Discover Vietnam Highlights: 15-Day Scenic Train & Cultural Journey from Hanoi to Saigon

Discover the rich history and culture of Hanoi. Begin with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university. Explore the peaceful grounds and the famous stone steles that honor ancient scholars. Next, get a deep insight into Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups at the Museum of Ethnology. In the afternoon, explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Presidential Palace and the stilt house where he lived. You'll also see the symbolic One-Pillar Pagoda. Take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting French Quarter with its elegant boulevards. Conclude the day with a walking tour of the Hanoi Old Quarter, a bustling hub of commerce and tradition. In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a unique art form with roots in the 11th century.
Included:

• Guided Tour with English-Speaking Guide

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Entrance fees for all sites

• Water Puppet Show tickets

• Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel (or similar)

From Hanoi to Tuan Chau Harbor (approx. 2.5-3 hours) After breakfast, our shuttle bus will pick you up for the scenic drive to Tuan Chau Harbor. Upon arrival, board the luxurious Sena Cruise to begin your journey through the stunning Lan Ha Bay. Enjoy a welcome drink and safety briefing before settling into your cabin. A delicious lunch will be served as the ship sails past iconic limestone karsts. In the afternoon, explore Dark and Bright Cave by bamboo boat or enjoy a refreshing swim in the bay's serene emerald waters. As the sun sets, join a Vietnamese cooking class on the sundeck and learn to make traditional spring rolls. The evening is yours to relax, enjoy dinner, or try squid fishing.

Included:

• Shuttle Bus Transfer

• Meals: B, L, D

• Sena Cruise (Deluxe Balcony Cabin)

• Bamboo boat ride, cooking class, squid fishing

• Entrance fees

Start your day with an early morning Tai Chi session on the sundeck. After a light breakfast, a day boat will take you to Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island. This ancient village offers a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese life, surrounded by majestic limestone mountains. After lunch, the cruise will move to Ba Trai Dao Beach, a tranquil paradise with soft white sand and clear turquoise water. Here, you can swim, sunbathe, or kayak to discover this hidden gem. Return to the main cruise in the late afternoon for dinner and a relaxing evening. Included:

• Meals: B, L, D

• Day boat to Viet Hai Village

• Kayaking

• Morning Tai Chi

• Accommodation: Sena Cruise (Deluxe Balcony Cabin)

Wake up to another sunrise Tai Chi session. After a light breakfast, your final bay activity is kayaking and swimming in the peaceful waters of Tra Bau, a famous filming location for "Kong: Skull Island." Return to the ship for a farewell brunch as the cruise sails back to the harbor. Upon disembarking, our driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Hanoi. The journey will take approximately 2.5-3 hours. Included:

• Shuttle Bus Transfer

• Meals: B, L

• Morning Tai Chi, kayaking

• Entrance fees

• Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel (or similar)

From Hanoi to Mai Chau (approx. 4 hours) Depart from Hanoi to the scenic valley of Mai Chau. On the way, stop at a Muong village to learn about local culture. Enjoy panoramic views from the Thung Khe Pass before arriving in Mai Hich village. Settle into your homestay and enjoy a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a walking tour (approx. 5-6 km) through local trails and villages, witnessing the harmonious blend of rice fields, mountains, and streams. In the evening, you'll be treated to a special traditional music and dance performance by local Thai villagers. Included:

• Guided Tour with English-Speaking Guide

• Meals: B, L, D

• Transportation

• Homestay Accommodation: Mai Hich Homestay

• Ethnic Dance Show

From Mai Chau to Ninh Binh (approx. 5 hours) Today, travel to the stunning Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Enjoy a scenic walk (approx. 5-6 km) through spectacular rice terraces and traditional Thai villages like Ban Don and Chom Lan. This walk offers a chance to see local life and beautiful landscapes up close. After your trek, a private transfer will take you on a picturesque 3-hour drive to Ninh Binh, known as "Halong Bay on land." Included:

• Guided Tour with English-Speaking Guide

• Meals: B, L, D

• Transportation

• Accommodation: Nep House (or similar)

Explore the serene landscapes of Ninh Binh. You can choose to bike or ride a scooter along the scenic dyke for stunning views of rice fields and limestone karsts. Visit the 11th-century Thung La Temple, where you can listen to traditional music. Later, visit a local embroidery village and participate in a hands-on workshop to learn this delicate craft from a local artisan. In the evening, enjoy an authentic Vietnamese cooking class at Nep's House, where you'll learn to prepare and then enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal.

