14 DAYS 13 DAYS AUTHENTIC VIETNAM EXPERIENCE

All guests are warmly welcomed upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport by our local guide then transfer to check in the hotel. Free for your own activities. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

After breakfast, a full-day exploration of Hanoi begins. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (note: closed in the afternoon; closed on Mondays, Fridays, and throughout June to August), and his former residence, including the Humble House on Stilts, the historic One-Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university established more than 1,000 years ago.

Continue to Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built on a Chinese fortress from the 7th century and reconstructed in the 11th century under the Ly Dynasty, the Citadel showcases a unique blend of cultural influences from northern China and the southern Champa Kingdom.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, built on an island in the 19th century. Once called Ngoc Son Pagoda, it was later renamed Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated to revered saints and national heroes, including Saint Van Xuong, one of Vietnam’s most respected literary figures.

Afterwards, take a leisurely one-hour cyclo ride through Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter. Wander through bustling streets that still bear the names of the traditional guilds and trades dating back to the 15th–18th centuries.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique Vietnamese art form that originated in the Red River Delta during the 10th century. Farmers once performed this captivating art during festivals and harvests, passing down the skill within families. Puppeteers stand waist-deep in water behind a bamboo curtain, skillfully bringing wooden puppets to life on the water’s surface. 

Afterward, relax with refreshments at a nearby hotel by Hanoi Train Station. Overnight train trip to Lao Cai in superior 4-berth compartments sharing with other passengers. Train departs at approximately 21:50 hrs. 

Notes: Train schedule is subject to change. Private compartments on request at surcharge. Train journeys are part of a great local experience. Cabins are shared with other local passengers (unless private cabin is requested and all berths paid for - with supplement). Restrooms at either end of the carriages complete the local experience.
 

Early in the morning (around 06:00), arrive at Lao Cai, the border town with Yunnan, China. From here, your journey continues with a scenic 38 km drive along winding mountain roads up to Sapa, situated at about 1,500 m above sea level. On clear days, you may catch a glimpse of Vietnam’s highest peak, Mount Fansipan.

After breakfast at a local restaurant, drive from Sapa down to Lao Chai Village. Along the way, admire the breathtaking Muong Hoa Valley with its terraced rice fields and mountain vistas. You will also encounter people from various ethnic minority groups such as the H’mong, Zay, and Red Dao, and perhaps stop at small roadside stalls selling tea, fruits, and sweets. Upon reaching Lao Chai, home of the Black H’mong, you will experience the villagers’ daily life before continuing on foot to Ta Van Village, where the Zay people live. Here, enjoy a rest and a delicious lunch prepared by your local guide in a family home.

In the afternoon, continue walking to the meeting point for your transfer back to Sapa town. The rest of the day is free to discover Sapa at your own pace — stroll through the lively market, enjoy a coffee or tea at local shops, and take in the colorful scenes of ethnic minority life. Overnight in Sapa.

After breakfast, you will transfer to the Fansipan Cable Car Station. Take a 20-minute cable car ride up Mount Fansipan - known as the “Roof of Indochina” at 3,143 meters. Along the way, admire breathtaking panoramic views of terraced fields, lush valleys, and rugged mountain ranges.

Upon arrival, climb (by foot or funicular – optional, with surcharge) the final steps to the Fansipan Summit, marked by a grand monument and fluttering prayer flags. Enjoy time to take photos, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and soak up the majestic scenery.

Visit the spiritual complex on Fansipan, including pagodas, Buddha statues, and peaceful gardens set amid the clouds.

Take the cable car back down to Sapa and transfer to lunch

Then, you will visit Cat Cat Village, a charming H’Mong ethnic village nestled in the valley. Here, you will not only have the chance to explore traditional wooden houses and scenic terraced landscapes, but also join an indigo dyeing class, where you can experience the age-old art of nhuộm tràm and create your own handmade souvenir.

After a short rest (time permitting), transfer to Lao Cai railway Station where you will board the overnight train to Hanoi at around 20:15 hrs (shared sleeping compartments, sharing with other passengers in 2 lower & 2 upper berths per compartment). 

Notes: Train schedule is subject to change. Private compartments on request at surcharge. Train journeys are part of a great local experience. Cabins are shared with other local passengers (unless private cabin is requested and all berths paid for - with supplement). Restrooms at either end of the carriages complete the local experience.

Hanoi to Halong Bay (160 km): 3.0hrs

Arrive in Hanoi early this morning, pick up from the train station and transfer to enjoy the breakfast & special Vietnamese coffee at local restaurant before departing Hanoi for a scenic 3-hour drive to Halong Bay. Arrive at the jetty in Halong City around noon and complete the check-in formalities.

Board your cruise and enjoy a warm welcome, followed by lunch as the boat begins its journey into the bay. In the afternoon, take part in visits and activities according to the boat’s program, or simply relax and admire the stunning scenery.

As the day draws to a close, the boat anchors amidst the dramatic limestone karsts. Dinner will be served on board. Overnight on the cruise in Halong Bay.
 

