DISCOVER VIETNAM FROM SOUTH TO THE NORTH

 

DAY 1: Arrival - Hanoi
DAY 2: Hanoi city - night Train to Lao Cai
DAY 3: Lao Cai - Sapa
DAY 4: Sapa
DAY 5: Night train back to Hanoi
DAY 6: Halong Bay on Cruise
DAY 7: Halong Bay on Cruise
DAY 8: Halong Bay - Hanoi 
DAY 9: Hue city
DAY 10: Hue city
DAY 11: Marble Mountain, Hoi An Ancient town
DAY 12: Hoi An, My Son temples
DAY 13: Hoi An
DAY 14: Hoi An - Danang - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
DAY 15: Mekong Delta
DAY 16: Saigon, Cu Chi tunnel day trip
DAY 17: Saigon - Depart

DAY 1: ARRIVE HANOI 

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be met by our local guide and driver. Then, we will take you to your carefully selected hotel in Hanoi. We will assist you with check-in. The rest of today is free for you to explore this old and charming city at your own pace.

Hanoi, located in northern Vietnam, boasts a rich history dating back over 1,000 years. It showcases a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French influences. Renowned for its diverse culinary scene, Hanoi is considered a food lover's paradise to taste Vietnamese cuisine. The city is famous for its street food, where you can savor an array of local specialties.

DAY 2 : HANOI CITY TOUR - NIGHT TRAIN TO LAO CAI ( B/L/D) 

 

Hanoi is a beguiling and vibrant city steeped in history, with a wonderful fusion of French colonial and Vietnamese architecture and cuisine.

We take the day to visit the city’s key sights such as Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, the Museum of ethnography and the tranquil Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university.
There willl also be time to explore the colorful streets of the Old Quarter, where streets are named for the products they sell and everything imaginable is being bought and sold. We’ll have an insightful meal at an NGO restaurant which trains and looks after ‘street kids’, giving them skills to pursue careers in the hospitality and tourism industries. This evening we enjoy the centuries old tradition of water puppetry, before taking an overnight train journey north, to Lao Cai.

DAY 3: LAO CAI - SAPA ( B/L)

The train arrives in Lao Cai at 05:00 am. Drive uphill to Sapa. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sapa is the former hill retreat for French administrators when the heat in plain became unbearable. The remoteness and simple lifestyle of ethnic minorities are a highlight of Sapa although conditions are very basic. After checking into hotel we can soak up the fresh climate as much as we want by spending time to wander around. The ethnic people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. In the afternoon, we trek to Cat Cat village (2 km from Sapa town) where you will visit the village of Black H’mong hill tribes. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Sapa Valley. Back to hotel.
 

DAY 4: SAPA - HANOI (B/L)

This morning, trekking to visit Lao Chai and Ta Van villages inhabited by Black H’mong and Dzay ethnic minorities. Enjoy amazing and breath-taking landscapes of terraced paddies, green valleys and meet with friendly local people. After lunch back to Hanoi 

DAY 5: HANOI - HALONG BAY (B/L/D)

 

08:00 – 08:30: Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and transfer to Ha Long Bay (approx. 3 hrs).

11:30 – 12:00: Arrive at the pier, check in at the cruise lounge.

12:30: Embark the cruise, welcome drink and cruise briefing.

13:00: Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on board while the boat sails through the spectacular limestone karsts and islet

15:00 – 17:00: Afternoon activities (depending on cruise program):

​​​​​​Visit a limestone cave
Kayak or swim in the emerald water
Explore a floating fishing village
17:30: Return to the cruise. Enjoy sunset and Happy Hour on the sundeck.

19:00: Savor a set menu dinner on board.

Evening: Free to relax, go squid fishing, or join evening activities organized by the cruise.

Overnight on cruise in Ha Long Bay.

DAY 6: HALONG BAY ( B/L/D)

06:30: Start the day with Tai Chi on the sundeck, enjoy sunrise over the bay.
07:00: Light breakfast served.
08:30 – 16:00: Full-day excursion to remote areas of Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha/Bai Tu Long Bay (depending on route):
Visit hidden lagoons and pristine beaches
Go kayaking, swimming, or trekking on an island
Picnic lunch or BBQ on the beach (if included in cruise program)
16:30: Return to the main cruise, relax and enjoy sunset.
19:00: Dinner served on board.
Evening at leisure: night fishing, movie, board games, or simply enjoy the bay at night.
Overnight on cruise.

DAY 7 : HALONG BAY -  ( B/L)
 

06:30: Tai Chi session and sunrise watching.
07:00: Light breakfast on board.
08:00: Continue cruising through Ha Long Bay, passing iconic islets.
09:00: Visit a limestone grotto or pearl farm (depending on cruise).
10:00: Brunch on board while the cruise slowly returns to the harbor.
11:00 – 11:30: Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi.
15:00 – 15:30: Drop off at your hotel in Hanoi.
 

DAY 8 : HANOI - HUE ( B/L) 

We take a short midday flight from Hanoi to Hue. Situated on the banks of the Perfume River and celebrated by Vietnamese poets for its romantic air and beauty, Hue was home to the Royal Dynasty until 1945. With a mystery tour of Hue and its environs, chauffeured on motos, from Emperors’ tombs to Buddhist pagodas, you’ll really get a feel for this region. Alternatively, if interested, you can take a tour of the DMZ with an informative local English-speaking guide.

