Vietnam Grandeur: 17-Day Luxury Journey from Hanoi to Saigon with Halong Bay Cruise

Morning Immersion: Delve deep into Hanoi’s intellectual past at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university. Walk beneath the majestic Khue Van Cac and discover the ancient "stone steles" that honor past scholars.

Historical Insight: Spend a solemn, yet essential, hour at the Hoa Lo Prison Museum (The Hanoi Hilton), gaining profound insight into Vietnam's resilient history.

Afternoon Grandeur: Explore the elegant French Quarter, a "Little Paris" featuring grand, tree-lined boulevards and architectural masterpieces. Continue to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you walk the serene botanical gardens, past the Presidential Palace, and marvel at the unique One-Pillar Pagoda.

The Unforgettable Thrill: Later, find your way to the famous Hanoi Train Street. Settle into a cozy trackside café with a local drink and, if luck is on your side, witness the adrenaline-pumping experience of a train roaring just inches from your seat—a moment you'll never forget.

Sensory Walk: Conclude your day with a captivating stroll through the Old Quarter’s 36 Streets, awakening all your senses with the aroma of street food, the sound of daily life, and the sight of centuries-old trading houses.

Cultural Finale: Enjoy a mesmerizing Water Puppet Show, where traditional music and puppets bring Vietnamese folktales to life on water.

Included: Guide, Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water Puppet Show.

Scenic Escape: Depart Hanoi for the tranquil mountains of Mai Chau. The 3.5-hour drive is an experience in itself, with a vital stop at a local Muong village for a genuine cultural connection.

Vista Point: Pause at the breathtaking Thung Khe Pass for a magnificent panoramic view of the lush valley below—an iconic photo opportunity.

Exclusive Retreat: Arrive at Avana Retreat, a truly exclusive mountain hideaway. Settle into your luxurious villa, surrounded by waterfalls and jungles.

Cultural Connection: After a delightful local lunch, embark on a gentle 6 km walk or optional bike ride to Mai Hich village. Be seduced by the harmonious landscapes and the genuine warmth of the White Thai people, who often welcome you into their traditional stilt houses for a cup of tea.

Accommodation: Avana Retreat (Bauhinia Mountain Suite Villa) *or similar.

Included: Guide, Lunch (L), Dinner (D), Transportation, Bike rental, Water.

Morning Freedom: Design your perfect morning at Avana Retreat. Indulge in a spa treatment, join an invigorating yoga session overlooking the rice fields, or simply relax by the infinity pool, absorbing the profound serenity.

Afternoon Immersion Trek: Transfer to Xom Bang village to begin a 5-6 km moderate walk through the picturesque Xom Bang Valley. This is a privileged opportunity to witness the unspoiled rhythm of local life.

Unveiling Local Life: Walk through Ban Luong and Xom Vanh, villages sustained by rice farming, offering stunning vistas, especially during harvest season. You might visit a local home to experience Thai culture firsthand before ending your journey in Cun Pheo, the peaceful "rice bowl" of Mai Chau.

Included: Guide, B, L, D, Transportation, Water.

Journey to the Land of Karsts: Travel to Ninh Binh, often hailed as "Halong Bay on Land." The drive offers captivating views of the Red River Delta’s agricultural tapestry.

Historical Discovery: Journey back in time to the serene countryside to uncover the 12th-century Thanh Nguyen Temple. This secluded site, far from mass tourism, is dedicated to Zen Master Nguyen Minh Khong, preserving ancient architecture and precious relics.

Artisan Connection: Conclude the day with a rare and intimate experience: an Embroidery Course with Mrs. Lam, a revered local craftswoman. Learn the delicate, centuries-old techniques of Vietnamese traditional embroidery and try your hand at the fabric, connecting directly with Vietnam’s artistic heritage.

Accommodation: Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh (Superior Room) *or similar.

Included: Guide, B, L, D, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Embroidery Course, Water.

Active Morning (Optional): Choose your level of conquest: Embark on a scenic 10-20 km bike ride along the serene river dyke, offering unparalleled views of rice fields and towering limestone mountains. Alternatively, ride as a passenger on a scooter or travel by private car to ensure comfort.

