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 center. After making sure of your successful hotel check-in, they will be pleased to leave you free time for your own lunch and leisure 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, 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 the Museum of Ethnology dedicated to Vietnam's fifty-four officially recognised ethnic groups with both indoor and outdoor sections. While the in-house 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 minute-cyclo tour (similar to a rickshaw) 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 alike.

In the evening, we will enjoy a water puppet show, illustrating the unique Vietnamese traditional art. This art is originated from rural festivals in Vietnam. The artists, men and women, stand waist-deep in the water to manipulate the puppets, making them move, talk and laugh and even dance on the surface of the water.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay overnight on boat (B/L/D)

Hanoi - Halong: 180km, ~3h30m drive

After breakfast at the hotel, we commence a three and a half hour drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. We stop en route for photos and coffee before arriving at our destination. We then transfer to a refurbished wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay. Revel in the fantastic views of this UNESCO Heritage listed site. While on board, we will be served a fresh seafood lunch followed by swimming and explore some of the limestone caves in the area. Witness the sunset onboard followed by dinner.  The captain then will anchor for the night nearby a remote island.  In the evening, there is the option for some night fishing or just sit out on the deck and relax under the stars. We promise that this is a truly unforgettable experience.

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

Day 4: Halong Bay - Ninh Binh (Br/-/-)

Halong - Ninh Binh: 200km, ~4h drive 

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 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 the4-hour journey to Ninh Binh via Hai Phong and Nam Dinh.

Meals Included: Brunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh

Day 5: Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu - Trang An – Ho Citadel – Thanh Hoa (B/L/-)

Ninh Binh - Thanh Hoa: 120km, ~3h drive 

After breakfast at hotel, we explore the beautiful countryside in Vietnam by an excursion to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam during King Dinh and King Le dynasties in the 10th century. We then take an amazing boat trip to visit Trang An grottoes, which is a gathering of 31 valleys, 50 cross-water caves, and home to 600 kinds of flora and over 200 kinds of fauna surrounded by magnificent forested mountains upon which graze white goats. All these factors make Trang An become a fascinating and worth destination. In the afternoon, we depart for Vinh Loc district in Thanh Hoa province 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. You will have the evening to relaxt.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Thanh Hoa

Day 6: Thanh Hoa - Ben En National Park - Vinh (B/L/-)

Thanh Hoa - Vinh: 220km, ~5h drive 

After breakfast, we depart for Ben En national Park, 46km southwest of Thanh Hoa city. The park is well-known for its bio-diversity with a great range of rare plants including the green ironwood and many trees which exceed their 100^th birthday. The park boasts a diverse fauna with 91 species of animals, 201 species of birds, 54 species of reptiles, 31 species of amphibians, etc. This park and scenery is pristine and yet to be spoiled by mass tourism. On arrival at the park headquarter, we will go kayaking for 20 minutes to the botanic island where we will trek through the natural forest to enjoy the sceneries, watch the bird and different animals. After 3km trekking, we will take motorized boat or kayak back to the park where you can enjoy some swimming in the lake. After lunch, we will continue our road trip to Vinh city, the homeland of revolution in the movement in 1930. Upon arrival, we check-in hotel and then you are free to discover the city.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Vinh

Day 7: Vinh - Phong Nha Cave - Dong Hoi (B/L/-)

Vinh - Dong Hoi: 200km, ~5h drive 

Leaving Vinh city, we drive to Ha Tinh for the Ho Chi Minh trails. There will be a stop in Dong Loc T-junction to admire the spirit of girls scarified for the flow of transportation on the trails during the war. We continue driving through the forest, mountain road, the Truong Son relic sites, army airport and country villages to Phong Nha - Ke Bang Unesco natural World Heritage. Upon arrival, we will take a cruise on the Son River to discover Phong Nha Cave, the longest water cave in the world. In the late afternoon, we head to Dong Hoi. Check into your hotel and relax for the rest of the day.

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

Day 8: Dong Hoi - DMZ - Hue (B/L/-)

Dong Hoi - Hue: 170km, ~3h30m drive 

After breakfast, we leave the beach town for a drive south through Demilitarized Zone during the war to visit Vinh Moc tunnel, which was strategically located on the border of North Vietnam and South Vietnam. The tunnels were built to shelter people from the intense bombing of Son Trung and Son Ha communes in Vinh Linh county of Quang Tri Province in the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone. Lunch en route.

On arrival in Hue, we take a boat trip on the Perfume River to visit the picturesque Thien Mu pagoda, otherwise known as Heavenly Lady Pagoda. Built in 1601 between a river and a pine forest, this pagoda is one of the oldest and visually pleasing religious structures in the country. Among many interesting artefacts are displayed here, One that is well known world-wide is  the car which the former monk Thich Quang Duc left in Saigon before burning himself alive in order to protest against the South Vietnamese regime’s treatment of Buddhists. We then disembark the board for a visit to the elaborate tomb of former emperor Tu Duc. The tomb was built between 1864 and 1867 by 3000 soldiers and workers. It includes 50 monuments surrounded by a 1500m long wall.

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 hotel, we bid Hue farewell and continue our south bound journey to the old trading town of Hoi An. Along the way we stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments. From here we head up to the Hai Van pass, pausing to take in the stunning views over Lang Co beach and south over Danang city. Upon arrival 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 15^thto the 19^th century. We start our day with the Japanese Covered Bridge - one of Vietnam’s most iconic attractions. Created by the Japanese living in Hoi An in the 1590s as a way to reach the Chinese quarter across the water. The bridge is a beautiful historical piece of Japanese architecture. No trip to Hoi An is complete without a visit to Tan Ky House. Built two centuries ago with both Japanese and Chinese influences on architecture, this house has been preserved through seven generations. While walking, we will encounter many other houses of wealthy Chinese merchants. Another must-see destination is Phuc Kiem Assembly Hall – an outstanding piece of architecture. Built in 1690, this Assembly Hall is a temple dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau.

