Day 1: Hanoi arrival (-/-/D)

Hanoi – Airport: 30km, ~40min drive

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, meet our guide and driver who then escort you to the city center. After making sure of your successful hotel check-in, they will be pleased to leave you free time for your own lunch and leisure to recover after the long flight.

In the late afternoon, we enjoy Water Puppet Show, the unique Vietnamese traditional art originated from rural festivals in Vietnam. The artists-men and women-stand waist-deep in the water to manipulate the puppets, making them move, talk and laugh and even dance on the surface of the water. Dinner is then served at a nice local restaurant.

Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City – Overnight train to Lao Cai (B/L/-)

Hanoi – Lao Cai: 270km, ~7-8h on train

After breakfast at hotel, we start the day trip with a visit of the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site compromises Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (closed on Mondays & Fridays), his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh Museum. We then visit the Temple of Literature constructed in 1070 to worship Confucius, which was served as the first University of Vietnam. The site also honors 82 Vietnamese doctorates who passed a number of rigid exams in the feudal ages. Their names, birthdays and birthplaces are engraved in 82 headstones perched on stone tortoises. It is widely believed that touching the heads of these tortoises will bring luck. Its peaceful green compound with its neatly maintained lawns, gardens and lotus ponds make it a tranquil hideaway from the city’s bustle and heat. Lunch will be served at a nice local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we visit Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays, the alternative is the History Museum) dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 officially recognized ethnic groups with both indoor and outdoor sections. While the in-housed exhibition is particularly informative, the outdoor display continues in the museum’s garden with fascinating examples of traditional houses of numerous minority groups, from the Kinhs to the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands. We then enjoy a 45 minute-cyclo tour to the Old Quarter where you can see streets with century-aged trees and French Colonial buildings. We then head to Ngoc Son Temple set on a tiny islet in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. Ngoc Son Temple dates back to the 13th century, and the lake itself is the picturesque heart of Hanoi, frequented by tourists and locals alike.

Time is then free until you are transferred to Hanoi Railway Station for overnight train to Lao Cai leaving at around 10p.m.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight on train

Day 3: Lao Cai – Sapa – Cat Cat – Ma Tra Village (B/L/-)

Lao Cai – Sapa: 40km, 1h drive

Arrival Lao Cai Train Station at around 6a.m, our guide and driver will meet and transfer you to Sapa, situated 40km from Lao Cai. After breakfast, we will explore Sapa town, founded by the French as a holiday resort.

In the afternoon, we will visit Cat Cat village, home to H’Mong ethnic people. They are excellent “tho cam” weavers, a kind of brocade fabric. The “tho cam” of Cat Cat village is of especially high quality, as it is dyed with natural colors, polished with beeswax and embroidered with unique designs. Cat Cat silver jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings are known for their sophisticated production techniques. A walk through this old village offers a glimpse into traditional customs and practices of the ethnic Black Hmong. We will stop at a beautiful waterfall and the remains of a hydroelectric plant built by the French during their colonization of Vietnam.

If time permits, visit Ma Tra Village – a less beaten track. About 5km to the southeast of Sapa town, Ma Tra Village was added recently into Sapa’s growing list of stunning destinations. The village is a new must-see for visitors when coming to the mountain town of Sapa and preferring a less commercial track. The Village is home to H’mong ethnic people and only boasts around 50 homes. They survive using their craft such as weaving brocade, silk, forging farming tools and carving silver. They generally only make such items to meet their own needs, but since the growth of tourism in Sapa, many H’mong women make decorated cloth to sell on the town’s main streets.

• Morning : 3km, 2h30m walking
• Afternoon : 3km, 2h trekking

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

Day 4: Lao Chai – Ta van – Train back to Hanoi (B/L/-)

After breakfast at hotel, we embark on a lovely walk that will take us along small paths and trails and through several hill tribe villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van, home to H’mong, and Dzay people. This is an absolutely spectacular walk through stunning scenery inhabited by some of the friendliest people you can meet. Stopping for a picnic lunch on the way at a family in Ta Van village.  There’s opportunity to meet with local people and study the art of making batik and local weaving villages – study textile tradition of craft women o Black H’mong and Red Dzao. In the afternoon, we get back to Sapa to prepare for train back to Hanoi.

• Distance : 8km
• Duration : 3h30m trekking
• Speed : Average 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight on train

Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B/L/D)

Hanoi – Halong: 180km, ~3h30m drive

Arrival at Hanoi Railway Station at 5:30am, our staff will meet and bring you to a small hotel nearby for breakfast and freshen up. We then start our three-hour drive through the Red River Delta to Halong, situated 180km southeast of Hanoi. Arrival at Halong’s tourist wharf around noon, we embark an elegant wooden junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of  Ha Long Bay to enjoy a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone in this World Heritage Site. The cruise provides an introduction to the amazing scenery of Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. Cruising through Halong Bay will literally take your breath away.

