12 Day/11 Night Journey
Private Guided Journey - Hanoi - Sapa - Halong Bay - Hué - Hoi An - Saigon - Mekong Delta

From Hanoi, Paris of the Orient to the mountain hill tribe villages in Sapa.The magnificent limestone karsts of Halong Bay to the ancient capital of Hué.The charming fishing town of Hoi An to the intoxicating city of Saigon (Ho ChiMinh) and the iconic images of theMekong Delta.

Day 1 Hanoi
On arrival in Hanoi transfer to the hotel of your choice. (D)

Day 2 Hanoi
Enjoy a personally guided city tour, which unravels Hanoi’s rich history and where local life is revealed, including a traditional cyclo tour through the narrow ancient streets of the exotic Old Quarter. This evening board the overnight train to Lao Cai near the Chinese border. (B,L)

Day 3 Sapa
After an early morning arrival head into the hills of Sapa. Navigate the small paths into valleys and along rivers, passing through small ethnic minority hill tribes such as the Black H’mong. They are proud of their culture and still hold fast to their traditions and way of life, including conversing in their own language and wearing traditional indigo blue, embroidered clothing. This evening hike into Ta Van village for an overnight stay with a local family or return to the comfort of your hotel in Sapa. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Sapa - Hanoi
Today visit the Red Dao people. The Red Dao women wear colourful red embroidery, coins on their clothing and red head scarves. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Sapa to explore local markets before boarding the overnight train back to Hanoi. (B)

Day 5 Hanoi - Halong Bay
After an early, traditional breakfast drive east to Halong Bay. More than a thousand limestone karsts rise up from the emerald waters and the area is one of fiveWorld Heritage-listed sites in Vietnam. Board a traditional junk and spend the rest of the day exploring limestone caves, relaxing on the deck, swimming or kayaking in secluded lagoons. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Halong Bay - Hué
Wake to the tranquil beauty of a Vietnamese sunrise and enjoy an early morning swim, followed by breakfast. This afternoon transfer to the airport and fly south to the ancient town of Hué, cultural heart of Vietnam. (B,L)

Day 7 Hué
The cultural capital of Vietnam is rich in history, tradition and religion and despite the heavy toll inflicted by war over the last 150 years, still possesses an enduring charm. Spend the day exploring the Citadel, home to the Royal Palace and Forbidden City (now a UNESCO World Heritage site) before a sunset cruise through the timeless images of the Perfume River. (B,L)

Day 8 Hué - Hoi An
Drive to Hoi An via the coastal Hai Van Pass, visiting the Cham museum along the way. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to visit the renowned tailors or just relax on the beach. (B)

Day 9 Hoi An
Get your walking shoes on for a guided wander through the winding lanes and preserved buildings of thisWorld Heritage town, before experiencing a culinary treat - a cooking class. Hoi An is renowned for its cuisine and you will get to enjoy the fruits of your efforts! (B,L)

Day 10 Hoi An - Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
After lunch fly south to Saigon. This bustling city is always in a hurry, yet for those patient enough to wait, it offers a real glimpse of Vietnam as was and is. (B)

Day 11 Mekong Delta
Delve into the emerald green heart of the Mekong Delta and discover the world of those who live on the river with a cruise on a traditional sampan. See the time honoured images of women in conical hats tending the rice paddies, visit a floating market and dine at a superb Indochine restaurant. (B,L)

Day 12 Depart Saigon
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight or extend your stay. (B)