Day 01: Hanoi – Arrival (D)
Upon arrival, welcome by our Tour Guide and transferred to your hotel. In the late afternoon, we will take an hour Cyclo - tour viewing the charming French colonial architecture to the bustling Old Quarter and attend the performance of the unique water puppetry. Welcome dinner will be reserved at local restaurant.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 02: Hanoi - Perfume pagoda – Hanoi (B, L)
The Perfume Pagoda is one of the highlights of the Hanoi area and one of the most important religious sites in Buddhist Vietnam. Every spring, after the Vietnamese New Year, thousands of Vietnamese pilgrims come here to pray for all the health and prosperity they need to get them through the year. The pagoda itself is situated in a huge cave built into limestone cliffs and can only be reached by boat or by foot, as there are no roads into the area. You will have the chance to glide along scenic waterways and walk up steep mountain paths visiting the pagodas and temples that were built in this area over the centuries.
After breakfast, drive two hours to Perfume pagoda. Upon arrival, take one hour trip on a small boat-rowed by local people on the stream named Yen. You can deeply enjoy the attractive mountain views mirror-image in the crystal water mirror of the stream en route.
Getting out of the boat, trek up to the main Pagoda - Cave on the top of the highest mountain in the range – which is considered as the most beautiful Cave under South Asia sky! Taking photo & learn about Vietnam history, Buddhism religion then trekking down by the same route. After a picnic lunch, visit Thien Tru Pagoda then spending one more hour on the boat back to the harbor, say good bye to local people and drive back to Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Perfume Pagoda in Hanoi

Hanoi Old Quarters

Day 03: Hanoi – Overnight train to Lao Cai (B, L)
We begin a full-day city tour by visiting the Ho Chi Minh complex, including the One Pillar Pagoda, the former leader’s house on stilts and his Mausoleum. Keep forward to the peaceful Temple of Literature - the first university of Vietnam.
Lunch will be served at a local Vietnamese restaurant.
In the afternoon, proceed to the Ethnologic museum, which focuses on the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam, it is widely considered to be the finest modern museum in Vietnam and a tourist attraction in Hanoi.
Back to the city central, visit Ngoc Son temple then free time until transfer to Hanoi railway station for overnight train to Lao Cai.

Day 04: Lao Cai – Sa Pa (B, L)
After early arrival at Lao Cai, a Chinese border town, we enjoy breakfast at a local Vietnamese restaurant before drive to overland to a market of the hill tribal people. Depending on the day of the week, Bac Ha, home to the flower H’mong hill tribe minority people is open on Sunday; Can Cau on Saturday or Coc Ly on Tuesday.
In all these markets, we can meet hundreds of beautiful women from Flower Hmong tribe, who are famous for their wonderful craft and hand-made flowering clothes and textile fabrics, or intermingle with people from Black Hmong, Dzay, Dzao and other ethnic groups coming to the market not for purchasing stuffs, but for meeting and chatting – just once a week - like in a real cultural center. After lunchtime, we drive to Sa Pa. Check in to the hotel and free at the leisure.
Overnight in Sa Pa.

Day 05: Sa Pa – Lao Cai – Overnight train to Hanoi (B, L)
We will start walking to Cat Cat village in the bottom of Muong Hoa valley. Enjoy the spectacular views of the beautiful valley towards Fansipan – highest peak in Vietnam and Indochina. Go through the village of Black H’mong ethnic minority; see people weaving and embroidering their clothes, keep going down enjoy colorful rice terraces and the interesting waterfall.
Continue on, we will walk from Cat Cat towards Muong Hoa valley where we can admire magnificent landscapes and trek on a small trails going to Y Linh Ho village. Enjoy picnic lunch before trek through lush rice – terraces towards Lao Chai village, experiencing Black H’mong people’s daily life and traditional culture and then head to Ta Van village inhabited by Zay minorities.
Take a fresh shower in the hotel before heading to Lao Cai train station for the night train back to Ha Noi.

Sapa erraced fields

Ethnic local people in Sapa

Day 06: Hanoi arrival – Ha Long (B, L, D)
Arrival at Hanoi railway station in the early morning, take a shower and enjoy breakfast at a mini hotel near by before departs for Ha Long bay, listed as a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. “Dragon descending to the sea“ as it is known in Vietnamese, picturesque Ha Long bay has more than 1.000 limestone islets rising from the sea, many of them containing beautiful grottoes
Upon arrival at Ha Long Bay we embark on a boat trip to cruise discovering this magnificent UNESCO World Wonder. This is a great journey among surreal islands rising from a tranquil emerald sea.
In the late afternoon, we anchor for the night on the bay and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner on board. Overnight on a junk boat in Halong Bay.

Day 07: Ha Long – Hanoi – Overnight train to Hue (B, L)
Early morning coffee and tea will be served on the sundeck followed by a Tai Chi class. After breakfast we take a Sampan boat to explore Luon Cave. We may have a chance to see the wild monkeys that gather around waiting for food from the tourists. After that we continue to cruise around the bay. Lunch is served on the boat on our way back to the docks then we return to Hanoi then take overnight train to Hue.

