You arrive today in Hanoi, Vietnam’s evocative capital, where centuries of history blend seamlessly with the energy of modern life. As you step off the aircraft and complete arrival formalities, the atmosphere immediately feels different—warm air, the gentle hum of the city, and a sense that you’ve arrived somewhere truly distinctive.

After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, you will be warmly met by your local representative and transferred to your hotel. The drive into the city offers your first glimpse of Hanoi’s rhythm: scooters flowing like rivers through the streets, colonial-era buildings standing proudly beside traditional shopfronts, and leafy boulevards framing lakes and temples.

Hanoi is a city best absorbed slowly. It is elegant yet chaotic, ancient yet alive, and deeply rooted in tradition. Today is intentionally kept gentle, allowing you time to recover from the overnight flight and adjust to the local pace before deeper exploration begins.

About Hanoi

Set along the banks of the Red River, Hanoi has been the cultural and political heart of Vietnam for over a thousand years. Its historic core, the famous Old Quarter, is a maze of narrow streets named after ancient trading guilds, while grand French colonial architecture reflects a later chapter of its past. Throughout the city, pagodas, lakes, and shaded courtyards provide moments of calm amid the buzz.

Arrival & First-Day Tips

• Take today at a relaxed pace—hydration and light movement help combat jet lag.
• Hanoi can feel lively and noisy at first; this is part of its charm and soon becomes endearing.
• Keep valuables secure and close, particularly when out walking in busy areas.
• If you head out independently, hotel staff are always happy to recommend nearby cafés or gentle evening strolls.

As evening approaches, you may choose to enjoy a quiet meal nearby or simply unwind at the hotel, watching the city come alive as lanterns glow and street vendors set up for the night. Hanoi after dark has a special atmosphere—vibrant yet welcoming, and full of promise for the days ahead.

Overnight in Hanoi

Today you delve deeper into the character of Hanoi, a city where mythology, scholarship, and daily life intertwine effortlessly. After breakfast, your local guide meets you at the hotel and escorts you into the heart of the capital for a thoughtfully paced city tour, designed to reveal both Hanoi’s famous landmarks and its everyday rhythms.

The morning begins in true local style with a freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee at a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. This peaceful stretch of water is the city’s spiritual and social centre, where residents gather to walk, chat, and practise tai chi as the day unfolds. Sitting here offers a wonderful introduction to Hanoi’s unhurried morning pace.

From the lakeside, you cross the striking red wooden bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple, set serenely on a small island. Your guide brings to life the legend behind the lake’s name, sharing stories of emperors, sacred swords, and the mythical turtle believed to protect the city. These tales are deeply woven into Hanoi’s identity and help explain why this spot remains so revered.

You then continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university and a place of learning since the 11th century. Sheltered courtyards, ancient stone stelae, and elegant pavilions create a calm contrast to the surrounding city. Even today, students visit to seek good fortune before important exams, giving the site a living, rather than purely historical, significance.

Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant (at your own cost), offering the chance to sample classic northern Vietnamese dishes at your leisure.

In the afternoon, experience Hanoi as locals once did, travelling by cyclo through the atmospheric Old Quarter. As you glide through its narrow streets, you’ll pass shop-houses, street stalls, and workshops that echo centuries of trade. Many streets still bear names reflecting their traditional crafts, and the area remains one of the most animated parts of the city.

Your exploration continues at the historic Long Bien Bridge, an enduring symbol of Hanoi’s past. Built during the French colonial era and later damaged during wartime, the bridge today carries a steady flow of pedestrians, bicycles, and motorbikes. From here, you gain a fascinating view over the Red River and the lively market below, offering insight into the working heartbeat of the city.

The day concludes with a performance at a water puppet theatre, a uniquely Vietnamese art form dating back hundreds of years. Set on a shallow pool of water, the puppets move gracefully to live traditional music, retelling folk stories and rural legends in a way that is both charming and deeply cultural.

After the show, you are transferred back to your hotel. The evening is free to relax or head out independently, perhaps for a gentle stroll or a final taste of Hanoi’s vibrant food scene.

