Day 1: ARRIVE IN HANOI

Arrive in Hanoi, transfer to the hotel. Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some of Asia’s most striking colonial architecture, many peaceful lakes, parks and oriental temples making for a relaxing atmosphere.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: HANOI (B)

Enjoy a full day city tour of this charming capital city including the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh (close on Monday & Friday), the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the impressive Ethnologic Museum, the beautiful West Lake, the Tran Vu Pagoda, the peaceful lake of the Restored Sword and the Ngoc Son temple.

Take a short sightseeing tour by cyclo through the bustling old quarter streets then enjoy an evening traditional water puppet show.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: HANOI – PU LUONG (B, L, D)

Morning drive to Pu Luong Nature Reserve by road via a breathtaking mountain pass giving you a panoramic view of the whole valley. You arrive at your accommodation in time for a delicious lunch, followed by free time to explore the beautiful retreat, with its captivating panoramic views and tranquil setting.

PM: You will be transffed to a suspension bridge over the Cham River, where you begin your walk in search of stunning water wheels. Get up close to each wheel and discover how water is moved from river to handmade bamboo aqueducts via simple constructions of all sizes.

Arriving at a local fisherman’s house, you have a short rest to gear up for the rafting adventure with Dinh and his team. Float along the calm river and enjoy the views, in between learning how to paddle and steer your handcrafted rafts.

Arriving at scenic Tan Lap bridge, you disembark to be transferred back to Pu Luong Retreat for dinner.

Overnight in Pu Luong

 Day 4: PU LUONG – MAI CHAU (B, L)

AM: Start early to descend into the beautiful valley facing the Retreat where you walk around tumbling rice terraces. Trek through small paths shrouded in vegetation to slowly reveal a picturesque village sitting at the base of a towering mountain.Your camera will not be able to sit still!

Continuing to the base of the valley, you weave between roads and farmland, villages and wild fields, ponds and rivers, mountains and open land. Savour the ever-changing scenery as you trek to a beautiful spot. Then you will be transferred back to Puluong Retreat for lunch.

After lunch drive to Mai Chau, where exists a very original culture. Admire this marvelous and beautiful village by viewing a fresh green valley with plants and fields together with rows of tilted houses. In the evening, we enjoy a traditional music show performed by the young White Thai boys and girls, reflecting the rich culture of this ethnic group. The show is followed by ethnic rice wine “Ruou Can”.

Overnight in Mai Chau.

Day 5: MAI CHAU – HANOI (B, L)

The captivating journey will depart from Mai Chau Ecolodge, cycle around the valley; explore the beautiful landscape and unique Thai culture in the villages: Nà Thia, Chiềng Sại, Cha Village, Cha Long, Tong Dau, and Văn Village. Soak up the tranquil daily life by seeing the farmers working on their lush green paddy fields: growing rice, vegetable, raising fish and grazing livestock depending on the seasons.

Afternoon, return to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 6: HANOI – HA LONG (B, L, D)

Overland to Ha Long Bay, the most wonderful scenic sight of Vietnam, the World Natural Heritage Site with over 3000 limestone islands and islets rising fantastically from the clear and emerald water. Board a traditional-style wooden junk to travel around this magnificent landscape visiting its amazing grottoes and caves. Opportunity to dive off the boat and have a pleasant swimming in the deep blue water of East Sea.

Overnight on board.

Day 7: HA LONG – HANOI – HUE (Brunch)

Morning continue our cruise exploring the natural beauty of the World Heritage. Afternoon return to Hanoi, transfer to Noi Bai airport for flight to Hue.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 8: HUE (B)

Enjoy a morning cruise on the romantic Perfume River to visit Hue’s oldest and most revered site Thien Mu Pagoda, then the Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel, the Purple Forbidden City, the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc and the bustling Dong Ba market.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 9: HUE  – DANANG – HOIAN (B)

Morning drive to Hoian. Stop in Danang to visit the Cham Museum which contains the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world. Upon arrival to Hoian, transfer to hotel for check in.

Afternoon, visit this ancient town: the 200 year-old Tan Ky house, Phuc Kien Pagoda, the Assembly Hall, the former merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colourful riverside market. In the evening, free at leisure.

Overnight in Hoian.

Day 10: HOIAN – DANANG – HO CHI MINH CITY (B)

Morning fly to Ho Chi Minh city, the biggest industrial and commercial city of Vietnam. Visit the Reunification Palace, War Remnant Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, Saigon’s China Town, Thien Hau Pagoda and Binh Tay wholesale market.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 11: HO CHI MINH – BEN TRE (B)

Morning drive to Ben Tre. Upon arrival, stop at My Tho boat station to take a boat trip. Start cruising on the Mekong river for sightseeing: the view of the river’s banks, fish- floating market and islands of Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, Phoenix. Enjoy time on the Unicorn island visiting the fruit orchards, taste diverse types of tropical fruits, tea mixed with bee’s honey. Experience a wonderful show of Mekong Delta’s traditional music and songs. Take a short tour by horse-cart to the bank of Mekong River visiting a rice farm, coconut candy workshop and honey bee farm, then journey by small sampan through the canals and mangrove forests where we watch the fishermen lay their fish traps. Afternoon drive back to Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 12: HO CHI MINH – DEPARTURE (B)

Free at leisure until transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for departure flight.