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

Day 10: Hoi An - Surrounding Villages (B/L/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, we go for a bike ride in the countryside of Hoian. Passing through rice fields, small villages, shrimp farms and vegetable gardens, we reach Tra Que village - 3km from the center of Hoian. Here you can discover the history and introduction to local farming techniques. We then take a rest with herbal foot bath before joining a small local cooking class followed by lunch made from local specialties.

In the afternoon, we walk to Thu Bon wharf on Bach Dang street and sail along Thu Bon River to Tra Nhieu village - 3km towards the southeast. Upon arrival, our guide will give you brief introduction to the history and traditional expertise of the village such as: farming, fishing, poultry and livestock breeding, mattress making, etc. We get back to Hoi An at the end of the day for you to spend the evening as you please.

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

Day 11: Hoi An - My Son - Quy Nhon (B/L/-)

Hoi An - My Son: 40km, ~1h drive; My Son - Quy Nhon: 305km, ~6h30m drive

Morning after breakfast, we drive towards the archaeological site of My Son. This is the former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled central Vietnam between the second and thirteenth centuries. Hinduism from India heavily influenced their religion. Located 60 km from Danang, My Son is considered one of the best-preserved Cham structures in Vietnam. The complex is comprised of seventy Hindu-like towers and temples dating from the second century. This site is a must-see for people who are interested in architecture and ancient civilizations and it will come as no surprise that it is one of four World Heritage listed sites in Vietnam.

We continue driving southward through region of coconut beaches and Champa towers. There will be a stop at Chien Dang tower, Sa Huynh beach for lunch. Upon arrival Quy Nhon in the afternoon, check into the hotel and relax.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Quy Nhon

Day 12: Quy Nhon - Nha Trang (B/L/-)

Quy Nhon -Nha Trang: 215km, ~4h15m drive

Leaving Quy Nhon after breakfast, we drive along the central coast through Tuy Hoa rice bowl heading towards Nha Trang. This place is Vietnam’s most famous seaside resort-town. It is more lively and urban in character than other beach destinations like Mui Ne and Phu Quoc. It is also the scuba diving center of Vietnam. On arrival, we check-in hotel and you have some time to unwind.

After lunch, we will visit the Po Nagar sanctuary, a beautiful site of the Cham and the Xom Bong fishermen's village and pass Long Son pagoda to explore more. The rest of the day is free for your personal discovery.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Nha Trang

Day 13: Nha Trang – Lak Lake Homestay (B/L/D)

Nha Trang - Buon Me Thuot: 185km, ~4h30min drive

After breakfast at hotel, we depart for Lak Lake. Arrival in Buon Me Thuot city, we will stop for lunch after a long drive.  Then it’s just another hour (phew!) until you reach the Lak Lake. On arrival at Jun village nestling by the romantic lake, we will cruise on Lak Lake with an authentic dug-out canoe for 1 hour in order to view the local people fishing. Next, we stop to visit the M’Lieng village on the other side of the lake. There’s a walk around the village to discover the daily life of the ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands. At the end of the day, we take an elephant riding for 1 hour.  Arriving back to base, enjoy your dinner and overnight as a homestay guest at the village.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home-stay in Lak Lake

Day 14: Lak Lake - Dalat (B/L/-)

Buon Me Thuot - Dalat: 210km, ~5h drive

Morning after breakfast, we leave the Lak lake for Dalat after 5 hours of driving. After checking in to our new hotel,  we have lunch at a popular local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will take a sightseeing tour of Da Lat including the former residence of Emperor Bao Dai, Hang Nga House, Xuan Huong Lake, the Central Market, the Love Valley and Lam Ty Ni Pagoda then stop at one of the Vietnam’s most unlikely hotel known as the “Crazy House” . Enjoy your free time or walk around Dalat’s central lake.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Dalat

Day 15: Dalat - Saigon (B/L/-)

Dalat - Saigon: 307km, ~6h30m drive

After breakfast, our destination today is Saigon. You’ll notice as we drive down the hill, we pass numerous coffee and rubber tree plantations. Out of the van quickly for a photo and we visit some coffee plantations. Along the way, we stop at Dambri Waterfall in Bao Loc Town. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue the journey to Saigon. Upon arrival, we check in and you have the rest of the day free.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Dalat

Day 16: Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels (B/L/-)

Following breakfast, we drive to the incredible Cu Chi tunnel, a 250 km underground tunnel system which was created manually by Vietnamese resistance fighters often known as Viet Cong during their long struggle for independence. Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank, as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500-pound bombs, dropped by B52 bombers. After this fascinating visit, we drive back to Saigon.

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, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 17: 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 local 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, a tribute to the Mekong. With stops at the brickfield to see how bricks are made by hand and a coconut candy home factory located along the canal where we witness how to make these local delicacy. You will then have the opportunity to taste bee honey tea at a local honey farm and 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 where we will spend the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho

Day 18: Can Tho - Cai Rang - Saigon (B/L/-)

Can Tho - Saigon: 170km, ~3h20m drive

Rising early to the sounds of the Delta coming to life for another day, we have breakfast and start our day with a boat cruise along the seemingly endless waterway of Mighty Mekong River. We arrive amongst Cai Rang floating market, the biggest and most famous floating market in the Mekong Delta. View hundreds of boats which are packed with mango, bananas, papaya and pineapple…  all for selling, buying and exchanging. We visit the lush orchards and are treated to a delicious tropical fruits. After having lunch at the local restaurant, we drive back to Saigon for overnight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 19: Saigon - Departure (B/-/-)

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

Meals Included: Breakfast