Explore Hoi An’s countryside like a local from the back of a stylish Vespa scooter. This trip will give you an insight of the people in a less touristy area surrounding Hoi An. Setting off from your hotel; after crossing over the bridge to Cam Kim Island we ride along the riverbank into a beautiful rural countryside.
Our first stop is to visit a hundred years old Ancestral House of Mr. Huynh Ri and a traditional boat builders’ yard. After meeting some local families we will have a chance to learn the art of mat weaving, basket boat, making the perfect “Bánh Đập”.
The following stop is to explore Noi Rang market. Before getting back to your hotel, we will cross the Cua Dai Bridge where you can have a spectacular panoramic view of Hoi An and also the water coconut palm fringed Cam Thanh. Having LUNCH/DINNER at The Field and back your hotel by van.
Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An known then as ‘Faifo’, was a prosperous trading port, attracting Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish ships amongst others. Today, this World Heritage ancient town is recognized for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets and distinctive local cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. Hoi An’s narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour of its many atmospheric sights including: the old merchant houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, first built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with its intricate woodcarvings; and the colorful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two.
Back to the hotel and have dinner at the resort on your own.
NOTES:
Suggested time: 08:00
Durations: 8 hours
Private vehicle pick up & drop off from Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai to Hoi An town
Overnight at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
You will be picked up at your hotel lobby and transferred to Danang airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to hotel for check in and free at leisure.
In the afternoon, explore Saigon Historic Landmarks and Hidden Charms. Start with a visit to the iconic Saigon Central Post Office built between 1886 and 1891. Based on the design of French architect Foulhoux, it is the creation of a unique vaulted ceiling with wrought iron beams and columns reminiscent of industrial architecture, which is now considered a symbol of Saigon and one of its most famous landmarks. Walk along Dong Khoi Street, formerly la rue Catinat and pay a visit to Gialong Palace – Ho Chi Minh City Museum for its beautiful architecture and listen to its history through times. Continue to ‘Le Loi Street’ to meet a local artisan who specializes in traditional engravings. Next, stroll through the old central market (your vehicle will be available) before arriving at the city’s oldest colonial-era apartment, built in 1886, and see what the young creative Vietnamese are up to from their funky boutiques and coffee shops. Sit down at one of the stylish coffee shops and interact with a local resident who moved here in 1975. Leave the compound and have a look at the building on the other side, which used to be ‘Banque de l’Indochine’ (Indochina Bank) during the 1920s. It’s a stunning example of the ‘Indochinois’ east/west fusion style of architecture that this area is known for. After this last stop, head back to the hotel.
NOTES
Suggested departure time: 13:00
Tour duration: 3.5 hours Closed on Mondays
Overnight at Hotel des Arts Saigon
After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Tan Cang jetty and aboard a chartered speedboat to the Cu Chi tunnels. This river journey provides a glimpse of the changing faces of Vietnam – from the glittering skyscrapers and busy commercial centers to green paddy fields and pottery villages dotted along the Saigon River. The Cu Chi tunnel complex was dug in 1948 for the guerrillas to hide from French air and ground sweeps. It also served as communication routes and food and weapon caches as well as hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the American war. Visit the underground villages with a VC veteran who used to live there, to better understand the tunnels’ history, life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese’s resilience during the combats. Discuss with the veteran and find out about his experience living in the subterranean hamlets where lack of air, food and water can made life unbearable. Your guide will be there to translate the veteran’s experiences.
Back to the hotel and free at your leisure.
