Sapa & Heart of Vietnam - 13 Days

On arrival in Hanoi we meet you and transfer to your hotel to check in – rooms are available from 14:00. The rest of the day is yours at leisure. In the evening we transfer to the railway station for the night train to Lao Cai. Overnight on board the train.

We arrive early at Lao Cai railway station and transfer to a local restaurant for breakfast. We then head to one of the region’s minority markets – the location varies by day – where hill tribes gather to buy, sell and exchange daily goods and handicrafts, and share news from neighbouring valleys. Lunch is at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon we drive to Sapa and check in – rooms are available from 14:00. Sapa is home to more than 30 ethnic minorities and to Vietnam’s highest peak, Mount Fansipan at 3,143 m – the Roof of Indochina. The evening is yours at leisure. Overnight in Sapa. Note: Sapa is at high altitude; while winter temperatures rarely fall below 10°C, few hotels provide in room heating.

After breakfast we set off early for a full day exploring minority villages in the Sapa Valley. We begin at Ta Van Village, home to the Giay people, known for ancestral traditions and a peaceful way of life. From here we hike across the Muong Hoa River and through a bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai, meeting colourful Red Dao along the way. We pause by a waterfall, make a short ascent to a small hill, then break for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon we drive to Ho Village in the Muong Hoa Valley, mainly inhabited by the Tay, renowned for stilt houses, rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality. We observe traditional brocade weaving and everyday agricultural work. Note: the hike between Ta Van and Giang Ta Chai can be demanding and paths may be slippery – depending on fitness and weather, an easier route can be arranged.

After breakfast we visit Love Waterfall – a site entwined with a poignant local legend – then stop at Tram Ton Pass for breathtaking views. At over 1,900 metres it is Vietnam’s highest mountain pass and is often called Heaven’s Gate for its serenity. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Early afternoon we return to Hanoi. Note: rooms must be released by 12:00.

After breakfast we meet in your hotel lobby for an orientation tour, beginning at the Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university – where students pray for good grades beneath ancient trees in tranquil gardens. Lunch is at a local restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a cosy setting.

In the afternoon we visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his former residence – closed on Mondays and Fridays – followed by the One Pillar Pagoda, an 11th century structure resembling a lotus in bloom. We continue to Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple, then Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake, reached via a charming wooden bridge. In the late afternoon we enjoy a traditional water puppet performance. Overnight in Hanoi.

After an early breakfast we take the shared shuttle bus to Tuan Chau Port for embarkation. On arrival we check in and enjoy welcome drinks before cruising through majestic Halong Bay, then onward to Lan Ha Bay, where lunch is served on board.

In the afternoon we explore the pristine Tra Bau area, with optional kayaking for those who wish. Back on board we take in sweeping views of the Gulf of Tonkin, then join a cooking demonstration presenting classic Vietnamese dishes. Dinner and overnight on the junk. Note: the round trip shuttle bus operates on a shared basis. Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin is a captivating seascape of limestone karsts, islets, towering peaks and hidden caves – recognised in 2011 as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

For early risers, a Tai Chi session on the upper deck starts the day before breakfast. We then visit one of the bay’s most impressive caves. While cruising back we enjoy a late breakfast before returning to the quayside to disembark and transfer by the boat’s shuttle bus to Hanoi. On arrival you have time at leisure before we transfer – without a guide – to the airport for the flight to Da Nang (flight not included, we can assist with booking this flight). Later we transfer – without a guide – to Hoi An, the 17th century Chinese and Japanese trading port, and check in. Overnight in Hoi An.

Once a thriving Silk Road port, Hoi An blends Asian and French influences – and by night thousands of lanterns cast a magical glow over its streets.

After breakfast we take a guided exploration of Hoi An’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of narrow streets, traditional houses and a historic harbour. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant offering delicious cuisine and fine views of the town. Later we visit a lantern making workshop for an introduction to this delicate, time honoured craft, before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast we depart by road for Hue, the former imperial capital. On arrival we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then transfer to your hotel to check in – rooms are available from 14:00. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure. Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast we take a one hour rickshaw tour to explore Hue – ancient capital of the Nguyen Dynasty – and the Imperial City with its remarkable temples, pavilions, museums and galleries. We then visit the iconic seven storey Celestial Lady Pagoda, often celebrated in romantic poetry and song, before a traditional family lunch served in a lush garden.

In the late afternoon we visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, where architecture and gardens follow geomancy, creating the feel of a vast park, and make a brief stop at a family run workshop crafting traditional incense sticks and conical hats. Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast we transfer to Hue airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City (flight not included, we can assist with booking this flight). On arrival a local guide welcomes us and we visit Thien Hau Pagoda, its elegant curving roof protected by two land turtles and dedicated to the Goddess who watches over sailors. We then stroll through lively Binh Tay Market. Lunch is at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon we explore the old colonial quarter, starting with the 19th century Notre Dame Cathedral, then the Central Post Office – an early 20th century neoclassical gem designed by Eiffel – followed by the Independence Palace for an interior visit, the grand Opera House, and finally the bustling Ben Thanh Market. Also today, you have the option to join a tour of the city by Vespa motorcycle. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast we drive to Cai Be in the heart of the Mekong Delta. On arrival we board a sampan for a scenic cruise along the Mekong River, beginning at a local fruit garden where seasonal produce is served. We continue through winding canals that reveal the lush southern countryside, then cruise to the lively floating market for a glimpse of river based life, visit a local handicraft workshop, and conclude at an old colonial house. We enjoy lunch featuring local specialities. In the afternoon we return to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast you have free time at leisure until we transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Our services end here.