Hanoi Old Quarter, also known as Hanoi’s 36 Streets, holds a special place in the heart of Vietnam’s capital city. Although it has evolved over the years, the Old Quarter still retains its historic charm and remains one of the city's top tourist attractions.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be met by a guide and private car and transferred to the hotel for check-in. 

Note: The standard hotel check-in time is 14:00

Today at 8:30, we will depart from the hotel for a guided city tour of Hanoi’s most iconic attractions. The highlights include Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ba Dinh Square, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the One Pillar Pagoda.

We then visit the Old City Gate, Phung Hung Street, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and the picturesque Huc Bridge. Continue to St. Joseph's Cathedral, the Hanoi Opera House, and finally, explore the bustling Old Quarter, also known as the 36 Ancient Streets.

Along the way, we will sample some of Hanoi’s local specialties at authentic eateries, including pho (Vietnamese noodle soup with beef or chicken), banh mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich), and the famous egg coffee, a signature Hanoi-style coffee.

Enjoy some free time for shopping at local markets, where you can find souvenirs, handicrafts, coffee, cashew nuts, and other local products.

After the tour, transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, depart for Ninh Binh, located about 100 km south of Hanoi.

Start your visit at the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, where you will discover the rich history of Vietnam’s first centralized feudal state. Explore ancient temples and learn about the dynasties that once ruled here.

Continue to Tam Coc, often called the "Halong Bay on land" thanks to its dramatic limestone karsts rising from rice paddies. Enjoy a scenic sampan boat trip along the Ngo Dong River, gently rowing through three natural caves (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba) and past peaceful rural scenery.

After the boat trip, return to Hanoi.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

After breakfast, depart for Mai Chau, a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains and rice fields. Enjoy the scenic drive through peaceful rural landscapes and traditional villages.
Upon arrival, take a leisurely walk or cycle around local Thai ethnic villages, meeting friendly locals and learning about their daily life and stilt-house traditions. In the evening, relax at your lodge and soak in the tranquil countryside atmosphere.

Overnight in Mai Chau

After breakfast, drive about 1.5 hours to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, established in 1999. Home to Muong and Thai ethnic communities, this area is famous for its stunning limestone mountains and lush rice terrace fields.

Upon arrival, pass through a mountain pass offering a panoramic view of the reserve. Setting out on a gentle walk to admire the beautiful landscapes.

In the afternoon, cross a suspension bridge over the Cham River and continue in search of traditional water wheels, which are now rarely found in Vietnam.

Then, visit a local fisherman’s house and begin a rafting experience along a calm river, surrounded by spectacular scenery. You will be guided in using the oars to steer the raft or walk to Hieu Stream for further exploration.

Return to Pu Luong for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight in Pu Luong.

After breakfast, depart to explore the beautiful Pu Luong Nature Reserve, an area famous for its lush rice terraces, dramatic limestone mountains, and rich cultural diversity of the Thai and Muong ethnic minorities.

Begin your day with a gentle trek through small traditional villages and scenic terraced fields. Along the way, you can observe local daily life, see traditional stilt houses, and capture wonderful photos of the green valleys and majestic mountain landscapes.

Next, cross a suspension bridge over the Cham River and continue to visit the traditional water wheels — a unique and fascinating feature of the area, used by local people for centuries to irrigate their rice fields.

Afterward, visit a local fisherman’s house and enjoy a bamboo rafting experience along a peaceful river. You can try paddling the raft yourself, guided by the fisherman, or simply relax and admire the serene natural surroundings.

In the afternoon, return to your accommodation or continue your onward journey.

Overnight in Pu Luong.

Start the morning by enjoying the fresh mountain air and beautiful sunrise over the terraced rice fields and surrounding mountains. You may take a short walk around the lodge to capture the peaceful scenery and local village life.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to relax or participate in optional activities, such as visiting a nearby village, taking more photos, or simply unwinding and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.

Around midday, check out from your lodge and begin your journey back to Hanoi. The scenic drive takes approximately 4–5 hours, passing through picturesque countryside and rural landscapes along the way.