After cruising to the east of Halong Bay, we enjoy a relaxing tour of guided kayaking or swimming in Vung Ha area, boasting isolated beaches and nature at its best before cruising into the geological park of amazing Bai Tu Long Bay. Back to the boat to learn about the role of tea in Vietnamese culture with a tea ceremony then enjoy Happy Hour with “Buy One Get One Free”: Beer, House wine (by the glass), Soft drinks, Long drinks, Cocktails. After that, enjoy squid fishing from the main deck. The boat will anchor for the night in a peaceful location.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on cruise

Day 6: Halong Bay Exploration (B/L/D)

Start the day with Tai Chi – physical movements designed for relaxation, balance and health – on the sundeck of the boat while enjoying the panorama. After breakfast on board, visit Vung Vieng fishing village by rowing boat in 01 hour.

Savour a delicious lunch in the Halong Restaurant while the ship cruises towards Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island for walking excursion in the national park of Cat Ba Island and visit of The Au Co organic farm. Back to The Au Co to enjoy Happy Hour and Cooking Demonstration then a sumtupous seafood BBQ. The ship anchors at Drum Cave.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on cruise

Day 7: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Hue (Br/-/-)

Hanoi – Hue: 770km, 1h flight

Waking up surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the bay, we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. The cruise continues to move around the bay for us to discover more secluded areas, we then take kayaking and swimming in the stunning bay. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a backup vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey to Noi Bai airport for flight to Hue. Upon arrival at Hue airport, our driver will meet and transfer you to hotel for check-in.

Meals Included: Brunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 8: Hue Imperial City (B/L/-)

After breakfast at hotel, we set out for the exploration of Hue’s famous highlights, starting by a boat trip on Perfume River to reach the picturesque Thien Mu, or Heavenly Lady Pagoda. One of the most poignant displays here is a car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. We then disembark the board for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc, which was built between 1864 and 1867 by 3000 soldiers and workers. It includes 50 monuments surrounded by a 1500m long wall covering an area of 12ha. Transfer back to Hue center Hue for lunch at local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we visit Hue Imperial City, the last royal city of Vietnam with various beautiful structures including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden City or Tu Cam Thanh. Built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the City was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945. We then do the walking and shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialty of Hue city.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 9: Hue – Danang – Hoi An (B/L/-)

Hue – Hoi An: 140km, ~2h30m drive

After breakfast at hotel, we bid Hue farewell and continue our south bound journey to the old trading town of Hoian. Along the way we will stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshment. From here we head up to the Hai Van pass, stopping at the top to take in the stunning views north over Lang Co beach and south over Danang city. Upon arrival Hoian, we take a walking tour to Hoi An Ancient Town – an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15^th to the 19^th century. We start our day with the Japanese Covered Bridge – one of Vietnam’s most iconic attractions. Created by the Japanese living in Hoian in the 1590s as a way to reach the Chinese quarter across the water, the bridge is a beautiful historical piece of Japanese architecture. It would be a shortcoming without a visit to Tan Ky House – one of the many ancient houses that making up Hoian Ancient Town. Built two centuries ago with both Japanese and Chinese influences on architecture, this house has been preserved through seven generations. While walking, we will encounter pretty houses of Chinese merchants. Another must-see destination is Phuc Kiem Assembly Hall – an excellent work of architecture considered as a heritage of historical significance. Built in 1690, this Assembly Hall is in fact a temple dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 10: Hoi An – Free (B/-/-)

After breakfast at hotel, time is for your own exploration and shopping. Hoi An is home to the most skillful tailors in Vietnam where you can get your perfect clothes custom-made at a great price.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 11: Hoian – Danang – Flight to Saigon (B/L/-)

Danang – Saigon: ~850km, 2h flight

After breakfast at hotel, our driver will meet and transfer you to Danang Airport for flight to Saigon. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, meet our guide and driver who then escort you to the hotel in city center for check-in. You will then have time for your own lunch and relaxation.

In the afternoon, we take a half day to visit all famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the now-demolished wartime American Embassy. After that, we head to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975 when the North Vietnamese tanks came crashing through the front gates, bringing the U.S.-Vietnam War to a dramatic end; followed by some French colonial structures including the Old Saigon Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral. Notre Dame Cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883, and the stones used to create it were exported in its entirety from France. Apart from the religious meaning, the even more special captivating point of this Cathedral is its special neo-Romanesque style of architecture. Next to the cathedral stands the Central Post Office, finished in 1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam’s largest post office. After visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is a fantastic place for bargains of every kind! There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offers guests many freshly delicious dishes. You also can find any goods for daily use as well as variety of eye-catching local handicrafts, souvenirs here.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 12: Saigon – Tay Ninh – Cu Chi (B/L/-)