Overnight in Hanoi

Today is yours to enjoy Hanoi exactly as you wish, offering a welcome pause after the city’s rich cultural discoveries. With no scheduled activities, this free day allows you to slow the pace, revisit favourite spots, or explore corners of the capital that caught your curiosity.

You may choose to wander back into the Old Quarter, where each street reveals something different — from silk shops and traditional medicine stores to hidden courtyards and lively food stalls. Alternatively, a gentle stroll around West Lake provides a calmer side of Hanoi, with lakeside cafés, temples, and tree-lined paths offering a relaxed contrast to the city centre.

For those interested in history and culture, Hanoi offers an abundance of optional visits, such as museums, art galleries, or additional temples, all easily accessible by taxi or on foot. Food lovers may wish to sample more of the city’s celebrated cuisine, whether that’s a casual bowl of pho at a street-side eatery or a refined meal in one of Hanoi’s contemporary restaurants.

Optional Experiences & Practical Tips

• Take advantage of Hanoi’s café culture — it’s one of the best in Southeast Asia.
• If shopping, remember that friendly bargaining is part of the local tradition in markets.
• Keep the day flexible and unhurried; Hanoi rewards those who take time to observe daily life.
• Hotel staff are always happy to suggest activities or arrange taxis if needed.

As evening approaches, you may enjoy a relaxed dinner at your own choice (at your own cost), perhaps accompanied by a cold local beer or a glass of wine, reflecting on the journey so far before new landscapes and experiences await.

Overnight in Hanoi

This morning, you bid farewell to the lively streets of Hanoi and journey east towards one of Vietnam’s most celebrated landscapes — the awe-inspiring Ha Long Bay. The drive takes approximately four hours, passing through rural scenery and small towns, with a comfort stop en route to stretch your legs and enjoy light refreshments.

As you approach the coast, the scenery begins to change, building anticipation for what lies ahead. Ha Long Bay is a place of extraordinary beauty, where hundreds of dramatic limestone karsts rise vertically from calm, emerald-coloured waters. For Vietnamese people, this bay is steeped in legend, said to have been shaped by dragons descending from the heavens. Covering a vast area of around 1,500 square kilometres, it has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.

On arrival at Tuan Chau Marina, you’ll check in and have time to relax in the waiting lounge before boarding your carefully selected overnight cruise. Once on board, you’ll be welcomed by the crew with a refreshing drink and a short briefing outlining the experiences ahead. After settling into your private cabin, lunch is served as the vessel begins its gentle voyage through the bay.

While you dine on a mix of Vietnamese specialities and international dishes, the cruise glides past some of Ha Long Bay’s most striking formations — each limestone islet uniquely shaped by wind and water over millions of years. The ever-changing light reflects off the water, creating a mesmerising backdrop that makes this journey unforgettable.

During the afternoon, the cruise pauses at a local pearl farm, where you’ll learn about traditional pearl cultivation techniques that have been practised here for generations. From here, you can choose to explore further by kayak, quietly paddling between limestone cliffs and into tranquil corners of the bay, surrounded by nature.

The adventure continues with a visit to Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most impressive cave in Ha Long Bay. Inside, an extraordinary world of illuminated chambers, stalactites, and stalagmites reveals itself — a natural masterpiece formed over countless centuries. Comfortable, closed footwear is recommended, particularly if conditions are damp.

Returning to the ship, you’ll have time to unwind on deck or enjoy a drink at the bar as the boat anchors for the evening. As daylight fades, the limestone peaks are silhouetted against the sky, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

Dinner is served on board, featuring freshly prepared dishes inspired by local flavours. Afterwards, the evening is yours to enjoy — perhaps relaxing under the stars, chatting with fellow travellers, or trying your hand at traditional squid fishing. When ready, retire to your cabin and fall asleep to the gentle motion of the boat and the quiet sounds of the bay.

Helpful Cruise Tips

• Pack a small overnight bag, as larger luggage may be stored separately.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for cave visits.
• A light jacket can be useful in the evening on deck.
• Kayaking activities are optional and suitable for beginners.

