Welcome to Hanoi and Vietnam, a country full of breathtaking scenery and enchanting culture offering a unique blend of East and West. Hanoi may certainly be a bustling city, but it still retains the mystery and charm of the past centuries and French colonial influence, with its narrow lanes and traditional shop houses that invite one to explore. Its many beautiful public areas, lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments give the city a touch of elegance and a harmony with nature. We’ll meet tonight to enjoy our group welcome dinner in the Old Quarter.

We’ll discover another side of Hanoi during a half day tour in Long Thuong Village, home to a community of bronze casters since the 13th century. Explore the village and observe how the families create a range of products, including incense-burners and flower vases. Walking alongside fields of rice paddies, we’ll reach the nearby 200-year-old Nom Village. Exploring the narrow brick roads, we’ll see the antique houses and enjoy a cup of tea with a local villager. Learn about the local life and the traditions that define this community. Later this afternoon, we’ll be met at our hotel by a chef from the Rose Kitchen, who will guide us through the local markets, teaching us along the way about Vietnamese cooking before a special cooking class, where we get to savour what we create!

We’ll have an early start this morning to discover Hanoi as the city awakens, a great way to see how the locals begin their day. Our tour begins at the photogenic flower market and moves onto the Old Quarter—a fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses, also known as 'The 36 Streets'. Each street has been named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics and crafts to medicines and tombstones. This is also a great time of day for us to stroll along the majestic Hoan Kiem Lake as it stirs to life—a favourite spot among locals to practise Tai Chi, an exercise long known for its promotion of health and longevity, in the tranquil half-light. We can just watch these practitioners or join in ourselves. Breakfast today includes a traditional Vietnamese ‘banh mi’, followed by a visit to a local coffee shop. Witnessing some of the unique highlights of the city, our orientation tour will include Long Bien Bridge, St Joseph’s Church and the grand Hanoi Opera House. Continuing on, we’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex comprising of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside only), the beautiful Presidential Palace (outside only) and Ho Chi Minh’s neighbouring traditional Stilt House, where the former Prime Minister lived from 1954 to 1969. We’ll also see the One Pillar Pagoda before heading to the Imperial Citadel & Flag Tower, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010. After lunch, our tour resumes with our first stop at Vietnam’s first university, the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, which is also host to the ‘Imperial Academy’. Gain a fascinating insight into the lifestyle, culture and customs of Vietnamese woman at the Women’s’ Museum, before exploring the Tran Quoc and Ngoc Son Temples. Our final stop is the notorious Hỏa Lò Prison, nicknamed ‘Hanoi Hilton’. Formerly used by the French colonists for political prisoners, it later housed the imprisoned US pilots that were shot down during the Vietnam War, and today the remnants of the gatehouse remain as a moving museum.

Today we take a scenic road journey to Sapa, a small mountain town approximately 350 kilometres northwest of Hanoi. This picturesque region is home to the famed hill tribes and nestled in a valley, surrounded by the Hoang Lien Son Mountain range and endless fields of rice paddies. We’ll take a short drive to Ta Phin Village, inhabited by the Red Dao ethnic group. Here we'll learn the touching story of the abandoned monastery. Meet the locals who will inform us about a local successful enterprise connecting them with the Hanoi University of Medicine.

Special Experience

Share a home-cooked meal tonight with the local Ly Ma Man family, learning about their culture and how corn alcohol is produced.

Multi-Activity

Embark on a scenic and thrilling Hill Tribe Trek, wandering lush ancient trails, traversing emerald-hued rice terraces, and connecting with lively local communities along the journey.

Challenging Day

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

This morning we depart the beautiful scenery of Sapa and make our way back to Hanoi. En route, we’ll discover the tranquil Tam Duong Valley, a town characterised by its terraced rice fields and encircling lush rolling hills. Along the way we enjoy a short stroll to view the picturesque Silver Waterfall before continuing on to the breathtaking views that await us at Heaven Gate. Here, we can see the Fansipan, the highest peak of Indochina. Before continuing on to Hanoi, we’ll visit several local villages in and around Sapa, getting insight into local life and witnessing stunning traditional houses. Upon arrival in Hanoi, you’ll enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

This morning we travel from Hanoi to breathtaking Halong Bay. Dotted with thousands of limestone islands and outcrops, the bay is known for its stunning emerald waters. We’ll board our luxury cruise vessel and enjoy lunch while taking in the incredible views.

Multi-Activity

Take to the serene water of Lan Ha Bay and choose to either kayak through the jaw-dropping Dark & Light Cave, or swim at your own pace.

Try your hand at Tai Chi this morning or just simply sit back, relax and watch the incredible scenery pass by from the deck as we continue cruising on the waters of Halong Bay. We’ll enjoy a light breakfast, before weighing anchor and heading out to explore the caves of Cat ba Island. We’ll have the opportunity to explore Trung Trang Cave on foot, known for its many stalactite formations, before a refreshing swim in the emerald waters of Tra Bau – Lan Ha Bay. After disembarking the cruise, our sights are set on Hanoi Airport, where we’ll catch our flight to Phong Nha in the late afternoon.

Challenging Day

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Our day involves a captivating blend of natural wonders and adventure as we embark on a full day journey through Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Located in central Vietnam, this UNESCO Heritage-listed Site is known for its breathtakingly intricate cave system, adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The national park’s lush jungles, twisting rivers and rugged limestone formations create an epic backdrop for exploration. We’ll start by discovering the magnificent Paradise Cave on foot, where its stalactites and stalagmites are illuminated by large, vibrant flood lights. After, we will uncover Phong Nha Cave by a traditional pole-propelled boat, where a tasty lunch will be enjoyed in this epic location!

