Solux Vietnam in Style 14 Days

On this unique half-day tour, you will explore iconic locations and hidden corners of Vietnam’s capital on foot while learning how to take great photos. Following the classic structure of the 3-picture story, you will discover the fundamentals of travel photography and gain a unique insight into the real Hanoi. Leave with a collection of fantastic Hanoian’s corners to share with friends and family.

The first naturalistic photos of people at work and play can be captured from Long Bien Historic Bridge and at Long Bien market.  The architecture and scenes will be followed at Dong Xuan market which was built by the French in 1889 although it has undergone several renovations; at old apartments built since liberation day of 1975; where you also learn about the unique way of local people lives there; the 36-street Old Quarter where you can focus on street photography and portraiture. While walking along the rail tracks, you will learn of how people live right alongside the railway. There, you can see composition of photos and storytelling, before continuous to explore the new Hanoi with modern buildings of renovation from a Rooftop bar or Observation Deck at one of the highest buildings in the bustling area of Hanoi. Back to the hotel and be leisure at your hotel.

NOTES:

Starting time    : 08:00 or 14:00

Duration    : 4 hours

Overnight at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.

In the morning, meet with Chef “Ai” for a local market tour. Chef “Ai” is a passionate and professional chef with a decade-old experience, who will show you how to select the freshest and typical ingredients for local foods. Enjoy sight, sound and flavor of the market. Then take a walk to her cozy private home for an individual hands-on cooking class while listening to her story of cooking passion. Taste your own creations as lunch afterward.

Afternoon will be time to visit “Nom” Village. This ancient and quaint rural village is a gem for cultural and historical experiential appreciation; a wonderful example of a village in Vietnam’s northern delta that follows traditional structural layout. Its highlights cover a spectrum of interests. Here are a few examples for you to consider: spend time with the villagers and learn about their personal and village stories; or choose a visit among 10 ancient houses and 07 places of worship, to understand the typical village layout (communal house, market, entrance gate, pond, wet market, and stone bridge). As a popular spot, if you are fortunate, you may even catch a glimpse of a Vietnamese movie being filmed. Then drive back to hotel.

NOTES

Suggested time: 09:00

Duration: approx. 7 hours

Overnight at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Transfer to Noi Bai Airport, then embark on a seaplane for a 60-minute scenic flight to Ha Long Bay. Seeing Halong Bay from seaplane will bring you the exceptional experience of viewing the magical beauty of the World Natural Heritage Site that you would have never seen before. Afterwards, go deeply into the Bay by cruising amongst the stunning islets that soar from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Towering limestone pillars and tiny islets topped by forest along with wind- and wave-eroded grottoes add to the enchantment of this breathtakingly beautiful region. Enjoying the very first impressions on the spectacular scenes established by a maze of stunning hundred-year-old karst limestone formations.

Being one of the most luxurious fleets in the Bay, the Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan will bring you opportunity to not only visit Halong Bay but also to explore Cat Ba Archipelago, an exotic destination with pristine beaches, secluded lagoons, caves, tropical forests, and lakes. On this program, you’ll find the best places for kayaking, biking, and discovery. The highlight is the Tra Bau area or Ba Trai Dao Beach for swimming and kayaking. Whilst on board, you are offered such activities as a massage or afternoon tea. In the evening, a chef will demonstrate the art of preparing traditional Vietnamese cuisine. An a la carte dinner menu is also offered. Evening activities can include board games or squid fishing.

NOTES:

Seaplane scheduled flight:    at 09:00 am (or 10:00 am in winter time)

Check-in time of cruise:    12:00 noon

Overnight on Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan Cat Ba Archipelago

At sunrise, you have the opportunity to experience Vovinam, a Vietnamese martial art. This is followed by an exploration of a cave visited by bamboo boat. After check-out, brunch is served on board during the cruise back to Tuan Chau International Marina in Ha Long City.

Enjoy a short drive by luxurious vehicle through high-way to back to the airport for your onward flight to Hue. Upon on arrival, our guide to meet you up and transfer you to hotel.