Overnight on board in Ha Long Bay

Please note: In rare cases of adverse weather conditions, Vietnamese authorities may temporarily suspend cruising activities for safety reasons. Should this occur, the overnight cruise will be replaced with a hotel stay and alternative sightseeing arrangements.

Awake this morning to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay as the limestone karsts emerge gently from the early mist. The calm of dawn here is unforgettable. Early risers may choose to begin the day with a relaxing tai chi session on the sundeck, a peaceful way to stretch, breathe, and absorb the stillness of the bay as the light slowly changes across the water.

A light breakfast is served on board before the day’s final exploration. You then travel by tender to Ti Top Island, a small but striking limestone outcrop famous for its crescent-shaped sandy beach. Here, you may enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear emerald waters or take the short but rewarding climb to the island’s viewpoint. From the top, sweeping panoramic views reveal the scale and beauty of Ha Long Bay — a perfect final moment in this extraordinary landscape.

Returning to the ship, there is time to pack and check out of your cabin as the cruise makes its unhurried journey back towards the harbour. Lunch is served on board as you sail, allowing you to enjoy one last meal while taking in the final scenes of towering karsts, floating boats, and calm open water.

On arrival at Tuan Chau Marina, you disembark and meet your guide and driver for the return journey to Hanoi. Once back in the city, you’ll have a few hours at leisure to relax, freshen up, or enjoy some independent time. We recommend having dinner in Hanoi at your own cost, perhaps in the Old Quarter, where you can also pick up snacks and drinks for the overnight journey ahead.

Later in the evening, you are transferred to Hanoi Railway Station to board the overnight train to Da Nang. By default, travel is arranged in a shared four-berth sleeper compartment, offering a practical and atmospheric way to experience long-distance rail travel in Vietnam. For those seeking additional privacy and comfort, a private sleeper compartment can be arranged at an additional cost.

Alternative Travel Option

If you prefer a quicker and more comfortable journey south, there is an option to fly from Hanoi to Da Nang instead of travelling by overnight train. This upgrade includes airport transfers and an additional night in Hoi An, allowing you extra time to enjoy this charming historic town. Please let us know in advance if you’d like to explore this option.

Practical Tips for Today

• Comfortable shoes are recommended for the walk on Ti Top Island.
• Pack essentials in an easily accessible bag for the overnight train.
• Light layers are useful, as temperatures can vary between coastal and inland areas.
• Snacks and drinks are best purchased in Hanoi before boarding the train.

Overnight on board the train to Da Nang

This morning brings one of the most scenic rail journeys in Vietnam as your overnight train continues south, tracing the coastline and passing through the dramatic Van Hai Pass. As daylight breaks, you’ll wake to sweeping views of the sea on one side and forested hills on the other — a memorable and atmospheric way to arrive in central Vietnam.

On arrival in Da Nang, you are met by your local guide and transferred onwards to the historic town of Hoi An. The drive takes around 45 minutes, passing through pockets of lush countryside, rice paddies, and small villages that offer a glimpse into everyday life beyond the cities. Upon reaching your hotel, the remainder of the day is free for you to relax or begin exploring at your own pace.

Discovering the Soul of Hoi An

Hoi An is a destination that gently draws you in. Its UNESCO World Heritage–listed Old Town is renowned for beautifully preserved architecture, a proud silk-weaving heritage, and generations of skilled tailors whose craftsmanship has made the town famous worldwide. Life here feels unhurried, and its layered history is evident in every street, shopfront, and shaded courtyard.

The Thu Bon River flows quietly through the heart of the town, once forming a vital artery for international trade during the 17th and 18th centuries. Merchants from across Asia and Europe once gathered here, and today the riverbanks offer a peaceful setting, where small boats still drift lazily across the water and locals go about their daily routines.

Step away from the river and you’ll find yourself in a maze of narrow, atmospheric streets. Japanese timber houses, Chinese assembly halls, French colonial buildings, and traditional merchant homes sit side by side, reflecting the town’s multicultural past. Overhead, colourful lanterns hang like floating ribbons, creating a warm and enchanting atmosphere — especially as evening falls.