Included:

• Guided Tour with English-Speaking Guide

• Meals: B, L, D

• Entrance fees

• Bicycle/Scooter rental

• Cooking class

• Accommodation: Nep House (or similar)

Today, you’ll discover the highlights of Ninh Binh. Start with a visit to Phat Diem Cathedral, a unique blend of Vietnamese pagoda and European church architecture. Then, take a peaceful sampan boat ride in Tam Coc, floating along the Ngo Dong River through three caves and a stunning landscape of rice fields and mountains. Next, visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital, and explore the temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le Dynasties. In the evening, transfer to Ninh Binh station to board the overnight train to Hue, offering a classic rail journey through central Vietnam.

Included:

• Guided Tour with English-Speaking Guide

• Meals: B, L

• Entrance fees

• Train Tickets: SE19 (Deluxe 4-berth cabin)

• Two bottles of mineral water

Train arrival at Hue (09:13) Arrive in Hue and meet your guide and driver. Start with a private Royal boat trip on the Perfume River to visit local villages. Disembark to enjoy a leisurely bike ride through Tien Non, Thanh Tien, and Sinh villages. You'll witness daily life and meet artisans specializing in traditional paper flowers and folk prints. In the afternoon, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic spiritual site with a majestic octagonal tower. The day culminates with a visit to the Hue Citadel, the imperial city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll explore the Forbidden City and other historical landmarks.

Included:

• Guided Tour with English-Speaking Guide

• Meals: B, L

• Boat trip, bicycle rental

• Entrance fees

• Accommodation: Rosaleen Boutique Hotel (or similar)

From Hue to Hoi An (approx. 3 hours) Begin with a visit to the impressive Khai Dinh King's Tomb, a magnificent blend of Eastern and Western architecture. The drive to Hoi An is a highlight in itself, as you’ll travel over the stunning Hai Van Pass, with breathtaking views of the coastline. Stop in Da Nang to visit the Cham Sculpture Museum before reaching Hoi An. In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the charming streets, see the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the Fujian Assembly Hall, and the beautiful Quan Thang Ancient House.

Included:

• Guided Tour with English-Speaking Guide

• Meals: B, L

• Transportation

• Entrance fees

• Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa (or similar)

This morning, take an excursion to My Son Sanctuary, the sacred valley of the Champa Kingdom. This UNESCO World Heritage site features a collection of 70 ancient temple ruins built between the 7th and 13th centuries. Your guide will explain the cultural and historical significance of the site. You'll also enjoy a traditional Champa dancing show. The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore Hoi An at your own pace.

Included:

• Guided Tour with English-Speaking Guide

• Meals: B

• Transportation

• Entrance fees

• Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa (or similar)

After a flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), our local driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the city’s most significant sites. Visit the Independence Palace, the historic former home of South Vietnam's presidents. Then, gain a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War at the War Remnants Museum. Conclude the day with a visit to Binh Tay Market in Chinatown, a vibrant hub of local goods and street food. Included:

• Domestic Flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

• Guided Tour with English-Speaking Guide

• Meals: B, L

• Transportation

• Entrance fees

• Accommodation: Elios Hotel (or similar)

From Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre (approx. 2.5 hours) Today, escape the city to the tranquil Mekong Delta. Your journey begins with a boat trip on the scenic Chet Say River. Visit a traditional brick factory and a coconut charcoal workshop. You'll also stop at a coconut candy workshop to see how this delicious treat is made, and enjoy honey tea with tropical fruits. Continue with a visit to a mat weaving workshop and take a peaceful ride through quiet village lanes by motor cart or bicycle. A traditional rowing boat will take you back to the main pier after a delicious lunch at a riverside restaurant. Included:

• Guided Tour with English-Speaking Guide

• Meals: B, L

• Boat trip, motor cart/bicycle ride

• Transportation

• Accommodation: Elios Hotel (or similar)

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel. Our driver will pick you up and transfer you to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) for your departure flight. Included:

• Private Airport Transfer

• Meal: B