Day 1 – Hanoi
Arrival in Hanoi international airport where you are greeted and transferred to your hotel to check in. The rest of the day is at your lesuire to relax after a long flight. – Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2 – Hanoi

Sightseeing in Hanoi Although the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shop houses invite an exciting exploration by walking. While its many beautiful parks, lakes, tree-lined boulevards and monuments give the city an air of elegance and harmony.

Begin your day visiting the Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days (1969). Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Continue to the miniature One Pillar Pagoda. Also dating from the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Visit the Temple Of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways. It is one of the best serving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam’s first university.

Afterwards head to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Located in heart of Hanoi, it contains an islet with the tiny Tortoise Pagoda. Enroute, pass other colonial landmarks such as the magnificent Opera House (seen from the outside only) and St Joseph’s Cathedral. From the lake, continue walking to explore the Old Quarter. This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses are also known as “The 36 Streets”, Each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts to medicines to tombstones. A handicraft-lover’s paradise and a endlessly interesting place to explore local life.

Continue to visit the History Museum which is just located behind the Opera House. The Vietnam National Museum Of History (closed 1st Monday of the month and Vietnamese Tet Holiday). Housed in an elegant building from the 1930s, it used to be the museum of the Ecole Francaise d’Extreme Orient. The Museum offers a good view of Vietnam history from prehistoric times. Exhibits spanning the entirety of Vietnam’s history including prehistory, proto-Vietnamese civilizations, Dong Son culture, Oc-Eo culture and the Khmer Kingdoms.

Visit a Water Puppet Show, a fantastic art form originating in northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi. – Overnight in Hanoi

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 – Hanoi – Ha Giang
Travel by vehicle from Hanoi to Ha Giang where you will Trek to Me village (Ban Me). Located 5km away from Ha Giang center, it is a very well protected village surprisingly. Sponsored by Ha Giang officials, it is now an eco tourism category. The village is clean and beautiful, with home stays well facilitated. Total trekking distance is approximately 6km (approx 2 hours) – Overnight in Ha Giang

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 – Ha Giang – Dong Van

Travel up north to Quan Ba to visit Quyet Tien Market (Saturday only). This is a market by the road with H’mong, Dzao ethnic minority. Like other ethnic markets, a place where young people wear their Sunday best. Gather to find partners while married people come here to purchase food and house tools.

Drive by vehicle from QuYet Tien market to Pho Cao village, inhabited by H’mong ethnic group. A stunning village with blue sky, green corn fields, rocky houses and colourful clothes. Continue to Pho Bang village, inhabited by Chinese ethnic minority. The houses built from clay with colourful Chinese scrolls outside the doors, making it different from any village in Vietnam.

From here, continue going to Lung Cu Flag Pole, which is situated on top of Dragon Mountain. This is the border marker of Vietnam to the Northeast. Its 54-sq metre flag is the largest flag of Vietnam and represents the 54 ethnic groups of the country. Offering panoramic views of terraced fields, the Nho Que river, and picturesque mountain ranges. After Lung Cu Flag Pole, travel to Dong Van Rocky Plateau. Here the small town of Dong Van, the Dong Van market and Dong Van Old Quarter are located. Overnight in Dong Van.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 – Dong Van – Ha Giang 

This morning take a short walk to the well-known Dong Van market (Sunday only). Here old and young exchange merry chats on the long journey as they shoulder bamboo baskets of rice and vegetables. Take cattle, fowl, or whatever they can sell at the colourful market, which is far from the pass. Many of the ethnic people, especially young girls, dress up in their colourful costumes. As they journey to Dong Van Market, as if they were going to a festival.

Continue by vehicle from Dong Van to Meo Vac with photo opportunities at Ma Pi Leng Pass. The Ma Pi Leng Pass is of course the best position to appreciate the magnificent mountain chains and cliff faces. From the top, you can see ethnic people farming on small terraced fields by the sides of mountains. Truly witnessing how hard locals struggle with the extreme conditions for their life. Despite the hardship, the people are friendly and willing to offer a smiling welcome to you. For these reasons many locals say proudly that the Ma Pi Leng provides visitors with “the most stunning scenery in northern Vietnam.” The pass descends into a pretty valley where a colourful bustling market and little town of Meo Vac are situated.

