Day 1: Hanoi
On arrival in Hanoi transfer to your hotel of choice.
Day 2: Hanoi - Sapa (B, L)
Enjoy a personally guided city tour where Hanoi’s rich history will be unraveled and local life revealed, including a traditional cyclo tour through the narrow ancient streets of the exotic Old Quarter. In the evening board the overnight train to Lao Cai near the Chinese border.
Day 3: Sapa (B, L)
Arrive early morning and head into the hills of Sapa. Navigate small paths into valleys and along rivers, passing through small ethnic minority hill tribes such as the Black H’mong. They are proud of their culture and still keep their traditions and way of living, including their own language and traditional indigo blue, embroidered clothing. This evening, either hike into Ta Van village and stay overnight with a local family or return to the comfort of a hotel in Sapa.
Day 4: Sapa - Hanoi (B)
Today visit the Red Dao people, stopping at a waterfall along the way. The Red Dao women wear colourful red embroidery and coins on their clothing and red scarves on their heads. Some of the women have shaved off their eyebrows because of a Red Dao Legend. Afternoon at leisure in Sapa to explore local markets before boarding the overnight train back to Hanoi.
Day 5: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B, L, D)
After an early traditional breakfast drive east to Halong Bay. With more than a thousand limestone peaks rising up from its emerald waters, this area is one of five World Heritage-listed sites in Vietnam. Spend the rest of the day exploring limestone caves, relaxing on the deck, swimming, or kayaking in secluded lagoons, followed by a seafood feast for dinner.
Day 6: Halong Bay - Hue (B, L)
Wake up to the sun rising over the bay and enjoy an early morning swim, followed by breakfast and a visit to a spectacular cave. In the afternoon transfer to the airport and fly south to the ancient town of Hue.
Day 7: Hue (B, L)
The cultural capital of Vietnam is rich with history, culture and religion. Spend the day exploring the Citadel, home to the Royal Palace and Forbidden City (now a UNESCO World Heritage site) before a sunset cruise along the Perfume River.
Day 8: Hue - Hoi An (B)
Drive to Hoi An via the coastal Hai Van Pass, visiting the Cham museum along the way. Afternoon in Hoi An at leisure to shop at the tailors or relax on the beach.
Day 9: Hoi An (B, L)
Get your walking shoes on for a guided tour through this World Heritage town, before experiencing a real culinary treat – a cooking class! Hoi An is renowned for its culinary delights and you will get to enjoy the fruits of your efforts!
Day 10: Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City (B)
After lunch fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Spend the afternoon in the bustling city taking in the highlights of Saigon.
Day 11: Mekong Delta (B, L)
Delve into the heart of the Mekong Delta on a cruise on a traditional sampan, exploring the fascinating life on the Mekong River. Visit a floating market, a beautiful island and dine at a superb Indochine restaurant, an ideal way to spend the day on the Delta.
Day 12: Depart Ho Chi Minh City (B)
You will be driven to the airport for your flight out of Vietnam.
