Hidden Gems and Timeless Traditions

Day 1: Water Puppetry Unveiled: A Cultural Odyssey in Hanoi

Begin your 10-day journey with a captivating exploration of water puppetry, a unique art form deeply rooted in Vietnam’s wet rice civilization. You’ll be whisked away to the home of Mr. Liem Phan, a passionate water puppet artisan. Born into a family with a rich tradition of water puppetry, he’ll share stories of this folk art and perform a 30-minute show for you. Afterwards, you can try your hand at puppetry or even make and paint your puppets. This immersive experience offers a genuine introduction to Vietnam’s cultural heritage.

Day 2: Culinary Secrets and Sticky Rice Traditions

Intrigued by the art of crafting traditional sticky rice cakes? Spend the day with a skilled chef at Hang Be market in Hanoi. You’ll shop for ingredients, learn to make ‘Banh Chung,’ and savor this beloved delicacy. While the cakes cook, discover the secrets of making ‘Banh Goi,’ a crispy pillow dumpling found in the streets of Hanoi. Your taste buds will dance with delight as you enjoy these traditional treats, along with fresh herbs and fish sauce.

Day 3: Trekking Thanh Kim Valley: An Immersion into Hill Tribes

Venture to Thanh Kim valley, home to the Red Zao and Hmong communities, who have preserved their age-old customs amid modern influences. Your journey involves a trek through picturesque landscapes, descending toward a river. As you pass through Lech Zao village, you’ll engage with villagers and learn about their daily lives, including the intricate art of embroidery. The trip culminates with a stroll through terraced rice fields.

Day 4: Heartwarming Home Visit with the H’mong

Embark on a short drive to Lao Chai for an intimate meeting with a typical H’mong family. Sip herbal tea and converse with your gracious host. Dive deep into the village’s history, the H’mong culture, and the farming traditions that shape their lives. Depending on the season, you might witness rice field activities. This genuine experience is a window into local life.

Day 5: Duong Lam Discovery: Exploring Ancient Traditions

Journey back in time with a drive to Duong Lam, a well-preserved ancient village in the Red River Delta. Here, you’ll explore ancient houses, communal houses, and a Catholic church. Wander through narrow alleyways, witness rural life, and engage with the friendly locals. A visit to an ancient house owned by a local couple offers you the chance to chat with the owners and gain insights into their life over a cup of tea.

Day 6: Tam Giang Lagoon at Sunrise: A Local Morning Ritual

At the break of dawn, embark on a 4:30 AM journey to Tam Giang Lagoon, the largest freshwater lagoon in Southeast Asia. Capture beautiful moments for your photo collection and visit local families along the riverbanks. Take a stroll through the local fish market, a hub of daily activity. This experience immerses you in authentic local life.

Day 7: Discovering Feng Shui in Hue: A Royal Experience

Uncover the intricate world of Feng Shui in the historical city of Hue. Begin with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, designed with Feng Shui principles to bring fortune to the Nguyen Dynasty. The layout of each house in Hue follows Feng Shui practices for climate control. Explore this harmonious balance of elements and discover the significance behind it.

Day 8: Create Bamboo Craft with local artisan: Artistry in Hoi An

Delve into the cultural significance of bamboo in Vietnam. Meet the local artisan, a representative of the creative young generation using bamboo to craft unique items. Visit his workshop in Cam Thanh village and try your hand at making a bamboo craft under his expert guidance. You’ll even have a keepsake to take home.

Day 9: Saigon’s Morning Rituals: From Flower Market to Pho

Begin your day at 5:00 AM to witness the awakening of Saigon. Explore the bustling Ho Thi Ky flower market in District 10, a sensory delight filled with the fragrance of blossoms. Then, immerse yourself in the serene morning exercises at Tao Dan Park, where locals practice Tai Chi. Conclude the morning with a strong Vietnamese coffee in the company of Saigon’s bird lovers. Enjoy an authentic Pho meal at Huong Binh noodle shop.

Day 10: Explore Hidden Wartime Relics and Stories in Saigon

Uncover Saigon’s lesser-known wartime history. Visit the shrine outside the US Consulate, explore the former CIA building, and absorb the city’s history from a rooftop café at the Rex hotel. Dive into the city’s wartime past at a hidden weapon chamber used by the VC to hide and store weapons. End your day with a visit to Pho Binh, a restaurant with a unique history that’s intrinsically linked to the 1968 Tet Offensive.

Day 11: A O Show and Innovative Dining Experience

Experience “A O Show,” an artistic performance that beautifully showcases Vietnamese culture. This show combines traditional folk games, dance, and circus acts against the backdrop of live music and captivating lighting. After the show, enjoy an innovative Vietnamese cuisine dining experience at the Dining Room restaurant.

Day 12: Cai Be Floating Market: A Mekong Delta Adventure

Journey to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta and set sail on the Mekong Queen motorboat to visit Cai Be floating market. Witness the river’s bustling agricultural activities as you explore this unique market. Take a leisurely stroll through palm-fringed trails, enjoy lunch at an ancient Mandarin house, and learn about fruit cultivation in the orchards. Choose to return on a sampan along the small canals or aboard the Mekong Queen.

APT Departure Assistance Service (Intl): Wrap up your transformative journey with a departure made easy. At the airport, our representative will handle your tickets, passport, and luggage, ensuring a seamless departure process. Relax in the waiting area, reflecting on the meaningful experiences of your Vietnam philanthropic adventure.