Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival at Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat Airport, you will be greeted by a friendly local representative who will acquire your visa documents as you wait in a comfortable seating area. From the airport, your guide and driver will transfer your directly to your hotel, making for a smooth and comfortable start to your adventure. Check into your room, get settled and enjoy your first evening in Vietnam as you desire! (This service is on a private basis.)

Ho Chi Minh City

While much of Vietnam is set in its traditions, and content to live life at a slower pace, HCMC is where the nation's urban warriors congregate to work hard and play harder. The city that some still call Saigon has been the driving force leading Vietnam into the 21st century, and the result is a whirlpool of activity that one cannot help but be swept into. Remnants of Vietnam's history pockmark the city, creating a charming contrast of old and new.

Saigon Unseen

Today, you will embark on a full day, eight hour private tour of the city with a local guide. This tour will be a fantastic introduction to Saigon and the chance to get a personal insight, not only into the classic sights, but also into some more unusual and unique features of the city. The day starts with an early morning walk through Tao Dan Park. As a relaxed, shaded location, it is a lovely way to start the day. The sounds of song birds, a local coffee to get you moving and locals starting their daily routine with yoga, tai chi, dancing and much more.

From there, it’s a short walk to The Burning Monk Monument, a dedication to the subject of ‘that’ iconic photograph from the Vietnam War. Here, you will stop for a bowl of breakfast soup before heading to Cho Lon, known as the Chinatown of Saigon. Cho Lon is a feast for the eyes. Your guide will lead you through the winding backstreets, describing the daily life of residents and the history of such an iconic area including two unseen buildings that were directly involved in the reunification movement.

From Cho Lon, you will head for lunch in a local restaurant where you are treated to some amazing food in a setting unlike anything else in Saigon. Lunch is followed by a walk through central Saigon. Between the modern buildings and high-end shopping malls, remnants of old Saigon are still evident. You will come across The Café Apartment, an old 9-story apartment building that residents have converted into funky, stylish coffee shops and boutiques. It’s fun to simply wander through the building and marvel at the creativity and ingenuity of the owners. Just when you need a bit of a rest, you will find the perfect place to relax for a traditional Vietnamese tea-tasting experience. You might not be a tea connoisseur, but you’ll find it fascinating all the same and probably learn more about the types, the history and methods of brewing than you would in a month of studying! After a long day of exploring, this tea-tasting experience is the perfect way to end the tour. Stay and relax with more tea on the beautiful balcony, take another stroll through the building, head back to your hotel or spend more time in the bustling modernity of central Saigon. (This service is on a private basis.)

Mango Charter

This morning at 8:00 AM, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Ben Tre by private car. Upon arrival at Ba Lai bridge, you will ride a Xe Loi (motorized trishaw) along the narrow village roads to the local pier. Here, you will board your private Mango Cruise boat and head to An Hoa river. Enjoy a refreshing coconut juice and the peaceful scenery as the crew members take care of your luggage. From here, you'll head to Phong Nam village, where you will have the chance to cycle through the village and explore local daily life - stopping at a local house to share tropical fruit and chat with a farmer, and visiting a coconut spirits factory. Jump on a Sampan (local row boat) and cruise through the small canals, observing the greenery and sights and sounds of the Mekong as you enjoy a delicious local lunch on board.

Next, you'll visit My Long village and meet Mr. Sau Tuong - a former Vietcong soldier who survived for two years fighting the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh. These days, he and his family make rice paper, and they will be happy to show you how it's made and let you try it yourself! Afterwards, return to the boat and continue to the Mo Cay canals. Here, you'll visit a coconut workshop and see how the locals use every piece of the coconut. After a long day of exploring, you'll return to your boat and relax before a cooking demonstration and dinner on board. (This service is on a private basis.)

Mango Charter

This morning, enjoy breakfast on board before visiting a brick factory to see the traditional, hand made brick making process. Continue by bike through green rice paddies, beautiful gardens, and local villages to explore the untouched beauty of this region. Head to Cao Dai Temple to learn more about the popular local religion - a mix of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, before returning to your boat. From here, you'll cruise to Tra On on the Mang Thit river, stopping at Cai Nhum village where you will have the choice to stroll or bike through the villages, meeting locals along the way. Afterwards, return to your boat to continue on towards Can Tho. (This service is on a private basis.)

Mango Charter

This morning, enjoy a delicious breakfast on the deck and head out for an early boat trip to the spectacular Cai Rang Floating Market, where you will transfer to a smaller boat and observe the thousands of trading vessels. Feel free to purchase fruit and drinks from the local boats. After your market visit, return to your boat and soak in the surroundings - it's time to check out! You will be transferred to Ninh Kieu quay in Can Tho and on to your accommodations for the rest of the day. (This service is on a private basis.)

Today, you will be picked up at your hotel in Can Tho and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to Con Dao. Upon arrival in Con Dao, you will take the resort shuttle bus to your accommodations on the island.

Con Dao

The island of Con Dao , located 230km from Ho Chi Minh City, offers a secluded, picture-perfect tropical getaway. In addition to Con Dao's excellent diving and snorkeling, the island is home to a rich heritage dating back to European spice trade. From May to October, turtles nest on the island allowing you a truly unique glimpse of nature. From February to July, the waters around Con Dao are perfect for diving, with 20-30 meter visibility, untouched coral reefs, bamboo sharks, rays, turtles and of course tropical fish abound.

Enjoy this free time at your leisure exploring the beautiful island of Con Dao!

Today, you will be picked up at your hotel in Con Dao and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh, you will be greeted at the airport by your driver and transferred to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Evening Tour by Vespa

Around 6:00 PM this evening, you will depart from your hotel and head to your first stop at Café Zoom. Here, you will be invited to "watch the world goes by", as you sip on a cocktail and enjoy an appetizer. From there, you will continue the adventure into a favorite local eating spot. Tonight, you will be experiencing the nightlife of Saigon the way locals do, all from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter! Start with a ride to Chinatown, followed by District 4 through busy streets and alleys bustling with nightlife and street seafood. These hidden gems have remained untouched by foreign influence. From District 4, you will proceed to District 3, passing through downtown District 1 to admire the sights on the way to Banh Xeo, to savor the true specialties of Saigon alongside the locals. Your tour will then continue to a hidden Vietnamese-style coffee shop, where you can enjoy a taste of Vietnamese music. Afterward, you will make your way to one final bar to sip on another refreshing beverage and listen to live music. (This service is on a private basis.)

Although your Vietnam adventure must come to an end today, you will be leaving with new friends, amazing experiences, and memories to cherish for the rest of your life. Once you have checked out of your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be met by your driver and transferred to the airport in good time to board your international departure flight.

We wish you safe and happy travels home! (This service is on a private basis.)