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

Hanoi - Airport: 30km, ~40min drive

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

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City (B/L/-)

After a wholesome breakfast at the hotel, we start the day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site comprises Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (closed on Mondays & Fridays), his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh Museum. Following this, we head to the Temple of Literature constructed in 1070 to worship Confucius. Otherwise known as the first university of Vietnam, the site also honours the eighty-two Vietnamese doctorates that each passed a number of rigid exams in the medieval ages. Their names, birthdays and birthplaces are each engraved in headstones perched on stone tortoises. It is widely believed that touching the heads of these tortoises will bring luck. Its neatly maintained lawns, gardens and lotus ponds make it a tranquil hideaway from the city’s bustle and heat. Next stop, lunch!-which will be served at a popular local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we visit Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays, the alternative is the History Museum) dedicated to Vietnam's fifty-four officially recognised ethnic races. While the in-house exhibition is particularly informative, the outdoor display continues in the museum’s garden with fascinating examples of traditional houses, 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 both tourists and locals.

In the evening, we will enjoy a truly Vietnamese ‘water puppet show’, a unique Vietnamese traditional art. This art is originated from rural festivals and involve the artists standing waist-deep in the water to manipulate the puppets, making them move, talk and laugh and even dance on the surface of the water. A must do in Vietnam!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi - Mai Chau/Home-stay (B/L/D)

Hanoi - Mai Chau: 160km, ~4h drive

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the valley of Mai Chau, home to many hill tribes including the Dzao, Muong and Thai. We stop on the way to visit a Muong village in Thung Khe. After arriving at our homestay (a house on stilts!), we will have lunch with some local people. We will then spend the afternoon cycling around the villages of Mai Chau and the surrounding countryside. The peaceful life, verdant landscapes and friendly and hospitable people of this site will leave you with unforgettable memories.

In the late afternoon, we invite you to participate in a game of volleyball/soccer with the villagers. Dinner with typical menus will be prepared by the local family.

In the evening, you have a chance to enjoy the friendliness of the people by participating in a traditional dance show of Thai ethnic people.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay in Mai Chau

Day 4: Mai Chau - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc (B/L/-)

After breakfast, we drive to Tam Coc also known as “Dry Halong Bay” in the Ninh Binh province. En route, we will stop for some photo opportunities and refreshments. Along the way, we drop into Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam during the 10th century.  Upon arrival at Tam Coc, we will embark a small rowing boat to discover an outstanding waterscape along the Ngo Dong River. Tam Coc is adorned with beautiful columns of various gemstone-like shapes. The rest of the day is yours to relax and take in your stunning surroundings.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Tam Coc

Day 5: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay (B/L/D)

Ninh Binh - Halong: 200km, ~4h drive 

After breakfast, we depart for Halong Bay via Thai Binh and Nam Dinh. Sit back and enjoy the peaceful countryside symbolic of the Red River Delta. We will arrive at Halong Bay’s wharf around noon and embark an elegant wooden junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Halong Bay. Here we enjoy the striking scenery of this World Heritage Site. While being on board, we will be served fresh local seafood lunch followed by swimming and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. Witness one of the world’s best the sunsets before you sit down for a lush dinner. The captain then will anchor for the night nearby a remote island where you’ll have the option night fishing or just sit out on the deck and relax under the stars.

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

Day 6: Halong Boat Trip - Hanoi (Br/-/-)

After waking up surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the bay, we have time for an early morning dip. Then it’s time for breakfast whilst you watch the sun rise over Halong bay. The cruise continues to move around the bay for in order for us to discover more secluded areas; we then go kayaking and continue swimming. The boat will be near us at all times for those who prefer to relax on board. Around midday, we will return to the main harbour before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for the three-hour journey to Hanoi. The evening is yours to relax and enjoy some more of the amazing street food the city is renowned for.

Meals Included: Brunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 7: Hanoi - Flight to Hue (B/-/-)

Hanoi - Hue: 770km, 1h flight

After a hearty breakfast, you will be taken by your driver to Noi Bai airport for your flight to Hue, an impressive city that was once the capital of the Nguyen dynasty. We arrive around noon where your new guide and driver will meet and escort you to the hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, we visit the Imperial City, with various beautiful structures including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and Tu Cam Thanh, to name a few. 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 some walking and well deserved shopping at the Dong Ba Market to enjoy the many specialities the city has to offer.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 8: Hue - Thuy Bieu Eco-village (B/L/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, we start the day with a leisurely boat trip along the Perfume River. Embarking on boat for cruise along the poetic Perfume River you can see a pavilion that the king and royal family used to have bath. You also experience the daily life of local people as well as contemplate the beauty of landscapes and fill your heart and mind with fresh air. Main destination of our journey is the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda (Heavenly Lady Pagoda) which was built in 1601-the symbol of Hue city.

Continuation by boat to the grapefruit village of Thuy Bieu, between the city center and tombs of Nguyen emperors. The ancient village is specialized in the plantation of grapefruits, famous for their quality. In the past, they were given to the royal family

Cradle of culture of Hue, Thuy Bieu is an old village currently developing eco-tourism. The village contains many centenarian houses lost between the fruits trees, especially the grapefruits trees. All of them are covered with a green color. The characteristics of these houses-gardens contribute to the preservation of the customs and traditions of the Vietnamese culture and architectural of the Nguyen Dynasty.

