Excursions in
Vietnam

Back to Vietnam

Excursion

Ideas for your free time

Sand Dunes: Mui Ne is famous for its vast red and white sand dunes, which we highly recommend discovering during your time in Phan Thiet. The White Sand Dunes, also known as Bao Trang (White Lake), range from a glittering gold to a pure white, whilst the Red Sand Dunes of Mui Ne, as you would expect, feature reddish-brown sands. The Red Dunes are smaller than the White Dunes and slightly easier to reach. We recommend visiting the dunes in the early morning or late afternoon to get the best pictures, as well as steering clear of the scorching temperatures as the sun rises above these Sahara like sands. You will likely experience a hard sell from local children wanting to hire you a sand boards, and whilst this can be fun, do agree a price beforehand as some people have had unpleasant experiences. We also recommend trying out a quad bike or dune buggy for a slightly more adventurous dune experience. Ta Cu Mountain: Ta Cu Mountain is located 25km from Phan Thiet and a beautiful 2 hour trek (or 10 minute cable car ride) will take you to the mountain pagoda at the summit. Trekkers will be able to hike through beautiful tropical rainforest full of birds and wildlife before reaching the tomb towers, a cave and the white reclining Buddha (Tuong Phat Nam). Said to be the largest Buddha in Vietnam at 49m, the site has become an important pilgrimage centre for Buddhists. Po Shanu Cham Towers: These ancient towers occupying a hill near Phan Thiet are remains of the former Cham Kingdom, dating back to the 9th Century, and offer sweeping views over the town, as well as making for a fascinating visit for those interested in ancient history. For those looking to learn more about the Cham Kingdom, we also suggest a full day tour to Ninh Thuan, 2 ½ hours’ drive from Phan Thiet. A day tour here will allow you to visit a typical Cham minority village and visit the Poklong Garai Cham Towers, the heart of the remaining ethnic Cham community. Activities in Phan Thiet: Close to the popular resort of Phan Thiet lies Mui Ne, the self-titled adrenalin capital of South Vietnam. Mui Ne has no snorkelling or scuba diving but has some of the best surf in the area and has become a popular kitesurfing destination. There are a number of operators in town where you can book a course, and for those looking for something a little more relaxing there are some excellent golf courses (Sealinks Golf & Country Club) and sumptuous spas in the area.

Excursion

Mai Chau cycling & kayaking

Surrounded by the mountains on an altitude of more than 200 meters above the sea level, covering a total area of 520 square kilometres, Mai Chau is notably one of the most beautiful, scenic, cultural mountainous town in Vietnam. The Mai Chau Valley offers a wealth of experiences for those looking for a little more adventure on their holiday and we recommend adding in a cycling or kayaking tour. A great way to travel in Vietnam’s Mai Chau is by bicycle. Take a guided cycling tour to scope out the trails around Mai Chau. It’s not only a great way to exercise but excellent for sight-seeing. Take in the majestic beauty of the karst mountains above the humble organized valley below, and the dense thickets around you. See the stilt houses arranged together in the valley or along with the meandering cattle by the roadside. For a kayaking experience, enjoy a guided tour out on the gorgeous Hoa Binh Reservoir, the largest man made reservoir in Vietnam. It’s the experience of a lifetime as you paddle beneath the rolling karst mountains, through the lush evergreen forest and local tribal villages.

Excursion

Traditional music performance

The ethnic groups of Hao Binh Province, who have inhabited this area for centuries, have a wealth of traditional folk arts including some mesmerising musical performances, which have remained unchanged over the years. This evening you will enjoy a traditional Thai music performance at a local home, where you will be able to enjoy a Thai wine whilst watching the fascinating display of instrumental talents and Thai folk dancing. A brief explanation of each dance is given before the start which states what the dance symbolises in their culture. The dances are performed around 8:30pm and are a perfect evening entertainment to experience local culture.

Excursion

Trekking through the Mai Chau Valley

The northwest of Vietnam is still a relatively untouched part of the country and offers some breath-taking scenery. Spend time trekking through the spectacular hillsides, lush rice paddies and minority villages where you will be welcomed as an honoured guest to enjoy delicious home cooked cuisine with the your host family. Learn about local life in the Mai Chau Valley, tales of village life and continue your trek through the picturesque valley. Walk along flat roads, stopping at further minority villages before spending the remainder of the afternoon visiting the extraordinary Mo Luong (Soldier) Cave. The Soldier Cave stretches 500 meters under Mt. Pu Kha and is rich in myths and legends of the local people.

Excursion

The DMZ & Vinh Moc tunnels

The Demilitarised Zone ('DMZ') was the site of some of the fiercest and bloodiest battles during the American War and a time spent in this scarred region provides important insight in to Vietnams' modern history. From Hue you simply head north, passing through now-tranquil villages and crisscrossing infamous battle sites, to the '17th parallel', where you can to visit underground tunnels and bunkers at Vinh Moc. As you head off in the morning, you break the journey at La Vang Cathedral, which despite its years of turmoil remains an important pilgrimage site for Vietnam's Catholics. Its then a short hop on to the first of the battle sites - Quang Tri Citadel, where in 1972 a fire-fight raged for 81 days. There is a small, but powerful museum where photographs, war remnants and artillery can be seen. Continue up Highway 1 across the Hien Luong Bridge, over the Ben Hai River which demarcated North and South Vietnam. This area saw some of the heaviest fighting during the war. Doc Mieu Firebase, which lies just north, played a pivotal role in the South's defence and for a while, this was the command post for calling in air strikes along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The journey on to the Vinh Moc Tunnels once you leave Highway One, passing through quaint villages and skirting along stunning and utterly undeveloped beach. The small village of Vinh Moc found itself tragically positioned in one of the most heavily bombed areas of Vietnam and, in order to escape this bombardment the villagers constructed approximately 2 miles of underground tunnels which they used as a refuge to survive the bombings. Unlike the Cu Chi Tunnels near Saigon, these passageways are considerably wider and there is more to actually see here. Most visitors are comfortable passing through. From Vinh Moc drive to Truong Son National Cemetery where the remains of some 15,000 Vietnamese soldiers and civilians have been laid to rest, sadly many tombstones bear no name.

Excursion

Rivers, Tombs, and Markets

Start the day on the river, it is only a short cruise from Hue to Thien Mu Pagoda. Constructed in 1601 the 21-meter tall tower is the centrepiece and represents seven reincarnations of Buddha. In the grounds of the pagoda is an Austin car made famous in 1963, when a resident monk drove the vehicle to Saigon to protest against the southern regime. The horrific photograph of his self-immolation was captured and has become one of the most well known images of the war. Then heading along the river you travel to the tomb of the former emperor Minh Mang, a tranquil tomb of gardens and ponds. Journey on to Khai Dinh's Tomb, which is very traditional in design, yet with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue. Before heading back to your hotel take time to stroll around Dong Ba Market with your guide. The market is another 'must-see' site in Hue, the stalls are teeming with colour and a great place to catch a glimpse of everyday life.

Excursion

Hue Highlights

The main sights of Hue - tombs, citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda and a cyclo trip to a hidden market - ticked off in half a day. Start at the Imperial Citadel, where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. The ancient citadel reflects the pomp and ceremony of the dynastic rulers as well as the scars of many years of turmoil, both ancient and modern , as the Royal Citadel was badly damaged in the latter stages of the war. It retains a sense of grace and majesty even today. Next it is a cyclo ride through Dai Noi, the 'Old City', to Tinh Tam Lake where the Emperors came to relax. Full of lotus flowers in the summer, there are many local-style coffee shops surrounding the lake where university students come to study and debate. Keeping the pace up, next is the tomb of the former emperor Khai Dinh - traditional Vietnamese in design, but also with a European influence making it somewhat unique. If you haven't spent too long exploring the Citadel, then there is time to stroll around Dong Ba Market, with your guide explaining the produce on sale. The market should be considered a 'must-see' site in Hue (but often omitted from itineraries!) - the stalls teeming with colour and a great place to glimpse of everyday life. Finally, take a boat trip on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, a 21 metre tower constricted in 1601. This tour can be taken either in the morning or afternoon.  

Excursion

Insider Hue

You will be picked up from your hotel by cyclo and head straight to Dai Noi, the 'Old City'. Tinh Tam Lake is where the Emperors used to come to relax; often full of lotus flowers during the summer months, and now surrounded by Vietnamese-style coffee shops, where university students come to debate and study. Continue by cyclo to Tay Loc Market - a local market, rarely visited by tourists. From here you switch transport to a regular vehicle and head to a beautiful pagoda which dates back to 1843, situated in a forest of pine trees and once a monastery which was home to a famous Zen master. One of the most fascinating parts of this pagoda are the eunuch tombs from the former Royal Court. If you are fortunate enough to be in Hue on either a Thursday or Sunday (between 0900-1000) you can join up to 20 Buddhist monks and nuns who gather together to pray and read aloud from scriptures. The next stop is Ho Quyen, an arena where duels between elephants and tigers were fought for the entertainment of the Kings. The last fight was held here in 1904 and although small, you can climb the nearby ramparts and see the area where the poor animals were obliged to fight. Last but not least, you visit the Royal Antiquities Museum - a beautiful ancient house restored as a museum and home to a collection of ornaments from dynastic times. The tour can be taken either in the morning or afternoon.

Excursion

The historic Garden Houses of Hue

Beyond the Citadel and ancient tombs, Hue is also famous in Vietnam for it's historic garden houses. This half day excursion will teach you about these hidden gems and their legacy, as nearly all of them have direct links with the old Imperial Court. We use a cyclo to reach the garden houses of Ngoc Son, which was the former residence of the Princess Ngoc Son, daughter of Emperor Dong Khanh and lovely Tha Om Garden house. A Hue "nha vuon" usually consists of a main and back entrance, and a small wall, rockwork and plants in the front yard and in the house itself. In the middle of the garden, a binh phong (brick wall) rises in front of the house, serving as a defence and protection of the altar in the main room of the house. The path leading around the wall from the entrance gate is lined with tea bushes or apricot trees. The typical house is made with a timber frame and roofed with brick tiles. The whole house stands on big pillars placed on a round or square stone base, which is sometimes decorated. The altar of the family's ancestors occupies the central room. Some of the more famous garden houses of Hue are Ngoc Son which was the former residence of the Princess Ngoc Son, daughter of Emperor Dong Khanh and lovely Tha Om Garden House. As some of the houses listed are privately owned, the itinerary is subject to change without prior notice. This tour can taken in either the morning of afternoon. Lunch or dinner can be pre-arranged at Tha Om Garden House for an additional cost.

