Discover the Hidden Treasures of Vietnam by Road 28 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi (D)

Upon arriving at Hanoi 's Noi Bai International airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel. There will be a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, followed by evening water puppet performance - an art form which originated in Vietnam at least 1,000 years ago. You will then spend the night in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi Sightseeing (B/L/D)

You will have a full day to visit Hanoi 's main cultural attractions, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his House on Stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, Quan Thanh temple, the Vietnam History Museum, the Fine Arts Museum and the Temple of Literature. You’ll then enjoy a “Food & Wine Pairing” dinner at the award-winning Press Club restaurant where international fare is laced with Asian influences and wines are selected to compliment these tastes. Then it’s a restful overnight stay in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi – Ceramic village - Lao Cai by night train (B/D)

In the morning you will have free time to explore the fascinating Old Quarter and its hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquer ware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, cooking utensils, ceremonial objects and more.  You’ll enjoy people watching at stylish cafes and be able to shop for impressive modern art in the city's myriad galleries.

In the afternoon you will be taken to the Bat Trang ceramics village, a 500-year-old village,  located on the left bank of the Red River. There you will not only see how ceramic products are made, but you’ll be able to try your hand at making your own work of art.  Next, you will enjoy a buffalo cart trip around the village before heading back to Hanoi for dinner and then being transferred to the train station for an overnight trip to Lao Cai.

Day 4: Lao Cai – Sapa (B/D)

The train will bring you to Lao Cai station at approximately 06:00. From here you will take a 1.5 hour drive to Sapa. Once in Sapa, you will freshen up, have breakfast at TaVan Restaurant in the hotel and then be free to explore the town. In the afternoon there will be a walking tour to the Cat Cat villages, home of the Black H'mong minority people. While walking through the village, you will stop to visit some local families to share cultural experiences before retiring to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Sapa Trekking (B/L)

In the morning you will set out on a 3 to 4 hour trek along buffalo paths which wind through the hill tribe villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van, home to H'mong and Dzay people. This is an absolutely spectacular walk through stunning scenery, inhabited by some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. After lunch at a local restaurant on the way to Ta Van village, you will be taken back to Sapa by car for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Sapa – Bac Ha Sunday Hill tribe market (B/D)

After an early rise, you will head to the Bac Ha Sunday Hill tribe market. It is about 100km from Sapa and takes about 2 hours to drive. The Bac Ha Sunday Hill tribe market is one of the most exciting markets in the South East Asia. It is a trading centre and meeting place for couples, friends, and relatives, and it is a typical weekly activity for the H’Mong and other minority groups living in the locality. After the market, you will enjoy a walking tour to H’mong village of Ban Pho. There you will try some “Bac Ha home-made maize wine” and learn how to make this famous wine yourself. After that, you’ll head back to Lao Cai for dinner and catch your overnight train to Hanoi.

Day 7: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B/L/D)

You will arrive in Hanoi at around 05:00 and then be driven around the city to enjoy a variety of activities, including a visit to the Hanoi flower market. Then you’ll have breakfast before setting out on a three hour drive to Halong Bay. Welcome aboard and set sail through bay while lunch is served. Passage into the magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragons’ teeth. Later afternoon, visit an interesting fishing village with opportunity to interact with fishmen who have been living in the bay for almost three generations. Back on board and enjoy cocktails or cooking class while watching sunset and later unwind at restaurant for a lavish dinner. Enjoy some evening activities as movie night, board games, or beauty spa. Overnight on the junk

Day 8: Halong Bay – Ninh Binh (B)

You’ll wake early for a tranquil Tai Chi session on the sundeck, or you may choose among a variety of activities like kayaking and swimming. After a buffet breakfast, you’ll visit Sung Sot cave – one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay. After you check out, you will head to Tuần Châu Island then rejoin your private car for a drive to Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh. Hoa Lu was the old capital of Vietnam under the Dinh Dynasty between 968 and 1009. You will have unstructured leisure time before retiring for the evening.

Day 9: Ninh Binh - Dinh and Le Temples - Tam Coc - Thai Vi Temple - Bich Dong Pagoda (B/L)
You will start cycling on the countryside road to Hoa Lu, an ancient citadel of Vietnam dating back to the 10th Century. You will stop here in order to visit Dinh and Le Temples, as well as Nhat Tru Pagoda or the One Pillar Pagoda which is reached on foot. Then you will continue riding through the limestone peaks to Tam Coc, passing rice paddies and rural villages. You will have lunch in Tam Coc near the boat pier before continuing biking to explore Tam Coc, Thai Vi Temple, Bich Dong Pagoda before retiring for the evening in Hue.

Day 10: Ninh Binh – World Cultural Heritage (B/L)

You’ll bid farewell to Ninh Binh and head to Quang Binh – a province on the North Central Coast of Vietnam. On the way, you will stop to visit the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty, named a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2011. The citadel was the capital of Vietnam from 1397 to 1407 and one of Vietnam’s most impressive architectural works, using around 20,000 cubic meters of rock and nearly 100,000 cubic meters of soil. You’ll then continue driving to Nhat Le Beach in Quang Binh for an overnight stay.

