Day 1
Hanoi
Today you will arrive in Hanoi and be transferred to your hotel for a welcome meeting in the evening.
Overnight: Golden Silk Boutique Hotel or similar
Day 2
Hanoi – Mai Chau Valley
Travel to the picturesque Mai Chau Valley, a serene landscape of rice paddies, emerald hills, and traditional villages. Optionally, take a kayak on the Hoa Binh reservoir, Vietnam’s largest, where you can soak in the stunning views and experience the tranquil rhythms of local life. Overnight in Mai Chau for two nights.
Overnight: Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3
Mai Chau Valley
Spend the day exploring the picturesque Mai Chau Valley. Take a peaceful walk through the countryside, learning about the local tribes, their traditions, and customs. Visit a vibrant rural market for a fresh fruit tasting, and opt to enjoy a traditional country lunch at a local village home.
Overnight: Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4
Mai Chau Valley – Hanoi
Return to Hanoi for a guided tour of the capital. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Presidential Palace, then learn about the Vietnam War at Hoa Lo Prison, known as the Hanoi Hilton. Finish with a fun cyclo ride through Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter.
Overnight: Golden Silk Boutique Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5
Hanoi – Halong Bay
Start the day with breakfast at Hoa Sua, a non-profit restaurant that trains underprivileged youth in Hanoi. Then, transfer to Ha Long Bay, where towering limestone islands rise from turquoise waters. Board a traditional wooden junk boat for a night on the water. Cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay’s stunning karst formations, visit Me Cung cave, and enjoy delicious seafood meals prepared by the crew. Cabins are twin share with en-suite bathrooms, offering a comfortable base to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Overnight: Halong - Bai Tu Long Overnight Cruise or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6
Halong Bay – Hue via internal flight
Enjoy an early lunch on board before returning to shore and traveling back to Hanoi for a short flight to Hue. Once the imperial capital of Vietnam, this UNESCO World Heritage city is home to stunning architectural treasures, including the historic Imperial City. Hue also holds significant historical importance as the site of one of the most intense battles during the Vietnam War. Overnight in Hue for two nights.
Overnight: Romance Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 7
Hue
Embark on a guided tour of Hue’s grand citadel, exploring lavish palaces, gardens, and the Forbidden Purple City, once home to the imperial family. Visit the royal tombs along the Perfume River, explore a Buddhist nunnery, and enjoy a traditional vegetarian lunch. Hue is renowned for its Nguyen dynasty architecture and historical significance.
Overnight: Romance Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast included.
Day 8
Hue – Hoi An
Drive to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage river port known for its well-preserved charm. Wander through the old town’s narrow streets, lined with merchant homes and vibrant silk lanterns. Try crafting your own lantern, a symbol of luck, wealth, and happiness, as a souvenir. In the afternoon, opt to visit a local tailor for a custom-made shirt. The scenic drive via the Hai Van Pass offers stunning views of Lang Co Beach. Overnight in Hoi An for three nights.
Overnight: Belle Maison Hadana or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9
Hoi An
This morning, explore a local market with guides from Oodles of Noodles, a G Adventures-supported program that trains local youth in culinary skills. Sample a variety of noodles and select fresh ingredients at the market, then head to the Oodles of Noodles kitchen to learn how to prepare delicious noodle dishes, which you'll enjoy for lunch.
Overnight: Belle Maison Hadana or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 10
Hoi An
The day is yours to explore the charming town of Hoi An and its surroundings. Opt for a day trip to My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient Hindu temples dating back to the 4th century. Alternatively, relax at Cua Dai beach or unwind by the pool at your hotel.
Overnight: Belle Maison Hadana or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 11
Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City via internal flight
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling economic hub. Explore the city on a cyclo tour, visiting landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office. Optionally, visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War or tour the historic Reunification Palace. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City for two nights.
Overnight: Hotel Continental Saigon or similar
Meals included: Breakfast included
Day 12
Ho Chi Minh City
Venture to the historic Cu Chi tunnels, an extensive network of underground passageways used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Explore subterranean hospitals, ammunition stores, and learn about the crucial role these tunnels played in the North's eventual victory. A fascinating insight into wartime ingenuity and resilience.
Overnight: Hotel Continental Saigon or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 13
Ho Chi Minh City
Your tour ends here. Enjoy your breakfast before heading to the airport independently for your flight home.
Meals included: Breakfast
