Day 1: Friday: Hanoi – Arrival
Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative, then transferred to the hotel for check-in.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Day 2: Saturday: Hanoi (B/L)
After breakfast, meet the local Guide at 08:00 a.m. at your hotel lobby for the orientation tour, including a visit the Temple of Literature, the first university in the history of Vietnam. The altars are popular among students praying for good grades, while the immaculate gardens are rich in ancient trees and are considered a tranquil site where they can relax. The sightseeing continues with a visit to the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays). It houses a massive collection relating to 54 of Vietnam’s officially recognized ethnic groups, such as: various tribal arts, artifacts and everyday objects, as well as examples of traditional village houses.
Lunch is at a local restaurant, an ideal place for tasting authentic and traditional Vietnamese cuisines at a cozy atmosphere.
In the afternoon, discover the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his old residence (closed on Mondays and Fridays), where the remains of the national hero and the father of the nation rests. Then, visit the One-Pillar Pagoda, a remnant of the 11th century and was designed to resemble a lotus flower blooming from the water’s surface. Later on, explore the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi. Its intricate architecture is considered a cultural symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism. Then, visit the Ngoc Son Temple. Built in the 19th century, it is beautifully situated on Hoan Kiem Lake and can be reached through a charming wooden bridge.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a water puppet show by amazingly talented local artists, while discovering the beauty of this unique Vietnamese traditional art.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Sunday: Hanoi – Halong (B/L/D)
After an early breakfast, transfer by shuttle bus provide by Tuan Chau Port for embarkation. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy refreshing welcome drinks before beginning your cruise through the majestic Halong Bay—one of the seven natural wonders of the world, renowned for its thousands of breathtaking islands and islets. The boat continues toward Lan Ha Bay, where lunch is served on board.
In the afternoon, explore the pristine Tra Bau region, with an optional kayaking experience. Return to the boat to savor sweeping views of the Gulf of Tonkin, followed by a cooking demonstration where a chef showcases the art of preparing traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Dinner and overnight stay on board the junk.
Day 4: Monday: Ha Long – Hanoi Hue (B/Light Meal)
For early risers, start the day with an invigorating Tai Chi session on the upper deck before breakfast.
After breakfast, continue your journey with a visit to one of the bay’s most impressive caves.
While cruising back, enjoy a late breakfast before returning to the quayside on the southern side of the bay to disembark. Then, transfer to Hanoi via the boat’s shuttle bus.
Upon arrival, enjoy some leisure time before the transfer (without a guide) to the railway station for the night train to Hue.
Overnight stay on board the train.
Note: For clients who prefer not to take night train, an optional overnight stay at a hotel in Hue is available.
Day 5: Tuesday – Hue (B/L)
Arrive in Hue in the early morning. You will be welcomed by a local guide at the railway station and transferred to the hotel for breakfast. Then, enjoy a one-hour rickshaw tour to explore Hue—the ancient capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. Explore the Imperial City, a sprawling complex of remarkable temples, pavilions, museums, and galleries. Later, visit the iconic seven-story Celestial Lady Pagoda, a serene landmark often celebrated in romantic poetry and lyrical songs. Afterwards, savor a delicious, traditional family lunch in Hue, served in the heart of a lush garden.
In the late afternoon, visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, where magnificent buildings and gardens have been designed in accordance with geomancy (Feng Shui). The entire site resembles a vast park, with nature ever-present throughout. Afterward, make a brief stop at a family-run workshop specializing in the crafting of traditional incense sticks and conical hats.
Overnight stay in Hue.
Day 6: Wednesday: Hue – Danang – Hoi An (B/L)
After breakfast, depart by road toward Hoi An—an ancient Chinese and Japanese trading port that flourished in the 17th century.
Upon arrival, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant offering delicious cuisine and sweeping views of the city.
Continue with a guided exploration of Hoi An’s old town, home to remarkable cultural treasures, narrow streets lined with traditional houses, and a historic harbor now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The late afternoon concludes with a visit to a lantern-making shop, for an introduction to this ancient and delicate art technique. Later, transfer to your hotel and check-in.
Overnight stay in Hoi An.
Day 7: Thursday: Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh City (B/L)
After breakfast, transfer to Danang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed by a local guide and depart for Thien Hau Pagoda. Its exterior features a beautifully crafted traditional curvy roof, and the pagoda is said to be protected by two land turtles that reside there. Built in honor of the protective Goddess of sailors, this sacred site holds great cultural significance. Then, enjoy a stroll through the vibrant Binh Tay Market, offering an extensive selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry, and seafood sourced from regions across Vietnam.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit the old colonial residential quarter, starting with the elegant 19th-century Notre-Dame
Cathedral. This red-brick neo-Romanesque church showcases stained-glass windows and interior walls adorned with devotional tablets. Next, explore the Central Post Office, an early 20th-century neoclassical gem designed by Eiffel. Continue to the contemporary Independence Palace (interior visit), surrounded by royal palm trees. The eerie ambience of its deserted halls lends a mysterious air to the site. Afterwards, discover the grand Opera House, noted for its intricately carved stone ornaments, sparkling crystal chandeliers, and gleaming granite floors. Conclude the day with a visit to the bustling Ben Thanh Market.
Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 8: Friday: Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be – Departure (B/L)
After breakfast, depart for Cai Be. Located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, the river here splits into numerous channels and arroyos.
Upon arrival, board a sampan for a relaxing cruise along the Mekong River and its maze of tranquil canals. Then, visit a traditional colonial house and a rice popcorn workshop.
Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local specialties.
In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City.
Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Ho Chi Minh Airport for departure.
