Hill Tribes, Halong Bay & Beyond

Xin Chao! Welcome to Vietnam! On arrival at the airport you'll be transferred to our hotel, where the rest of the day is free to explore Hanoi at leisure. Perhaps visit the Presidential Palace or Ho Chi Minh's famous House on Stilts.

For those arriving early or the day before the tour begins, consider our Backstreets of Hanoi add-on. Explore the lesser-visited districts of Cho Buoi, Hoang Hoa Tham and Vinh Phuc. You'll also get to ride behind a driver on taxi motorbikes through the narrow streets of the city and along the shore of Ho Tay Lake.

Leaving bustling Hanoi behind we drive to the picturesque Mai Chau Valley this morning, which is home to the White Thai ethnic minority group. Lunch is served at a traditional family-run guesthouse on stilts in the charming village of Mai Hich and this afternoon we enjoy a leisurely walk through the back roads and rice fields of the valley for our first encounter with the Thai people, going about their daily lives. The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure. You can relax by the swimming pool at the lodge or there are bikes you can hire to explore more of the countryside. (B/L)

Today we drive to the H'mong ethnic lands in the mountainous province of Hoa Binh and the rocky plateau of Hang Kia. Meet the colourfully dressed locals and eat lunch in a traditional wooden home. This afternoon we enjoy an easy-paced trek downhill to Mai Chau Valley, admiring the picturesque scenery as we go. We'll then be transferred back to our lodge in the valley.

Please note: If you prefer not to trek, we can transfer you by road back to the lodge, where you can enjoy the afternoon at leisure. (B/L)

There's the opportunity to visit the local Mai Chau market this morning, before we continue to the town of Hoa Binh. Explore the charming Muong Culture Museum to see women in traditional dress and authentic Muong stilt houses, as well as a collection of fascinating artefacts. After our visit we enjoy a traditional Muong lunch, before returning to Hanoi. (B)

This morning we leave Hanoi and drive to the beautiful UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. The bay is dotted with around 2,000 limestone islets and some are home to flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. Board a deluxe Junk Boat and enjoy stunning views as we sail around the bay and discover the striking stalagmites and stalactites in Trinh Nu Cave. There's also the opportunity to swim and kayak.

This evening enjoy a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and a delicious seafood dinner onboard, before we spend the night in the bay. (B/L/D)

Early risers can enjoy a sunrise Tai Chi class on deck or perhaps opt for a traditional massage. Before heading back to port this morning we explore the beautiful Sung Sot cave (Surprise Grotto), which is 10,000m² and consists of two major chambers. These spectacular chambers are spacious enough to hold thousands of people.

This afternoon we return to Hanoi and enjoy an exciting rickshaw ride around the city's narrow streets. See highlights of the capital including the Opera House and Ly Thai To Park. We'll then take a walk through the “36 Streets” of the Old Quarter. Tonight, we board the ‘Reunification Express' night train to Hue (standard 4 berth sleeper cabin) or there is an option to fly to Hue if you prefer. (B)

Arrive in Hue today and enjoy a guided tour of this former imperial capital of Vietnam. Discover the iconic seven story Thien Mu Pagoda - Hue's most famous landmark and home to the oldest monastery in the city. We'll also explore the Imperial Purple Palace, heavily bombed during the 1968 TET Offensive.

Later, visit the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty kings and the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. The Emperor spent much of his reign living at this lavish site but was actually buried elsewhere in the city. His final resting place remains undiscovered to this day.

This evening, there's an optional long boat excursion on the Perfume River. Marvel at the rugged mountain scenery as we cruise along. (B/L)

Today we drive along the famous Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds), one of the most beautiful coast roads in the world. Enjoy the striking views before we stop for a walk and a quick swim at My Khe beach - famous for appearing in the blockbuster film ‘Apocalypse Now'. Continue to the charming port city of Hoi An for a guided walking tour. Explore highlights including the Chua Ong Pagoda and the iconic Japanese Bridge.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the cobbled streets and bustling waterfront of the city. You may also wish to consider our Hoi An Street Eats add-on. Hop on a vintage Vespa motorcycle and ride with a driver to several local restaurants. Try delicious all-you-can eat local cuisine and enjoy free-flowing drinks. (B)

Enjoy a leisurely bike ride into the countryside this morning to visit a local farm in Tra Que village. Here we learn about traditional farming methods and medicine, don conical hats and have a go at farming the fields ourselves. We'll then enjoy a tasty lunch, but not before we cook it ourselves during a fun and interactive cooking demonstration. (B/L)

Today is free to enjoy in Hoi An at leisure. Consider taking a rowboat along the river, relax on the beach or do some shopping. Alternatively you can opt for an excursion to the UNESCO-listed My Son sanctuary or enjoy a day trip to the popular Ba Na Hills mountain resort, where you will ride the second longest cable car in the world and walk along the striking Golden Bridge (book and pay locally). (B)

This morning we fly to Ho Chi Minh City (included) and drive to the Mekong Delta. Board a traditional sampan at Cai Be and cruise down the canals, enjoying the stunning scenery as we sail. Watch the locals go about their daily lives and stop at some of the home factories where local people produce popcorn and sweets. We'll enjoy lunch in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island. (B/L)

Early this morning we visit the Cai Rang floating market before returning to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a walking tour of the former capital of South Vietnam and take in highlights of the city including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the sobering War Remnants Museum. (B)

This morning is free to explore Ho Chi Minh City as you please, before our tour ends with a departure transfer to the airport.

If you wish, extend your tour with a day trip to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, vital to the Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnam War. Crawl through a section of the tunnels and fire assault weapons at the firing range. (B)