During the walk, some stops are prevised: to the old temple dedicated to the genius of the village, at school, and in a family which owns three of the older houses. These buildings are characterized by engravings and sculptures in wood: dragons, phoenix and other natural landscapes on columns, beams or rafters.

Continuation by bike all along the river of perfumes in the nature, among flowers and thousands of grapefruits.

Stop at the local market to buy ingredients for the midday cooking class.

Return by bike to the family house. Participate in the preparation of the lunch with the family: figs salad, lemongrass duck… After the lunch, rest with a foot massage with medicinal herbs.

If time permits, 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.

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 the hotel, we bid Hue farewell and continue our southbound journey to the old trading town of Hoi An. Along the way, we will stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments. From here, we head up to the Hai Van pass, stopping at the top to take in the stunning views over Lang Co beach and Danang city.

Upon arrival in Hoi An, 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 15th century. We start our day with one of Vietnam’s most iconic attractions, the Japanese Covered Bridge. The bridge was created by the Japanese living in Hoi An in the 1590s as a way to reach the Chinese quarter across the water and is a historical piece of Japanese architecture. However, no visit to Hoi An is complete without a visit to Tan Ky House – one of the many ancient houses that make up Hoi An Ancient Town. Built two centuries ago with both Japanese and Chinese influences on architecture, this house has been preserved through several generations.

We will continue our walking tour and encounter many other quintessential Hoi An houses from wealthy Chinese merchants. Another ‘must-see’ if the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall; built in 1690, this hall is, in fact, a temple dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau. It is widely considered an outstanding work of architecture and was a uniting presence to the many cultures that influenced Hoi An.

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

Day 10: Hoi An - Free (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, time is free for your own exploration and shopping. Hoi An is home to some of the most skillful tailors in Vietnam. You can get your clothes custom-made at a fantastic 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 the hotel, our driver will meet and transfer you to Danang Airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, meet your new guide and driver who then escort you to a hotel in the city centre for check-in. You will then have time for lunch and some relaxation.

In the afternoon, your guide will arrive at the hotel for your first official tour of Saigon. We begin with some beautiful French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office. Notre Dame Cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883, and the stones used to create it were exported entirely from France. Apart from the religious meaning, the most captivating point of this Cathedral is its special neo-Romanesque style of architecture. Next door to the cathedral stands the Old Saigon Post Office, finished in 1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam's largest post office. The tour continues along Dong Khoi Street, where the Opera House and the Peoples Committee building were built in 1897 by French architect Ferret Eugene.  The 800 seat Opera House served as the home of the Lower House Assembly of South Vietnam after 1956. After this, we head to the Reunification Palace which is the former residence of the President of South Vietnam. This is until April 30th, 1975 when North Vietnamese tanks came crashing through the front gates thus marking the end of the Vietnam War. 

Continuing on, we will visit the War Remnants Museum formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes. This is a poignant display of the futility of war. For a more relaxing end to the afternoon, we visit Thien Hau Pagoda located in Cho Lon, Chinatown. This pagoda is dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. The most impressive features of the structure are the intricate decorations and the carved tableaus towards the front of the pagoda. Another site which cannot be missed is the bustling Ben Thanh Market. There are a number of vendors and food stalls which provide fresh & delicious dishes. No doubt you will find many gifts to bring home!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 12: Saigon - Cai Be/Home-stay (B/L/D)

Saigon - Cai Be: 112 km, ~2h10min drive

After breakfast, we spend time visiting Cho Lon Area (Chinatown) to enjoy some shopping and sample the exotic cuisine. We then leave the bustling city of Saigon behind for the Mekong Delta. Arriving in Cai Be, we embark a boat and cruise to the Mekong Lodge, a charming eco resort located on the banks of the Mekong River. Lunch will be served in its beautiful riverside restaurant.

In the afternoon, we take a boat trip through the orchards and canals where you can taste various kinds of tropical fruit and connect with the locals to learn more about their lifestyle.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home-stay in Cai Be

Day 13: Cai Be - Cai Rang Floating Market - Saigon (B/L/-)

Cai Be - Can Tho: 65 km, ~1h25min drive

After breakfast at the homestay, we take a boat trip through the winding waterways of Cai Rang floating market - the biggest and busiest floating market in the Mekong Delta. During this time, the river turns into a labyrinth of hundreds of motor sampans filled with fruit, vegetables, plants and food jostling for sale space. This is a perfect opportunity to take photos, talk with local people and taste the many varieties of tropical fruit.

We return to the Mekong Lodge for check-out then cruise to Tan Phong Island. Here we will visit Ba Kiet old house built in 1924 in the typical architectural style of the Mekong Delta region before driving back to Saigon.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 14: Saigon - Departure (B/-/-)

Today, you are free to spend time relaxing and doing some last minute shopping until you are taken by your driver to the airport for your flight to your next destination or back home. Bon Voyage!

Meals Included: Breakfast