01
Ho Chi Minh City
Explore Saigon's neighborhoods and landmarks, then head out by vintage Jeep for a food adventure after dark.
Small-group Vietnam · June 1–8, 2027
Discover Southern Vietnam
Discover Saigon, Mekong waterways, imperial Hue and lantern-lit Hoi An, with the details thoughtfully arranged.
8 days / 7 nights 8–15 travelers
$2,875per traveler at eight travelers
Shared room · International airfare extra · Lower group-price tiers available
Free 30-minute Google Meet with Trung, your Columbus-based trip planner. Ask about flights, rooms and whether this trip fits your plans. No obligation to book.
Explore the journey
A local connection to Vietnam
Meet Trung, your Vietnam trip planner.
Born in Vietnam and now based in Columbus, Indiana, Trung Le spent seven years living in Ho Chi Minh City. He is the founder of Cookie Paradise Travel Company and co-owner of the local Cookie Paradise bakery.
Get to know the person planning your trip before you decide. Your call is a chance to talk through the experience, ask practical questions and see whether the journey is right for you.
Born in VietnamColumbus, Indiana homeFirst-hand Vietnam experience
More about Trung
Trung Le is the founder of Cookie Paradise Travel Company and the co-owner of Cookie Paradise, the Columbus cottage bakery known for its generous cookies and warm hospitality. For him, travel is an extension of that same idea: bringing people together through food, stories and experiences that feel personal.
Born in 1989 in the mountains of Northern Vietnam’s Hoang Lien Son range, Trung came to French Lick, Indiana, as an exchange student in 2006. He attended Franklin College the following year, then moved to Columbus and worked for Cummins from 2011 to 2017.
In 2017, Trung returned to Vietnam and spent seven years living in Ho Chi Minh City before relocating his family back to Columbus. He loves both Vietnam and the United States and remains deeply connected to each country. These journeys are his way of sharing the Vietnam he knows—not simply as a destination, but as a place of family, flavor, resilience and welcome.
Four places. One memorable journey.
Picture yourself here.
Food, local stories and shared experiences—from Southern Vietnam to the country's central coast. A personal group of no more than 15, hosted by Trung or a carefully selected Cookie Paradise Travel Company host with experienced local guides.
02
Mekong Delta
Travel sampan waterways, meet local makers and share a home-hosted lunch, with village paths along the way.
03
Hue
Discover imperial heritage and royal tombs, savor garden-house traditions and cruise the Perfume River at sunset.
04
Hoi An
Cross the Hai Van Pass, make a lantern, explore old-town lanes and join a hands-on culinary challenge.
Small group, shared value
Your Vietnam trip, clearly priced.
$2,875
Per traveler, sharing a room, at eight travelers.
June 1–8, 2027 · International airfare extra.
Shared-room pricing starts at $2,875 per person and may fall to $2,500, based on fully paid enrollment 80 days before departure. Credits or refunds follow within 30 days. The $399 supplement applies only to a traveler staying alone in a room, subject to availability. Couples can share a room with a queen bed or separate beds, depending on their preference.
June 1, 2027 departure
0 of 8 spots booked
Group pricing milestone
Requesting a spot is free. No payment is collected until Trung confirms your departure.
Confirmed group
8 travelers
$2,875/ person
Confirmed group
10 travelers
$2,675/ person
Confirmed group
12 travelers
$2,605/ person
Confirmed group
15 travelers
$2,500/ person
Private-room supplement: $399 for a single traveler who wants a room to themselves, subject to availability. Couples sharing a room can request a queen bed or separate beds. International airfare is not included.
Included in your trip
The essentials—and the experiences you’ll remember.
Hotels & transport
Seven hotel nights, daily breakfast, private ground transportation, scheduled airport transfers and the domestic flight to Hue.
Meals & local flavor
Meals marked in the itinerary, a home-hosted Mekong lunch, Hue royal dinner and Hoi An farewell dinner.
Signature experiences
Saigon by vintage Jeep, Perfume River sunset cruise, lantern workshop, basket boat and culinary challenge.
Guides & admissions
English-speaking local guides, entrance fees and the scheduled activities described in the itinerary.
Thoughtful details
Refillable water bottle, purified drinking water, private boats and carefully paced days.
Three distinct regions
Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, imperial Hue, and the living heritage of Hoi An.
