Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi – Welcome Dinner (D)

Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, we will begin our walking tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, strolling through its charming streets while sampling a variety of local specialties, including beef/chicken pho, fried cakes, tofu, banh xeo, sponge cake, sweet soup, meat-filled pancakes, fresh beer, and more.

One of the most interesting highlights will be a visit to Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s largest wholesale market, where you can discover a fascinating variety of fresh ingredients and local products.

Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Dinner.

Day 2: Hanoi City & Culinary Discovery (B, L, D)

Today, we will explore the highlights of Hanoi. We begin with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside), Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda.

We then continue to the Temple of Literature, originally built to honor Confucius and considered Vietnam’s first national university.

After lunch, we visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, widely regarded as one of the finest museums in Vietnam, featuring an extensive collection representing the country’s 54 ethnic groups. We then explore the famous Hoa Lo Prison Museum, also known as the “Hanoi Hilton,” where former U.S. presidential candidate John McCain was held captive for more than five years.

In the afternoon, enjoy a one-hour cyclo ride around Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter, characterized by its historic French colonial architecture. The rest of the afternoon is free for shopping and exploring the Old Quarter, from bustling local markets to fashion boutiques and contemporary art galleries.

Notes:

• The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every Monday and Friday.
• The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is closed every Monday.
• Museums can be replaced with other attractions according to your interests.

Optional attractions for your Hanoi sightseeing day:

• Vietnam Women’s Museum – One of Hanoi’s most fascinating museums, featuring three main themes: Women in the Family, Women in History, and Women’s Fashion. With more than 1,000 artifacts, photographs, and documents, the museum highlights the important role of Vietnamese women throughout history and family life.
• Vietnam National Museum of History, Vietnam Fine Arts Museum & Vietnam Military History Museum – Large museums with impressive and diverse collections.
• Hanoi Imperial Citadel – A historic complex with several areas open to visitors.
• Dong Xuan, Hang Be or Hom Markets – Bustling traditional markets offering an authentic glimpse into everyday Vietnamese life.
• St. Joseph’s Cathedral – A beautiful neo-Gothic church inspired by European architecture, surrounded by numerous cafés, restaurants, and shops.

Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave (B, L, D)

Your driver will pick you up from your hotel at around 8:00 AM before heading south from Hanoi to Ninh Binh Province.

Upon arrival, we will visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries. Surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains and rice fields, the area is home to numerous historical monuments, including the temples and tombs dedicated to King Dinh and King Le.

After the visit, we will stop at a local restaurant for lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat trip along the Ngo Dong River to explore the three caves of Tam Coc – Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba. We then visit Mua Cave, one of the best viewpoints in Ninh Binh. After climbing approximately 500 stone steps to the top of Ngo Long Mountain, you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views over Tam Coc and the surrounding countryside.

The boat trip begins from Van Lam Embroidery Village and passes through beautiful rice fields and dramatic limestone karsts before entering the three natural caves. The largest cave is approximately 125 meters long.

In the late afternoon, we return to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay (B, L, D)

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Ha Long Bay.

Upon arrival, board Sena Cruise and enjoy a delicious lunch while the cruise begins its journey through the spectacular scenery of Ha Long Bay and the quieter surrounding waters. Admire iconic formations such as Finger Islet, Candle Islet, and thousands of limestone islands and karst towers in fascinating shapes.

In the afternoon, we visit the Bright Cave and Dark Cave area, located at the intersection of Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay.

It is time to explore the beautiful waters of Lan Ha Bay by kayak. Paddle through the calm waters and admire the fascinating limestone formations that surround you.

Return to Sena Cruise and enjoy afternoon tea and Happy Hour at the onboard bars. You will also have the opportunity to learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese lotus tea and discover its delicate floral aroma and refreshing taste.

Before dinner, the experienced captain will select a quiet location for the overnight anchorage.

After dinner, relax at the bar, watch a movie, enjoy a spa treatment, or participate in onboard activities such as squid fishing and karaoke.

Overnight on the cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5: Lan Ha Bay (B, L, D)

Start your morning with Tai Chi or a photography session, followed by breakfast on board while enjoying the peaceful scenery of Lan Ha Bay.

We then transfer to a day boat and continue exploring the more secluded areas of Lan Ha Bay, passing Three Peaches Beach, Coconut Islet, Buddha Islet, and other beautiful landscapes.

