Arrive in Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital located in the heart of northern Vietnam, where you will be warmly welcomed by your guide at the airport. A comfortable transfer will take you to your hotel, with the day’s activities tailored to suit the arrival time.

Start your exploration of the city center, marking the beginning of your 2-week journey in Vietnam, and immerse yourself in the charm of this ancient capital:

• King Ly Thai To Square: Discover the millennium-old history of the Vietnamese capital.
• Lake of the Restored Sword with the Temple of Mount Jade, and Turtle Islet at the heart of Hanoi.
• Explore the Hanoi Old Quarter, with its 36 corporation streets named after the goods once produced and sold there. Visit Ma May Street and an old ‘Tube’ house, a typical feature of traditional Hanoi architecture.
• Discover the colonial heritage through French concessions, taking a cycle rickshaw ride through the city to see landmarks like the Grand Théâtre, Métropole Hotel, the State Bank, and the Central Post Office.
  End the day with a relaxing night at your hotel.

Dedicate the day to exploring Hanoi’s most remarkable cultural sites and historical monuments:

• Temple of Literature: A symbol of feudal education and one of Hanoi’s iconic landmarks.
• Visit Ba Dinh Square, home to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his residence.
• Explore the Ethnography Museum, which houses over 25,000 ancient and contemporary artifacts, offering insights into the history of local populations.
• Enjoy a water puppet show, a distinctive feature of Vietnamese culture.
  In the evening, take a night train to Lao Cai, the gateway to the enchanting northwest mountains.

Arriving early in Lao Cai, have breakfast at a local restaurant before heading to Bac Ha, a peaceful town about 100 kilometers northeast of Sapa.

Embark on a scenic hike through the mountains, hills, valleys, and ethnic villages. Trek through lush fir forests to Ngai Phong Cho, a village inhabited by the Flower Hmong and Phu La communities, where traditional mud houses still stand. Continue your hike to Thai Giang Pho and Na Lo villages, where you’ll witness stunning landscapes of rice terraces and winding rivers. The day concludes with a warm homestay experience with a Tay ethnic family, where you’ll enjoy dinner and gain insight into their customs.

If it’s market day (Tuesday: Coc Ly market, Wednesday: Sin Cheng market, Saturday: Can Cau market, Sunday: Muong Hum market), visit a vibrant local minority market, where various ethnic groups gather to exchange goods and share news. You’ll also witness fascinating cattle trades.

Afterward, journey to Sapa, a picturesque town once favored by the French during the colonial era. Nestled at the edge of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Sapa offers temperate weather and breathtaking landscapes, including winding paths through hills and rice terraces.

In the afternoon, venture to Hang Da and Sa Seng, exploring high-altitude areas known for their karst limestone formations and picturesque views of lush forests and pristine waterways. Return to Sapa to rest for the night.

Prepare for a day of hiking through the Muong Hoa Valley, located southwest of Sapa, at the base of Mount Fansipan. Trek through ethnic villages such as Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai (Black Hmong), and Ta Van (Dzay). Observe daily life as villagers tend to rice fields and engage in traditional activities. The valley, framed by steep mountains, is home to various ethnic groups including the Hmong, Dzao, Dzay, and Tay.

Afterward, take a scenic drive back to Hanoi for a restful night.

Travel to Ninh Binh, a region famous for its limestone karsts, rice fields, and river landscapes.

Start with a visit to Mua Mountain, climbing a 486-step staircase to reach the summit, which offers a panoramic view of the Tam Coc region.

Next, ride a bike through Tam Coc, exploring the picturesque surroundings. Enjoy a relaxing boat trip along the Ngo Dong River, passing lush rice fields and beneath the three enchanting caves nestled at the base of towering limestone peaks.

Stay overnight in Ninh Binh.

After breakfast, depart from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonders. Upon arrival, board a traditional junk boat for a cruise on the serene waters of the bay. As you sail, enjoy breathtaking views of the countless limestone islands that dot the waters, each shaped uniquely like sails, roosters, and dogs.

• Stop at Thien Canh Son Cave, a stunning natural cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years.
• Continue to Cap La, where you can indulge in a kayak ride or take a refreshing swim in the emerald-green waters (weather permitting).
• Enjoy lunch and dinner on board, prepared with fresh, local ingredients. In the late afternoon, relax on the upper deck of the junk, taking in the scenic beauty of the bay.

You’ll have some free time in the evening to relax, play card games, or even try night fishing. Stay overnight on the boat, where you can fall asleep to the sound of gentle waves.

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over Halong Bay, as the first rays of sunlight break over the dramatic karsts. You can join a Tai Chi session on the boat’s deck for a serene and peaceful start to the day.

• Continue cruising around the bay to discover more hidden caves and islets.
• After a light breakfast, disembark from the boat and head back to Hanoi by car.
• Once back in Hanoi, transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Hue, the historic imperial city located in central Vietnam.

Upon arrival in Hue, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can rest and prepare for the city tour the next day.

Today, dive into the rich history of Hue, Vietnam’s last imperial capital:

• The Imperial City: Explore the former residence and workplace of the Nguyen emperors. Marvel at the grandeur and architectural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Gia Long Mausoleum: Visit the impressive mausoleum dedicated to the first emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty.
• Alternatively, choose to visit the Minh Mang Mausoleum, known for its dramatic scenery and fascinating history.
• Thien Mu Pagoda: Visit the most beautiful and popular pagoda in Hue. Depending on your schedule, you might also visit Tu Hieu Pagoda, which contains the tombs of eunuchs from the Nguyen Dynasty.
• Explore Dong Ba Market, Hue’s largest market, where you can sample local specialties such as bánh bèo (rice cakes) and bánh khoái (crispy pancakes).

Return to your hotel in the evening for rest.

This morning, travel south to Hoi An, a charming town with a rich blend of historical and cultural influences:

• As you journey through the Hai Van Pass, enjoy sweeping views of the mountains and coastline, making a stop at Lang Co Bay, known for its beautiful turquoise waters and peaceful atmosphere.
• Continue to Da Nang, a bustling coastal city, where you can see the picturesque Marble Mountains and enjoy views of My Khe Beach before continuing on to Hoi An.

Arriving in Hoi An, check into your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around the Hoi An Ancient Town, famous for its beautifully preserved architecture and traditional lantern-lit streets.

Today, explore the peaceful countryside surrounding Hoi An:

• Cycling Tour: Ride through the lush Hoi An countryside, along the Thu Bon River.
• Visit Van Lang fish farming village, where you’ll take a round basket boat ride through meandering canals and coconut forests. Learn traditional fishing techniques and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.
• Continue to the Bay Mau coconut forest, a beautiful area full of mangrove trees and waterways.
• Afterward, head to Tra Que Village, known for its organic vegetable farms. Take part in activities like fertilizing the land or planting herbs, and experience rural life firsthand.

After a relaxing day, return to the hotel for a free evening.

These two days are free for you to relax and unwind at Cua Dai and An Bang Beach, two of the most beautiful and tranquil beaches near Hoi An.

• Spend your days lounging on the beach, swimming, or enjoying a leisurely walk along the shore.
• For those who want to explore, take bike rides through the countryside or visit traditional craft villages around Hoi An that specialize in pottery, carpentry, and silk weaving.

Enjoy leisurely meals at the beachside cafes, and spend your nights in the comfort of your hotel, absorbing the charm of Hoi An.

Enjoy a relaxing morning in Hoi An, where you can do some last-minute shopping or explore the town’s charming streets once more. In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Da Nang for your flight back to Hanoi.

Once in Hanoi, you’ll catch your international flight, bringing an end to your unforgettable 2-week journey through Vietnam.