Unforgetable Vietnam

You will be met by our tour guide at the Ho Chi Minh airport, who will take you to your hotel to check in. Overnight at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh.

You will begin your urban experience in bustling Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the country's commercial center and home to a growing number of upscale restaurants and shops. You will visit Chinatown, the Thien Hau Pagoda, the Reunification Palace, the Opera House and the Hotel de Ville. If you so desire, you can also visit the moving War Remnants Museum.
Next up, you will explore colorful outdoor markets and Dong Khoi Street, the city's main shopping boulevard with shops selling clothes and accessories by new Vietnamese designers, hill tribe crafts, high quality linens and housewares. You will surely be ready for another relaxing overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Cao Dai Temple – Just outside Tay Ninh and 60 miles northwest of Ho Chi Minh City is the Great Temple or Holy See, the center of the intriguing Cao Dai sect. Cao Dai is a syncretist Vietnamese religious movement that incorporates aspect of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and even Catholicism. The Cao Dai Temple (as it is more commonly known) was begun in 1933 in a unique architectural style that reflects its blended traditions. Most people visit on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.
Cu Chi tunnels: The tunnels were used by Viet Cong guerrillas as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous guerrilla fighters. The tunnel systems were of great importance to the Viet Cong in their resistance to American forces, and helped achieve ultimate military success.

Pick up from hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.Enjoy the scenic journey along the National Highway bordered by green rice fields. On arrived at My Tho, take a leisurely boat ride along the river, view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages along the river bank. Proceed to Tortoise islet, have lunch in the orchard garden. Then a boat ride to An Khanh – a less touristy attraction in Ben Tre, enjoy cruising on a hand-rowed sampan under the shadow of the water coconut trees along natural canals, then enjoy seasonal fruit & honey tea to the sound of "Southern Vietnamese folk music", performed by locals. Visit a family business which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste the delicious coconut candy & observe the pastoral life as you roam through the fruit plantation and village. This trip provides a fascinating insight into daily life in the Mekong Delta and you are guaranteed to take home your own private collection of beautiful memories.You will then arrive in Can Tho for an overnight stay.

It’s an early start to the day as you go by boat the daily floating market of Can Tho. Experience the flurry of vendors trading their wares as boats teeming with fruit, vegetables and household goods ply the waters. Then it’s off to travel back to Ho Chi Minh City about 4 hours driving. On the way you will have lunch at Anh Vo traditional house. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, you will leave Ho Chi Minh City and head for Da Lat, known as the "City of Eternal Spring." Upon arrival in Da Lat, you will be picked up and transferred to the hotel. Late in the afternoon you will be able to take a short walk to get a feel for this delightful city. Free day at leisure and overnight in Dalat

Dalat was established in 1897 once French colonialists discovered its cool temperate weather as a salve for the heat of steamy Saigon. By the early 20th century the town had grown with boarding schools, military colleges, resorts and private villas all built in the French style and few of which remain today. Visit the summer palace of Vietnams last emperor, Bao Dai, an art deco style villa was constructed in1933. At the time it was considered quite luxurious but with the wisdom of time it now looks like a movie set from the 1950s. Bao Dai was forced to abdicate in 1945, shortly after the end of World War II and spent the rest of his life in voluntary exile in France. Continue to the botanical gardens and see a vast array of flowers in bloom, sculpted into different shapes and animals. Take a cable car ride over the gardens for a birds-eye view. Head to the Truc Lam Zen Monastery for a look into monks at work and see the daily rhythms of temple life. This is a unique form of Zen founded during the Tran dynasty where practitioners develop self-reliance and realisation through meditation. The scenery around the temple is quite breathtaking. Later in the afternoon drive to Pongour Waterfall the most beautiful in the south. The waterfall has many cascades falling from 30 metres to pools below. Overnight in Dalat

Your will drive, via Prenn Pass, to the "Chicken Village" (so called because of its statue of a chicken), which is inhabited by the Koho minority people. From here you will head east and down the Ngoan Muc Pass to the coastal lowlands and Nha Trang, the country's premier resort city. This part of the country was once inhabited by an ancient civilization known as the Cham, and our next stop will be at the Po Klong Garai Cham Tower. This amazing structure, which has endured the test of time, the elements and indeed war, was built in the 13th century. You will stop for lunch at Cam Ranh Bay before arrival in Nha Trang for check in. Free time at leisure and overnight in Nha Trang.

