Cycling and Cruising in Tam Coc and Night Train to Lao Cai

After breakfast, you will embark on a 2-hour drive to Hoa Lu, the ancient royal capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival at Tam Coc, you will ride a bicycle through beautiful green paddy fields and later board a small sampan for a stunning 2-hour trip through caves, waterways, and picturesque rural landscapes featuring limestone cliffs and rice paddies.

In the afternoon, return to Hanoi, and on the way, you will visit temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasty kings. Later, take the night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai on the local train, which departs at 21:15. Spend the night on board the train.

Market and Village Visit in Lao Cai and Relaxation in Sapa

You will be transferred to your hotel for breakfast upon arriving in Lao Cai. Next, you will depart for the local ethnic markets, where you will witness members of various hill tribes dressed in colourful clothing and selling handicrafts and produce. The markets may be held in different regions depending on the day.

In the afternoon, you will take a short walk to a local village nearby and learn about the daily life of the hill tribe communities, including their living environment. Then, you will drive to Sapa and relax for the rest of the day. Spend the night in Sapa.

Sapa Valley Minority Village Tour

After having breakfast, you will spend the day exploring the scenic minority villages situated in the Sapa Valley. Your journey will begin with a drive to Lao Chai. Followed by a 2 km walk through rice fields passing by traditional Black Hmong houses, and continuing to Ta Van Village (2 km) to visit a Giay minority community and ascend to Giang Ta Chai village. This part of the trip is remarkable because of its stunning scenery and vibrant minority cultures, including that of the Red Dao. Your driver will be waiting in Giang Ta Chai village. In the late afternoon, you have the option of visiting another ethnic village or spending the balance of the day touring Sapa town's market.

Thac Tien Waterfall and Night Train to Hanoi

After breakfast, you will visit the Thac Tien Waterfall and take a 1.3 km walk to get there. You will stop at Traurion pass to enjoy the magnificent view. In the afternoon, you will have time to relax until departing to Lao Cai, where you will take the night train back to Hanoi. The train will depart at 20h15, and you will spend the night on board.

Halong Bay Cruise from Hanoi

After arriving in Hanoi in the early morning, you will check in to your hotel and have breakfast. Then, you will depart for the stunning Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin. On the way, you will stop for a sightseeing tour in Hai Phong city, where you will visit the Du Hang Buddhist Temple, Hang Kenh Communal House, and the Municipal Theatre with French influences. Once you arrive in Halong City, you will check-in and board a junk. Lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay, and in the afternoon, you can enjoy some visits and activities or relax on board. If the weather permits, you can even swim in the bay. Dinner will be served on board, and you will spend the night on Halong Bay.

Halong Bay Cruise and Flight to Hue

After breakfast on the boat, spend the morning enjoying the fresh air and scenic beauty of Halong Bay before the cruise concludes at around 11:00 am. Disembark and drive back to Hanoi airport, stopping at either Tho Ha or Phu Lang village for a visit. Take a late afternoon flight to Hue, where you will be met at the airport and taken by a transport service to your accommodation. Take it easy and stay the night in Hue.

Hue City Tour: Pagoda, Citadel, Market, and Mausoleum

Start your day with a boat trip on the Huong River, followed by a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda, a seven-story pagoda on the riverbank considered the unofficial symbol of Hue. Afterwards, visit the Imperial Citadel, the main gate of the Complex of Hue Monuments, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Here, marvel at the exquisite architecture and gardens while learning about the intrigue and events surrounding the former royal court. The Dong Ba Market is also worth exploring, offering various goods, from fabric and gold to fresh flowers and street food. In the afternoon, visit Emperor Tu Duc's Mausoleum, built based on the mystical laws of geomancy. Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Hue.

Hue to Hoi An: Scenic Drive and Historical Walking Tour

After breakfast, travel to Danang via the breathtaking Hai Van Pass and visit the Cham Museum, an extraordinary museum dedicated to the ancient Champa Kingdom. Proceed to the charming Hoi An, a remarkably preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port dating back to the 15th-19th centuries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After hotel check-in and lunch, take a walking tour of the old town, including the Phuc Kien Pagoda and the iconic Japanese wooden bridge. End the day with a visit to a lantern-making workshop to learn this traditional craft overnight in Hoi An.

Tour to My Son and Boat Trip on Thu Bon River

Following breakfast, embark on a half-day tour to My Son, the capital and spiritual centre of the former Champa Empire. The historical site is about an hour's drive from Hoi An and features dozens of ancient red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from the 7th to the 13th centuries. After the morning excursion, enjoy a leisurely boat trip on the scenic Thu Bon River. Spend the rest of the day at your own pace, relaxing and exploring the town of Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.

Exploring Ho Chi Minh City in a Day

After breakfast, take a morning flight from Danang Airport to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and spend the full day exploring the city. Begin by visiting the Reunification Palace, formerly the Presidential Palace, and then head to the historic heart of the city to see the Notre Dame Cathedral (exterior only due to renovations) and the Central Post Office. Continue to the Opera House, the Hotel de Ville, and the Catinat Building, a hub for fashion, galleries, and dining. In the afternoon, visit the War Remnants Museum for different perspectives on the war, and conclude your day with a trip to Chinatown and its bustling Binh Tay Market. Return to your hotel for the night.

Mekong Delta Cruise and Can Tho Overnight Stay

After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Cai Be, a town in the Mekong Delta region. En route, stop to visit a Cao Dai Temple. Once you arrive in Cai Be, board a traditional sampan boat for a leisurely cruise along the Mekong River and its scenic canals. You'll have the opportunity to explore an old colonial house and visit a rice popcorn factory on the way. In the afternoon, continue to Vinh Long before driving to Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta. Enjoy an overnight stay in Can Tho.

Mekong Delta Market and Binh Thuy House Visit in Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, experience the Cai Rang floating market and a local fruit farm by boarding a sampan. Afterwards, visit the Binh Thuy House, an old colonial-style house over a hundred years old. Later, explore the local market in Can Tho before returning to Ho Chi Minh City by car. Stay the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

Airport Departure

Take some time to relax and enjoy breakfast before heading to Tan Son Nhat airport for your departure.