Day
1 -
Hanoi
HANOI ARRIVAL (D)
Upon Arrival at Hanoi 's Noi Bai International airport, meet your guide who brings you to your hotel for the following two nights. Take some time to relax before you enjoy your welcome dinner at a local restaurant, followed by an evening water puppet performance – an art form which originated in Vietnam at least 1,000 years ago.
Overnight: Hanoi
Day
2 -
Hanoi
HANOI: SIGHTSEEING (B, L, D)
You have a full day to visit Hanoi's main cultural attractions, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the House on Stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, Quan Thanh temple, the Vietnam History Museum, and the Temple of Literature. After the long City Tour of Vietnams capital, your dinner will be served at the award-winning Press Club restaurant.
Overnight: Hanoi
Day
3 -
Lao Cai
HANOI – CERAMIC VILLAGE – LAO CAI BY NIGHT TRAIN (B, L)
The morning is free for your own exploration. Discover the fascinating Old Quarter and its hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquer ware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, cooking utensils, ceremonial objects and more. In the afternoon, you visit the Bat Trang ceramics village, a 500-year-old village, located on the left bank of the Red River. There you see not only how ceramic products are made, but also try to make your own piece of art. Enjoy afterwards a buffalo cart trip around the village before heading back to Hanoi and then being transferred to the train station for an overnight trip to Lao Cai.
Overnight: Train
Day
4 -
Sapa
LAO CAI SAPA – Y LINH HO – LAO CHAI – TAVAN (B, L)
The train will bring you to Lao Cai station at approximately 06:00. From here you will take a 1.5hour drive to Sapa.The road from Sa Pa winds through hilly terrain passing terraced rice paddy fields, where you reach Cat Cat cultural village, just 3km from Sa Pa town. A leisurely walk through the old village offers you an overview of the traditional customs and practices of the ethnic Black H’mong people. Stop by a stunning waterfall and the vestige of a hydroelectric power station, constructed by the French during the colonial era in Viet Nam. Follow a dirt trail snaking through the mountain. Enjoy spectacular scenery while trekking along a narrow stream until you reach Y Linh Ho village also home of the Black H'mong minority. Head toward Muong Hoa valley. Descending into the valley, you will see the largest terraced rice fields in the Sa Pa area. (If you visit the valley between May and October, you have the chance to observe and experience how the local people plant and harvest rice). The walk takes you from Lao Chai village of the Black H'mong minority to Ta Van village of the Giay minority. You will take a break to enjoy a picnic lunch at a local house before transferring back to Sa Pa.
Overnight: Sapa
Day
5 -
Sapa
NAM CANG – NAM NHIEU (B, L)
Start in the morning driving down to the lowest valley of Sa Pa, around 2 hours driving descending the Sa Pa valley. Along the way you have many chances to see breathtaking view of paddy terrace field and cornfield, where is the largest terrace paddy of Sa Pa District. Passing Ban Ho village your car ascend to My Son Village then Nam Cang Village, where are minorities people living such as Xa Pho, Red Zao, White H’mong. Stopped at Nam Than Village. You can visit minority people house then you start to trek by suspension bridge. First impression is approaching small waterfall with breezy and cool. Along your trekking are many small waterfall like that. Furthermore is the most stunning view of lowest Valley. Constituted by paddy terraces and “Buffalo house on stilts” scattered on paddy terrace. More special is along your trekking you have chance to enjoin with forest song – “Bird singing”. After 2 hours trekking you will have lunch in a minority people house on stilts in Thanh Phu Village then transfer back to Sapa by viewing sunset on the mountainous.
Overnight: Sapa
Day
6 -
Train
SAPA – HILL TRIBLE MARKET (B, L)
After an early rise, you head to the Hill tribe market. The market is one of the most exciting markets in the South East Asia. It is a trading centre and meeting place for couples, friends, and relatives, and it is a typical weekly activity for the H’mong and other minority groups living in the area. Afterwards, you can join a walking tour to the H’mong village of Ban Pho. Try some “Bac Ha home-made maize wine” and learn how to make this famous wine yourself. After that, you head back to Lao Cai and catch your overnight train to Hanoi.
Overnight: Train
Day
7 -
Halong Bay
HANOI – HALONG BAY (B, L, D)
Shortly after arrival at Hanoi train station, visit the famous Hanoi flower market before you enjoy your breakfast. Around lunch time, you reach then Halong Bay. Welcome aboard the cruise and set sails through the bay while you enjoy your meal. Drive into the magical bay where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise form the waves like dragon’s teeth. Visit an interesting fishing village with the opportunity to interact with fishermen who have been living in the bay for almost three generations. Back on board where you can enjoy cocktails or take a cooking class while watching sunset. The cruise also offers some evening activities as movie night, board games, or beauty spa, after dinner.
