Heritage Saigon to Hanoi: A Timeless Vietnam Experience - 22 Days

Your day begins at 9:00 AM with a captivating journey through Saigon's most iconic landmarks. We'll start at the Independence Palace, a symbol of Vietnam's reunification, where you can explore the preserved rooms and the historic bunker basement. We'll then enjoy a leisurely walking tour to the picturesque Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and the magnificent Saigon Central Post Office, a stunning building designed by Gustave Eiffel.

In the afternoon, a short drive will take us to Binh Tay Market in Chinatown, a vibrant hub of local life. We'll continue to the serene Quan Am Pagoda, one of the city's oldest, and conclude at the Traditional Medicine Museum (FITO), where ancient medicinal recipes and tools are preserved. We'll then drop you back at your hotel.

• Included: English speaking guide, meal: B, transportation, entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day

• Accommodation: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room) *or similar

At 8:00 AM, we will pick you up from your hotel for the transfer to Ben Tre, the heart of the Mekong Delta, famous for its coconut groves. Upon arrival at Hung Vuong pier, a private boat trip will take you along the Ben Tre River, offering a glimpse into the daily life of locals. You'll navigate through smaller canals to Nhon Thanh Village to taste fresh tropical fruits.

Experience local life with a peaceful bike ride (or tuk-tuk) through lush coconut ranges and rice fields. Enjoy an authentic lunch featuring "elephant ear fish" at a local family's home. The day culminates with a transfer to Cai Lay for a hands-on cooking class to prepare Banh Xeo Nam Bo. Dinner and an overnight stay at a local homestay will provide a truly immersive cultural experience.

• Included: English speaking guide, meal: B, L, D, boat trip, transportation, tuk-tuk, cooking class, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day

• Accommodation: Hai My's Homestay (Standard Room) *or similar

After a home-cooked breakfast, you'll embark on a picturesque bike ride (1-1.5 hours) from Dong Hoa to Tam Binh, passing vibrant durian, sapota, and longan gardens. This is a perfect opportunity to interact with local people and visit a lively village market. For those who prefer, a comfortable motorbike ride with our guide is also an option.

We will then transfer to Long Xuyen, with a stop in Sa Dec to visit the beautiful Kien An Cung Pagoda and the historic Huynh Thuy Le's House, famously featured in the novel 'The Lover'. You'll get a chance to explore the vibrant Sa Dec market before continuing to Long Xuyen to visit a Cao Dai temple and a crocodile farm.

• Included: English speaking guide, meal: B, L, transportation, entrance fees, bike usage, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day

• Accommodation: Hoa Binh 1 Hotel (Standard Room) *or similar

In the morning, we will take a boat trip to the authentic and less-touristy Long Xuyen floating market. Witness the daily rhythm of life on the water and the vibrant commerce of locals. The journey continues to Cu Lao Ong Ho Island, where you can visit a small museum dedicated to President Ton Duc Thang and enjoy a peaceful bike ride through the island's tranquil landscapes.

In the afternoon, we will begin our comfortable drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon. The evening is yours to relax or explore the city's nightlife.

• Included: English speaking guide, meal: B, L, boat trip, transportation, bike usage, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day

• Accommodation: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room) *or similar

Today, you'll travel to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, a striking symbol of Vietnam's wartime ingenuity. You'll learn about the incredible underground network and have the chance to crawl through some of the tunnels yourself. Following this, we will visit the unique Cao Dai Temple to witness the midday mass and learn about this fascinating syncretic religion.

After a delightful local lunch, you'll be transferred to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, a local guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An.

• Included: English speaking guide, meal: B, L, transportation, entrance fees, domestic flight ticket (SGN - DAD), 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day

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

Your day in Hoi An begins at 8:00 AM with a visit to the Cam Pho Communal House. A leisurely walking tour will then lead you to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the Quan Thang ancient house, and the Fujian Assembly Hall. You will then cross the Thu Bon River by ferry to Kim Bong village, a renowned wood carving hub. A gentle bike ride through the village will allow you to see craftsmen at work and purchase unique souvenirs.

Your journey continues to the tranquil villages of Tra Nhieu and Cam Thanh, where you'll meet local artisans who craft mats and bamboo baskets. After a relaxing foot massage with medicinal herbs, you'll participate in a fun cooking class, learning to prepare local delicacies. The day concludes with a serene basket boat ride through the water palm forest.

