Tour highlights
- Drift among stunning limestone karst scenery on a traditional junk on Halong Bay.
- Unearth Vietnam’s modern and ancient history in imperial Hue.
- Shop and relax in charming Hoi An.
- Witness typical Vietnamese scenes whilst cruising through the Mekong Delta.
- Explore the French influence in the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
- Explore the colourful hill-tribes of the Tonkinese Alps.
DAY 1 International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Hanoi.
DAY 2 Hanoi
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Hanoi
Stay At The Hotel
DAY 3 Hanoi
You have a day free to relax and explore this great city. Perhaps enjoy a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake or an amble around the Old Quarter with its narrow streets and small bustling markets.
Hanoi
Stay At The Hotel
DAY 4 Hanoi
Day at leisure to continue exploring the bustling capital of Hanoi. This evening, transfer to Hanoi’s train station for your evening train to Lao Cai in the Tonkinese Alps.
Hanoi
Stay At The Hotel
DAY 5 Sapa & the Tonkinese Alps
Upon arrival this morning, transfer to the colonial hill station of Sapa. After some time at leisure this morning, enjoy an easy half-day trek to the colourful village of Matra.
Lao Cai
Sapa & The Tonkinese Alps
Stay At The Hotel
DAY 6 Sapa & the Tonkinese Alps
A full-day trek today through some of Sapa’s most stunning scenery through the Thanh Kim Valley. Visit some local villages and witness the incredible colours of northern Vietnam.
Sapa & The Tonkinese Alps
Stay At The Hotel
DAY 7 On board train (Lao Cai)
Drive to Lao Cai today for your return train to Hanoi this evening. En route, you will take a detour to one of the region’s best markets — Lung Khau Nhin. This small market near the Chinese border is very traditional and offers fantastic photo opportunities. Board your train this evening.
Sapa & The Tonkinese Alps
On Board Train,
DAY 8 Halong Bay
On arrival freshen up and enjoy breakfast at a hotel in Hanoi before travelling out to Halong Bay. Enjoy two nights out in the UNESCO-protected bay, drifting through the incredible limestone karst scenery on a traditional junk.
Hanoi
Halong Bay
Stay At The Hotel
DAY 9 Halong Bay
Day two on Halong Bay — time to explore some of the further reaches of the bay, exploring caves and coves nestled among the dramatic pinnacles.
Halong Bay
Stay At The Hotel
DAY 10 Hue
A final morning on board your boat today. Disembark mid-morning for your return drive to Hanoi. Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Hue in central Vietnam. On arrival transfer to your hotel.
Halong Bay
Hanoi
Hue
Stay At The Hotel
DAY 11 Hue
At leisure to explore the imperial history of the ancient capital of Hue.
Hue
Stay At The Hotel
DAY 12 Hoi An
This morning you transfer through the stunning Hai Van Pass highway to the majestic town of Hoi An.
Hue
Hoi An
Stay At The Hotel
DAY 13 Hoi An
Day at leisure.
Hoi An
Stay At The Hotel
DAY 14 Hoi An
Day at leisure.
Hoi An
Stay At The Hotel
DAY 15 On board ship (Ho Chi Minh City)
This morning, it is an early start as you fly down from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City to head straight through to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta to embark on your cruise through the region. Enjoy great food on board as you learn more about the “Nine Dragon River” en route.
On Board Ship,
Bassac
DAY 16 Ho Chi Minh City
It is an early start for day two of your Bassac Boat tour. Experience the famous Cai Rang floating market at its busiest. Disembarking the boat around midday, enjoy a leisurely return journey back up to Ho Chi Minh City for the evening.
Mekong Delta
Ho Chi Minh City
Stay At The Hotel
DAY 17 Ho Chi Minh City
Discover this booming city where East meets West; stroll along the wide boulevards lined with original colonial buildings before venturing into the bustling Chinatown area of Cholon as part of your half-day city tour. You will also pass several other major sites such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and Reunification Palace.
Ho Chi Minh City
Stay At The Hotel
DAY 18 International return flight
Today your time ends in Vietnam as you transfer back to the airport.
Ho Chi Minh City
DAY 19 International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Accommodation options
While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, Thechitravel trips are tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.