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

Hanoi - Airport: 30km, ~40min drive

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

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

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

Hanoi - Lao Cai: 330km, ~7-8h on train

After a wholesome breakfast at hotel, we start the day trip with a visit to 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. 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 peaceful green compound with 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 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-min-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. 

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

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight on train (sharing 4-berth air-conditioned cabin)

Day 3: Lao Cai - Muong Hum Market - Sapa (B/L/-)

Arriving in Lao Cai Train Station around 6:00 a.m, we will first have a good breakfast before taking a scenic drive to Muong Hum ~50km Northwest of Lao Cai. Arriving at the market around 9:00 am, we join in with the locals and their daily activities. It is here at this market place where you’ll see and meet the most diverse of the ethnic minority people in Lao Cai Province. You will identify women from many different groups by looking at the traditional costumes they wear. More information on these fantastic outfits can be found here.

When the market comes to an end, it’s time for us to sit down on a large and flat rock by the river to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch before taking the road to Sapa (100km, ~2h30min drive). You'll enjoy some stops for sightseeing along the way. After we check in, the rest of the day is yours to relax and explore.

Please be informed that Muong Hum market is only held on a Sunday morning. We can provide another market in the region depending on the day of the week (Tuesday: Coc Ly market; Saturday: Can Cau market, ...). If you’d prefer, we can replace the Muong Hum market by the Bac Ha market which is also held Sunday morning.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

Day 4: Sapa - Y Linh Ho - Lao Chai - Ta Van – Night train back to Hanoi (B/L/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, we start our trek through the beautiful Muong Hoa valley in Sapa. After following the road for 2km, we reach Y Linh Ho village, home to Black H'mong ethnic people. We continue our walk to Lao Chai village and enjoy beautiful views of terraced rice fields along the way. The guide will prepare a simple picnic style lunch for you. After lunch, we will reach the heart of Sa Pa valley, the Ta Van village which is home to Dzay ethnic people. We then transfer to the station for an overnight train back to Hanoi.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight on train (sharing 4-berth air-conditioned cabin)

Day 5: Hanoi - Halong Bay overnight on boat (B/L/D)

Hanoi - Halong: 170km, ~3h30min drive

We arrive in Hanoi around 5:00 am in the morning where your new guide will escort you to a hotel to freshen up. After breakfast, we will commence our three-hour journey along the Red River Delta to Halong City. 

From there, we 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 UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whilst on board, we will be served a fresh seafood lunch followed by swimming and the chance to explore 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 for 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 Bay - Hanoi - Flight to Hue (Br/-/-)

Hanoi - Hue: 770km, 1h flight

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 Ha Long 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 around the bay. 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 Noi Bai airport for the flight to Hue. Upon arrival at Hue, our driver will meet and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Meals Included: Brunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 7: Hue - Thuy Bieu Village (B/L/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for a visit to Hue Imperial City, the last royal city of Vietnam. Here we will see many beautiful structures including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden City. 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 embark on a local boat ride along the Perfume River to Thuy Bieu village where you will take a short bike ride (or walk) to discover in depth, the lives of local residents. Lunch will be served with a family in the village.

In the afternoon, we drop by for a visit to the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc, which was built between 1864 and 1867 by 3000 soldiers and workers. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful works of royal architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty with 50 monuments surrounded by a 1500m long wall. We then move to Tu Hieu Pagoda - a hidden gem near Tu Duc which houses a community of monks.  In the garden, you can see the graves of some royal Mandarins. We return to the hotel at the end of the day for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 8: Hue - Danang - Hoi An (B/L/-)

Hue - Hoi An: 140km, ~2h30m drive

After breakfast at the hotel, we bid Hue farewell and continue our south bound 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 beautiful 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’ is 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 9: Hoi An - Free (B/-/-)

Breakfast is served at the hotel. Today is completely free for you to explore or relax on the beach.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 10: Hoi An - 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 your new guide and driver who then escort you to the hotel for check-in. You will then have time for your own lunch and some well-deserved 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. This will be followed by some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral. Notre Dame Cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883 where 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. Adjacent 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 all kinds. There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offers fresh local dishes. You also can find many goods for daily use as well as a variety of eye-catching souvenirs.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 11: Saigon - Cai Be - Vinh Long – Sa Dec (B/L/D)