Day at leisure

Day at leisure

Our guide will meet you at hotel lobby and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Danang. Upon arrival at Danang International airport, you will with our guide and transfer you to hotel in Hoi An. Free time to explore the town on your own

Pick up from your hotel for a half day tour of Hoi An, a former trading port that welcomed Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants between the 16th to 18th centuries. Today Hoi An is famous for its homemade silk, restored architecture, delicious noodles and seafood and expert tailors. Its relaxed vibe and pedestrian streets make this town a pleasure to walk around and discover new things. The tour includes stops at several famous landmarks. The first is Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, to see the Jinshang Temple which is dedicated to the goddess of the sea and the protector of sailors Next, pop into Chua Ong Pagoda, dating back to 1653 and built in honor of the Chinese general Quan Cong, who is worshipped by many as a symbol of loyalty and justice.. From there it’s a short walk to Tan Ky House, a 200 year old ancestral house and finally, stroll across the often photographed 17th century covered bridge built by Japanese craftsmen. The beautifully built bridge doubles as a temple and is a major landmark of Hoi An. End your half day tour with a boat trip along Thu Bon river.

You will drive from Hoi An for another World Heritage site, Hue, via the Hai Van pass. On the way, stop to visit the Marble Mountains and a handicraft village before arriving in Hue. Overnight in Hue

Today’s tour will begin at 8:30. Kick off the Hue city day tour at the UNESCO-Heritage Imperial Citadel. Roam the expansive grounds, hearing stories of the majestic buildings and the intriguing former emperors. Take a look at areas damaged by conflicts, both ancient and modern, and learn of Hue’s role in Vietnam’s military history. Continue by cyclo to discover the tranquil gardens and traditional buildings of the region, before arriving at the lotus-filled Tinh Tam Lake. Meaning ‘Peace of Mind’, this former emperors’ relaxation spot is still a popular place for Hue residents to wind down at the end of the day. The next stop is Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s iconic landmarks. Discover the many unique spiritual and architectural elements of Thien Mu while touring the compound with the guide. Listen to fascinating stories about the pagoda’s 400-year history and enjoy views over the nearby Perfume River before heading to a local restaurant for lunch. This afternoon, leave the city centre and travel through Hue’s beautiful countryside. Visit the tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, a Nguyen Dynasty ruler well known for his opposition to any French involvement in Vietnam. Explore his remarkable tomb, admiring the imposing architecture and gorgeous forest setting while learning more about this historic leader. Continue to Khai Dinh’s tomb for a tour of this equally remarkable complex. Admire the blend of traditional Vietnamese design with European touches, which makes it unique from the other tombs in Hue. Carry on to nearby Ho Quyen, a crumbling arena in the middle of the woods. Hear how emperors used the arena to stage fights between elephants and tigers as a form of entertainment for the Royal Court. Before heading back to the hotel, take time to browse the stalls at Dong Ba Market. The market is teeming with colour and a great place to catch a glimpse of everyday life in modern Hue