Upon arrival in Hanoi in the late afternoon or early evening, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, depart Hanoi for a 3.5-hour drive to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site famous for its spectacular limestone islands rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.

Upon arrival at the pier, board your traditional junk boat and enjoy a welcome drink before checking in to your cabin. As the cruise begins, you’ll pass countless limestone islets, hidden caves, floating fishing villages, and scenic beaches.

A delicious lunch featuring fresh local seafood will be served on board. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sundeck and taking in the breathtaking scenery as the boat sails deeper into the bay.

In the evening, the boat anchors in a quiet area for an overnight stay surrounded by peaceful natural beauty.

Overnight on board.

Note: The cruise itinerary in Halong Bay may vary without prior notice depending on weather conditions and local authority regulations.

This morning, continue cruising through Halong Bay, passing by many unique islets named after their shapes, such as Dog, Incense Burner, Fighting Cock, and Finger Islet.

Enjoy breakfast or brunch on board as the boat makes its way back toward the harbor.

After disembarkation, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Danang.

Upon arrival in Danang, you will be welcomed by a local driver and transferred to your hotel in Danang.

Overnight in Danang

After breakfast, depart for Cam Thanh Village, located on the outskirts of Hoi An. This peaceful village is famous for its lush coconut palm forests and tranquil waterways.

Upon arrival, enjoy a unique basket boat ride through the water coconut palm forest. Experience how local fishermen cast their nets and learn about traditional fishing techniques. This is a fun and authentic way to explore Hoi An’s rural life and natural beauty.

Return to the town for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue with a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town. Visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and several ancient houses showcasing traditional architecture and historical charm.

Stroll through the lantern-lit streets, browse local handicraft shops, and perhaps stop by one of the many tailor shops for custom-made clothing. You will also have free time to explore on your own, enjoy a coffee by the river, or simply soak in the enchanting atmosphere of old town.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast at your hotel, depart for Ba Na Hills. Known for its cool climate, beautiful mountain views, and unique architecture, Ba Na Hills is one of the most popular attractions in central Vietnam.

Upon arrival, take the scenic cable car ride, which holds a world record for its length and elevation difference. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and forests as you ascend to the summit.

At the top, visit the famous Golden Bridge, an architectural masterpiece seemingly held up by two giant stone hands. This iconic bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views and is a must-visit photo spot.

Explore the French Village, with its European-style buildings, charming squares, and beautiful gardens. You can also visit the Linh Ung Pagoda, Le Jardin d'Amour flower gardens, and enjoy various entertainment activities and games at the indoor Fantasy Park.

After a memorable day exploring Ba Na Hills, take the cable car back down and return to Danang in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Danang.

Ho Chi Minh City, known popularly as Saigon, this vibrant city is described as the “Pearl of the Far East” because of charming heritage buildings, dynamic, vibrant, exciting atmosphere and friendly people.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be warmly welcomed by your local driver and transferred to your hotel in the city center.

After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

In the morning, at around 08:00 AM, you will be picked up by our tour guide for the transfer to Cu Chi. Cu Chi Tunnels is 75 km outer suburb of Ho Chi Minh City. This vast network of tunnels, stretching over 250 kilometers is a sobering insight into the dedication of the Viet Cong who lived almost entirely underground in the narrow tunnels.

At the site we have a chance to watch a brief video that will introduce you to the Cu Chi tunnels, followed by a walk through the reserve. Nearby is a chilling demonstration of the traps and weapons used against the American GIs. The Cu Chi tunnels have been made wider and cleaner for western visitors, however they can still be dark and claustrophobic inside so please keep in mind if you do not like enclosed spaces (it is optional to walk through the dark tunnels). 

We then drive back to Saigon with stop for lunch (on your own account). 

In the afternoon we visit the Reunification Palace. The war officially ended here on April 30th 1975 when tank 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of the home of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. Then we visit the War Remnants Museum, a poignant display of the futility of war. We also stop at the Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office. The post office, built between 1877 and 1883, is an excellent example of classic French colonial architecture. Get back the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Breakfast at the hotel and free leisure for checkout at 12:00. Transfer to the airport by guide and driver.

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