A Grand Vietnam Adventure

Welcome to Vietnam! You’ll be greeted by our guide and driver, then transferred to the city (30 km – about 45 minutes by car).

Check in at your hotel (rooms available from 2:00 PM).

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a panoramic discovery of the city.
Your stay begins with a pleasant walk followed by a cyclo tour through the colonial district, where you’ll pass elegant French-style buildings such as the Hanoi Opera House, the legendary Metropole Hotel (former residence of the Indochina governors), and the State Bank (former Bank of Indochina).

Next, take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter – known as the “36 Streets” – where each alley is named after the trade that once flourished there. Exploring this lively maze on foot gives the delightful impression of stepping into a living postcard. You’ll then visit Hoan Kiem Lake (“Lake of the Returned Sword”), the emblem of Hanoi, and nearby, Ngoc Son Temple (“Temple of the Jade Mountain”), located on the lake’s largest island. With its rich and varied architecture, this sacred site is a fascinating place of culture and worship.

Overnight: Hanoi

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, head towards Phu Tay Ho Temple, dedicated to Saint Mother Lieu Hanh — a revered figure in Vietnamese folk religion. This site is also a popular pilgrimage destination for locals and offers a beautiful view of West Lake, the largest lake in Hanoi (about 500 hectares).

Continue to visit Van Nien Pagoda, one of the most beautiful pagodas in the capital, before exploring the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays). This museum vividly presents around 15,000 objects illustrating the daily life, customs, and traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The outdoor section displays authentic examples of traditional houses — a must-visit to gain a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s diverse peoples, especially the minorities you’ll encounter during your trip.

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in the 11th century (1070). This Confucian temple is one of Hanoi’s most significant cultural and historical landmarks and a fine example of traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Then explore Ngoc Ha Village, a typical neighbourhood with narrow lanes, small markets, schools, and the famous B-52 Lake where the wreckage of a U.S. bomber still lies — a vivid reminder of history. It’s a wonderful opportunity to interact with locals and take great photos.

At the end of the day, enjoy a Water Puppet Show, a traditional Vietnamese art form accompanied by live folk music. The performance (about one hour) features charming scenes from rural life and ancient legends, including the tale of the dragon. Both simple and poetic, it’s a delightful experience not to be missed.

 Overnight: Hanoi

Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, depart by road to Nghia Lo, travelling through the midlands of Tonkin (about 190 km – approximately 4.5 hours by car).
En route, stop to visit H’mong and Thai ethnic villages and a tea plantation.
Lunch at a local restaurant along the way.

Arrive in the mid-afternoon at the Muong Lo valley, the capital of the Thai people and the second-largest rice granary in the Northwest, where the town of Nghia Lo is located. The area is surrounded by lush forests, tea plantations, terraced rice fields, and rubber trees. The valleys are stunningly picturesque. The Thai, Nung, H’mong, La Ha, and Ma are the main ethnic groups inhabiting this region.

Check in with your local Thai host family.
Then, take a walk or a bike ride around the nearby villages to explore the traditional houses, gardens, crops, daily activities, and lifestyle of these highland people. In the evening, you can join the host family in preparing dinner — learn how to roll spring rolls, light a fire, and cook with chopsticks just like the locals. Dinner and overnight stay with a local Thai family in a traditional stilt house.

Overnight: Nghia Lo (Traditional Stilt House)

After breakfast, take some photos with the host family as a souvenir and thank them for their warm hospitality. Then, enjoy a morning walk to the bustling local market, where you can fully immerse yourself in the authentic daily life of the Vietnamese countryside.

Next, depart for Mu Cang Chai (100 km – approximately 3 hours by road). The route winds through the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, home to the highest peaks in Indochina.

Stop in the Tu Le valley, famous for its delicious sticky rice. Depending on your fitness level, take a 1-hour (or longer) walk through Thai and Hmong villages. The scenery is picturesque — you’ll cross bamboo suspension bridges, terraced rice fields, streams, and stilt houses. The locals, dressed in their traditional costumes, are friendly and welcoming.

