Today is yours to enjoy at your leisure in Hanoi. Choose your own path, or perhaps opt to unveil Hanoi’s hidden gems on a jeep tour.
In the evening, meet your tour director and fellow travellers at 6.30pm for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
At noon, meet your tour director in the hotel lobby and set off to explore Hanoi. Visit the grounds of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, wander through the park to the Presidential Palace, then stop by Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the leader’s historic private residence which still stands just as it did over 50 years ago.
Next, enjoy a guided experience through the Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university – built in the 11th century. Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, then venture across the Huc Bridge for a visit to the 18th-century Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake. From here, you can view the recognisable Turtle Tower, one of Vietnam’s most enduring architectural symbols.
Tonight, transfer to Hanoi railway station at 9pm and board your overnight train to Sapa.
Awake early this morning as your train rolls into Lao Cai Railway Station. From here, you’ll be taken to your hotel in Sapa to drop off your bags and freshen up.
After breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to hit the trails. Departing from Sapa, you’ll embark on a trek through the Muong Hoa Valley, passing rice paddy terraces, buffalo trails and villages inhabited by regional ethnic minorities, including the unique cultures of the Black H’mong in Lao Chai, the Dzay in Ta Van, and the Red Dao in Giang Ta Chai.
Take plenty of breaks along the way, then stop for lunch in Ta Van. After your adventure, take a return transfer to Sapa and enjoy evening at your own pace in town.
Trek through Sapa’s hills
Enjoy a morning of leisure in Sapa.
After lunch, take your transfer and make your way back to Hanoi in time for dinner.
Following breakfast at your hotel, depart for Ninh Binh, just a two-hour drive from Hanoi.
Your first stop of the day is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Explore the intricate temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh, then journey onward to Tam Coc, stopping along the way to take photographs of the countryside.
Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a private sampan ride with your group. This traditional flat-bottomed style of boat has been used for centuries by river fishers. Marvel at the majestic limestone karsts that tower over emerald rice fields as you Glide past limestone karsts along the snaking waters that have earned Tam Coc the nickname ‘Ha Long on Land.’
After returning to shore, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
After breakfast, hit the road for Ha Long Bay, stopping along the way for souvenirs and a stretch.
Upon reaching the bay at noon, join a brief meet-and-greet with the captain and crew, then enjoy a tea or coffee before lunch is served as you set sail through striking emerald waters. Witness the bay’s jungle-topped limestone islands and choose to participate in afternoon excursions like a cave tour, floating farm visit or trip to a secluded beach. Should you prefer, you’re welcome to rest on the sundeck.
Anchor late this evening for a night floating between Ha Long’s towering cliffs.
Ha Long Bay overnight cruise
Start your day with Tai Chi on the sundeck to balance the body and mind. Then fuel up with breakfast as you sail back into port, disembarking just before noon. A three-hour transfer will take you to Noi Bai Airport (HAN) for your included economy class flight to Hue, where you’ll arrive before dinner.
Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and settle in for an evening spent at your own pace.
Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel five-star stay
Enjoy a full day of guided touring in the former capital of Hue.
Your exploration begins with a boat trip to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest in Vietnam. Next, journey to the heart of Hue to explore its historic Imperial City, a vast complex that once served as the seat of power for the Nguyen Dynasty. Modelled after the Forbidden City of Peking, the citadel’s remaining monuments have survived through the centuries and the ravages of war.
After lunch, venture into the countryside to the Tomb of Tu Duc. Wander through the pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds built as the final resting place of Vietnam’s longest reigning emperor.
Tonight, return to the city for an evening at leisure.
Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel five-star stay
Depart Hue this morning and travel onward to Hoi An, by way of the famous Hai Van Pass. Navigate the winding turns of this iconic mountain pass as you make your way to Da Nang, where you’ll stop for lunch and a brief chance to explore.
Back on the road, pause to stretch and take in views among the imposing limestone Marble Mountains. Arrive in Hoi An before taking the chance to unwind during a bonus two hour full-body massage, incorporating both Thai- and Vietnamese-style therapies. Let your therapist’s use of hot stones rebalance your energy and relieve tension, restoring your vitality for more Vietnam exploration.
