Saturday, March 6: Arrival – Hanoi City   ( - / - / D )
On arrival in Hanoi, we meet our language capable Tour Manager and transfer to the hotel to check in (depending on arrival time). After time to freshen up our group will enjoy a welcome dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight in Hanoi: Sunway Hanoi Hotel

Sunday, March 7: Hanoi City   ( B / L / D )
After breakfast, we drive to the outskirts of Hanoi for a village tour. They specialize in growing vegetables which they provide to the city. Afterwards we take a stroll to the local market to see local products.
We return to Hanoi for lunch and a city tour which includes the Temple of Literature, the first national university of Vietnam (built in 1076), Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum (outside only) and The Old Quarter area.
Before dinner in a local restaurant, we will enjoy a water puppet show.
Overnight in Hanoi: Sunway Hanoi Hotel

Monday, March 8: Hanoi – Sa Pa   ( B / L / D )
This morning we depart from Hanoi for the next leg of our journey to Sa Pa (approx. 350 KMs). Sa Pa is a breathtaking mountain town in northern Vietnam, famous for its terraced rice fields, ethnic diversity, and cool climate. It's a must-visit destination for nature lovers, trekkers, and cultural explorers alike.
On our arrival, lunch will be served in a local restaurant before we check in to our hotel.
In the afternoon we familiarize ourselves with the area by walking through the valleys and minority villages around Sa Pa. We start on the road leading west from Sa Pa which winds through hilly terrain and past terraced paddy fields in Cat Cat village, just 2 km from the town. As we hike through the ancient village we will see traditional customs and practices of the ethnic Black H'mong.
Returning to Sa Pa we will have dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight Sa Pa: Hotel De Sapa

Tuesday, March 9: Sa Pa – Trekking day   ( B / L / D )
After a hearty breakfast we embark on a captivating journey through the majestic mountain and valley landscapes of Sa Pa. The adventure begins with a scenic drive that includes a stop at a hilltop viewpoint overlooking the breathtaking Ban Khoang Valley and its charming village nestled below.
Step into the heart of Ban Khoang village, home to the Black Hmong and Red Dzao ethnic communities. Here we take a guided hike through this remote settlement, where we’ll witness daily life, learn about traditional customs, and interact with local children at the village school. We will spend approximately an hour walking through the village to gain meaningful insights into the rhythms of rural life before we continue to Ta Giang Phin village for a memorable 2.5-hour trek through its serene valley. Marvel at the lush rice terraces and meet welcoming Black Hmong locals along the way. Our guide can arrange a visit to a traditional home for deeper cultural exchange (TBD). On clear days, the stunning views of Ngu Chi Son Summit are visible, the second-highest peak in Sa Pa.
Return to Sa Pa in the afternoon to relax and explore on our own. Dinner in a local restaurant (or in hotel).
Overnight Sa Pa: Hotel De Sapa

Wednesday, March 10: Sa Pa – Pansifan Mount - Trekking day   ( B / L / - )
Our explorations today to us to the Pansifan Mount via cable car. This is one of the most modern cable car systems in Vietnam and travels over terraced rice fields and forested valleys. Here we will visit several Buddhist temples and at the top of the mountain will have time to take some stunning photos of the area.
On our return to Sa Pa we have lunch before continue the walk to Lao Chai village – the primarily home to the Zay minority people (approx. 1 – 2 hours of walking).
We have a free evening tonight in Sa Pa.
Overnight Sa Pa: Hotel De Sapa

Thursday, March 11: Sa Pa – Hanoi   ( B / L / D )
We have a leisurely day today before checking out and departing for Lao Cai City at 10:00 am. There will be a photo opportunity at the Vietnam/ China border before lunch.
We arrive back in Hanoi in the afternoon for dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight in Hanoi: Sunway Hanoi Hotel

Friday, March 12: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay   ( B / L / D )
After breakfast and check out we travel to the famous Ha Long Bay, 180 km east of Hanoi. Ha long bay is listed as a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. Here we board a cruise and have lunch. This afternoon there are multiple opportunities for the group to discover the beauty of the bay.
The cruise stops at “Bo Nau” cave (Pelican Cave), the core area of the regions’ natural heritage. Guests may opt to transfer by tender to “Sung Sot” Cave (Surprising cave) – the biggest and the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay. After Sung Sot cave, we keep moving by tender to the Titov island which was named after Gherman Stepanovich Titov - the Soviet astronaut who visited in 1962. Here we can enjoy swimming, relaxing on the beach or climbing the steps of the Rock to the top of the island. A magical panoramic view of Halong Bay awaits!
On our return to the cruise ship we watch a traditional Vietnamese cooking demonstration before a relaxing evening and a night on board.
Overnight: Aqua Elegance Cruise