After lunch in Tu Le, continue the journey toward Mu Cang Chai, crossing the Khau Pha Pass (meaning “Heaven’s Horn” in Hmong), which offers breathtaking panoramic views over terraced rice fields. The landscapes here are exceptionally beautiful, with lush valleys and majestic mountains sculpted by rice terraces.

Mu Cang Chai is considered a hidden paradise and one of the most spectacular places in Vietnam for landscape photography. Upon arrival in Mu Cang Chai, check in at your hotel. Dinner at your leisure.

Overnight: Mu Cang Chai

In the morning, explore the Mu Cang Chai region, including the villages of La Pan Tan and Che Cu Nha. The landscapes are exceptionally beautiful, with cultivated valleys and mountains adorned with terraced rice fields. Mu Cang Chai is considered a hidden paradise and one of the best spots in Vietnam for landscape photography.

During the day, you will also visit Thai and Hmong villages and the Mam Xoi hill.

Afterward, depart for Sapa (160 km – approximately 4 hours) via Than Uyen, a small town famous for its gold mines. The Than plain, where Than Uyen is located, is one of the four largest plains in Northwest Vietnam.

From Than Uyen, the scenery changes dramatically as you enter the rolling mountains of the Hoang Lien Son range, the highest mountain range in Vietnam and Indochina. The route then climbs to the Tram Ton Pass, the highest pass in Vietnam (2,047 m), offering stunning views of Mount Fansipan, the tallest peak in Indochina.

Arrive in the late afternoon in Sapa, a former French hill station. Transfer and check in at your hotel. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Dinner is at your leisure.

Overnight: Sapa (Hotel)

Breakfast at the hotel.

This day is dedicated to exploring the minority villages around Sapa, discovering their lifestyles, cultures, and traditions.

Depart from Sapa and head into the Muong Hoa valley, home to mountain tribes including Black H’Mongs, Red Daos, and Giays. This is a unique opportunity to meet and interact with village women still wearing their traditional costumes.

Continue your walk through terraced rice fields via the Y Linh Ho village, arriving at Lao Chai village for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue walking to the Tavan village before returning to Sapa by car. Dinner is at your leisure.

Overnight: Sapa

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, enjoy a walk to the villages of Ma Tra (Black H’mong) and Ta Phin (Red Dao). Discover the rich culture of the Dao people as you pass through various villages, scenic mountains, charming trails, and terraced rice fields. This walk is suitable for all and continues through the Ma Tra and Suoi Ho valleys’ terraced fields before descending into the Ta Phin valley, where you will meet your driver for the transfer to Bac Ha (120 km – approximately 3 hours).

Upon arrival, take a walk to the Thai Giang Pho village, located in a beautiful valley inhabited by the Tay people in their stilt houses, offering an intimate glimpse into the local ethnic culture. Check in at your hotel. Dinner is at your leisure.

Overnight: Bac Ha

Breakfast at the hotel,

Depart from Bac Ha heading to Ninh Binh (approx 5 hours),  one of Vietnam’s most picturesque regions, often called the “Inland Halong Bay” for its harmony of limestone karsts, rivers, plains, and wetlands.

Check in at your hotel in Ninh Binh. Lunch will be at a local restaurant, while Dinner will be at leisure.

Overnight: Ninh Binh

Breakfast at the hotel. Take a 2-hour rowboat ride on the Ngo Dong River at Tam Coc, drifting among limestone karsts, caves, and flooded rice paddies (“Tam Coc” means Three Caves).

Follow with a bicycle ride through nearby villages and rice fields, visiting the Bich Dong Pagodas on Ngu Nhac Mountain, a set of three historic pagodas offering panoramic views.

Continue cycling to the Thai Vi Temple, dedicated to the first Tran kings. Set amid rice paddies and karst peaks, the stone temple reflects traditional geomancy and provides a serene setting to admire the surrounding landscapes.

Afternoon:
Climb Hang Mua for a stunning panoramic view of the karsts and rice paddies.
The rest of the afternoon is free for personal discovery or optional visits, such as Phat Diem Cathedral, a hidden gem combining Vietnamese and European architecture.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Dinner: At leisure.