In the evening, transfer from your hotel to Le Corto Wine Dining, an ultimate dining experience like no other. The modern French fusion cuisine of Le Corto reflects the comic character that inspired its name: Corto, son of a British sailor and a Gypsy-Romanian witch, who held a life and personality combining both Western sophistication and an unstoppable desire to discover the world. The food of Le Corto inherits the disciplines of French haute cuisine, but also enriched by touches of local flavors, deliver a delightful experience to every dish. After tasting the Chef’s recommended wines for appetize or at your choice, Le Corto’s Menu Degustation which is featuring the restaurant’s most signature dishes, showcasing the chef’s style and Corot’s cooking philosophy, will be served. To unwind after dinner, find your way to the Social Club and Pool Rooftop bar for a cocktail next to the infinity pool with a stunning view of Saigon at night. At street level, Saigon is somewhat chaotic; but from rooftop bar, you can make out the long, tree-lined boulevards that divide the city into neat and charming quarters.
NOTES:
Suggested time: 18:00
Duration: 4 hours.
Drinks at dinner & bar are on consumption at owned expenses
The Social Club and Pool Rooftop bar situated on top of Hotel des Arts Saigon
Overnight at Hotel des Arts Saigon
Early depart from Saigon and head south to Ben Tre province, famous for its coconut production and quiet, peaceful waterways. On arrival, take a “xe loi” ride through the local village of Huu Dinh to enjoy the green fields and gardens. Start your boat trip through small canals with beautiful tropical scenery; enjoy a welcome drink and tropical fruits while cruising. The cruise will first stop at a Coconut processing family-owned business; where you will learn what Ben Tre is known for and the hundreds of uses of each single coconut. Continue cruising across the water to a brick making factory, where the locals still use centuries-old traditional methods to make the bricks by hand. Enjoy a casual cycling trip to visit a local rice noodle factory which produces Hu Tieu noodles, one of the most popular dishes in the region. Move on with a rowing sampan through a lush narrow canal, reconnect with your cruise and head to a private riverside restaurant, where your lunch will be served with 5-courses of local specialties. From here, continue your cycling trip to visit Mr Sau Tuong, a former Vietcong soldier who survived two years fighting the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh. Now, he and his wife live on making rice paper which is the most famous specialty of My Long village. Back to the cruise and return to Ben Tre city where your car will be ready to take you to Can Tho.
Check in Azerai Can Tho, a peaceful retreat set on a lush Con Au Islet (a private island on the Hau River) accessible only by boat; offers seclusion and privacy on a campus that is lush with greenery and mature banyan trees.
Enjoy a secret romantic dinner by the river to pamper yourself after a long day of full activities. (*Optional).
Overnight at Azerai Can Tho
NOTES:
Suggested departure time: 07:00
Tour duration: 5-6 hours
Estimated arrival time in Can Tho: 17:00
From the jetty at Azerai Can Tho islet, embark on Azerai wooden boat for a 45-minute river cruise along the Hau River, passing Ninh Kieu Quay, and fishing villages before reaching the Cai Rang floating market. Sailing along the banks, you will discover the landscape of daily local life while onboard you can enjoy your continental breakfast. Once there, your captain will navigate between the boats of small local traders to discover how traders promote their products such as tropical fruits, vegetables and various local products. Notice the long poles with sample products for sale tied to the top so as to be seen from afar as well as the many small boats providing boat-to-boat service of meals and refreshments. Have your camera ready as this vibrant wholesale market on the water makes for excellent photo opportunities, especially from the unique vantage point of your boat. Cruise back to the hotel. Time to indulge yourself at the Spa and Yoga Meditation at your choice, or consult the skilled therapists prior to your treatments in order to achieve the very best personal results. They all come with an in-depth knowledge of age-old Vietnamese healing techniques which have been passed down through many generations of holistic wisdom.
In the afternoon, enjoy snacks at Lounge & Bar; taste a cocktail, or read some books and chill for sunset dusk at the river bank.
Enjoy a hidden dinner by the villa’s pool as darkness falls and stars spill across the evening sky, the pool villa become an amazing romantic setting for a delicious BBQ or Vietnamese private dining experience (*Optional).
NOTES:
Suggested departure time: 07:00
Tour duration: 02 hours
Breakfast cruise to Cai Rang floating market by Azerai wooden boat
Overnight at Azerai Can Tho.
Enjoy some free time in the morning before transferring to airport for the onward flight.
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