Arrive at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport where you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to recover from your journey or explore the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter at your own pace.

 

Overnight in Hanoi

Start the morning with a hearty breakfast, then transfer by car about 2.5 hours to Ninh Binh Province, readying yourself for an unforgettable exploration of Van Long Nature Reserve.

 

Upon arrival, hop on a bicycle for a scenic tour of the surrounding countryside. Ride along quiet village paths, passing verdant rice fields, charming traditional homes, and glimpses of rural life. Pause to meet welcoming locals and learn about their daily activities. Lunch at a local restaurant.

 

Afternoon, kick off the adventure with a peaceful rowing boat tour through the lush wetland landscape, gliding across calm waters framed by dramatic limestone karsts. This pristine area is home to diverse wildlife, including the rare Delacour’s langur. Let the serene environment and scenic views captivate you as you float along the tranquil waterways. Wrap up the day by taking in the peaceful atmosphere, before returning to Hanoi.

 

Overnight in Hanoi

Discover the highlights of Hanoi with this immersive city tour. Begin with a visit to the iconic Ho Chi Minh Complex, a significant site honoring Vietnam’s beloved leader, Ho Chi Minh. This complex includes the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the great leader’s body is preserved, the simple yet symbolic Stilt House where he lived and worked, and the historic One Pillar Pagoda, a unique Buddhist structure that dates back to 1049. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, where traditional Vietnamese architecture and the legacy of Confucian education come to life. Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant featuring authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

 

Embark on an exciting electric sightseeing car tour, starting at the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can admire the iconic Ngoc Son Temple and hear the legendary tale of the lake’s mystical sword. Next, head to the lively Dong Xuan Market, perfect for shopping local crafts and tasting street food. Glide through the bustling Old Quarter, exploring its narrow streets rich with history and local life. Discover the ancient Bach Ma Temple, a symbol of Hanoi’s spiritual roots, before visiting the 87 Ma May Ancient House, a beautifully restored 19th-century residence. Conclude your journey with a captivating water puppet show, showcasing Vietnam’s traditional folk art. Dinner at local restaurant then transfer to the train station to board the overnight train to Lao Cai, enjoying the unique experience of traveling through Vietnam’s countryside in a comfortable sleeper cabin.

Arrive early in Lao Cai and transfer to Sapa, a picturesque town nestled in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains. After breakfast, visit the Cat Cat village, home to the H’mong ethnic group, and learn about their culture and daily life. Enjoy a local lunch and spend the afternoon visiting other nearby villages or markets. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner.

 

Overnight in Sapa

Embark on a cultural trekking adventure from Sapa to Suoi Thau, Ma Tra, and Ta Phin.

 

The tour begins at 9 am. Our local guide and car will meet you at your hotel in Sapa town or in front of Sapa’s main church. After a short introduction, walk through scenic trails to Suoi Ho village, home to the Black Hmong minority. Along the way, encounter local animals like water buffalo and enjoy breathtaking views of rice terraces and mountains. Continue trekking through rice paddies to Ma Tra village for lunch at a family-run restaurant with stunning outdoor views. In Ta Phin village, meet both Black Hmong and Red Dao communities, explore Ta Phin Cave, and witness traditional brocade-making. Return to Sapa by car, concluding your cultural journey.

 

Overnight in Sapa

Embark on a cultural journey to Ban Ho village for an Indigo Dyeing Workshop (3 hours), where you’ll be welcomed with traditional Dao herbal tea and introduced to the rich heritage of indigo dyeing. Learn about the cultural significance and intricate techniques before creating your own beautifully dyed fabric to take home, guided by skilled artisans. This hands-on experience supports local communities and preserves ethnic traditions. In collaboration with 365 Travel, Indigo Store empowers artisans by reviving lost crafts, funding community projects, and preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

 

After lunch, return to Hanoi, reflecting on the mountain’s beauty and cultural insights.

 

Overnight in Hanoi

Begin your journey with a pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and transfer to Tuan Chau Harbor. Board on cruise, enjoy a welcome drink, and receive a cruise briefing. Savor lunch at the restaurant as you sail towards Lan Ha Bay. In the afternoon, explore Bright Cave on a bamboo boat, then join a cooking demonstration. Relax with a sunset party and dinner, followed by stargazing, board games, or squid fishing on the top deck.