BONUS Full-body massage and hot stone therapy (valued at A$50)
Rise and shine for a half day of leisure before your guided tour of town at 4pm. You may wish to fill your morning or afternoon with an optional activity (surcharges apply).
In the evening, follow your guide as you visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, first constructed in the 16th century. Nearby, pay a visit to the Museum of Sa Huynh Culture and unearth the region’s Iron Age-history with a collection of local artefacts, including an impressive exhibit of burial jars.
Discover the Chinese- and Japanese-influenced architecture of the Tran Family Chapel, a 200-year-old ancestral hall. Conclude your tour with a stop at the traditional Fujian Assembly Hall, constructed in the 17th century and later repurposed as a temple for worshipping Thien Hau, a powerful Chinese sea goddess.
As you wander the streets of Hoi An, follow your guide’s expert advice and sample fragrant local dishes, from hearty cao lau noodle soup to fresh banh mi and invigorating Vietnamese coffee. Taste Hoi An’s best culinary offerings or enjoy an included cold beer before returning to your hotel.
After breakfast at your hotel, step out to discover Ba Na Hills’ spectacular landmarks, from the unique French replica village to the manicured landscaping of Le Jardin d’Amour. Discover this fun park oddity, filled with surreal sculptures and ornate gardens, as well as an expansive Beer Plaza.
Be sure to hop aboard the cable car and ride to the top, gazing down as you pass over ancient rainforests and waterfalls. As you rise, you’ll see the Golden Bridge seemingly floating above the clouds where it’s held by giant stone hands.
BONUS Ba Na Hills tour (valued at A$195)
After checking out of your hotel, transfer to Da Nang Airport (DAD) for your onward economy class flight to Ho Chi Minh City, historically known as Saigon. On arrival, you will be taken to your hotel to rest before your bonus night tour by vespa.
Ready to explore? Pull back the veil of darkness as you uncover the shimmering sights of Saigon by night. Visit a stylish rooftop venue for a sunset toast, then hop on the back of your vespa as your expert driver whisks you away for an evening of fresh seafood, banh xeo, live music and Vietnamese coffee.
BONUS Saigon After Dark shared vespa tour (valued at A$220)
Join your director in the hotel lobby and set off for your Saigon street tour of the city’s many landmark buildings, such as the War Remnants Museum, the soaring Notre Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh City Opera House and City Hall. Gaze upon the intricate detail of Saigon Central Post Office, then learn about the history of the Reunification Palace, where a convoy of tanks broke through in 1975.
The rest of your day is yours to explore at leisure. Consider a trip to the colonial-era Fine Arts Museum, the delicately carved Jade Emperor Pagoda, or simply settle in at one of the city’s many cafes and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee.
Meet your guide this morning for a journey to the heart of the Mekong River Delta. Hop aboard a motorboat and wind throught the waterways, where you’ll witness how locals make their living on the riverbanks at a coconut plantation.
Disembark and cycle to a suong sam farm where you’ll discover the native plant used to create green grass jelly. Pick the leaves and learn the art of making this traditional dessert. Sit down for lunch at a local villager’s house, then visit a family who crafts traditional coconut brooms. Board a sampa and return to the main Mekong River by way of a coconut palm-lined canal.
As the day winds down, head back to Ho Chi Minh City for a restful evening.
Wake up bright and early and head towards Cu Chi, just 60 kilometres south of Ho Chi Minh City. Considered a powerful remnant of the conflict that once threatened Vietnam, this city is legendary for its seemingly endless tunnels. Uncover the city beneath a city, an extraordinary testament to the Viet Cong’s ingenuity.
After your tour around this historic site, return to Ho Chi Minh City.
This evening, join your group for a farewell dinner in your hotel’s restaurant and together reflect on your time in Vietnam.
After checking out from your hotel by noon, transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) for your departing flight and onward travels.