Start your journey in sultry, cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh formerly called Saigon and feel the pulse of the city. With its heady mix of past and present architecture, scooters whizzing past, noodle sellers on the sidewalk, Saigon is a city on the move.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Discover the story of Saigon and hear about the history of the city from the days of French colonial rule to the tragedy of the Vietnam War. You’ll visit key locations such as the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum before ending your day with a sunset speedboat ride along the Saigon River.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Day trip to the watery world of the Mekong Delta - My Tho. Excursion to My Tho with a boat trip to Mekong River islands from Saigon. My Tho, a bustling town in the rich agricultural region of the Mekong Delta. Visit the VINH TRANG PAGODA, a beautiful temple and a sanctuary for orphans and other needy children. Afterwards board a local boat to explore the MEKONG RIVER ISLANDS, stopping at a fruit orchard to enjoy fruit and tea while listening to local music and THOI SON islet. The trip also includes a brief sampan ride through the tiny waterways that thread the island. Enjoy local specialties for lunch. Drive back to Ho Chi Minh in the late afternoon. Dinner at Vietnamese restaurant

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Fly to Danang and take a short drive to Hoi An.  This UNESCO recognized destination has been artfully restored to its former glory and its quaint architecture makes the perfect picture postcard. Discover a preserved pagoda, assembly hall and the often photographed Japanese covered bridge — living links to Hoi An’s ancient past!

Overnight in Hoian

Getting to know the food is also the great way of learning about a country. Enjoy a half-day cooking class where you will have a hands-on lesson on how to shop for ingredients and cook authentic Vietnamese food. By the end of it you’ll be whipping up pho and spring rolls like a professional!

Overnight in Hoian

Drive about two and a half hours along the scenic Hai Van Pass to the former imperial city of Hue. This stretch of road is arguably the prettiest coastal drive in all of Vietnam! Nestled against the banks of the Perfume River, Hue has had an interesting history. Explore the elaborate tombs belonging to past emperors and see the mausoleum of the former emperor Minh Mang in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes, and walk around the Imperial Citadel the seat of power for the Nguyen dynasty.

Overnight in Hue

Take a short flight to Hanoi and say a quick hello to the city. See the highlights of Hanoi with a visit to the famous Temple of Literature and Ngoc Son Temple perched on a tiny island in Hoan Kiem Lake. Take a breezy cyclo ride through the Old Quarter’s 36 streets and end your day with a water puppet performance that will delight your senses. This evening, board an overnight train to the former French hill station of Sapa, a region of stunning landscapes, cultural heritage and ethnic minorities at the edges of northern Vietnam.

Overnight on board

The train arrives very early into Lao Cai station, the last stop on the line. From here, drive about an hour through the winding mountain roads to reach Sapa. This morning learn the story of Sapa on a guided walking tour of the museum with its displays of old photos, artefacts and ethnic minority costumes.  Then take a walk through the local market, followed by a trek along hillside tracks at a nearby village.

Overnight in Sapa

Today, walk up to the top of Ham Rong Mountain for great panoramic views over Sapa and hear the myth and legends behind the mountains name. On the way you will pass by flowers in bloom, orchid farms, interesting caves and rock formations.  This evening, travel to Lao Cai and board the overnight train to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi

Arrive into Hanoi early in the morning and after a quick freshen up and breakfast head to the coastal port of Halong about four hours drive from Hanoi. Cruise the waters of Halong Bay with its hundreds of towering pillars of sea and wind-carved limestone karsts.  Stay onboard a traditional junk for the night and swim, and kayak in the jade green waters

Overnight on board

See the Surprise Cave the largest in Halong Bay with its incredible limestone formations. Cruise back to port and drive to Hanoi arriving later in the afternoon. This evening pull up a stool on the sidewalk and enjoy a beer and spot of people watching just like the locals.

Overnight in Hanoi

Begin the morning with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and hear about the man who led Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. See the One Pillar Pagoda built by an emperor to honour the goddess of mercy. This small pagoda is built over a pretty lotus pond and is rumoured to have healing powers. Next, visit the Temple of Literature, considered Vietnam’s first university. The afternoon is free to do whatever you choose!

Overnight in Hanoi

Fly to Luang Prabang the spiritual capital of Laos and visit the temples Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai, and see the former Royal Palace which is now the National Museum with its halls containing rare religious and cultural artifacts.  Then walk up the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi, for panoramic views of the city as the sun sets.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Rise early to the sound of the temple gong and witness Luang Prabang’s mystical daily ritual of monks collecting alms. Then journey a short distance out of town to the magical Kuang Si Waterfall. The water runs over calcified limestone tiers turning the water a vibrant shade of blue. Take a dip in the cool waters before returning back to the town.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Cruise the waters of the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves that have become shrines to devotees of Buddhism.  For hundreds of years, followers have come to the caves to pray and make merit, by leaving behind a statue of Buddha. The caves are jammed packed with statues with more being added each year. Pop into a riverside weaving village where ancient wooden looms are used to create intricate textiles.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Spend the morning at leisure.  Later, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.