Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, you will be warmly welcomed by our tour guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center.

After check-in, you will have free time to relax after your journey or explore the surrounding area at your own pace.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine, offering the perfect introduction to the country’s rich culinary traditions.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Today you will explore the cultural and historical highlights of Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam.

Begin with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and Ho Chi Minh’s House on Stilts. Continue to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam and a symbol of the country’s long tradition of education.

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.

In the afternoon, explore West Lake including Quan Thanh Temple and Tran Quoc Pagoda. Continue to Ngoc Son Temple located on Hoan Kiem Lake.

Later, enjoy a traditional cyclo ride through the Old Quarter where you can observe the daily life of local residents. The day concludes with a fascinating Water Puppet Show, a unique Vietnamese art form performed on water.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Today you have a free day to explore Hanoi at your own pace. You may stroll through the bustling Old Quarter, visit local markets, enjoy street food, or relax in one of the city’s charming cafés.

In the evening around 21:00, transfer to Hanoi Railway Station to board the overnight train to Sapa. You will travel in a comfortable four-berth soft sleeper cabin.

Overnight on the train.

Arrive early in Lao Cai and transfer by vehicle to Sapa town located in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range.

In the afternoon, begin a trekking journey to Cat Cat Village where the Hmong ethnic minority people live. Walk through terraced rice fields and scenic valleys while learning about the local culture and traditional lifestyle.

Later, travel to Ta Phin Village where the Red Dao minority community resides in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains.

Return to Sapa town for overnight stay.

Today continue exploring the beautiful landscapes of Sapa by trekking into one of the most scenic valleys in the region.

You will visit Ta Van Village where the Tay ethnic minority people live. Here you will experience a traditional homestay where local families warmly welcome visitors into their homes.

This cultural exchange allows you to gain a deeper understanding of local traditions and rural life in Northern Vietnam.

Optional activity: Visit Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Indochina, by cable car.

Overnight in local homestay.

Continue trekking through several ethnic minority villages while enjoying the stunning mountain scenery.

Return to Sapa town for a day room where you can relax and take a shower before departing for Lao Cai Station.

In the evening, board the overnight train back to Hanoi.

Arrive early in Hanoi and transfer to a local restaurant for breakfast. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free for relaxation or independent exploration.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonders.

Upon arrival, board a luxury cruise and begin your journey through the magnificent limestone islands of the bay while enjoying lunch on board.

In the afternoon, explore some of the impressive limestone caves scattered throughout the bay. Later, enjoy swimming in the clear waters before returning to the cruise.

Dinner will be served on board while the boat anchors overnight in a peaceful area of Halong Bay.

Overnight on the cruise.

Wake up to the tranquil beauty of Halong Bay and enjoy breakfast on board.

Today you have the opportunity to kayak through hidden lagoons and explore secluded areas of the bay. The lightweight kayaks are easy to use and safety equipment is provided.

In the afternoon, continue visiting spectacular caves and enjoy the stunning scenery as the sun sets over the limestone islands.

Dinner and overnight on board the cruise.

Continue cruising through Halong Bay with opportunities for swimming or kayaking before returning to the harbor around midday.

Transfer back to Hanoi and later take a flight to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.

Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, visit the historic Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, once the residence of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors.

Later, explore Dong Ba Market where you can see local products and daily life in Hue.

Overnight in Hue.

Begin the day with a boat cruise along the Perfume River to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda.

Enjoy beautiful views of the river and surrounding landscapes before returning to the city.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Hue.

Travel south along scenic Highway 1A toward Hoi An.

Along the way, stop at Lang Co Beach for stunning coastal views. Continue to Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum, China Beach, and Marble Mountains.

Arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon and enjoy a walking tour of the ancient town.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Start the day with a visit to Hoi An Market where you will experience the vibrant atmosphere and purchase ingredients for the cooking class.

Then take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River to the cooking school.

Here you will learn to prepare several traditional Vietnamese dishes guided by a professional chef. After the cooking lesson, enjoy the dishes you prepared for lunch.

Return to Hoi An town in the afternoon.

Today is free for relaxation. You may spend time on the beach, explore the ancient town, or shop for local handicrafts.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Transfer to Da Nang Airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy free time.

Dinner will be served in the evening.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Travel to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels where you will explore the underground network used during the Vietnam War.

After lunch, continue to Tay Ninh to visit the Cao Dai Temple and observe the daily religious ceremony.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.

Depart for the Mekong Delta and visit Cai Be floating market.

Take a boat ride along natural canals passing stilt houses and fruit orchards.

Continue to An Binh Island where you will explore local villages and fruit plantations.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Visit Cai Rang floating market early in the morning where boats trade fruits and local products.

Later visit a traditional rice noodle village before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace.

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner cruise on the Saigon River.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

End of the 21-day Vietnam Discovery Tour.