Vietnam Tour

From Highlands to the Mekong

Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam! Upon arrival, you will meet our representative at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

Hanoi is a beautiful city rich in French colonial architecture, serving as the political center of Vietnam. The city is adorned with ancient gardens, temples, serene lakes, vibrant markets, and wide boulevards, creating a unique blend of history and culture.
Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, we will embark on a day of exploration in Hanoi. We will start by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where we can learn about the life of the revolutionary leader. Next, we will see his preserved residence and the small lake where he enjoyed walking and feeding the goldfish.

A short walk will take us to the One Pillar Pagoda, designed to resemble a lotus flower rising from the water. Following this, we will visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university established in the 11th century.

Our next stop will be the Ethnology Museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits dedicated to the diverse ethnic minorities of Vietnam, showcasing their customs and traditions preserved over centuries.
After enjoying a rickshaw ride through the Old Quarter, we’ll take a recommended break for ice cream at a nearby parlor by the lake. We continue to the Ngoc Son Temple, situated on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake.

Afterward, we will return to Hanoi. In the evening, we will transfer to the train station for our overnight journey to Lao Cai (approximately 10 hours). We will have a private cabin for two.
Overnight on the train.

Early in the morning, we will arrive at Lao Cai train station and enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant.

Afterwards, we will embark on a two-and-a-half-hour journey to the colorful Bac Ha market. This market attracts local tribal residents for commerce, connection with the modern world, and the purchase of essential goods. Here, we will observe the vibrant traditional clothing of various tribes and identify their social status by the quantity of jewelry they wear. This market is one of the last places in the world that allows intimate contact with such a rich variety of ancient cultures that preserve the historical heritage of Vietnam. You can find a vast array of consumer products, food, embroidery work, pottery, and souvenirs.

We will also visit the upper part of the market, where there is a beautiful view of the market area, and you might witness buffalo trading taking place.

Following our market visit, we will enjoy a boat ride down the Chai River in small boats and visit a village of the Thai ethnic minority.
Afterwards, we will embark on a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Sapa.

Sapa was a resort town established by the French during their rule in Vietnam. The region is located on the border between Yunnan Province in China and Vietnam, characterized by a diversity of tribes and ancient cultures that have preserved their traditional ways of life. The tribes are referred to as Montagnards (from the French meaning “mountain dwellers”), and the upcoming days will be dedicated to visiting local villages, trekking through breathtaking landscapes, and exploring colorful markets that attract the local villagers.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel.
Overnight in Sapa.

After breakfast, we will embark on a day trip through the Sapa Valley and its surrounding villages.

We will begin our journey by visiting Ma Tra village, home to the Black Hmong ethnic minority. Here, we will enjoy a scenic hike through terraced rice fields, visit the local school, and take in the picturesque agricultural landscapes that characterize the region.

Next, we will head to Ta Phin village, situated in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains and forests. This area is inhabited by two ethnic groups, the Black Hmong and Red Dzao, who, despite their geographical proximity, have distinct beliefs and ways of life.
Continuing our exploration, we will make our way to the heart of Sapa Valley, where we will hike up the mountain. Upon reaching the summit, we will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the valley below.

Our walk will lead us to Red Dzao village, where we can observe the handicrafts created by local women, including clothing, handmade goods, and bags.

After our visit, we will embark on a 5-hour journey back to Hanoi. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, we will embark on a scenic three-hour drive to Halong Bay, passing through the picturesque landscapes of the Red River Delta. The name “Halong” translates to “where the dragon descends into the sea,” derived from a Vietnamese legend about a dragon that shaped the bay and its islands with its sweeping tail.

At 11:45 AM, we will board a beautiful boat for a magical cruise, with lunch served on board. After enjoying the meal, we will transfer to a smaller boat to explore one of the islands and hike to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the bay.

In the afternoon, we will visit a floating fishing village, either by traditional wooden boat or by kayak, to explore the “Dark Cave” and the “Bright Cave.” After our adventures, we’ll return to our cruise ship and continue our sailing journey.

