Vietnam Uncovered - 14 Days

Hanoi - Sapa. Upon arrival in Hanoi, you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred to the train station. We board the Chapa Express Train for an overnight journey to Sapa, where you can settle in and enjoy the evening onboard.

Please note: Depending on your point of origin, we recommend arriving in Hanoi a day early to acclimatise. As the evening train to Sapa departs late, a pre-night stay in Hanoi can be arranged if needed.

This morning begins with an early arrival at Lao Cai station, where we disembark and transfer to our hotel in Sapa town. Along the way, we take in the sweeping mountain views that characterise this remote region of northwest Vietnam, near the Chinese border. After breakfast with our fellow travellers, we head to the Fansipan Cable Car. This impressive journey carries us nearly 3,000 metres to the summit of Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina. At the top, we explore mountaintop temples and take in panoramic views of the Hoang Lien Son range and Muong Hoa Valley.

Afterwards, we make our way to our accommodation, where you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

Today, we set off from our hotel in Sapa with our local guide and driver, heading north along National Road 4C to O Quy Ho. Along the way, we stop to admire the stunning landscapes of Fansipan, Sin Chai Valley and the vibrant flower and vegetable farms that dot the hillsides. We then turn onto a narrow road that winds through a remote, forested region, passing waterfalls and steep mountains before reaching Ban Khoang, a Red Zao village. Here, we spend over an hour on foot exploring the village, learning about the community’s traditional way of life and its mix of rice farming and cardamom cultivation.

We continue about 10 km to Ta Giang Phinh Valley, home to the Black Hmong people. After an hour’s lunch break by the banks of a stream, we walk along village paths connecting small settlements scattered through the valley. As we go, we witness daily life—locals ploughing fields, harvesting crops or doing household tasks. During quieter months, men often build or repair homes while women focus on traditional embroidery. Our walk ends in the mid-afternoon, and we return by road to Sapa. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Sapa - Hanoi. After breakfast, you’ll have some free time to explore Sapa at your own pace. We then set off on a scenic drive through the mountains, returning to Hanoi. As we descend from the highlands, enjoy the shifting landscapes before arriving back in the city. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time until your tour briefing and welcome drinks with your fellow travellers.

This morning, we meet our guide at 8 am to begin a full-day tour of Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital. We start with a drive past some of the city's notable landmarks, including the Long Bien Bridge, St Joseph’s Cathedral, and the Opera House. From here, we set off on foot to explore the Old Quarter—a maze of 36 ancient streets bustling with market life, where generations of traders continue to sell their wares as they have for centuries.

We then head to the Ho Chi Minh Quarter to learn more about the country’s revered leader, Uncle Ho. Here, we visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (viewed from outside if closed), the Presidential Palace, his stilt house, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. A short drive takes us to the Imperial Citadel and Flag Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010. We stop for lunch at KOTO Van Mieu, a training restaurant that supports disadvantaged youth.

br> In the afternoon, we continue with a visit to the Temple of Literature—Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucian teachings. We also stop by Tran Quoc and Ngoc Son Temples, both set in scenic surroundings, before ending the day at the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, known as the “Hanoi Hilton,” where U.S. pilots were held during the Vietnam War. We return to our hotel where the day concludes.

Please note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, and undergoes annual maintenance from September for 2–3 months during which it can only be viewed from outside. The Ho Chi Minh Museum and the Citadel are closed on Mondays. The Presidential Palace is viewable from the outside only. Other sites in the complex remain open.

Hanoi - Ninh Binh. We begin the day at 8 AM, departing Hanoi for a drive through the countryside to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital. Set among dramatic limestone backdrops, this historic site is home to centuries-old temples dedicated to former emperors of the Dinh and Le dynasties, offering a glimpse into the country’s early royal history.

After lunch (at your own expense), we continue to the stunning Trang An Landscape Complex. Known for its striking karst formations and peaceful waterways, Trang An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we board a small boat and drift through a maze of caves and lush valleys, soaking in the natural beauty of this unique region.

In the late afternoon, we transfer to our hotel in Ninh Binh and check in.

Ninh Binh - Halong Bay. This morning, we journey from Ninh Binh to Halong City, passing through a scenic landscape of limestone karsts and sweeping rice fields. On arrival at the harbour, we board a beautifully appointed traditional junk boat to begin our overnight cruise through the breathtaking waters of Halong Bay—one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonders, home to nearly 3,000 limestone islets.

As we set sail, take in the stunning views of the bay’s emerald waters and dramatic rock formations. A delicious lunch is served onboard before we spend the afternoon cruising through secluded coves and hidden corners of the bay, with opportunities to explore or simply relax.

In the evening, settle into your private cabin or unwind on the main deck with a drink as the boat anchors in a peaceful spot for the night.

Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Today we will start early with a sunrise Tai Chi session on the sundeck, an ideal way to take in the peaceful surroundings. Afterward, we will enjoy a leisurely brunch on board as we cruise back to port. Upon disembarkation, we return to Hanoi by shuttle bus. You'll be dropped off at a designated point where you will meet your driver for the transfer to the airport.