With a two-person kayak, accompanied by your guide, paddle through a hidden cave into a beautiful lagoon, depending on the tide. You may have the opportunity to swim in the emerald-green waters, snorkel, or simply relax on secluded beaches.

After lunch on board, the day boat takes us to Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village, one of the largest floating fishing villages in the Gulf of Tonkin. The village has traditionally provided a safe shelter for fishing boats during storms.

Explore the fascinating lifestyle of local fishing families living on the water and learn more about their traditional way of life.

Return to the cruise and relax on the sundeck with a cocktail before dinner. In the evening, enjoy drinks on the sundeck or try your hand at squid fishing.

Overnight on the cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6: Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Island – Hanoi – Overnight Train to Sapa (B, L)

Wake up early for a photography session and join a Tai Chi class on the sundeck.

Sena Cruise continues its journey toward Cat Ba Island, passing spectacular limestone formations. Enjoy tea, coffee, and a light breakfast while taking in the fresh air and peaceful scenery.

We then visit Trung Trang Cave, one of the most iconic caves on Cat Ba Island.

Depending on weather and tides, at around 7:15 AM, the team may take you to Viet Hai Village, a small village surrounded by the lush forests and mountains of Cat Ba National Park. Enjoy approximately 30 minutes of cycling through the village and experience the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery of rural northern Vietnam.

Return to the cruise and enjoy lunch as Sena Cruise gently sails through the emerald waters and past thousands of limestone mountains before arriving at the harbor.

After returning to Hanoi, we will have time to shower and relax at a hotel near the railway station before taking the overnight train to Lao Cai.

At around 9:00 PM, your guide will meet you and transfer you to Hanoi Railway Station for the overnight train to Sapa.

Overnight on the train.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 7: Sapa Village Trekking – Homestay in Lao Chai (B, L, D)

Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at Lao Cai Railway Station and transfer you to Sapa, approximately one hour away.

After breakfast in Sapa, your local guide and driver will pick you up for a short transfer to Cat Cat Village.

From here, begin your trek downhill along scenic trails to Cat Cat Village. Stop at a beautiful waterfall and an old hydroelectric power station before continuing along a trail through terraced rice fields.

Enjoy spectacular scenery as you walk alongside a small river before reaching Y Linh Ho Village, home to the Black Hmong people. Here, enjoy lunch beside the river.

After lunch, continue into the beautiful Muong Hoa Valley, passing through Lao Chai Village, home to the Black Hmong, and Ta Van Village, home to the Giay people.

This is one of the most popular trekking routes in the Sapa region. Tonight, enjoy an authentic ethnic minority homestay experience in the area.

Overnight at a local homestay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 8: Homestay – Fansipan Cable Car – Hanoi (B, L)

After breakfast, take a short drive to Fansipan Legend, where we begin our cable car journey to the summit of Fansipan – the “Roof of Indochina” at 3,143 meters above sea level.

Traditionally, reaching the summit of Fansipan requires a two- or three-day trek. Thanks to the modern three-wire cable car system, visitors can now reach the summit in just around 20 minutes while enjoying spectacular panoramic views.

Upon arrival, challenge yourself with approximately 636 steps to reach the highest point.

After exploring the summit, return to Sapa town for lunch. At around 3:00 PM, take a bus back to Hanoi, arriving at approximately 9:00 PM.

Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 9: Hanoi – Flight to Hue – Hue City Tour (B)

This morning, take a short flight to Hue without a guide.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel to leave your luggage before beginning your sightseeing tour.

Visit the Imperial Citadel, where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. Explore the impressive remains of this historic complex before visiting the Hue Royal Fine Arts Museum, housed in the former Long An Palace.

Continue to An Dinh Palace, followed by lunch at a traditional garden house.

In the afternoon, visit Dong Ba Market and experience the everyday life of local people.

Return to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Hue Street Food You Should Try:

• Banh Uot – Rice paper rolls with grilled pork
• Vietnamese Coffee – Black or with condensed milk
• Che – Vietnamese sweet soup
• Bun Bo Hue – Hue-style spicy beef noodle soup
• Banh Khoai – Hue-style crispy pancake
• Cha Hue – Hue-style sausage
• Banh Loc – Clear tapioca dumplings
• Banh Ram It – Crispy glutinous rice dumplings
• Nem Lui – Grilled minced pork skewers
• Me – Sesame candy
• Bun Thit Nuong – Grilled pork with rice noodles
• Banh Beo – Steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp

Overnight in Hue.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 10: Hue River Cruise & Royal Tombs – Hoi An (B, L, D)

Your driver will pick you up from the hotel at around 8:30 AM. Board a traditional dragon boat on the romantic Perfume River and cruise toward the countryside.