Check in Ancient Hue Garden Houses, an elegant collection of five Imperial Garden Houses located in Kim Long village, adjacent to Hue’s Imperial Citadel. As an ideal gateway to the city’s magic, Ancient Hue Garden Houses offer a journey into Hue’s authentic mandarin residential area and lifestyle where tradition, poetry and spirit have been preserved over time.

Have Royal Dinner with royal costume wearing, while acclaiming of the royal ceremony, watching Hue Folk music performance and tasting a glass of Minh Mang wine.

NOTES

Suggested flight time (Hanoi – Hue): 04:00 pm onward

(Stay 03 nights get 60 minutes offers of hot stone massage)

Overnight at Ancient Hue Garden Houses

After breakfast at hotel, depart from the hotel in Hue for a city tour of the ancient town. Start at the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. From there, take a cyclo through Imperial City. Stop for a visit to Tran Dinh Son private museum with a collection of everyday items that past Kings have used. Learn how royal descendants are keeping the family’s traditions alive today. Continue to visit Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River; constructed in 1601, the 21-meter-tall tower is the centerpiece of the pagoda and represents seven reincarnations of Buddha. In the grounds of the pagoda is the Austin car made famous when in 1963, a resident monk drove the vehicle to what was then Saigon to protest against the southern regime, the photo of his self-immortalization was captured and was one of the most well-known images of the war.

Then drive back to enjoy a lunch of traditional Hue specialties prepared by the family at their historical home while you unearth Hue’s fascinating past at Former Home of Princess Ngoc Son. Princess Ngoc Son was a daughter of Emperor Dong Khanh - when she married, her father granted her the land to build a home. Today, it is one of the best garden houses and has been maintained largely in its original form. The house is a classic structure with three bays and two wings. The highlight is a small artificial rock garden. The present owner also has a fascinating collection of artifacts and mementos from the days of the former Royal Empire.

NOTES

Suggested starting time: 08:00

Duration: 6.5 hours Former Home of Princess Ngoc Son is now Dr. Phan Thuan An’s ancient garden house

Overnight at Ancient Hue Garden Houses

8h30: Pick up the guests at their hotel and start biking to Thanh Toan Village where the famous “Thanh Toan Tiled Roof Bridge” is located. On the way, you can’t help surprising to catch the images of the bustling morning local market, the green rice fields, majestic family temples as well as the daily life of local people crossing the zigzag path of the village.

10h00: Arrive at Thanh Toan Tile roof Bridge – a truly unique ancient bridge in Vietnam, and visit Thanh Toan Museum with a wide variety of agricultural tools exhibited to explain the details of Vietnamese life and culture.

10h15: Row the boat with the villager on Nhu Y River to enjoy spectacular sceneries and explore how they catch the fish by using some old tools such as fishing trap, casting net, etc. After observing, you can join hand with them to catch your own fish. Get back to our “Eco Garden” where you can see around the vegetable garden with many kinds grown by local farmer such as: Malabar spinach, gourd, fiber melon, winter melon, fig…

12h00: Join cooking class to learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Hue special such as fig salad with shrimp and meat, pancake or spring roll. After the lesson, enjoy what you have just cooked and some other local dishes

13h30 – 14h00: Ride back to the city. End of your Eco trip to Thanh Toan village and see you again.

NOTES

• Suggested time: 08:30

• Duration: 5- 6 hours

• Capacity: Max. 15 pax

Overnight at Ancient Hue Garden Houses

After breakfast at hotel, drive to Hoi An along a scenic coastal route passing mountains on one side and the ocean on the other and heading back to your hotel and free at leisure.

NOTES

Suggested time: 09:00

Driving time:    3.5 hours

In the late afternoon, you will enjoy romantic dinner. A small bamboo house will be built on the rice field next to the Co Co River bank. We aim to provide a private and romantic atmosphere to the guests during the dinner. You can choose either fresh sea food or daily catch from the surrounding river, fresh vegetables will be collected from the organic garden nearby. Before enjoying BBQ dinner in a private bamboo house on the rice field, you will have a chance to experience a short basket boat trip on the Co Co river to enjoy one of the most beautiful scenery and sunset in Hoi An. During the basket boat trip, the daily life of the local fishermen will be introduced to the guests. The fishermen will teach how to catch fish using the old fishing methods.

