Meals: Dinner
Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, where you’ll be greeted by your guide and driver. Enjoy a scenic 45-minute transfer to the city center, passing over the Red River and taking in Hanoi’s vibrant streets.
Check in to your accommodation and take some time to rest after your journey.
In the afternoon, embark on a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter. Visit Ba Da Pagoda, a hidden Buddhist temple tucked away near St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Continue through historic streets like Lan Ong (traditional medicine) and Lo Ren (blacksmithing). Stop at Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s largest, to experience the local trade and atmosphere.
Explore the lively Ta Hien Street, known for its bustling nightlife and street food culture. Sample local delicacies such as bánh gối (crispy pillow cakes) and nem chua rán (fried fermented pork rolls).
Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant featuring authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
9:00 AM: Meet your guide and begin the day at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, dating back to the 11th century. Stroll through its peaceful courtyards and admire the stone steles that commemorate the nation’s top scholars.
Continue to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), offering an in-depth look at the country’s diverse ethnic groups through exhibitions of traditional costumes, tools, and model houses.
Lunch at a restaurant specializing in Hanoi’s signature dishes, such as bún thang (vermicelli soup with shredded chicken, egg, and mushrooms).
In the afternoon, explore the French Quarter, a district of colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards, and historic government buildings. Pass by Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (outside only) before walking through the botanical gardens to see the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Visit the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist temple.
Enjoy a traditional water puppet show, an art form dating back to the 11th century that depicts rural life, folklore, and legends through wooden puppets performing on water.
Return to your accommodation for a relaxing evening.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
8:00 AM: Depart Hanoi for Ninh Binh, a two-hour drive through the picturesque countryside of the Red River Delta, where you’ll see endless rice paddies and traditional villages.
Upon arrival, embark on a 15km cycling journey (optional) or take a scenic walk along the village paths. Stop at Thung La Temple, an 11th-century site dedicated to local deities. Meet Mr. Tuong, the temple’s guardian, and enjoy an intimate drum performance.
Continue to Van Long Nature Reserve, where you’ll take a peaceful sampan boat trip through limestone karsts and tranquil waterways. Keep an eye out for rare langurs and diverse bird species.
Enjoy a countryside lunch featuring local specialties such as cơm cháy (crispy rice) and dê nướng (grilled mountain goat).
In the afternoon, visit a nearby embroidery village, where you’ll learn traditional techniques from local artisans under the guidance of Mrs. Lam. Try your hand at embroidery and gain insight into this time-honored craft.
Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

9:00 AM: Depart from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Lan Ha Bay. Travel along National Highway 5B, passing through lush rice paddies and traditional villages in the Red River Delta. Stop for refreshments before continuing to the harbor.

12:00 PM: Arrive at Tuan Chau Port, where the crew of Peony Cruises will warmly welcome you.

12:30 PM: Board a transfer boat for a short cruise to Peony Cruises. Receive a briefing on the itinerary as you sail deeper into the bay.

1:00 PM: Enjoy a welcome drink and a refreshing towel before indulging in a special lunch featuring fresh seafood and local delicacies. As you dine, the cruise sets sail for Lan Ha Bay, known for its pristine beauty and dramatic limestone formations.

3:30 PM: Arrive at Tra Bau, a stunning area of Lan Ha Bay with emerald waters and unspoiled natural scenery. Take a kayak to explore the limestone islets up close or enjoy a swim in the bay. Relax in the onboard Jacuzzi for a moment of tranquility.

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Join a cooking demonstration on the sundeck and learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese spring rolls. Alternatively, enjoy the sunset with a drink in hand during Happy Hour (buy one, get one free). This is a perfect opportunity for photography enthusiasts.

7:30 PM: Delight in a gourmet dinner featuring a selection of local dishes, served in an intimate setting.

9:00 PM – 10:00 PM: After dinner, unwind at the sky bar with a cocktail (optional), enjoy a spa treatment (optional), or try your luck at squid fishing.

Overnight on Cruise, Lan Ha Bay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

6:00 AM: Start the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over Lan Ha Bay.

6:45 AM – 7:15 AM: Enjoy a light breakfast while cruising toward Gia Luan Jetty.

7:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Visit Trung Trang Cave, one of the most fascinating caves on Cat Ba Island. Explore the limestone formations and learn about its unique geological features.

9:30 AM: Return to the cruise for check-out. Leave your luggage outside the cabin before enjoying an early lunch in the restaurant.

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Disembark from Peony Cruise and transfer back to Hanoi via the expressway, passing through the scenic Red River Delta.

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Arrive at Tuan Chau Port and meet your driver for the return transfer to Hanoi.

In the evening, transfer to Hanoi Railway Station for the overnight train to Hue. Settle into your comfortable 4-berth cabin and enjoy the rhythmic journey south.

Overnight on the night train to Hue.

Meals: Breakfast

8:40 AM: Arrive at Hue Railway Station, where your guide and driver will meet you. Transfer to your hotel for luggage drop-off before beginning a day of discovery in the former imperial capital.

10:00 AM: Board a traditional wooden boat for a scenic cruise along the Perfume River. Observe daily life on the riverbanks as you head east to explore the countryside.

Upon arrival in Tien Non Village, take a leisurely bike ride through the surrounding villages. Stop to meet local farmers and learn about their agricultural practices.

