AT A GLANCE

This winter, travel deep into the heart of Vietnam—where ancient temples, misty mountains, and riverside villages unfold in every direction. Wander Hanoi’s Old Quarter, kayak through emerald waters in Bai Tu Long Bay, celebrate New Year’s in buzzing Saigon, and cruise down the Mekong on a private wooden boat.

This is a journey of contrasts: peaceful mornings on the water, vibrant street food chaos at night, quiet countryside bike rides, and centuries-old pagodas standing alongside neon lights. We’re here to connect—through culture, nature, and community.

This isn’t a tour. It’s a story. And you’re in it.

Trip Highlights

✅ Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter & temples
✅ Rowboat adventure through Tam Coc’s cave rivers
✅ Overnight cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay
✅ Traditional Vietnamese cooking class onboard
✅ New Year’s Eve in vibrant Saigon
✅ Private boat through the Mekong Delta
✅ Local markets, temples, street food & smiles

Day 1 - December 27  HANOI ARRIVAL 

📍 Hanoi | 🛏️ Hotel stay
Arrive in Vietnam’s captivating capital. We’ll greet you at the airport and head into the city's historic heart. Wander through Hanoi’s 1,000-year-old Old Quarter, explore hidden temples, and settle in with your fellow travelers. It’s the beginning of something special.

Day 2 - December 28

Temples, Legends & Puppets

📍 Hanoi | 🛏️ Hotel stay
A full day of discovery. We visit ancient temples, including the iconic Temple of Literature, and learn about Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage at the Museum of Minorities. Later, we’ll experience a traditional water puppet show, an art form unique to this region. The rhythm of the city is electric, yet grounded in tradition.

Day 3 - December 29

Halong Bay on Land

📍 Tam Coc | 🛏️ Local Guesthouse
We leave the city behind and head to Halong Bay on land—a surreal landscape of limestone cliffs and rice paddies. Climb to the top of Hang Mua for panoramic views, paddle through the legendary Tam Coc caves by rowboat, and soak in the calm of rural Vietnam. End the day with dinner in a quiet guesthouse.

Day 4 - December 30

Into Bai Tu Long Bay

📍 Junk Boat Cruise | 🛏️ Onboard
Today, we sail into the less-traveled waters of Bai Tu Long Bay. Kayak around limestone islets, swim in turquoise coves, and learn to cook Vietnamese cuisine on deck. At sunset, grab a drink and watch the colors change from the sundeck. Tonight, we sleep under the stars on the water.

Day 5 - December 31

Floating Villages → Saigon & New Year’s Eve Celebration

📍 Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) | 🛏️ Hotel stay
Wake up to sunrise on the bay. After breakfast, we explore Vung Vieng, a floating fishing village where families have lived for generations. Then it’s off to the airport and down to Saigon, just in time to celebrate New Year’s Eve. The city is alive—colorful, loud, unforgettable.

Day 6 - January 1st

Saigon: Culture & Chaos

📍 Saigon | 🛏️ Hotel stay
We dive into Saigon’s energy, exploring its bustling Chinatown (Cho Lon), vibrant temples, and buzzing markets. In the afternoon, see the city’s French colonial gems and historical landmarks like the Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral. You’ll feel the rhythm of old meets new.

Day 7 - January 2nd

Into the Mekong

📍 Bassac Boat | 🛏️ Onboard
We venture south to Can Tho, where we board the Bassac, a private river cruiser. Drift through peaceful waterways, bike through village trails, and enjoy sunset cocktails on the deck. This is a slower Vietnam, where life flows with the current.

Day 8 - January 3rd

Life on the Water

📍 Saigon | 🛏️ Hotel stay
After an early cruise past river markets and cargo boats, we visit Cai Be’s local artisans and floating workshops. Watch craftspeople work as they’ve done for generations. Then we head back to Saigon for one last night, full of memories and maybe a final bowl of pho.

Day 9 –January 4th

Departure

📍 Saigon | ✈️ Flights home
Sleep in or take a slow stroll through the city’s markets and cafés. It’s a free day until your airport transfer. Whether you leave with a suitcase of souvenirs or just stories—you’ll carry Vietnam with you.

✈️ Please be sure your flight lands in Hanoi on December 27th. Book your departure flight from Ho Chi Minh City on January 4th.