Dinner will be served on the boat, where seafood dishes will be featured, though alternative options can be requested.
Please note that the order of visits and sites may change without prior notice due to weather conditions and navigation permits.
Overnight on the boat.

Early risers can join a Tai Chi class on the upper deck of the boat or enjoy kayaking (for an additional fee). Afterward, we will take a boat to visit an impressive karst cave with numerous chambers. Following this, we will return to the boat and enjoy a hearty breakfast.

Afterward, we will start making our way back to the bay, arriving at the port by 11:30. We will then drive back to Hanoi, stopping along the way to visit the villages of Con Son and Lua. We will continue our journey to Hanoi.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Da Nang. From there, we will take a 40-minute drive to Hoi An, which was once one of the busiest trading ports in Vietnam. Chinese and Japanese traders established trading posts here, soon joined by the Dutch, Portuguese, and French, transforming it into a thriving cosmopolitan port city. Today, Hoi An is a small town full of charm.
Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel.
Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, we will embark on a tour of the ancient town, which features diverse architectural styles and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will visit the vibrant and colorful market, followed by the iconic Japanese Bridge. Our journey will also take us to the Fukien Assembly Hall.

In the afternoon, we will enjoy a cruise on the Thu Bon River and visit local artisan villages in the surrounding area.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Hoi An is known as the “Tailor Town,” where tailors are eager to create any garment you desire quickly and at reasonable prices. The city is also famous for its local production of colorful textile lanterns. In the evening, it’s recommended to stroll through the ancient town, enjoying the atmosphere at one of the riverside restaurants or cafes.

After breakfast, we will embark on a short drive of about an hour to Ba Na Hills for a day of exploration. This area was once a hill station established in 1919 by French colonials seeking refuge from the heat, and today it has transformed into a major amusement park.

Our adventure begins with a 20-minute cable car ride, which is 5,801 meters long, taking us to the summit. We will visit the impressive Linh Ung Pagoda and the giant Buddha statue. Next, we will stroll through the vibrant flower garden, immersing ourselves in the diverse colors and breathtaking beauty.

We will then proceed to the iconic Golden Bridge, which is 150 meters long and held aloft by giant hands, offering stunning views of the hills. The area reflects the influences of French settlement, boasting a unique blend of European and Vietnamese architecture. After enjoying lunch, we will have free time to wander around the recreated French village.

Following our time at Ba Na Hills, we will take a 40-minute drive to Da Nang Airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, this city was the capital of South Vietnam until 1975. After the country’s reunification, it was renamed after the revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh. The city is vibrant and colorful, rich in temples, monasteries, and bustling markets, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world.

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, we will transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, we will set out for a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Cai Be, located in the stunning Mekong Delta, renowned as one of the most beautiful natural areas in the world, famous for its floating villages and markets.

Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a boat trip along the Mekong River. During the cruise, we will observe small fishing boats and cargo vessels laden with fruits and vegetables, gaining insight into the unique lifestyle of the local inhabitants.

We’ll make a stop at Tan Phong Island, where we’ll board a small rowboat for a peaceful journey through the mangroves along the canal. Afterward, we’ll visit a historic house built in the 19th century and a local factory that produces coconut candy and puffed rice, providing a livelihood for the residents.

Finally, we’ll dock at the pier and head to Le Longanier restaurant for a delicious lunch. This charming restaurant is set in a colonial-style villa within a tropical garden near the river.

Afterward, we’ll take a short walk along the canal towards the Ba Bon Bridge, where we will meet our driver for the return journey to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, we will embark on a city tour, starting with a visit to Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, one of the prominent pagodas in Saigon.

Following this, we will take a walking tour along Dong Khoi Street, stopping at the Central Post Office, a stunning example of French colonial architecture, and then continue to Ben Thanh Market, a bustling indoor market filled with stalls selling souvenirs and local artworks.

Our tour will also include visits to the Reunification Palace, the War Museum, the Thien Hau Pagoda, and the vibrant Chinatown area.

At the end of the tour, depending on your flight schedule, we will transfer to the airport in Ho Chi Minh City for your return flight home.