Overnight: Ninh Binh

Breakfast at the hotel.
This morning, depart by road for Halong (200 km – about 4 hours).
Upon arrival at Hon Gai pier around noon, complete the boarding formalities.

Welcome drink, introduction of the crew, and presentation of the cruise program before settling into your cabin.
Lunch featuring fresh seafood is served as the boat begins its journey through Bai Tu Long Bay, sailing among thousands of limestone islands rising from turquoise waters — a landscape so breathtaking it feels like stepping into a mythical world.

Explore Thien Canh Son Cave.
Relax on the white sandy beach of Hon Co Island or enjoy kayaking (depending on your preference). Late in the afternoon, return to the boat and take in the magnificent sunset while the cruise heads to its overnight anchorage.
Dinner featuring seafood specialties and an overnight stay on board in an air-conditioned cabin with a private bathroom.

Overnight: Ha Long Bay

An early wake-up is recommended to enjoy the sunrise over the bay.
Optional Tai Chi session on the sundeck for early risers.

Breakfast on board while the crew weighs anchor and the cruise continues its navigation.
Visit the Vung Vieng fishing village in a traditional rowboat — meet local fishermen and observe the floating fish farms.

The cruise continues through the bay, and a buffet lunch is served on board as the boat heads back to the pier. After disembarkation at Hon Gai pier, transfer directly to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. Check into your room. Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Hue (Hotel)

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, embark on a captivating journey through Hue, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and once the heart of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945).

Begin with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, constructed between 1805 and 1832 by Emperor Gia Long. Spanning over 5.2 square kilometres, the citadel’s layout mirrors traditional Eastern design while also showing French influence. Explore the Flag Tower, the Ngo Mon Gate, the Pavilion of Edicts, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, and the Royal Enclosure.

Continue with a visit to a traditional “Nha Vuon” or garden house — an architectural style unique to Hue, where home and garden blend harmoniously into one living, spiritual environment.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant, where you’ll sample Hue’s delicate regional cuisine.

In the afternoon, visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, one of the most beautiful imperial tombs in Vietnam. Designed by the emperor himself, this tranquil site, shaded by frangipani and pine trees, exemplifies traditional Vietnamese artistry and poetry.

On your way back to the city, stop at Tu Hieu Pagoda, one of Hue’s oldest and most revered monasteries. It was here that the globally renowned Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh began his spiritual journey and where he spent his final years. The pagoda radiates peace and houses an active monastic community. Within its garden rest the tombs of several royal mandarins. Return to your hotel. Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Hue (Hotel)

After breakfast, depart for Hoi An (Hội An) via Da Nang (Đà Nẵng) — a journey of roughly 150 kilometres (about 3.5 hours).
Your route follows the scenic Mandarin Road, crossing the spectacular Hai Van Pass (“Pass of the Clouds”), which offers sweeping views of the coast and mountains.

Stop en route at Lang Co Lagoon for photos and enjoy the tranquil scenery before continuing south.

Arrive in Hoi An around midday and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, Hoi An — formerly known as Faifo — was one of Southeast Asia’s busiest trading ports between the 15th and 18th centuries. Here, Chinese, Japanese, and European merchants exchanged silk, ceramics, and spices, leaving behind a remarkable architectural legacy.

Take a walking tour through Hoi An’s atmospheric old town to explore its most iconic landmarks:

• Fujian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien Temple): Dedicated to Thien Hau, goddess of the sea and protector of sailors, this ornate temple houses altars, statues, and intricate wood carvings.
• Japanese Covered Bridge: Built in 1593, this iconic bridge connects two quarters of the ancient town and features a small pagoda roofed with yellow and green tiles.
• An Ancient House: One of the best-preserved merchant homes in Hoi An, over two centuries old, showcasing a seamless fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and local architectural elements.
• Hoi An Central Market: Located by the Thu Bon River, the market bursts with colour and life — filled with the aromas of herbs and spices, vibrant fabrics, and stalls selling fresh local produce, seafood, and handicrafts.
• Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum (optional, time permitting): Founded by French photographer Réhahn Croquevielle, this museum celebrates Vietnam’s diverse ethnic cultures through striking portraits, authentic costumes, and personal stories gathered from across the country.
  

