Explore Vietnam by train: an in-depth journey

hanoi

Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi! Upon your arrival into the international airport, transfer to your accommodation to settle in. Spend some time finding your bearings and getting acquainted with Vietnam's capital city, by savouring local cuisine and soaking up the historic sights, which showcase an intriguing blend of local and international cultures.

hanoi

Day 2: Deep-dive into Hanoi

Wake up to a full-day tour of Hanoi, including the bustling Old Quarter, the Presidential Palace and the Temple of Literature, before spending some time exploring the bustling city at your own pace - why not enjoy more facets of local history and culture by visiting Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum? End the day's adventures with a traditional water puppet show, before seeking out more culinary delights and returning to your accommodation for the night.

hanoi - Ninh Binh

Day 3: The natural beauty of Ninh Binh

Check out of your Hanoi accommodation and prepare to board your first inter-city train journey, taking you on a picturesque ride from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Located in the Red River Delta, the province of Ninh Binh reveals the magic of Vietnam's rural landscapes, filled with limestone mountains and rice paddies. As you arrive here, you'll soon understand why it has earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, explore the awe-inspiring landscape at your leisure, perhaps with a hike or boat ride along the river, and meet local people as you engage in authentic homestay experiences.

Ninh Binh - Lan Ha Bay

Day 4: To the waters of Lan Ha Bay

After waking up to the surreal beauty of Ninh Binh, spend the morning exploring the city and its surroundings. You could set out on an immersive cycling tour, uncovering the ancient capital of Hoa Lu or hopping across temples and pagodas.

In the afternoon, you'll board a train and transfer to the port on Lan Ha Bay - the less-crowded and magically scenic alternative to Ha Long Bay, where about 300 limestone islands dot the emerald waters. Board your cruise for an overnight stay, sailing across the serene landscape.

Lan Ha Bay

Day 5: Soak up the serenity of Lan Ha Bay

Good morning, Lan Ha Bay! Spend the day relaxing, soaking up the stunning landscapes from aboard the boat and enjoying the onboard hospitality. The day is yours to unwind and feel completely at one with your surroundings. You'll spend another night on board your cruise.

Lan Ha Bay - hanoi

Day 6: An overnight train to Danang

This morning, disembark the cruise ship and travel back to Hanoi train station, watching as the landscape shifts from country to city. In Hanoi, you'll transfer to an overnight train bound for Danang, making tracks along the famous Reunification Line.

Danang - hoi an

Day 7: Journey to historic Hoi An

Welcome to Danang! Upon your arrival here, you'll leave your overnight service and transfer to a connecting train to Hoi An, approximately an hour's ride away.

After your long travels, reach Hoi An and experience its coastal charms at a leisurely pace: visit historic sites, take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River, and take in the vibrant atmosphere - whether you're indulging in street food at the Night Market, or lounging on the soft sands of An Bang Beach. Check into your accommodation for a restful night's sleep.

hoi an

Day 8: At leisure in Hoi An

A second day of exploring Hoi An awaits! Take your time to unwind and deep-dive into all that this former port city has to offer - it's a true and fascinating melting pot of cultures, which you can uncover at your own pace as you visit its museums, temples and pagodas, and beautifully-preserved Ancient Town.

Hoi An - Danang

Day 9: Overnight journey to Ho Chi Minh City

Today, pack your bags and transfer back to Danang, where you'll board an overnight train to Ho Chi Minh City - the political and financial hub of Vietnam. You've a long journey ahead of you, from the central coast down to southern Vietnam, so kick back and relax!

Ho Chi Minh City

Day 10: Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City!

Arrive into Ho Chi Minh City early in the morning and transfer to your accommodation. Explore the city's highlights such as the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Ben Thanh Market, for a day filled with local culture, history and intrigue. Mingle with the friendly locals as you venture down streets lined with skyscrapers and charming old buildings, soaking up the vibrant contrasts along the way.

Ho Chi Minh City

Day 11: Deep-dive into Ho Chi Minh City

Wake up to another day of sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City: travel back in time as you learn about the construction and uses of the Cu Chi Tunnels during the Vietnam War, then lose yourself in the bustling streets and taste your way across the local street food. Return to your accommodation for an overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City, soaking up the many wonders you'll have experienced in this breathtaking city.

Ho Chi Minh City - Cat Tien National Park

Day 12: Enjoy a day in nature

Today, check out of your Ho Chi Minh City accommodation and venture into the heart of Cat Tien National Park, in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Surrounded by unspoilt nature, take your time to explore this vast biodiversity hotspot, and engage in ecotourism activities to truly understand the riches of one of the largest nature reserves in Vietnam. Check into your accommodation for an overnight stay in Cat Tien National Park.

Cat Tien National Park - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 13: The wildlife wonders of Cat Tien

This morning, explore the diverse wildlife and nature of Cat Tien National Park, with trekking and safari adventures. The park is home to some very special creatures, from Asian elephants and sun bears to various species of deer and a huge variety of birdlife, some of which are endangered and rare - have your binoculars at the ready for some colourful sightings! Make the most of your time here, as in the afternoon, you'll transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City for an overnight stay.

Ho Chi Minh City - Con Dao Island

Day 14: Journey to Con Dao

This morning, transfer to the airport and catch a domestic flight to the archipelago of Con Dao, where you'll swap city living for laid-back beach R&R. Arrive here ready to flop onto soft sands and enjoy the clear, sun-warmed waters to your heart's content. Once you've enjoyed the scenic surroundings enough, check into your accommodation for a night of island bliss.

Con Dao Island

Day 15: A day of island relaxation

With a full day in Con Dao, take your time to enjoy the natural beauty and partake in a handful of optional water activities, such as snorkelling - the archipelago is particularly well-known for its highly protected coral reefs and colourful marine life, ranging from sea turtles to blue whales. Spend some time learning about its expansive mangrove ecosystem, or soak up the local culture and history by visiting the Con Dao Museum. On this last full day in Vietnam, the choices are plentiful and tempting!

Con Dao - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 16: Goodbye, Vietnam!

After some island indulgence, it's time to fly back to Ho Chi Minh City, where you could enjoy some optional activities and last-minute exploration before transferring to the international airport for your flight home. Safe travels and visit again soon!