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

Breakfast is served at hotel. 7:30a.m: Meet our driver for a private transfer to Cai Be where you will embank the Song Xanh Sampan whose excursion starts from Cai Be town pier at around 10.00 am. You will be welcomed with fresh cotton towels. After your installation, the cruise will begin with the visit of colorful Cai Be floating market cruising among local barges full of fruits and vegetables. Visits will be made at an ancient mandarin house dating from 1890 where you will we welcomed by the owner.  Another stop at some local home factories will allow you to observe how rice paste, coconut candies and other specialties are traditionally made.  We will proceed to Phu An hamlet, an untouched beautiful area reflecting some of the best sights the Mekong Delta can offer. A delicious lunch will await you at "Le Longanier", a superb Indochinese villa located by the river, in a lush tropical garden surrounded by fruit plantations. After lunch, your sampan will proceed to Sa Dec via Vinh Long, cruising by Dong Phu and An Binh islets famous for their fruit orchards. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River bring about large networks of meandering rivers, criss-crossed with countless arroyos, and remaining unknown to many people. Crossing the large Co Chien River we will pass under the spectacular My Thuan Bridge. On the banks, some dark smokes in the sky will lead us to one of the largest artisanal bricks and tiles factory where you will have an interesting visit. Further, Sa Dec town will appear like a little “Venice” with numerous narrow canals…You will disembark for a guided visit of this charming and peaceful town, walking along its narrow streets where beautiful French old houses and Chinese temples dating from the last century are numerous… You will visit the local market and the Trung Vuong primary school where well known writer Marguerite Duras spent her childhood (see her famous novel turned into the movie “The Lover”).  Back on board your sampan, you will enjoy a romantic dinner served on the deck during the sunset. First night on the Mekong river…

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

Day 12: Sa Dec - Long Xuyen - Cho Moi (B/L/D)

The breakfast will be served on board at 07am. Your Sampan will slowly leave Sa Dec and proceed the cruise upstream the river to Long Xuyen, a peaceful provincial town located on the Mekong’s banks. We will pass by several luxuriant islands, crossing countless sampan boats carrying sand, rice, fruits and vegetables, fishes, showing an intense activity on the river. Approaching Long Xuyen, your lunch will be served on board. Later, you will have a quick tour of Long Xuyen  typical center before cruising further to “Cu Lao Ong Ho” (The Tiger Island) for a visit at Ton Duc Thang museum, second president of Vietnam…We will proceed upstream on the Mekong river to Chau Doc. Some stops on the banks will be possible for cycling tours to discover deeper the inhabitants life style. In the evening, we will organize for you an exciting experience in a village located in the suburbs of Cho Moi, where your dinner will be arranged at some typical local house. You will be able to share experiences with family members and learn about traditional Southern Vietnam lifestyle, one of the highlights of your journey on the Mekong which should not be forgotten! Back on board your private sampan for your second night on the river.

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

Day 13: Cho Moi - Chau Doc (B/L/-)

Early morning, your breakfast will be served on board while we will be cruising to Chau Doc. We will cruise on a beautiful river, little arm of the Mekong, where several traditional activities can be observed on the banks (artisanal boat factories, bamboo baskets making, palm leaves cutting, net fishing), as well as old Vietnamese temples dating from late 19^th century. We will be cruising the Bassac river before entering Chau Doc. The town is famous for its floating fish farming villages, floating markets and Cham villages, an ancient Muslim ethnic population with their kingdom covering Cambodia and south Vietnam during the 10^th century. Located on the upper Mekong Delta, Chau Doc town is 280 km (174 miles) south-west of Ho Chi Minh City close to the Cambodian border. With such proximity to Cambodia, the local population is an eclectic mix of Cham, Khmer, Chinese and Vietnamese, sharing different cultures and historical richness. Your cruise journey will end before noon in Chau Doc where you will be picked up and transferred to hotel for check-in.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Chau Doc

