Upon arrival in Hanoi early in the morning, you will be welcomed at the airport by your local guide with a cheerful “Xin Chao – Welcome to Vietnam!”

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast in the city center, including the famous egg coffee, before taking a walk through the Old Quarter and its 36 historic streets, once known for their specialized trades.

After checking in at the hotel (early check-in available upon request at an additional cost), take time to rest and freshen up.

In the evening, experience Vietnam’s rich culture with a traditional water puppet show near Hoan Kiem Lake.

Overnight stay in Hanoi.

After breakfast, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, built in honor of Confucius.

In the afternoon, travel to a 388-year-old village on the banks of the Red River, where you will see well-preserved traditional houses and enjoy dinner in a local home.

Later, return to Hanoi and board the overnight train to northern Vietnam.

Overnight on the train.

Arriving early in Sapa, we disembark the overnight train and enjoy breakfast to start the day.

The morning is dedicated to traditional handicrafts, where we learn about ancient batik and embroidery techniques from a member of the Hmong tribe, who live in the surrounding mountains. Discover the colorful patterns and detailed handwork that make their clothing unique and keep your handmade souvenir as a special memory.

After lunch, set out on an easy walk through the mountain villages, passing green rice terraces, crossing small streams, and enjoying breathtaking views along the way.

Overnight in Sapa.

Today, lace up your hiking boots for a full day of trekking. Walk along mountain trails between two high ranges, passing small villages and meeting the friendly Hmong hill tribes along the way.

After a lunch break in one of the villages, continue the climb to around 1,800 meters, walking past steep rice terraces and enjoying sweeping views over the beautiful valley, a well-earned reward for the effort.

After a day filled with breathtaking scenery and cultural insights, return to your hotel in Sapa.

Overnight in Sapa.

Leaving behind the high mountains of northern Vietnam, we make our way to the scenic region of Ninh Binh. Here, dramatic limestone cliffs rise above green rice fields, while peaceful rivers wind through the breathtaking landscape.  

Upon arrival in the afternoon, visit Bich Dong Pagoda, known for its unique architecture, with part of the temple built inside a cave.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

After breakfast, climb to Hang Mua for panoramic views of Ninh Binh, often called “Dry Ha Long Bay.” Enjoy a scenic sampan boat ride through limestone cliffs and caves, then spend the afternoon at leisure — relaxing by the pool or exploring by bike.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

In the morning, departure from the so-called “dry” Ha Long Bay continues to the harbor of beautiful Ha Long Bay, where an elegant junk boat is waiting. After boarding, a tasty lunch buffet is served, followed by time to relax in comfortable cabins as the limestone cliffs pass by the windows. Later, there is a stop to enjoy panoramic views from a rocky viewpoint and the chance to explore the bay by kayak. At sunset, return to the boat by dinghy for a delicious dinner, and end the evening with cool drinks on the upper deck.
Overnight on board the cruise.

The day begins with Tai Chi on deck, followed by breakfast and a visit to a cave in Ha Long Bay to admire its limestone formations. After a light lunch on board, return to Hanoi for a flight to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An. In the evening, enjoy a walk through the lantern-lit old town.
Overnight in Hoi An.

By day, Hoi An reveals a different charm, with its old houses glowing in warm yellow tones. In the morning, a local chef guides a market visit followed by a hands-on cooking class, featuring the city’s famous crispy pancake, Banh Xeo. Later, a bicycle tour explores the cultural highlights of the old town, including the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, historic houses, and a traditional Chinese assembly hall, once a meeting place for merchants and now an important temple. The evening is free to explore or visit Hoi An’s renowned tailors.
Overnight in Hoi An.

A long drive begins after breakfast, leaving the lantern city of Hoi An and crossing the scenic Hai Van Pass with views of the South China Sea. Along the way, a visit to the ancient imperial city of Hue includes the Hue Citadel, once home to the Nguyen emperors and modeled after Beijing’s Forbidden City. The journey continues to Dong Hoi, on the edge of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, for overnight accommodation.
Overnight in Quang Binh.

The day is dedicated to exploring the caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. After breakfast, a bike ride takes you through the peaceful Bai Long Valley, past lakes and green rice fields, with stops for lunch and drinks. The journey continues to Phong Nha Cave, where a boat cruise along the underground river reveals stunning stalactites and stalagmites, followed by a short walk inside the cave. The afternoon ends back at the accommodation.
Overnight in Quang Binh.

In morning, fly from central Vietnam to Ho Chi Minh City, including the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral time follows to shop for souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market or stroll along the boulevard past the Ho Chi Minh Statue. In the evening, explore the city streets on a scooter tour like the locals, with frequent stops to enjoy delicious Vietnamese street food.
Overnight in Saigon.

Journey to the Mekong Delta for a boat trip along its tributaries. Visit the floating market and a workshop producing rice paper and coconut candy. Stop at a beekeeping farm for honey tea and sample fresh tropical fruit in an orchard. Enjoy lunch in a garden before continuing to Can Tho for the night.
Overnight in Can Tho.

Start the day with an early boat trip to the Cai Rang Floating Market. Then travel to Rach Gia and take a speedboat to Phu Quoc. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore beaches, jungle trails, fishing villages, pepper plantations, or sample fresh seafood.
Overnight in Phu Quoc.

Free at leisure. Overnight in Phu Quoc

The last day has dawned. Guests can take the opportunity to sleep in or enjoy a long walk along the beach. There’s also time for a few laps in the pool. In the afternoon, transfer to Phu Quoc Airport for the flight via Saigon back to London.

Accommodation is generally provided at the hotels listed below; however, availability cannot be guaranteed. If any of the listed properties are unavailable, a similar property of the same standard will be arranged. Our pricing is based on the accommodation options below or similar-grade properties, but we can upgrade your stay to alternative hotel options if you prefer. Please speak to our team to discuss your preferences.

Hanoi          Chalcedony Hotel/ Grand Cititel/ Thang Long Opera

Sapa            Hotel De Sapa – Deluxe

Ninh Binh   Lalita Resort Tam Coc – Deluxe

Ha Long      Victory Cruise/ Syrena Cruise

Quang Binh              Phong Nha Lake House – ROH

Hoi An         Hoian Rose Hotel – Deluxe

Saigon         Huong Sen Dong Khoi/ Acnos Grand Hotel - Deluxe/ ROH

Can Tho      Bamboo Eco Village/ Ninh Kieu Riverside

Phu Quoc   Eco Beach Resort/ Mercury Resort/ The Shells Resort