The Very Best of Vietnam

Xin Chao! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam.

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, your private guide and driver will be waiting outside the arrivals hall, holding a welcome signboard with your name. They will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Hanoi.

While every effort will be made to have your room ready upon arrival, the standard check-in time is 2:00 pm, so early check-in is subject to availability. Your guide will share helpful information about your stay and answer any questions you may have.

The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Today, with your private guide and driver, explore Hanoi’s top attractions and discover the city’s authentic street food culture, sampling local favourites at atmospheric stalls tucked away from the main tourist trails.

Morning
Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, where the Vietnamese people pay tribute to the country’s beloved leader. Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which houses his embalmed body, and his House on Stilts to gain insight into his simple lifestyle. Nearby, admire the historic One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic 11th-century Buddhist temple with a distinctive architectural design.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, a historic complex dating back nearly a thousand years. Discover its role as both a Confucian temple and Vietnam’s first national university.

Enjoy lunch at Lan Ong Restaurant, where history, culture, and contemporary Vietnamese cuisine come together in an intimate setting.

Afternoon
After lunch, visit Hoa Lo Prison, often nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton,” which was used by French colonial authorities and later held American prisoners of war.

Then, enjoy a fun cyclo ride through Hanoi’s French Quarter, taking in its elegant colonial architecture and landmarks such as the Vietnam National Museum of History, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, and Hanoi Opera House.

Continue with a short walk to Hanoi Train Street, where trains pass remarkably close to the cafés lining the railway. Settle into a local café, enjoy a Vietnamese cappuccino or another refreshing drink, and soak up the lively atmosphere.

End the day with a walking tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a bustling maze of narrow streets that offers a fascinating contrast to the more stately French Quarter. Dive into Hanoi’s vibrant street food scene, stopping at local stalls and tucked-away eateries along the way. Your guide will introduce you to the ingredients, fresh herbs, and flavours behind each dish as you sample local favourites, perhaps perched on tiny plastic stools alongside Hanoi residents. Highlights may include Nom Du Du (green papaya salad), Banh Mi Pate (a Vietnamese baguette sandwich), and Bun Cha, Hanoi’s signature dish of grilled pork served with noodles and dipping sauce.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Morning
After breakfast, your limousine transfer will pick you up from your hotel for the approximately five-hour drive to Sapa. Established as a hill station by the French in 1922, Sapa is now one of northern Vietnam’s premier trekking destinations, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, lush rice terraces, and remote ethnic minority villages that offer a glimpse into a way of life far removed from the bustle of the cities.

Afternoon
Upon arrival in Sapa and check-in at your hotel, meet your private guide and driver for a scenic 40-minute drive to Tram Ton Pass, at 2,047 metres above sea level, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam. Take in the spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and forests of Hoang Lien National Park before setting off on a gentle 30-minute trek through the tropical forest, discovering its rich flora and fauna along the way. Continue beside a stream to Love Waterfall, a picturesque spot where you can pause and enjoy the tranquil natural surroundings.

Return to Tram Ton Pass and drive back to Sapa. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at leisure. You might stroll around town, visit the Old French Church, or climb Dragon’s Jaw Mountain for panoramic views over Sapa and its surrounding mountains.

Overnight in Sapa.

Morning
After breakfast, meet your local guide and leave Sapa’s bustling town centre behind as you begin a scenic trek through the Muong Hoa Valley, renowned for its lush landscapes, terraced rice fields, and traditional ethnic minority villages.

Follow a small trail downhill to Y Linh Ho Village, nestled beside the Muong Hoa River, before continuing to Lao Chai, home to the Black Hmong people, one of the largest ethnic minority groups in the Sapa region. Proud of their cultural heritage, the Black Hmong maintain many of their traditional customs, language, and indigo-dyed clothing. Along the way, observe simple traditional homes and stone walls that offer glimpses into their longstanding way of life.

