17 Day Ultimate Vietnam

Chao mung! Or welcome, to Vietnam and it’s beautiful ancient capital, Hanoi. Take some time to relax and depending on your arrival time, enjoy the afternoon or evening at leisure before your full day of sightseeing tomorrow.

We’ll be rising early today to board our coach and depart for the quiet mountainous town of Sapa. Located in northwestern Vietnam, close to the Chinese border, Sapa is home to a variety of different ethnic tribal groups. Upon arrival in Sapa in the early afternoon, you will transfer to a homestay run by a local family where you'll enjoy a refreshing change from the usual hotel scene. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself fully in the local culture and assist your family in preparing this evening’s dinner.

Sapa is a very popular trekking base, due to its location nestled among the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. The day will begin at 8.30am, we will enjoy some trekking around the village and experience some spectacular vistas overlooking the terraced rice paddies that line the surrounding steep valley walls. After lunch, you will transfer to a hotel where we will spend our second night in Sapa. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to spend at leisure.

Please note the walk is roughly 6-10km.

This morning we say farewell to Sapa and begin our return trip to Hanoi, firstly by road transfer southwards and up the Den Thang mountain. Here we leave the vehicle for an easy walk to explore the Hang Da village of the Black Hmong people. We then follow the large village path downhill along the stunning valley of Sa Seng, passing several small settlements along the way. We finish our walk after paying a visit to Sa Pa, another hamlet of the Hmong located near the former site of the Sapa traditional market. Here we will be picked up and transferred to Lao Cai, where we will check in for our bus journey back to Hanoi.

*To make the summit, you willl need to walk a staircase that consists of approximately 400 steps.

Today is free for you to explore on your own; perhaps you'll take an early morning walk to see locals practicing Tai Chi near the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, or simply spend your time getting lost among the city's narrow streets. Be sure to ask your guide for recommendations.

A full city tour of Hanoi awaits you today. This morning’s sightseeing begins with a visit to Van Mieu, otherwise known as The Temple of Literature. The Confucian temple dates back to 1070, and features astoundingly well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture. Note the peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways. After this we will visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, built by French colonists to house Vietnamese political prisoners. During the Vietnam War, it was used by North Vietnam, and dubbed the 'Hanoi Hilton' by American prisoners of war. Today, only part of the prison still exists, which has been converted into a museum.

At noon we will visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, which contains a museum and Ho Chi Minh’s final resting place. Within the grounds there also lies the simple two-room stilt house where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days in 1969, as well as the miniature One Pillar Pagoda, or Chua Mot Cot, which sits in a lotus pond.

Next, we’ll enjoy a walking tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter - the oldest continuously developed area of Vietnam, highlighting more than 1,000 years of history. Explore the network of narrow alleyways known as 'The 36 Streets'. This is a wonderful place to soak up local life, and peruse market items from fabrics to crafts and exotic medicines. Each street was named to reflect the specialised trade of the merchants who had shops there, such as silk traders or jewellers. Take a break at a local coffee shop to experience the popular Hanoi pastime of sipping coffee and watching life go by in the neighbourhood. Following the city tour, the rest of the evening is free to continue exploring on your own.

This morning we depart for a leisurely drive to Haiphong. Upon arrival at this port city we will board our Halong Bay cruise. Onboard, you'll enjoy a complimentary drink and take a seat in the lounge before a short welcome briefing with fellow guests. Become acquainted with the junk boat's facilities, using the opportunity to ask any questions and getting to know the friendly staff. You’ll be shown to your room where you can unpack and enjoy your balcony view before freshening up just in time for lunch. As you indulge in an exquisite, freshly cooked meal, the boat will sets sail for the first attraction of the day – the floating villages of Lan Ha Bay. With a resident local population that's estimated to run into the hundreds, these fishing villages are a unique cultural feature of the region, and represent a traditional sea-based lifestyle that has since died out in many other parts of the world. Interact with the friendly communities whose livelihoods depend on these waters, and learn to fish in their traditional style.

Back onboard the boat enjoy some free time as we drift deeper into Halong Bay, wending our way past the towering limestone islands draped in greenery that dot these beautiful aquamarine waters. This is the perfect time to check out the panoramic sundeck, or relax in your room. Later, the junk boat's head chef will lead a cooking class and food carving lesson – a typical feature of Vietnamese culinary culture. Watch in wonder as everyday vegetables are intricately carved into works of art, and try your hand at making a typical Vietnamese dish. A la carte dinner platters range from salads and seafood to meat dishes, not to mention seasonal fruits and exotic desserts. Happy hour follows dinner, and you can spend the rest of your night at leisure. Why not take this opportunity to try your hand at squid fishing with the cruise staff.

Start your morning today with a glorious sunrise Tai Chi class upon the sundeck as day breaks on the calm lagoon. Treat yourself to European-style pre-breakfast snacks with tea and coffee before we set sail to one of our favorite spots in the whole of Lan Ha Bay, Vịnh Ông Cậm (Ong Cam bay). This breathtaking cove is the perfect spot to spend the morning. Here you’ll have the choice between sunbathing, swimming or kayaking around the rocky shoreline. Once we’re done on the beach, we’ll board the boat again just in time to enjoy a full breakfast buffet, which includes both international favourites and typical Vietnamese dishes, such as noodle soup (pho). After breakfast, you may relax in the dining room and lounge or on the deck enjoying your last views of the bay before disembarking at midday. From here, we drive to Hanoi to catch an evening flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival in Da Nang you will be met and transferred to Hoi An.

