Enchanting Vietnam

Welcome to Hanoi! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. The standard hotel check-in time is from 2:00 PM. If you arrive earlier, you may leave your luggage at the hotel and begin exploring the city while waiting for your room to be ready.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may spend the afternoon exploring the city at leisure. Suggested experiences include a walk through the bustling 36 Streets of the Old Quarter, where you can witness the daily rhythm of local life.

You will also visit the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, a symbol of Hanoi, along with Ngoc Son Temple and Pen Tower (Tháp Bút). This complex showcases Vietnam’s rich folk traditions and spiritual practices.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show, a centuries-old art form in which colourful wooden puppets dance on water, depicting legends and scenes of rural life.

Dinner and overnight in Hanoi.

In the morning, visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, with a history spanning more than 1,500 years. Located on a small peninsula on the eastern shore of West Lake, the pagoda offers a peaceful setting surrounded by water and greenery. With its distinctive red pagoda, ancient Bodhi tree, and serene atmosphere, Tran Quoc is an important spiritual landmark and a beautiful introduction to Hanoi’s Buddhist heritage.

Continue to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), which houses around 1,500 objects illustrating the daily life, customs, and costumes of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The outdoor exhibition features traditional houses and examples of ethnic architecture, providing a comprehensive insight into Vietnam’s cultural diversity.

Lunch of Hanoi’s famous cuisine, "Bun Cha," at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Mausoleum (outside view), the stilt house where he lived and worked, and the surrounding gardens. Additionally, we stop at the One Pillar Pagoda, originally built in 1049 and resembling a lotus blossom rising from the water.

Later, explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070. This beautiful Confucian complex is a vital cultural monument of Hanoi and a prime example of traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Dinner at leisure and overnight in Hanoi.

Overnight: Hanoi

After breakfast, check out and depart for Pu Luong Nature Reserve (approximately 170 km – around 4–4.5 hours’ drive). The scenic journey takes you away from the bustle of Hanoi and into the peaceful countryside of northern Vietnam, passing through mountain landscapes, rural villages, and lush valleys along the way.

Upon arrival in Pu Luong, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or your accommodation before checking in and taking some time to relax.

In the afternoon, set out on a leisurely walking tour through the local villages of Pu Luong. Wander along small paths surrounded by terraced rice fields, traditional stilt houses, streams, and beautiful mountain scenery. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to observe everyday village life and learn more about the culture and traditions of the local Thai and Muong ethnic communities.

Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon. Enjoy dinner and a peaceful evening surrounded by the natural beauty of Pu Luong.

Overnight: Pu Luong

Breakfast at your hotel.

In the morning, visit Hieu Waterfall, one of Pu Luong’s beautiful natural attractions, surrounded by lush forest and peaceful mountain scenery. Enjoy some time by the waterfall before taking a leisurely walk through Hieu Village, where traditional stilt houses, rice terraces, and everyday village life offer a glimpse into the local Thai community.

Continue to Ban Cong to visit Pu Luong’s traditional waterwheels, an irrigation system that has been used by local communities to bring water from the streams to the surrounding rice fields.

Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing bamboo rafting experience along Cham Stream, drifting gently through the countryside and taking in the scenery from the water.

In the afternoon, depart Pu Luong and transfer to Ninh Binh. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Ninh Binh

Breakfast at the hotel.

Start the morning with a rowboat trip along the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc. This scenic journey takes you through natural caves, beneath towering limestone karsts, and alongside peaceful rice paddies — landscapes that have earned Ninh Binh its nickname, “Ha Long Bay on Land.”

After the boat trip, begin a scenic cycling journey from Tam Coc to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Cycle along quiet countryside roads, passing lush rice fields, limestone mountains, small villages, and rural landscapes along the way. The cycling route offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the peaceful atmosphere and everyday life of Ninh Binh.

Upon arrival at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, explore the temples dedicated to the kings of the Dinh Dynasty (968–980) and Early Le Dynasty (980–1009). Once the political and economic centre of Vietnam, Hoa Lu is surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains that provided natural protection for the ancient capital. The historic temples preserve beautiful wood and stone carvings reflecting Vietnam’s early architecture and craftsmanship.

After the visit, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Dinner at leisure and overnight in Ninh Binh.

Overnight: Ninh Binh

Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for Ha Long Bay (210 km – approx. 4.5 hours). Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Covering around 1,500 km² with nearly 2,000 islands and islets, the bay is dotted with dramatic limestone karsts, hidden caves, and emerald waters.

