16-Day Vietnam Cultural Itinerary With Workshops & Performances

Arrival in Hanoi, our guide will welcome you at the entrance gate of terminal. 

Then you will transfer to hotel for check in and take a rest. 

Overnight in Hanoi.

In the morning, you will go to Chuong Conical Hat Village. It is well-known for its special product conical hat called “Non”, which has given a discreet charm to Vietnamese women across many generations rich and poor, big cities and rural areas. In visitors’ mind, the hat has become a unique feature of Vietnamese culture and is well-sought after. Chuong Village’s conical hats are strong, beautiful and once can be found at every corner of the country as the favorite head wear that shelter from the sun and the rain. 

Lunch on your own

In the afternoon, you will visit Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum. The museum has received many high-ranking delegations of different countries, the Museum has sent many traveling thematic exhibitions to other nations to introduce to international friends the typical culture, heroic history of Vietnam. At the same time, it has linked local people with painting, photograph, and sculpture collections of international artists. The Museum has created chances for local art lovers to enjoy and learn about different fine arts school and tendencies of the world. 

Finally enjoy Water Puppet Show . A uniquely northern Vietnamese art form said to have originated in the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta. 

Breakfast at hotel, then transfer to visit a lacquerware workshop in Ha Thai village to meet with an artist who is skillful of making finest lacquer works, learn about our centuries-old technique of applying and polishing layer upon layer of varnish. Take a look around the workshop and learn about lacquer making procedures, how local people doing their craft works every day. Then roll up your sleeves and immerse yourself in an interactive and funny making a folk artwork under instructions of the host, a skillful artist, from beginning choosing materials, drawing, painting, sharpening and polishing. You will see how your product turning into an artwork.

Lunch on your own 

In the afternoon, you will visit the very impressive Museum of Ethnology, among the finest of Vietnam's museums. You will see many exhibits, photographs, and actual houses inhabited by some of the 54 ethnic people in Vietnam. It will offer a truly colorful introduction to these ethnic tribes.

In the evening, enjoy the show – Quintessence of Tonkin. The venue of The Quintessence of Tonkin is in Sai Son Village, Quoc Oai District, which is 20km away from Hanoi to the east. The show draws inspiration from the spiritual history of the nearby Thay Pagoda by telling the story of the pagoda's founding by venerable monk Tu Dao Hanh and explains the ancient union between religion and the monarchy. The show is blends 6 different aspects of the cultural Quintessence of Tonkin: Poetry, Buddhism, Nostalgia, Music & Painting, Joy & Festivities. Besides, water puppetry - a typical form of Vietnamese art, which has existed for more than 1,000 years - as a part of the Quintessence of Tonkin will bring you vivid images of daily rural life in Vietnam. With open air setting in the rice fields and surrounded by the Chua Tay Mountain as a back drop, the scene is designed in the architecture of a village in the old North Delta. The Quintessence of Tonkin is performed by nearly 200 farmers from Sai Son village, the farmers himself will tell his story in their show. After the performance, transfer back to your hotel in Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi. 

Pick up at your hotel and start the trip to Ninh Binh. Ninh Binh Province – located in North Vietnam, famous for the nearby karst scenery and the village of Tam Coc.

Arrive at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Hoa Lu ancient capital was the first capital of the feudal state of Vietnam, Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province. It is a tourist destination that will bring you to a few imperial capitals of the country in the ancient and medieval eras. Visiting Hoa Lu, you will not only have a fun and exciting time but can learn more about culture and history as well. Visit King Dinh and King Le’s temples. 

Then continue the trip to Mua Cave.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with great local cuisine (on your own expense)

Afternoon, continue to visit Bich Dong pagoda and Thung Nham. Get on a small sampan to visit Thung Nham bird park, discover the most features of this area with more than 4000 birds of 40 species flying to inhabit every day. Your best chance to take nice photos. Overnight in Tam Coc.

Free and easy in the morning.

In the afternoon, join Vietnamese tea ceremony (Trà đạo). This is a unique cultural tradition that reflects elegance, mindfulness, and warm hospitality. Visitors can experience the art of brewing and enjoying famous teas such as lotus tea, green tea, or oolong. Set in tranquil spaces infused with the scent of tea, gentle music, and natural surroundings, the ceremony offers a peaceful, meditative experience. It’s a must-try cultural highlight when visiting Vietnam.

