making workshop.

Overnight at Hanoi La Siesta Classic Hotel.

Day 10: Visit a Traditional Village

Transfer to Sapa and visit the Red Dao ethnic minority people and enjoy a traditional herb bath.

Overnight at Pao’s Sapa Hotel.

Day 11: Hands on Handicraft

Enjoy a weaving experience at Tya Phin Village and a cooking demonstration. Today also includes an embroidery session before an overnight train to Hanoi.

Overnight in a Chapa Train Carriage.

Day 12: Bai Tu Long Bay

Refresh in Hanoi before leaving for Bai Tu Long Bay. Visit Thien Canh Son cave, Hon Co Island, and Tra San.

Overnight on Dragon Legend Cruise.

Day 13: Vung Vieng Fishing Village

Enjoy a morning Tai Chi session before visiting Vung Vieng fishing village. After, disembark the boat and travel to Yen Duc village for a water puppet show. Drive back to Hanoi.

Overnight at Hanoi La Siesta Classic Hotel.

Day 14: Hanoi Departure

Enjoy free time until your departure.

Tour FAQs

When is the best time to take this tour?

The best time to travel is from October to April, when the weather is more temperate and less rainy. However, each region in Vietnam has its own climate, so we can offer recommendations based on the season. The peak bird watching season in Vietnam is typically from November to April.

What’s included in the tour package?

This tour includes accommodation, meals (daily breakfast, lunches, and selected dinners  – as per the itinerary). All internal flights, airport transfers, and transportation between cities is also included. All scheduled tours, workshops, and experiences listed in the itinerary are included (e.g., bird watching, lantern making, ethnic village visits). Finally, all entrance fees to attractions as described in the itinerary are included.

How strenuous is the tour?

The tour includes walking tours in cities and countryside areas, a bicycle ride, and some easy treks. The activities like bird watching, cooking classes, and handicraft workshops are not physically demanding, but some of the village activities may require walking on uneven paths.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Yes, please inform us of any dietary restrictions in advance. We will try our best to accommodate most dietary needs.

How much free time will I have?

On Day 6, you will have free time in Hoi An to explore at your leisure. Additionally, on Day 14, there will be free time before your departure flight from Hanoi.

Who is this tour suitable for?

The tour, particularly with the inclusion of a bird-watching day in Go Cong, is ideal for a range of travellers, especially those with an interest in nature, wildlife, and cultural experiences. This can include solo, couples, friends and colleagues. The tour is also suitable for families and senior travellers, if participants can manage moderate walking and light activities. This tour is currently offered as a private tailored made tour.

What happens if there’s bad weather, especially on outdoor tours or boat trips?

In the event of extreme weather, such as heavy rain or storms, some activities may be modified or cancelled for safety. We will do our best to provide alternative indoor experiences, and any changes will be communicated to you in advance.

What is the currency used in Vietnam?

The local currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). US dollars are also widely accepted, especially in tourist areas, but it’s recommended to exchange currency or withdraw local money for smaller purchases or markets.

Do I need Travel Insurance for this trip?

Travel insurance is not included in this trip, so will have to be arranged separately. When purchasing your travel insurance, we recommend for this to include medical care and emergency evacuation.

Do I need a visa for Vietnam (travelling from the UK)?

For this specific tour, you will not require a visa. You can visit Vietnam without a visa up to 45 days for tourism or business. If you would like to stay for longer than 45 days, you will need to arrange a visa. Please be sure to check your country’s relevant website or contact us directly for up to date information.

What are the Passport Requirements for entering Vietnam (travelling from the UK)?

To enter Vietnam, you must ensure your passport has the following:

• An expiry date of at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Vietnam.
• At least 2 blank pages.
• No damage to your passport.

When entering Vietnam, ensure that your passport is stamped and that the correct visa expiry date is written in your passport. Please be sure to check your country’s relevant website or contact us directly for up to date information.

Which airlines fly from London to Ho Chi Minh City?

Common Airlines include Vietnam Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Air France, and Cathay Pacific.

Which airlines fly from Hanoi to London?

Common Airlines include Vietnam Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Air France, and Cathay Pacific.

How can I stay connected (internet and mobile) during the tour?

Wi-Fi is available at most hotels, and many cafés and public places offer free Wi-Fi. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for data if you need frequent connectivity. In Vietnam, the most used power socket types are Type A, Type C, and Type D.