DAY 9 : HUE CITY TOUR ( B/L) 
 

Breakfast at your hotel.

8:00 AM: Guide pick-up for a full-day exploration of Hue's historical sites.
Visit the Ancient Citadel, exploring grand gates and palatial structures to learn about Vietnam's royal history.
Enjoy a serene boat ride to Thien Mu Pagoda, offering spiritual insights and Perfume River views.
Lunch in a restaurant in the city center.
Explore Tu Duc Tomb in the afternoon, a masterpiece of Vietnamese architecture.
Conclude the day with a visit to Dong Ba Market, experiencing local crafts and cuisine.

Come back to Hotel & stay overnight in Hue. 

 

 

DAY 10 : HUE - HAI VAN PASS - HOI AN ( B/L) 

 

After breakfast, depart from Hue and travel along the spectacular Hai Van Pass, one of the most scenic coastal roads in Vietnam, with breathtaking views of the mountains and the East Sea. Make a stop at the top for photos and to enjoy the panorama.

After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 11: HOI AN - MY SON TEMPLE ( B/L) 
 

Hoi An was an important trading port from the 17th-19th centuries. Wandering the streets, you really feel embraced by history. The town now has UN World Heritage status and its profusion of old houses, quiet streets and covered bridges are being preserved and restored. These days Hoi An is renowned for its diverse architectural heritage, masterful tailors, abundant silks and superb cuisine. Hoi An is also the ultimate place to have affordable clothes made to order. There’s a gorgeous beach nearby and people-watching on the riverfront, cool drink in hand, is hard to beat.
We take a day trip to My Son to explore the ancient temple ruins of the Cham kingdom – the most significant Cham site in Vietnam. An optional cooking course in Vietnamese cuisine gives us a real taste for the local specialties.

DAY 12: HOI AN COUNTRYSIDE ( B/lL) 

 

Morning:
After breakfast, transfer to the Cam Thanh Water Coconut Village. Board a traditional basket boat and enjoy a peaceful ride through the coconut palm forest. Local fishermen will demonstrate unique fishing techniques, and you’ll have the chance to try paddling, join fun boat spinning activities, and even catch small crabs in the water channels.

Noon:
Enjoy a local lunch at a restaurant in Hoi An with authentic Vietnamese dishes

Afternoon:
Begin a guided walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit highlights such as:

Stroll along lantern-filled streets, admire colorful shop houses, and learn about Hoi An’s rich history as a trading port.

Japanese Covered Bridge – an iconic 17th-century landmark.
Phuc Kien (Fujian) Assembly Hall – with its ornate Chinese architecture.
Tan Ky Ancient House – a beautifully reserved merchant’s home.Hoi An Market – a lively place to see local
products and handicrafts.

Evening:
Free time to explore Hoi An at your own pace, shop for souvenirs, or join an optional lantern boat ride on the Thu Bon River for a magical night experience.

Overnight in Hoi An.

 

DAY 13: HOI AN - DANANG - HO CHI MINH CITY (B/L)

A short flight south takes us to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), a city of stunning contrasts. We hail cyclos and zigzag our way to the War Remnants Museum, a sobering memorial to the Vietnam War, then lighten up with a stroll around the unusual Presidential Palace and Ben Thanh (the central market and a great place to stock up on fine roasted coffee from the highlands).
 

DAY 14: MEKONG DELTA ( B/L) 
 

Breakfast at your hotel.

Depart for My Tho on the Mekong River.

Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda.

Take a sampan cruise around Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands.

Stop at Unicorn Island, walk through orchards, enjoy tropical fruits and folk music, and visit a fruit plantation.

Ride a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal, visit a family business, a honey-bee farm (enjoy honey tea), and a coconut candy workshop.

Have lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Cycle around Tan Thach village to experience local life (hammock relaxation available).

Return to Ho Chi Minh City. End of trip. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh 

DAY 15 : CU CHI TUNNELS TOUR ( B/L) (B/L) 

Morning:
After breakfast, depart from Ho Chi Minh City for a drive through the countryside to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 60 km away. On arrival, watch a short documentary to learn about the history of the tunnels and their role during the Vietnam War.

Explore the underground tunnel system, which stretches over 200 km. You will see living areas, kitchens, storage rooms, command centers, and even hidden entrances used by guerrilla fighters. For those who wish, you can crawl through a section of the tunnels to experience what life was like underground.

Along the way, discover ingenious war-time traps, weapons, and equipment, and learn how locals survived using simple yet effective techniques.

Noon:
Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon:
Return to Ho Chi Minh City. Free time at leisure for shopping, relaxing, or exploring the city on your own.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

 

DAY 16: HO CHI MINH FREEDAY  (B) 

 

Day at leisure to discover Ho Chi Minh
 

DAY 17 : HO CHI MINH DEPARTURE ( B) 
 

EXCLUDED:

 

•  International flight ticket
•  Visa stamping fee at airport (25USD/ person)
•  Other meals not mentioned
•  Tips & personal expenses
•  Laundry
•  Other not stated above
•  Travel insurance

POLICY :

 

• The rate for children applicable for one child sharing a twin or double cabin with two adults
• For infant (<04 years old): FOC except domestic ticket cost
• 04 - 11 years old without bed: 50% adult rate
• 04 - 11 years old with extra bed: 75% adult rate
• 04 - 11 years old in twin share: 90% adult rate