The colors of the Dragon country

Hanoi / Free Time (-)

Arrival in Hanoi.
Meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. Rooms are normally available from 2:00 PM.

Free time to rest or enjoy your first discovery of the city.

Meals at your own expense. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Hanoi / City Tour - Overnight Train to Lao Cai (B,L)

After breakfast,
meet the team at 8:30 AM for a full day of visits and walks around Hanoi.

We begin with:

• Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius and his disciples. This complex was Vietnam’s first university.
• Tran Quoc Pagoda (Buddhism), whose name means “Pagoda for the Defence of the Nation”, located on a beautiful peninsula on Ho Tay Lake (West Lake), undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in Hanoi.
• Quan Thanh Temple (Taoism), dedicated to the deity Tran Vu, an important protector of the ancient citadel of Hanoi.

Lunch during the visits.

In the afternoon, take photos in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, overlooking Ba Dinh Square, where you may witness the changing of the guard, at the heart of Vietnam’s political history.

Then visit Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, offering an insight into the remarkably modest lifestyle of this important historical figure.

Continue with the One Pillar Pagoda, famous for its unique architecture inspired by a legend dating back to the 11th century.

Towards the end of the day, enjoy a pleasant walk towards Long Bien Bridge (formerly known as Paul Doumer Bridge during the French colonial period) and take a look at the famous “Train Street” area.

Dinner at your own expense in the city, then transfer to the railway station for the overnight train to Lao Cai.

Overnight on board / Soft sleeper | 4-berth compartment.

Lao Cai Arrival – Sapa / Ethnic Encounters in Lao Chai, Ta Van Villages - Sapa (B,L)

Early morning arrival at Lao Cai railway station.
Breakfast, followed by a road transfer to Sapa. Along the way, the road offers a fabulous panorama of terraced rice fields hidden behind the morning clouds.

Perched on a mountainside at around 1,650m above sea level, near the Chinese border, Sapa is one of the main tourist destinations in Northwestern Vietnam, particularly renowned for the beauty of its landscapes, with deep valleys and terraced rice cultivation. Sapa is also surrounded by numerous small villages inhabited by different ethnic groups, including Flower H’mong, Green Dao, Tay and Nung communities. The local markets alone are well worth discovering.

Rest at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we set off on foot towards the Black H’mong villages of Lao Chai and the Dzay village of Ta Van. This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to discover the distinctive cultures of each ethnic group. Return to Sapa.

Dinner at your own expense and overnight in Sapa.

Sapa / Ham Rong mountain, Ta Phin village – Lao Cai - Overnight Train to Ha Noi (B,L)

After breakfast,
meet at 8:00 AM to visit the daily Sapa market, where ethnic minority communities come to exchange agricultural products or sell their traditional costumes, carefully handmade by local women. Young couples also enjoy gathering here.

Then it is time to climb Ham Rong Mountain (“Dragon Jaw Mountain”), where we will have the opportunity to take superb photographs of the surrounding region. An interesting walk will lead us to the theatre, where we will have the chance to watch a traditional dance performance by five ethnic groups of Sapa.

After lunch at a local restaurant, return towards Lao Cai, with a short detour to Ta Phin Village, where we discover the centuries-old traditions of the Red Dao people.

Before returning to the station, a stop at the Sino-Vietnamese border offers a view of the Red River, on the Vietnamese side, meeting the Nam Thi River, marking the border with China.

Board the 6:30 PM overnight train to Hanoi.

Overnight on board the train in a comfortable, air-conditioned sleeper carriage.

Hanoi - Ha Long Bay (B,L,D)

The train arrives at Hanoi railway station at around 5:00 AM.

After breakfast and a shower at the Mango Hotel opposite the station, we depart for Ha Long Bay. Along the way, we travel through the traditional Vietnamese countryside, passing villages, markets and rice fields that form part of the daily life of local farmers.

