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

Hanoi - Airport: 30km, ~40min drive

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

In the afternoon, we take a 45 minute-cyclo tour to discover the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake surroundings where you can see streets with century-aged trees and French Colonial buildings. Finishing the trishaw tour, we will drop a visit to Ngoc Son Temple built on Jade Islet dedicated to Confucian & Taoist Spirits as well as our national hero, Tran Hung Dao, who defeated the Mongols in the 13^th century. The rest of the evening is yours to discover Hanoi or take it easy.

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, named for the beloved father of modern Vietnam. This famous complex is home to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed on Mondays & Fridays), Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, 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 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.

In the late afternoon, we enjoy a Water Puppet Show, a unique Vietnamese traditional art which originated from rural festivals in Vietnam. The artist men and women stand in the water to manipulate the puppets, making them move, talk, laugh and even dance on the surface of the water.  The rest of the evening is yours to discover more of Hanoi or to relax at the hotel. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

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

Hanoi - Mai Chau: 160km, ~4h drive

After breakfast at hotel, we depart for Mai Chau, a picturesque valley, home to many hill tribes including the Dzao, Muong and Thai. Stop on the way to visit a Muong village in Thung Khe. Arrive in Mai Chau around noon, we check-in the ethnic homestay (a house on stilts!). After lunch with the locals, we spend time walking tour and cycling around the villages of Mai Chau and local crafts. It’s a serene life complemented by verdant landscapes, friendly and hospitable people who live here will leave you unforgettable memories.

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

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

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

Day 4: Mai Chau - Van Long - Hoa Lu (B/L/-)

Mai Chau - Ninh Binh: 150km, ~3h50min drive

After breakfast, we drive to Ninh Binh. We arrive just in time for lunch at a popular local restaurant. Afterwards, we have the choice of exploring the village either by buffalo cart or bicycle.  We will then board a small rowing boat to explore the Van Long Nature Reserve which covers some 3,000 hectares of picturesque waterscape. You will enjoy two hours of rowing through spectacular scenery featuring limestone-mountains reflected in emerald waters adorned by lush rice paddies. The forest is home to the Delacour Langur, an endangered species counting a mere 200 animals globally. We will disembark our boat and walk to visit two temples dedicated to King Dinh and Le. Both temples are located in Hoa Lu which served as the capital of Vietnam during the 10th century.

You will be guided back to the hotel in Ninh Binh for check in where the rest of the evening if yours to relax, unwind and rejuvenate.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh

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

Ninh Binh - Halong: 200km, ~4h drive

After breakfast at the resort, we depart for Halong Bay via Nam Dinh and Hai Phong, passing through the peaceful countryside typical of the Red River Delta. Upon arrival, 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 the area. Witness one of the world’s best the sunsets before you sit down for a delicious dinner. The captain then will anchor nearby a remote island for the night where you’ll have the option for night fishing or to 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 Halong bay. The luxury junk continues to move around the bay in order for you to discover more secluded areas.  The boat will be near 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 at the hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to explore or to indulge in the hotel's world-class facilities.

Meals Included: Brunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

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

 08.00am, 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.

Be back hotel at around 16.00pm

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

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

Hue - Hoi An: 140km, ~2h30min drive

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 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

Afternoon leaving Hue, we continue our south bound journey to the old trading town of Hoi An. The scenery en route is very beautiful. We make a stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments before winding our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass to admire the stunning of Lang Co beach and Da Nang City. We continue on our way down to the other side and head to Da Nang where we will stop at the Cham Museum, the famed Da Nang Beach, and the Marble Mountains. We arrive in Hoi An where you will be greeted with a warm welcome as you check into the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore or relax by the beach with a cocktail.

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

Day 9: Hoi An - Danang - Flight to Saigon (B/L/-)

Danang - Saigon: ~850km, 2h flight

After breakfast at the hotel, we follow the narrow lanes lined with century-old houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architectures.

One of our stops is the 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge - the international recognised symbol of Hoi An. Next is the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, typical of Hoi An’s original architecture. We will drop by a workshop where artisans produce one of Hoi An well-known specialties: lanterns. As you may have noticed, lanterns are widely used in Vietnam for decoration on the occasion of the feast days. The craftsman will show the manufacturing process and there you learn how to make a lantern that you can keep as a beautiful memory of your stay in Hoi An.

We bid farewell to this charming town for a drive to Da Nang airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, you will, be greeted at the airport and driven to  the hotel for check-in. Enjoy an evening in one of Vietnam’s most vibrant cities.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 10: Saigon City (B/L/-)

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you will visit all famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the now-demolished wartime American Embassy. Following this, we head to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam. That is, until April 30th, 1975, when Viet Cong tanks came crashing through the front gates thus bringing the U.S.-Vietnam War to a dramatic end. You will view 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, 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.

 After visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market. There are a number of vendors and food stalls that offer you the chance to explore Vietnamese cuisine. You also can find many goods for daily use as well as a variety of eye-catching local handicrafts and souvenirs.

The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the city. Ask the guide for some local recommendations or treat yourself to a spa package at the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 11: Saigon - Ben Tre - Can Tho (B/L/-)

Saigon - Ben Tre: 107 km, ~2h drive

After breakfast at the hotel, we leave the bustling city of Saigon behind us and depart for the Mekong Delta known to locals as ‘Vietnam’s biggest rice basket’. Upon arrival at Hung Vuong pier in Ben Tre, we embark a boat to cruise along Ben Tre River. We stop at a brickfield to see how bricks are made by hand and also at a coconut candy home factory where we witness how to make these local delicacies. You will then have the opportunity to taste bee honey tea at a local honey farm and taste a variety of tropical fruit that grow abundantly in the orchards of the Mekong Delta. You can then walk or cycle through the coconut groves and green rice paddies to soak up and relax in the tranquil countryside atmosphere.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we will take a trip on small rowing boats through a maze of waterways lined by two rows of palm trees. We cruise back to the pier and disembark for a drive to Can Tho. Your guide will assist with check into the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the resort amenities.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho

Day 12: Can Tho - Saigon (B/L/-)

Can Tho - Saigon: 170km, ~3h50min drive

Rising early to the sounds of the Delta coming to life for another day, we have breakfast and start our trip with a boat cruise on sparking streams along the endless waterway of Mighty Mekong River to Cai Rang floating market, the biggest and most famous floating market in the Mekong Delta where hundreds of boats are packed with mango, bananas, papaya and pineapple for selling, buying and exchanging. We visit the lush orchards and are treated to delicious tropical fruits. We then disembark the boat and visit the beautiful old Binh Thuy house 5km from Can Tho city. We drive back to the hotel for your last night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 13: Saigon - Departure (B/-/-)

Today you are free to spend time relaxing and doing some last minute shopping until you are taken to the airport for your flight to your next destination or back home. We hope you have had a rejuvenating trip and have enjoyed the many cultural sites of Vietnam. Bon Voyage!

Meals Included: Breakfast