Day 1
Hanoi
Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi - The Capital City of Vietnam!
Be greeted by our local guide and transferred to your hotel to check in. Today will be free easy day. Overnight in Hanoi.
Please note:
- Hotel check-in time is around 14.00.
- Depending on your arrival time, the program will be adjusted accordingly.
Day 2
Hanoi [Breakfast]
After breakfast, visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and his stilt house set in peaceful gardens. Nearby is the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of Hanoi built in 1049. Continue to explore the Tran Quoc Pagoda, admiring its intricate architecture, ancient statues, and serene surroundings by the West Lake.
In the afternoon, stop to visit Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, dating back to 1070, with tranquil gardens and historic architecture. Then drop off the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and enjoy a walking through Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter - a maze of 36 ancient streets once known for their specialty trades. Stop for coffee at a hidden local café before returning to the hotel. Evening at your leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3
Hanoi - Pu Luong (approximately 155 km): 4 - 4.30 hours scenic drive [Breakfast]
Trek route: 3.5 - 4 km approximately, easy level.
After checking out, depart for Pu Luong Nature Reserve - a hidden gem nestled in the mountains of Thanh Hoa province. The journey takes you along scenic winding roads and through charming rural villages, gradually leading you away from the bustle of the city into a peaceful world of terraced rice fields, lush forests, and the rich cultural traditions of the Thai and Muong ethnic communities.
Upon arrival, fresh up and get ready for an amazing discovery rural areas. We drive to Dong Dieng Village (approximately 7 km - 20 minutes). Drop off at starting point then trek down from Dong Dieng Village through the most picturesque terraced fields to Kho Muong Village. Observing how local guide works quickly and without hesitation, able to recognize each plant and herb instantaneously, and try your luck at identifying the flora, with a little help from your guide. Every gatherer in the tribe can recognize a minimum of 20 - 30 different herbs and plant species, and some even be able to name at least 50!
Afterwards, head back to the Thai traditional stilt house at Kho Muong village and see how the herbs are prepared for traditional herbal foot bathing. They are known for their therapeutic benefits, such as helping with circulation issues and skin conditions, and relieving symptoms such as migraines and fevers. Enjoy sunset on the mountain then back to your retreat/homestay in the late of afternoon. Overnight in Pu Luong.
Day 4
Pu Luong [Breakfast]
Today is a free day for you to relax at your own pace - whether it's unwinding amidst nature, enjoying the peaceful surroundings, or choosing one of our optional tours to explore more of the local culture and landscape. Overnight in Pu Luong.
Day 5
Pu Luong - Ninh Binh (approximately 128km): 3 hours scenic drive [Breakfast]
After breakfast and check-out, travel onward to Ninh Binh - a land of striking limestone karsts, tranquil rivers, and lush countryside, often referred to as "Halong Bay on land." The scenic drive offers a peaceful transition from the mountains to the timeless charm of northern Vietnam’s countryside.
Upon arrival in Ninh Binh, check in at the hotel, then enjoy free time at your leisure to explore the area at your own pace. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Day 6
Ninh Binh - Ha Long (approximately 206 kms): 3 hours scenic drive [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
After breakfast and check out hotel, leave Ninh Binh then we journey east to Halong Bay, the pride of the Gulf of Tonkin, a Natural World Heritage as designated by UNESCO in 1994 and 2006. Upon arrival in Halong, picked up and transferred by tender boat to Ha Long/ Lan Ha Bay where you will check in the overnight cruise to discover the magnificent beauty of this marvelous bay, created by thousands odd-shaped limestone rocks and karst grottoes. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch on board while the cruise sailing among the breathtaking scenery, approaching the islets in close distance. Post lunch we will have a short rest before joining the cruise’s activities like swimming or kayaking. Late afternoon, return to the cruise to join cooking demonstration before having dinner. Evening attend activities on the boat or relax at your own leisure. Overnight on the cruise.
Please note:
- The itinerary above is subject to change without prior notice and depends on weather conditions.
- Our guide will not escort you on board. There will be an English-speaking cruise manager who will take care of all passengers during the trip in Ha Long, accompanied by his staff.
Day 7
Ha Long - Hanoi [Breakfast, Brunch]
(Train schedule suggested: SE19 HANOI - DONG HOI 19:40 06:02+1)
Situated in the “Eastern Sea”, so you may guess how miraculous it is seeing the sunrise over the islets of the Bay. The boat will take us to go about marvelous areas, where almost each islet has its own name, adopting its shape or reminiscent, including the Fisherman’s Head, Turtle, the Sail, the Incense Burner Rock, the cute Sea Dog Rock or Cock Fighting Rocks and so on.
Return to the Wharf at midday to be back Hanoi. At pointed time, transfer to Hanoi Train Station for train departure to Dong Hoi. Overnight on train.
