< Designed Trips

The Trip

Experience the best of Vietnam, from the delightfully chaotic streets of Hanoi to the awe-inspiring limestone karsts of Halong Bay; the breathtaking scenery of Ninh Binh and the magical paper lanterns of ancient Hoi An. This 10-day Designed Trip includes all transportation within Vietnam, assistance with pre-travel visa requirements, highly-rated boutique luxury hotels, and locally-inspired authentic experiences. You’ll stroll the streets of Hanoi on a private street food tour, paddle a kayak across the calm waters of Halong Bay, climb the stairs of ancient cave temples in Ninh Binh and bicycle through the glowing rice fields of Hoi An at sunset. Add in strong coffee, a health and balanced cuisine, a peaceful culture and a history of strength, and you’ll see what makes this little country so special. It’s the perfect first-time trip to experience one of the world’s most diverse and beautiful countries.

The Details

Price
  • From $1,055 per person
Duration
  • 9 nights, 10 days
Inclusions
  • Highly-rated boutique hotels
  • All transportation within Vietnam
  • Vietnam visa documentation
  • Private & small-group experiences 
  • Curated Vietnam mini-guide
  • Trip preparation & support

The Itinerary

​Hanoi
  • Day 1: After arriving in Hanoi, you’ll be picked up by a private driver which will take you to your boutique hotel in the center of Hanoi’s ancient city (details below). Settle in and embrace the organized chaos of the city streets below. The rest of the day is free to walk around the lake, visit ancient temples, check out great museums, or stop for a delicious Vietnamese coffee. In the evening, don’t miss Hanoi’s famous night market.
  • Day 2: Sleep in and have a relaxed morning. Midday, meet your local guide for a private introduction to Vitenamese cuisine. Along the way, you’ll taste ten different regional dishes that are famous in Hanoi, like banh cuon, Vietnamese barbecue, banh mi, and egg coffee. The rest of the day is free to walk around the city and explore some of the most impressive sights (our suggestions included)!

Hanoi / Halong Bay
  • Day 3: In the morning, a private car will pick you up at your hotel to drive you to the pier where you’ll board a luxury Vietnamese boat for your overnight cruise of beautiful Halong Bay. Kayak between limestone karsts, learn about Vietnamese cooking traditions on-board, and watch the sun set over this beautiful landscape.

Hanoi / Hoa Lu, & Tam Coc
  • Day 4: After returning from your Halong Bay cruise in the afternoon, spend the remainder of the day doing whatever feels right - rest, relax and indulge in a healthy Vietnamese dinner.
  • Day 5: In the morning, you’ll be picked up for a day trip to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, in the Ninh Binh Province. Visit the Dinh and Le temples, hop on a traditional boat and cruise the Ngo Dong River and climb the 500 steps (only if you’re up for it!) to the top of Mua Cave for the best view in Ninh Binh. Break for a delicious Vietnamese lunch before riding bikes through the countryside, as you admire natural limestone formations and paddy fields along the way. In the evening, return to your Hanoi hotel for an early dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Hoi An
  • Day 6: After breakfast, you’ll be picked up by a private car and taken to the airport for your short flight south to Da Nang, where another private transfer will take you to the quaint town of Hoi An. After checking in to your boutique luxury hotel, venture out to explore the beautiful ancient city center.
  • Day 7: After a relaxed morning, meet a private local guide for a short, 90-minute walking tour of Hoi An’s beautiful ancient town. Learn about the important history and vibrant culture of this special riverside village that is unlike anywhere else in the country. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax, eat, and explore. (If you’re interested in shopping or having any clothing or shoes tailor made, you’re in the right place!).
  • Day 8: The morning is free to relax and sleep in. In the afternoon, join a small group, hop on bikes, and pedal through the breathtaking countryside and river delta, past small islands and local villages. As the sun is starting to set, cruise through the glowing rice paddies before ending your tour and delving into a delicious local dinner.
  • Day 9: Enjoy a relaxed morning. In the afternoon, you’ll be picked up and driven to Calm Spa, located a few minutes outside of town on the edge of a quiet rice field. Enjoy a complete spa package, including a massage, scrub and facial, in a private outdoor treatment room with breathtaking views. Savor your final Vietnamese dinner before turning in for the night. Alternatively, join a small group for a local cooking class, including crab fishing in traditional basket boats. 
  • Day 10: It’s your final day. Either talk to us about extending your trip (a few days on the beaches of Phu Quoc Island would be a great addition!), or hop on the plane back to Hanoi for your flight home.

Pricing & Inclusions

Inclusions
  • 4 hotel nights in Hanoi
  • Overnight cruise to Ha Long Bay including all meals & drinks and private transfer to/from your Hanoi hotel
  • 4 nights at a boutique luxury hotel in Hoi An 
  • Private round trip airport transfer in Hanoi
  • Non-stop flight from Hanoi to Danang
  • Private round trip airport transfer from Danang to Hoi An 
  • Private street food tour with local guide in Hanoi
  • Day trip from Hanoi to Hoa Lu & Tam Coc including transportation and a traditional Vietnamese lunch
  • Private history and local culture tour in Hoi An 
  • Small group countryside and local village bicycle tour in Hoi An
  • Spa package at The Calm Spa in Hoi An - Or - Vietnamese cooking class & crab fishing in basket boats
  • Curated Vietnam mini-guide
  • Trip preparation & support

Exclusions
  • International flights to Vietnam
  • Meals & activities not listed above
  • ​Travel insurance
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​Pricing
  • With boutique hotels
    • From $1,055 per person
  • With luxury boutique hotels
    • From $1,575 per person
  • Pricing for Cohica Designed Trips is based on double occupancy and may vary depending on travel dates and total number of travelers. 
  • This Designed Trip offers the flexibility to make date changes after booking (ask us for details)
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This Designed Trip was developed based on our personal travels, with local contacts, favorite hotels and authentic activities we've experienced first-hand.
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