Arrive in Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam, where you’ll be greeted by an English-speaking guide and transferred to your centrally located hotel (check-in from 2:00 p.m.). The day’s program will be adapted based on your arrival time.

Begin exploring the historic heart of the city:

• Visit King Ly Thai To Square, a symbol of Hanoi’s deep-rooted heritage.

• Walk along the Lake of the Restored Sword, home to Ngoc Son Temple and Turtle Islet.

• Stroll through the Old Quarter, famous for its 36 ancient guild streets, each named after the goods once crafted and sold there. Stop by Ma May Street to discover a preserved “Tube” house, an architectural hallmark of old Hanoi.

• Continue with a cyclo ride past colonial landmarks such as the Grand Théâtre, the Metropole Hotel, the State Bank, and the Central Post Office.

Conclude the day with a restful night at the hotel, marking the beginning of your 2-week journey across Vietnam from north to south.

Spend the day exploring Hanoi’s most significant cultural and historical landmarks:

• The Temple of Literature – An emblem of Vietnam’s feudal education system and one of the city’s most iconic monuments.

• Ba Dinh Square – Discover the site of the former palace of the Indochina governor, alongside the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his simple stilt house.

• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – Home to over 25,000 ancient and modern artifacts, offering a fascinating insight into the cultural heritage and daily life of Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups.

In the evening, attend a traditional water puppet show, a uniquely Vietnamese art form that brings folklore to life through music and puppetry on water.

Later, transfer to the railway station and board an overnight train to your next destination. Night in a sleeper cabin.

Arriving early at Lao Cai train station, you’ll be welcomed by a local English-speaking guide and transferred to a nearby hotel for a refreshing shower and breakfast.

Afterward, depart for Bac Ha, a peaceful town located about 100 km northeast of Sapa. Upon arrival, set off on a hiking excursion through the mountains, hills, and valleys that surround the region.

• Begin your trek through pine forests to reach Ngai Phong Cho, a remote village inhabited by the Flower Hmong and Phu La ethnic groups. Here, you’ll find traditional thatched-roof houses that reflect the area’s cultural authenticity.

• If time permits, continue on to Thai Giang Pho, known as the “Valley of Flowers”, and visit the lesser-known villages of Thai Giang Pho and Na Lo, home to the Tay and Black Hmong communities.

• Visit a local family engaged in traditional rice wine production, where you’ll gain insight into this regional craft and its role in community life.

In the evening, settle in with a welcoming Tay family for an overnight stay in their stilt house.

Enjoy a shared dinner with the hosts, offering a meaningful opportunity to connect with local culture, observe family customs, and experience the hospitality of the Tay people firsthand.

Depending on the day of the week, you may have the chance to visit one of the vibrant weekly markets near Bac Ha. These gatherings attract a wide array of ethnic minority groups who come to trade goods, exchange news, and socialize—offering a colorful and authentic glimpse into highland life.

After the market visit, transfer to Sapa, a former French colonial hill station and home to the Hmong, Dzao, and Dzay communities.

In the afternoon, explore the villages of Hang Da and Sa Seng, nestled among dramatic karst limestone formations:

• Walk through small hamlets where you can observe daily farming activities, such as indigo dyeing and traditional cultivation methods.

• Continue to Sa Seng, a scenic valley surrounded by mountain ridges. Along the way, you’ll pass through forests, streams, and rice terraces, with many opportunities for photography.

• The route also offers views of tomato and cabbage farms, as well as traditional wooden homes tucked into the landscape.

Return to Sapa town at the end of the day and enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel.

Enjoy a full day of hiking through the stunning Muong Hoa Valley, one of the most picturesque landscapes in northern Vietnam.

• Visit ethnic minority villages nestled in the valley:

  • Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai, home to the Black Hmong people, known for their indigo-dyed clothing and terraced rice fields.

  • Ta Van, a peaceful village inhabited by the Dzay minority, with its wooden stilt houses and colorful traditional attire.

• Along the way, observe and interact with local farmers working in the rice fields—offering a unique window into daily rural life in the mountains.

Later in the afternoon, depart for a scenic drive back to Hanoi (approximately 5.5 to 6 hours).

Check in at your hotel and spend the night in the capital.

Travel to Ninh Binh, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land”, a region of dramatic limestone karsts, emerald rice fields, and waterways that remain lush year-round.

• Upon arrival in Ninh Xuan, visit Mount Mua. Climb the iconic 486 white stone steps to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the Tam Coc valley, its rice fields, and river channels winding through the mountains.

• Continue to Tam Coc for a leisurely bike ride, allowing you to take in the peaceful countryside and its stunning scenery.

• In the afternoon, enjoy a sampan boat ride on the Ngo Dong River. Glide past rice paddies, sail between limestone outcrops, and pass under the three atmospheric caves nestled at the foot of towering cliffs.

Return to Hanoi in the evening for an overnight stay at your hotel.

Optional: For a shorter drive the next day, you may choose to stay overnight in Ninh Binh instead of returning to Hanoi. This would allow a direct departure to Halong Bay the next morning with your guide and private car. Please contact us for this alternative option.

Begin your journey to Halong Bay, regarded as the most breathtaking bay in Vietnam and one of Asia’s most spectacular natural wonders. Upon arrival, step aboard a traditional wooden junk boat, where the crew will warmly welcome you.

• Cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay, the quieter northern part of Halong, known for its serene waters and dramatic limestone formations. Admire the uniquely shaped islets resembling sails, dogs, roosters, and incense burners.

• Visit Thien Canh Son Cave, a hidden gem filled with ancient stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years.

• Continue the cruise to Cap La, where you’ll have the chance to kayak among the limestone pillars and, weather permitting, swim in the crystal-clear bay.

• In the late afternoon, unwind on the sun deck as the boat gently glides across the calm waters.

Onboard activities include:

• A cooking demonstration, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese spring rolls.

• Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch and dinner, freshly prepared by the onboard chef.

• In the evening, you are free to relax at your leisure—play cards, try your hand at night squid fishing, or simply enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the bay.

Spend the night aboard the junk, lulled by the gentle waves of Halong Bay.

Depart by road for Hoi An, a charming ancient town located approximately 150 km south of Hue. Along the journey, enjoy several captivating stops:

• Thuan An and Lang Co beaches – Take in the peaceful coastal scenery and observe local fish farms spread across vast lagoons, vital to the region’s economy.

• Hai Van Pass (Cloud Pass) – Cross the most famous mountain pass in central Vietnam, offering panoramic views of the sea and surrounding hills.

• Visit small melaleuca oil workshops, where you can learn about the traditional production of this local essential oil.

• Pass by the fascinating “Ghost Towns”, roadside cemeteries with tombs designed like miniature castles and temples, blending elements of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer architecture—an extraordinary sight.

Arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon. After check-in at your hotel, enjoy a peaceful evening and overnight stay in this well-preserved riverside town.

Depart by road for Hoi An, a charming ancient town located approximately 150 km south of Hue. Along the journey, enjoy several captivating stops:

• Thuan An and Lang Co beaches – Take in the peaceful coastal scenery and observe local fish farms spread across vast lagoons, vital to the region’s economy.

• Hai Van Pass (Cloud Pass) – Cross the most famous mountain pass in central Vietnam, offering panoramic views of the sea and surrounding hills.

• Visit small melaleuca oil workshops, where you can learn about the traditional production of this local essential oil.

• Pass by the fascinating “Ghost Towns”, roadside cemeteries with tombs designed like miniature castles and temples, blending elements of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer architecture—an extraordinary sight.

Arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon. After check-in at your hotel, enjoy a peaceful evening and overnight stay in this well-preserved riverside town.

Take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling southern capital of Vietnam, formerly known as Saigon. Upon arrival, begin your city exploration with key highlights:

• Ben Thanh Market – A lively and iconic market in the heart of the city, offering everything from fresh produce to souvenirs.

• Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office – Architectural landmarks built during the French colonial era, with the post office designed by Gustave Eiffel.

• People’s Committee Headquarters – Formerly known as Marie Centrale, this elegant colonial building is considered one of the most beautiful in the city.

• Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine – A fascinating museum showcasing over 3,000 years of medical practices and herbal remedies.

• Cho Lon (Chinatown) – Discover this vibrant district, home to the Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the Heavenly Lady and rich with cultural heritage.

Check in to your hotel and spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

Depart for the Mekong Delta, a unique region of interwoven waterways and fertile lands in southern Vietnam.

• Arrive in Ben Tre, a town nestled among the northern branches of the Mekong River. Begin your journey with a boat ride to Mo Cay, a tranquil rural area known for its coconut plantations and coconut-based industries such as rope making, activated charcoal, and candy production.

• Continue with a bike ride or xe lôi (a motorized tricycle) through lush green islands covered in coconut palms. The peaceful path, far from mass tourism, leads you along shady trails and through small villages. Stop at local workshops to see how traditional coconut sweets and brooms are made.

• Enjoy a rowing boat ride through narrow canals lined with water palm trees, offering a deep immersion into delta life.

  • Visit Mr. Van’s traditional house, where you’ll taste homemade coconut jam, honey tea, and other local specialties prepared by his wife. Take this opportunity to interact with friendly locals and learn about their daily life.

• In the afternoon, transfer to Vinh Long, then cross to An Binh Island, aptly named “peaceful island,” located in the heart of the river.

• Settle in at Madame Thuy’s guesthouse, a charming and quiet home surrounded by gardens.

  • Enjoy some free time to relax in this serene environment.

  • In the evening, join your hosts to help prepare a traditional Vietnamese dinner, then savor your homemade meal together.

Spend the night at Madame Thuy’s, soaking in the warmth of authentic Mekong hospitality.

Wake up early and bid farewell to your hosts before transferring to Can Tho, the capital of the Mekong Delta, located on the right bank of the river’s southern branch.

• Upon arrival, board a boat for a cruise along the Mekong to visit the Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the region’s largest and most vibrant. Experience the bustling atmosphere as boats filled with fruits, vegetables, and various goods converge in this unique river-based marketplace.

• Disembark to explore the An Binh land market, located just across from Cai Rang. This visit offers a fascinating comparison between the river and land trade practices of the delta.

• Continue to Phong Dien, where you’ll visit a local orchard, then take a bike ride through peaceful hamlets nestled along the So Dua River, offering a final glimpse into the everyday rhythm of life in this fertile region.

• In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City.

• From there, you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure.