Including a cruise on Ha Long Bay
Energetic pace with more physically demanding activity. Longer walking/hiking tours (more than 3 hours), over uneven and possibly rugged terrain. Expect some longer days. Varying altitudes with some steep ascents/descents. Capable of standing for extended periods of time. Some days may include 5–13 km of walking over the course of the day.
We fly to Hanoi via Hong Kong.
Welcome to Hanoi! Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our charming hotel in the Old Quarter.
Today, we’ll dive into the sights and sounds of Hanoi on a guided walking tour. We’ll start with a stroll along the iconic Hanoi railway, then visit the historic Temple of Literature. After a local lunch, we’ll explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex and walk along tree-lined avenues past the ancient citadel, ending back in the vibrant Old Quarter.
We leave the bustle of Hanoi for the tranquil Mai Chau Valley, surrounded by limestone mountains and rice paddies. Home to the White Thai ethnic group, we enjoy a traditional lunch with a local family, learning about their customs. In the afternoon, we explore peaceful backroads and rice fields, where farmers and buffalo work in harmony.
Today, we journey to the Hang Kia Plateau, home to the Hmong people. In a local village, we’ll meet a Hmong family and participate in a batik workshop, learning traditional techniques used to create vibrant clothing. We’ll enjoy an authentic lunch in a local home and then we’ll descend the mountains, following scenic trails through the wild, breathtaking landscape.
This morning, we explore Pu Luong Nature Reserve, known for its limestone mountains and lush valleys. We’ll walk through Ban Don Village, where terraced rice fields cascade down hillsides. Next, we head to Tam Coc/Ninh Binh, known as ‘Ha Long Bay on Land,’ to enjoy the sunset from the beautiful Bich Dong Pagoda.
After breakfast, we bike along quiet roads, passing temples, rice fields, and limestone peaks. We then take a sampan ride through Thung Nang’s serene waterways. Back on bikes, we explore the countryside before enjoying a garden lunch at a local home. The day ends with a climb up Hang Mua Mountain for stunning views.
We embark on a two-night cruise aboard a luxury ship. Over the next two days, we’ll relax on deck, eat some delicious meals, and take in the ever-changing landscape as we explore the lesser-known channels of Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays.
We continue our exploration of Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays, where you can discover hidden limestone caves, kayak through secluded coves, and swim in the emerald-green waters. Early risers can greet the day with a sunrise Tai Chi session, or join a hands-on cooking demonstration to learn local culinary secrets.
This morning, we explore the breathtaking Sung Sot Cave before savouring brunch on deck as we cruise back to the harbor. We’ll then return to Hanoi for some leisure time before boarding our overnight train to Hué. (Single travelers will have private cabins).
Upon arrival in Hué, we’ll transfer to our hotel for a refreshing breakfast before beginning a guided walking tour of the Citadel, the former imperial residence. As a UNESCO site, the Imperial City of Hué spans an impressive 1,285 acres and offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s royal past. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.
This morning, we visit Dong Ba Market, Hué’s largest and oldest market, then explore the grand Tu Duc Tomb in Thuy Bieu Village. After discovering the village’s charming paths, we enjoy a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, we take a boat ride along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, a serene seven-story tower in peaceful gardens.
We depart Hué for Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique blend of cultures. On the way, we visit Tra Que Vegetable Village, exploring its lush vegetable fields. After relaxing at our hotel, we enjoy a late afternoon street food tour, sampling Hoi An’s most popularlocal specialties.
We start with a scenic walk through Hoi An’s old town, then visit the local market to meet our chef for a cooking class. After a boat ride to a secluded farm on the Thu Bon River, we enjoy a hands-on cooking lesson and tasting. We return on foot, passing through picturesque farmlands.
We depart for Hanoi. Tonight will be our Farewell dinner.
We return home via Hong Kong.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