Cafés, artisan shops, street food stalls, and intimate restaurants line the lanes, inviting you to slow down, browse, and soak up the town’s character. Despite its popularity, Hoi An retains a remarkable sense of calm and authenticity. A ban on cars and motorbikes within the historic centre allows you to wander peacefully, listen to the sounds of daily life, and truly appreciate the town’s charm.

Local Tips for Your First Day in Hoi An

• Take the afternoon gently after the overnight journey — Hoi An rewards slow exploration.
• Comfortable footwear is ideal for strolling the lantern-lit streets.
• If considering tailored clothing, visiting early allows time for fittings over the next few days.
• Evenings are magical along the river — a simple walk can be just as memorable as any planned activity.

Settle in, relax, and enjoy your first taste of Hoi An — a town that many travellers come to love and never forget.

Overnight in Hoi An

Today is entirely yours to enjoy Hoi An at a relaxed, unhurried pace. With no scheduled activities, you are free to shape the day around your interests, whether that means slowing down, exploring independently, or simply soaking up the town’s unique atmosphere.

You may choose to spend a restful day by the sea. Hiring a bicycle, you can ride along quiet country lanes to the nearby beaches of Cua Dai or An Bang, where soft golden sands, gentle waves, and palm-lined shores provide the perfect setting for swimming or simply unwinding with a book.

Alternatively, remain closer to town and wander through Hoi An’s Old Quarter. Its enchanting lanes are filled with character, from colourful shopfronts and artisan boutiques to inviting cafés and lively local markets. Every turn reveals another detail of the town’s layered history and creative spirit.

Many visitors are drawn to Hoi An’s renowned tailoring tradition. If you wish, today is an ideal opportunity to visit a tailor, choose fabrics, and have something custom-made — a personal and lasting memento of your time in Vietnam.

Overnight in Hoi An

Another day awaits to enjoy Hoi An exactly as you please, offering the freedom to revisit favourite spots or explore something entirely new. With its gentle pace and welcoming atmosphere, the town lends itself perfectly to independent discovery.

You may choose to delve deeper into the surrounding countryside or waterways by joining one of our optional excursions. These experiences offer insight into rural life, traditional crafts, and local flavours, allowing you to connect more deeply with the region beyond the historic centre.

If relaxation remains your priority, Hoi An makes it easy. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, browse local galleries, or find a quiet riverside café where you can watch boats drift along the Thu Bon River. As evening approaches, the town transforms once more, with lanterns glowing softly and creating a magical ambience throughout the streets.

Dinner is at your own choice and cost, perhaps sampling regional specialities or returning to a favourite restaurant discovered the day before. These unstructured days are a highlight for many travellers, offering the chance to truly absorb the spirit of Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An

This morning, you’ll bid farewell to the gentle charm of Hoi An as you are collected from your hotel and driven to Da Nang Airport. The journey takes just under an hour, passing through pockets of countryside and coastal scenery before reaching the terminal. From here, you’ll board your short domestic flight south to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic metropolis.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, your local guide will be waiting to welcome you just outside the arrivals area. After meeting your guide, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in District 1, the historic heart of the city, still affectionately known to many as Saigon. This central district places you within easy reach of major landmarks, lively streets, and the city’s cultural core.

After the calm rhythm of Hoi An, your first encounter with Ho Chi Minh City may feel like a sensory overload. Home to nearly ten million residents and an endless stream of motorbikes, the city hums with energy from dawn until late at night. Yet beneath the constant motion lies a fascinating contrast — sleek glass skyscrapers rise alongside elegant French colonial buildings, while traditional markets coexist with contemporary cafés and designer spaces.

The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. You may wish to immerse yourself in the city’s modern vibe by visiting the iconic Café Apartment on Nguyen Hue Boulevard. Once a residential block, this building has been transformed into a vertical maze of independent cafés, creative studios, and boutique shops, each floor offering a different take on Saigon’s youthful, entrepreneurial spirit.