Overnight: Ship
Day
8 -
Ninh Binh
HALONG BAY – NINH BINH (B, L)
Wake up early for a tranquil Tai Chi session on the sundeck, or you can choose among a variety of different activities like kayaking or swimming, before you have your breakfast. Before you leave the cruise ship, visit the great Sung Sot cave – one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay. After check-out, you head to Tuần Châu Island where you will be transferred to Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh. Hoa Lu was the old capital of Vietnam under the Dinh Dynasty between 968 and 1009. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own.
Overnight: Ninh Binh
Day
9 -
Nin Binh
NINH BINH: BIKING (B, L)
First stop of the day is the Bai Dinh Pagode, the largest pagoda in Vietnam. From here you start cycling on the countryside road, headed to the ancient Hoa Lu Citadel. Explore the temples of King Dinh and King Le and continue afterwards through the limestone peaks to Tam Coc, passing the rice fields along the Red River Delta. Your lunch is served in Tam Coc, near the sampan pier. Afterwards take a sampan trip along the Boi River to visit the Tam Coc caves. Then hop back onto your bike and drive to the Bich Dong Pagode.
Overnight: Ninh Binh
Day
10 -
Quang Binh
NINH BINH – WORLD CULTURAL HERITAGE – Quang Binh (B, L)
Today, you drive from Ninh Binh to Quang Binh – a province on the North Central Coast of Vietnam. On the way, you stop to visit the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty, named a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2011. The citadel was the capital of Vietnam from 1397 to 1407 and one of Vietnam’s most impressive architectural works, using around 20,000 cubic meters of rock and nearly 100,000 cubic meters of soil. Continue you afterwards to Nhat Le Beach in Quang Binh for an overnight stay.
Overnight: Quang Binh
Day
11 -
Quang Binh
QUANG BINH: WORLD HERITAGE SITE – PHONG NHA KE BAN (B, L)
Take a spectacular boat trip during the morning. Head for the boat station in order to set out for your trip along the Son River and visit the 400meter-high Tien Son Cave. After your visit, re-board and set out to explore the 600meter underground river which is the longest underground river in the world. The afternoon is free for own explorations.
Overnight: Quang Binh
Day
12 -
Hue
QUANG BINH – DMZ – WORLD HERITAGE – HUE (B, L)
Leaving Quang Binh in the morning, you drive to Hue which is located in the Centre of Vietnam. In the 19th century, Hue was the home of the Nguyen Dynasty who built opulent palaces, gardens and mausoleums on the banks of the Perfume River. This peaceful central city has long been synonymous with royalty, culture and spiritual reflection. You stop to visit parts of the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) including the Vinh Moc Tunnels, Cua Tung Beach, the Ben Hai River and the Quang Tri Citadel before retiring for the evening in Hue.
Overnight: Hue
Day
13 -
Hue
HUE: SIGHTSEEING (B, L, D)
The Perfume River invites you this morning for a romantic cruise on a dragon boat. Visit then the charming Thien Mu Pagode, considered to be the symbol of Hue and Buddhism in Vietnam. From here you will be transferred to King Minh Mang’s Tomb and King Tu Duc’s Tomb for a visit. Also visit the Hue Citadel, the Forbidden Puple City, the Imperial Museum and Dong Ba market today. The day ends with a Hue royal-style dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Hue
Day
14 -
Hoi An
HUE - WORLD HERITAGE MY SON - HOI AN (B, L)
Travel today over the Hai Van Pass via Danang to visit the My Son Cham Ruins. My Son was the former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled Central Vietnam from the second to the thirteenth century. Their religion was primarily derived from Indian Hinduism. You reach Hoi An in the afternoon. From the 16th to 18th centuries, the city was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arabic traders and was renowned for its high grade silk and ceramics which are still produced in the area. Enjoy a relaxing overnight stay in Hoi An.
Overnight: Hoi An
Day
15 -
Hoi An
HOI AN: FISH & FARM LIFE (B, L)
Take a half-day walking tour through the narrow, winding streets of the Ancient Quarter as you visit Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200- year old Tam Ky ancestral house, and the Japanese Bridge. In the afternoon, you take the bike and drive along country roads to experience Vietnamese rural life and get in touch with local farmers. You also take a sampan ride on the Thu Bon River to meet and interact with local fishermen, as well as enjoy the hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. Paddle the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat afterwards, before you head back to town for some free time.
Overnight: Hoi An
Day
16 -
Quy Nhon
HOI AN – QUY NHON (B, L)
During your transfer from Hoi An to Quy Nhon in the Binh Ding province, visit the Chien Dan Cham Tower and some spectacular unspoiled beaches on the way.
Overnight: Quy Nhon
Day
17 -
Quy Nhon
QUY NHON: CHAM TOWERS EXPLORE (B, L)
The day today is focused on the Cham Towers in Quy Nhon, including Banh It Tower which is located on a picturesque hilltop. You also see the Duong Long Tower outside of the city and the Thap Doi, or also called “Twin Towers”. On the corners of the towers you find the body of the God bird Garuda. Then enjoy some free time at the resort or at the Ghenh Rang Beauty Spot which should prepare you for a relaxing overnight stay in Quy Nhon.
