DAY 1 HUE ARRIVAL
Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival, meet our team at the airport and drive to city center, transfer to city center, check-in hotel and relax after spending a long flight. Overnight in Hue. If you arrive in Danang, private transfer will send to Hue within 2-hours.
DAY 2 HUE – GARDEN HOUSE – TRADITIONAL & HANDICRAFT VILLAGES (B,L)
The An Hien garden house in Hue was built in the late 19th century, the first owner of the old house was the 18th princess of Emperor Duc Duc. By 1895, this entire property belonged to Mr. Pham Dang Khanh, the son of a great minister of the Gia Long Emperor reign period. Explore craft villages outside of Hue where passionate artisans continue to produce legendary folk art. Meet an artisan who specialises in the 400-year-old tradition of folk painting using natural materials such as red earth, seashells and ashes of bamboo leaves. Afterward, take a scenic bike ride to Thanh Tien Village and learn about the 300-year-old craft of making paper flower which are mainly used to decorate altars for ancestor worship and as offerings in religious rituals. Try creating your own paper lotus flower under the guidance of one of the artisans.
DAY 3 HUE CITY TOUR (B,L)
In the morning, Imperial City is the most well known and iconic site in Hué. Famously being one of Vietnam’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Imperial City of Hue has long been a must-see attraction for tourists visiting a hidden charm of Vietnam. We will also take you to enjoy a short performance of Hue Royal Court Music. In Vietnamese traditional music heritage, Royal Court Music plays an important role and is the core of the court affairs. Also, it serves the entertainment demand of the King, royal family and the court professional, classical and scholarly music. Nha nhac was considered as the official music of the country, of the authority and performed in the royal life, including the court and royal family. Therefore, it reflects the spirit and the will of the royal dynasty, such as culture, art, law, power, even the ideology, aesthetics and regional trend. Have lunch before going to tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, the 12th King of Nguyen Dynasty. The architectural work owns a harmonious combination between the European modernity and the Vietnam classical characteristics. Then we drive to tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, a different architectural style and one of the biggest tomb in Hue.
DAY 4 HUE – COOKING CLASS – TAM GIANG LAGOON (B,L)
Located on Kim Long Street, which is famous for the Hue garden houses, Tha Om is owned by a charming Vietnamese couple who always welcome guests to their lovely garden-house in Hue for a private cooking class. After visiting various centenarian buildings, which make up the landlord’s house, the cooking class starts in the kitchen aiming to prepare some of Hue’s traditional dishes and how to play with the unique combinations of flavor. After cooking several dishes, it is time to try the self-cooked-dishes along with other speciality foods unique to Hue, prepared by the hosts. Enjoy lunch and take a rest. In the afternoon, we will take you to Tam Giang Lagoon to enjoy sunset. Take a boat to visit the lagoon, visit a local house to see how they live on the lagoon before going back to the city center. Overnight in Hue.
DAY 5 HUE – DRIVE TO DANANG – HOI AN (B,L)
Breakfast at hotel. Check-out and drive to Danang. Visit Cham Museum - discover ancient country in central of Vietnam in 10th century. The Dragon Bridge is the new symbol of Da Nang City. You will also see many other bridges in the distance, such as the Love Bridge, where lots of pad-locks were attached by young couples. Next you will transfer to the foot of the Marble Mountains. Visit the stone carving factory of Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village. Take pictures and watch the craftsmen do intricate and impressive work. Son Tra Peninsula where you can observe the beauty of nature & visit Linh Ung Pagoda. Take a short drive to the riverside town of Hoi An.
Check-in hotel and overnight in Hoi An.
DAY 6 HOI AN WALKING TOUR & LANTERN MAKING WORKING (B,L)
You will set off on a walking tour to explore this World Heritage Site. Highlights include an ancient merchant house, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and the vibrant riverside market. During your walk through the Ancient Town, you will notice the beautiful silk lanterns that decorate the street and storefronts, a sight which has become emblematic of Hoi An. Visit a family who has carried on the tradition of lantern making from the previous generation. Under their guidance, choose your lantern design and fabric and create your own signature lantern to take home with you.
DAY 7 MY SON SANCTUARY (B,L)
Today we drive westward toward the foothills of the mountain spine of Indochina. From here we’ll hike into the sacred valley of Vietnam’s most spectacular historic and religious site. Dating back to the fourth century, My Son was the holiest site of the Champa kingdom where over a period of 900 years, 68 significant Hindu temples, most dedicated to Shiva, were built. The towers are built of a combination of perfectly fitted, mortar-less, fired brick and elaborately carved sandstone bas-relief panels. Only 25 survived the centuries of pillaging by Chinese and Khmer invaders as well as U.S. bombings. At noon, leaving My Son and returning to Hoi An. Lunch at local restaurant. Back to hotel and relax. Overnight in Hoi An.
DAY 8 HOI AN POTTERY AND BAMBOO CRAFT (B,L)
Situated on the maritime Silk Road, the thriving port of Hoi An attracted its fair share of skilled artisans from the 15th to 19th centuries. Some of these traditions have survived in small single-craft villages such as the pottery village of Thanh Ha, known for producing bricks, tiles and floor slabs for buildings. You will also notice the abundance of bamboo trees in the countryside. Meet with an artisan specialising in bamboo utility design and learn how bamboo is used in everyday life.
DAY 9 CU LAO CHAM ISLAND (B,L)
Off Hoi An’s coastline, the Cham Islands comprises of a cluster of eight small islands, part of Cu Lao Cham Marine Park, a UNESCO-recognized World Biosphere Reserve. A private speedboat whisks you away to these naturally beautiful islands. Enjoy an idyllic day out enjoying crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine beaches and rich marine environment. For a spot of culture, head to a traditional fishing village and Ong Ngu Temple, dedicated to whales and whale sharks, once abundant in these waters. Later, snorkel off picturesque Xep Beach, marvelling at some of the 135 species of soft and hard coral and teeming colourful fish. Relax at Chong Beach’s palm-fringed white sands and later, at a beachfront rustic restaurant, indulging in a succulent seafood lunch. Back to mainland and check-in beach resort. Overnight in resort.
DAY 10 BEACH RELAXING (B)
Free day at leisure. Overnight in resort.
DAY 11 DANANG DEPARTURE (B)
Breakfast at hotel. Free time until check-out hotel. Private airport transfer before 3-hours for your departure flight. Standard Check-out time: 12:00.