Continue to Thanh Tien Village, known for its 400-year-old tradition of crafting paper flowers. Visit the workshop of artisan Mr. Hieu, where you’ll learn the delicate art of making these colorful decorations.

Next, visit Sinh Village, famous for its traditional woodblock prints. Meet Mr. Phuoc, a skilled craftsman, who will introduce you to the techniques of folk painting. Browse beautiful hand-painted prints, perfect as souvenirs.

Return to the city by boat.

In the afternoon, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s oldest and most significant Buddhist sites. Admire its seven-story octagonal tower and enjoy sweeping views of the Perfume River.

Continue to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO-listed complex that was once the political and cultural heart of Vietnam. Walk through its three main sections:

• Kinh Thanh (Capital City): The outermost fortress protecting the imperial residence.
• Hoang Thanh (Imperial City): The seat of royal ceremonies and government affairs.
• Cam Thanh (Forbidden City): The private quarters of the Nguyen emperors.

Explore highlights such as the Flag Tower, South Gate, Palace of Supreme Harmony, and the royal temple area.

Late afternoon, return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Overnight in Hue.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

7:30 AM: Check out and depart for Khai Dinh’s Tomb, an architectural masterpiece that blends Vietnamese and French styles. Climb the 127 steps to admire intricate porcelain mosaics, an elaborate ceiling painting, and the golden statue of Emperor Khai Dinh.

Continue your journey south via the scenic Hai Van Pass (Sea Cloud Pass). Stop at the summit to take in breathtaking views of the coastline, Lang Co Beach, and Da Nang City.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, visit the Cham Sculpture Museum, home to the world’s most extensive collection of Cham artifacts. Learn about the ancient Champa Kingdom and its Hindu-influenced art.

Take a short stroll on My Khe Beach, a picturesque stretch of sand overlooking the Linh Ung Pagoda and its towering Lady Buddha statue.

Drive along the coast and arrive in Hoi An, a beautifully preserved trading port dating back to the 15th century.

In the afternoon, explore Hoi An’s Old Town on foot:

• Cam Pho Communal House: One of the oldest buildings in Hoi An, reflecting centuries of cultural exchange.
• Japanese Covered Bridge: An iconic 17th-century structure symbolizing the town’s Japanese heritage.
• Quan Thang Ancient House: A well-preserved merchant’s home showcasing fine woodwork from Kim Bong carpenters.
• Fujian Assembly Hall: A striking Chinese temple dedicated to Thien Hau, the sea goddess.

After the walking tour, return to your hotel or explore Hoi An at your own pace.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

8:00 AM: Meet your guide at your hotel and set off on a cycling adventure to explore the rural villages around Hoi An. Ride to the pier and board a ferry to Kim Bong Village on the opposite bank of the Thu Bon River.

As you cross the river, take in the peaceful scenery of fishing boats and riverside communities. Upon arrival, learn about Kim Bong’s centuries-old tradition of wood carving. Visit a local workshop to observe skilled artisans crafting intricate wooden sculptures, furniture, and traditional boat designs. If interested, you may purchase finely crafted souvenirs.

Continue cycling along scenic village trails, passing through rice paddies and bamboo bridges to Tra Nhieu Village. Along the way, immerse yourself in the daily rhythms of rural life. Visit:

• Ms. Duoc, a local artisan who weaves traditional sleeping mats from rush grass.
• Mr. Kha, a skilled craftsman who makes bamboo basket boats (sampans).
• Mr. Huynh Ri’s family shipyard, where wooden fishing boats are built using time-honored techniques.

Next, embark on a boat trip along the Thu Bon River to Cam Thanh Village, famous for its water palm forests and traditional fishing practices. Upon arrival, hop into a bamboo basket boat and navigate through the coconut palms. Try your hand at crab catching using traditional fishing tools.

After a refreshing experience on the water, visit Mr. Phong’s home, a local fisherman’s house, where you’ll be welcomed with green tea. Relax with a herbal foot massage, using medicinal plants grown in the family’s garden.

Join a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll prepare and enjoy iconic Hoi An dishes such as:

• Bánh xèo (Vietnamese crispy pancake with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts).
• Spring rolls made with fresh herbs from nearby Tra Que Village.

After a fulfilling meal, return to your hotel in the afternoon for leisure time.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

8:00 AM: Depart from your hotel for a half-day excursion to My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the spiritual center of the ancient Champa Kingdom.

Located 40 km southwest of Hoi An, My Son was the intellectual and religious hub of Champa civilization, flourishing between the 4th and 13th centuries. The site once housed over 70 Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva, built with intricate carvings and red brick structures.

Upon arrival, explore the remnants of this lost civilization with your guide. Learn about:

• The architectural techniques used to construct the temples without mortar.
• The Hindu influences evident in the Cham sculptures and bas-reliefs.
• The historical role of My Son as a royal burial site.

Before leaving, enjoy a traditional Cham dance performance, showcasing the music and artistry of this ancient culture.

Return to Hoi An by midday, where you’ll have the afternoon free to relax or explore the town at your own pace.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before checking out.

At the scheduled time, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to Da Nang International Airport (approximately 45 minutes) for your onward flight.

Safe travels and farewell to Vietnam!