Overnight: Quy Nhon
Day
18 -
Nha Trang
QUY NHON – NHA TRANG (B)
In the morning, you depart for Nha Trang. Voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Nha Trang boasts a six-mile stretch of beautiful fine white sand, quiet and warm waters, as well as stunning archipelagos. After check-in, you have free time to relax on the beach or explore the surroundings.
Overnight: Nha Trang
Day
19 -
Nha Trang
NHA TRANG (B)
Today will be a free day for you to relax and enjoy the resort facilities. You may choose to engage in some water sports like snorkelling, diving, windsurfing, water-skiing or boat to Ninh Van Bay or Nha Trang Bay.
Overnight: Nha Trang
Day
20 -
Nah Trang
NHA TRANG (B)
You have another day to indulge in whatever you may have missed on the previous day, or you might just want to lounge around the resort and take a well-deserved day off!
Overnight: Nha Trang
Day
21 -
Phan Thiet
NHA TRANG – PHAN RANG – PHAN THIET (B, L)
Continue your Vietnam coastal journey to Phan Thiet. Along the way, you take a look at the Proklong Garai Cham Tower, one of the most beautiful towers in the country. The tower was built in honour of the legendary King Po Klaung Garai by King Jaya Simhavarman III who ruled the Champa nation from 1285 to 1307. You then have free time to explore Phan Thiet before a restful overnight stay.
Overnight: Phan Thiet
Day
22 -
Phan Thiet
PHAN THIET (B)
In the morning, visit the Cham Po Sha Nu complex, built in the 8th century. The towers clearly display the influence of Hinduism in the area and similar towers can be found all across South-East Asia and back to India. You continue then onto the Lighthouse of Khe Ga before heading back to the resort where you will have free time to relax and enjoy the facilities before retiring for the evening.
Overnight: Phan Thiet
Day
23 -
Ho Chi Minh City
PHAN THIET – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, D)
Before setting out for Ho Chi Minh City – also known as Saigon – enjoy the morning on your own. Ho Chi Ming City is Vietnam's largest city and the heart of Vietnamese business and entrepreneurship. Take a walking tour in the evening to explore the colourful outdoor markets and Dong Khoi Street. Don Khoi Street is the city's main upscale shopping boulevard, with boutiques selling clothes and accessories designed by new Vietnamese designers, hill tribe crafts, high quality linens and housewares. You will be treated with a dinner on a cruise ship while driving on the Saigon River.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day
24 -
Ho Chi Ming City
HO CHI MINH CITY (B, L, D)
Today, you have a full day to explore Ho Chi Minh City including visits to Chinatown, Thien Hau Pagoda, which is Saigon’s oldest pagoda, dating back to 1744. After lunch at a local restaurant, you continue with visiting the Reunification Palace, the Opera House, the War Remnants Museum and end the day at Ben Thanh market. Highlight of this tour will be a tour by scooter in the late afternoon. Even if you are not familiar with riding on a two-wheel machine, that is no problem. Sit behind your driver, relax and watch the city passing by.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day
25 -
Ho Chi Minh City
HO CHI MINH CITY: CU CHI TUNNELS (B, L)
The Cu Chi Tunnels is your today’s destination that consists of more than 200km of underground tunnels with multiple branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters, and entrances to other tunnels. The network includes innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centres 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 must have been like during the U.S.-Vietnam War.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day
26 -
Can Tho
HO CHI MINH CITY – MY THO – CAN THO (B, L)
You leave Ho Chi Minh City on your way to lush My Tho, located in the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, you take a boat trip to four beautiful islets: Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise. Discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe typical rural life on the delta. You are also able to visit traditional houses (all made from coconut) in Quoi An village, enjoy seasonal fruit and listen to traditional music. Next youl take a horse cart ride along the village path and stop at Ben Truc orchard where you can taste honey with tea or Mekong whisky. Enjoy a fantastic lunch afterwards before continuing your drive to Can Tho and the Dong Tam snake-farm.
Overnight: Can Tho
Day
27 -
Ho Chi Minh City
CAN THO – FLOATING MARKET – HO CHI MINH CITY (B, L)
Rising early, because the early morning is the best time to join the Cai Rang floating market and watch the daily business from the ship. While cruising to the floating market, you can enjoy not only your breakfast, but also the stunning views of surroundings. After visiting the floating market, cruise along narrow creeks to visit a noodle factory and an orchard.
During the afternoon, you will be transferred back to Ho Chi Minh City, where you have the rest of the day free.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day
28 -
Ho Chi Minh City
HO CHI MINH CITY DEPARTURE (B)
There is no activity planned for today, so you are be able to pack, plan and still have leisure time before heading to the airport and bidding farewell to Ho Chi Minh City.