Day 11: World Heritage Site Phong Nha – Ke Bang (B/L)

In the morning you will head for the boat station to set out on a trip on the Son river to visit the 400 hundred meter high Tien Son Cave. Then you’ll re-board and set out to explore the 600 meter underground river, which is the longest underground river in the world. You’ll then head back to the resort at Nha Le Beach for an overnight stay.

Day 12: Quang Binh – DMZ - Worl Heritage Hue (B/L/D)

Leaving Quang Binh in the morning, you will drive to Hue, located in the Centre of Vietnam. In the 19th century, Hue was the home of the Nguyen Dynasty, who built opulent palaces, gardens and mausoleums on the banks of the Perfume River. This peaceful central city has long been synonymous with royalty, culture and spiritual reflection. You will stop to visit part of the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) including the Vinh Moc Tunnels, Cua Tung Beach, the Ben Hai River and the Quang Tri Citadel before retiring for the evening in Hue.

Day 13: Hue Sightseeing (B/D)

Today you will travel over the Hai Van pass, via Danang, to visit the My Son Cham Ruins. My Son is the former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled Central Vietnam from the second to the thirteenth century. Their religion was primarily derived from Indian Hinduism. This site is a must-see for those who are interested in architecture and ancient civilizations. You’ll then drive to Hoi An. From the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab traders and was renowned for its high grade silk and ceramics, which are still produced in the area. You’ll enjoy a relaxing overnight stay in Hoi An.

Day 14: Hoi An – Fish & Farm Life (B/D)

You will enjoy a half-day walking tour through the narrow, winding streets of the Ancient Quarter as you visit Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200- year old Tam Ky ancestral house, and the Japanese Bridge. In the afternoon, you will bike along country roads to experience Vietnamese rural life and get in touch with local farmers. You’ll also take a sampan ride on the Thu Bon River to meet and interact with local fishermen, as well as enjoy the hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. You will also experience paddling the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat. After cycling back to town, you will have free time to relax at a local pub, do some shopping or visit the local tailors who make quality clothes in a flash. You’ll then spend the night in Hoi An.

Day 15: Hoi An – Qui Nhon (B/L)

You will bid farewell to Hoi An and head South to Qui Nhon in Binh Dinh province. On the way, you’ll stop at Chien Dan Cham Tower and visit some of the spectacular unspoiled beaches, before spending the night in Qui Nhon.

Day 16: Cham Towers Explore (B/L)

You will have a full day to explore the Cham towers in Qui Nhon, including Banh It Tower, which is located on a picturesque hilltop. You will also see Duong Long Tower (which is about 50 km from Qui Nhon City) and Thap Doi, or “Twin Towers”, which are actually in the city itself. On the corners of the towers you will find the body of the God bird Garuda. Then you’ll enjoy free time at the resort or at the Ghenh Rang Beauty Spot, which should prepare you for a relaxing overnight stay in Qui Nhon.

Day 17: Qui Nhon – Nha Trang (B/L)

In the morning you will depart for Nha Trang. Voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Nha Trang boasts a six-mile stretch of beautiful fine white sand, quiet and warm waters, and stunning archipelagoes, After check-in, you will be free to relax on the beach and spend the night in Nha Trang.

Day 18: Nha Trang (B)

Today will be a free day for you to relax and enjoy the resort facilities. You may choose to engage in some water sports like snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, waterskiing or boating to Ninh Van Bay or Nha Trang Bay. You’ll then sspend the night in Nha Trang.

Day 19: Nha Trang (B)

You’ll have another day to indulge in whatever you may have missed on the previous day, or you might just want to lounge around the resort and take a well-deserved day off! You’ll then spend a final night in Nha Trang.

Day 20: Nha Trang – Phan Rang - Phan Thiet – Mui Ne (B)

You will continue your Vietnam coastal journey on your way to Phan Thiet. Along the way, you will visit the Proklong Garai Cham Tower, one of the most beautiful towers in the country. The tower was built in honor of the legendary King Po Klaung Garai by King Jaya Simhavarman III, who ruled the Champa nation from 1285 to 1307. You will then have free time to explore Phan Thiet before a restful overnight stay.

Day 21: Phan Thiet (B)

In the morning, you will visit the Cham Po Sha Nu complex, built in the 8th century. The towers clearly display the influence of Hinduism in the area and similar towers can be found all across South-East Asia and back to India. You’ll continue on to the Lighthouse of Khe Ga before heading back to the resort where you will have free time to relax and enjoy the facilities before retiring for the evening.

Day 22: Phan Thiet – HCMC (B/D)

You will have free time in the morning, before setting out for Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon, as the city is still sometimes referred to). It is Vietnam's largest city and the heart of Vietnamese business and entrepreneurship. In the evening, you’ll enjoy walking to explore the colorful outdoor markets and Dong Khoi Street. Don Khoi Street is the city's main upscale shopping boulevard, with boutiques selling clothes and accessories designed by new Vietnamese designers, hill tribe crafts, high quality linens and housewares. You will be treated to dinner at a local restaurant to taste some of Vietnam’s Southern dishes, followed by an overnight stay in HCMC.