Food lovers will find endless inspiration wandering through the streets of Districts 1 and 3. From fragrant bowls of pho and sizzling banh xeo pancakes to lively street stalls and hidden local eateries, the city’s culinary scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Meals today are at your own choice and cost, allowing you to dine exactly where curiosity leads you.

For a change of pace, consider crossing the river to District 2, particularly the fashionable Thao Dien area. This rapidly evolving neighbourhood blends modern architecture with leafy streets, riverside cafés, art spaces, and a relaxed atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the city centre’s buzz.

As evening approaches, a stroll along the broad pedestrian stretch of Nguyen Hue Promenade offers a wonderful glimpse into local life. Families, street performers, dancers, and couples gather here, creating a lively yet welcoming scene against the backdrop of illuminated colonial buildings and fountains.

To round off your first day in the south, you may choose to enjoy panoramic views from above. Rooftop viewpoints such as the Bitexco Financial Tower or Landmark 81 reveal Ho Chi Minh City as a glittering sea of lights — a fitting introduction to this fast-paced, ever-evolving city.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, your guide and driver will collect you from your hotel as you journey south towards the Mekong Delta, one of Vietnam’s most fertile and culturally rich regions. Often referred to as the country’s “rice bowl”, the Mekong River begins its epic journey high in the Himalayas and flows some 4,500 kilometres through six countries before fanning out into this vast delta just south of Ho Chi Minh City. Covering around 40,000 square kilometres, the delta’s landscape is constantly shaped by seasonal rains, river levels, and agricultural cycles.

It doesn’t take long before the urban sprawl fades into open countryside. Along the way, you’ll notice the scenery gradually soften into emerald-green fields, coconut groves, and a maze of rivers and canals. Rural life unfolds gently around you — farmers working the land, water buffalo grazing lazily, and roadside stalls piled high with freshly harvested fruit.

After approximately 2.5 hours, you’ll arrive in the riverside town of Cai Be, where you’ll board a boat and begin exploring the waterways that define daily life in the delta. Cruising along the river, you’ll visit small local workshops where artisans skilfully transform coconuts into a variety of traditional products, gaining insight into cottage industries that have supported families here for generations.

Your journey continues aboard a traditional sampan — a hand-rowed wooden boat — gliding quietly through narrow canals shaded by dense tropical foliage. This peaceful experience offers an intimate glimpse into the delta’s slower pace of life, far removed from the energy of the city.

You’ll then arrive on a tranquil island in the heart of the Mekong River, where a freshly prepared Vietnamese lunch awaits. Made using local ingredients, this meal is enjoyed amid lush greenery and the soothing sounds of river life — a truly authentic delta experience.

After lunch, you’ll return to the mainland and stop at a traditional pottery workshop. Here, you can observe skilled craftspeople at work, preserving techniques passed down through generations, and learn about the importance of these crafts in sustaining local livelihoods.

The afternoon takes on deeper meaning as you visit our social sustainability project in Vinh Long, established in partnership with our trusted local team. Accompanied by your guide, you’ll enjoy a gentle walk through the village while learning how this project supports local families and promotes long-term, sustainable development.

You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in daily rural life. Alongside local farmers, you’ll experience hands-on rice cultivation — either planting young seedlings or assisting with the harvest, depending on the season. This meaningful activity offers a rare insight into rural Vietnamese life and highlights the dedication, resilience, and community spirit behind sustainable farming practices.

By joining this experience, you are directly contributing to the community, as a portion of the tour cost supports families in Vinh Long and helps fund ongoing local initiatives.

In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City, where the evening is free for you to relax, reflect on the day’s experiences, or enjoy one final taste of the city’s vibrant atmosphere at your own pace.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Today, you’ll delve deeper into the story of southern Vietnam with a carefully curated half-day city tour of Ho Chi Minh City, offering a compelling blend of colonial elegance, modern energy, and powerful historical insight.

