What To Expect

Day 1: Where Your Fantasy Trip Begins
• Da Nang

  People are lured to Vietnam because this fascinating destination offers great food, affordable prices, and stunning nature. Geopolitical warfare from 1955 to 1975 represents a country of decades ago. Today’s Vietnam is one of visitors, expats, and natives together enjoying the outdoor restaurants, bars, and beaches. Our tour begins in the city of Da Nang. Worth checking out are the Dragon Bridge, which features a rather unique architectural design, the night market and a nearby lounge and club complex. Dress nicely.

  Duration: 3 hours

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

Day 2: Walking on Marble Mountains & the Country’s Prettiest Town
• Da Nang

  We make an excursion from Da Nang. Firstly, we are taken to a cluster of five marble and limestone hills. Collectively they are called the Marble Mountains, a.k.a. Ngu Hanh Son. In the early-evening, we are taken to the town of Hoi An. There we are provided with a guided tour. Highlights include a local outdoor market called Nguyen Hoang, traditional homes, pagodas, an assembly hall called Phuc Kien, the Japanese bridge, Hoai River, Lantern Street and the silk shops. Dinner is included on today’s tour and is served in Hoi An.

  Duration: 3 hours

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

Day 3: A Resort Built by French Architects & a Bridge Designed Like No Other
• Da Nang

  Before relocating by flight from Da Nang to the capital that is Hanoi, we visit a hill station and resort called Ba Na Hill Station (a.k.a. Ba Na Hills). It was founded in 1919 by French colonists. It was built as a leisure destination for French tourists. Being located 1500 meters above sea level, it has a view of the East Sea and the surrounding mountains. We reach this hill station and resort by cable car. In operation since March 29, 2013, it holds the world record for the longest nonstop single track cable car, at 5,801 meters (19,032 feet) in length. Highlights of our tour include the internationally acclaimed Golden Bridge, the garden, and the wine cellar. Another detail worth mentioning is that a buffet-style lunch is included on today’s tour and is served in the charming ‘French Village’, which is reached by cable car.

  Duration: 2 hours

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

Day 4: Sightseeing in the Capital
• Hanoi

  Before relocating by land to the town of Ha Giang, we explore Hanoi. Highlights include the Opera House, Ho Tay Lake, Chua Tran Quoc Temple, Temple of Literature, Saint Joseph’s Cathedral and Hoan Kiem Lake (a.k.a. Restored Sword Lake). Hanoi is home to little streets and alleyways with food stalls, as well as restaurants squeezed up next to each other. The city vibe is one that visitors can easily feel and appreciate.

  Duration: 1 hour

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

Day 5: Scenic Valleys, Winding Roads & Selfies
• Dong Van

  There is much to see as we relocate today by land from Ha Giang to the village of Dong Van. Firstly, we are taken to Thach Son Than Buckwheat Flowers Fields. It is a perfect spot for taking selfies. Next, we are taken to Quan Ba Heaven Gate. There we can purchase a coffee while overlooking the fine valley. Next, we are taken to Fairy Bosom (a.k.a. Núi đôi Quản Bạ). There we walk to a beautiful lookout point. Next, we are taken to the settlement of Lung Tam. Upon arrival in Lung Tam, we see how locals do centuries-old weaving and embroidery techniques. Next, we are taken to an observation deck called Đài Quan Sát Yên Minh. Next, we are taken to a viewpoint called Dốc Thẩm Mã. Meeting a local tribe while taking photos of the winding road between the mountains makes for a great 10-minute stop. Before reaching Dong Van, finally we are taken to the Lung Cam Cultural Tourist Village, which is located in the Sung La Valley. There we meet another local tribe.

  Duration: 2 hours

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

Day 6: An Authentic Outdoor Market, Tribal People & the North’s Picturesque Landscape
• Ba Be National Park

  Before leaving Dong Van, we walk to a lookout point and then visit two local markets. After leaving this village, our first destination is a scenic pass called Ma Pí Leng. Next, we are taken to a village called Meo Vac. There we meet a local tribe wearing traditional black attire, see traditional homes and pass by Nho Que River. Lastly, we are taken to our hotel, located in the area of Ba Be National Park. Note that dinner is included on today’s tour, at our hotel specifically.

  Duration: 30 minutes

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

Day 7: A Lake Cruise, Caves & Canoeing
• Hanoi

  Before relocating back to Hanoi, there is much to see and do in and around Ba Be National Park. Highlights include a boat cruise around the lake, Puong Cave, Dau Dang Waterfall, kayaking at Widow's Island and meeting tribal Thai people and seeing rice fields in a village called Cam Ha. Dinner to-go is included on today’s tour and is provided right before leaving the park. Before returning to Hanoi, we explore Hua Ma Cave.

  Duration: 8 hours

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

Day 8: Floating in the Water & One of Southeast Asia’s Greatest Sunset Locations
• Halong Bay

  We go on a daytrip today to Ha Long Bay. This is Vietnam’s most popular day trip destination…and for good reason. Ha Long Bay is arguably the country’s most naturally gifted area, along with the rice fields of the North. Highlights today include Surprising Cave, swimming and kayaking or bamboo rafting at Titov Island, and watching the sunset (if visiting between April and September). Note that lunch is included on today’s tour, during the boat ride.

  Duration: 1 hour

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

Day 9: Rice Fields, Peddling, Paddling & the Ancient City
• Hoa Lu District

  We go on another daytrip today. Firstly, we are taken to the ancient capital of Vietnam. It is called Hoa Lu. At this village, we check out the temple. Nearby and next, we go on a guided bike ride. After exploring the countryside, we can eat. Lunch is included on today’s tour. After our meal, we are taken to a river called Tam Coc. There we go on a paddle boat ride, led by a local. The highlights are the mountains, the surrounding rice fields and the caves. Upon returning to the dock, we are taken to Mua Cave. The cave itself pales in comparison to the views we get after ascending Lying Dragon Mountain. After hiking to the top, we return to Hanoi. This evening, we recommend you watch the train pass by a popular coffee shop located at 29A P. Nguyễn Thái Học, Cửa Nam, Ba Đình. After seeing it squeeze between residential buildings, consider walking to Ta Hien Street. This is Hanoi’s most popular street for nightlife.

  Duration: 30 minutes

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

Day 10: Mausoleums, Palaces & Mama's Home Cooking
• Hanoi

  Below is the list of attractions we will try to see today. 1. Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum 2. Presidential Palace 3. Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House: This is the former residence of Communist Ho Chi Minh. 4. One Pillar Pagoda 5. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long 6. Vietnam Military History Museum 7. B52 Victory Museum 8. Lotte Observation Deck In the afternoon, we are taken to a local market to shop for groceries. We are then taken to a local home. There we are provided with a cooking class. Dinner is included on today’s tour.

  Duration: 6 hours

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

Day 11: Our Tour Ends This Morning