Not included
International flights, travel insurance, Vietnam visa, personal expenses, gratuities, airport fast-track assistance and anything not specifically listed.
A note about plans
Hotels, flight times, activities and routing may change because of local conditions or supplier requirements. Comparable arrangements will be used when practical.
Find your fit
Your questions, answered.
You should have the practical details before deciding. If something still needs a conversation, Trung is here to help.
Do I need to be ready to book before we talk?
No. The free 30-minute Google Meet is a chance to ask about the itinerary, flights, rooms and whether the trip fits your plans. There is no obligation to book. You can also get the guide first or email Trung at trung@cookieparadise.co.
Where do I fly into and out of?
Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City for June 1, 2027. Depart from Da Nang International Airport (DAD), near Hoi An, on June 8. The listed domestic flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue (HUI) is included; international flights are extra. Discuss flight plans with Trung before purchasing.
Can I join on my own, or share a room with my partner?
Solo travelers and couples can inquire. The $399 private-room supplement applies only to a single traveler who wants a room to themselves, subject to availability. Couples sharing a room can request a queen bed or separate beds. Ask Trung about room arrangements before booking.
What is the daily pace like?
The itinerary includes city and heritage-site walking, getting on and off boats, some early starts and full activity days, alongside free time. The Mekong village routes offer bicycle or buggy options. Talk with Trung about your preferred pace and any arrangements that need to be checked before booking.
Who will host the trip?
The trip is created by Trung Le and hosted by Trung or another carefully selected Cookie Paradise Travel Company host, supported by experienced local guides. Ask who is planned to host your departure when you speak with Trung.
What are the deposit and payment terms?
The $500-per-person deposit counts toward your Trip Price and is nonrefundable, with exceptions for company cancellation and events beyond our control. Pay the balance in monthly installments; full payment is due 90 days before departure. Bookings accepted within 90 days require full payment upon acceptance. Autopay is optional; no payment surcharge applies.
What happens if the minimum group is not reached?
Eight fully paid travelers are required; we confirm operation by 75 days before departure. If we cancel for insufficient enrollment or another reason other than force majeure or your breach, all payments are refunded within 30 days. Independently purchased international flights and other arrangements are not covered by this refund.
What if a major disruption affects the trip?
Itineraries and suppliers may change. For a cancellation caused by events beyond our control, you may choose a full future-trip credit or a refund less documented, unrecoverable supplier payments.
What if I need to cancel?
Email trung@cookieparadise.co; cancellation takes effect when received. Charges per traveler: 61+ days before departure: $500; 60-31 days: the greater of $500 or 50% of Trip Price; 30-16 days: the greater of $500 or 75%; 15 days or fewer, or no-show: 100%. All payments already made, including the deposit, count toward your cancellation charge. If you have paid less than that charge, you must pay the difference. If you have paid more, the excess will be refunded within 30 days.
What if June 2027 does not work for me?
June 1–8, 2027 is the currently open departure. Future dates have not been announced. You can still request the guide, choose a future departure as your interest, or book a call to discuss your plans.
These answers are a summary. Your personalized Traveler Agreement contains the complete booking terms.
The daily itinerary
Eight days, thoughtfully arranged
Each day balances memorable experiences with room to breathe. You’ll meet the country through its food, families, landscapes and layered history—not from a bus window.
Jump to the day-by-day scheduleThoughtfully hosted
Each departure is hosted by Trung or another carefully selected Cookie Paradise Travel Company host, supported by experienced local guides.
01Arrive in Ho Chi Minh CityA private airport welcome, hotel transfer and an easy first evening to settle in.Meals: none
On arrival
Airport welcome
Meet your local representative at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer privately to the hotel, approximately 30 minutes.
From 2:00 PM
Hotel check-in
Settle into the Paragon Saigon Hotel, Premier Sakura room, or a comparable property.
Rest of day
At leisure
Unpack, rest and explore nearby at your own pace.
02The many sides of SaigonMorning life in Tao Dan Park, city icons, markets and a vintage-Jeep food adventure after dark.Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
6:30–9:30 AM
Good Morning Saigon
Tao Dan Park and its bird café, a century-old private house and temple, a local breakfast and a neighborhood wet market.
1:00–5:00 PM
Central Saigon
City Hall, Dong Khoi Street, the Continental Hotel, Opera House, Central Post Office, the former CIA building, 30 April Park, Reunification Palace and Ben Thanh Market.