Halong Bay

Kayakking in Halong Bay

Day 08: Hue city (B, L)
Arrival Hue in the morning, transfer to the hotel for breakfast and shower before take a full day city tour of Hue.
Hue is one of Viet Nam’s most cultural and historical cities once ruled by the Emperor of the Nguyen dynasty. This morning, you take time to visit the impressive tomb of King Minh Mang and Tu Duc. Cruise on the Perfume River and to see the Old Thien Mu Pagoda. In the afternoon, you will visit the Forbidden Citadel and the crowded market of Dong Ba where you may be interested in bargaining for some priceless souvenirs.
Overnight in Hue.

Day 09: Hue – Hoi An (B, L)
This morning, we check out hotel then processing to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass (Pass of the Ocean Clouds). Stop on the way to visit Cham Museum, My Khe Beach, Marble Mountain. Arrival Hoi An, check in to the hotel then free time at the leisure.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 10: Hoi An (B, L)
This morning we take a walking tour of the old town Hoi An. Hoi An nestled on the banks of the Thu Bon River. Before the river silted up, Hoi An was one of the most important trading ports in Southeast Asia, and a center for East-West exchange and trade. From the 2nd until the 10th century, Hoi An was one of the principal Cham cities. Over the years, Indian, Dutch, Portuguese, French, Thai, Indonesian, Spanish, American, Japanese, Filipino and Chinese ships docked in Hoi An. In the 19th century, as the result of warfare and environmental changes, Hoi An was replaced by Da Nang as a major port. Reflecting the diversity of the traders and missionaries that settled in the port (including Alexander of Rhodes), the ancient architecture is a fascinating mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese. The rooftops of Hoi An retain a magical old world Oriental feel and are a favorite subject for Vietnamese artists. In the early 1980s Hoi An’s ancient quarters and historical monuments came under the protection and restoration efforts of UNESCO and the Polish government. Visit the Japanese covered bridge, Phuc Kien assemble hall, Phung Hung old house, Hoi An museum and Quan Cong temple.
The rest of time is fee to walk in the old town, feel the atmosphere of its original culture, enjoy shopping for tailor clothing, lanterns, shoes and food, or simply relaxing on the beach.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Hue Citadel

Hoi An Ancient Town

Day 11: Hoi An – Da Nang – Train to Nha Trang (B, L)
Free at the leisure until transfer to Da Nang railway station for a day train to Nha Trang.
Arrival Nha Trang in the evening, Welcome by our local Tour Guide and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 12: Nha Trang (B)
Full day is leisure on the beautiful beach.
Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 13: Nha Trang – Overnight train to Ho Chi Minh city (B)
Start from your hotel to Cau Da port. Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island is the first place to visit; many sea species of Nha Trang/Khanh Hoa province make a small ocean world there. Mun Island is the best island for snorkeling where you can see lots of lives colorful corals and fish. You will also be able to see caves in which the sea swallows make their nest. Then relaxing, swimming & doing water sports or other activities at Mot Island, Tranh Beach Island or on a small island calling “Mini beach”. Taking a fresh lunch at the island. On the way back you will visit a fishing village before going to the shore.
In the evening, transfer to the railway station for overnight train to Ho Chi Minh city.

Nha Trang Beach

Nha Trang Beach

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong delta – Ho Chi Minh (B, L)
Arrival Ho Chi Minh city in the early morning, shower and breakfast at a mini hotel before excursion to My Tho, a charming city in the Mekong Delta near Sai Gon. A 2-hour drive brings you through urbanized areas until you reach the river tributaries of the Mekong Delta. Stop over at Vinh Trang pagoda, an ancient southern architectural gem. Built in 1849, the structure is a mixture of Asian and European architecture including elements from the Renaissance period, Romanesque style, French decorative flowers and Japanese enameled tile. On arrival in My Tho, board a private but rustic motorized boat to cruise along upper Mekong and observe the abundant agricultural life. Visit a fish-rearing village before entering Vam Xep canal and its beautiful water palm scenery. Disembark and stroll around Quoi An fruit orchard, visiting fruit drying kilns and a workshop for coconut craft wares. Take a short horse-drawn cart ride along the village road. Upon arrival at Ben Truc - Phong Phu garden, sample delicious fruits from the Mekong delta and enjoy traditional local music. This is also an opportunity to interact with local people who make their livelihoods on the river. End your journey with a guided row boat trip to explore the water palm canals. Enjoy lunch at Mekong Restop restaurant before transfer back to Ho Chi Minh city.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Cai Rang floating market

Cai Be floating market

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh – Departure (B)
In the morning we take a half day tour of this dynamic city. First, visit the War Remnants Museum, Historically, the war museum as part of the Vietnam and World Peace museums system was born on Sep 4 1975 at 28 Vo Van Tan street, district 3, HCMC. Since its 30-year inception, the museum has attracted over 10 millions arrivals of domestic and foreign tourists, especially, student delegations from provinces and cities nationwide. It helps reappear the then-wars, helping students well realize on the values of patriotism, struggle for peace and national liberation from forefathers. This museum includes 8 specific exhibitions and various collections of the truth of history (conspiracy and process from hostile forces for the war in Vietnam); crime evidences and war consequences; kinds of weapon and tools serving for the wars; prison (prison house system, concentration camp, torture, maltreatment, corporal mutilation and spiritual oppression against political prisoners).
We also stop at the Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office. The post office, built between 1877 and 1883, is an excellent example of classic French colonial architecture.
In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Post Office in Ho Chi Minh city

Notre Dame Cathedral