Excursion

Watersports, Snorkelling & Diving

A number of the resorts across Vietnam offer water-sports from the beach (including kayaking, sailing, jet-skis, boating) or you can enjoy the underwater action around Phu Quoc on a snorkelling or diving tour arranged via one of the boat companies or through your hotel. Diving is best from November to March and fun dives will cost around USD100 per person, whereas snorkelling is around USD35 per person. For many Nha Trang is the best place to head for the quality of the diving. It has, however, become very busy with a lot of different dive shops too so it is worth considering the kind of experience you would like before choosing. Diving off the coast of Hoi An is a place for many to try out diving. It isn't busy there and so makes the ideal place to stop off for an extra couple of nights and to explore the underwater world. Con Dao is considered one of the best examples of marine conservation in the country. With over 340 species of Hard and Soft corals, teeming with a colourful array of marine life. Con Dao supports a high level of biodiversity and over 1,400 currently recorded marine species. With clear waters from February to July and visibility averaging 20-30 metres, Con Dao is an excellent place for diving and offers a unique opportunity to explore the amazing variety of underwater life. Explore the untouched and pristine corals, with a chance to see rays, turtles, giant barracuda, cobia, batfish and small bamboo sharks, as well as a whole host of tropical reef fish. Phu Quoc is often the beach stop of choice and there are a lot of dive sites around. The major dive sites on the Phu Quoc are Dry island and Nudibranch Island where you will be able to spot a variety of marine animals, including cuttlefish, octopus, scorpionfish, damselfish, nudibranchs, and moray eels. The sea is calm around here and in the dry season, you'll have clear water and great visibility.

Excursion

Cat Tien National Park

North-east of Saigon and south-east of Dalat is Nam Cat Tien (Cat Tien National Park) - a very diverse region encompassing rolling hills, flat plains, dense forest and meandering rivers. In 1978, the south and north Cat Tien parks were put under the State's protection and then in 1992, Cat Loc park was also listed in a joint program to protect the environment. Eventually, in 1998, these three parks joined together to become the Cat Tien National park, under the management of the ministry of agriculture and rural development. It is now the most important reserve in Vietnam, home to a wealth of flora, as well as much of the country's endangered wildlife. Amongst the species that live in the 70,000-hectare park are the Asian elephants, yellow-cheeked gibbons and sun bears. You begin by visiting the park's Endangered Primate Centre, where you'll be able to see two of the rarest species in the world - the Delacour and Cat Ba langurs. Whilst in the National Park you will be accompanied by one of the Park Rangers – all of whom are knowledgeably experienced, having been trained to a very high standard. Your programme can be tailored to suit your preferences, however typically you will spend your day hiking and spotting wildlife, including the wealth of birdlife. Nam Cat Tien is a three and a half hour drive from both Saigon and Dalat. Consequently, it is far better operated as an overnight excursion from either.

Excursion

Evening Street-Food Tour of Hanoi by Vespa

This is part street food extravaganza and part night tour of Hanoi. You get to experience the vibrant nightlife of Hanoi the way locals do, from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter (don't worry, you won't be expected to drive it yourself!) Start the night at a stylish local Cafe with cocktails and a snack from the local night time vendors before zipping off around the buzzing streets.  It's not remotely as terrifying as it sounds. The city comes alive after sundown and people congregate on sidewalks, parks and all over the city at the end of each day. After weaving through the magical, busy back streets of the Old Quarter, you soon arrive at a fascinating local joint, right on the railway tracks (literally!) where you try some infused rice wine and an appetizer. It’s back riding through the narrow streets again, as you head toward our next foodie place, a lively local restaurant serving Bun Cha. This the quintessential must taste Hanoi dish of rice noodles, grilled pork and meatballs, with a side of Nem (spring rolls). Simple but delicious. We then head out of the Old Quarter and ride close by the lake toward our next venue, which is very famous in the neighbourhood! We try the local speciality of Pho Cuon and learn the art of wrap ‘n’ roll, Vietnamese style. with these fresh & fragrant ingredients, and the Pho noodle! Your evening out in Hanoi finishes with a ride to the Opera House, the halcyon days of the 1930s may be over, but this Jazz Club will wow you with a truly unique blend of styles - 30s jazz & traditional Vietnamese music!

Excursion

Perfume Pagoda Discovery

Embark on a day trip to the Perfume Pagoda, heading out of the city of Hanoi and travelling by private vehicle through the rich farming land of the Red River Delta, one of the holiest sites in Vietnam. On arrival, board a private rowing boat for the relaxing cruise down the Yen River, passing limestone karts and emerald rice paddies before stopping at Den Trinh for an introduction to Vietnam's Mahayana Buddhist religion. Here you can admire the local worshippers burning incense and praying for good luck and good fortune. From here you will continue to the base of the Perfume Pagoda to tour the many shrines and temples. Visit the pilgrimage site of Trien Tru, pass by the preserved footprint of Quan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) and descend into Huong Tich Cave. This afternoon enjoy a picnic lunch if the weather permits and return by boat to the water's edge to meet your driver and head back to the city in the late afternoon.

Excursion

Exploring Hoa Lu & Tam Coc

Leave the city behind and venture to one of the most picturesque areas of Vietnam; Ninh Binh. The drive takes around 2-3 hours to Hoa Lu, where you can join your guide for an in-depth exploration of the ruins of Vietnam's first capital. Learn about the Dinh and Le Dynasties and admire the former citadel site. For those with some extra energy, enjoy a walk up one of the limestone karst hills for spectacular views over the surroundings. Continue by road to Tam Coc, passing through quaint villages and stop for a local lunch. After lunch take a private sampan boat for a journey through "Halong Bay on Land". Admire the views and visit the hidden caves before heading back to town and exploring Ngu Nhac Mountain. If preferred a cycle tour can be arranged to explore the countryside or a visit to the Van Long nature reserve for monkey spotting.

Excursion

Good Morning Hanoi!

Experience the authentic culture of Hanoi as the city comes alive in the early hours. Your private guided tour will begin with a visit to the bustling  Long Bien market, the biggest fruit and vegetable wholesale market in North Vietnam. Here you can witness buyers crowded around open air trucks, money counters holding court over their stalls and motos nipping down the narrow aisles - an immersive and incredibly fun start to the day. From here head to Hoan Kiem Lake on foot and pass groups of locals enjoying their morning exercise in the parks and witness the city waking up. Join in with a Tai Chi class or a spot of aerobics before you continue on your way to a busy neighbourhood restaurant to enjoy the most famous Vietnamese dish; Pho, a traditional noodle soup full of flavour! Sit down with your guide and learn about life in Vietnam, as well as picking up some new language skills before take a walk around the city streets and finally stopping to enjoy a traditional coffee. (Note: For early birds you can visit the flower market from 3:30am)

Excursion

Water Puppet Show: Behind The Scenes

Originally performed in rural villages on lakes and ponds as a ceremony to pray for water to nourish the rice crop, water puppet shows also serve as a traditional form of Vietnamese entertainment in vogue as far back as the eleventh century. Nowadays the water puppet show is a great way to understand traditional Vietnamese folklore as the puppets dance out vignettes, or small stories, of daily life. This afternoon take a short drive to Mr. Liem’s house to begin your unique water puppet show experience. Mr Liem will warmly greet you, introducing you to the history of the water puppets as you start exploring his workshop. The shelves are lined with wooden puppet parts such as angel wings, buffalo tails and puppets of all shapes and sizes. He has built a smaller-scale water puppet theatre where you can enjoy a private performance telling both Ancient and modern stories of traditions and daily life. After the show, roll up your sleeves and try to make the dragon puppet chase its tail and spit water. After playing with the puppets spend time getting crafty and start painting your own puppets - try out the range of different colours and make your own unique water puppets. This tour is a great opportunity to gain deep insight into a local craft and rural traditions while having an unforgettable unique, behind-the-scenes experience.

Excursion

Home Cooked Dinner in Hanoi

A private home-cooked dinner in Hanoi is the perfect way to learn more about Vietnamese culture and cuisine. Hosted by a local family residing in suburban Hanoi, a typical evening meal will be enjoyed within the comfort of their home, this intimate setting offers a wonderfully deep insight into how the locals really live and eat, and is sure to leave you with lasting memories! This evening you will be met by your private driver and guide at your hotel to head out to the South West of Hanoi. Arrive at your dinner venue for this evening - a suburban local family home in Hanoi, and meet your host family who will provide you with a deeper insight into Vietnamese culture and cuisine. Enjoy your delicious family meal, chatting about their daily life and afterwards enjoy some traditional music played for you by your host as you relax after your meal.

Excursion

Family Fun in Hanoi

This is a carefully crafted blend of outdoor activities, cultural exploration and some culinary fun. The day has been planned with families very much in mind, especially suitable for those under 16 years. Start the day with a visit to Bat Trang Pottery Village located to the east of Hanoi. Famous for its blue and white pottery, much of today's Bat Trang pottery is made in moulds and hand painted by the family businesses that make up the entire village. The main street is lined with shops and just about every household is involved in the production. Walk to a workshop where pottery can be hand painted to any design and taken home (delivery within Vietnam can take a few days). Children love this creative activity plus a souvenir can be taken home at the end! Afterwards, venture deeper into the village to discover a house where locals worship their ancestors. Here, a local elder explains the unique aspects of Vietnamese culture and its spiritual beliefs. Conclude the trip by learning all about banh cuon or rice pancakes, a dish of northern Vietnam. Pay close attention to the master chef as he explains the art of creating this local specialities, and typically rewards visitors who are able to prepare the best banh cuon. After this fun and rewarding experience, sit down and enjoy a tasty self-made lunch of local specialities. The trip concludes with a tour of the ceramic market that really puts the influences of Vietnam’s growing economy into perspective. Expected return to the hotel is around mid-afternoon.

Excursion

A night out in Hanoi

The evenings entertainment starts with a water puppet performance, before a meal at one of Hanoi's very best restaurants, which is in turn followed by a stop at a ice cream parlour for desert. With your appetite sated its then time to city's nightlife (for those with the energy!) or - if a performance taking place – head to the famous Hanoi Opera House. Taking each part of the evening in turn – the water puppet show is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form, depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. Following the show stroll through the historic Old Quarter to 'Green Tangerine', a restaurant set in a lovingly restored 1928 colonial villa offering a menu of rich, delicious French / Vietnamese fare. After the meal walk around Hoan Kiem Lake (your vehicle will be available at all times) to a cute, French-inspired ice cream parlour. If you then want to hit Hanoi's nightspots, ask your guide for suggestions (drinks will be on your own account!). If you are fortunate there may be a performance at the Hanoi Opera House. Dating back to more than a hundred years, Hanoi Opera House is perhaps the grandest in all Indochina.  