Previously known as Faifo, Hoi An was once the most important trading port in the region. Now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the city is one of the best places to discover well-preserved Vietnamese architecture. In the morning we’ll stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Quarter and spend time mingling with local vendors at the Hoi An Market. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. As the sun goes down the city lights up with a sea of colourful lanterns, giving Hoi An the moniker 'City of Lanterns' and making for a thoroughly photogenic and romantic atmosphere.

After breakfast this morning, we will check out of our hotel and begin our full day journey to the coastal resort city of Nha Trang. The trip will be broken up with stops along the way, including spending time at Quy Nhon Beach for lunch at a delicious local, seafood local restaurant before continuing on to our hotel in Nha Trang. Located in southern Vietnam, this beautiful city is known for its beaches, diving, and offshore islands. After settling in at the hotel, spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Please keep in mind that will be a long day on the road and therefore scheduled stops may differ to what is reflected in the itinerary.

This morning begins with a thrilling boat trip off the shores of Nha Trang to find some snorkeling sites. Dive into the crystalline turquoise water, where you'll be surrounded by colourful marine life - you might be lucky enough to spot scorpionfish, lionfish and moray eels. Following the boat trip you’ll have time to find some local cuisine for lunch back onshore before we begin our drive to Dalat. Along the way we will visit some local farms and make a stop at the picturesque village of Trai Mat, home to temples and a small market. Upon arrival in Dalat this evening check into your hotel and relax.

Located in southern Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Dalat is surrounded by a magnificent landscape of hills, pine forests, lakes and waterfalls. It's also known as the 'City of Eternal Spring' due to its distinctive temperate climate. This morning we will enjoy a guided tour that begins at the Bao Dai Summer Palace, the summer retreat for Vietnam’s last emperor. From here, we will also visit Dalat station, built in the 1930s in an Art Deco style and designed by French architects, as well as the bustling local market. In the afternoon you’ll have time to relax or continue discovering this pretty city and its sprawling central lake, Xuan Huong.

Following breakfast this morning we will begin our drive to Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon. The journey towards this immense city will take most of the day. Along the way we’ll visit the gorgeous yet little-visited Pongour waterfalls. Cascading over dark terraced rock, and easily accessible through lush, landscaped gardens, this natural wonder is certainly awe-inspiring. Enjoy the opportunity to stretch your legs, soak up the beautiful vistas and reach out and run your fingers through the water as it falls. After this stop we will continue on our drive to Ho Chi Minh City via the city of Bao Loc. We'll arrive in Ho Chi Minh City in the evening - rest of explore more at your leisure.

Today will include a tour of Ho Chi Minh City (commonly known as Saigon), which is perhaps most famous for the pivotal role it played in the Vietnam War. Our morning will begin with a drive to the Cu Chi tunnels. Here we’ll explore part of the underground network that zigzagged from the southern tip of the Ho Chi Minh Trail near Cambodia, to the Saigon River, and is said to measure a whopping 250kms. Visiting Cu Chi will give you a deeper understanding of the guerrilla warfare that took place by the Vietnamese against both the French and the Americans. Developed in the late 1940s, these criss-crossing tunnels were constructed by local resistance fighters looking for a place to hide their weapons, and themselves, not to mention serving as communication and supply routes. Here you'll discover secret trapdoors, field hospitals, command posts, underground kitchens, living areas and meeting rooms.

After lunch we’ll head back to downtown Ho Chi Minh City, where we’ll visit Dong Khoi Street, the heart of the city’s commercial life. We’ll also visit the Post Office and the War Museum. Upon completion of our city tour, your final evening in Vietnam is free to spend as you wish. Don’t hesitate to ask your guide for any last-minute recommendations.

This morning we depart Ho Chi Minh City and head to Ben Tre, situated in the Mekong Delta. Not a lot of tourists make it to Ben Tre, but the ones that do are rewarded with a plethora of unique experiences. On arrival, we’ll take a xe loi ride (a variety of cyclo, or three-wheeled bicycle taxi, used only in that area) through the local village of Huu Dinh to enjoy the lush green rice paddies and gardens. We’ll then continue with a short walk to Huu Phuoc Bridge, where we’ll board our boat and begin our trip through the small canals surrounded by beautiful tropical scenery. Onboard the boat you'll enjoy a welcome drink (mango cocktail) and tropical fruits while cruising. The cruise will stop first at a brick-making workshop, where the locals still use centuries-old methods to make the bricks by hand. We’ll return to the boat to cross the An Hoa River, where we'll take a trip on a sampan (a flat-bottomed wooden boat) through narrow canals, and soak in the peacefulness of the region. The sampan will take us to visit one of our friends, Mrs. Huong, who lives with her three children and grandson. Enjoy some fresh fruits and tea with the family before heading to visit a rice noodle factory which produces thin and chewy hu tieu noodles, one of the most popular breakfast dishes in the region. This evening, settle into your waterside accommodation and take some time out to relax.

After a delightful breakfast at your homestay, spend some time enjoying your morning at leisure and take in the last of this peaceful province. Following lunch, we will begin our drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. Once we arrive, the rest of your final day in Vietnam is free to spend as you wish. Don’t hesitate to ask your knowledgeable guide for any last-minute recommendations.

Unfortunately, today marks the end of your fantastic tour through Vietnam.