Vietnam Off the Beaten Track

Day 1 – Saigon

Welcome to Saigon, a true melting pot in South East Asia. For several centuries, Saigon was a thriving trading port importing and exporting goods with all the great civilisations. Formerly part of the Funan Empire, then Khmer Empire, then a Champa Kingdom. The Nguyen Lords annexed the region during the southward expansion and Saigon became Gia Dinh Citadel. Fast forward to present day, Saigon bear the marks of all those who made it their home.

For those returning to Vietnam, re-acquaint yourself with the chaotic mayhem of city traffic, stop be the Central Post Office, a beautiful unique colonial building with a dome built by Gustave Eiffel before his most famous monument in Paris. The Notre Dame under important renovation right now before heading to the Reunification Palace, a Vietnamese 1960 architecture. Enjoy some Saigon treats before meeting your group for dinner. Your adventure begins.

Overnight at Dyn Opera Hotel or similar (D)

Day 2 - Chau Doc

Chau Doc is the western most province of Vietnam, bordering Cambodia. This area is home to Khmer, Champa and Vietnamese. It was the last province to be annexed by the Nguyen Emperors. We will explore the area and the many historic sites at Nui Sam that bear the mark of that turbulent period. There will be a Rickshaw ride to dinner with our hosts.

Overnight at local homestay (BD)

Day 3 – Chau Doc

This province was once a thriving trade centre with fascinating mix of culture of the Khmer and Champa. Once known as Tay Do or Western Capital. Incidentally, the Mekong Delta is still referred to as the west due to this fact. The fruit and rice basket of Vietnam is home to many storied legends. One of those legends was made into a movie "L'Amant" or "The Lover" by Jean-Jacques Annaud based on the novel of Margueritte Duras. The novel was based loosely on the author's childhood in Indochina Vietnam and filmed in Vietnam. We will visit the house that was featured in the movie. And at the hotel, perhaps we will host a movie night showing "The Lover“. Also included today are a boat ride to a fish farm and a visit to a Cham village.

Overnight at local homestay (BD)

Day 4 – Saigon at night

On your return to Saigon, we will visit the Cao Dai temple and learn about this fascinating religion that combines Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism, with a dashing of early 19th century western philosophical thoughts. The temple and rituals bear the marks of just about every saints and religious symbolism you might be familiar with. The cross, the eye, the star, the moon. Tonight, explore Saigon like you've never seen it before on the back of restored vintage Vespas. Immerse yourself in the frantic rhythm of this lively city and visit the most panoramic cityscapes before being introduced to the street food culture of Saigon. Saigon is a true melting pot where you can find flavours and influences from India, China, France, Malay, Khmer with a particular interpretation of local herbs and spices. The Vespas themselves are a testament to Saigon culture of the 60s-70s when it was the chosen mode of transport of the young and fashionable.

Overnight at the Dyn Opera Hotel or similar (BD)

Day 5 – Hue

You will take a morning flight to Hue. (Ask about our train option if you have time). On arrival, head out to explore the Forbidden city with a local historian and get an academic perspective. Then you will head to Ho Quyen, an ancient arena where tigers and elephants once fought for the entertainment of court elites. Our next stop is Cafe Gac Trinh, where Trinh Cong Son, a Vietnamese Bob Dylan, spent his early years composing and falling in love. After all the ancient glories, dip your foot into an important pop culture figure of the 1960s and 70s. The evening is free to explore at your leisure.

Overnight at the Alba Hotel or similar (B)

Day 6 – Peaceful Bamboo Family and Imperial Hue Banquet

After breakfast, head out to visit the Peaceful Bamboo Family, a charitable organisation centred around alternative education for people with disabilities. Learn about the teaching techniques used in this wonderful centre. Stop by Lavin Home, a social enterprise, for coffee and enjoy a chilled time in the cafe operated by young deaf-mute people. This is a life affirming morning that you will not forget. The afternoon is free.

In the evening, we will enjoy an Imperial Hue Banquet in the setting of an ancient Lord's house (converted to a luxury hotel). Hue cuisine is considered the pinnacle of Vietnamese cuisine, thanks to the 200 years of Imperial's exacting standard. An Imperial Banquet is something not to be missed!

Overnight at the Alba Hotel or similar (BD)

Day 7 – Hanoi

We will take a flight from Hue to Hanoi this morning. Explore Hanoi in the afternoon and visit art spaces like Dan Do, a contemporary dance theatre space and explore the thriving art scene of the city. This evening, enjoy a show at Hanoi Opera House by Lune Production -an internationally renowned dance theatre troupe that has toured the US and UK. The show is called My Village, which tells the story of a northern Vietnamese music through dance, bamboo and a 20-piece symphony.

Overnight at the Thang Long Espana Hanoi Hotel or similar (B)

Day 8 - Muong Hilltribes

This morning after breakfast, take a bus ride (about 3 hours) to Da Bac community. Immerse in the culture of the hilltribes of the Dao and Muong people. Enjoy their unique food and hospitality. Trek through gorgeous mountain and bamboo forest. Wander around the village relatively untouched by modernity. Watch Dao women dye their cloths or join the men in harvesting tea or rice. If you enjoy cooking, you can join in the preparation of the evening's meal or play a game of football with the village youths. Alternatively, just chill out with a few cold beers listening to the sounds of the forest.

Overnight at Da Bac Homestay (BLD)

Day 9 – Return to Hanoi

Enjoy the morning in Da Bia and explore the village of the Muong people. Note the difference in dress and living style here. The Muong people tend to live near rivers and build stilt houses. We will then catch a local ferry back to Thung Nham. On the way back, we will stop by a private Muong museum and view an extensive collection of tribal artefacts and stilt houses of the Muong people. There is time to enjoy a Muong style lunch before we head back to Hanoi. This evening, say your farewells over dinner at beautifully renovated 1920s villa in the typical style of an aristocratic Hanoian family, feasting on authentic 1920s Hanoi style dinner.

Overnight at the Thang Long Espana Hanoi Hotel or similar (BLD)

Day 10 – Depart Vietnam

No activities are planned today and you can check out at your leisure to catch your return flight.