Culture & nature in magnificent Vietnam

hanoi

Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, is one thousand years old and known for its peaceful lakes, French styled buildings, old quarter streets, tree lined boulevards, and brightly painted temples and pagodas.

Upon arrival, your guide will greet you and take you to the hotel downtown. The rest of the day is free at your leisure.

hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi highlights & evening street food tour

Start your day in Hanoi with a delicious buffet breakfast and Vietnamese coffee before exploring the city's cultural landmarks.

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, Presidential Palace, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the 1,000-year-old Temple of Literature and the scenic Ngoc Son Temple.

Enjoy free time in the afternoon before embarking on a flavorful street food walking tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Sample northern Vietnamese dishes, watch local chefs in action, and taste local favorites like Banh Cuon, Banh Mi, rice wine, and egg coffee.

Then, return to your hotel or continue exploring on your own before retiring for the night.

hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong

Day 3: Vietnam's scenic landscapes

Begin with a hearty breakfast before leaving Hanoi for the peaceful landscapes of Mai Chau in Hoa Binh province. Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive with a stop at Ba Khan and the stunning Thung Khe Pass, known as one of Vietnam’s most beautiful mountain passes.

Savor a traditional lunch highlighting the yin-yang balance of Vietnamese cuisine. Then, in the afternoon, bike through rice fields and limestone mountains, visiting local Thai ethnic villages like Pom Coong and Lac. There, you will meet a skilled artisan preserving traditional embroidery.

Continue to Pu Luong Nature Reserve via a scenic drive through terraced fields. There, you will check in to your hotel and spend the night.

Pu Luong

Day 4: Explore Pu Luong & Chieng Lau's water wheels

Following breakfast at the retreat, set out on a gentle 5 km trek through palm forests and local villages. Arrive at Bam Village to admire scenic rice terraces and enjoy a relaxing herbal foot bath with local tea.

Then, continue with a 2 km walk to Don Village, home to some of Pu Luong’s most stunning terraces. Visit Hieu Village and the famous Hieu Waterfalls for a refreshing swim and a local BBQ lunch.

In the afternoon, explore Chieng Lau Village and its iconic water wheels, then walk through Sat Village to witness peaceful rural life and traditional irrigation at Cham Stream.

Finally,  return to your accommodation and relax for the rest of the day.

Pu Luong - hanoi

Day 5: Back to the city life of Hanoi

After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel and transfer back to Hanoi. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at your leisure.

hanoi - halong Bay

Day 6: Lan Ha Bay cruise

Today, embark on a scenic 3-hour drive from Hanoi to the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay, known for its 1,900 limestone islands and stunning natural beauty.

Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Harbor, transfer to the Sena Cruise in Lan Ha Bay. Enjoy a welcome drink, safety briefing, and check-in before savoring a delicious lunch as the cruise sails past dramatic karst formations.

In the afternoon, explore the peaceful Dark and Bright Cave by bamboo boat or go for a swim. Return for a sunset party, a Vietnamese spring roll cooking class, and a deluxe dinner. Evening activities include squid fishing or karaoke.

Spend the night on board your cruise.

halong Bay - Hoian

Day 7: Exploring Viet Hai

Begin your day with a sunrise Tai Chi session on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast.

Around 8:00 AM, transfer by day boat to Viet Hai village on Cat Ba Island, a charming, traditional village nestled among lush mountains. Explore the area by bike or tram and soak in the peaceful countryside.

After lunch, head to a secluded area of Lan Ha Bay for swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking in crystal-clear waters. Return to Sena Cruise by late afternoon and unwind with a Happy Hour drink on the sundeck.

In the evening, enjoy dinner and optional activities like squid fishing or simply relax before spedning another night on board.

halong Bay - hanoi - Hoian

Day 8: Final day of the cruise

Start your day with a peaceful sunrise Tai Chi session on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast as Sena Cruise sails past majestic karst formations.

Around 8:15 AM, explore the stunning Tra Bau area (famous for its appearance in Kong: Skull Island) with kayaking and swimming.

Then, return to the boat for check-out and enjoy a relaxing lunch as the cruise heads back to Tuan Chau Marina. Disembark around 11:45 AM and transfer to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Danang.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel in Hoi An where you will spend the night.

Hoian

Day 9: Hoi An Old Town & sunset boat trip

Today begins with a guided tour of Hoi An’s Ancient Town, exploring historical sites such as the Hoi An Museum, traditional houses, Chinese Assembly Hall, local workshops, and the iconic Japanese Bridge.

Then, visit a lantern craftsman’s home for a hands-on workshop where you’ll create your own traditional lantern to take home.

Later, return to your hotel and enjoy free time in the afternoon before transferring to the pier for a relaxing 2-hour sunset dinner cruise on the Thu Bon River. Enjoy cocktails, a 5-course meal, music, and the chance to release a candle lantern.

Hoian

Day 10: Cycling tour to Cam Kim Island

In the morning, start with a scenic bicycle ride from Hoi An to Kim Bong Carpentry Village to meet skilled artisans crafting unique wooden products.

Continue cycling through the peaceful countryside, passing green bamboo groves and areca palms while learning about local life from your guide.

Visit a local family to see how rice is used to make wine, paper, noodles, and mats, and try rowing a traditional bamboo basket boat.

Enjoy a local lunch of Quang noodles in Cam Kim before returning to Hoi An by boat. Spend your free afternoon at leisure.

Hoian - Saigon

Day 11: Vespa foodie tour in Saigon

This morning, depart Hoi An and fly from Danang to vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel to relax.

In the eevening, hop on a vintage Vespa for an exciting "Saigon After Dark" food and nightlife tour. Start with rooftop drinks overlooking the city, then ride through lively streets and hidden alleys, stopping at local restaurants to taste authentic Saigon dishes.

End the night at a live music café and buzzing bar with drinks and entertainment. All food and drinks iare ncluded, so you can fully enjoy your last night in in Ho Chi Minh City.

Saigon

Day 12: Goodbye, Vietnam

Every unforgettable journey must come to an end, but your memories will last a lifetime. Today, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home, taking with you the warmth, beauty, and unforgettable experiences of Vietnam.