Halong Bay to Hanoi (160 km): 3.0hrs
Wake up to the fresh morning air in the heart of Halong Bay as the sun rises over the limestone peaks. Breakfast is served on board (or brunch on some cruises) while the vessel leisurely cruises back through the magnificent rock formations towards the port.

Disembark and transfer directly to Noi Bai Airport for your domestic flight to Hue. Upon arrival at Phu Bai Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our local guide and escorted to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Hue.
 

In the morning, meet your guide to explore the Imperial City of Hue, built by Emperor Gia Long on the northern bank of the Perfume River. The complex includes the Citadel, Imperial City, and the Forbidden Purple City, once reserved for the Emperor’s family. Today, this royal site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tour continues to enjoy a scenic boat trip on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. 

Then visit the Minh Mang Royal tomb, set amidst a lush pine hill by the river and considered to be one of the most beautiful mausoleums. Each ruler of the Imperial City built his own tomb during his reign. Lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon, we start the spectacular drive over Hai Van Pass to Danang with a whole view of Pacific Ocean and famous Lang Co fishing village. Continuing to the charming historic city of Hoi An which lies on the banks of the Thu Bon River. Hoian was one of the major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century and was declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. Overnight at hotel in Hoian 

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride to Tra Que Village to explore lush vegetable gardens and observe farmers at work. Continue to Cam Thanh Water Coconut Village, where you will learn about its history and traditions, and take a fun basket boat ride along the peaceful waterways.

Return to Hoi An town for lunch at local restaurant before walking tour. Stroll through the ancient town to discover merchant and community houses, places of worship, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and soak in the atmosphere of temples, markets, rice fields, and charming countryside scenes. This experience offers wonderful photo opportunities and a chance to interact with the friendly locals. Overnight at hotel in Hoian.

Free at your own activities. Overnight in Hoian

Free at your own activities. Overnight in Hoian

Transfer to Da Nang Airport for your departure flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

All guests are warmly welcomed upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport by our local guide then transfer to check in the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Hochiminh

Morning you will meet our local guide at lobby and transfer to visit Independence Palace (Reunification Palace), War Remnants Museum. Afterwards, stroll through the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City: the Old Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral inaugurated in 1880 became the spiritual and cultural crucible of the French presence in the Orient as was the Post office designed by Gustav Eiffel and resembling a grand railway station.

11:00AM embark and depart Saigon by speedboat. Within 15 minutes, the banks of the river change from city sprawl to lush jungle.

12:30 you will arrive at the Cu Chi Tunnels and lunch at local restaurant

13:30 watch a brief introductory ‘propaganda’ video to the Cu Chi area. Explore the tunnel site, which includes weapon and booby trap exhibitions, navigating authentic Viet Cong tunnel, visiting different underground bunkers (kitchens, meeting rooms, ammunitions etc.), a firing range and much more. Try the local cassava root that sustained Viet Cong fighters for years.

15:30 say goodbye to Cu Chi Tunnel and return to Ho Chi Minh City.

16:45 arrive back at the pier and back to your hotel. Overnight in Hochiminh

Start your day with an unforgettable journey to Ben Tre, the heart of the Mekong Delta, famous for its lush rice fields and serene landscapes.

Around 10:00 Arrive at meeting point and take a short walk through a local village to enjoy the landscape of local houses and gardens. Upon reaching the local pier board your day cruiser.  Enjoy the river views as you cruise through the smaller tributaries of Ben Tre province (cruise time approx. 30 minutes).    

Dock at “Bao Island” and disembark your Cruise to visit Coconut Garden and drink fresh coconut at here. Return to your cruise and head down the river to another visit - a local coconut processing operation. From here, you will start a Bicycle trip around Huu Dinh village (approx. 4 kilometers). Then you will stop at a brick making factory, where the locals still use centuries-old traditional methods to make the bricks by hand.

After your visit, Cruises will transfer you to the orther side of the river to taking a rowing sampan. Our team will paddle you through the maze of small canals to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of Ben Tre province. After about 15 minutes, we will arrive at the local house of Mrs. Huong. Her family lives on fishing, shrimp trapping and farming. Enjoy the tropical fruits and honey tea in her garden before getting on a tri-motor cycle (xe loi). Enjoy the narrow village roads that navigate through the lush greenery and coconut palm trees. After finishing the Xe Loi ride, return to your day cruiser as we will take you to Mango home restaurant to enjoy your 5-course lunch. After your lunch, freshen up before switching to a bicycle and riding 500m, (approx.  4 minutes or 7-10 minutes’ walk) on village roads past green gardens and local houses. First is Mr. Ba Tài’s house to learn the fascinating process of rice wine making.  Lastly, a memorable visit to Mr. Sau Tuong, a former Vietcong soldier who survived two years fighting the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh. Today, he and his wife live on making rice paper which is the most famous specialty of My Long village. Have a chat with him and enjoy the crispy rice paper made by his wife and see how it is made.

15:30 After the visit, walking to the main road where your car will be ready to take you back to Hochiminh City. Overnight in Hochiminh City
 

Free at your own leisure time until transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your international flight home. We hope you had an exciting holiday with us. Making it an affair to remember!