Saturday, March 13: Halong Bay - Hanoi – Da Nang – Hoi An   ( B / L / D )
For the early risers in the group, wake up to watch the sun rise over Ha Long Bay or participate in a morning Tai Chi session. We return to the mainland after breakfast and stop at “Luon” cave - a stunning water tunnel in Halong Bay leading to a tranquil, emerald lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. The group will have 2 options to discover it: by kayak or by a traditional woven (bamboo) boat rowed by a local boatman.
After check, settling bills and prepping luggage, an international brunch buffet will be served before departing the cruise.
Late morning we head for Da Nang and Hoi An - a charming ancient town in central Vietnam, renowned for its lantern-lit streets, preserved architecture, and rich cultural heritage. It's one of the most beloved destinations in Southeast Asia for both relaxation and exploration.
After check-in we enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight in Hoi An: Amina Lantana Hoi An Hotel

Sunday, March 14: Hoi An   ( B / L / D )
Our day starts with a walking tour in Hoi An, originally a Cham seaport, which has been influenced over the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. The ancient architecture of Hoi An is a fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional characters with Chinese and Japanese influences. We visit the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the 200-year-old Tam Ky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda, and the vibrant market before lunch.
To round out our day, we drive a local village and take a ride in a traditional basket boat. These round bamboo boats are steered by local guides who often perform spinning tricks and net-throwing demonstrations. We will explore the Bay Mau Coconut Forest and glide through peaceful waterways shaded by dense palm trees, home to a vibrant ecosystem.
Dinner will be in a local restaurant.
Overnight in Hoi An: Amina Lantana Hoi An Hotel

Monday, March 15: Hoi An – Son Tra Peninsular – Hoi An   ( B / L / - )
After breakfast we travel to Da Nang for walking tour in the Son Tra Peninsular. This trip offers a thrilling blend of coastal scenery, jungle trails, and wildlife encounters. Hike through lush tropical forests with panoramic views of Da Nang Bay and the East Sea. Look out for the endangered, red-shanked douc langur, a rare and colorful primate native to the area. The highest point on the peninsula (693m), offers breathtaking views and a legendary chessboard sculpture. We will also visit the towering Lady Buddha statue at Linh Ung Pagoda.
Lunch will be served before we return to the hotel in the afternoon for free time and an open evening.
Overnight in Hoi An: Amina Lantana Hoi An Hotel

Tuesday, March 16: Hoi An – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City   ( B / L / D )
After breakfast and check out, we transfer to the airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh city - a center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This bustling metropolis, a contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, and offers numerous shopping areas and sidewalk cafes. We will have time to stroll around the downtown area to explore the different local ways of life before lunch.
Our afternoon takes us to the famous War Remnant Museum, Notre Dame Catholic Church, the Post Office, and City Hall, among other local gems.
After settling into our hotel, we savor dinner at Home Saigon restaurant.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City: Kim Do - Royal Hotel Saigon

Wednesday, March 17: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnel – Ho Chi Minh City   ( B / L / D )
Our first stop today is to the well-known Cu Chi District to visit the famous tunnels, a byzantine maze of underground passages, meeting chambers, bedrooms and booby traps.
Lunch will be at Ben Nay restaurant in Ho Chi Minh before we finish off our city explorations in the China Town area touring the old streets, café break, Thien Hau Temple and Binh Tay Market.
We end our day with a lovely buffet dinner cruise on the Saigon River.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City: Kim Do - Royal Hotel Saigon

Thursday, March 18: Ho Chi Minh City – Can Gio – Ho Chi Minh City   ( B / L / D )
Our final day in Vietnam brings us to Can Gio mangrove forest which we tour both by boat and on foot. A short trip from Can Gio takes us to Dan Xay Mangrove Park (UNESCO Protected Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, 40,000 ha). Here we will hear about the forest and protection of this area. Our trek through the forest is approx. 3 km. Ending the hike we take a boat back (45 minutes) for a set seafood lunch.
The last visit today will be to canoe to the Bat Reserve and crocodile area where we take a ride under the mangrove forest to see the hanging bats. On our return to Ho Chi Minh we have a farewell dinner in local restaurant.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City: Kim Do - Royal Hotel Saigon

Friday, March 19: Ho Chi Minh – Departure   ( B / L / - )
After breakfast and check out, the day is ours to explore Ho Chi Minh as we wish before a late transfer to the airport for our evening flight.