As the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue is surrounded by the magnificent royal tombs of its former emperors. Our first stop is the elegant Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most iconic landmarks and an important symbol of Buddhism in Vietnam.

From here, continue by car to visit the magnificent Khai Dinh Tomb.

After the visit, drive to Hoi An along the scenic coastal route. On the way, stop to admire the spectacular views toward Lang Co Beach and the surrounding mountains.

Upon reaching Da Nang, visit the Cham Museum, home to one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of Cham artifacts; My Khe Beach, once a popular recreation area for American soldiers; and Marble Mountains, representing the five elements of the universe: Water, Wood, Air, Fire, and Earth.

Arrive in Hoi An in the late afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 11: Hoi An – Eco Farm & Fishing Experience – Walking Tour (B, L, D)

This morning, set off early for an eco-tour exploring local farming and fishing life.

Beginning in Tra Que Vegetable Village, learn about the daily activities of the local farming community. Join the farmers in preparing the soil, fertilizing the gardens with seaweed collected from the nearby river, and watering the crops using traditional methods.

Afterward, enjoy a relaxing bicycle ride through the countryside and experience authentic rural Vietnamese life.

Later in the morning, board a local boat and cruise along the river. Meet local fishermen at work and try your hand at traditional fishing techniques.

Then transfer to a traditional Vietnamese bamboo basket boat for a fun short ride through the coconut-palm waterways.

Lunch will be served on board, featuring fresh vegetables harvested earlier from Tra Que Village.

After lunch, enjoy some free time in central Hoi An before returning to the hotel.

In the afternoon, join a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge, Museum of Ceramics, Tan Ky Ancient House, Cantonese Assembly Hall, Hoi An Silk Street, and traditional Chinese-style temples and pagodas.

The rest of the day is free to explore Hoi An at your own pace.

Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 12: Leisure Day in Hoi An (B)

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Hoi An.

You may go shopping, explore the charming streets of the ancient town, relax on the beach, visit local cafés, or simply enjoy the day at your own pace.

Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast.

Day 13: Hoi An – Flight to Nha Trang (B, L, D)

This morning, transfer back to Da Nang Airport for a short flight to Nha Trang without a guide.

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel overlooking the bay.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore the town, relax on the beach, or enjoy your hotel facilities.

Overnight in Nha Trang.
Meals: Breakfast.

Day 14: Nha Trang Beach & Island Discovery (B, L, D)

After breakfast, transfer to the harbor.

First, visit the Vietnam National Oceanographic Museum and discover hundreds of fascinating marine species.

Continue by boat with a short stop at Tri Nguyen Aquarium for an outside photo stop.

Then cruise to Mun Island, where you will have free time for snorkeling and a traditional basket-boat experience to discover the daily life of local fishermen at Mieu Fishing Village.

Continue to Bamboo Island Resort for a special seafood lunch.

Spend the afternoon relaxing and swimming on Bamboo Island before returning to the hotel at around 5:00 PM.

Overnight in Nha Trang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 15: Leisure Day in Nha Trang (B)

Enjoy a completely free day to explore Nha Trang at your own pace.

Relax on the beach, explore the city, enjoy local cuisine, or simply unwind at your hotel.

Overnight in Nha Trang.
Meals: Breakfast.

Day 16: Nha Trang – Drive to Da Lat (B)

Today, your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Nha Trang and transfer you to Da Lat.

Along the way, enjoy the spectacular change in scenery as the landscape transforms from the coast to the mountains.

Upon arrival in Da Lat, the rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the cool mountain atmosphere.

Overnight in Da Lat.
Meals: Breakfast.

Day 17: Da Lat City Tour (B, L, D)

Located on the Lang Biang Plateau in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Da Lat is the capital of Lam Dong Province. Its cool climate and misty valleys are very different from Vietnam’s tropical lowlands, earning the city the nickname “The City of Eternal Spring.”

Today, visit some of Da Lat’s most famous attractions.

Begin at Robin Hill, situated approximately 1,650 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views over romantic Da Lat.

Continue to Truc Lam Zen Monastery, one of the largest Zen monasteries in Vietnam. A cable car ride to the monastery can be arranged upon request.