• Included: English speaking guide, meal: B, L, boat trips, transportation, entrance fees, bike usage, foot massage, cooking class, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day

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

At 8:00 AM, you will be picked up for a half-day excursion to the mystical My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the intellectual and religious heart of the Champa Kingdom, this sacred valley holds the ruins of more than 70 ancient temples. Your guide will provide deep insights into the history, culture, and architecture of this remarkable site. You will also enjoy a traditional Champa dancing show before returning to Hoi An.

• Included: English speaking guide, meal: B, L, transportation, entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day

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

Today, we travel to the imperial city of Hue. Our journey begins with a stop in Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum, home to a magnificent collection of Cham sculptures. You'll then enjoy a breathtaking drive over the Hai Van Pass, offering stunning panoramic views of the coastline.

Upon arrival in Hue, enjoy a delicious lunch before visiting Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River. The highlight of the day is exploring the magnificent Hue Citadel, a vast complex of palaces, temples, and gates that once served as the imperial city of Vietnam.

• Included: English speaking guide, meal: B, L, transportation, entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day

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

Your day begins with a peaceful royal boat trip on the Perfume River. You'll disembark to explore the countryside by bike, passing through three charming villages: Tien Non, Thanh Tien, and Sinh. In Thanh Tien, you'll meet artisans who create traditional paper flowers, and in Sinh, you'll learn about a 400-year-old art of folklore prints.

In the afternoon, we will visit the extraordinary Khai Dinh King's tomb, a masterpiece of mixed Oriental and Western architecture. You'll discover the unique blend of styles and a breathtaking panoramic view from the top. In the evening, you will be transferred to the train station for an overnight journey to Hanoi in a deluxe cabin.

• Included: English speaking guide, meal: B, boat trip, transportation, entrance fees, bike usage, night train ticket (Hue - Hanoi), 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day

• Accommodation: Overnight on train (Deluxe - 4 berths/cabin)

Arriving in Hanoi in the morning, you'll be greeted by your guide and driver. After a local breakfast and time to rest, we will explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university. Next, we visit the Ethnology Museum (closed Mondays), which offers deep insights into Vietnam's diverse ethnic groups.

In the afternoon, you will explore the charming French Quarter and the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Presidential Palace and the unique One-Pillar Pagoda. The tour concludes with a fascinating water puppet show, a quintessential Vietnamese art form.

• Included: English speaking guide, meal: B, transportation, entrance fees, water puppet show, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day

• Accommodation: La Nueva Boutique Hotel (Premium Room) *or similar

At 8:00 AM, your journey to the stunning Northwestern region begins. We will drive to Nghia Lo, a beautiful valley known for its vibrant Thai ethnic communities. Along the way, you'll stop to visit a verdant green tea plantation and walk through the stilt-house villages of the Muong ethnic group. Upon arrival, you can choose to walk or bike around the serene Thai villages, discovering peaceful rice fields and friendly locals.

• Included: English speaking guide, meal: B, L, D, transportation, bike usage, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day

• Accommodation: Nghia Lo Homestay (Shared)

Enjoy breakfast then visit a local market in Nghia Lo before a scenic drive to the legendary Mu Cang Chai. As we drive, you'll be greeted by rolling hills inhabited by the Dao ethnic group. We will stop to take photos and interact with locals.

In Tu Le, you'll have the opportunity to trek through the valley where Thai people live. Our journey continues over the majestic Khau Pha Pass, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the rice terraces. We will then visit La Pan Tan and Mam Xoi, famous for their photogenic terraced masterpieces.

• Included: English speaking guide, meal: B, L, D, transportation, entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day

• Accommodation: Mu Cang Chai Homestay (Shared)

Today, you'll embark on a full-day trekking adventure. Starting from Ban Thai, we will ascend to Hang Dang De, a hillside village of the H'mong people. You'll gain a unique insight into the daily lives and traditions of one of Vietnam's largest ethnic groups. The journey continues to the Kim Noi viewpoint, where you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the rice terraces below. We will then descend to Che Cu Nha, another incredibly picturesque H'mong village, before returning to your accommodation.

• Included: English speaking guide, meal: B, L, D, transportation, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day

• Accommodation: Mu Cang Chai Homestay (Shared)

After breakfast, we depart for Dien Bien Phu via Tuan Giao, a scenic drive that follows beautiful landscapes of rice terraces and mountains. On arrival at Ban Chat reservoir, a large reservoir that will accompany you for 20km, stop for a short walk to enjoy the tranquility and spectacular landscape. The journey then takes you to Pa Uon Bridge, crossing the Da River, one of the most important rivers in the north.