 

Overnight on Lan Ha Bay

Start your day with a sunrise Tai Chi session and light breakfast. Transfer to Viet Hai pier by day boat and explore Viet Hai village by bike or electric car. Enjoy lunch on board, then kayak through fish farms and swim at Ba Trai Dao beach (weather permitting). Return to the cruise for sunset relaxation, dinner, and evening activities like stargazing and squid fishing.

 

Overnight on Lan Ha Bay

Begin your day with a serene Tai Chi session on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast as the morning unfolds over Halong Bay. Venture out for kayaking in the tranquil Tra Bau area, exploring the stunning rocky islands up close. Afterward, enjoy a refreshing swim or other water activities before returning to the cruise. Check out of your cabin as you savor a delightful brunch while the cruise returns to Tuan Chau Marina. Then transfer to Noi Bai international airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, transfer to Hoi An, a charming ancient town known for its well-preserved architecture and cultural heritage. Check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time for leisure. In the evening, stroll through the lantern-lit streets, savor local delicacies, or relax by the Thu Bon River.

 

Overnight in Hoi An

Start your day with a morning visit to My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the spiritual and political capital of the Champa Kingdom. Explore the ancient Hindu temples, admire the intricate stone carvings, and learn about the rich cultural and historical significance of this archaeological treasure. After returning to Hoi An, enjoy a leisurely afternoon walking through the Hoi An Ancient Town, famous for its well-preserved architecture, lantern-lined streets, and cultural charm. Visit iconic sites like the Japanese Covered Bridge, Old Merchant Houses, and Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, while soaking in the town’s timeless beauty.

 

Overnight in Hoi An

Embark on a unique journey to Cam Kim Island by electric sightseeing car, offering a glimpse into rural Vietnamese life and centuries-old craftsmanship. Begin at Kim Bong Carpentry Village, renowned for its exquisite woodwork and traditional boat-building techniques. Explore the art of basket boat building, where skilled artisans craft these iconic round vessels by hand. Continue through local neighborhoods, witnessing daily life and the peaceful river scenes along the Thu Bon River. Experience hands-on activities such as traditional mat weaving or noodle making, gaining insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage before returning to Hoi An with lasting memories.

 

In the afternoon, switch to a bicycle and ride to Tra Que Village, a peaceful farming community. Discover the art of organic vegetable cultivation, interact with local farmers, and enjoy the serene countryside before cycling back to Hoi An.

 

Overnight in Hoi An

Depart from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in time for a delicious local lunch. Afterward, embark on a city tour to explore the vibrant energy and rich history of Vietnam’s largest metropolis. Visit iconic landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of French colonial architecture, and the historic Central Post Office. Continue to the Reunification Palace, a symbol of Vietnam’s reunification, and explore the War Remnants Museum, offering a profound insight into the country’s past. Stroll through Ben Thanh Market to experience local life and shop for souvenirs before returning to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

 

Overnight in HCMC

Morning, pickup at your hotel to transfer about 136 km to Vinh Long, a riverside town in the vast Mekong Delta, the world’s largest delta. Take a boat cruise to lively floating market where sellers and buyers bargain and exchange goods from their boats. Proceed through a fascinating maze of shady canals to Hoa Binh Phuoc Island. Beautiful landscape of zigzag canals, lush vegetation, peaceful villages, and activities of rural life will make you a delightful sight. There on the island, visit some local farmers’ homes, interact with warm-hearted hosts, and learn about their trades of bonsai gardening, tile and ceramic production and rice paper and coconut candy making. A typical Vietnamese lunch at a local home will be arranged.

 

Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh city

Begin your culinary adventure with a chef-led tour of Ben Thanh Market, one of Vietnam’s most iconic wet markets. Explore the vibrant stalls, learn to select the freshest ingredients, and uncover the secrets behind exotic herbs and spices used in traditional Vietnamese cuisine. After the market, enjoy a complimentary exotic cocktail before stepping into your private cook-station to prepare a 4-course Vietnamese meal guided by our expert chef. Conclude with a family-style feast, a Vietnamese cookbook, and a certificate of completion. With every booking, 10% of profits are donated to Ky Quang Orphanage, supporting abandoned children with severe disabilities.

 

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat international airport for your flight. Upon arrival, prepare for your onward journey, leaving with cherished memories.