Then visit Tuyen Lam Lake, widely considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Da Lat, followed by Bao Dai Summer Palace, the former residence of Vietnam’s last emperor, Bao Dai.

After lunch, continue to the fascinating Crazy House, an extraordinary concrete structure with colorful, organic shapes inspired by nature.

Visit Da Lat Railway Station, famous for its unique architecture and historic steam locomotive.

Continue through the vegetable fields toward Trai Mat, followed by a scenic train ride of approximately 7 km (one-way train journey).

Visit Linh Phuoc Pagoda, one of Da Lat’s most colorful temples, decorated with thousands of glass and ceramic fragments.

Finally, visit a Lat ethnic minority village to learn about the traditional lifestyle of local communities living in wooden, thatched houses.

Overnight in Da Lat.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 18: Da Lat – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L, D)

Take a short flight from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City without a guide.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, your local guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to the hotel to leave your luggage.

Continue to the Cu Chi Tunnels, also known as the “Iron Triangle” or “Iron Land.”

Before entering the tunnels, watch a short introductory video explaining how the tunnel system was constructed. Then explore the fascinating underground network, including several sections that have been enlarged for visitors.

The site also features displays of various booby traps, the remains of an American tank, and numerous bomb craters created by B-52 bombing raids.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City for dinner.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 19: Ho Chi Minh City Tour & Vespa Adventure (B, L, D)

Today, explore the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City, including the Reunification Palace, the former presidential residence of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War; the War Remnants Museum, featuring powerful exhibits about the impact of war; and the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office.

After lunch, continue to Cholon (Chinatown) in District 5 and visit Thien Hau Temple to learn more about the local Chinese community and religious traditions.

Return to the city center and visit the famous Ben Thanh Market, one of the city’s most popular landmarks, offering everything from souvenirs and clothing to local food and handicrafts.

In the evening, enjoy some free time to explore Ben Thanh Night Market or admire the city skyline from the Bitexco Financial Tower.

At around 6:00 PM, your Vespa guides will pick you up from the hotel and take you to Cafe Zoom, where you will enjoy welcome drinks and snacks.

Your exciting Vespa adventure begins at sunset. Ride through major boulevards and small hidden streets while observing the authentic rhythm of local life in Ho Chi Minh City.

Make your first food stop at a local seafood venue, where you can enjoy selected dishes with local beer, fresh fruit juice, or soft drinks.

Continue riding through the city before stopping at a local banh xeo workshop, where you can watch local women prepare crispy Vietnamese pancakes before tasting them yourself.

Next, head to a hidden Vietnamese-style café to enjoy live Vietnamese music in an intimate atmosphere. For those who prefer rock music and beer, an alternative venue can be arranged. For families, an ice cream workshop is available as an alternative.

Finally, return to your hotel and enjoy a peaceful night.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner during the Vespa tour.

Day 20: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta (B, L, D)

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Vinh Long.

Upon arrival, visit a local market where you can see and photograph a wide variety of products, including fish, shrimp, crabs, snails, tropical fruits, vegetables, and other local produce.

Continue by boat to visit traditional brick kilns and observe how local craftsmen transform clay into beautiful ceramic products.

Next, visit a local fruit orchard and traditional house. Enjoy tropical fruits and tea while listening to traditional music performed at a local home.

Continue by rowing boat deeper into the countryside along narrow canals, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Along the way, see traditional wooden and palm-leaf houses, observe local daily activities, interact with residents, and learn about traditional fishing and fruit harvesting techniques.

You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a cycling experience along village paths, passing farms, houses, monkey bridges, and rural communities.

Return by boat to Vinh Long before driving onward to Can Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta.

Overnight in Can Tho.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 21: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)

Wake up early and take a boat trip to the famous Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the largest floating markets in the Mekong Delta.

Experience the lively atmosphere as local traders sell fruits, vegetables, and other products directly from their boats. This is a wonderful opportunity to observe the authentic daily life of people living along the Mekong River.

Before returning to Ho Chi Minh City, visit the beautiful Binh Thuy Ancient House, a historic house showcasing a fascinating blend of Vietnamese and French architectural influences.

Return to the hotel and enjoy some free time before check-out.

At midday, depart for Ho Chi Minh City, stopping for lunch along the way.

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 22: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Enjoy some free time until our driver arrives at your hotel and transfers you to the airport in time for your departure flight.

Your Vietnam journey comes to an end. Thank you for traveling with us!

Meals: Breakfast.