Afternoon
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before continuing on foot to Ta Van Village, situated at around 1,200 metres above sea level and home to the Giay people, a smaller ethnic group from northwestern Vietnam. Discover their distinctive culture and traditional wooden and bamboo houses, often featuring clay floors. You may also see local women wearing colourful traditional blouses in shades of purple, blue, and green.

If visiting between May and October, you may have the opportunity to observe seasonal farming activities, from planting rice to harvesting, depending on the time of your visit.

After exploring Ta Van Village, your vehicle will transfer you back to Sapa, arriving at approximately 3:30 pm.

Approximate duration: 30 minutes driving, 5 hours trekking, and 1 hour for lunch.

Morning
Enjoy a relaxing morning at leisure before checking out of your hotel by midday.

Afternoon
Your guide and driver will then transfer you to Fansipan Cable Car Station for a spectacular ride towards the summit of Mount Fansipan, at 3,143 metres above sea level and known as the “Roof of Indochina.” The cable car journey takes approximately 20 minutes, carrying you above lush mountain forests and dramatic cloud-covered landscapes.

Upon arrival, take in the breathtaking panoramic views from one of Vietnam’s most remarkable mountain peaks. Depending on the weather, you may find yourself surrounded by rolling clouds, verdant slopes, and sweeping vistas across the Hoang Lien Son mountain range.

After your visit, return by cable car and continue by vehicle to Lao Cai Railway Station for your overnight train journey to Hanoi.

Evening
You can leave your luggage at a local restaurant near the station and enjoy dinner before boarding the train. Accommodation is in a private four-berth, air-conditioned soft-sleeper compartment. The train is scheduled to depart at around 8:00 pm and arrive in Hanoi at approximately 6:00 am the following morning.

Overnight on the air-conditioned train.

Arrive at Hanoi Railway Station at around 5:20 am and proceed to a nearby hotel to drop off your luggage, freshen up, and enjoy breakfast.

07:45–08:30 Your private guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Ha Long Bay, one of northern Vietnam’s most spectacular natural landscapes. Enjoy the scenic drive with a short rest stop along the way.

11:40 Arrive at the waiting lounge at Ha Long International Cruise Port, where you can relax briefly while the captain completes the registration process. You will then board a tender boat to reach your cruise.

12:35 Enjoy a welcome drink and a short safety briefing before settling into your cabin and learning about the activities planned for your journey.

13:00 Savour a delicious Vietnamese set-menu lunch as the cruise glides through the tranquil waters of Bai Tu Long Bay, surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts.

15:00 Arrive at Cap La Island, where you can enjoy kayaking among the limestone formations, take a swim, or simply relax and admire the breathtaking scenery.

17:30 Return to the boat for a sunset party as the cruise sails towards its overnight anchorage. Join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and learn to prepare a simple yet delicious local dish, such as nem cuon (fresh spring rolls), reportedly featured by chef Gordon Ramsay, or try your hand at fruit and vegetable carving.

19:00 Enjoy a sumptuous set-menu dinner on board.

20:30 Spend the evening at leisure. Try traditional Vietnamese puzzle games, gather your family or fellow travellers for a board game, or try your luck at squid fishing. Alternatively, sip a cocktail and unwind beneath the peaceful night sky over the bay.

Note: If your schedule permits, we highly recommend adding an extra night on board. This allows more time to relax and explore the bay, cruising deeper into its quieter, more secluded areas and enjoying even more of its spectacular limestone scenery.

Overnight on board the cruise.

06:30: Start your morning with a relaxing Tai Chi session on the sundeck, or admire the bay’s stunning scenery over a cup of tea or coffee.

07:00: Enjoy breakfast on board to fuel up for the morning’s activities.

08:00: Explore the hidden gem of Thien Canh Son Cave, known for its fascinating rock formations.

09:00: Return to the boat to freshen up and finish packing.

10:00: Savour a traditional Vietnamese lunch on board as the cruise makes its way back to the harbour.

11:00–11:30: Disembark at Ha Long International Cruise Port.

11:30–12:00: Transfer by bus back to Hanoi, with a short rest stop along the way.

15:00–15:30: Upon arrival at your hotel in Hanoi, meet your private driver for a direct transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang, in central Vietnam.

Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, your private guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to Hoi An, a charming UNESCO World Heritage town known for its lantern-lit streets, historic architecture, and riverside atmosphere. If you prefer to stay by the beach, Hoi An also offers beautiful coastal resorts just a short drive from the town centre. Please let us know your preference when booking.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Morning
After breakfast, meet your guide for a cycling tour through Hoi An’s peaceful countryside, following quiet lanes towards the Thu Bon River. For safety, a short cycling competency test will be conducted before departure. If you prefer not to cycle, a private car can be arranged at an additional cost.

Pedal past lush rice fields, water buffalo, and coconut palm groves, observing local farmers at work and traditional rural life along the way. Pause for a visit with a local family in Cam Thanh Village, then enjoy a 1.5-hour ride in a traditional basket boat through the water coconut palm forest. Learn how to manoeuvre these distinctive round boats and try your hand at catching fish and purple crabs along the tranquil waterways.

Continue cycling to Tra Que Organic Vegetable Village, where local farmers grow fresh herbs and vegetables using traditional, environmentally sustainable methods. Learn about their farming practices before enjoying a herbal foot soak and foot massage at a local family’s home. Then cycle back to your hotel for some time to relax before the afternoon’s activities.

Afternoon
Meet your guide for a walking tour of Hoi An’s Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its well-preserved architecture and charming streets. Visit key landmarks, including Chua Ong Pagoda, Tan Ky Ancient House, Fujian Assembly Hall, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.

Continue to the Precious Heritage Museum to discover photographer Réhahn’s remarkable collection of portraits, traditional costumes, and cultural artefacts representing Vietnam’s diverse ethnic communities.

Next, enjoy a peaceful pause at Reaching Out Tea House, a serene oasis tucked away in the bustling Old Town. Operated by staff who are deaf or hard of hearing, the tea house offers a thoughtful and welcoming setting in which to savour fragrant teas and delicious cakes.

End the day with a Hoi An street food discovery tour, weaving through narrow alleyways and sampling local specialities at lively street stalls and tucked-away eateries. Along the way, meet local vendors, discover the flavours and condiments that define Hoi An’s cuisine, and experience the town’s vibrant food culture like a local.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Hoi An, a charming UNESCO World Heritage town known for its historic architecture, vibrant food scene, and excellent shopping. Wander through its lantern-lined streets, browse the many tailor shops where custom-made suits can often be ready within 24 hours, or savour local specialities at the town’s inviting cafés and restaurants.

For a more hands-on experience, you may wish to join a Vietnamese cooking class, visiting a local market to select fresh ingredients before learning to prepare some of Hoi An’s signature dishes.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Morning
After breakfast, meet your private guide and driver for the approximately four-hour journey to the royal city of Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital. Today’s drive promises some of the most spectacular coastal scenery of your trip as you cross the winding Hai Van Pass, with sweeping views of the mountains and the East Sea.

En route, stop to explore the Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone and marble hills dotted with caves, pagodas, and Buddhist sanctuaries. Continue along My Khe Beach, once a popular R&R destination for American servicemen during the war, before travelling north towards Lang Co Beach, a picturesque stretch of coastline framed by turquoise waters and verdant mountains. You will also visit a nearby fishing village for a glimpse of traditional coastal life.

Arrive in Hue around midday and check in to your hotel.

Afternoon
Spend the rest of the day at leisure. You may wish to take a gentle stroll along the Perfume River, explore the lively streets around the city centre, or discover Hue’s celebrated royal cuisine at a local restaurant. Alternatively, simply relax at your hotel and enjoy the slower pace of this historic city.

Overnight in Hue.

Morning
Begin the day with a visit to Thanh Toan Village, where you can experience the lively morning market as locals gather to buy fresh produce and everyday essentials. Nearby, discover the 300-year-old Thanh Toan Covered Bridge and the local Cultural Museum, offering insights into rural life and the traditions of the surrounding community.