NOTES

Suggested time: 17:00

Duration: 4 hours Romantic dinning on paddy field (OPT-ET14)

Overnight at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai

Explore Hoi An’s countryside like a local from the back of a stylish Vespa scooter. This trip will give you an insight of the people in a less touristy area surrounding Hoi An. Setting off from your hotel; after crossing over the bridge to Cam Kim Island we ride along the riverbank into a beautiful rural countryside.

Our first stop is to visit a hundred years old Ancestral House of Mr. Huynh Ri and a traditional boat builders’ yard. After meeting some local families we will have a chance to learn the art of mat weaving, basket boat, making the perfect “Bánh Đập”.

The following stop is to explore Noi Rang market. Before getting back to your hotel, we will cross the Cua Dai Bridge where you can have a spectacular panoramic view of Hoi An and also the water coconut palm fringed Cam Thanh. Having LUNCH/DINNER at The Field and back your hotel by van.

Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An known then as ‘Faifo’, was a prosperous trading port, attracting Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish ships amongst others. Today, this World Heritage ancient town is recognized for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets and distinctive local cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. Hoi An’s narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour of its many atmospheric sights including: the old merchant houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, first built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with its intricate woodcarvings; and the colorful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two.

Back to the hotel and have dinner at the resort on your own.

NOTES:

Suggested time: 08:00

Durations: 8 hours

Private vehicle pick up & drop off from Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai to Hoi An town

Overnight at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai

You will be picked up at your hotel lobby and transferred to Danang airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to hotel for check in and free at leisure.

In the afternoon, explore Saigon Historic Landmarks and Hidden Charms. Start with a visit to the iconic Saigon Central Post Office built between 1886 and 1891. Based on the design of French architect Foulhoux, it is the creation of a unique vaulted ceiling with wrought iron beams and columns reminiscent of industrial architecture, which is now considered a symbol of Saigon and one of its most famous landmarks. Walk along Dong Khoi Street, formerly la rue Catinat and pay a visit to Gialong Palace – Ho Chi Minh City Museum for its beautiful architecture and listen to its history through times. Continue to ‘Le Loi Street’ to meet a local artisan who specializes in traditional engravings. Next, stroll through the old central market (your vehicle will be available) before arriving at 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. Leave the compound and have a look at the building on the other side, which used to be ‘Banque de l’Indochine’ (Indochina Bank) during the 1920s. It’s a stunning example of the ‘Indochinois’ east/west fusion style of architecture that this area is known for. After this last stop, head back to the hotel.

NOTES

Suggested departure time: 13:00

Tour duration: 3.5 hours Closed on Mondays

Overnight at Hotel des Arts Saigon

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Tan Cang jetty and aboard a chartered speedboat to the Cu Chi tunnels. This river journey provides a glimpse of the changing faces of Vietnam - from the glittering skyscrapers and busy commercial centers to green paddy fields and pottery villages dotted along the Saigon River. The Cu Chi tunnel complex was dug in 1948 for the guerrillas to hide from French air and ground sweeps. It also served as communication routes and food and weapon caches as well as hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the American war. Visit the underground villages with a VC veteran who used to live there, to better understand the tunnels’ history, life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese’s resilience during the combats. Discuss with the veteran and find out about his experience living in the subterranean hamlets where lack of air, food and water can made life unbearable. Your guide will be there to translate the veteran’s experiences.

Back to the hotel and free at your leisure.

In the evening, transfer from your hotel to Le Corto Wine Dining, an ultimate dining experience like no other. The modern French fusion cuisine of Le Corto reflects the comic character that inspired its name: Corto, son of a British sailor and a Gypsy-Romanian witch, who held a life and personality combining both Western sophistication and an unstoppable desire to discover the world. The food of Le Corto inherits the disciplines of French haute cuisine, but also enriched by touches of local flavors, deliver a delightful experience to every dish. After tasting the Chef’s recommended wines for appetize or at your choice, Le Corto’s Menu Degustation which is featuring the restaurant’s most signature dishes, showcasing the chef’s style and Corot’s cooking philosophy, will be served. To unwind after dinner, find your way to the Social Club and Pool Rooftop bar for a cocktail next to the infinity pool with a stunning view of Saigon at night. At street level, Saigon is somewhat chaotic; but from rooftop bar, you can make out the long, tree-lined boulevards that divide the city into neat and charming quarters.

NOTES:

Suggested time: 18:00

Duration: 4 hours.

Drinks at dinner & bar are on consumption at owned expenses

The Social Club and Pool Rooftop bar situated on top of Hotel des Arts Saigon

Overnight at Hotel des Arts Saigon

Early depart from Saigon and head south to Ben Tre province, famous for its coconut production and quiet, peaceful waterways. On arrival, take a “xe loi” ride through the local village of Huu Dinh to enjoy the green fields and gardens. Start your boat trip through small canals with beautiful tropical scenery; enjoy a welcome drink and tropical fruits while cruising. The cruise will first stop at a Coconut processing family-owned business; where you will learn what Ben Tre is known for and the hundreds of uses of each single coconut. Continue cruising across the water to a brick making factory, where the locals still use centuries-old traditional methods to make the bricks by hand. Enjoy a casual cycling trip to visit a local rice noodle factory which produces Hu Tieu noodles, one of the most popular dishes in the region. Move on with a rowing sampan through a lush narrow canal, reconnect with your cruise and head to a private riverside restaurant, where your lunch will be served with 5-courses of local specialties. From here, continue your cycling trip to visit Mr Sau Tuong, a former Vietcong soldier who survived two years fighting the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh. Now, he and his wife live on making rice paper which is the most famous specialty of My Long village. Back to the cruise and return to Ben Tre city where your car will be ready to take you to Can Tho.

Check in Azerai Can Tho, a peaceful retreat set on a lush Con Au Islet (a private island on the Hau River) accessible only by boat; offers seclusion and privacy on a campus that is lush with greenery and mature banyan trees.

Enjoy a secret romantic dinner by the river to pamper yourself after a long day of full activities. (*Optional).

Overnight at Azerai Can Tho

NOTES:

Suggested departure time: 07:00

Tour duration: 5-6 hours

Estimated arrival time in Can Tho: 17:00

From the jetty at Azerai Can Tho islet, embark on Azerai wooden boat for a 45-minute river cruise along the Hau River, passing Ninh Kieu Quay, and fishing villages before reaching the Cai Rang floating market. Sailing along the banks, you will discover the landscape of daily local life while onboard you can enjoy your continental breakfast. Once there, your captain will navigate between the boats of small local traders to discover how traders promote their products such as tropical fruits, vegetables and various local products. Notice the long poles with sample products for sale tied to the top so as to be seen from afar as well as the many small boats providing boat-to-boat service of meals and refreshments. Have your camera ready as this vibrant wholesale market on the water makes for excellent photo opportunities, especially from the unique vantage point of your boat. Cruise back to the hotel. Time to indulge yourself at the Spa and Yoga Meditation at your choice, or consult the skilled therapists prior to your treatments in order to achieve the very best personal results. They all come with an in-depth knowledge of age-old Vietnamese healing techniques which have been passed down through many generations of holistic wisdom.

In the afternoon, enjoy snacks at Lounge & Bar; taste a cocktail, or read some books and chill for sunset dusk at the river bank.

Enjoy a hidden dinner by the villa’s pool as darkness falls and stars spill across the evening sky, the pool villa become an amazing romantic setting for a delicious BBQ or Vietnamese private dining experience (*Optional).

NOTES:

Suggested departure time: 07:00

Tour duration: 02 hours

Breakfast cruise to Cai Rang floating market by Azerai wooden boat

Overnight at Azerai Can Tho.

Enjoy some free time in the morning before transferring to airport for the onward flight.