Highlights of Vietnam

On arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, your guide will welcome you and escort you to the hotel. Settle into your room, and the rest of the day is put aside for you to explore or acclimatize to Vietnam, ready for your journey ahead.

Accommodation: In Hanoi
Meals: No

Hanoi offers intriguing sights and sounds. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his house on stilts. Wind through alleyways to Ngoc Ha village and witness Huu Tiep Lake's remarkable B-52 bomber wreckage from 1972. Explore the Temple of Literature, a fine example of Vietnamese architecture and the country's first national university. Discover the past at the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, known as the 'Hanoi Hilton.' It was built by the French in 1896 for Vietnamese revolutionaries and later held American POWs in the 1960s. Take a leisurely walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter - the heart of the city - famous for its artisan shops and eclectic architecture. End the day at the old theatre with a one-hour water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese traditional art.

Later in the evening, you'll board an overnight train to Lao Cai from Hanoi Railway Station.

Accommodation: Overnight on the train
Meals: Breakfast

Upon arriving in Lao Cai, disembark the train and transfer to the hotel in Sapa for breakfast and to freshen up. Immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery and explore the culturally rich ethnic villages of the area. Begin the trek from Sapa, then continue along a trail with scenic views of the valley and terraced hillsides. Hike through Y Dinh Ho, a Black Hmong ethnic village, and learn about traditional indigo dyeing for clothes while enjoying watching children at the local school. This mountain hike winds through charming trails amidst picturesque rice terraces. After exploring Y Dinh Ho village, continue through Lao Chai and Ta Van villages before being picked up by your car for the return to Sapa.

Accommodation: In Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Trekking: Distance - Approx. 15km (9 mi.); Grade: Medium

Begin your trek along local paths, passing through gardens and houses to Suoi Ho village, home to some Black Hmong families. From here, you can enjoy the views of endless rice terraces and gorgeous mountains. Continue to Ma Tra village where you will have the opportunity to explore the village. Along the way, you will come across the impressive ruins of a church dating back to the French occupation in the early 1900s. Take a moment to explore this intriguing sight and capture some photos. Move on to the village of Ta Phin, where the Black Hmong and Red Dao communities live together harmoniously while preserving their individual customs and traditions. Stroll around the village, interacting with the locals to understand their way of life and customs. After your trekking adventure, transfer to Lao Cai train station to board the overnight train to Hanoi.

Accommodation: Overnight on the train
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Trekking: Distance - Approx. 15 km; Grade – Medium, some more challenging sections

Please note: If you are in Sapa during the weekend, it is recommended to visit the beautiful ethnic minority market of Bac Ha.

If weather permits, enjoy the mesmerizing sunrise over the bay and opt for Tai Chi or a tranquil moment with coffee or tea, observing the fishermen. The boat sets sail once more, allowing you to relish Halong Bay's beauty again before returning to the pier and heading back to Hanoi. This afternoon, fly to Ho Chi Minh City, still referred to as Saigon by many locals.

Accommodation: In Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

Embark on an exciting city tour of Vietnam’s largest city. Visit the War Remnants Museum, providing insights into the American phase of the Vietnam War. Explore the Reunification Palace, once the residence of South Vietnam's President. Immerse yourself in the Notre Dame Cathedral, a spiritual and cultural landmark from the era of French presence in the Orient. Continue to the General Post Office, an elegant example of French colonial architecture. Conclude your tour with a visit to Ben Thanh Market, where you can explore a diverse selection of goods, ranging from delightful confections to fresh produce.

Accommodation: In Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

Explore the charming Mekong Delta on your journey to Ben Tre, known as the homeland of coconuts. Discover the local lifestyle centred around coconuts, used to create various products like fibres, coconut flesh, milk, and oil. Witness traditional brickmaking at a kiln. Take a serene sampan boat ride along the Mekong River, surrounded by fishing and cargo vessels. Ride a “Xe Lam” or bike through the village, savour honey tea and tropical fruits. Visit a workshop to learn about pop rice, coconut candy, and fiery rice wine. Enjoy a tranquil rowing boat journey through a creek lined with water coconut palm trees. Observe locals crafting hats and mats, using coconut leaves for their homes. Conclude with a sampan boat ride to My Tho, where your private vehicle awaits to take you back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Accommodation: In Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Set off on an approximately 60km drive outside of Saigon to the legendary Cu Chi tunnels. An incredible underground tunnel network was constructed by the Viet Cong to fight the American and South Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War. Learn about how the tunnels were built, the conditions faced by soldiers and guerrillas, and the hardships they endured while using the tunnels. You even have the option to descend into the real tunnels where the Viet Cong hid and fought. After exploring the tunnels, you will be driven back to Ho Chi Minh City. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Accommodation: In Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

Depending on the time of your flight, a private car will transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward journey.

Accommodation: Check-out time is 12:00
Meals: Breakfast