You will transfer to the airport for a flight to Hanoi, the colonial capital city, famous for tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and classic pagodas and temples. Start your afternoon with a visit to the Ngoc Son temple set on a tiny island on the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. The temple is reached by crossing the Huc Bridge which literally means the ‘Place Touched by Morning Sunbeams. Hear the legend of an emperor, a magic sword and a giant turtle, and how the lake took its name. Take a breezy cyclo ride through the Old Quarter’s 36 streets, a place where Hanoians buy everything from noodles to light fixtures to Buddha statues. The quarter’s 36 streets were named for the products that were sold from their shops. Today, vendors on Tin and Bamboo Streets still sell the same wares. Then your guide will take you on a culinary adventure, sampling street food in the Old Quarter. It’s a great opportunity to try all those weird and wonderful foods you see but just aren’t sure what they are! Start your Hanoi Street Eats tour at Bia Hoi corner to try the local brew, a draft beer that traces its roots to Eastern Europe. Do as the locals do and pull up a stool and enjoy a drink while watching the world go by. Continue through the old quarter’s narrow streets as your guide points out a range of tasty noodles, breads and snacks. At night the sidewalks are packed with locals perched on stools, amongst sizzling woks and bubbling pots. These small pop up restaurants are a nightly feature that all but disappear during the day. Sit down and enjoy a flame grilled Vietnamese barbecue of beef, chicken, tofu and vegetables on skewers. End the night with dessert from Hanoi’s best-known ice-cream parlour. Overnight in Hanoi

You will have a full day of leisure to explore this charming city of Hanoi. In the evening your guide meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the Hanoi Train station for the overnight train to Lao Cai, where you will begin your Sapa adventure. Overnight on the train.

Arriving early this morning at Lao Cai station, there will be a vehicle waiting to transfer you to Sapa. The drive to Sapa takes around 1.5 hours. Once at Sapa, you will check in to the hotel for freshen up and breakfast at the restaurant (early check in subject to availability). In the afternoon you will take a walking tour to the hill tribe villages of Cat Cat, home to the H'mong hill tribe minority people. As you walk to the villages nestled in the valley below Sapa, you will meet some of the local minority people on their way to and from Sapa. Here you will have the opportunity to share cultural experiences with the families that live in the area. You will have an overnight stay in Sapa.

Meet your guide and transfer to the small Giay village of Ta Van, in the breathtaking Muong Hoa Valley. Enjoy a scenic walk through the tranquil rice terraces towards the Black H’mong village of Lao Chai. Marvel at the cascading paddy fields that cling to the mountainside and take in one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking views before arriving at the home of Ms Moo, a local Black H’mong lady. Soak in the view whilst learning more about the traditional life and culture of the Black H’mong people and enjoying a traditional H’mong herbal foot bath! Afterwards head over to nearby Lao Chai village where you will learn the art of Batik painting. The beautiful textiles of the Black H’mong are famous around the world and Batik is a traditional part of H’mong culture. Under threat from modernization, Batik is now only practiced by a handful of villagers. Join a hands-on master class led by a local expert and take your creation home! You will be supporting a sustainable tourism project that supports local women and ensures this amazing art form is handed down to the next generation. The tour concludes with a stroll to the main road before transferring back to Lao Cai Station for overnight train back to Hanoi.

Arriving in Hanoi early this morning at around 5am, you will be picked up transfer to hotel for day use room and breakfast. Depart from Hanoi and travel about four hours to the port of Halong Bay. Take a small tender boat to meet your junk, which will be anchored just offshore. After a short safety briefing, set sail to the outer reaches of Bai Tu Long Bay, passing by stunning limestone karsts jutting out of the jade waters. Relaxing on a white sandy beach or taking to the water for a spot of kayaking. In the evening join in a cooking demonstration before a pleasant evening on board.

Start a new day with Tai Chi on the sundeck with a beautiful morning view of Bai Tu Long, followed with a cup of tea or coffee. Have breakfast in the fresh air while cruising to the Cong Do area. Explore the well- hidden Thien Canh Son Cave, one of hundreds in the Halong area, before enjoying a final example of Halong hospitality with an early buffet lunch on the way back to the harbour. Drive to Hanoi in the afternoon

There is no activity planned for today, so you are free to enjoy yourself souvenir shopping until transfer to the airport for your onward flight.