Traditional Harmony: Visit Thung La Temple and experience the unique spiritual dimension of Vietnamese culture through a demonstration of traditional musical instruments.

Sampan Serenity: In the afternoon, embark on a timeless sampan boat trip through the magical Van Long Nature Reserve. As a designated Ramsar Site, this vast, pristine reserve offers a chance to spot rare white monkeys or egrets perched on the cliffs, providing an intimate closeness to nature unrivaled elsewhere.

Included: Guide, B, L, D, Transportation, Boat Trip, Bike Rental, Traditional Music, Water.

Reflective Drive: Enjoy a relaxed morning before your private transfer back to Hanoi. Use this time to reflect on the mountain tranquility and cultural depth you experienced in Mai Chau and Ninh Binh.

Rest and Preparation: Upon arrival, check back into your luxury hotel and enjoy a final evening in Hanoi, preparing for your majestic cruise the following morning.

Accommodation: Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel (Grand Deluxe Room) *or similar.

Included: Guide, Breakfast (B), Transportation, Water.

The Journey to Beauty: Enjoy a smooth 2.5-hour private transfer from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Port, traveling through the scenic Red River Delta.

Luxury Boarding: Be welcomed aboard the Orchid Classic Cruise, an emblem of luxury and elegance. After a mandatory safety briefing, a gourmet fusion lunch is served as you glide past the thousands of towering limestone karsts of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.

Exclusive Exploration: Head to the captivating Dark and Bright Cave. You’ll trade the cruise ship for a kayak, paddling into this secret, intimate world. Alternatively, depending on the tide, you might explore the beautiful Ba Trai Dao Islets, perfect for a refreshing swim in the emerald waters.

Sunset & Sips: Anchor overnight in the secluded Tra Bau area of Lan Ha Bay. Join the onboard cooking demonstration and enjoy Happy Hour cocktails on the sundeck as the sun sets in a spectacular explosion of color over the Gulf of Tonkin.

Included: Onboard Guide, B, L, D, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Kayaking/Swimming, Cooking Demonstration, Water.

Accommodation: Orchid Classic Cruise (Suite Balcony Cabin) - First Night.

Sunrise Ritual: Greet the dawn with a restorative Tai Chi session on the sundeck, an exquisite start to your day surrounded by the silent, towering karsts.

Village Connection: After breakfast, transfer to a day boat and journey to Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island. Cycle along the charming village paths, through lush rainforest, and past breathtaking rice fields. Explore an ancient local house for a glimpse into the unique life of the island community (electric car option available).

Secluded Sanctuary: Return to the day boat for lunch before discovering the serene beauty of Ba Men Temple, an ideal spot for secluded kayaking or relaxing on a pristine sandy beach, fully embracing the closeness to nature.

Romantic Evening: Return to the main cruise ship for an intimate, romantic fusion dinner, specially prepared to highlight the freshest local ingredients, making your second night truly unforgettable.

Included: Onboard Guide, B, L, D, Bike Rental, Kayaking, Tai Chi, Cooking Class, Water.

Accommodation: Orchid Classic Cruise (Suite Balcony Cabin) - Second Night.

Morning Exploration: Start your day with Tai Chi and breakfast. Then, take a short bus ride to Trung Trang Cave in Cat Ba National Park. Marvel at the captivating geological beauty of this 300-meter-long cave, shaped over millions of years, before checking out.

Final Indulgence: Enjoy a delightful brunch as the cruise gently sails back towards the port.

Disembarkation: Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to the sanctuary of the Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel in Hanoi.

Included: Onboard Guide, B, L, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Tai Chi, Water.

Accommodation: Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel (Grand Deluxe Room) *or similar.

Seamless Transition: Enjoy a private morning transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Hue, the former Imperial Capital of Vietnam.

Historical Majesty: Upon arrival at Phu Bai Airport (HUI), your local guide will meet you and transfer you to the elegant Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel.

Imperial Citadel: Begin your discovery of Hue at the magnificent Hue Citadel. Inspired by Vauban fortifications, explore the three layers—Kinh Thanh (Capital City), Hoang Thanh (Imperial City), and the deeply revered Cam Thanh (Forbidden City)—feeling the weight and grandeur of Imperial history.

