VIETNAM ADVENTURE

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and soak up the atmosphere of this charming capital.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Full day sightseeing in Hanoi, including:

• Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first national university, dedicated to Confucius and centuries of scholarly tradition.

• One Pillar Pagoda – an iconic Buddhist monument symbolising purity and enlightenment.

• Hanoi Flag Tower - a historical monument and a symbol of Vietnam's independence

Afternoon visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), offering insight into Vietnam’s diverse ethnic cultures.

Return to Hanoi for a walk through the 36 streets of the Old Quarter, discovering the lively atmosphere and traditional trades of the historic quarter.

Overnight in Hanoi. [B]

Journey into the scenic north-west of Vietnam, travelling towards Nghia Lo, a tranquil town set amid rice valleys and home to the Thai ethnic minority.

Lunch en route at a local restaurant.

Continue by road to Khau Pha Pass, one of the most dramatic mountain passes in the region.

Enjoy a gentle walk (approx. 3 km / 1 hour) to Lim Thai village, offering sweeping views over vast terraced rice fields cultivated by the H’Mong and Thai communities.

Rejoin the vehicle in Lim Thai village and transfer to Mu Cang Chai.

Arrival and check-in at Mu Cang Chai Lodge. Free time at leisure. Dinner at the lodge.

Overnight at Mu Cang Chai Lodge. [B, L, D]

Full-day hiking in Mu Cang Chai

Immerse yourself in the dramatic mountain landscapes of Mu Cang Chai, a region famed for its spectacular terraced rice fields and ethnic diversity.

A short transfer brings you to Pun Luong, the starting point of the hike. Begin the trek towards My Hang village, walking through breathtaking terraced rice fields sculpted into the hillsides and framed by majestic mountains. The vibrant patchwork of terraces cultivated by the Flower Hmong creates a striking panoramic scene. (Trail 3: approx. 6 km / moderate / difficulty 2.5/5)

At the end of the hike, return by vehicle to the lodge for a well-earned rest. Lunch at the lodge.

In the afternoon, transfer to the next starting point and begin a second walk in the Ngoc Chien Valley. This gentle hike reveals the valley’s natural beauty and the rich cultural life of local communities, mainly the Black Thai and Flower Hmong. Enjoy a pleasant walk through the village, meeting local residents and observing everyday rural life. (Trail 4: approx. 5 km / easy–moderate / difficulty 2/5)

Return by car to the lodge. Dinner at the lodge.

Overnight at Mu Cang Chai Lodge. [B, L, D]

After breakfast, journey north towards the highlands of Sapa, travelling through scenic mountain landscapes. En route, stop at Tram Ton Pass, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam, to enjoy sweeping panoramic views before continuing to Sapa.

Lunch in Sapa town. Hotel check-in.

Afternoon at leisure, or choose from optional activities to be booked and paid locally:

• Option 1: Scenic train and cable car journey to the summit of Fansipan, known as the “Roof of Indochina”.

• Option 2: Guided hike to the villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van, offering insight into local ethnic cultures and terraced landscapes.

Overnight in Sapa. [B, L]

Early morning departure by car to visit a vibrant ethnic minority market, depending on the day of travel:
Can Cau Market (Saturday),
Bac Ha Market (Sunday),
Coc Ly Market (Tuesday), or
Lung Phinh Market (Friday).

Upon arrival, explore the colourful market, where ethnic communities gather to trade livestock, handicrafts, textiles, and local produce, offering a vivid insight into highland life.

After lunch, drive back to Hanoi and transfer to the hotel on arrival.

Overnight in Hanoi. [B, L]

After breakfast, drive to Ha Long Bay and embark on an overnight cruise in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its emerald waters and dramatic limestone karsts.

Cruise through the bay, drifting past timeless landscapes as the sun sets behind the towering formations.

Lunch and dinner are served on board.

Overnight on board. [B, L, D]

Enjoy a final morning immersed in the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay, cruising through the bay before enjoying brunch on board. Return to the port and disembark.

Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for the flight to Hue.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Hue. [B]

Morning visit the Hue Citadel, the former seat of the Nguyen emperors and a UNESCO-listed complex of palaces, temples, and fortified walls reflecting Vietnam’s imperial past.

Continue by car to visit the Minh Mang Mausoleum, a harmonious imperial tomb set amid landscaped gardens and tranquil lakes.

In the afternoon, drive to Hoi An, with a stop at Hai Van Pass to enjoy panoramic views over Lang Co Beach.

Late afternoon arrival in Hoi An. Hotel check-in.

Overnight in Hoi An. [B]

In the morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Hoi An, exploring its timeless charm and well-preserved heritage, including visits to:

• A traditional lantern-making workshop – discovering Hoi An’s iconic craft.

• Phuc Kien Assembly Hall – reflecting the town’s Chinese trading heritage.

• Japanese Covered Bridge – the symbolic landmark of Hoi An, built in the 16th century and linking the former Japanese and Chinese quarters.

• The local market – a glimpse of everyday local life.

• Traditional old houses – showcasing Hoi An’s historic merchant architecture.

Afternoon free for independent exploration.

Overnight in Hoi An. [B]

Transfer to Da Nang International Airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Transfer to the hotel for check-in and free time at leisure.

Overninght in Ho Chi Minh City. [B]

A Journey into Life in the Mekong Delta. Drive to Cai Thia village.

On arrival, cycle along the canal through the peaceful countryside, then enjoy a gentle walk through the famous Hoa Loc mango village, discovering rural life and meeting local residents.

Visit a traditional Mekong Delta house to learn how rice paper is made, followed by a tasting and tea.

Embark on a cruise towards An Binh – Hoa Ninh, with lunch on board, then continue by small rowing boat through narrow creeks.

Check in at the homestay and enjoy free time to explore the islet. Join your host in preparing dinner.

As evening falls, unwind to the quiet rhythm of the river and the gentle sounds of delta life.

Overnight at the family-run homestay. [B, L, D]

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely walk around the island, taking in the calm riverside atmosphere.

Continue cruising to visit a local tile factory, offering insight into traditional craftsmanship of the Mekong Delta. Disembark in Vinh Long and drive to Sa Dec, a charming riverside town closely associated with L’Amant (The Lover), adapted from Marguerite Duras’s novel.

Sa Dec is known for its French-colonial heritage, romantic atmosphere, and vibrant flower industry. Highlights include the Kien An Cung Pagoda, the Huynh Thuy Le House, the lively local market, and the colourful flower village.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City, with a stop for lunch en route.

Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City and hotel check-in.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. [B, L]

Morning exploration of Ho Chi Minh City, discovering its colonial heritage and elegant boulevards, including:

• Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon – a striking red-brick cathedral built during the French colonial era.

• Saigon Central Post Office – an elegant example of French colonial architecture

• Photo stop at the Independence Palace – a key historical site symbolising the end of the Vietnam War.

Continue to Cholon, the city’s historic Chinese quarter, to explore traditional herbal medicine shops and visit the Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea.

Return to the city centre to visit Ben Thanh Market, a lively symbol of local life and commerce.

Hotel check-out. Free time at leisure until transfer to the airport for departure.

[B]