Continue to the Hue Imperial Citadel, the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam’s last royal dynasty, which ruled from 1802 to 1945. Wander through its ancient walled complex, exploring the grand Imperial Palace and the Forbidden Purple City, once reserved for the emperor and his inner court.

Next, visit the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities, home to a fascinating collection of royal artefacts, ceramics, and decorative objects that offer a glimpse into the refined tastes and courtly traditions of Vietnam’s imperial past.

Enjoy lunch at a selected local restaurant.

Afternoon
Explore the Tomb of Tu Duc, the serene resting place of one of the Nguyen emperors, set amid landscaped gardens, pavilions, and tranquil ponds.

Continue to Vong Canh Hill, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Perfume River and its surrounding pine-covered hills. If the timing and weather permit, enjoy the beautiful late-afternoon light across the river valley.

On the way back to town, stop at a local workshop to see artisans making traditional incense sticks and conical hats, two enduring symbols of Vietnamese craftsmanship.

Overnight in Hue.

Morning
After breakfast, your private guide and driver will transfer you to Hue Airport for a short flight south to Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately known as Saigon by many locals. As Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic city, it offers a fascinating blend of historic landmarks, colonial architecture, and modern urban life.

Upon arrival, transfer to your centrally located hotel and check in.

Afternoon
Begin your exploration at the Reunification Palace, a landmark closely associated with the end of the Vietnam War. On 30 April 1975, a North Vietnamese Army tank broke through its gates, marking a defining moment in the country’s modern history. Explore the palace’s preserved reception rooms, offices, and underground command facilities for a glimpse into this pivotal period.

Continue to admire the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon from the outside, an iconic red-brick landmark built during the French colonial era. Across the square, visit the Saigon Central Post Office, admired for its elegant architecture and distinctive historical character.

Return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. You may wish to explore the surrounding streets, browse local shops, or discover the city’s vibrant café and dining scene.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, meet your private guide for the approximately 1.5-hour drive to Ben Duoc, a quieter section of the Cu Chi Tunnels that offers a more peaceful alternative to the busier tourist site.

Upon arrival, watch a short documentary introducing the tunnels and their historical significance before exploring this remarkable underground network. Built and used by Viet Cong forces during the Vietnam War, the tunnels contained living quarters, meeting rooms, kitchens, storage areas, and makeshift hospitals, serving as both a place of refuge and a strategic base.

With your guide, discover the stories behind this intricate network and learn how soldiers and local people survived underground in extraordinarily challenging conditions. For a more immersive experience, you can try crawling through an accessible section of the tunnels, some of which have been widened for visitors.

At the end of the visit, sample boiled cassava with tea, a simple staple that sustained soldiers during the war.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on the way back to Ho Chi Minh City. Return to your hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Morning
After breakfast, meet your private guide and driver for a scenic two-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre, in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Known for its fertile farmland, winding waterways, and abundant coconut groves, this region offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s traditional rural life.

Upon arrival, board a motorized boat to explore the intricate waterways of the coconut-lined canals. Along the way, visit local cottage industries to witness traditional brick-making and the craft of handwoven sleeping mats, skills passed down through generations.

Continue with a leisurely walk along village lanes, stopping at local homes to sample fresh tropical fruits and honey tea while enjoying a traditional Đờn ca tài tử music performance, a distinctive art form of southern Vietnam.

Next, take a serene sampan ride through palm-fringed canals, surrounded by lush tropical greenery. Then, hop aboard a traditional xe lôi motor cart for a ride through peaceful hamlets, rice fields, coconut groves, and vibrant orchards.

Afternoon
Enjoy a local lunch featuring Mekong Delta specialities, such as tiger prawns and elephant ear fish, before returning to the pier for the drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.

The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at leisure. You may wish to browse a lively night market and sample local street food, or enjoy a cocktail at the iconic Rex Hotel’s rooftop bar, soaking up the atmosphere of old Saigon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then spend the morning at leisure until check-out time. Depending on your flight schedule, your private driver will pick you up and transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight home. If you’re continuing your adventures, we’ll be delighted to help plan the next leg of your journey.