Excursion

A day in Mai Chau

The earlier you start, the better the light for photographs. Important as you are travelling through some amazing rural countryside - rice paddies and karst rock formations. You head due west from Hanoi, through fertile valleys and along roads snaking through mountain passes, before reaching the stunningly pretty Mai Chau Valley. You arrive in Mai Chau village in time for lunch, which is cooked for you by a local 'White Thai' ethnic family living in a traditional stilt-house. You then spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding area. Its better to leave the vehicle and walking the flat local roads and paths to several of the villages. The White Thai locals, the most prevalent local group, may nowadays dress the same as the Vietnamese but they retain their cultural uniqueness and you'll note a distinct personal style also. There are several other minority groups including the H'mong, Dao and Muong inhabiting the region's picturesque valleys, rolling hills, shimmering paddy fields and bustling villages. The Sunday market brings a lot of people from the surrounding countryside into Mai Chau itself. In the late afternoon set off for your departure back to Hanoi, but as you arrive at the top of the Mai Chau Valley don't forget to have your camera ready as the views are remarkable. Arrive back in Hanoi in the late afternoon.

Excursion

Hanoi Countryside Cycle Tour

This 25 mile loop involves biking through Hanoi and some of its surrounding countryside. Pass by floating pottery villages on the banks of the Red River, flower gardens, through village lanes, alongside lotus lakes and one of the most revered Buddhist pagodas in Vietnam. Avoid the traffic and see a side of Hanoi that's almost impossible to discover alone. You begin by cycling towards the Old Quarter, along the way glimpsing into the heart of everyday Hanoi life – families taking their children to school, traders selling all kinds of wares and people sitting at street side stalls eating Pho and drinking tea. Cross the Red River over the iconic Long Bien Bridge which was completed in 1902 and rub shoulders with locals on their way to work. Quickly leaving the city behind the route weaves out into open farmland along the banks of the Red River. Board a small local ferry to cross a small river and emerge on the north shore. Ride along a dyke road with views of the river and farmland dotted with small villages and rice fields. The route criss-crosses through unvisited villages before crossing the Thang Long Bridge and lunch at a riverside café. After lunch ride to the north end of Hanoi's largest lake, Tay Ho. Cruise along the edge of the lake, passing lotus gardens to one of the most revered Buddhist pagodas in Vietnam. Take a wander though the pagoda. Peddle onwards through quiet back streets to experience suburban life before heading back to your hotel. Estimated time of return is late afternoon. This program may alter due to local conditions, ambient levels of fitness and other unexpected circumstances. We will do our very best to adhere to the set itinerary, but last minute changes may occur.

Excursion

Hanoi's Street Food with Chef Daniel Hoyer (Full Day)

Hit the streets of Hanoi for a half day street food tour with American chef/culinary instructor and food writer, Daniel Hoyer - Hanoi resident and the author of five cookbooks. Daniel and your private vehicle and driver will meet at your hotel in the morning. Drive to the Chợ Hôm or Chợ Chau Long market to learn about and taste some of the ingredients used in the local cuisine and to watch the buying and selling rituals of a Vietnamese market. Daniel will introduce you to some of the vendors, explain about the ingredients for sale and assist you with purchasing items to take home. Then you will enjoy a Vietnamese Cà Phê (coffee) or Trà (tea) with the locals at Daniel's favourite, Cafe Thọ (or Cafe Xe Co near Truc Bach Lake if we go to Châu Long), one of the many sidewalk cafes in the historic French Quarter. Daniel will give an overview of the Vietnamese food scene, particularly in Hanoi. Continue to Truc Bach lake for a snack of Phở Cuốn, a grilled beef and rice noodle roll with fresh herbs, along with several other local snacks. Lunch with Daniel at one of Hanoi's best bún chả establishments. Situated down a narrow lane, you will sit on tiny stools at low plastic tables along with the regular crowd of bún chả aficionados and enjoy traditional grilled pork and rice vermicelli noodles with fresh herbs and greens like true Hanoians. Very few foreigners ever find this eatery so it is a very special treat. Transportation back to your hotel in the mid-afternoon. The itineraries can be customised for private tours to suit your particular interests and dietary restrictions (if privately chartered). Time is also flexible. For evening/ afternoon half day tours, some of the locations and food selections will change since some dishes are only available at specific times and locations. Daniel operates some (less-expensive) half day join-in tours in the morning on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Excursion

Food Blogger Street Food Tour

This is a walking tour of Hanoi, focussing not-exclusively on street food. You are accompanied by a renowned food blogger - an Australian hospitality industry insider who has an enormous passion for Vietnam's country's food and culture. His blog is where he has documented his food and culture adventures since 2005, making quirky observations which have found their way into both the local and international media. His experience managing some of Hanoi's finest dining establishments along with his passionate interest in street-food (he's shared many hours trawling the street stalls and markets) make him the genuine, local authority on Hanoi's food scene. The tour usually starts in the Old Quarter at Thanh Ha market. Along the way you will try delicacies, strange food items and listen to an on-going commentary of Vietnamese food practices. This busy, eclectic market is alive with the sights and sounds of Hanoi and is the essence of Vietnamese culture. Sample some local treats such as pho tiu and bun dau as your guide explains the routine of Vietnam meal times and indigenous/unusual ingredients eaten. See dried goods and aromatics, the essentials of Vietnamese cuisine as you stroll up 'food alley', to see other dishes on offer. At the end of the tour stop at one of the Old Quarter busiest (yet smallest) coffee shops for a well-earned sit down and coffee before transferring back to your hotel. This tour can be taken in the morning or afternoon.

Excursion

Hanoi City Tour

One of Asia's most atmospheric cities, Hanoi can be explored on a half day city tour, a full day tour or even just with the use of a good guide book for those who prefer to go it alone. We have included below some of the highlights that will be included in our tours, however please note that not all can be visited on a half day tour so do let us know if you have any preferences. Hanoi is certainly one of our must visit destinations and a visit here should always include some time exploring the buzzing maze of the Old Quarter; steeped in history, pulsating with life and rich in exotic scents, a place to get lost and soak in the culture of Vietnam. This area is explored by foot, walking through charming Hang Be Market and around Hoan Kiem Lake. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It's a wonderful place in which to get lost and photo opportunities abound. One of the other top sites to explore in Hanoi is the Temple of Literature. In 1076 Quoc Tu Giam, Vietnam's first university, was established within this temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture provide a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam's past. Visited next is the 'One Pillar Pagoda', founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure is one of Vietnam's most iconic temples. Close by is the mausoleum of the father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh (it must be noted that it is closed on Mondays & Fridays). Its a rather surreal experience, shuffling past the embalmed body and do make sure appropriate reverence is shown. After the mausoleum itself visit the former leaders stilted house, where he modestly lived from 1958 to 1969. From here it is an easy stroll to the Military History Museum or the Fine Arts Museum (additional time is usually needed to fit these in, so allow at least 2 nights in the city if you fancy making the most of any of the museums). Tay Ho (West Lake), lies to the North of the Old Quarter and is ringed by upmarket suburbs, as well as some fantastic seafood restaurants. On the shores of the lake visit the sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda. If time permits during your stay head to fascinating Ethnology Centre (closed Mondays), which is both a research centre and a museum showcasing the ethnic diversity of Vietnam. As well as - or as an alternative - you should also look to visit the highly acclaimed Vietnam Women's Museum (again, closed on Mondays). The museum is located near Hoan Kiem Lake and offers insight into the lives of Vietnamese women - displays highlight Vietnam's vast cultural diversity and educate on the significant role Vietnamese women play in Vietnamese society. Learn historic and modern-day traditions centring around birth, weddings, motherhood, spirituality and more.

Excursion

Trekking & wildlife adventure

With dense tropical forests, luminous green paddies, prominent mountain peaks and deep valleys, Con Dao offers some remarkable trekking and wildlife experiences for those of any level of fitness. Some of the trails on offer are well marked and so can be explored independently, whilst others such as the trek to Thanh Gai Mountain, the island’s highest peak at 577m, require the services of a local guide. For guided treks, we suggest the following options; Trekking to the Lighthouse - Are you ready for an experience that will take you to the past as well as put your level of fitness to the test? A 30 minute ride by speedboat will lead to the beautiful island of Bay Canh where the adventure begins; a2 to 2 ½ hour trek through the dense forest leads you to one of Con Dao’s most important landmarks, the Bay Canh Lighthouse. The lighthouse was constructed between 1883 and 1885 is located one of the highest points in on Bay Canh island at 226 meters above sea level. Enjoy the most amazing views and let your eyes wander over Con Dao archipelago and the South Sea. Have a rest in the lovely garden surrounding the Lighthouse and meet the keepers, who are always delighted to receive guests. Hit the High Spots - Immerse yourself in Con Dao’s nature through the forest and try to spot some of the three endemic animal species on the island. Listen carefully and you will be able to distinguish many different types of birds and cicadas. At the So Ray platform – an old fruit plantation site – it is very common to see the Con Dao Long Tailed Macaque Monkey. At a height of 260 meters above sea level, the old lookout is the perfect place for panoramic view over Con Son Bay Up & Over Con Dao - For the energetic, rather than stopping at the So Ray Platform we can continue to hike deep into the jungle sorting through lianas and lush vegetation through to the far side of Con Son. This additional trail takes you where few others go. On the far side you can relax in the clear waters off the peninsular between Ong Cau and Ong Dung Bay.

Excursion

Con Dao local life

For those looking to discover the island and find out what Con Dao life is all about we recommend taking a local life tour with your guide. Travel through the island exploring the narrow back roads, small local dwellings and agricultural plots peppered with livestock. During your tour visit the Ben Dam Harbour where the majority of Con Dao’s catch and all island suppliers are brought in; Van Son Tu Pagoda where you can walk the 170 steps to the islands newest pagoda and the Phi Yen Temple where the local Vietnamese pay their respects to the former wife of Emperor Nguyen Anh. During your Con Dao discovery stop for some stunning photo opportunities at Nhat Beach and Shark Cape and soak up the atmosphere at the daily market as the locals purchase the exotic fresh produce on offer. Spend time with your guide at the end of your tour, enjoying a local Vietnamese coffee and chatting about life on the island from a local perspective.

Excursion

Con Dao historical tour

In 1861 the French colonial government opened prisons on the island to house political prisoners. The prisons were in use up until the end of the Vietnam War, being used by the Americans as a POW camp up to 1975. Take a tour of these historical sites with your guide, learning about the fascinating and heroic stories of Con Dao’s past. Begin your tour at the impressive local museum and continue to the oldest prison and the infamous “Tiger Cages”, as well as the American prison camp and the Hang Duong Cemetery. Your tour will teach you the captivating history of Con Dao’s past and will conclude at the same house where Camille Saint Saens composed the last three acts of the opera “Brunehilda” in 1895. Now a converted coffee shop, gaze over the bay of Con Son, while sipping on traditional Vietnamese Cafe Sua Da or Iced Coffee.

Excursion

Turtle Discovery

Con Dao is the only place in Vietnam where Sea Turtles not only come to nest, but also the only place where they enjoy full National Park protection.  Green and Hawksbill turtles come to nest around one of thirteen beaches from May to October every year. During this period female turtles will come up on the beach at high tide during the night, with her taking an exhausting 2-3 to dig, lay, and cover her nest before returning to the ocean. Enjoy a unique opportunity to see the turtles laying their eggs from May to September, and from September visit the hidden beaches to see the baby turtles being released to the ocean.

Excursion

Explore Phu Quoc Island

Although the island is mainly seen by tourists as a beach escape, Phu Quoc has much more to offer and if you fancy escaping the white sand beaches, we recommend exploring by bicycle, taxi or moto to discover any of the following sights.... Phu Quoc National Park - Head to the North of the island and explore the primary rainforest. Look out for the rare langurs or macaques, as well as the birds of paradise soaring through the jungle. For the adventurous, you can also enjoy treks in the South to the Suoi Tranh Waterfalls to enjoy a picnic and a refreshing dip. Duong Dong Town - The main town and chief fishing port on the island, Duong Dong is a great spot to explore, especially early morning or early evening. Witness the ships bring in the daily catch, hop on a night time squid fishing trip and browse the colourful markets. You will also find a great selection of shops, bars and restaurants in town. Fish Sauce Factories - The main industry of Phu Quoc, fish sauce is produced on the island and you can enjoy a fragrant and fascinating visit to one of the factories. Pepper Farms - Visit a traditional pepper farm where you can see the century-old production of the world's finest pepper. Nguyen Trung Truc Temple– Dedicated to Nguyen Trung Truc, a leader of the resistance campaign of the 1860s against the newly arrived French. Sim Wine Factory — Producing Rose Myrtle Fruit Wine, you can enjoy a wine tasting at the factory. Phu Quoc Pearl Farm — The only place to pick up authentic pearls is at Phu Quoc Pearls where you can also learn about the history of pearl farming on the island. Coconut Prison— Coconut Tree Prison located 5km north of An Thoi Town and was built by the French colonial administration before World War II . It was later used by the Americans during the Vietnam War to house tens of thousands of prisoners. During this time the Prison covered 40 hectares housing an estimated peak of 40,000 VC prisoners during the Vietnam War.

Excursion

Motorcycle tour of Dalat

The motorbike tour tends to start around 9:00, with you immediately hitting the road. You'll ride on the back of an experienced driver and you'll end up covering around a 60/70 miles over the course of the day - you are on a bike for around 6 hours in total. First stop will be a quick visit to a cricket farm. Here you will get to see the ins and outs of cricket farming, from the breeding and storing process to the finished product. After walking through the farm, taking in the brightly coloured cricket baskets you'll get a chance to sit down and have a taste of pan-fried insects. If you can get past the fact that you're eating a bug they actually aren't that bad — a bit like barbecue potato chips! After filling up on insects it's time to climb back on the bike for a visit to a Vietnamese market. Unlike the markets in Saigon, the ones in the Vietnamese highlands are not nearly as accustomed to foreign guests so you won't find as many designer knockoffs or souvenirs. Instead, you'll see what the morning is like in a typical wet market, with people shopping for their daily necessities. The next stop on the tour will be to a silk factory, where you'll see the process of extracting silk from a silkworm then weaving that silk into something of real value. The factory is quite interesting, with machines that seem like they were pulled from the industrial revolution churning the worm cocoons into fine silk. Once you've seen the operation you can buy some of this very silk at a reasonable price. After the silk show it's time to see one of Dalat's famous waterfalls - Elephant Falls, where we were able to hike all the way to the bottom of the falls by way of a narrow, slippery path over boulders. From this point you get a great view at the price of getting relatively soaked, however the long motorbike ride to lunch following the falls provides ample opportunity to dry. Lunch is basic — a sampling of regional fruits and a large, family-styled plate of noodles — but you get a much-deserved rest. Plus, right after your meal you take a short walk to visit with some members of a Vietnamese hill tribe. You will be regaled with stories from these people, who go without many modern conveniences, of sons being sold into marriage for oxen and women sneaking out of hospitals to have babies in the jungle. You will also see a demonstration of them weaving traditional clothing, again are offered for sale. After lunch you take a long ride back to Dalat, travelling through some scenic roads offering dynamic views of the surrounding highlands. As the sun starts to set, you'll finally arrive at your starting point, exhausted but well travelled.

Excursion

Golf at Dalat Palace

You are picked up from your hotel and head over to the Dalat Palace Golf Club. Rated as one of the best courses in Vietnam for its classic design chops, the incredible rise and fall of the terrain and for its flawless bentgrass conditions. It was once described by Patrick J. Rielly, the former President of the PGA of America as 'one of the most beautiful courses in Asia'. Green fees, golf cart and club rental is included. The Dalat Palace has a wonderful spa, with wide range of treatments for both men and women. We can organise this in conjunction or consecutively with a round of golf.

Excursion

Dalat City Tour

This half day orientation tour of this former colonial hill station takes you to vast flower gardens, pine forests, vineyards and perhaps the most colourful market in Vietnam. Visit the Dalat Railway Station which dates back to 1932, Linh Phuong Buddhist Pagoda, the palace of the last Emperor of Vietnam and the fascinating Lam Dong Museum.

Excursion

Climb Mount Fan Si Pan

Standing at 10,311 feet, Fansipan is Vietnam's highest mountain. It is only 4 miles from Sapa Town, but it takes at least 3 days of forest trekking to get up the peak and back. There is nothing too technical en-route. No ropes are needed and therefore the peak is accessible to anybody who is in reasonably good shape. You simply need endurance and plenty of positive energy, as the terrain is attritional and often heavy going, plus the weather can sometimes be foggy and soggy (but sometimes beautiful!). As there are no mountain huts on the way, you will be camping and porters will carry all the equipment and food that you need.

Excursion

Overnight Trek - Sin Chai & My Son

This two day trek begins with a transfer to Thanh Phu Bridge, which serves as the starting point. From here you trek along the Ngoi Bo River and then turn abruptly uphill to Muong Bo Village, which is at the centre of Thanh Phu Commune. This is our lunch stop on day one, as always in a local house. After lunch you head to Sin Chai, which is a Red Dzao village and also serves as your overnight stop. As you would expect, its basic accommodation in a local house – essentially a bamboo hut with little privacy and 'rustic' facilities. However, its friendly, reasonably comfortable and certainly an 'experience'. After breakfast, your second day begins with a walk downhill towards My Son village, which is inhabited by the Xafo minority. They are one of the smallest ethnic groups in Northern Vietnam and visiting their village is a rare privilege. Another hour and a half walk you arrive at Nam Toong, a better lunch stop. In the afternoon, continue the final stretch of the trek to Ban Ho village, where it is possible to take a refreshing swim in the river. From here the vehicle takes you back to Sapa, or down to Lao Cai where you can catch the train back to Hanoi. Each day involves approximately five hours walking.

Excursion

Full Day Trek - Lai Chai & Ta Van

This is a leisurely trek along small roads, buffalo paths and well established trails, passing through several hill tribe villages in Lao Chai & Ta Van, home to Black H'Muong and Dzay people. The walk is essentially to and then along the valley floor, visiting villages inhabited by some of the friendliest people you could possibly meet. The walls of the valley are covered with multi-layered rice terraced fields as well as a liberal scattering of these villages. The route starts with a walk to Lao Cha, downhill through terraced rice paddies. Photo opportunities are plentiful. Lunch is Lao Chai village and then it's an easy walk along a largely flat road on the valley floor, stopping at a few small shops which punctuate the route, until you reach Ta Van. From here it is a short ride back up to Sapa, where you will be back for mid-afternoon. This is an easy walk, covering approx. 4-5 miles either downhill or on the flat. Expect it take anything up to five hours, allowing plenty of times for photo stops – you'll need them!

Excursion

Full Day Trek - Thanh Kim Valley

A full day trek which takes you through some of the Sapa region's most stunning scenery, based around the Thanh Kim valley. It contains the perfect combination of high mountains, narrow canyons, beautiful streams and terraced rice fields. This trek is all about getting up close and personal with the traditional lives of the Black H'Muong and Red Dzao communities. It is a 12 mile drive at the start of the day and then the first section of the walk is on a large path, winding its way across the high mountainside for about half an hour. Wonderful views of the Thanh Kim valley abound. The going then turns a little more arduous, following a narrow dirt trail uphill for approximately two hours, passing through Lech Mong village - which is in fact three hamlets scattered on the sides of a stunning valley. Here you will meet the Black H'Muong people. After lunch break in a local house, the walk gets easier as you head downhill and then along large rocky path for about a mile to Lech Zao village, visiting several Red Dzao homes and watching them doing their everyday work; ploughing and harrowing the fields, growing and harvesting rice, weaving and embroidering. The walk back in mid afternoon passes through some stunning terraced rice fields. This is a wonderful trek, with plenty of opportunity to visit local villages and witness the incredible colours of northern Vietnam. If it is a school day, then you may even get opportunity to visit one of the village schools to meet the children. This is a full day excursion, of which you would expect to be actually trekking for around four hours.