Meo Vac is a land of rugged mountains and beautiful hill villages remaining unchanged for centuries. The Meo Vac market (Sunday only) attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups. Walking all the way from their mountain villages to the market in order to trade goods and produce. The market provides chances for locals to promenade and young men and women in colourful costumes to meet and seek partners. For this reason, markets in the northern mountainous areas are often called the Love Markets. – Overnight in Ha Giang

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 – Ha Giang – Hanoi 
Enjoy the views as you head by vehicle back to Hanoi. – Overnight in Hanoi

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7 – Hanoi – Halong Bay 

Depart from Hanoi to Halong Bay; en route take a short stop for a break. Transfer with a tender to the comfortable cruise and enjoy a welcome drink aboard. Begin the cruise through majestic Halong Bay while lunch is served.

Enjoy the magical bay where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragon’s teeth. The cruise continues cruising through a fishing village on the bay and passes the spectacular limestone caves dotted around the bay. Soak up the sun on the top deck with optional on-board activities: sunbathing, and photo opportunities.

In the evening the chef will prepare a splendid meal comprised of fresh seafood dishes and other traditional dishes. Overnight on-board.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Halong – Hanoi – Hue 

Greet the new day with a morning Tai Chi exercise that offer a perfect opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay. After breakfast, visit a beautiful limestone grotto then back to the boat for a final glimpse of the Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Transfer to Hanoi airport for your flight to Hue, where you will check into your hotel. – Overnight in Hue

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9 – Hue

From Toa Kham Wharf, visit Thien Mu pagoda a historic temple, the symbol of Hue city. Back to the boat for a scenic cruise to Thuy Bieu Eco-village for your cooking class. Alongside the chef head to Thuy Bieu market, taking the time to buy the necessary ingredients for your cooking class. Prepare lunch (or dinner) by yourself under the instruction of the chef.

After your cooking class, it’s time to taste the Hue traditional dishes that you have prepared. Afterwards, enjoy time to stroll or bike around the peaceful village. Relax by steeping your foot in medicinal herb water, a traditional therapeutic practice and enjoy therapeutic massage by the blind people.

Next visit Minh Mang, a complex built in 1840 by King Minh Mang. Known for its magnificent architecture, military statuaries and elaborate decorations. It is perhaps the most beautiful of Hue’s pagodas and tombs. – Overnight in Hue

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 Hue – Hoi An

Located in the heart of Hue is the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Approach the city past the striking Flag Tower, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and stroll around the Dien Tho Residence (Dien Tho Palace) where the Queen mother lived. Visit the Thai Hoa Palace, the magnificently decorated reception hall, Halls of the Mandarins, original Nine Dynastic Urns. As well as other sites including a visit to the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum.

Drive along scenic mountain roads with spectacular views over the coastline towards Danang. Highlights include the Hai Van Pass, high dividing line between climate zones of North and South Vietnam and Lang Co. A lovely stretch of beach curving between clear blue lagoons, the East Vietnam Sea; and the coastal city of Danang.

Arriving in Danang, visit the Cham Museum, an elegant colonial building which houses the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world. Pass Non Nuoc Beach, a famous spot for American soldiers during the Vietnam-American War. Before continuing south to Hoi An, stopping enroute to visit the Marble Mountains. Five stone hillocks, once islands, that rise sharply from the surrounding rice fields. Riddled with caves and shrines, they are said to each represent one of the five elements of the universe – Overnight in Hoi An

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 11 – Hoi An

The exquisitely preserved merchant town of Hoi An was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1999. Its colourful shop houses and temples reflect a diverse heritage, dating back to the 16th and 17th century. When it was a major port for Western, Chinese and Japanese traders. Today it is a thriving centre of traditional crafts and a shoppers’ paradise, best explored on foot.

Wander through cobbled streets, past low tile-roofed buildings, bustling central market and small harbour where colourfully painted boats are moored. On the walking tour visit a private house, where members of the same family lived continuously for centuries. A family chapel built by prominent merchant families as centers for ancestor worship and typical Chinese-style Pagoda or assembly hall.