Enjoy a peaceful escape to Ninh Binh with a bamboo boat ride through the serene Van Long Nature Reserve, home to limestone peaks and rare langurs. Then, take a leisurely cycling tour through rice fields and quiet villages.

In the afternoon, visit the hidden gem Thung La Temple, a sacred site dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang’s mother. Meet Mr. Tường, the temple caretaker, to hear fascinating local legends and enjoy a unique traditional drum performance inside the temple grounds.

Embark on an enchanting Halong Bay journey as you acquaint yourself with the amenities on board our vessel. Witness the breath-taking scenery from the sun deck during our initial hours of cruising. Start our journey with a pass by Cua Van Relic, a former floating fishing village in Halong Bay, where fishermen once used it as a base for their fishing and aquacultural activities. Glide through this serene area in a small bamboo boat rowed by locals, offering a glimpse into the village and understand how once whole families used to live on water here. For the more active ones, take a kayak and paddle around the floating hamlet for a very personal exploration (complimentary only for 2-night stays).

Next, we transfer by tender to Tien Ong cave, providing evidence of human civilization dating back to 10,000 – 8,000 BC. This small cave provides some fascinating understandings of Halong Bay's geological history. Returning to the ship, we sail to the overnight mooring area, where the "blue hour" unveils Halong Bay's magical beauty. Relax on the sun deck with your favourite drink, absorbing the tranquil moment. Engage in a cooking class with our chef, practicing classic Vietnamese recipes to impress your loved ones at home later.

As evening descends, a multi-course à la carte dinner is served. If you like, join in later for an on-board presentation about the bay's unique features and secrets. Alternatively, try your hand at squid fishing with our staff for a delightful and entertaining experience. Spend the rest of the evening embracing the magical landscapes in the heart of Halong Bay, where once upon a time, sparkling jewels cascaded from heavenly dragons.

Awaken to the gentle waves and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, complemented by pastries in the dining room. Engage in the morning Tai Chi class on the sun deck for a harmonious start into the day. Enjoy breakfast onboard before starting a day boat outing to explore some truly interesting sights of Halong Bay.

Spanning 10,000 square meters, Sung Sot features two chambers with the outer one adorned with stalactite chandeliers and the inner chamber known as the grand "opera house." Marvel at the pond, plant life, and stunning rock formations crafted over millions of years. We had back to the boat for some relaxing time before you have the chance to explore the marine landscape by kayak. The cliffs stretch vertically out of the water and you feel a sense of freedom while meandering through this green medley of water and tree-topped islets.

Continue the journey to a floating pearl farm, where you'll discover the intricate process of cultivating, harvesting, and processing various pearls. Witness a skilled technician delicately implanting seeds into oysters. Although the odds are low, successful outcomes yield beautiful gemstones after several years. Sail back to the mothership to return to your suite offering time for sunbathing, spa, or embracing the captivating "blue hour” on the open deck.

After dinner you have another chance to join the crew for a funny squid fishing activity or you just recline on a lounger, absorbing the serenity of Halong Bay before retiring for the night.

For early risers, tea, coffee and pastries are available in the dining room and a Tai Chi class is offered on the sun deck to awaken your mind and muscles.

We set sail to the small “Ti Top Island”. Formerly named Cat Nang, the island received a name change after former president Ho Chi Minh and the second man to orbit the Earth, Russian astronaut ‘Gherman Titov’, toured Halong Bay together in 1962. Since the cosmonaut was so fascinated with this picturesque islet, Uncle Ho would rename the island to honour Mr. Titov and as a gesture of friendship between their two countries.

Once arriving at Ti Top, you can go for a refreshing morning swim on a sandy beach or - if you prefer to be more active - climb 400 steps (20 min.) to the island’s top with stunning, panoramic views over the bay. Back on board, you can take a shower and freshen up. Enjoy the final moments of sailing as we head back to the harbour while breakfast is served. Relax on the sun deck or while savouring the last views of this iconic site.

Then transfer directly to airport for flight to Hue. 

Arrival in Hue, check in at hotel and take a rest. 

Overnight in Hue.