12:30 PM: Arrival at Hon Gai Pier and transfer by small boat to the Swan Cruise.

12:45 PM: Welcome cocktail and briefing on board.

1:00 PM: Check into your cabin.

1:30 PM: A delicious lunch of fresh seafood and Vietnamese cuisine is served as the junk boat sails towards the heart of Ha Long Bay.

3:00 PM: Arrival at Cap Island for kayaking among karst islets surrounded by magnificent natural scenery. Swimming and relaxation on the beach.

5:30 PM: Return to the junk boat to enjoy the Sunset Party. Anchor for the night.

7:00 PM: Vietnamese dinner served as a set menu.

8:30 PM: Free time. Optional squid fishing.

Overnight on board the 4-star junk boat | Deluxe cabin.

Bai Tu Long - Lan Ha Bay – Thien Canh Son – Ninh Binh (B,L)

6:30 AM: Optional morning Tai Chi session on the deck at sunrise.

7:00 AM: Breakfast with Asian and Western dishes.

8:00 AM: Cruise towards Thien Canh Son Cave, which we will visit.

9:30 AM: Return to the junk boat and check out of your cabin.

10:45 AM: On the way back, enjoy a cooking demonstration before having a traditional Vietnamese lunch.

12:00 PM: Arrival at Hon Gai Pier.

12:30 PM: Departure for Hai Phong City, where we stroll through the flower market and visit Du Hang Pagoda, dating from the 17th century, before continuing to Ninh Binh and arriving in the late afternoon.

Located southeast of Hanoi, Ninh Binh Province lies at the southern end of Southeast Asia’s limestone karst plateau. It is also one of the places in Vietnam where these rock formations are most impressive, earning it the name “Inland Ha Long Bay – the little sister of maritime Ha Long Bay.”

Dinner at your own expense and overnight at the hotel in Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh - Vinh (B,L)

After breakfast,
meet at 8:00 AM and depart from the pier either by buffalo cart or bicycle to travel through a typical village, stopping to visit a traditional house.

Board small rowing boats for a 2-hour trip through rice fields surrounded by spectacular scenery.

Lunch on site before following National Highway No. 1 towards Vinh – the hometown region of President Ho Chi Minh. Late arrival at the hotel.

Dinner at your own expense and overnight at the hotel in Vinh.

Vinh - Phong Nha Cave - Quang Binh (B,L)

After breakfast,
meet at 7:30 AM and depart for Phong Nha, continuing along National Highway No. 1 and part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Photo and sightseeing stops along the way.

Quang Binh Province is home to the famous Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, listed as a World Heritage Site in 2003.

Arrival in Phong Nha around midday. Lunch, followed by a boat cruise along the river towards one of Vietnam’s most famous and beautiful caves, Phong Nha Cave. Formed more than 250 million years ago, it is recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site.

Return to Quang Binh for the night.

Dinner at your own expense and overnight in Quang Binh.

Quang Binh – Hue (B,L)

After breakfast,
meet at 8:00 AM and continue along National Highway No. 1 towards Hue.

We pass an important historical site: the 17th Parallel Bridge. In 1954, following the French defeat at Dien Bien Phu, the Geneva Accords established the temporary division of Vietnam, with the Ben Hai River serving as the dividing line between the northern part of Vietnam under Ho Chi Minh and South Vietnam under Bao Dai. The agreements also provided for the withdrawal of French troops. The agreement was signed neither by South Vietnam nor by the United States. This temporary demarcation line would remain for around 20 years, until reunification in 1975.

We arrive in Hue, where we travel back through history: the Citadel, within it the Imperial City, and deeper inside, the Forbidden Purple City. Magnificent palaces and dozens of beautifully decorated gates reveal the splendour of the former imperial capital. Although the complex is still undergoing restoration following extensive wartime damage, it remains an impressive testimony to the magnificence of ancient Annam.