Board your cruise around midday. After a welcome drink and safety briefing, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch as the boat begins its journey across the bay, passing thousands of limestone formations rising from the sea like mythical creatures.

In the afternoon, you may choose to go kayaking through secluded lagoons or simply relax on deck and admire the stunning scenery. As the sun sets, the bay is bathed in golden light, offering one of the most magical views in Vietnam.

A dinner of fresh seafood will be served onboard, followed by free time to relax. Spend the night in your comfortable private cabin with en-suite facilities.

Overnight: Ha Long Bay (Cruise)

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over Ha Long Bay, a truly unforgettable moment. After breakfast, continue cruising through the bay’s spectacular limestone islets and peaceful waters. Depending on the cruise programme, enjoy the morning activities and take in the beautiful scenery before returning towards the harbour.

After disembarkation, transfer to Hanoi Noi Bai Airport (approximately 160 km – around 3.5 hours’ drive) for your flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport, meet your driver and transfer to Hoi An (approximately 30 km – around 45 minutes’ drive).

Check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Hoi An

After breakfast, take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River, observing local fishing activities and the daily rhythms of riverside life.

Lunch will be shared with a local family, where you’ll join a cooking lesson to prepare Mi Quang, Quang Nam’s signature noodle dish, and enjoy the meal together.

In the afternoon, return to Hoi An Ancient Town and explore its atmospheric streets, historic merchant houses, colourful temples, local markets, and charming riverside. Enjoy some free time to browse artisan shops, cafés, and boutiques at your own pace.

As evening approaches, experience the magical atmosphere of Hoi An as colourful lanterns illuminate the old streets and riverfront.

Overnight: Hoi An

Breakfast at the hotel, then head into the countryside for a cycling experience through Go Noi Village, a peaceful rural area surrounded by rice paddies, farmland, and traditional villages.

Cycle along quiet country lanes and experience the slower pace of rural life in Central Vietnam. Along the way, meet local residents and learn about traditional farming practices and everyday village life. Depending on the season, you may see farmers tending their fields, harvesting crops, or working in small family-run workshops.

Enjoy lunch before returning to Hoi An and transferring to Da Nang Railway Station.

In the afternoon, board the train to Hue, one of Vietnam’s most scenic railway journeys. The route winds along the coast and through the Hai Van Pass, offering beautiful views of mountains, lagoons, beaches, and the sea.

Upon arrival in Hue, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. Evening at leisure.

Overnight: Hue

Breakfast at the hotel.

Begin your day exploring Hue Imperial City, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Constructed by Emperor Gia Long in the early 19th century, the citadel once served as the political, cultural, and religious heart of Vietnam. Within its 5.2 km² complex, discover the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Forbidden Purple City, and other royal residences.

Continue with a visit to Hue’s traditional garden houses, unique examples of architecture from the Nguyen dynasty, combining Confucian aesthetics with lush tropical gardens.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, explore Tu Duc’s Mausoleum, set amid pine forests and lotus ponds. This elegant complex reflects the emperor’s poetic spirit and is considered one of the most beautiful royal tombs in Hue. Visit nearby Tu Hieu Pagoda, home to a community of monks and known for its tranquil setting.

End the day at a traditional workshop where you can learn the art of making conical hats (Non La), a symbol of Vietnamese culture. Dinner and overnight in Hue.

Overnight: Hue

Breakfast at the hotel and free morning at leisure in Hue.

In the afternoon, transfer to Phu Bai Airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Known as the “Pearl of the Far East,” Saigon blends colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and modern skyscrapers. The city’s charm lies in its bustling markets, shaded boulevards, and historic landmarks.

Dinner at leisure and overnight in Saigon.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Start the day at Reunification Palace, the former Presidential Palace of South Vietnam, symbolizing the country’s reunification in 1975.

Continue to the War Remnants Museum, which houses powerful exhibitions of photographs and artifacts from the Vietnam War.

Before lunch, stop at Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, two architectural landmarks built during the French colonial period. Stroll down Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), lined with boutiques, cafés, and historic buildings.

In the afternoon, explore Cholon (Chinatown) and Binh Tay Market, where Chinese merchants have traded for generations. Continue to Thien Hau Pagoda, one of Cholon’s most atmospheric temples, dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu. Admire its traditional architecture, intricate carvings, and incense-filled courtyards while learning about the heritage of Saigon’s Chinese community.

Return to the hotel. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Saigon.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Breakfast at the hotel and free time to relax or explore before your departure.

At the scheduled time, transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.

Our services end here, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your journey through enchanting Vietnam.

Flight Out.