13-Day Vietnam Heritage Trails: Sapa Peaks, Lan Ha Bay Cruise & Imperial Hue

Accommodation: Overnight on Train (Deluxe 4-berth Cabin)

Your day of cultural depth begins at the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu), Vietnam's first national university (11th Century). Stroll through its serene grounds, admire the iconic Khue Van Cac pavilion, and reflect on the wisdom enshrined in the UNESCO-recognized stone steles.

Next, we journey to the essential Museum of Ethnology. Spend two fascinating hours gaining a deep insight into the 54 vibrant ethnic groups of Vietnam through their traditional costumes, tools, and houses—a perfect prelude to your Sapa adventure!

In the afternoon, we explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex (outside viewing of the Mausoleum) and the adjacent Presidential Palace and humble Ho Chi Minh’s House on Stilts. We return to the city center for the charming Water Puppet Show. This unique, thousand-year-old art form depicts Vietnamese folklore and daily life on a watery stage, a delightful and captivating piece of Northern tradition.

After an optional dinner, we transfer you to Hanoi Train Station to board the overnight SP3 train to Lao Cai. Relax in your comfortable Deluxe 4-berth cabin and let the rhythm of the rails carry you toward the mountains.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal: B, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Leisure: Water Puppet Show, Water, Train.

Accommodation: Sapa Elegance Hotel (Deluxe Room) *or similar

You wake up to the cool mountain air upon arrival at Lao Cai station. Your private car immediately begins the scenic, hour-long ascent to Sapa, offering glimpses of the Red Dao and H'mong people along the winding road. We fuel up with breakfast before starting our full day of exhilarating trekking.

Our trail begins at Y Linh Ho village. Follow the path downhill, where friendly H’mong families live nestled in the valley. You'll enjoy a moment of peace at the cable bridge, surrounded by stunning nature.

The trek continues to Lao Chai village. Here, you’ll meet one of the community's last artisans, a grandmother practicing the traditional beeswax technique to dye Hmong indigo clothing. This is a rare chance to witness a beautiful, preserved craft and feel the genuine cultural warmth.

The day culminates in Ta Van village, the charming home of the Dzay people, set against the majestic Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range. This trek delivers a powerful sense of conquest and unforgettable views.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal: B, L, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water, Hotel.

Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) *or similar

Your final morning in Sapa offers another deep cultural dive. The trek from Ma Tra hamlet to Ta Phin village leads you through superb valleys to meet two distinct groups: the Black Hmong and the red-turbaned Red Dao. These communities, settled here since the 11th century, have beautifully preserved their unique languages and ancestral lifestyles.

The 3-hour trek is rich with interaction—you’ll visit a Hmong family and school in Ma Tra. In Ta Phin, engage with the Red Dao, known for their traditional crafts, learning about their life and deep-rooted culture.

In the early afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM), our comfortable shuttle bus collects you for the scenic 6-hour journey back to Hanoi on the new highway. Use this time to reflect on the majestic mountain landscapes and the genuine connections you've made. We arrive in Hanoi between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

Included: Shuttle Bus (Sapa - Hanoi), English Speaking Guide, Meal: B, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water, Hotel.

Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) *or similar

Today, we escape the city for the spectacular, mystical landscapes of Ninh Binh. We drive through the picturesque Red River Delta, painted with vibrant fields.

Our journey starts with a tranquil, optional 15km bike ride through local villages and stunning rice fields, framed by towering limestone mountains. We stop at the ancient Thung La Temple to meet Mr. Tuong, the temple guardian, and enjoy an authentic 20-minute drum show—a unique cultural treat.

Next, we enjoy a serene sampan boat trip deep into the Van Long Nature Reserve. Gliding along the stream, you'll pass through stunning water caves. If lucky, you might spot rare white monkeys or egrets on the cliffs, offering a moment of pure, quiet awe.

The day ends with a unique hands-on experience: a visit to an embroidery village for an embroidery course with local craftswoman, Mrs. Lam. You’ll practice this delicate, traditional craft, creating a personal souvenir before returning to Hanoi.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal: B, L, Boat (Van Long), Transportation, Entrance Fees, Bike (Ninh Binh), Leisure: Thung La Temple Music, Water, Hotel.

Accommodation: Peony Cruise (Deluxe Balcony Cabin)

The pinnacle of your Northern experience awaits! A comfortable, 2.5-hour drive takes you from Hanoi across the Red River Delta to the port of Hai Phong.

12:30 PM: You board the luxurious Peony Cruise. A warm welcome and itinerary briefing precede a special lunch featuring fresh local delicacies, served as we set sail into the Lan Ha Bay—a UNESCO site famous for its pristine, less-crowded waters.

3:30 PM: We reach the Tra Bau area. This is the perfect moment for kayaking, allowing you to discover the stunning limestone islands up close. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the emerald waters or relax in the onboard Jacuzzi pool.

5:30 PM: Join a complimentary cooking demonstration to master the art of making Vietnamese spring rolls, followed by the magical Happy Hour on the top deck. Witness the magnificent sunset painting the Gulf of Tonkin—a moment of pure coastal serenity. The evening concludes with a deluxe dinner and optional squid fishing under the stars.

Included: Shuttle Bus (Hanoi - Tuan Chau), Guide (on board), Meal: B, L, D, Entrance Fees, Kayak, Leisure: Swimming, Squid Fishing, Cooking Class, Water, Cruise.

Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar

6:00 AM: Start your day with an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the quiet bay.

7:30 AM: We transfer to Cat Ba Island to explore the impressive Trung Trang Cave—a stunning geological formation within the Cat Ba World Biosphere. Marvel at the thousands of unique stalactites formed over millennia.

After returning, a leisurely brunch is served as the cruise sails back to the mainland. We disembark at Tuan Chau port and transfer directly back to Hanoi.

From Hanoi, we provide a seamless transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your flight (VN181) south to Da Nang. Upon arrival, your new guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your elegant hotel in Hoi An, the ancient trading port.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal: B, L, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Leisure: Morning Tai Chi, Water, Flight: VN181 (HAN - DAD), Hotel.

Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar

Today is a deep immersion into the timeless spirit of Hoi An. We begin with a leisurely walking tour of the UNESCO Ancient Town, admiring the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and the preserved Quan Thang Ancient House.

Next, we take a ferry across the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong village, famous for its wood carving. Bike around the peaceful village, meeting local artisans and admiring their talent. We continue cycling through idyllic countryside to Tra Nhieu village, connecting with craftspeople like Mr. Kha (bamboo basket making) and Ms. Duoc (mat weaving).

In Cam Thanh village, you’ll be welcomed by a local fisherman's family for a refreshing green tea and an optional foot massage with local herbs. Participate in a hands-on cooking class, preparing local specialties like crispy pancakes and spring rolls.

The fun culminates with an exhilarating ride in a small, round bamboo sampan basket boat through the surrounding water palm forest. It’s a moment of pure joy and relaxation before we transfer back to your hotel.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal: B, L, Boat (Cam Thanh, Tra Nhieu), Transportation, Entrance Fees, Bike (Hoi An), Leisure: Foot Massage, Cooking Class, Water, Hotel.

Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar

We dedicate the morning to exploring the historical discovery and mystery of the My Son Sanctuary, the former spiritual and political capital of the Champa Kingdom.

Located 40km from Hoi An, this UNESCO World Culture Heritage site preserves 70 evocative ruins of brick and stone temples, built between the 7th and 13th centuries. Your guide will illuminate the profound cultural, historical, and architectural values of these jungle-shrouded ruins. The excursion is enhanced by a live traditional Champa dancing show, bringing the ancient culture to life.

After the tour, we return to Hoi An. You have the afternoon free to relax, enjoy the nearby beach, or explore the charming town at your leisure.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal: B, L, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water, Hotel.

Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar

Enjoy a full day dedicated to leisure, reflection, or independent exploration. Hoi An is perfect for renting a bicycle and riding to the beach, indulging in the local tailor shops, taking a specialized cooking class, or simply relaxing by the pool. This is your chance to absorb the town's atmosphere at your own pace.

Included: Meal: B, Hotel.

Accommodation: Rosaleen Boutique Hotel (Deluxe Double Room) *or similar

We depart Hoi An for Hue, the former Imperial Capital, via a famously scenic route. Our first stop in Da Nang is the Cham Museum, home to the world’s most important collection of Cham sculptures. We then climb the dramatic Hai Van Pass ("Sea Cloud Pass") where you stop at the summit to capture breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and the coastline—a photographer's dream!

Upon arrival in Hue, we begin our historical exploration. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic seven-story pagoda dating back to 1601, offering a majestic view of the Perfume River.

The afternoon is dedicated to the Hue Citadel, the symbol of the imperial city. Explore the three layers of the complex: Kinh Thanh (Capital City), Hoang Thanh (Imperial City), and Cam Thanh (Forbidden City). Walking through the halls and palaces, you'll feel the undeniable grandeur and historical weight of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal: B, L, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water, Hotel.

Accommodation: Rosaleen Boutique Hotel (Deluxe Double Room) *or similar

Your day starts with a Royal boat trip on the poetic Perfume River. We journey to the eastern villages where you disembark for a peaceful bike ride through the countryside, immersing yourself in the daily rhythm of life in Tien Non, Thanh Tien, and Sinh villages.

In Thanh Tien, the 400-year-old artificial paper flower village, you’ll meet artisan Mr. Hieu and learn how to make paper flowers—a beautiful, hands-on memory. In Sinh village, meet Mr. Phuoc, who demonstrates the ancient techniques of traditional folklore prints.

In the afternoon, we drive to the striking Khai Dinh King’s Tomb. Built between 1920 and 1931, this tomb is a breathtaking architectural marvel, famous for its unique fusion of Oriental and Western styles. A hundred-step climb leads you to the Worship Palace, revealing amazing decoration with delightful porcelain fragments and a giant ceiling painting. This final site solidifies your understanding of Vietnam’s majestic, complex history.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal: B, Boat (Perfume River), Transportation, Entrance Fees, Bike (Hue), Water, Hotel.

Accommodation: N/A

Enjoy your final Vietnamese breakfast. At the appointed time, our driver will provide a comfortable and prompt transfer to Phu Bai Airport (HUI) for your flight to your next destination. You depart having completed the Heritage Trails, enriched by the authentic culture, magnificent scenery, and profound history of Vietnam.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal: B, Transportation, Water.