Finally, continue to the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, first constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community. To link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. In the afternoon, board a local boat and cruise down the Thu Bon River, enjoying the unspoiled countryside. Stop to visit a pottery village before returning to Hoi An harbour. – Overnight in Hoi An

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12 – Hoi An – Kon Tum

Explore Kon Tum, a pleasant rural town tucked away on the banks of the Dakbla River. Located in the northern part of the Central Highlands, an area inhabited by different ethnic minorities. Including the Bahnar, Jarai, Rengao and Sedang.

Visit Kon Tum Rong House of the Bahnar minority. A rong house is the communal centre for all important events such as marriages, funerals, prayer meetings and other rituals. They are typically built on tall stilts as protection against wild animals.

Stroll around the town and visit the distinctive wooden church, located right in the middle of Kon Tum town. With the architecture style, an interior decoration mixed between the local and western culture. – Overnight in Kon Tum

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13 – Kon Tum – Buon Ma Thuot

This morning drive to Buon Ma Thot, the capital of Dak Lak province. Buon Ma Thuot is a prosperous town in a region known for coffee plantations and diverse Montagnard population. Visit the town highlight, the Dak Lak Museum, which provides a comprehensive insight into the many distinct ethnic groups of the province. Like the Ede and M’nong, among others. Displays feature traditional Montagnard dress, as well as agricultural implements, fishing gear and musical instruments. Continue to the Khai Hoan Pagoda, the Lac Giao Temple and the local Catholic Church. – Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 14 – Buon Ma Thuot – Dalat

Drive towards Dalat with sightseeing in Lak Lake. Lak Lake is a tranquil area where inhabitants still follow a traditional rural lifestyle. Enjoy a dugout canoe to various Mnong villages on the lake. This matrilineal tribe passes name and inheritance through the female line, and generally live in longhouses. – Overnight in Dalat

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 15 – Dalat – Nha Trang

Nestled in the mountains, Dalat is a former colonial hill station with an abundance of colourful parks, lakes, gardens and waterfalls. Its ever temperate climate has earned it the name, the City of Eternal Spring. Stroll around the French District, an area reminiscent of a provincial town in France. Visit the beautiful church, Domaine de Marie; and continue to XQ Embroidery to see the exquisite art of hand embroidery. Get an insight into the daily life of the last Vietnamese emperor at Bao Dai’s Summer Palace; and see rare and colourful flowers in the Flower Garden. After a day of sightseeing drive to Nha Trang. – Overnight in Nha Trang

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 16 – Nha Trang – Phan Thiet
Visit Po Nagar Cham Tower before taking a scenic drive along the coast to Vinh Hy Bay. An area that still remains unspoiled due to its proximity to the Nui Chua National Park. The landscape dotted with large boulders and rocky hills covered with twisting trees and all species of cacti and shrubs.

Visit the quaint fishing village and take a boat ride out on the emerald water. Have a glimpse of the coral reefs through the glass panes in the bottom of the boat. With time to swim and snorkel for a closer look at the abundant sea life.

Have lunch at a local restaurant enjoying freshly caught seafood. Continue driving along the beautiful coast southbound. Before arriving in Mui Ne, visit the white sand dunes and the Lotus Lake, enjoy the picturesque scenery in golden rays of the sunset. – Overnight in Phan Thiet

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 17 – Phan Thiet – Saigon

Start a colourful sightseeing tour around Phan Thiet. Take a photo stop at the fish market where hundreds of fishing boats flock together to unload their catches. Next visit Van Thuy Tu temple, built by the fisherman in 1762 to worship whales as embodiment of ocean deities. You can see an impressive 22 metre long whale skeleton on display in the main shrine.