Dinner is independent.

Overnight: Hoi An (Hotel)

Lazy day in Hoi An.

You are free to explore and shop 

Our suggestions include taking a massage from a local spa, a lantern or a cooking workshop that can be booked in advance.

Overnight: Hoi An

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Danang Airport for your morning flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer into the city.

Take a walking orientation tour of the city’s colonial landmarks:

• The Central Post Office, designed with a striking iron framework attributed to Gustave Eiffel.
• The Notre-Dame Cathedral, an elegant neo-Romanesque church at the heart of downtown.
• Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), once the boulevard of French Indochina, is now a lively shopping avenue lined with boutiques and cafés.
  

Check in at your hotel (rooms available from 1:30 PM).

In the afternoon, visit the Giac Lam Pagoda, one of Saigon’s oldest and most beautiful temples of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. Continue to the vibrant Cho lon District, Saigon’s Chinatown, meaning “Big Market,” home to over half a million Hoa (ethnic Chinese Vietnamese) residents.

Explore its lively Binh Tay Market, traditional herbal medicine shops, and the Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the Sea Goddess — protectress of sailors and merchants. Built by Cantonese immigrants, its delicate ceramic reliefs were imported piece by piece from China. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning departure for the Cu Chi Tunnels (≈50 km – 1 h 30).
This vast underground network, stretching over 250 km, was initially built by the Viet Minh during the French occupation and later expanded during the Vietnam War.

Comprising three levels of tunnels, narrow passages, and hidden chambers, it served as a base of operations and a refuge for guerrilla fighters. Today, visitors can crawl through widened sections to experience the underground life firsthand — a striking reminder of wartime resilience.

Return to the city in the afternoon. Visit the War Remnants Museum, which presents a moving collection of photographs, artifacts, and exhibits documenting the Vietnam War.

End the day at the Bitexco Financial Tower (262 m). Take the elevator to the Saigon Skydeck (49th floor) for panoramic city views, and optionally visit the Ao Dai Museum featuring Vietnam’s traditional dress. Lunch at a local restaurant. Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning pick-up by our driver at your Saigon hotel and direct road transfer without a guide to Cai Be Pier (120 km / ~2h30). Board your private Song Xanh sampan for a 2D/1N cruise.

Begin cruising from Phu An Pier at 10:00. Settle in and watch life unfold along the riverbanks as your attentive crew serves tea and seasonal fruit. Continue toward Binh Minh, with stops en route at local cottage industries using rice and coconuts to make tasty snacks such as puffed rice and soft coconut candy. Arrive at Dong Hoa Hiep village to visit a historic heritage house.

Resume your sampan journey, observing daily life and lovely scenery from the water. Cross the Co Chien River past picturesque villages to visit a clay pot factory. Lunch is served on board while cruising a narrow canal toward Binh Minh. Later, go ashore to see how locals make a living and visit a Cao Dai temple.

Return to your sampan and enjoy the sunset as Song Xanh proceeds toward the Hau River. Dinner and overnight on board

Overnight: Mekong Delta

Depart early from your hotel for a cruise to the Cai Rang floating market, which is busiest in the early morning. A rich and colourful spectacle that will delight photography enthusiasts.

The walk continues through the small canals, meeting local artisans of the Mekong Delta. Discover a rice processing workshop, a traditional noodle factory, and then the Le Binh market, a bustling fish and vegetable market on the banks of the Mekong.

Then, transfer to the Rach Gia pier (90km – 2 hours). Free lunch on the way.

Upon arrival in Rach Gia, you will take the speedboat that departs at 1:15 pm. and arrives at Phu Quoc Island around 2:35 p.m. You will be met by the driver and transferred to your hotel in Phu Quoc.

Overnight: Phu Quoc

Free day for your relaxation at the beach or personal discovery.

Overnight: Phu Quoc (Hotel)

Free day for your relaxation at the beach or personal discovery.

Overnight: Phu Quoc (Hotel)

Free time until transfer to Phu Quoc airport for Saigon, and then your return flight