Best of Vietnam Fortnight

Your Vietnamese adventure starts as you arrive in Hanoi, where our private driver will welcome you with a sign bearing your name. We'll escort you to your centrally-located accommodation, perfectly situated near the vibrant Old Quarter. You are free to unwind at the hotel or wander through the historic streets, soaking up the city's unique atmosphere at your own pace.

Our friendly guide will pick us up as we set off for Ninh Binh province. We’ll take a brief pause en route before continuing to Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital from 968 to 1010. Here, we’ll delve into the Vietnamese feudal system under the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties. Following this, enjoy a cycling tour around the village to experience local life.

Lunch is a buffet at the 5-star Ninh Binh Excursion Restaurant, where you can savour local dishes including goat meat, spring rolls, fish, chicken, fried rice, and vegetable salad. Vegetarian options are also available.

After lunch, we’ll embark on a 1.5-hour bamboo boat ride in Tam Coc, known as "Ha Long Bay on land," where the breathtaking landscape of paddy fields, rivers, and caves unfolds under the tranquil sky.

Next, we’ll visit Mua Cave and climb nearly 500 steps to the top of Lying Dragon Mountain. From here, soak in the panoramic views of Tam Coc and the surrounding lotus fields, particularly striking in summer.

Finally, we’ll return to Hanoi, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel, concluding the tour.

Start your day with an early breakfast at the hotel before checking out. We'll take a limousine bus to Sapa, a journey of approximately six hours. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your accommodation. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the enchanting mountain town of Sapa.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel, then meet our guide at around 9:30 am to embark on a 12 km trek. We will explore the villages of Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai, home to the Hmong people. As we walk, enjoy the stunning views of rice terraces and mountains. We'll pause for lunch by the river in Lao Chai village.

Our trek continues to Ta Van, where the Dzay community resides. Here, you'll have the unique chance to engage with the Dzay's traditional lifestyle and customs. We'll spend the night in a local Dzay house, offering an authentic cultural experience.

Please note: Remember to pack light - bring just a small bag with essentials for the trek and overnight stay at the homestay. You may leave your main luggage at the Sapa hotel, as we'll return there the following day before heading back to Hanoi.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel the final trek to Giang Ta Chai village, home to the Red Dao minority. We will hike through the bamboo forests of Hoang Lien National Park, encountering a serene waterfall and a traditional rattan bridge along the way. Here, you'll have a chance to rest and soak in the beautiful surroundings.

Lunch will be enjoyed at a picturesque spot before continuing to Su Pan, a quaint village beside the road. From Su Pan, we will return to Sapa by car and then head back to Hanoi in a comfortable limousine bus.

Start your day with breakfast before our cruise picks you up from your hotel. As we journey to Halong Bay, enjoy the picturesque route through the Red River Delta, admiring the expansive emerald rice paddies.

Upon arrival at Halong, sail through the bay to marvel at its limestone cliffs and karst grottoes. Afterwards, savour a delicious seafood lunch on board. We will then visit the renowned limestone cave, where you can kayak or swim, offering a closer look at the floating villages and shops.

In the evening, return to the boat for an early dinner. Afterwards, you may choose to participate in onboard activities or simply relax.

Begin your day with an early Tai Chi session, or simply enjoy a hearty breakfast. Our boat will navigate back to the port, pausing at the Limestone Cave, renowned for its impressive stalagmites and stalactites.

Afterwards, we’ll continue our journey to the main harbour, arriving in Hanoi around 17:00. Use your free time as you wish.

Enjoy breakfast and some free time before your transfer to the airport for the flight to central Vietnam. Upon arrival, transfer to Hoi An and check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Hoi An is renowned for its custom tailoring, boasting over 400 shops and thousands of skilled tailors crafting not only clothing but also bespoke shoes and handbags. For those interested in personalised items, visiting a tailor early in your stay is advisable - expect a one-day turnaround for suits and just four hours for shoes or handbags.

In the afternoon, explore Hoi An's famous landmarks, but start with a local culinary experience: a Banh Mi sandwich. Hoi An's Banh Mi is renowned for its unique bread and fillings, reflecting the region's distinct flavours. We suggest visiting Madam Khanh’s stand, known locally as the "Banh Mi Queen."

As night falls, Hoi An's Old Town becomes a captivating scene of lights and lanterns. The town is a hub for paper lantern manufacturing, and the lantern market offers a glimpse into their creation, with plenty to purchase if you wish.

After wandering the market, enjoy a performance at the open-air traditional theatre on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. From 9 pm to 10 pm, you can watch Vietnamese folk dancers and musicians for free - a cultural experience not to be missed.

Before returning to your hotel, take a moment to join a local tradition by lighting a candle and setting it afloat in the river. Children often sell the candles along the bank, and it’s customary to make a wish as you release yours.

Today, enjoy a free day to explore Hoi An at your leisure. This ancient town boasts Japanese merchant houses, pagodas, temples, and antique warehouses.

You might also opt to relax in a riverside cafe along the Thu Bon River, or join the optional Hoi An Eco Tour. This experience includes a local market visit, basket boat ride through the nipa palm forests of Cam Thanh, fishing activities and a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to discover more of the ancient town or unwind at your hotel.

We begin our day with breakfast at the hotel before catching our flight to Ho Chi Minh City. After checking into your hotel, you're free to relax and recharge at your own pace.

Enjoy a substantial breakfast before we depart for My Tho, situated on the left bank of the Mekong River. Board a sampan for a scenic cruise around the four picturesque islands of Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise.

Disembark at Unicorn Island and stroll along country lanes, explore orchards, and sample tropical fruits while listening to traditional folk music performed by locals. Next, navigate the Thoi Son canal by hand-rowed sampan. This offers an intimate glimpse into the region's natural beauty.

We then visit a local family business, a honey-bee farm, and a coconut candy workshop. Enjoy honey tea as part of the experience. Lunch at a local restaurant followed by a restful break.

In the afternoon, cycle around Tan Thach village to meet the villagers and observe daily life in the Mekong Delta. Alternatively, relax in a hammock and enjoy the cool breeze if cycling isn't for you. Head back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving around 17:30.

Explore the captivating culture and serene landscapes of Vietnam's Mekong Delta on this enriching day trip.

Embark on a morning visit to Independence Palace, also known as Reunification Palace. Built on the former site of Norodom Palace, it stands as a key historical monument of Ho Chi Minh City, designed by the renowned architect Ngo Viet Thu.

We then explore magnificent French Colonial architecture, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office. Our tour continues with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, featuring extensive exhibitions on the Indochina wars.

We return to the hotel or designated meeting point to conclude the tour.

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast as we begin the final day of your journey. After checking out of the hotel, you have time to explore the local markets, perfect for picking up souvenirs for friends and family. Later, we’ll head to the airport for your flight home. Your trip ends here. Safe travels!