6:30–10:30 PM
Saigon after dark
Travel by vintage Jeep for local food stops, the flower market and street snacks, finishing with a rooftop drink.
03Mekong Delta lifeFloating communities, sampan waterways, village paths, family workshops and a home-hosted lunch.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Waterways, farms and a shared table
Travel about two hours to the delta. Visit the Tan My floating community and a working fish farm, continue by sampan, explore village paths by bicycle or buggy, meet local producers and share a home-hosted lunch before returning to Saigon.
04Fly to HueImperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda and a private sunset cruise on the Perfume River.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Morning
Airport transfer
Transfer from the hotel to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN).
11:05 AM–12:25 PM
Flight to Hue
Planned Vietnam Airlines flight VN1370 from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Phu Bai International Airport (HUI), serving Hue. The airline may change the schedule.
2:30–6:00 PM
Imperial Hue
Explore the Imperial Citadel and restored Kien Trung Palace, followed by Thien Mu Pagoda.
About 5:00 PM
Perfume River sunset
Board a private river cruise with a cocktail and canapés.
05Gardens, royal tombs and royal dinnerTha Om Garden House, the royal tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, then dinner with traditional music.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10:30 AM–1:00 PM
Tha Om Garden House
Enjoy Hue cakes and tea in the garden house, followed by lunch.
1:00–5:00 PM
Tombs of the emperors
Explore the contrasting royal tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.
Evening
Royal dinner
Enjoy a multi-course dinner with live traditional music and the opportunity to wear royal-style robes.
06Hue to Hoi AnThe Hai Van Pass, lantern making, old-town heritage and basket boats.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
9:00 AM
Cross the Hai Van Pass
Depart Hue for the scenic drive toward Da Nang and Hoi An, with lunch en route.
1:00–5:00 PM
Lanterns, lanes and basket boats
Make a traditional lantern, explore Hoi An old town and continue to Cam Thanh coconut village for a basket-boat experience.
Evening
Check in at Almanity
Deluxe Pool View room at Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa, or a comparable property.
07Hoi An culinary challengeHerb-farm games, hands-on cooking, a free afternoon, an optional massage and a celebratory farewell dinner.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8:30 AM–1:00 PM
Farm-to-table challenge
Take on a herb hunt, spring-roll showdown, Vietnamese rice-pancake challenge and mystery-box juice creation, followed by lunch.
Afternoon
Free time
Relax at the resort or explore Hoi An independently.
During free time
Optional 60-minute massage
A body massage at Almanity is available as an optional add-on. Participation is not required, and timing is arranged separately.
7:00 PM
Farewell dinner
Gather for a celebratory dinner with one glass of house wine.
08Depart Hoi An via Da NangBreakfast and a private transfer to Da Nang International Airport (DAD) for your onward flight.Meals: Breakfast
Morning
Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and prepare for departure.
Before 12:00 PM
Check out and airport transfer
Transfer privately to Da Nang International Airport (DAD) according to your onward flight schedule.
Take the details with you
Still exploring? Start with the guide.
Save the itinerary and pricing, share it with your travel companion and come back with your questions. Request an emailed copy here without starting a booking.
View the guide now (PDF)Prefer to ask by email? Write to trung@cookieparadise.co.
Start with the details
Get your free Vietnam trip guide
The daily itinerary, pricing and what's included—plus an invitation to talk it through with Trung.
When you are ready
A clear next step, at your pace.
01
Talk or explore first
Book a free 30-minute Google Meet, read the daily itinerary or get the guide. These steps do not create a reservation or payment obligation.
02
Request your spot
When ready, send your departure, traveler and room details. Your request is reviewed before the booking can be confirmed.
03
Review and sign
Review your personalized Traveler Agreement. Each adult signs separately; a parent or guardian signs for a minor.
04
Confirm your booking
Confirmation requires our written acceptance, your signature and cleared deposit or required full payment. Payments are handled through a secure Square invoice.
No payment is collected by the inquiry form. A request is not a confirmed reservation.
Your Vietnam questions are welcome
Let's see whether this journey is right for you.
Talk through the itinerary, flight arrangements, rooms and anything you want to understand before deciding.
Free 30-minute Google Meet · No obligation to book
I'd like the itinerary and pricing first