Vietnam Train Tour: 15-Day Scenic North-to-South Journey & Heritage Discovery

Morning of Enlightenment (9:00 AM): Journey into Vietnam’s intellectual past at the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu), the country’s first national university. Stroll through its tranquil gardens, admire the iconic Khue Van Cac pavilion, and reflect upon the names inscribed on the World Heritage "stone steles."

Cultural Deep Dive: Spend two hours at the acclaimed Museum of Ethnology (closed Mondays), gaining profound insight into Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups through their stunning costumes, tools, and traditional houses.

Colonial Echoes: Explore the elegant French Quarter—Hanoi’s "little Paris." We pass the dignified Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum before a leisurely walk through the botanical gardens to see the humble Presidential Palace and the simple House on Stilts where "Uncle Ho" lived. Conclude with a visit to the unique One-Pillar Pagoda.

Evening Enchantment: Your day ends with the mesmerizing Water Puppet Show, a unique 11th-century art form. Watch as puppets dance on the water, bringing Vietnamese folklore and daily life vividly to light, accompanied by traditional music.

Included: Guide, Meal (B), Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water Puppet Show, Accommodation.

Escape to the Countryside (8:00 AM): Leave Hanoi for Ninh Binh, driving through the idyllic Red River Delta—a panorama of endless rice and vegetable fields.

Karst and Culture: Embark on an optional 15km bike ride (or a gentle walk) along the river dyke, offering spectacular, up-close views of the towering limestone mountains.

A Sacred Encounter: Walk to Thung La Temple, dating back to the 11th century. Meet the temple guardian, Mr. Tuong, for an authentic conversation and experience the soul-stirring intensity of a 20-minute drum show.

Silent Beauty: Later, take a serene sampan boat trip through the pristine waters of Van Long Nature Reserve. Keep your eyes peeled for rare white-trousered langurs and egrets on the cliffs—this is often called "Ha Long Bay on land."

Artisan Connection: Visit a local embroidery village and join an intimate embroidery course led by craftswoman Mrs. Lam. Learn the delicate techniques and practice stitching like a true artisan.

Included: Guide, Meals (B, L), Boat (Van Long), Transportation, Entrance Fees, Bike rental, Drum Show, Embroidery Course, Water, Accommodation (Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel).

Coastal Transfer (9:00 AM): We pick you up from your hotel for the seamless 2.5-hour transfer to Tuan Chau Port, cruising along the new highway through the Red River Delta.

Welcome Aboard Peony Cruises: Be warmly welcomed by the crew of the luxurious Peony Cruises at noon. After a brief safety overview, enjoy a sumptuous fresh seafood lunch as we set sail into the emerald tranquility of Lan Ha Bay.

Kayak Immersion: The afternoon is dedicated to the unspoiled beauty of the Tra Bau area. This is your chance for genuine closeness to nature as you kayak through hidden lagoons, discover sea caves, or simply immerse yourself in the bay's emerald green waters.

Sunset & Sizzling Cuisine (5:30 PM): Join the festive cooking demonstration to master the art of rolling Vietnamese spring rolls. Savor the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin during Happy Hour (BUY ONE GET ONE FREE) before indulging in a delectable, intimate dinner.

Night under the Stars: Relax at the sky bar or try your luck at squid fishing on the main deck—a perfect end to a perfect day.

Included: Shuttle bus, Guide (on board), Meals (B, L, D), Kayak, Cooking Class, Accommodation (Peony Cruise, Deluxe Balcony Cabin).

Sunrise Ritual (6:00 AM): Start your day with an energizing Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises, painting the limestone karsts in golden hues.

Geological Discovery: After breakfast, we visit Cat Ba World Biosphere and venture into Trung Trang Cave—one of the most impressive in the region, featuring thousands of unique stalactites and a typical cave ecosystem.

Farewell & Transfer: Return to the cruise for check-out and an early lunch before disembarking at Tuan Chau Port. Our driver transfers you back to your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

The Unforgettable Overnight Rail: In the evening, we transfer you to Hanoi Train Station. Settle into your Deluxe Sleeper Cabin for the most anticipated part of the journey. Let the rhythm of the rails carry you south overnight (SE3 Train), feeling the profound sense of transformation as you travel from the vibrant North to the historical heart of Vietnam.

Included: Guide (on board), Meals (B, L), Transportation, Entrance Fees, Tai Chi, Water, Train Ticket (Hanoi to Hue, 4-berth cabin).

Arrival in Hue: Arrive at Hue Railway Station in the morning. Our local guide and driver will greet you warmly, ready to begin your day of discovery in the former Imperial Capital.

Perfume River Serenity: Immediately board a Royal boat trip on the poetic Huong River (Perfume River). This journey offers unique perspectives on local life along the banks.

Cycling & Folk Art: Disembark for a gentle bike ride through the countryside villages. In Thanh Tien, meet artisans who have kept the 400-year tradition of artificial paper flower making alive, and try your hand at the craft. In Sinh Village, meet the master craftsman Mr. Phuoc to learn the techniques of 400-year-old folklore prints.

Spiritual Icon: In the afternoon, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s spiritual highlight, famous for its majestic octagon tower and stunning views over the river.

The Citadel’s Scale: Conclude with the magnificent Hue Citadel. Explore the Imperial City (Hoang Thanh) and the Forbidden City (Cam Thanh), walking in the footsteps of emperors and feeling the weight of Vietnam’s dynastic history.

Included: Guide, Meal (B), Boat, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Bike rental, Water, Accommodation (Rosaleen Boutique Hotel).

Imperial Finales (7:30 AM): Begin with a visit to Khai Dinh King's Tomb, a mesmerizing blend of Oriental and Western architecture. Climb the hundred steps to the worship palace and marvel at the amazing decoration of elaborate porcelain fragments and ceiling paintings.

The Great Coastal Drive: Embark on the spectacular drive to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass ("Ocean Cloud Pass"). Stop at the summit to capture the most breathtaking, panoramic views of the ocean and Da Nang city—a truly iconic, exhilarating moment.

Cham Legacy: Stop in Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum, home to the world's most important collection of Cham sculpture.

Hoi An's Timeless Arrival: In the afternoon, begin exploring Hoi An Ancient Town, a beautifully preserved trading port (15th to 19th century).

Ancient Streets: Cross the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, visit the oldest communal house, Cam Pho, step inside the authentic Quan Thang Ancient House, and admire the vibrant architecture of the Fujian Assembly Hall.

Included: Guide, Meals (B, L), Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water, Accommodation (Delicacy Hotel & Spa).

Rural Immersion: Begin your day by cycling to the pier and taking the ferry to Kim Bong Village, famous for its wood carving. Bike around the village to meet local artisans and admire their talent.

Unprecedented Encounters: Continue cycling through rice paddies and along the river to Tra Nhieu and Cam Thanh villages. Meet local craftsmen: see Ms. Duoc weaving mats, Mr. Kha making bamboo sampan baskets, and Mr. Ri running his shipyard. Feel the warm connection of authentic rural life.

Basket Boat Adventure: Set off on a river trip to Cam Thanh, where you'll board a round bamboo sampan basket boat. Enjoy the fun of crab catching in the shade of the water palm forest.

Rest & Cook: Relax at a fisherman's house with a cup of green tea and a soothing foot massage using medicinal herbs. Then, join a hands-on cooking practice to sizzle and flip local specialties like crispy pancake (Banh Xeo) and Hoi An spring rolls. Enjoy the delicious meal you prepared!

Included: Guide, Meals (B, L), Boat, Bike rental, Foot massage, Cooking Class, Water, Accommodation.

Sacred Valley Excursion (8:00 AM): Dedicate the morning to the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary, the former intellectual and religious center of the Champa Kingdom.

Ancient History: Your guide explains the profound cultural and architectural values as you explore the 70 ruined works of brick and stone built between the 7th and 13th centuries.

Cultural Finale: The visit is enriched by a vibrant traditional Champa dancing show before we transfer you to Da Nang Airport for your flight south.

Arrival in the South: Upon landing at Tan Son Nhat Airport, our local team warmly welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel in the exhilarating Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Feel the immediate pulse and energy of Southern Vietnam.

Included: Guide, Meals (B, L), Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water, Flight (DAD-SGN), Accommodation (Elios Hotel).

Saigon’s Story (9:00 AM): Begin your city discovery at the Independence Palace, the historic former home and office of South Vietnam’s presidents. See the preserved rooms and the North Vietnamese tank that ended the war in 1975.

Colonial Landmarks: Take a leisurely walk to the stunning Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (built 1863-1880) and the magnificent Saigon Central Post Office, designed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel.

Chinatown Charm: Drive to the bustling Binh Tay Market in Chinatown, a hub of commerce and culture. Visit the serene Quan Am Pagoda, one of the city's oldest.

Healing Heritage: Conclude at the Traditional Medicine Museum (FITO), where antique tools, medicinal herb recipes, and magic potions are preserved—a fascinating look at Vietnamese health traditions.

Included: Guide, Meal (B), Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water, Accommodation.

Cu Chi Tunnels Exploration (8:00 AM): Head out to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, a striking place in the history of the Vietnam War. Explore the vast, 250km underground city dug entirely by hand. You'll have the option to enter parts of the tunnels to truly understand the resilience of the Viet Cong soldiers.

Optional Thrill: For those seeking extra adventure, there is an optional shooting range experience (pay on the spot).

Spiritual Sanctuary: Continue to the Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh. This uniquely Vietnamese religion blends elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Catholicism. If timed correctly, you can attend the vibrant and colorful midday mass—a truly unique cultural spectacle.

Included: Guide, Meals (B, L), Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water, Accommodation.

Journey to the Delta (8:00 AM): Transfer to Ben Tre, the beautiful "Coconut Kingdom" of the Mekong Delta.

River Life: Take a charming boat trip on the Ben Tre River, observing daily life. Continue down a smaller canal to Nhon Thanh Village for a taste of fresh fruits.

Bike/Tuk Tuk Adventure: Enjoy a scenic bike ride (or Tuk Tuk) through coconut groves, rice fields, and vegetable gardens. After a local lunch (featuring the regional specialty, Elephant Ear Fish), take a small boat ride shaded by wild palm trees.

Authentic Homestay & Cuisine: Transfer to Cai Lay and receive a warm welcome from your homestay host. Dive into the local culture immediately by joining your host to prepare and cook Banh Xeo Nam Bo, the crispy Southern pancake, for dinner.

Included: Guide, Meals (B, L, D), Boat, Transportation, Tuk Tuk, Bike, Cooking Class, Water, Accommodation (Hai My's Homestay).

Sunrise Bike Ride: After breakfast, enjoy a 1 to 1.5-hour bike ride from Dong Hoa to Tam Binh, passing lush durian, sapota, and longan gardens. Visit the vibrant local market before returning. (Optional: Motorbike pillion ride is available for those who prefer not to cycle).

Literary History: Transfer to Long Xuyen via Sa Dec. Here, you’ll visit the stunning Kien An Cung Pagoda and, most famously, Huynh Thuy Le’s house, the setting immortalized in Marguerite Duras’s novel, L’Amant (The Lover).

Delta Discovery: Discover the local market rich in regional produce, visit another unique Cao Dai Temple, and make a stop at a crocodile farm on the way to Long Xuyen.

Included: Guide, Meals (B, L), Transportation, Entrance Fees, Bike rental, Water, Accommodation (Hoa Binh 1 Hotel).

Morning Buzz: Transfer early to the Long Xuyen floating market and floating village. This authentic, animated market on a tributary of the Mekong is a spectacular display of river life.

Island Exploration: Enjoy a boat trip to Cu Lao Ong Ho (Tiger Island), where you can visit a small museum dedicated to President Ton Duc Thang. Take a final bike ride across the peaceful island, soaking in the beautiful, unhurried landscapes of the Delta.

Return to Saigon: We then take the road back to Ho Chi Minh City, checking into your hotel in the late afternoon.

Included: Guide, Meals (B, L), Boat, Transportation, Bike rental, Water, Accommodation (Elios Hotel).

Farewell: After your final Vietnamese breakfast, our driver will pick you up from your hotel and ensure a smooth, comfortable transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your international departure.

Included: Meal (B), Transportation, Water.