Saigon – Tay Ninh: 100km, ~2h30m drive; Tay Ninh – Cu Chi: 70km, ~1h50m drive

After breakfast at hotel, you will be picked up by our guide and driver at the hotel at 8:00am for a drive through typical southern Vietnamese countryside to Tay Ninh Province. Arrival here, we will visit the Cao Dai holly See temple where the followers of this religion practice a unique religious blend of all the major faiths of the world including  Confucianism, Christianity, Taoism and Buddhism. The temple is dominated by the all-seeing eye, an architectural wonder, a hotchpotch of styles from its contributing religions and ornamented in brilliant colors. The daily service is impressive where the worshippers wear robes of different hues denoting their function and status, and kneel in blocks in the nave to genuflect and pray while acolytes perform complex rituals. We have scheduled a special lunch of the local cuisines in a popular local eatery for your taste of Tay Ninh cuisines.

After lunch, drive to the incredible Cu Chi tunnel, a 250 km underground tunnel system created manually by Vietnamese resistance fighters often known as Viet Cong during their long struggle for independence. Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500 pound bombs dropped by B52 bombers. We then transfer back to your hotel later in the afternoon.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 13: Saigon – Cai Be – Sa Dec – Can Tho (B/L/D)

Saigon – Cai Be: 140km, ~2h30min drive

Breakfast is served at hotel. 08:00a.m: our driver will meet and transfer you to Cai Be – approximately 2h drive south from Saigon. 10.00a.m: Get welcome onboard. Upon embarkation on your sampan you will be welcomed with fresh towel by our crew. Start to visit some local home factories to observe the traditional procedure of making rice ice paste, coconut candies and other specialties. Proceed to Cai Be colorful floating market, cruise among local barges full of fruits and vegetables. Take a direction to Vinh Long and Sa Dec, cruise upstream Tien Giang River is, one of the two largest arms of the Mekong. Sail into a narrow canal to discover the hideaway unspoiled landscapes, luxuriant gardens and enjoy the airy atmosphere in countryside. Pass several traditional brick factories while cruising and have an interesting onsite visit to one of them. Continue the journey to Sa Dec, the little “Venice” in the Mekong Delta with numerous narrow canals, and different kinds of trading activities. Disembark at the local market place and begin your exploration in this charming Sa Dec town by walking along narrow streets and take pictures of beautiful old houses and Chinese temples. Stop at an ancient house dating from 1890, home of Ong Huynh Thuy Le, former “lover” of famous French novelist Marguerite Duras. Lunch will be served on board while cruising down to Can Tho along a beautiful narrow canal. Passing under Several wooden “monkey bridges” and tiny typical villages before pulling a stop to visit Cao Dai Temple. The last stop before sunset is a splendid ancient house or “Nha Co” dating from the early 19th century. After the personal welcome of owner, a romantic candlelight dinner will be catered in an unique atmosphere. After dinner, continue to proceed to Can Tho.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Private Song Xanh Sampan

Day 14: Can Tho – Cai Rang – Saigon (B/L/-)

Can Tho – Saigon: 180km, ~4h drive

The journey starts at 6.00 AM with breakfast being served at 7.00 PM, while approaching Cai Rang floating market, the largest market in the whole Mekong Delta Region. Cruise Among local barges full of fruits and vegetables and enjoy the hustle and bustle of morning market. The excursion ends at around 10.00a.m at Ninh Kieu Pier after-visiting Can Tho’s local market. We then drive back to Saigon for overnight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 15: Saigon – Flight to Con Dao (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to Tan Son Nhat airport for your flight to Con Dao. Check into the hotel and relax.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Con Dao

Day 16: Con Dao – Free (B/-/-)

Relax and enjoy your Con Dao sandy beach: swim, sunbathe and take in the delights of this beautiful holiday resort. Optional sightseeing or visit to offshore islands, diving, snorkeling, hiking in Con Dao National Park, Dam Tre Bay, Bang Beach, Dat Tham Beach, etc. or just relax and enjoy the resort facility.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Con Dao

Day 17: Con Dao – Free (B/-/-)

Relax and enjoy your Con Dao sandy beach: swim, sunbathe and take in the delights of this beautiful holiday resort. Optional sightseeing or visit to offshore islands, diving, snorkeling, hiking in Con Dao National Park, Dam Tre Bay, Bang Beach, Dat Tham Beach, etc. or just relax and enjoy the resort facility.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Con Dao

Day 18: Con Dao – Flight to Saigon (B/-/-)

After breakfast, time free until our driver meet and transfer you to airport for flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, another driver will meet and transfer you to hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 19: Saigon – Departure (B/-/-)

After breakfast at hotel, time is free until our driver meet and transfer you to Tan Son Nhat airport for your flight to your next destination or back home. Thank you very much for travelling with us!

Meals Included: Breakfast