Next the Ho Chi Minh Museum and adjoining Duc Thanh School where Ho Chi Minh spent a year teaching in 1910. Before going to Saigon for his overseas departure. Walk through the town centre and visit Guan Yu Temple, a typical assembly hall of the Ming refugees who arrived around the 17 century. The temple houses beautiful ceramic works and sculptures in the interior. By vehicle from Phan Thiet to Saigon (city) – Overnight in Saigon

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 18 – Saigon

Enjoy an walking tour of Old Saigon. Walk through the city streets to unearth the secrets of Saigon. Head to a thriving local market witnessing how these bustling and vibrant markets play a major role in the daily lives of Vietnamese people. Stroll through colourful back alleyways lined with flower shops breathing in the aromas of the freshly cut blooms. Pass through another street where mechanics specialise in restoring vintage Vespa scooters.

Take in the scenes of local life as you wander these narrow lanes. Stop for a refreshing traditional iced coffee in a hidden cafe frequented by locals. The oldest coffee shop in Saigon, this old fashioned establishment has a colourful history stretching back over seven decades. Continue the walk through some other back lanes the go along to another famous street filled with shops selling locally-made guitars.

Last visit a museum displaying an amazing collection of more than 3,000 artifacts relating to the history of Vietnamese traditional medicine. Then return to your hotel.

This afternoon enjoy sightseeing in Saigon. Saigon once called the Pearl of the East because of its art deco French style buildings from early 20th Century. Visit some of the city’s main sites starting at the Reunification Palace. The Reunification Palace, the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, was stormed by tanks on the 30th April 1975, signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state – Overnight in Saigon

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 19 – Saigon

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, never discovered by American forces, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite. Connecting command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapons factories.

Today, walk through the area and learn about the day to day life of the Vietcong. Bear witness to the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps. Even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists.

In the evening board the traditional wooden barge and start cruising along the Saigon River. Enjoy a delicious international buffet while watching the live entertainment and the passing scenery. – Overnight in Saigon

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner: Bonsai Cruise

Day 20 – Saigon

Immerse yourself fully in the local culture of the Mekong Delta with a day out to rustic Ben Tre. A journey of approximately 2.5 hours arriving in a peaceful area of lush orchards, green rice paddies and coconut fields. The fresh sweet coconut juice is said to be the best in the country. The industrious local residents have found many uses for the humble coconut, including turning them into household items and cosmetics.

Hop on a bike to ride along shady paths to visit the home of local antique collector, Uncle Six. This friendly older man will welcome you into his home from where he also sells his ceramics. If you’re feeling fit, Uncle Six will even show you how to climb the coconut trees using just your bare hands. Continue your two-wheeled exploration along rural pathways that wind their way alongside dense vegetation and small tributaries of the Mekong.

Board a rowing boat and cruise along the small canals under the shade of the coconut trees. Then change your mode of transport to a motorised boat. After a delicious lunch of local specialties cooked by the host, visit some local workshops to see how rice paper and sticky coconut sweets are made – Overnight in Saigon

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 21  – Saigon
After breakfast enjoy time at your leisure before transferring to the ariport for your departure flight.

Meals included: Breakfast

INCLUDED SERVICES:
– Program is based on English speaking guide. For other languages a supplement charge will apply.
– accommodation as mentioned above or equivalent.
– where very early morning flights are scheduled, a breakfast box may replace the standard ABF.
– meals according to itinerary / Breakfast box in lieu of ABF when early morning flight.
– flight ticket(s), in economy class unless otherwise specified, according to the itinerary.
Flight from Hanoi to Hue
– Porter fees at the airport where guide service is booked.
– Current fuel surcharges are included, however, these are subject to change prior to tour start date.
– boat ticket(s) according to the itinerary.
– ground transportation in private A/C vehicle.
– 1 complimentary bottle of drinking water and 1 cold towel per person per half day tour/ 2 bottles of water and 2 cold towels per person per full day tour.
– sightseeing incl. admission fees according to itinerary.
– International and domestic airport taxes in Vietnam are automatically included in ticket.
– International and domestic airport taxes in Myanmar are automatically included in ticket.

EXCLUDED SERVICES:
– visa fees, drinks, personal expenses. ** Visa Procedures: Vietnam
For bookings of round-trip or module packages, we will confirm one of the hotels mentioned above according to the selected category.Please note that compulsory gala dinners and peak season surcharges may apply during peak periods surrounding the public holidays of Christmas and New Year and Lunar New Year (TET Festival) – these surcharges will be confirmed at the time of booking.