Rising up in the ancient land, breakfast in the hotel, we board a private boat for cruising on the romantic Perfume River. This time we head out for the countryside. Being the ancient capital, Hue is surrounded by ancient tombs of emperors past, and a visit to some of these tombs will be on the itinerary for today. The charming Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda) will be the first stop of the day. Setting in the convergence of rivers, and gives you a great view of the Perfume River and the surrounding area. From here, you embark on a tour of Hue City including the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, the Imperial Museum.

Lunch on your own 

In the afternoon, you will Join a Pháp Lam enamel workshop in Hue to discover one of Vietnam’s most unique traditional crafts. Guided by restoration expert Mr. Đỗ Hữu Triết, you’ll see how artisans create Pháp Lam step by step—shaping copper, adding colorful enamel layers, firing, and finishing beautiful patterns. You’ll also learn about the history of Pháp Lam, which began in 1827 during Emperor Minh Mạng’s reign, disappeared for over a century, and has been brought back to life by local artists. During the workshop, you can try making your own enamel piece, such as a small coaster, pendant, or art panel, using easy-to-follow techniques. At the end, take home your handmade creation or choose from finished works in the studio gallery. This is a great cultural activity in Hue for anyone who loves art, history, and hands-on experiences.

Today you leave Hue to Hoi An, passing the Hai Van pass. Check in hotel and free time at leisure.

Afternoon take walking tour to visit Hoi An Ancient town. 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 recognised 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 colourful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two.

In the evening, be stunned by Vietnam’s largest art show, where hundreds of performers take over the outdoor stage in their traditional Ao Dai costumes and modern staging techniques. Travel back as you explore the traditional themed village that represents the port town’s 400-year history. Learn and understand the deep spiritual connection of Vietnamese people when you visit the pagodas, temples, and shrines inside the Spirituality Section of the park.

In the morning,  have a visit at a lantern making workshop. Here you will get a brief introduction to the history, shape, and color of the lanterns. Choose your favorite sample of lantern. Do step by step with the craftsman how to make one lantern. Keep this lantern for souvenir. You are back in the heart of Hoi An old town. 

Then you will Réhahn Gallery (Precious Heritage Museum) in Hoi An. This is a must-visit cultural space where you can explore over 200 stunning portraits by French photographer Réhahn, showcasing Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The gallery displays more than 50 authentic tribal costumes, cultural artifacts, and personal stories shared by ethnic communities. It blends fine art and documentary photography, offering a deep, emotional insight into Vietnam’s diverse heritage.

In the evening, you will enjoy Teh Dar Show ‘traveling the circle’ in the K’Ho tongue, is an epic tale of the birth-death-rebirth circle of every living being on earth, told with captivating color and flare of Vietnamese tribal culture. Combining breathtaking handling of bamboo, storytelling circus arts, and enchanting live music from authentic tribal instruments such as the Gong, elephant drum, buffalo horn, and T’rưng, the show depicts a realm of mythical mountains and jungles, tribal life in all its wildness and beauty.

Free and easy, then transfer to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh City. 

Arrival in HCMC, meet your local guide and transfer to hotel, check in and take a rest. 

Overnight in HCMC.

In the morning, you will take half day Cu Chi Tunnel: At its height, the tunnel system stretched over 250 kilometers, from Saigon to the Cambodian border, and was three levels deep. The network included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers and kitchens. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and a feel of what underground life during the U.S.-Vietnam War must have been like.

Then you can visit an eggshell lacquer workshop where talented artisans—many affected by Agent Orange—create intricate artworks using crushed eggshells and mother-of-pearl. Each piece takes over 30 meticulous steps, including layering lacquer, placing tiny shell fragments, and polishing. Common themes include Vietnamese countryside, lotus flowers, and ao dai figures. These handmade artworks reflect both cultural beauty and personal resilience.

Back to Saigon and take a rest. 

Today, you will embark on a city tour of Saigon, including the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Post Office, the War Remnants Museum.

In the evening, you will enjoy The AO Show in Ho Chi Minh City. It is a must-see cultural performance that blends Vietnamese bamboo circus, acrobatic dance, theatrical storytelling, and live folk music with up to 17 traditional instruments. Set at the iconic Saigon Opera House, the show vividly portrays the contrast between peaceful Vietnamese village life and the dynamic pace of modern urban life. Perfect for travelers seeking an authentic and visually stunning experience, the AO Show is one of the top-rated cultural shows in Vietnam.

Free and easy, then meet your local guide and transfer to airport for flight home.

Trip ends!