Challenging Day

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Today we depart Phong Nha and make our way to bustling Hoi An. Known as Faifo to early western traders, Hoi An was one of South East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. This ancient town remains a well-preserved mix of both indigenous and foreign influences, with architecture styles pulled from Chinese, Japanese and later European, designs. In the evening, we’ll take a stroll around Hoi An’s famed ‘Ancient Town’. As night sets in and darkness starts to cover the area, a mesmerising glow from traditional lanterns illuminate the town. Replacing typical white bulbs, these colourful lanterns will transport you back to Vietnam in the 17th century. Make you sure you recharge your camera for tonight, you’ll definitely need it!

Exploring Hoi An and its scenic surrounds is on the agenda today. Our walking tour this morning includes a visit to the Culture and History Museum to learn more about this charming town before taking a stroll along the main street where we’ll come to the Chinese Assembly Hall of Fujien Chinese Community. This was built in 1697 as a place of worship dedicated to Thien Hau—the Goddess of the Sea. Strolling along the banks of the river we’ll come to the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, first built by the Japanese community in order to link the town with the Chinese quarters on the other side of the river.

Special Experience

Visit the colourful local market before taking a short cruise along the Hoi An River to the secluded Red Bridge Cooking School for an aromatic and informative cooking class.

Multi-Activity

Uncover the essence of Vietnam on a cycling tour along the picturesque Thu Bon River, passing through rural landscapes, traditional villages and flourishing rice paddies.

Challenging Day

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

On our morning cycling tour, roughly around 5-6 hours long, we’ll transfer from the city to the countryside, gaining another perspective of Hoi An and its surrounds. First, we make our way to Cam Thanh Ecological Village where a local farmer will teach us the process of rice cultivation and other important processes. After we will cycle to a local fishing village to embark on a boat, where we’ll listen to traditional Bả Trạo music, try our hand at fishing and indulge in a delicious lunch.

After our cycling adventure, we’ll explore the UNESCO Heritage-listed site, My Son Sanctuary in the early afternoon. This significant location was the former religious centre of the Champa Kingdom, a sophisticated civilisation which held sway over the region from the 2nd to the 13th centuries. The Cham religion was primarily derived from Indian Hinduism. The ruins of the five archaeological sites are located among green hills and winding streams. After a brief visit to the Visitor’s Centre for an overview of Cham history and culture, walk along the forested paths to explore the ruins.

This afternoon is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy the resort and local surrounds or explore the old city at your own pace. An ideal town to discover by foot, why not immerse yourself in Hoi An’s fascinating history?

We have an early start today, transferring to Danang to catch our flight to Nha Trang. Located on Vietnam’s east coast, Nha Trang is a coastal gem where its pristine beaches blend seamlessly into the bustling cityscape. This high-energy town is bordered by stunning rolling hills on one side, and tropical islands dotted across the bay on the other. This afternoon we’ll embark on a city tour, uncovering the town’s quintessential cultural sites and landmarks on offer. We will discover the spiritual charm of Long Son Temple and Nha Trang Cathedral, admire the scenic Hon Chong Mountain Island and marvel at the historical Ponagar Towers. We’ll also bask in the vibrant atmosphere of the colourful Dam Market.

This morning we’ll make our way to the local port to board our day cruise, taking to the water to explore Nha Trang and its surroundings. First on our agenda is uncovering a fish farm, giving you insight into authentic local life.

Multi-Activity

Unwind at the idyllic Mini Beach and choose to either swim, kayak or snorkel in its clear turquoise waters, or you can opt to relax with a postcard-worthy view.

Optional Excursion

Embark on a unique experience that epitomises Vietnamese culture like no other. Set at the striking Đó Theatre, this extraordinary art show reimagines traditional water puppetry, through striking backdrops and blissful music by the Southeast Asian orchestra. This captivating show blends together tradition and innovation. 1 hour - from US $35pp

We’ll transfer to the airport this morning, for our flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). The largest city in Vietnam, the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese life is visible everywhere in Saigon. There are street markets, sidewalk cafés and trendy new bars. The city is constantly moving, yet within this teeming metropolis are 300 years of timeless traditions and the beauty of an ancient culture. We’ll make our way to the famous Củ Chi Tunnels on arrival.

Multi-Activity

Navigate narrow passageways and underground bunkers on a Củ Chi Tunnel tour, gaining a firsthand experience of the history and resilience embedded in this remarkable network.

Special Experience

Go off the beaten track to discover Saigon’s best food spots. Touring by vespa, we'll taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine as the locals do.

We explore the Ben Tre province in the Mekong region today, riding a xe lôi (a motorised bike with a cart to sit in) to the local village of Huu Dinh. Travelling along the tributaries and narrow canals in a traditional-style cruise boat, we can observe daily life along the banks. We’ll stop at a family-owned coconut processing business and a brick making factory. We’ll then ride to a local rice noodle factory before enjoying fresh fruit and tea with a local family. After lunch at a riverside restaurant, we continue our xe lôi excursion to visit Mr Sau Toung, a former Viet Cong soldier who spent two years fighting the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh.

Challenging Day

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Today marks the end of our adventure through incredible Vietnam. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!