ROCS Holidays - Vietnam Private Tour 1

during the Vietnam War, but most of them are incredibly well-preserved. Experience the lively atmosphere of Dong Ba Market, where you can observe the vibrant daily life of locals, shop for unique souvenirs. DAY 9 - HUE (B) Today, explore An Dinh Palace in Hue is a stunning architectural gem that once served as the private residence of Emperor Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam. Built in the early 20th century, the palace blends traditional Vietnamese elements with European influences, featuring intricate murals, elegant interiors, and beautifully decorated halls. Today, it stands as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into Vietnam’s royal history and the lavish lifestyle of the Nguyen Dynasty. Then continue your journey to the royal tomb of King Minh Mang that represents the perfect harmony of nature and architecture. Perched in a tranquil and picturesque forest setting surrounded by frangipani and lotus blossoms, the tomb is a great feature of Minh Mang’s characteristics. Minh Mang was the second king of Nguyen dynasty and also known for his isolationist and conservative Confucian policies. After the visit, drive back to downtown Hue by your private vehicle. DAY 10 - HUE – BA NA HILLS – GOLDEN BRIDGE – HOI AN This morning, enjoy a scenic drive over along the coastline to Hai Van pass, offering a spectacular view of verdant mountains, clear blue skies, and the beautiful Lang Co beach. From the top of the mountain, Lang Co beach appears as a charming and fascinating picture that is formed from verdant trees, crystal clear waters, and especially the cloud covering the cascading mountains. Head to Ba Na Hill, a scenic mountainous area with panoramic vistas reminiscent. Standing more than 1,400 meters (4,878 feet) above sea level, the temperature of this place is mostly cool year-round. Arrive at Ba Na Hills cable car station, ride on a modern system of cable cars and Get a bird’s-eye view of nature which is strikingly beautiful, while enjoying a feeling of flying in the blue sky among the clouds and wind. Experience the feeling of walking in the clouds when you walk on the Golden Bridge which seems to be supported by a pair of giant hands jutting out of the mountain. Then, enjoy your leisure time on Ba Na Hills for further activities such as European Architecture Villas, in-door game, flower beds and pagodas. Arrive hotel in Hoian, rest of the day is free at leisure. DAY 11 - COOKING CLASS EXPERIENCE - HERITAGE OLD TOWN (B,L) Hoian is the home to a lot of Vietnam’s most loved dishes by the diverse gastronomic

influences. Today, learn the secrets of some traditional foods and create your tasty dishes which can be tailor-made from simple ingredients. Set off for a market tour with a local chef who will guide you on how to pick fresh produce and ingredients essential for traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Enjoy sight, sound, and flavor of the market before returning to the cooking school, an elegant old building with a French colonial style exterior and traditional Hoian interior. Stroll around and taste some samples of street foods from food counters including banh mi, dumplings, and pickle, see rice paper being made from ground rice and water, the noodles rolled out by hand and cut traditionally with a long knife and then steamed over an open fire. Then, participate in a hands-on cookery course under the enthusiastic instruction of your chef. The chef will explain to you the distinctive recipes of using typical ingredients of presenting and decorating Central Vietnamese foods. Enjoy what you have created with the chef before you farewell to the chef and return to your hotel. Afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour around Hoi An Ancient Town, which is recognized for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets, and typical local cuisine. During this leisurely exploration on foot, observe some of the historic merchant and community houses, ancient pagodas, and traditional places of worship with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture. Make a stop at the iconic over 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge first built by the Japanese community in 1590s as a way to reach the Chinese quarter across the water. Visit the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation notice its gorgeous woodcarvings on the beams, walls, and altar while unraveling with your guide some untold stories about the Chinese community during their time in Hoi An. Continue strolling around Hoi An’s back street and feel soft, clattering hum which is the sound of sewing machines. This little charming town is also home to hundreds of tailor shops and nobody can explain exactly when, how, or why it became sewing central. Visit a tailor shop where you can get some express made to-order clothes. DAY 12 - CAM THANH: COCONUT VILLAGE EXPERIENCE (B,L) Beyond the World Heritage ancient town with its outstanding cultural value, the beautiful surrounding countryside imbues Hoian with a very restful, rustic charm. Today, get ready for a countryside discovery that offers an up-close look at the rural life of Hoi An’s outskirts. Hop on your bicycle and set off for an easy bike ride through

picturesque villages, passing by rice paddies and vegetable farms. Along the way, you might see cows or buffalos working on rice fields with farmers or lazy relaxing under the shade. Engage in a friendly conversation with the local villagers to understand their daily life and way of living. The ride will take you to the water coconut palm-fringed waterways of Cam Thanh just where the Thu Bon River meets the sea. Home to the dense water coconut jungle and endless rice fields, the village is the main producer of agricultural products for the area. Learn the art of paddling the unique Vietnamese round basket boat and journey through the tranquil coconut-palm flanked waterways. After lunch at a local restaurant (Vietnamese set menu), return to downtown Hoi An. Spend rest of the day free at your leisure. DAY 13 - HOIAN (B) Take the day to explore the timeless charm of Hoi An’s ancient town at your own pace. If you are looking for a deeper cultural experience, join our optional excursion to My Son Holy Land, an ancient Hindu temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage site. DAY 14 - HOIAN - DANANG - HO CHI MINH (B) Pick up at hotel in Hoian for transfer to Danang aiport for your flight to the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, after collecting your luggages, please head to the exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting for you, holding a welcome signboard with your name on it. Then, you will be transferred to your hotel in town by a private vehicle. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Relax or explore the surroundings at your own pace. DAY 15 - CU CHI TUNNELS & HO CHI MINH CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR (B) Formerly known as “Saigon” before 1975, Ho Chi Minh City today is Vietnam’s commercial centre that never sleeps. Although it’s a dynamic metropolis undergoing dramatic change, the city still retains the strong connection to its past through historical sites and French colonial monuments. This morning, depart Ho Chi Minh City for 1.5 hour drive northwest to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, passing through urbanized areas and a typically lush southern Vietnamese countryside. Originally dug as a base to organize guerrilla-style actions against the French, the Cu Chi tunnels were expanded during the Indochina War to become an ingenious and incredible underground network to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. Tour the vast network of underground

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