Excursion

Cruising in Lan Ha Bay

Tucked in the southwest of the iconic Ha Long Bay, the quieter Lan Ha Bay is best enjoyed on an overnight boat cruise. In addition to the quieter surroundings, the journey to Lan Ha Bay takes only 2 hours from central Hanoi instead of 4 hours to the more famous tourist spot of Halong Bay. You will be able to enjoy a leisurely, insightful cruise whilst enjoying spectacular views of limestone karst formations and gliding across emerald waters. Lan Hay Bay is also famous for it's lush limestone islands, pristine beaches, hidden caves and remote fishing villages. An example itinerary of a typical cruise is shown below, although this is of course just a guideline and if you don’t fancy any activities then just sit back and enjoy the breath-taking scenery (different boats will vary and the cruise itinerary will be confirmed to you before departure or upon arrival at the pier); Day 1: Hanoi to Hai Phong, Lan Ha Bay Depart Hanoi in the morning to transfer to Hai Phong. Arrive at the pier for check in and board your boat at approximately 12:30pm for a welcome briefing about the boat, safety procedures and your itinerary for your cruise. 1:00pm – Enjoy a buffet lunch whilst your boat cruises into the bay. Proceed to Da Chong islet, where you can see a lighthouse built by the French over 100 years ago. Continue past the islets of Con Vit area. These amazing limestone karst formations rise up out of the sea in an impressive manner. This area is untouched, as not many cruise ships use the route via the Cat Ba Island - Thoi Quyt area - Coc Ngoi islet - through Gia Luan area. 3:30pm – Explore the bay in the area where Frog Lake is situated. Spend time kayaking at Ao Ech area to discover the hidden charm of Lan Ha Bay. 4:30pm - Enjoy time swimming in the  cool green emerald waters. 5:00pm - Cooking lessons of traditional Vietnamese food by the onboard chef, time for relaxing on the deck or enjoy a massage in the spa if available. Follow this with a drink and a chance to take some stunning photographs of the bay as the sun sets (happy hour on most boats in the bay from 5:30pm). 7:30pm – Enjoy your dinner in the restaurant or on the top deck under the stars. 8:30pm – Evening relaxation – enjoy movies, a chat around the bar, board games, magazines or even some squid fishing on the back of the boat! Day 2: Lan Ha Bay - Hanoi 6:15am - After a cup of tea or coffee to start your morning, enjoy an early morning Tai Chi demonstration on the sundeck. 7:00am – Enjoy a light breakfast as the boat cruises further into the bay. Proceed to Trung Trang cave on Cat Ba island which is located in the middle of Cat Ba National Park with Kim Giao forest around the cave. 10:00am – Check out of your cabin and enjoy a delicious full breakfast as the boat cruises back towards the harbour. Some boats also feature a fabulous Tea Ceremony where you will learn how to enjoy Vietnamese tea and Vietnamese culture - a wonderful way to end your cruise. 11:30am – Arrive back at Tuan Chau pier where you will disembark your cruise and return to Hanoi for your onward travel.

Excursion

Cruising in Halong Bay

A two day, one night cruise of Halong Bay is perfect for those looking to experience this stunning World Heritage site within a limited time frame. You will be able to enjoy a leisurely, insightful cruise around the 3000 islands and rocky outcrops, whilst learning more about Vietnamese culture, cuisine and daily life in the remote floating villages around the bay. An example itinerary of a typical cruise is shown below, although this is of course just a guideline and if you don’t fancy any activities then just sit back and enjoy the breath-taking scenery (different boats will vary and the cruise itinerary will be confirmed to you before departure or upon arrival at the pier); Day 1: Hanoi to Halong Bay Depart Hanoi in the early morning to transfer to Halong Bay, stopping along the way at a local craft village for refreshments. Arrive at the pier for check in and board your boat at approximately 12:30pm for a welcome briefing about the boat, safety procedures and your itinerary for your cruise. 1:00pm – Enjoy a buffet lunch whilst your boat cruises into the bay, passing Chicken Rock and Titov Island along the way. 3:15pm – Visit bat cave by bamboo boat, kayak around the towering limestone karsts or visit Vung Vieng floating village. You may also a stop at a beach in the bay for swimming or a walk to the top of the hill to enjoy beautiful views over the bay. 5:00pm - Cooking lessons of traditional Vietnamese food, time for relaxing on the deck or enjoy a massage in the spa. Follow this with a drink and a chance to take some stunning photographs of the bay (happy hour on most boats in the bay from 5:30pm). 7:30pm – Enjoy your dinner in the restaurant as the sun sets on the bay. 8:30pm – Evening relaxation – enjoy movies, a chat around the bar, board games, magazines or even some squid fishing on the back of the boat! Day 2: Halong Bay - Hanoi 6:15am - After a cup of tea or coffee to start your morning, enjoy an early morning Tai Chi demonstration on the sundeck. 7:00am – Enjoy a light breakfast in the restaurant as the boat cruises towards Song Sot Cave. Upon arrival at the caves enjoy a short excursion for an early morning walk to tour the cave. 9:00am – Check out of your boat and enjoy a delicious full breakfast in the restaurant as the boat cruises back towards the harbour. 11:30am – Arrive back at Tuan Chau pier where you will disembark your cruise and return to Hanoi for your onward travel.

Excursion

Grand Mekong cruises: from Angkor to the Delta

The boats that steam week-long cruises along the mighty Mekong between Siem Reap and the Delta beyond Saigon (currently the R/V Mekong and the Jayavarman from our portfolio) offer a window into a world gone by, a time of grand leisurely travel, where your cabin is actually a stateroom, where staff are friendly and attentive, and where the G&T is always perfectly mixed. As well as the chance to relax and soak up the timeless landscape of the Mekong River, you also have excursions with knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. Typically these will include: Cai Be In the heart of the Mekong Delta, Cai Be floating market is everything you expect it to be: colourful, busy, lively and a real slice of Mekong life. Whilst you’re in this area you’ll explore a lot by traditional sampan, taking in the narrow backwaters away from the main channels – where lush green vegetation overhangs the river, and glimpses of village life drift past: people harvesting in the fields, bullocks pulling ploughs, children and dogs playing between wooden houses. Chau Doc On the border with Cambodia, Chau Doc is a chance to get off the boat and stretch your legs, exploring nearby tribal villages of the Cham people, where you can take a look at their bamboo catfish farms. Chau Doc itself has the slightly raffish colonial air you might expect from a frontier town. Phnom Penh Once known as the “Paris of the East”, you’ll tour the city covering the attractive sights, like the golden Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, some of the excellent museums the city boasts. Of course, Cambodia’s more recent history is darker and a visit to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng prison brings home the real horror of the Khmer Rouge years. Tonle River This most picturesque part of the journey takes in the narrow channel of the Tonle River (depending on water-levels, it’s sometimes negotiated by coach). There are more fish farms and vignettes of rural life to enjoy, as well as off-boat excursions to explore visits to local villages and temples. Kampong Cham A provincial capital with French colonial buildings, Kampong Cham is likely to be your base for a couple of days. As well as the town itself, you head off into the surrounding countryside to visit local villages that have changed little in the last couple of centuries. Traditional crafts are still practiced here, like pottery and silk weaving, and golden-robed monks piously pray at wonderfully decorated monasteries. With your journey bookended by Vietnam’s bustling and fascinating second city, Saigon, and the stunning temples of Angkor at Siem Reap, these Mekong River cruises are an ideal way to link up your odyssey through Indochina, and will undoubtedly be one of the real highlights of your holiday.

Excursion

Overnight cruises in the Mekong Delta

The Bassac and Song Xanh cruises are our suggestions for delving right into Mekong Delta life. Much smaller than the vessels that ply the Mekong between Siem Reap and the Delta, these cruises are typically just overnight, and concentrate on the backwaters of the Delta where the large vessels can’t sail. Much of your sojourn aboard will require little of you other than to relax on deck and watch the timeless scenery slip past on the banks. Lush green vegetation will part, like curtains pulled back on rural scenes that have remained unchanged for centuries; farmers harvest their crops by hand and sow them using bullocks, whilst their children wave and smile at you. Floating markets like those at Cai Be and Tra On are the lifeblood of the Delta villages. These are not shows for passing tourists, but essential trading posts where colourful vessels carrying even more colourful produce jostle with each other to the soundtrack of shouted offer and counter offer. Your time on the Delta will definitely include a visit to one of these memorable markets. These cruises are great: more affordable than the longer cruises, more intimate and more at “ground level” with everything happening on the river. A wonderful way to dig a little beneath the skin of this part of Vietnam. If you are only looking for a day-cruise in the Delta, and don’t want to overnight on a vessel, there are a couple of day cruise options detailed in the Saigon section of our website.

Excursion

Cai Rang floating market

Wake up early for a boat cruise to the colourful Cai Rang floating market, which bustles with boat-based wholesalers. During the early morning market hours, larger-sized boats anchor and create lanes which the smaller boats weave in and out of. The main items sold here are fruit and vegetables and every boat has a long upright pole at its bow from which samples of the goods for sale are hung. The waterway becomes a maze of hundreds of boats packed with mango, bananas, papaya, pineapple, and even floating pho vendors.

Excursion

Hoa Lu & Tam Coc

Vietnam's first capital was Hoa Lu. Visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009). The ancient Hoa Lu Citadel - most of which has since been destroyed - once covered an area of three square kilometres. If time permits after visiting Hoa Lu (for the fit and healthy), take a half-hour walk up one of the surrounding limestone karst hills, the climb is rewarding with spectacular views. In the late morning depart for Tam Coc Town for a Vietnamese lunch, along the way stop where you wish to take pictures of local villages and the stunning landscape. After lunch board your private sampan, as the boat gently slices through the water, enormous limestone karsts jut out from the green rice fields giving rise to the regions alternative name: 'Halong on Land'. Alternatively, situated near Tam Coc is Trang An - a nature reserve similar to Tam Coc however less visited. Limestone hills surround a peaceful river which passes through a series of caves (one which takes 15-minutes to pass through in darkness). An 'eco tourism' area, the only interruptions here are the sound of birds and the gentle paddle of the oar upon the crystal clear river.

Excursion

Van Long Wetlands & Cuc Phoung National Park

Head to Van Long Nature Reserve for a boat trip. Covering an area of nearly 3,000 ha, Van Long is the largest wetland nature reserve in the North of Vietnam and a 1.5 hour boat trip by traditional sampan is the perfect way to see this area. Van Long's fauna includes 39 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Some of these species have been classified as globally endangered animals such as the white-breeched langur which can be seen occasionally early morning or late afternoon. From Van Long it is a 40-minute drive to Cuc Phuong National Park which was the first national park of Vietnam and is one of the few remaining tropical rain forests left in the country. Originally created by President Ho Chi Minh in 1962, hundreds of species of animals and plants can be found here, including several endangered species. On arrival at the Cuc Phuong National Park take a tour around the interesting Visitors Centre which will introduce you to some of the park's valuable natural resources and its unique environment. Set up by British NGO FFI, the centre aims to increase the conservation awareness of visitors as well as local Vietnamese students. Even though some large animals like panthers and bears make Cuc Phuong their home, they are rarely seen. Instead the park is also home to the Cuc Phuong Endangered Primate Rescue Centre which homes species like the Delacour's Langur, Golden-headed Langur, Tonkin Snub-nosed Langur and Black Crested Gibbon. The Cuc Phuong Endangered Primate Rescue Centre and the Cuc Phuong Turtle Conservation Centre are two research facilities vital for the breeding, rehabilitation and preservation of animals rescued from poachers. Both centres are open to visitors during the day and a stop will be made here after visiting the main Visitors Centre. Have a simple, local style Vietnamese lunch at the National Park Headquarters. There are dozens of nature trails available from the avid to the recreational hiker. In the afternoon spend time walking into the centre of the Park's forest to learn more on the flora and fauna of Vietnam.