From here, we will board a flight to the imperial capital of Hue. Once we arrive, we will be met and transferred to our hotel, where you will have the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Hue - Hoi An. After breakfast, our guide will meet us at 8 AM for a half-day exploration of Hue. We begin with a visit to the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, the fourth ruler of the Nguyen Dynasty, set in a peaceful landscape of lakes and frangipani trees. From here, we head to Bunker Hill for sweeping views over the Perfume River and surrounding plains, followed by a brief stop at the Tiger Colosseum, once used for royal combat spectacles.

Next, we explore the Citadel, the former seat of imperial power. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast complex was heavily damaged during the Tet Offensive in 1968 but is gradually being restored to its former glory. We then take a short boat ride along the Perfume River to reach Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s oldest and most iconic temple.

After the tour, you will have some free time for lunch before we depart Hue and make our way to Hoi An. The journey takes us along the scenic coastal road and over the Hai Van Pass, known for its dramatic curves and breathtaking views of the mountains and sea. Often shrouded in mist, the pass marks a symbolic boundary between northern and southern Vietnam. On arrival in Hoi An, we check in to our hotel. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure and soak up the charm of this historic riverside town.

Today, we set out on a guided walk through Hoi An, a city recognised by UNESCO for its historical and cultural significance. Once a bustling hub of commerce, Hoi An has retained much of its original charm, with architecture shaped by centuries of international influence, including Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French and British traders.

During our walk, we’ll explore a heritage home, browse the exhibits at the Hoi An Museum, and stop by a Chinese Assembly Hall, Chau Ong Pagoda and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge. Hoi An also played a key role in Vietnam’s religious and linguistic history, as the place where French missionary Alexandre de Rhodes introduced both Catholicism and the Romanised script used in Vietnamese today.

We’ll conclude our tour in the heart of the Old Town, where you’ll have free time to wander, shop or relax at your own pace.

Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City. This morning, after breakfast, we drive to Danang Airport for our flight to Saigon. On arrival, your guide and private vehicle will be waiting to take us to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located just outside the city.

At Cu Chi, we begin with a short film on the history of the tunnels, followed by a guided visit through part of the network. Used extensively by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, these tunnels stretch over 250 kilometres and include underground living areas, supply routes, hospitals and storage facilities. While much of the site has been reconstructed above ground, you’ll have the option to go underground and experience the tunnels first-hand.

We return to Saigon in the afternoon and check in to our hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city’s lively atmosphere and attractions at your leisure.

Ho Chi Minh CIty - Mekong Delta - Can Tho. This morning at 8 AM, we depart Ho Chi Minh City for Cai Be, a town nestled deep in the Mekong Delta. Known for its lush farmland and winding waterways, this region is the agricultural heart of southern Vietnam. Upon arrival, we board the Mekong Queen, a traditional wooden boat, to begin exploring the Cai Be floating market, where traders sell fresh produce and goods from their boats—a lively glimpse into river-based commerce.

We continue cruising through the Delta’s scenic network of canals, stopping along the way to visit local craft and cottage industries, including a brick-making workshop, pottery kiln, and a floating fish farm. We also take a gentle sampan ride through peaceful, narrow waterways fringed with coconut palms and riverine life.

Later, we enjoy a home-hosted lunch in a charming ancient house, featuring specialties of the region. After lunch, we continue by boat upstream toward Vinh Long, taking in more of the Delta’s tranquil scenery and daily rural rhythms. On arrival at the mainland, we meet our vehicle for the short drive to Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta and our base for the night.

Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City. This morning, we make an early start to visit the Cai Rang floating market, the largest and most vibrant in the Mekong Delta. Situated at the meeting point of three rivers, Can Tho is a lively university town and an important hub in the region. Once part of the ancient Khmer Kingdom, the Delta is still home to many ethnic Khmers, who contribute to the area’s unique cultural mix.

By 7 AM, the waterways are bustling with local traders arriving from nearby villages to sell fresh produce directly from their boats. We board a small boat to cruise through the market, witnessing the colourful and chaotic energy of this daily ritual—from piles of tropical fruits to boats flying samples of their goods on tall bamboo poles.

After the market visit, we return to Ho Chi Minh City by mid-afternoon and check in to our hotel. This evening, we gather for a farewell dinner at HOME Vietnamese Saigon

This morning, we meet our guide for a walking tour through the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, taking in many of its most iconic landmarks. We stroll along Dong Khoi Street, passing the Rex Hotel, Municipal Theatre, Hotel de Ville, and Nguyen Hue Boulevard, before visiting the striking Central Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral.

We then rejoin our vehicle and drive to the site of the former US Embassy, now home to the US Consulate, followed by visits to the Reunification Palace and the powerful War Remnants Museum. In the afternoon, we head to the Binh Thanh District to explore Ba Chieu Market, a bustling wholesale hub favoured by locals, and finish the day at the atmospheric Jade Emperor Pagoda, known for its intricate carvings and 124-year-old history.

After the tour, we return to our hotel. You can enjoy some last minute shopping, exploring or relaxing before your transfer to the airport for your onwardflight. Safe travels!