Hours Before Start
Warmly welcomed at Noi Bai International Airport – Hanoi. Founded over 1,000 years ago, Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, is rich in history, with the streets of its rambling Old Quarter dating back to the 14th century. Pick-up and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.
After breakfast at the hotel, begin a full-day city tour of Hanoi. Start by exploring a local market to observe the daily lives of local people and learn about Vietnamese culture. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Stilt House Garden – the final resting place of Vietnam’s national hero, President Ho Chi Minh, where he lived intermittently from 1958 to 1969.
Continue to the Temple of Literature, considered the first university in Vietnam. This temple honors Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, which influenced Vietnam’s social morals and culture across many dynasties.
After lunch, visit the Museum of Ethnology to learn about the diverse ethnic communities of Vietnam. Then, head to the Hoa Lo Prison Relic, one of Southeast Asia’s most chilling historic sites. Discover how French colonists imprisoned and tortured Vietnamese revolutionaries, as well as stories of American pilots detained here during the war—including Senator John McCain. The Americans called it the “Hanoi Hilton.”
In the late afternoon, enjoy a ride on an electric car through the bustling Hanoi Old Quarter, passing iconic landmarks such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Xuan Market, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and the Hanoi Opera House. Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant street life before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.
Depart Hanoi early in the morning for a 3.5-hour drive to Mai Chau. Stop at Thung Khe Pass to admire one of Vietnam’s most beautiful mountain passes. The Mai Chau region is home to White Thai, H’mong, Zao, Muong, Tay, and Hoa ethnic minorities who live in traditional stilt houses.
Upon arrival, be greeted by spectacular scenery of karst rock formations and rice paddies. Visit a Thai ethnic minority family—Mrs. Mang’s household—renowned for preserving and developing the traditional embroidery and weaving craft. Their hand-made products are intricate, featuring floral and geometric patterns unique to the ethnic groups of the mountains.
After lunch and hotel check-in, visit Mo Luong Cave (“Hang Bộ Đội”) located inside Pu Kha Mountain. The natural stalactite formations are the result of thousands of years of water erosion.
In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked meal and a traditional Thai music and dance performance. Overnight in Mai Chau.
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing 3-hour trek around the stunning Mai Chau valley, visiting local Muong and Thai villages. Meet villagers tending fields, herding buffaloes, or collecting firewood. Return to Lac Village for lunch, then transfer back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.
After breakfast, depart to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Quang Ninh Province. “Ha Long” means “Descending Dragon.” Upon arrival, board your cruise to explore this natural wonder featuring thousands of limestone karts and islets of various shapes.
After lunch, check into your cabin. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing on the sundeck, or kayaking in a secluded area. Return to the cruise for a fun cooking class (on the sundeck or in the dining area, depending on the weather). Don’t miss the sunset over the bay from the sundeck before savoring dinner onboard. Overnight on cruise.
Begin the day with a Tai Chi session at sunrise. A light breakfast is served as the boat cruises to explore ancient caves, formed over millions of years. Return to the boat for check-out while cruising back to the harbor. Brunch is served before disembarking.
Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival, meet our local team and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Hue.
Hue, the former imperial capital, is known for its ancient royal tombs, all beautifully located along the Perfume River. Begin the day with a scenic boat ride to Thien Mu Pagoda and Minh Mang’s Mausoleum.
In the afternoon, explore the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City and the Emperor’s residence. Built in the 19th century, the complex was modeled after Beijing’s Forbidden City. Finish your day at the vibrant Dong Ba Market. Overnight in Hue.
After breakfast, leave Hue for Hoi An. Stop for a break at Lang Co Beach, then continue to visit the Cham Museum and Marble Mountains in Da Nang. Upon arrival in Hoi An, enjoy a walking tour of the charming 600-year-old town. Visit Tan Ky Ancient House, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, the Japanese Covered Bridge, old merchant houses, and the bustling riverside market. Overnight in Hoi An.
Today, experience rural life in Tra Que, a traditional vegetable village. Cycle there with your guide and take a walk around the gardens. Join local farmers to prepare the land, fertilize with seaweed, sow seeds, and water the plants.
Afterward, enjoy a foot soak, then cook lunch with a local family. Your meal includes “Tam Huu” spring rolls and “Banh Xeo” pancakes. You may also assist in the cooking. Enjoy lunch, relax in the village, then return to Hoi An. Free time for shopping or tailoring. Overnight in Hoi An.
After breakfast, transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute, the largest aquamarine museum in Vietnam, and enjoy free time on the beach. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Board a boat for a full-day tour of coastal islands. Visit a fishing village and enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach. A seafood lunch is included. Return to the city to visit Long Son Pagoda, known for its giant seated Buddha, and the ancient Po Nagar Cham Towers, architectural treasures of the Cham people. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Depart for Da Lat, nestled in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. The city charms visitors with its temperate climate, flower gardens, and pine forests. Upon arrival and hotel check-in, begin exploring with visits to Bao Dai’s Summer Palace, Domaine de Marie Church, and Van Thanh Flower Farm—considered Da Lat’s floral museum. Overnight in Da Lat.
After breakfast, transfer to Lien Khuong Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and rest before a half-day city tour, including the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and the War Remnants Museum. Overnight in Saigon.
In the morning, visit the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels – a vast underground network used during the resistance wars. See trapdoors, living quarters, storage areas, and more.
Continue to Tay Ninh to visit the Cao Dai Great Temple – a spiritual site blending Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity. Attend the noon prayer ceremony. Return to Saigon in the late afternoon. Overnight in Saigon.
Depart for My Tho and cruise the Mekong River, passing Dragon, Unicorn, Tortoise, and Phoenix islands. Enjoy fresh coconut juice, visit a crocodile farm, a fish floating market, and traditional handicraft villages.
Explore Unicorn Island, walk along country roads through orchards, and enjoy tropical fruits with traditional music. Ride a horse cart through Quoi Son Village, have lunch at a local restaurant, and take a rowing boat through scenic canals. Visit a honey-bee farm and a coconut candy workshop before returning to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon.
Free time at leisure until transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of services. Thank you for choosing us!