Day 14: Chau Doc - Speedboat to Phnom Penh(B/-/-)

Chau Doc - Phnom Penh: 115km, ~5h by speedboat

After breakfast at hotel, we transfer to boat pier for speedboat to Phnom Penh (leave Chau Doc pier ~7.00 am, arrive Phnom Penh ~ 12.00). Upon arrival, our guide will meet and escort you to hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, we begin our tour of the National Museum (also called Musee des Beaux-Arts) – designed in Khmer style in 1917 by French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art - notably sculptures - throughout the ages. Our next destination is the Royal Palace built by King Norodom in 1866. This is followed by the site of the Silver Pagoda. Located within the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kilograms and a small 17th-century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. End your afternoon with a visit to the Wat Phnom Temple (Phnom Penh's namesake) where you can enjoy views over the tree-lined avenues at sunset.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 15: Phnom Penh - Flight to Siem Riep (B/-/-)

Phnom Penh - Siem Riep: 320km, 40min flight

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will meet and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Siem Riep. Upon arrival, another driver will meet and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, we depart for Kompong Khleang floating village, located about 55km from Siem Reap. We take a route through the typical landscapes of Cambodia. The opportunity to observe Cambodian rural life happens over the flowing water in rice fields. Upon reaching the village, we will walk outside the marked trails in Kompong Khleang. For a real immersion in Cambodian culture, we meet the villagers and discover their lifestyles and traditions.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

Day 16: Siem Riep - Angkor Temples (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, the morning begins with the most emblematic of all the temples: Angkor Wat. Construction began during the reign of Suryavarman and finished during the 12th century with the complex covering about 210 hectares. It’s not hard to see why this is a bucket list destination!

After some free time for lunch, we visit Banteay Srei built in the 10th century and dedicated to Shiva. The temple was the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture and the bas-relief work is the best example of Khmer classical art remaining. The pink sandstone structure bears a series of striking and beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. Khmers say the temple must have been carved by women for the details are too fine for the hands of a man. On the way back, we visit Srah Srang, and the Buddhist temple Ta Prohm, where giant roots grip the monument.

In the late afternoon, we move to Phnom Bakheng for an impressive sunset over Angkor Wat. Relax and take in the majestic site.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

Day 17: Siem Riep - Angkor Temples (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart by tuk-tuk to Preah Khan Temple erected in 1191 in honour of the first Mahayana Buddhist king of Angkor. It is most notable by its arched hallways and sculpted frescos. Our next destination is Neak Pean Temple - the most unconventional of the Angkor Temples. This is a unique island temple in the middle of the Jayatataka or Northern Baray which is surrounded by four smaller square ponds.

In the afternoon, we continue exploring the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom whose 54-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance, it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic silent gazes. Further on, we visit the surroundings of the complex including the Bayon, Elephant Terraces, Leper King Terrace and countless carved figures. The size and the foundations of the Khmer civilisation are well-summarized in this extraordinary place.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

Day 18: Siem Riep - Flight to Pakse - Khong Island (B/-/-)

Siem Riep - Pakse: 520km, 1h flight

After breakfast at the hotel, your driver guide will meet and transfer you to Siem Reap airport for your flight to Pakse. Upon arrival in Pakse, a new guide and driver will meet and escort you to Wat Phou, a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple that sits amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. The temple was constructed on three levels: the bottom level is focused on the baray (water reservoir), the second level features quadrangular pavilions and galleries of carvings, and the top level is the sanctuary itself. The temple was built by the rulers of the Khmer empire before the construction of Angkor Wat. The temple served as the most important economic and political centre of the region and still is one of the Lao people’s most revered temples. Passing Champassak, driving through streets lined with French colonial buildings, we stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, we continue on to Khong Island, the biggest island in Southern Laos and the start of the 4000 islands region. Called “Siphandon” in the Lao language, this area is where the Mekong stretches over 14km wide and has thousands of islands between where the river flows. Upon arrival, we check-in to the hotel and time is set free for your relaxation.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Khong Island

Day 19: 4000 Islands (B/L/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, we embark a boat to glide down the Mekong River. We pass through 4000 islands to Khone Island - a haven of peace and quiet and where the scenery runs wild. We will cycle around for the discovery of Khone Island through rich nature, between rice fields, coconut trees and colonial vestiges. The walk continues to the Li Phi falls which are in the west of Don Khone, very close to the Cambodian border. Their original name, Tad Somphamit, means “trap spirit” and the locals claim that these falls act as a trap for bad spirits.

