December 13–22, 2027
Vietnam is a fantastic destination for kosher travelers, offering breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique experiences. From the breathtaking natural beauty of Ninh Binh and Halong Bay, the rich history and culture of Hoi An, the bustling city life of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s natural beauty is unparalleled.
Daily Itinerary & Attractions
Highlights:
- Breathtaking natural beauty of Ninh Binh and Halong Bay
- Rich history and culture of Hoi An
- Bustling city life of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opportunities for adventure and relaxation
Day 1 — Monday | Ho Chi Minh City
- Airport pick-up and settle in at the hotel. Light refresh.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior) & Central Post Office: classic French-colonial landmarks; short walking loop and photo time.
- Saigon Square: bargain-friendly market; good for light clothing and souvenirs.
- Evening AO Show: contemporary Vietnamese acrobatics & bamboo choreography—fun, fast-paced.
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Dinner: Chabad HCMC. Hotel: Rex.
Day 2 — Tuesday | Mekong Delta Ben Tre – Saigon
- Drive to Ben Tre. River boat to the islets; sampan glide under coconut palms.
- Stops for orchards, family home, coconut candy workshop, honey tea; see small-scale rural life.
- Return to Saigon by late afternoon. Time to freshen up before dinner.
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Dinner: Chabad HCMC. Hotel: Rex.
Day 3 — Wednesday | Saigon – Fly to Da Nang – Hoi An
- Reunification (Independence) Palace: guided visit; Cold-War history & preserved bunkers.
- Flight Saigon → Da Nang. Private transfer to Hoi An hotel.
- Thu Bon River lantern release: short sunset boat; each guest launches a wish-lantern—very photogenic.
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Hotel: Almanity Hoi An.
Day 4 — Thursday | Ba Na Hills & Hoi An Old Town
- Ba Na Hills: record-length cable car ride; Golden Hands Bridge, French Village, gardens. Cooler at altitude.
- Afternoon Hoi An Ancient Town walk: Japanese Covered Bridge, Fujian Assembly Hall, old merchant lanes; time for tailor shops & lantern stores.
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Hotel: Almanity Hoi An.
Day 5 — Friday | Coconut Forest & Tra Que
- Cam Thanh Coconut Forest: basket-boat spin demo by local fishermen; calm canal ride.
- Tra Que Vegetable Village: try soil prepping, planting, watering with traditional tools.
- Back to hotel by 16:00 for Shabbat prep. head to Chabad
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Hotel: Almanity Hoi An.
Day 6 — Saturday | Shabbat in Hoi An
- Tefilla & Seudat Shabbat at local community Chabad.
- Leisurely Shabbat at the hotel.
- After Shabbat: Hoi An Memories Show outdoor spectacle; electric cart transfers arranged.
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Hotel: Almanity Hoi An.
Day 7 — Sunday | Fly Da Nang→Hanoi – Old Quarter
- Morning flight Da Nang → Hanoi.
- Cyclo ride through the Old Quarter; stroll Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple.
- Water Puppet Theatre.
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Dinner: Chabad Hanoi. Hotel: Fraser Suites (1-BR Suite).
Day 8 — Monday | Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)
- Drive to Ninh Binh “Ha Long Bay on land”. Sampan rowboat through Tam Coc caves & rice paddies.
- Guided motorbike pillion through villages & karst scenery. Alternative (on request): electric cart.
- Return to Hanoi by late afternoon.
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Dinner: Chabad Hanoi. Hotel: Fraser Suites.
Day 9 — Tuesday | Ha Long Bay Day Cruise
- Drive to Ha Long Bay; 4-hr boat past limestone islets; visit Thien Cung Cave.
- Light tea/snacks on board; bring a hat and light jacket breeze on deck.
- Return to Hanoi early evening.
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Dinner: Chabad Hanoi. Hotel: Fraser Suites.
Day 10 — Wednesday | Hanoi Departure
- Breakfast and free time (last-minute shopping in Old Quarter) before airport transfer.
Sapa Extension – 4 Nights Sapa
Additional $2,000 USD per person
Day 10 — Wednesday | Hanoi→Sapa – Cat Cat Village
- Limousine minibus to Sapa (~6 hrs) via scenic highway; check-in from 14:00.
- Motorbike transfer to Cat Cat Village: ethnic H’Mong hamlet, waterfall, craft demos, folk show.
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Dinner: hotel warms/serves your kosher meals. Hotel: Sapa.
Day 11 — Thursday | Fansipan & Lao Chai – Ta Van
- Fansipan cable car to 3,143 m—panoramic platforms & pagoda complex; cooler air—layer up.
- Afternoon visit to Lao Chai – Ta Van (Muong Hoa Valley): rice terraces, minority villages, soft walk and viewpoints.
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Dinner: hotel warms/serves. Hotel: Sapa.
Day 12 — Friday | Silver Waterfall, Heaven’s Gate & Glass Bridge
- Silver Waterfall and Heaven’s Gate pass for sweeping mountain views.
- Glass Bridge lookout (heights; optional).
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Return in time for Shabbat prep. Dinner: hotel warms/serves. Hotel: Sapa.
Day 13 — Saturday | Shabbat in Sapa
- Full day at leisure for Shabbat; gentle hotel/nearby strolls as appropriate.
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Dinner: hotel warms/serves. Hotel: Sapa.
Day 14 — Sunday | Sapa→Hanoi Airport
- Breakfast and morning at leisure; return transfer to Hanoi Airport for onward flights.