Included: Guide, B, Transportation, Flight (HAN-HUI), Entrance Fees, Water.

Accommodation: Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel (Classic Room) *or similar.

Architectural Symphony: Begin the day at the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, a sprawling, harmonious architectural masterpiece that seamlessly blends man-made structures with nature, revealing the emperor's passion for classical symmetry and philosophy.

Sensory River Journey: Board a dragon boat for a picturesque cruise along the Huong River (Perfume River). Disembark at Thuy Bieu Village, famous for its uniquely fragrant sweet grapefruits.

Village Charm: Cycle through the peaceful village paths, inhaling the pleasant aroma of grapefruit trees and observing traditional garden houses. This intimate interaction with the peaceful daily life provides a wonderful counterpoint to the Imperial sites.

Spiritual Icon: In the afternoon, visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's spiritual heart. Marvel at its majestic octagon tower and enjoy the sweeping, tranquil views over the Perfume River.

Included: Guide, B, L, Boat Trip, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Bike Rental, Water.

Accommodation: Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel (Classic Room) *or similar.

Iconic Journey: Prepare for one of the world's most breathtaking train journeys. Your driver will transfer you to Hue Train Station for the daytime scenic ride to Da Nang.

Coastal Conquest: The 3-hour journey is a highlight itself, providing unforgettable views of Lang Co Bay, the spectacular coastal vistas of the Hai Van Pass (where the train briefly stops for photos), and the turquoise waters of Tien Sa Beach.

Arrival in Timelessness: Upon arrival in Da Nang, you will be met and privately transferred to Hoi An, a timeless golden haven.

Accommodation: Allegro Hoian - A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa (Little Suite Room) *or similar.

Included: Guide, B, Transportation, Train Ticket (HD3), Water.

Golden Charm: Embark on a walking tour through Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a remarkably preserved Southeast Asian trading port.

Cross-Cultural Marvel: Visit the city’s symbol, the 17th-century Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau), a unique fusion of Japanese and Chinese architectural styles.

Living History: Step inside the Phung Hung House, an 18th-century home where you will be personally hosted by a family member—the 8th generation to live there—who will introduce you to the unique heritage and living legacy preserved within its walls.

Cultural Depth: Explore the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture, showcasing artifacts from the Sa Huynh and Champa cultures.

Local Pulse: Conclude your day with a vibrant stroll through the Hoi An Center Market, situated on the riverside, where you can witness the bustling local daily life, including stalls of fresh produce and street food—a true awakening of the senses.

Included: Guide, B, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water.

Accommodation: Allegro Hoian - A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa (Little Suite Room) *or similar.

Transition to the Metropolis: Enjoy a private morning transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the dynamic, modern heart of Southern Vietnam.

Urban Chic: Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN), your local guide and driver will provide a seamless transfer to your downtown accommodation.

Accommodation: Check in to The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel, a chic urban gem known for its eclectic design and stunning views, perfectly capturing the energy of Saigon.

Leisure: The rest of the day is yours to explore the nearby Dong Khoi street, the city’s most prestigious shopping area, or simply relax at your luxury hotel.

Included: Guide, B, Transportation, Flight (DAD-SGN), Water.

Accommodation: The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel (Saigon Room) *or similar.

Historical Deep Dive: Depart for the extraordinary Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the most striking locations from the Vietnam War.

Underground City: Spend the morning exploring this vast, 250km-long underground city, where Viet Cong soldiers lived and fought. You will have the opportunity to safely enter sections of the tunnels, gaining a profound appreciation for the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people.

Optional Thrill: For those seeking an extra dimension, an optional shooting range is available on-site (at your own expense) to try real gun firing under supervision.

Included: Guide, B, L, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water.

Accommodation: The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel (Saigon Room) *or similar.

Departure: Enjoy a final, leisurely Vietnamese breakfast. Your private driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and provide a relaxed transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) for your onward flight, concluding your unforgettable 17-day Vietnam Premium Journey.

Included: B, Transportation.