After lunch at a nearby restaurant, we stop at the falls of Phapeng Kong, a natural border between Cambodia and Laos. For a pleasant change, after cruising and cycling, we make our way back to Khong Island where you will spend the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Khong Island

Day 20: Khong Island - Pakse - Flight to Vientiane (B/-/-)

Pakse - Vientiane: 670km, 1h15min flight

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will meet and transfer you to Pakse Airport for your flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, we start our city tour by visiting the oldest Wat Sisaket which houses thousands of tiny Buddha images and row after row of seated Buddhas. Our next destination is Haw Phra Kaew, the royal temple that once enshrined the Emerald Buddha. Today it is a museum where there resides a tremendous collection of religious art. We will end the day at the svelte and golden Pha That Luang, the most important national monument in Laos - a symbol of Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. The stupa of this temple is 40m high and covered with gold that can be seen from kilometres away.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

Day 21: Vientiane - Vang Vieng (B/L/-)

Vientiane - Vang Vieng: 158km, 3h20min drive

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Vang Vieng - a riverside town located in Central Laos. Surrounded by the karst landscape, Vang Vieng overflows many interesting activities like caving and tubing down the river. Upon arrival, we check into the hotel and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.  After a short rest, we transfer by boat down the poetic Nam Song River providing amazing scenery of karst rock. This is also a popular tourist destination with the landscape of authentic Lao countryside. Following an exploration of the river, we will transfer back to your hotel by private vehicle.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Vang Vieng

Day 22: Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang (B/-/-)

Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang: 180km, 3h35min drive

After breakfast at the hotel, we spend time visiting the local market and discover Tham Chang Cave - one of the most important sites in Vang Vieng. Located on the Southern side of Vang Vieng, Tham Chang Cave used to be home for migrating people due to its ideal climate. From here, visitors can see the amazing view of the villages and rice fields. We then depart for Luang Prabang with an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the road between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. You can see the mountain contrasted with the plains and rice fields. We reach World Heritage of UNESCO, Luang Prabang in the late afternoon. Luang Prabang is the former royal capital of Laos and considered by Lao people to be a national treasure. We will finish the day by climbing the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside before getting back to the hotel for check-in.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Day 23: Luang Prabang - Elephant Riding - City (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, our guide and driver will meet and escort for a 30min drive south of Luang Prabang to the elephant village. On arrival, we embark a 10min sampan cruise on Nam Khan River to reach Tadsea Elephant Camp. Here, you will visit the elephants and then go for a hike. Make some time to find a delicious spot for lunch!

In the afternoon, we take a tuk-tuk to the most famous sites.  Starting with Wat Xieng Thong - Luang Prabang’s the most photographed temple. Located at the end of the peninsula, close to the Mekong River, this temple was built in 1560 by King Setthathirate. The library was added in 1828. Next, we’ll explore the 16th century Wat Visoun Temple, known for its enormous stupa and its collection of old gilded Buddhas. It was partially destroyed in a fire in 1887 and the architects responsible for its renovation chose to give it an architecture inspired by the Khmer temple Wat Phou. Our last destination is Wat Mai - one of the largest and possibly the most picturesque temples in Luang Prabang. It is an important temple for both its religious purpose and its splendor.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Day 24: Luang Prabang - Departure (B/-/-)cylcin

After breakfast at the hotel, time is free until your driver meets and transfers you to the airport for your flight home. We hope you have an amazing 24 days and we can’t wait to hear all about it!

Meals Included: Breakfast