Vietnam Tour

Following the Flying Dragon’s Trail

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 the Lao Cai train station and enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant.

Afterward, we will embark on a full-day tour in the Sapa Valley and its surrounding villages. We will start our journey by visiting Ma Tra village, home to the Black Hmong ethnic minority. A scenic trek through rice terraces will lead us to the local school, where we can appreciate the agricultural landscape of the area.

Next, we will visit Ta Phin village, situated in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains and forests. This village is inhabited by both the Black Hmong and Red Dzao ethnic groups, who, despite their geographical proximity, have very different beliefs and lifestyles.

We will continue to the center of Sapa Valley, where we’ll enjoy a trek uphill. Upon reaching the summit, we will be greeted by breathtaking views of the valley.
Our walk will lead us to the Red Dzao village, where we can witness the handicrafts created by local women, including clothing, handmade goods, and bags.

Finally, we will travel to Sapa, a resort town established by the French during their colonial rule in Vietnam. This area lies on the border between Yunnan, China, and Vietnam, characterized by a rich diversity of ethnic tribes and ancient cultures that have preserved their traditional lifestyles. These tribes are referred to as “Montagnards” (French for “mountain dwellers”), and the upcoming days will be dedicated to visiting local villages, trekking through stunning landscapes, and exploring vibrant markets.

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

After breakfast, we will embark on a two-and-a-half-hour journey to the vibrant Bac Ha market. This market attracts residents from various ethnic tribes in the area for trade, connection with the modern world, and essential goods.

You’ll notice the colorful attire of the different tribespeople and be able to identify their status by the amount of jewelry they wear. Bac Ha is one of the last markets in the world that offers a rich encounter with such a diverse array of ancient cultures that preserve Vietnam’s historical heritage. The market features a vast selection of consumer goods, food, handicrafts, ceramics, and souvenirs.

We will also visit the upper part of the market, which provides a beautiful viewpoint over the market area, where buffalo trade takes place.

Afterward, we will enjoy a boat ride down the Chai River on small boats and visit a village of the Thai ethnic minority. Following this, we will return to Sapa and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Sapa.

After breakfast, a short drive will take us to the cable car station for Fansipan Mountain. This cable car system is the highest, longest (non-stop), and most modern of its kind in the world, having opened in 2016 by a European investor from the Sungroup. Each cabin can accommodate about 30-35 people, and the ride takes approximately 20 minutes from the base of the mountain to its peak at 3,143 meters, offering a scenic journey through a sea of clouds. The summit is referred to as the “roof of Indochina,” providing breathtaking views. In the past, it took two days to trek to the top.
Important: Please bring warm clothing.

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, we will transfer to the airport for a flight to Hue, a city beautifully located on the banks of the Perfume River, known for its rich history as the imperial capital of Vietnam and its stunning ancient architecture.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, we will embark on a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River. Along the river, we will glimpse a small fishing village. We will continue downstream to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most iconic structures in Vietnam, and the tomb of Minh Mang.

Next, we will explore the Imperial City, the official residence of Vietnamese emperors. The city consists of three parts, with the inner city housing the “Forbidden Purple City.” Recently, the city has been undergoing renovation and restoration funded by UNESCO. We will visit the tomb of Tu Duc and the surrounding burial caves, followed by a trip to Tu Dam Pagoda, the largest and oldest pagoda in the city.

Afterward, we will drive approximately three hours south to Hoi An. Along the way, we will appreciate the local villages scattered along the route and enjoy the beauty of the ocean. Hoi An was once one of the busiest trading ports in Vietnam. Chinese and Japanese merchants established trading posts here, and soon joined by the Dutch, Portuguese, and French, it became a thriving cosmopolitan port city. Today, it is a charming town filled with atmosphere.

Upon arrival, transfer to the 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’ll head to the airport in Da Nang for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), which served as the capital of South Vietnam until 1975. Following the unification of the country, it was renamed Ho Chi Minh City. The skyline of Saigon is adorned with modern skyscrapers, yet the city retains its unique character, bustling with temples, vibrant markets, and a lively population, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world.

Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a city tour. We’ll visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral, built in the late 19th century, and stop at the Central Post Office. Next, we’ll explore Ben Thanh Market, a covered market featuring numerous stalls, including souvenirs and local artwork. The itinerary also includes visits to Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, the Reunification Palace, the War Museum, Thien Hau Pagoda, and Cholon, the city’s Chinatown.

Afterwards, we’ll transfer to the hotel.

In the evening, enjoy the AO Show, a modern acrobatic performance showcasing scenes from everyday life in Vietnam.
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 tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, where the Viet Cong fighters took refuge during the Vietnam War as a survival tactic against American airstrikes. These tunnels stretch over 200 square kilometers and functioned as a massive underground city, completely hidden from the surface, which included hospitals, weapon factories, and living quarters.

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.