Day 8
Dong Hoi - Phong Nha [Breakfast]
Light breakfast will be served on train. Upon arrival Dong Hoi, meet our guide and driver. Transfer to hotel and enjoy free time at your leisure to explore the area at your own pace. Overnight in Phong Nha.
Day 9
Phong Nha - Hue (approximately 219 kms): 3.30 - 4 hours scenic drive [Breakfast]
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Dong Ha town to explore key historical sites within the former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), once a fierce battleground during the Vietnam War. Visit the Vinh Moc Tunnels, where villagers lived underground to survive heavy bombings, then continue to Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River, the former dividing line between North and South Vietnam. Follow the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a critical wartime supply route, and conclude the journey at Khe Sanh Combat Base, now a museum displaying war relics, tanks, and bunkers that echo the past.
Afterwards, head to Hue. The rest of day free at your own leisure. You can stay at hotel or just overnight in Hue.
Day 10
Hue [Breakfast]
Breakfast at hotel. We will discover the charm of the city from the Royal Citadel, Forbidden City, Hue Royal Museum the Tombs of King Tu Duc - one of the three best-preserved monuments of the Nguyen Emperors since early 19th and early 20th centuries. Admire the tomb, with a unique perspective on the dynasty's architecture, philosophy, and culture, making this tour an unforgettable experience.
In the late of afternoon, heading to Tam Giang pier and take a boat to discover Tam Giang Lagoon, the most wonderful lagoon in Vietnam. Experience the daily life of local people, fishermen and enjoy spectacular view in Tam Giang Lagoon, relax and experience fresh air, peaceful atmosphere here. Move on to visit Rú Chá - a tiny islet (rú) on the Tam Giang Lagoon. Originally, Rú Chá was a mangrove forest before local people encroached on the land for farming, leaving the emerging part of the forest a 5ha islet. Back to hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight in Hue.
Day 11
Hue - Hoi An (approximately 120 kms): 3 hours scenic drive [Breakfast]
Wake up then enjoy leisure breakfast at hotel. We check out and head to Hoi An - a must see place in central part of Vietnam and an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century.
Upon arrival Hoi An, we will visit Hoi An ancient town. We walk over the tile-roofed Japanese Bridge, visit taciturn Chinese Assembly Halls, visit ancient houses and Trading Houses, pagodas and stroll into the market located by Thu Bon River, where we may find out the same feelings of the artists, who see the rooftops of Hoi An a magical old world of Oriental feel and source of inspiration. This is also a wonderful town to shop for lanterns, soft silk, raw silk, or get your clothes tailored within a day. Back to your hotel by electric car. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 12
Hoi An [Breakfast]
Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy free time at your leisure to explore the area at your own pace.
Day 13
Hoi An - Da Nang Flight to Ho Chi Minh City [Breakfast]
At pointed time, transfer to airport in Da Nang for your departure flight to Ho Chi Minh city.
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh city, be picked up and transfer to hotel with our local guide and driver. Have a short break after check in then fresh up, moving outside to discover the city. Today, the story of Vietnam’s modern era comes to life. You visit the Reunification Place, where an iconic landmark where important chapters of the nation’s history unfolded, and explore its grand halls, period furnishings, and serene gardens, and then marvel at the French colonial grace of the Central Post Office. We continue dive into the vibrant stalls of Ben Thanh and Yersin Markets, where colors, sounds, and scents collide. The late afternoon offers freedom - you can freely stroll down Le Cong Kieu Street, browse for antiques, or simply take in the city’s vivid charm. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
Day 14
Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta excursion [Breakfast]
Early morning, transfer to Ben Tre. Arriving at Ham Luong dock, board the moto-boat & cruise along Ham Luong River, a tributary to the Mekong River. The cool breeze from the river and lush tropical islets along its banks will immediately get you excited to explore all the great things ahead.
Arrive and visit a various local workshop where you can find many wonderful examples or learn how local people use ageless techniques to create their crafts, including activated charcoal, dried coconut, handy coconut husk brooms. There are many family-businesses are using coir, or coconut fiber, to create amazing art, it’s time for you to learn and witness their skill. Drive around the village roads by “Xe Lôi,” a local motorized rickshaw then kayaking through the lush tropical canal.
Break time, treating yourself by cycling around the village or walking around to relish the beautiful countryside (this activity is optional if time available and will be done on your own). Visit the local fruit plantation, enjoy seasonal tropical fruits, and spend time relaxing while being rowed in a small boat slowly crossing the natural canals to get a sense of how truly beautiful this area is. Embark on the sampan and return to the dock then travel back to Ho Chi Minh city. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 15
Ho Chi Minh City [Breakfast]
You will be free at your own leisure until pointed time transfer to airport for your departure flight. Please note: hotel check-out time is around 12.00.