We continue our discovery with a one-hour cruise on the Perfume River, disembarking at Thien Mu Pagoda – the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady.

Return to the city for lunch at a typical local restaurant, followed by a visit to Dong Ba Market, the city’s largest covered market.

Dinner at your own expense and overnight in Hue.

Note: For groups of 10 people, a Royal Dinner can be arranged as an optional experience.

Hue – Hai Van Pass – Da Nang – Hoi An (B,L)

After breakfast at the hotel,
meet at 8:00 AM and depart to discover a village specializing in the traditional family production of incense sticks and conical hats.

We continue to the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. It is perhaps the best known of Hue’s royal mausoleums and also one of the most impressive. The emperor designed it himself and even lived there before supposedly being buried there, although the exact location of his grave remains unknown.

We then continue south towards Hoi An, crossing the famous Hai Van Pass – the “Pass of the Clouds.” Its reputation is well deserved, offering a breathtaking panorama over the entire Da Nang coastline.

In Da Nang, we make a stop to admire works of art from the Cham culture at the museum dedicated to it, before continuing towards Hoi An.

Arrival in Hoi An at the end of the day.

One of Southeast Asia’s oldest ports and trading centres, Hoi An has become one of Central Vietnam’s most charming destinations. Set along the Thu Bon River, the town enjoys a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere while maintaining a rich tradition of local craftsmanship.

Dinner at your own expense in town and overnight in Hoi An.

Hoi An / City Tour (B,L)

After breakfast at the hotel,
meet at 8:00 AM and set off to discover the ancient town of Hoi An and its treasures: a Chinese Congregation Assembly Hall, the covered fish market, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and a traditional Vietnamese house.

We then enjoy a cruise on the Hoai River, offering a closer look at local fishing activities and a chance to experience the rural atmosphere outside the town.

Free time at the beach at the end of the day.

Dinner at your own expense in town and overnight in Hoi An.

Hoi An – Quy Nhon (B,L)

After breakfast at the hotel,
we take the national highway southwards along the coastline.

Lunch en route.

Several photo stops are planned along this beautiful journey.

Upon arrival in Quy Nhon, enjoy this lovely coastal city.

Dinner at your own expense in town and overnight in Quy Nhon.

Quy Nhon – Tuy Hoa – Nha Trang (B,L)

After breakfast at the hotel,
we happily continue our “road trip” southwards along the coastal highway.

Lunch en route, with plenty of photo stops along the way.

Arrival in Nha Trang, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful coastal cities and certainly one of its most popular seaside resorts.

A city tour will introduce you to its remarkable beauty.

Dinner at your own expense in town and overnight in Nha Trang.

Nha Trang / Po Nagar Cham Towers, Hon Tam island (B,L)

After breakfast,
meet at 8:00 AM and depart for a full day of visits and excursions.

Ranked among the world’s 29 most beautiful bays, with sunshine throughout the year and an average temperature of 23°C, Nha Trang offers undeniable southern charm.

After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers and Long Son Pagoda.

In the afternoon, we head towards Hon Tam Island, off the coast of Nha Trang Bay. It is an ideal place for swimming in emerald waters and scuba diving to discover the beautiful underwater environment.

Those who do not wish to dive can visit Bong Nguyen Island (Hon Mieu) and explore the Tri Nguyen Aquarium, home to a large collection of fish, crustaceans, molluscs and turtles found in the South China Sea.

Dinner at your own expense in town and overnight in Nha Trang.

Nha Trang - Da Lat (B,L)

After breakfast,
meet at 8:00 AM and depart for Da Lat, passing through Phan Rang, where we visit the Po Klong Garai Cham Towers, dedicated to the Cham king of the same name and dating from the 13th century.

We continue our journey across the Ngoan Muc Pass, also known as the “Spectacular Pass”. A stop at the summit will make its name perfectly understandable, thanks to the splendid views.

Descending from the pass, we arrive in Da Lat.