Excursion

Evening Street Food Walking Tour of Saigon

This evening meet with a passionate foodie and walk through hidden corners of the city to discover the very best of Saigon's local food scene. Start with a stroll through a public park where locals gather after work. See friends gossiping over an evening snack, watch groups of dancers getting their daily exercise and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Continue on foot to a small alleyway where, amid houses and shops, a popular local street restaurant is serving up the city’s best banh xeo. Grab a stool and tuck into a plate of this delicious crispy pancake. Watch the chefs as they whip up plate after plate, learning the secrets of this southern delicacy. Carry on to Tan Dinh Market. Tucked away is an unassuming stall selling a delicious local soup. While slurping up the flavourful broth, the guide will explain the origins of this Chinese-inspired dish. Next on the foodie tour of Ho Chi Minh City is a short walk to another popular restaurant. Like most street stalls in Vietnam, this shop serves only one item. Enjoy a serving of com suon non nuong muoi ot, a dish consisting of rice and pork ribs, a speciality of Ho Chi Minh City. Having sampled the savoury side of the city, cross a busy city intersection (an adventure in itself) to a typical Vietnamese café and indulge in a sweet treat. Round out the evening with a stop at a live music café. Rub elbows with the locals while listening to Vietnamese music then return to the hotel full of memories of this authentic night out.  

Excursion

Vietnamese Cooking Class

Learn the art of Vietnamese cooking from the best! Join a team of expert foodies for a fabulous hands-on gastronomy course. At a fully equipped cooking station, prepare a traditional meal then sit down to taste the delicious, gourmet dishes.

Excursion

A night at the Opera House

After a day of touring, enjoy an evening of cultural indulgence with a show at the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, also known as the Saigon Opera House. Built in 1898 by the French architect Ferret Eugene, and restored in 1998, the Opera House is now certified as a ‘National Relic’. After the lights dim, the stage comes alive for the hour-long AO Show. Performed by enthusiastic local dancers and artists, the show displays Vietnamese heritage and culture through contemporary choreography and traditional music. Be amazed by the stunning blend of acrobatic acts and contemporary dance. Following this vibrant spectacle, step out into the streets and join your guide for a stroll back to the hotel. Enjoy the ambiance of Ho Chi Minh City at night, seeing street vendors selling fresh snacks, motorbikes carrying young couples and locals out for their evening exercise.

Excursion

Craft Beer Tasting in Saigon by Vespa

What better way to delve into the burgeoning craft beer scene of Saigon than to zoom around the city on the back of a Vespa, just like the locals do?  Get a taste of the wide variety of locally produced beers, with something for everyone in a range of popular evening haunts.  Try Californian-style pale ales, Belgian Trappist-inspired brews, and freshly tapped drinks with uniquely Vietnamese flavours... anyone for salted dragon-fruit or jasmine-infused bia? As well as getting to enjoy the best beers and bars that Saigon has to offer, your drinks will be paired with elaborate and delicious food, including gourmet tapas and Vietnamese takes on classic pub bites. After an incredible night out in this bustling metropolis, rubbing elbows with the locals, you will be dropped back to your hotel by your designated Vespa driver and guide.  Dzô! (Cheers!)

Excursion

Cycling in the Mekong Delta

Explore the Mekong Delta on two wheels. Traveling by bike, you'll gain an alternative perspective on this gloriously scenic region, as you get to witness first-hand the daily lives of the locals. You start cycling from the town of Cai Be, which is a two hour drive from downtown Saigon. Its best to get an early start, to try beat the teeming rush hour traffic and start cycling before the heat kicks in. You will cycle for approximately 20 miles, exploring a myriad of orchards, rice fields, tiny villages, canals and local temples. You begin with a one and a half hour ride through quiet back roads, with plenty of opportunity to rest and refuel along the way. No doubt you will enjoy your delicious lunch of delta specialties on a small island, before continuing pedalling to a garden house. This typical Vietnamese house has airy rooms surrounded by dirt paths, perfect for exploring by bike! In the late afternoon return to Saigon by road, leaving the bikes in Cai Be.

Excursion

Cai Be & The Mekong Delta

With traditional wooden boats, plenty of bustling local industry, vast emerald rice fields and lush back-waterways - Cai Be is an idyllic spot within the Mekong Delta. After a two hour drive from Saigon, you will have the opportunity to cruise the many tributaries of the Mekong River, spending time in tropical fruit gardens as well as visiting cottage industries making 'pop' rice. As all trips to the Mekong Delta should, you begin with a boat trip. This is then followed by a visit to some home factories that produce rice paste, rice popcorn and coconut candy. Continue to several evergreen islands set among the many branches of the Mekong River, through a large network of meandering tributaries, crisscrossed with countless arroyos. Getting off your boat, it takes just 10 minutes to walk through a local village (with plentiful fruit gardens) before arriving at a preserved 'Mandarin' house. Built centuries ago, at least four generations of the same family have lived here. Mrs. Kiet, the current owner of the house will serve you an authentic Vietnamese lunch. Take a stroll back to a local rowing boat waiting to take you back through the small canals, before returning to Cai Be and ultimately back to Saigon by road.

Excursion

Ben Tre & The Mekong Delta

Ben Tre Province, only an hour and a half's drive from downtown Saigon is home to some of the Mekong Delta's most picture-postcard-perfect scenery. For those constricted by time, there really is no need to venture further to get a flavour of the region. Discover the maze of waterways by local boat, admiring fertile green terrain and glimpsing scenes of local daily life in one of the more beautiful parts of Vietnam. During a private day tour, you can visit small family-run cottage industries such as coconut candy making and learn tricks of the trade from the locals working during the day. From here you can also visit a tropical orchard, with plenty of opportunities to taste some of the exotic fruits. Alighting from the boat, you can choose to cycle the riverside promenade and narrow lanes, or hop on a Lambro motor-tricycle - an iconic vehicle and the means of transportation in southern Vietnam during the 1960s. A delicious lunch of Mekong Delta specialities will be served during your visit to the region, the perfect chance to chat to your guide and learn more about the local history and culture in a beautiful setting.

Excursion

The Cai Be Princess & The Mekong Delta

A full day river trip, heading deep in to the Mekong Delta on board an authentic river junk. These attractive boats can host small groups, but are best privately chartered for a day to explore the nooks and crannies of the Mekong Delta. The boats are 13 metres long and 3 metres wide, with a design and style which reflects the authentic ancient "sampans". They have been built using rattan, bamboo and exotic wood. All itineraries start in Cai Be, which is a couple of hours drive from Saigon. The boats then head towards Vinh Long and Sa Dec. It's a long day's excursion, after an early start you will eventually get back to Saigon in the early evening. The boats are small enough to get deep in to the backwaters and up close in the markets. They are also supremely comfortable - better then the many other local tourist boats which plough the same waters. Food is served by a small, ever-attentive team on board and the itinerary can take you wherever the action is – or isn't, if you simply want to get away from it all. Once the boat is chartered, you are in charge.

Excursion

Cu Chi Tunnels

You leave the city behind as you head out to Cu Chi and the scenery changes to the rural - rice paddies, villagers drying noodles by the side of the road and monkey bridges over small waterways. It takes over an hour to reach Cu Chi and your guide will use the time to explain the Vietnamese version of history behind both the 'American' and 'French' wars. Questions will be answered and the guide will bring the focus to the ingenuity of the Cu Chi residents. The famous Cu Chi Tunnels is made up of an incredible underground network, constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters - the Viet Cong. After watching a standard Government-produced introductory video, the visit starts at the Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc sections of the tunnel. Here you try imagine what it was like to be a guerrilla soldier, equipped with a Russian Carbine rifle. These and some AK 47's are kept on display. You have the opportunity to try squeeze through sections of the tunnels, but this is only possible for those who do not suffer with claustrophobia. The tunnels were deliberately kept small - Vietnamese size - to make it difficult for considerably larger Westerners to infiltrate. It is by no means compulsory to venture down, although many do try (perhaps half?). Your local guide will also demonstrate some gruesome booby traps, used by the Viet Cong to entrap unfortunate G.Is.

Excursion

Evening Street-Food Tour of Saigon by Vespa

This is part street food extravaganza and part night tour of Saigon. You get to experience the vibrant nightlife of Saigon the way locals do, from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. Stops include a traditional 'quan' where locals congregate for their main evening meal with friends and family. Sample the street food for which Vietnam is rightly famous and also visit a Vietnamese-style coffee shop, wrapping the evening up at one of the city's predominantly local clubs where live acoustic music is played. The tour begins at 6pm when your Vespa (with driver - you ride pillion!) will pick up at your hotel before diving in to the buzzing streets. Its not remotely as terrifying as it sounds. The city comes alive after sundown and people congregate on sidewalks, parks and all over the city at the end of each day. Do not eat before you head out. Indeed, skip lunch to build your appetite - you'll need it. It is important that you don't overeat at the first stop (however tempting that may be), as there is plenty yet to discover later in the tour. Food follows food! The first stop is only to sample some light evening pre-dinner snacks, before continuing to a traditional 'bia hoi' for several dinner courses and drinks. You get to sample of Saigon's best authentic street food, accompanied by your guide and Vespa driver. There is so much to taste, some can be rather quirky, but it's all delicious. An evening out in Ho Chi Minh City is not complete without a visit to a Vietnamese-style coffee shop. Then, wrap up the evening at one of the many local acoustic music clubs, where the new generation of Vietnamese cool-kids like to unwind. This tour usually will get you back to the hotel for 10pm...'ish'.

Excursion

A Night Out in Saigon

An eclectic city by day, Saigon develops an energetic energy and creates a certain intrigue once dusk falls. This evening tour will take you to one of the city's most reputable restaurants for dinner, followed by a visit to one of the city's bopping jazz clubs where Vietnamese and foreign musicians can regularly be seen jamming into the wee hours. Hoa Tuc is a wonderful restaurant and an excellent place to experience fine Vietnamese cuisine. The building is a colonial era opium factory in a quiet square. The food's good, the decor's attractive with options of either indoor and outdoor seating and the location insulates it from the city hustle. If there is a show on and we are able to secure tickets (two large if's), after your meal you may be lucky enough to catch a performance at the Saigon Opera House. Its architecture was influenced by the flamboyant style of the French Third Republic, with the façade shaped like the Petit Palais which was built in the same year in France in 1911. After dinner (and a show), its time to stroll down Dong Khoi street, past iconic landmarks such the former Hotel De Ville and the Rex Hotel, where the derogatorily named 'five o clock follies' took place each day during the 'American War'. You end the evening at one of the city's happening jazz clubs. You guide will have accompanied you between the hotel, restaurant, Opera House and to the club...but you may wish to let him or her go home at this point. Most of the hotels we use are central and its only likely to be a short walk home and Saigon is a very safe city even in the late evening.

Excursion

Good Morning Saigon!

This is an insider's early morning jaunt, taking you around Saigon in the early hours when it is absolutely buzzing with activity. A 6.30 start means you catch the first rays of the sun and witness Saigon waking up. The traffic is light at this hour and your open-style van will allow you to feel fully immersed in the city vibe. First stop is Tao Dan Park, where locals gather for morning exercises – Tai Chi, aerobics and friendly, non-competitive badminton. Stroll around the park to a small pagoda where the devout perform daily prayers. Buddhism in Vietnam has had a symbiotic relationship with Taoism, Chinese spirituality as well as aspects of indigenous Vietnamese religion. You then have the opportunity to enjoy a café sua da at the birds' club at the end of the park. The locals gather here to relax, talk, enjoy a morning coffee and compare their caged birds. Next stop is a local wet market where shoppers haggle over the abundant fresh produce on offer. Wander through the stalls where vendors are selling everything from live seafood to dried meats, fresh seasonal vegetables and home-ware goods. At last, its now time for breakfast. Alongside the locals you sample of bowl of Vietnam's national dish - pho at Pho Binh, also known as the 'Peace Noodle Shop'. During the war Pho Binh was a secret base the Vietnamese resistance fighters - the Viet Cong. Nowadays its rightly famous for its noodle soup. You will be back to your hotel for mid-morning.

Excursion

Secret Saigon Walking Tour

Saigon is best explored on foot and this half-day walking tour takes you deep into off-the-tourist-trail local neighbourhoods. You are collected from your hotel and taken on a short drive to the starting point. The rest of the tour is on foot. It begins at a charming local market - buzzing throughout the day - and then the route weaves through tiny back alleys into some of the friendliest localities in the city. Families have set up businesses on the street and it's a true culinary adventure walking down these rarely-visited side streets. Its worth skipping a meal before the tour! Eventually you arrive at a small temple honouring 5 mother goddesses and next you visit a monastery where the monks are very genuinely welcoming, happy to show you their home and explain their beliefs. From here it's a short stroll to one of the oldest parts of the city, where French era villas punctuate a teak tree lined street. Hidden away from the main districts of the city, the culture thriving in these hidden streets is fascinating and absorbing. The tour will take about 3 hours and a vehicle is made available at all times, should you need it.

Excursion

Saigon City Tour by Vespa

Touring the city whilst riding pillion on a classic Vespa will give you a perspective of Saigon unlike anything you'll see from a tour bus. You will visit much more of the city than you could possibly see on your own. The drivers/guides we use are longtime residents of Saigon and know exactly how to blend the 'must-see' sights whilst also managing to get you off the standard tourist trail. This half-day tour takes a unique look at familiar and not-so-familiar landmarks in modern-day Saigon. On morning tours, get up early to head to Tao Dan Park to catch the 'bird lovers club' and enjoy a local coffee while your guide explains about the history and practice of keeping birds in Saigon. The next stop is the monument of Thich Quang Duc, a Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist monk who burned himself to death on June 11, 1963 to protest against the persecution of Buddhists by South Vietnam's Ngo Dinh Diem administration. Then take a quick stop at the colourful Ho Thi Ky flower market, before riding to a funeral home to learn about Vietnamese funeral ceremonies & customs. Roll on through Cholon (China town) to Nhi Phu temple, where the roof is covered with tubular tiles lined with bas-relief mosaics made from broken ceramics, depicting the eight immortals of Taoism including apricot trees, orchids, bamboo and of course dragons and phoenix. Continue with a short walk through the alley full of tailor's supplies. Leaving China town, you drive through the tunnel to District Two, where you see downtown Saigon from a different perspective. Visit a local market before heading back to District One for a twin set of neighbouring landmarks: the Post Office followed by Cathedral of Notre Dame. Moving then to the remarkable Reunification Palace a stop at the historic Opera House allows for an opportunity to talk to your guide about the modern history of the city. The final stop is an outside view of the Saigon City People's Committee (formerly Hôtel de Ville) which is one of the most photographed buildings in Vietnam - notable for its gardens, ornate facade and elegant interior lit with crystal chandeliers. Guests ride pillion behind experienced drivers and helmets are provided. The tour usually takes around 4 hours and can be organised either in the morning or afternoon.

Excursion

Saigon City Tour (Half Day)

This half-day tour of Saigon is the perfect introduction to the city and the country's colourful past. As well as ticking off the principal sights in District 1, it also serves as excellent orientation, which will then enable you to maximise any free time you have in Saigon. The tour includes the Reunification Hall, formerly known as the Presidential Palace, the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), The Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall. Whilst a vehicle is at your disposal, its easier and more enjoyable to stroll between these sights. After this tour of the major colonial buildings, you continue on to the War Remnants Museum, where exhibits include graphic imagery of both the French and American wars, as they are referred to locally. The tour ends at the Jade Emperor Pagoda, dating from 1909 and built by Cantonese Buddhists strictly observing the principals of feng shui. It serves as a peaceful and contemplative conclusion.

Excursion

Saigon City Tour (Full Day)

We start in Cholon, the city's Chinatown district, visiting busy markets and tightly-packed shops. Its an area best to explore in the early mornings. Also in Cholon is the Cantonese Thien Hau Pagoda - dedicated to the goddess of the sea. Next you head to the FITO Museum, Vietnam's first traditional medicine museum displaying an amazing collection of 3,000 items relevant to the development of traditional Vietnamese medicine, including indigenous herbs. It's then back into District 1, to visit Ben Thanh Market where an over-whelming display of fresh produce, household goods and tourist trinkets are on display. Plenty if time is put aside to simply stroll through the market, with your guide providing a commentary and helping you haggle when required. Options for a fresh local lunch are abundant in the streets surrounding the market - your guide will have many suggestions and recommendations. In the afternoon visit the War Remnants Museum and the History Museum (closed on Mondays) and the former Presidential Palace - now re-named the Reunification Palace. From here stroll (although your vehicle will be available at all times) to the principal sights of colonial Saigon: the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), The Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall. This is your day. The guide will adapt and manoeuvre the itinerary to match your interests and follow the pace you choose to set.

Excursion

Hoi An Organic Farm Cooking Class

Located about 3km from the Old Town centre, this quietly tucked away farm was established by an expert in nutrition with a big passion for food and local cuisine. After a short ride to the farm you are greeted by the friendly team; take a stroll around the farm and get an insight into how this unique setting supports the local community. Just like the varied landscape of Vietnam, the cuisines contain a brilliant balance of aromatics, heat, sweetness, sourness, and umami flavour from the use of fish sauce. The cuisine is all about the balance between yin and yang; the sweet and the salty, the cool and the warmth, the fresh and the fermented. Follow the expert in nutrition and explore the farm while listening to inspiring stories about how to use food and vegetables for healthy living. Pick-up some ingredients before heading to the lovely kitchen to make your five unique dishes with a hands on cooking class. Once finished sit down and savour the flavours of your creation before heading back to Hoi An.

Excursion

Buffalo cart ride

The countryside surrounding Hoi An is beautiful, where life is simple. Riding a buffalo cart ride is the perfect transport of these rural roads, from which to experience the peace and get in step with the rhythm of daily life. This late afternoon excursion takes you on a 90-minute journey through charming village roads, alongside the canals which provide water for the paddy fields, past shrimp ponds and vegetable gardens. You will see the local farmers working in the fields transplanting rice, feeding their cows and fishing. Its a rather serene experience, clip-clopping along under the shade of coconut trees. You are picked-up from your hotel at about 3.30 (be it Hoi An or the beach) and travel to Cam Thanh, a local village where your transport is contentedly waiting for you. A buffalo, a cart, your local guide and the countryside - what more do you need?!

Excursion

Jeep safari to My Son

Drive on back-roads through vast expanses of rice fields in an American open-air, fully renovated jeep. Raise a few eyebrows from the curious locals as you stop as often as you like for photos. My Son is the must-see architectural treasure of the region and home to the grand Champa Kingdom, dozens of red brick towers date back to the 7th – 13th centuries. Thanks to 4 wheel-drive, the jeep is able to leave the main road behind and follow quiet rural laneways out of Hoi An and into the heart of the Vietnam countryside. Pass through farms, villages and 'middle of nowhere' places all the while enjoying the fresh air and spectacular views that only come from traveling in a Jeep. Reach My Son in the late morning hours; stop to have lunch in a local restaurant before setting off on foot to the ruins of My Son. Venture around the paths, visiting the numerous ruins and soaking in the atmosphere of this historic site. Mid afternoon begin the drive back to Hoi An along different back roads that run parallel to the Thu Bon River. The afternoon light casts a different hue on the farms, water and roads, great for photos or as a scenic backdrop for the jeep ride. All good things must come to an end however, and reach Hoi An just in time for a sunset.

Excursion

Countryside & Fishing

Departing your hotel after breakfast, cycle into the countryside of Hoi An to start exploring the narrow country roads, heading towards one of the many beautiful villages surrounding the town. As you cycle along the roads keep your eyes peeled (and your camera handy) for sights such as water buffalos, rice paddy fields and organic vegetable farms. Stop along your way to greet the friendly locals before coming to rest at a local fishing village. Here you will learn how to spread a traditional fishing net (called a “ro”) from a small round bamboo basket boat (called a “thung chai”). These have been employed by Vietnamese fishermen for centuries to ply their trade and are still an iconic image of Vietnam. After mastering your new skills, continue on your way to visit a water palm area surrounded by coconut trees – here you will learn about the history of this unique and beautiful area, before sitting down to enjoy a tasty seafood lunch on-board a boat.

Excursion

Cham Island Discovery

In need of some snorkelling, diving or laid back beach time? The Cham Islands is the ideal place to go...Situated off the coast of Central Vietnam, Cham Island Biosphere Reserve boasts white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and abundant coral and marine life. You depart Hoi An in the moderately early morning and its then a 45 minutes speedboat ride over to the island. You arrive at Bai Lan Village, a small fishing community worth exploring to see how the locals live. From here on it is all sun-bathing and swimming. A seafood lunch is at Bai Trong Beach, which is then followed by more time for basically beach-bum relaxation and some snorkelling from this idyllic beach. You will get back to Hoi An circa 2pm. If you want to go diving, then this is possible as an optional extra and a PADI certificate will need to be shown in advance.

Excursion

The Hai Van Pass & Hue

Departing early from Hoi An, you head up the coast, past Danang, China Beach and the Marble Mountains without pausing. First stop is at the top of the Hai Van Pass for spectacular views to Lang Co and back over Central Vietnam. The aim is to get to Hue as early as possible - its at least a two and a half hour drive from Hoi An. Once in the ancient capital, you first head to the Citadel and ancient Imperial City. This is from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. The pomp and ceremony of the dynastic rulers is evident, as are the ravishes from the American war. After a tour of these ancient sites, take a cyclo ride through Hue's backstreets. Dai Noi, the 'Old City', is where you find to Tinh Tam Lake where the Emperors used to come to relax. It is full of lotus flowers during the summer and surrounded by coffee shops where university students come to debate and study. Continue on to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, overlooking the Perfume River. Constructed in 1601 the 21-meter tall tower is the centrepiece 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-immortalisation was captured and was one of the most well known images of the war. Lunch in a restaurant where you can try some of the renowned Hue cuisine. In the afternoon you will visit the tomb of the former emperor Minh Mang, which is located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds. Journey on to Khai Dinh's Tomb which is traditional Vietnamese in design, with European touches making it somewhat unique and distinct from the other tombs in Hue. You need to get an early start today, if you are the cover the distance and see all there is to see on one day! Invariably, you will be back to Hoi An late.  

Excursion

My Son Cham temples

The ancient red brick towers at My Son Cham make for an easy half day excursion from Hoi An (town or beach). To get to these Cham ruins, which date from the 4th - 13th centuries, you pass through some beautiful rural countryside as you head away from the coast. It's worth stopping at Phuoc Kieu en route, a 500 year old village which specialises in bronze crafting - bells, gongs(and other indeterminate musical instruments), incense burners, lamp holders and vases. You have time to stroll along the several interesting alleys, visit workshops and visit a temple where locals worship their ancestors. My Son is the cultural highlight of Central Vietnam, granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999. The tower-temples in the sanctuary are surrounded by hills. Admittedly, they are not as spectacular as the great complexes in Cambodia - no others are! - but many of the structures actually pre-date Angkor, are atmospheric and conjure images of the majesty of the Champa Kingdom. You first visit the small museum near the entrance to the site and then are free to wander amongst the towers, before heading back to Hoi An. This tour can be done either in the morning or afternoon.

Excursion

Cycling in the Hoi An countryside

Its best to get an early start, simply to try avoid the heat and to see Hoi An in its best light. Starting from the town centre, you hop onto your bicycle and head to the main boat ferry pier for the 10-minute journey across the Thu Bon River. Once on back on dry land, you are now in the countryside - peddle past picturesque villages, through rice paddies, water coconut forests and waterways. The riding is easy and flat, but still plenty of water will be supplied, essential in the hotter months. You visit local cottage industries such as boat building yards, wood-carving workshops which produce everything from furniture to ornate statues, traditional brickworks (between March and September only), basket makers and even an ice works. A Vietnamese lunch is served in the family home of a family who weave traditional mats. Following the meal head back to Hoi An town, but this time abandoning the bikes and instead taking a 45-minute boat cruise. You arrive back at your hotel, be it in Hoi An or on the beach, by mid-afternoon. The total distance on your bike is about 6 miles, along very flat roads with very little traffic. Obviously, the itinerary may need to change if it starts raining heavily.

Excursion

Tra Que village tour

Depart for a farming & cooking experience in the countryside surrounding Hoi An for a truly local experience. Leave your hotel by bicycle (or vehicle if preferred) and head out of town towards Tra Que Vegetable Village. Upon arrival, take a tour of the organic farms and join in with local farming activities – get your hands dirty with some raking, sowing, watering greens and picking the veg. Once finished with your farming duties, head inside, grab a refreshing drink and take a short rest before starting your short cooking lesson. Learn how to prepare  tam huu, a local delicacy, before sitting down for a home cooked meal including banh xeo (a speciality savoury pancake wrapped in rice paper) before transferring by vehicle back to Hoi An or to your hotel.

Excursion

Morning market & street food tour

This street food tasting tour is an entertaining and informative way to approach sight-seeing in Hoi An from a different angle. Vietnam is a culinary nation - nothing is more important to the Vietnamese than what they eat! You start by visiting a colourful and friendly local 'wet' market which is well off the tourist map. You'll get the chance to meet and chat with stallholders to learn more about the huge choice of ingredients on sale. Everything from silk worms, a huge variety of fresh fragrant herbs and vegetables to the meat and fish sections can be seen. Leaving the market continue along both high streets and back streets, discovering out-of-the-way producers and street vendors making and selling a wide variety of exotic foods. Your final destination of the morning will be a local restaurant where a mammoth tasting session begins. A wide selection of local delicacies bought directly from the markets can be sampled. Learn the names and meanings of the different foods, as well as the main ingredients and the etiquette of how to eat them. This tasting session will give you a deeper understanding of Vietnamese cuisine and the purpose of the tour is to give an opportunity to try the huge variety of foods of the local Hoi An people – the benefit also goes back to the vendors as all dishes are bought directly from them. The tour departs only in the mornings, so as to make the most of the markets. It's best to have only had a light breakfast in your hotel and, even then, only if you must! The program may change depending on weather conditions.

Excursion

Cooking lesson with celebrity chef Duc

Meet Celebrity Chef "Duc" - proprietor and inspiration behind The Mango Rooms, Mango Mango & Mai Fish. Simply stated, Duc is the most amazing chef, who creates eclectic and innovative flavours reflecting his global culinary journey. Born in Saigon in 1968, Duc's life has taken him the long way around the world — Texas, Latin America, Japan, New Zealand, Europe & Australia. Years later, armed with learned skills and dedication, Duc returned to Vietnam to open The Mango Rooms in Hoi An in 2004. You begin by meeting Duc at the morning market to select the of the ingredients that will be used in the lesson. The fish section (not for the faint hearted, as the smell can overwhelm!) is a hive of activity and it's fascinating to see the range of seafood on offer. After the market its a stroll through the ancient streets of Hoi An to 'Mango Mango Restaurant', where the hands-on cooking class takes place. Duc is particularly enthusiastic about his seasonings and, invariably, one of two of his signature dishes will feature; tuna rolls double layered with nori and rice paper sheets, served crispy and topped with yogurt, passion fruit, and mint; large prawns battered Japanese/Vietnamese-style, tossed in with onion, green pepper, garlic, and butter; blue fin tuna steak seasoned in garlic, onion, ginger, basil, sesame seeds, pan seared and served with mango salsa. Duc is always mindful of Western tastes and knows what is available in British supermarkets. He very deliberately uses ingredients that can be easily found in your local Waitrose or, if not, have viable UK alternatives. Following the class sit down to enjoy your creations! This is not just a cookery class. It is also about getting to know the charismatic and energetic Duc, his family and his life story.

Excursion

Hoi An walking tour

An introduction to Hoi An. Its a small town and all you need to tick off the main sights and orientate yourself is a half day walking tour. With your guide, stroll through the charming, old narrow streets, stopping off at traditional houses, former merchants' homes, the town's iconic 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese communal hall and the colourful market where an array of fresh ingredients are on offer. Once you have done this tour, you can then simply relax in to Hoi An and soak up the unique atmosphere of the town. The tour can be taken either in the morning or afternoon, although the market is obviously far better in the early morning.

Excursion

Nha Trang Countryside Cycle

Ride through the quiet lanes, local villages and unspoilt natural landscapes as you journey away from the bustle of Nha Trang. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to friendly farmers and teach you more about the ways of life in Vietnam. The day begins with a short car journey out of the city before you reach the village of Dien Khanh where your bikes will be waiting. The cycle can be tailored to your requirements in terms of fitness but whatever option you choose you will enjoy a relaxing ride on a countryside loop. Stop often for photo opportunities, chats with the friendly locals (our fantastic guides will help with any language barriers) and observe scenes of daily life. During the cycle tour, visit small local industries where you can admire skilled workers make rice paper and process cashew nuts. Continue on the bikes through more spectacular landscapes before reaching a wet market. Take a stroll through the stalls, discovering the array of items on sale and gaining a better understanding of what daily life is like in the countryside. End your cycle at Memento Country Home where a rustic local Vietnamese lunch will be served to reward you, and spend some time relaxing in this quiet retreat. Opt for a swim in the pool, go fishing in the pond or indulge in a massage at the outdoor spa. You will then return to Nha Trang by private vehicle back to your hotel.

Excursion

Doc Let beach

Doc Let Beach is a beautiful beach with near perfect sands and calm tropical waters, only a one hour drive from Nha Trang town. Its worth the trip, as this beach is most often deserted, totally without footprints! It is the perfect place to relax, more private and exclusive than Nha Trang's beachfront. If you are staying in one of the resorts surrounding the town, then it offers a change of scenery and an escape from the confines of the perimeter fence! There is nothing more on offer other than to relax - swimming and sunbathing - although the drive to Doc Let does take you past some small mountains and along some idyllic coastline. You can stop at Ninh Thuy, a small and charming fishing village, which provides insight in to local daily life. On the return trip to Nha Trang, visit picturesque Ninh Diem salt fields. Salt water is directed into fields and left for days to evaporate. The white mineral is then removed and left to dry before harvesting. You may choose to have your resort hotel prepare a lunch for a beach picnic or, alternatively, you could dine at the White Sand Doc Let Resort - the only accommodation on the beach.

Excursion

Everyday Vietnamese life in Nha Trang

This tour focuses on the culture and daily lives of regular Vietnamese people. Away from the world of international resorts, you visit the 'locals' Nha Trang and spend time on the picturesque countryside which surrounds the town. Its all about getting you off-the-beaten-track and finding the places where the locals go about their daily business - either farming or working the traditional cottage industries that are the mainstay of daily life. The day starts with a visit to the spectacular Po Nagar Temple Tower, dating from the 8th century. This unique architecture is a symbol of Hindu Champa culture and remains a place of regular worship for all religions, important to the community. You will then have opportunity to wander through small local alleyways, visiting a boat builder's house where you eventually actually board one of his riverboats. The river trips takes you through some lush countryside, until you reach an extremely photogenic fishing fleet. After disembarking, you first join one family who make traditional clay stoves, before moving on to a second family that weaves rush mats for a living. This section of the tour culminates in a visit to a colourful market and a school. Heading to lunch, you stop en route amongst the rice paddies to watch and photograph the farmers and buffaloes at work (depending on the season, obviously). Lunch is at a fabulous restaurant, set in an "ancient house" on the banks of a tranquil lotus pond. After lunch, you head back to your resort.

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