Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi, greeting at the airport and transfer to your hotel. At leisure to discover the 1000 year old Old Quarter in the heart of Hanoi. Accommodation in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi

City tour of Hanoi on foot and combined transportation of cyclo and van from the French Quarter to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his stilt house and One Pillar pagoda, and continue on to the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam. Visit a traditional “tunnel house” in the Old Quarter and another typical modern house and be warmly welcomed by friendly, hospitable families. Accommodation in Hanoi (B).

Day 3: Hanoi - Mai chau

Early departure from Hanoi to Mai Chau, stop on the way, contact with Muong ethnic people, their village not too far from Hanoi but still retains its native life style and culture. Then, head on to Mai Chau valley, we will walk through the Thai ethnic villages and the surrounding rice and corn farms. In the evening, enjoy the traditional Thai performance and take part in the bamboo dance. Accommodation in Mai Chau. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Mai Chau - Hanoi

After breakfast, drive to visit colorful H’mong villages, their market, their traditional home and find out how they make their beautiful brocade for their impressive costume. After lunch, drive back to Hanoi. Accommodation in Hanoi. (B,L)

Optional: Charity in Mai Chau (visit a primary/secondary school in remote villages, give presents to kids)

Day 5: Hanoi - Halong

Leave Hanoi at 8:30 am. Board the traditional junk at Ha Long wharf about noon. Have a welcome drink and lunch on board. The cruise will take you by exotic islets jutting out of the sea, shaped like dogs, incense urns, sails and fighting cocks, naturally formed as the seawater erodes the limestone mountains. Explore the Bay by kayak to floating villages, floating school, through natural tunnel that thrusts through the foot of the mountain and leads to an exotic lagoon surrounded by mountains covered in dense jungle. Enjoy delicious seafood dinner and overnight on board.(B,L,D)

Day 6: Halong - Hue

Continue exploring the fantastically-shaped islets, visit floating houses and picturesque fishing villages and peal farms. An early lunch is served before disembarking the boat at noon.
Drive back to Noi Bai airport, (optional: stop at Phu Lang Pottery village which dates back from the 15th century, where you will see a demonstration by the local workers and have a chance to try out your own artistic talent.) Then drive to the airport for an one-hour evening flight to Hue City. Accommodation in Hue. (B,L)

Day 7: Hue

Tour the symbol of Hue, the 19th century Royal Citadel and learn the story of Vietnam’s royal past under the Nguyen Dynasty. Explore the moated ruins of the Forbidden Purple City, the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, Khai dinh.
In the late afternoon free at leisure or exploration of the bustling Dong Ba Market. Accommodation in Hue (B)

Day 8: Hue - Hoian

Drive on to Hoi An - the charming ancient town, famous as the 17th century trading port of Fai Fo, with its fascinating mix of Chinese, Japanese and French architecture. Overnight in Hoi An. (B)

Day 9: Hoi an

AM: Early morning visit in the waterfront fish market and Hoi An Central Market, before heading out for a walking tour of this historic town and visit some of the highlights, including the Temples of Phuc Kien and Quang Dong, and the 16th century Japanese Covered Bridge.

PM: Optional to take an eco-tour or have a cooking class

Eco-tour: drive to near the Hoi An’s river mouth and take part in an eco-tour where you meet with friendly local fishermen and learn to row on their basket boats through beautiful the water coconut palm canal. You will not only be showed the local's fishing techniques but also learnt about daily life of local people.

Cooking class: Take a market tour to an organic herb gardens, purchase ingredients and have 3 hour hand-on cooking class, have meal with food you have prepared. You will have a funny & interesting cooking class learning about Vietnamese food. Accommodation in Hoian. (B,L)

Day 10: Hoian - Saigon

After breakfast, drive to Danang for an hour flight to Saigon. After hotel checking in, start exploring the former city Saigon, beginning with a short visit to Ben Thanh market for a general idea of fresh foods that go into making Vietnam's fabulous cuisine. Visit one of the most stunning pagoda, followed by the city’s most famous examples of French Colonial architecture, including the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. Dinner reservations at another of Hochiminh City's finest restaurants featuring authentic local cuisine. Accommodation in Saigon (B).