Day 23: HCMC (B/L)

You will have a full day to explore HCMC, including visits to Chinatown, Thien Hau Pagoda and Giac Lam Pagoda, which is HCMC's oldest pagoda, dating back to 1744. After lunch at local restaurant, you will continue exploring, visiting the Reunification Palace, the Opera House, the Hotel de Ville, the War Remnants Museum and end the day at Ben Thanh market. You will stay overnight in HCMC.

Day 24: Cu Chi Underground Tunnels (B)

In the morning, you will enjoy a half-day private excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The Cu Chi Tunnels consist of more than 200km of underground tunnels, with multiple branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters, and entrances to other tunnels. The network included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers and kitchens. Today, the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction, giving the visitor a unique experience and a feel of what underground life must have been like during the U.S.-Vietnam War. You will have leisure time in the afternoon and stay overnight in HCMC.

Day 25: HCMC – My Tho – Can Tho (B/L)

You’ll leave HCMC on your way to lush My Tho, located in the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, you will take a boat trip to four beautiful islets: Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix , and Tortoise. You will discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe typical rural life on the delta. You’ll visit traditional houses (all made from coconut) in Quoi An village, enjoy seasonal fruit and listen to traditional music. Next you’ll take a horse cart along the village path and stop at Ben Truc orchard where you can taste honey with tea or Mekong whisky (the establishment has a funny rule for guests to enter). You’ll enjoy a fantastic lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your drive to Can Tho and the Dong Tam snake-farm. You’ll then have a relaxing overnight stay in Can Tho.

Day 26: Floating Market – HCMC (B/L)

Rising early (06:30), you will join the Cai Rang floating market on “The Lady Hau” cruise. You will enjoy breakfast on the "Lady Hau" while cruising to the floating market. Then, you’ll continue cruising along narrow creeks to visit a noodle factory and an orchard. After sampling local fruits, you will be taken back to the hotel to meet your car and drive back to HCMC for free time and an overnight stay.

Day 27: HCMC (B)

There is no activity planned for today, but there will plenty to do if you so choose. Perhaps you’ll want to hop on a cyclo for an adventure through the city’s winding street as you pass popular sights like Tao Dan Park on your way to a tour of Notre Dame Cathedral. Or, you can simply sample a variety of food and drink at the cities seemingly endless array of restaurants and cafes. You’ll have an overnight stay and have a chance to relax and reflect upon everything you have seen.

Day 28: Departure (B)

There is no activity planned for today, so you will be able to pack, plan and still have leisure time before heading to the airport and bidding farewell to HCMC

Services Included

• Twenty-seven nights of accommodation and overnight travel services.
• Premium 4-star or luxury 5-star hotels according to the selected package.
• Double or twin sharing, with a single room provisionally allowed for the fifth traveller.
• Two overnight air-conditioned soft-sleeper train journeys.
• One overnight Ha Long Bay cruise in a private twin or double cabin.
• Twenty-seven breakfasts.
• Twenty-two lunches or cruise brunches.
• Six dinners as stated in the itinerary.
• Private airport pick-up in Hanoi and departure transfer in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Private air-conditioned transportation throughout the scheduled road itinerary.
• Professional drivers, fuel, road tolls, parking fees and driver expenses.
• Experienced English-speaking guides during scheduled sightseeing.
• Ha Long Bay cruise activities included in the confirmed cruise program.
• Ninh Binh sampan excursion.
• Phong Nha boat service.
• Perfume River boat excursion in Hue.
• Hoi An farming, fishing and basket-boat experience.
• Private or selected small-boat services in the Mekong Delta.
• Cai Rang floating-market boat excursion.
• All scheduled sightseeing entrance fees.
• Water puppet performance in Hanoi.
• Bottled drinking water and tissues during private transfers.
• Local taxes and service charges for included ground arrangements.
• Twenty-four-hour local assistance during the journey.

Services Not Included

• International flights to Hanoi and from Ho Chi Minh City.
• Vietnam visa or electronic visa fees.
• Travel, medical, cancellation and emergency-evacuation insurance.
• Meals not clearly stated in the confirmed itinerary.
• Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, coffee and minibar consumption.
• Optional Nha Trang island tours, diving and water sports.
• Optional activities during free days.
• Private overnight train-cabin upgrade when not stated in the final quotation.
• Single-room supplement beyond the confirmed room arrangement.
• Early hotel check-in and late hotel check-out.
• Room, suite, villa and premium-view upgrades.
• Laundry, telephone calls, spa treatments and personal expenses.
• Tips for guides, drivers, cruise crews, boat crews and hotel staff.
• Peak-season, weekend-cruise and public-holiday supplements.
• Christmas, New Year and Lunar New Year supplements.
• Compulsory hotel or cruise gala dinners.
• Additional costs caused by weather, traffic, railway disruption or force majeure.
• Any service not clearly listed under “Services Included”.