Your guide and driver will collect you from your hotel and begin the tour along Dong Khoi Street, one of the city’s most atmospheric boulevards. Once the grand promenade of French colonial Saigon, this historic street is lined with elegant façades, luxury boutiques, art galleries, and charming cafés. Over the decades, Dong Khoi has witnessed sweeping change — from colonial opulence to wartime uncertainty, and now its role as a stylish artery of a fast-evolving global city. Literature lovers may also recognise the area as a setting in Graham Greene’s classic novel The Quiet American.

As you continue, you’ll pass the beautifully restored Saigon Opera House, originally built in 1901. This ornate building has worn many hats over the years — from theatre to air-raid shelter, and later the seat of the lower house of South Vietnam’s parliament. Today, it stands proudly as a symbol of the city’s cultural resilience and architectural heritage.

Nearby, you’ll stop at the iconic Central Post Office, designed by famed French engineer Gustave Eiffel. With its soaring ceilings, iron framework, and vintage charm, it remains one of the finest surviving examples of French colonial architecture in Vietnam and is still very much in daily use.

Directly opposite stands the striking Notre Dame Cathedral, constructed between 1863 and 1880 using materials imported from France. Its red-brick exterior and twin spires form one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most recognisable landmarks, anchoring the historic heart of the former Saigon.

Just behind you, facing the cathedral, is an unassuming grey building with extraordinary significance. Known informally as the Pittman Apartments (22 Gia Long Street), it was immortalised in a famous photograph taken on 29 April 1975 by Dutch photographer Hubert van Es. The image captured a helicopter evacuating personnel from the rooftop during the final hours of the war — an event often mistakenly believed to have taken place at the US Embassy. Your guide will recount the dramatic final evacuation of Saigon and explain the building’s hidden role in those pivotal moments.

The tour then continues to the historic Reunification Palace, the site where the Vietnam War — known locally as the American War — officially came to an end on 30 April 1975, when a North Vietnamese tank broke through its gates. Inside, you’ll explore preserved war rooms, grand state halls, underground bunkers, and presidential offices, all frozen in time and offering a fascinating insight into the final days of the conflict.

From here, you’ll visit the War Remnants Museum, one of the country’s most thought-provoking institutions. Through photographs, artefacts, and personal accounts, the museum presents a stark and moving portrayal of the human cost of war and its enduring impact on Vietnamese society.

Your final stop introduces a lesser-known yet deeply compelling chapter of the city’s past at the Saigon Commandos Museum. Housed within an ordinary-looking building dating back to 1963, this site conceals a remarkable story. Once a secret operations base led by resistance figure Tran Van Lai, the building hid weapons, documents, and escape routes beneath the guise of a furniture workshop. Through carefully preserved artefacts, you’ll gain a rare, ground-level perspective on covert operations and everyday life during wartime Saigon.

To conclude your visit, you may wish to pause at the museum café and sample a local curiosity — the house speciality known as “butter beer”, a surprisingly popular treat among visitors.

After the tour, you’ll be driven back to your hotel, with the remainder of the day free to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps unwind by the pool, or immerse yourself in the city’s celebrated coffee culture. From sleek modern cafés to traditional street-side spots using classic drip filters, Ho Chi Minh City offers endless ways to enjoy a leisurely Vietnamese iced coffee and watch city life unfold.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Today marks the end of your unforgettable journey through Vietnam, filled with rich history, vibrant cities, serene landscapes, and warm local encounters.

At the appropriate time, you’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight. Your driver will assist with your luggage and ensure a smooth, timely journey to the airport, allowing you to relax and reflect on the experiences of the past days.

As you depart, you’ll take with you memories of Hanoi’s timeless charm, the ethereal beauty of Ha Long Bay, the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, and the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City. From cultural encounters and historic landmarks to scenic journeys and meaningful community experiences, this itinerary offers a deep and authentic insight into Vietnam.

If you would like to extend your time in Vietnam, you may choose to add a 5-night beach extension to your holiday. Popular options include the tropical island of Phu Quoc, the peaceful coastal retreat of Con Dao, or the laid-back shores of Mui Ne. These extensions can be selected and booked easily during the online booking process under optional additions.

We wish you a safe and comfortable journey home and hope the stories, flavours, and moments from this remarkable journey stay with you long after you return.

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