At the end of the 19th century, Alexandre Yersin travelled through Vietnam’s rivers and tropical forests and learned to live in these regions. He settled in and remained deeply attached to what was then a small fishing village: Nha Trang. During one of his early expeditions, he discovered the site and excellent climate of what would later become Da Lat, developed together with Paul Doumer and named after the ancient Lat people.

Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Da Lat is now famous for its waterfalls, lakes, flower-filled valleys, green meadows and pine forests.

After lunch, we visit the Da Lat Botanical Garden, the Valley of Love, and Xuan Huong Lake.

Dinner at your own expense and overnight at the hotel in Da Lat.

Da Lat – Sai Gon (B,L)

After breakfast,
meet at 8:00 AM and leave the city of poetry and love to continue towards Ho Chi Minh City.

This can be considered one of the most beautiful roads of the journey: roses, daisies and all kinds of seasonal flowers decorate the 300km route. In the background, coffee, tea and rubber plantations create a romantic and impressive landscape typical of Vietnam’s Central Highlands.

We stop in Bao Loc for the opportunity to taste regional specialties.

We arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the economic centre of Vietnam. Located in Southern Vietnam near the Mekong Delta, it is also the country’s largest metropolis, with a population of more than 8 million inhabitants.

Dinner at the restaurant and overnight in Saigon.

Dinner at the restaurant and overnight in Saigon.

Sai Gon – Mekong Delta / My Tho and Ben Tre (B,L,D)

After breakfast,
meet at 8:00 AM and depart in the morning for the Mekong Delta.

Upon arrival in My Tho, enjoy a boat trip through small islands covered with tropical orchards before travelling through the Xep Canal.

At the other end of the canal, horse-drawn carts await us for a ride through local villages. Stop at an orchard to taste fresh fruit and honey tea, before boarding rowing sampans to travel through a smaller canal.

At midday, lunch on Turtle Island, surrounded by mangrove forest.

At the end of the afternoon, arrive at a local family’s home and enjoy some free time to rest.

Dinner and overnight at the homestay.

Ben Tre  – Sa Dec – Long Xuyen (B,L)

Breakfast at the homestay.

Meet at 8:00 AM, then walk through the orchard with the owner. Afterwards, visit the village market and join the family in preparing Vietnamese dishes, creating a memorable culinary experience.

Disembark at My Tho and continue by road towards Long Xuyen via Sa Dec, where we visit Kien An Cung Pagoda, the Huynh Thuy Le House – associated with Marguerite Duras’ The Lover – and Trung Vuong School, where her mother, Madame Donadieu, once taught.

Continue towards Long Xuyen, arriving at the end of the day.

Dinner at your own expense and overnight at the hotel in Long Xuyen.

Long Xuyen / Floating Market – Sai Gon (B,L)

Early in the morning,
we visit the Long Xuyen Floating Market by private sampan, a lively and authentic market offering a unique opportunity to discover the daily activities of people living along the Mekong River.

Visit Cu Lao Ong Ho, both on foot and by small boat through several narrow waterways.

Drive back to Saigon with photo stops and lunch en route.

Arrival in Saigon and direct transfer to the hotel.

Dinner at your own expense in the city and overnight in Saigon.

Sai Gon / City Tour – Departure (B/L)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a city tour:

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral, a red-brick building in the Neo-Romanesque style, consecrated in 1880. The Central Post Office, the Opera House, and the City Hall are fine examples of French architectural heritage.

We then explore the Chinese district of Cho Lon. Numerous small family businesses thrive in this bustling Chinatown, traditionally devoted to trade and commerce. Its richly decorated Chinese pagodas and temples differ greatly in style from Vietnamese sanctuaries.

Visit Thien Hau Pagoda and Binh Tay Wholesale Market.

Free time for shopping or your own discovery of the city before the transfer to the airport.

Meet and transfer to the airport for your return flight.