We will arrive in Dien Bien Phu, a valley that was the main battlefield between Viet Minh and the French expeditionary force in 1954. You'll visit the War Museum, A1 hill which offers a panoramic view of the basin, De Castries' command post, and the memorial to the soldiers of the French expeditionary force.

• Included: English speaking guide, meal: B, L, D, transportation, entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day

• Accommodation: A1 Hotel (Double / Twin Room) *or similar

Have breakfast then visit the local market near historical Muong Thanh Bridge before departing for Lai Chau. This journey takes us through a region where you'll find numerous ethnic groups, including the Kho Mu. We will cross Muong Cha and Muong Lay, meeting local women in their colorful traditional dresses and wearing beautiful silver or golden jewelry. The journey is accompanied by the Nam Na River and the beautiful surrounding landscapes. We will stop at villages to meet locals and discover their authentic lifestyle before arriving in Lai Chau City in the late afternoon.

• Included: English speaking guide, meal: B, L, D, transportation, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day

• Accommodation: Muong Thanh Lai Chau Hotel (Deluxe Room) *or similar

Depart to Sapa along the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. We will turn to visit Na Tam Village, where the Laotian and Lu people live. This is a beautiful, tranquil landscape, and you'll take a short walk to visit the village and meet the locals.

Meet our driver for a transfer to Sapa, crossing Hoang Lien Son pass (O Quy Ho pass). This is the longest and highest pass in Vietnam, and you'll stop to relax at the top of the pass and soak up the grandiose landscape. This is also a great place for photos. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Sapa, a town famous for its beautiful rice valley and Black Hmong, Red Dao, and Dzay ethnic groups.

• Included: English speaking guide, meal: B, L, transportation, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day

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

Enjoy a full day of trekking. We will start a scenic trek from Y Linh Ho village. Follow the path downhill, interact with the friendly H’mong ladies and children who live in houses nestled in the valley. You'll then head to Lao Chai village and follow a small path through the rice fields to reach a charming hamlet. Here, you'll have the chance to meet a local craftsman.

Continue to Ta Van village, the charming land of the Dzay people, well located on the hill with amazing views of the river, rice terraces, and Hoang Lien Son Mountain range. We'll then have lunch and transfer to Bac Ha via Thanh Kim and Thanh Phu. Bac Ha is home to several ethnic groups such as the colorful Hmong, Phu La, and Tay. It's well known for its weekly, colorful markets surrounded by wild and beautiful scenery.

• Included: English speaking guide, meal: B, L, D, transportation, entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day

• Accommodation: Thanh Mung Homestay (Double Room) *or similar

Start your day at 7:00 AM by visiting a vibrant ethnic market in Bac Ha. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, with a variety of goods such as vegetables, clothing, and poultry, while admiring the colorful attire of the local ethnic groups. After visiting the market, take a walk through some idyllic ethnic villages.

Come back to town for lunch before transferring to Hanoi. Check in to your hotel around 6:00 PM.

• Included: English speaking guide, meal: B, L, transportation, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day

• Accommodation: La Nueva Boutique Hotel (Premium Room) *or similar

At 8:00 AM, a comfortable shuttle bus will pick you up from your hotel for a scenic 3-hour drive to Bai Tu Long Bay. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed aboard a luxurious cruise. After a welcome drink and safety briefing, a delicious Vietnamese set menu lunch will be served as the boat cruises through the stunning limestone karsts. In the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to go kayaking and swimming near Cap La Island. The evening will feature a cooking demonstration, followed by a sumptuous dinner and free time for activities like squid fishing.

• Included: Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Halong, English speaking guide (on board), meal: B, L, D, entrance fees, kayak, leisure: swimming, cooking class, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day

• Accommodation: Swan Cruise - 2D1N (Deluxe Cabin)

Visiting the charm of Thien Canh Son cave, stunning cruising and back to Hanoi

06:30 AM: Participate in a sunrise Tai Chi session on the sundeck or enjoy the morning view of the stunning bay's landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.

07:00: Breakfast will be served in a Western style to prepare you for another day of exploration.

07:45 AM: Explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave.

09:00 AM: Return to the boat and enjoy about 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing.

09:30 AM: Check out.

10:00 AM: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch on the boat.

10:30 AM: Return to the harbor.

11:15 - 11:30 AM: Disembark at Ha Long Cruise Port.

Welcome by driver at the harbor then enjoy travel back to Hanoi. Have a rest at the middle of the way. Drop off at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter).

Transferring to airport for flights to next destinations

Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Noi Bai Airport. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes.