HERITAGE TRAILS OF SOUTHERN VIETNAM

After breakfast begin your half-day Ho Chi Minh City tour with a visit to the Saigon Central Post Office, a grand colonial era building showcasing French architectural elegance. Next, explore the historically significant Reunification Palace, a landmark that played a key role during the Vietnam War. After delving into history, head to the vibrant Ben Thanh Market, where you’ll immerse yourself in local culture. Stroll through bustling aisles filled with colourful handicrafts, souvenirs, and sample some delicious authentic Vietnamese street food (at your own expense), offering a perfect taste of the city’s lively atmosphere.

Start your day with an unforgettable half-day tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you’ll explore the intricate underground network used by Vietnamese soldiers during the war, learning about their resilience and resourcefulness. After delving into history, enjoy lunch before heading towards the peaceful Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel, where you can unwind and soak in the serene surroundings of this lush, riverine region. The evening will be marked with a delightful dinner, giving you a taste of the Mekong’s fresh, local cuisine, setting the tone for the next leg of your journey.

Hotel: Mekong River Lodge for 1-night

Begin your day with a visit to the vibrant Cai Be Market, where the bustling scene of local traders on boats exchanging goods offers an authentic insight into life along the Mekong River. After exploring the floating market, visit nearby handicraft villages, where you’ll witness traditional techniques of making local products like rice paper, coconut candy, and handwoven items. After a morning filled with cultural discoveries, enjoy lunch and then relax on your scenic transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving by the afternoon, with time to reflect on the tranquil beauty of the Mekong Delta.

Hotel: Grand Hotel Saigon (or similar) for 1 night

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and take a short flight to Danang. Upon arrival, we transfer you to the hotel in Hoi An where you have time to settle in before enjoying dinner at the hotel.

Hoi An is a captivating blend of history, culture, and charm that transports visitors to a bygone era. Strolling through its lantern-lit streets, you’ll encounter beautifully preserved architecture influenced by Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and French styles. The town’s vibrant markets and riverside cafes invite leisurely exploration, while tailors offer bespoke clothing crafted to perfection. Hoi An’s magical ambiance comes alive at night, as colourful lanterns illuminate the ancient streets, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Hoi An promises an unforgettable experience steeped in tradition, beauty, and relaxation.

Hotel: Hoi An Historic Hotel for 4 nights

Start your half-day in Hoi An with a hands-on lantern-making experience, where you’ll craft your own colourful lantern, a symbol of the town’s rich cultural heritage. Next, enjoy a personalised tailor experience, a highlight of Hoi An, famous for its skilled tailors—choose your fabric, get measured, and have a custom piece made just for you. Continue with walking tour through the charming ancient streets of Hoi An, pausing to enjoy a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee or take a restful break, while soaking in the historic architecture and vibrant atmosphere of this UNESCO-listed town. Tonight, enjoy Hoi An at your leisure.

Begin the day with an exciting cooking class, starting with a visit to Hoi An’s vibrant market. Here, we’ll immerse ourselves in the lively atmosphere, taking in the sights, sounds, and aromas, while selecting fresh ingredients for our upcoming demonstration. Next, we board the Red Bridge boat for a scenic 25-minute cruise along the Hoi An River, leading us to the Cooking School. Upon arrival, we explore the herb and vegetable garden before learning how to prepare some of Hoi An’s most iconic dishes. The cooking lesson includes demonstrations by expert chefs, followed by hands-on preparation of the same dishes. The class also features an introduction to Vietnamese food carving and plate decoration. Finally, we sit down to enjoy the meal we’ve created. Afterward, we retire to our accommodation in Hoi An for the afternoon and evening at leisure.

This morning we visit one of the most stunning sights in the Hoi An area, My Son, Vietnam’s most important Cham intellectual and religious centre and may also have served as a burial place of Cham monarchs. The monuments are set in a verdant valley surrounded by hills overlook by massive Cat’s Tooth Mountain. During the American War, the vicinity of My Son was completely devastated and depopulated in extended bitter fighting. Of the 68 structures of which traces have been found, 25 survived. The afternoon is at your leisure before enjoying a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport and begin our journey home. Upon arrival in Perth your driver will be waiting to take you home.