DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: UK to Hanoi
Fly overnight from the UK to Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi
After arriving in the stunning capital, you will be spending 2 nights at the perfectly located MK Premier Boutique Hotel, right in the middle of the old quarter. Get your first taste of Vietnam as you go on a private street food tour being shown various fascinating food markets and trying local Hanoi dishes along the way. Finish off with a belly full of food as you stroll through the Old Quarter to watch a traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet show.

Days 3: Hanoi
Today our local guide will take you on a private tour of the capital to discover local monuments such as the Temple of Literature, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the West Lake where you will admire the sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda. Your afternoon and evening is free to do as you wish. If you would like to have a meal with a local family just outside of the city tonight then contact us for more info.

Day 4: Mai Chau
Leave early morning to take the picture-perfect drive through to Mai Chau. Travelling over mountains, fertile valleys and traditional villages you will arrive at the Mai Chau Ecolodge to stay for 1 night. Made entirely from natural materials, this property has been created to blend with its surrounding untouched nature, a firm Sundowner favourite. Enjoy a private guided light walk through local villages and end your evening back at the lodge taking in the stunning beauty around you.

Day 5: Pu Luong
After breakfast, another scenic drive will take you into Pu Luong to stay for 1 night at the Pu Luong Retreat. Quickly drop your bags off ready for more adventure as you head to the Cham River for a private tour. Search for stunning water wheels, learn about the local water systems and even get a chance to raft down the Cham River itself, try your hand at steering it too if you’re brave enough! After all that excitement, enjoy a local authentic cooked meal included at the retreat.

Day 6: Pu Luong to Ninh Binh
Early morning descent into the beautiful valley that faces the retreat. Walk through tumbling rice terraces, small paths shrouded in vegetation to discover a picturesque village at the bottom of a towering mountain, definitely a day to remember your camera! After all that walking, head back to Pu Luong for one final stunning lunch before you make your way to Ninh Binh where you will be spending 2 nights at the elegant, traditionally Vietnamese Emeralda Ninh Binh Resort.

Day 7: Ninh Binh
Fill up on breakfast before heading to the Van Long Nature Reserve, covering nearly 3000 ha, it’s the largest wetland in northern Vietnam. Take a private boat trip along the river and have the chance to see various magnificent birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians some of which are classed as globally endangered creatures. Then take a leisurely cycle around the area before returning to your hotel for a relaxing dip in the pool.

Day 8: Bai Tu Long Bay
You will head to the port this morning to board your Vietnamese Junk boat, Dragon Legend, where you will stay for 1 night. You will putter across the magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay – a stunning less-visited alternative to Halong Bay where you can swim, kayak or just lie back beside the pool and soak up the views. End the day with a massage at the on-board spa before enjoying dinner and retiring to your cabin for the night.

Day 9: Bai Tu Long Bay to Hue
Rise with the sun, partake in some Tai Chi on the boat and enjoy breakfast overlooking the bay before returning to land. A short flight from Hanoi International will take you to the imperial city itself, Hue. Here you will spend 2 nights at the Hue Riverside Boutique Hotel. One of the few Eco-resorts in Hue, it preserves the beauty of its natural environment. You will have the rest of the day to enjoy Hue at your leisure. We offer lots of cycling, food, and walking tours around the city so talk to us if you fancy filling your evening with more exploring.

Day 10: Hue
After breakfast you’ll be taken on a private tour by our friendly local guide who will show you a more authentic side of the imperial capital by bike. You’ll travel through small villages, stopping to talk to farmers and the lovely locals. Make a stop at Tan My, a unique village where huge houses and villas line the streets and juxtapose the otherwise traditional setting. Continue through the countryside ending this amazing day watching the sunset over the Perfume River – a perfect Sundowner moment.

Day 11: Hoi An
Today you will travel through the Hai Van Pass, also known as the Pass of Ocean Clouds, to the picturesque town of Hoi An where you will stay for 3 nights at the Maison Vy. a stunning little hotel owner run by Ms Vy herself. This place comes with some lovely little extras such as free high tea! Come the evening, I hope you’re hungry as you’ll be taken on a private tour on the back of a Vintage Vespa. Make your journey around the town stopping only to fill up with local foods such as Quang Noodles or the Vietnamese favourite Pho.

Day 12 & 13: Hoi An
Two full days for you to immerse yourself in the beauty of Hoi An. Enjoy a private morning cooking class learning how to make the traditional Vietnamese Pho on one day. A half day private tour on the other to My Son, a stunning temple even older than Ankor Wat, the afternoons are yours to do as you wish. Go and have your dream outfit made by one of the many skilled tailors or just relax by the pool or on one of the many stunning beaches around.

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City
A short flight this morning from Da Nang will take you into the incredible Hoi Chi Minh City. Here you will be staying for 2 nights at the The Lief Hotel where you will quickly drop your bags before a private exciting afternoon tour of the city. Getting the chance to visit famous monuments such as the former Presidential Palace, The Old Saigon Post Office, Opera House and the exhilarating Ben Thanh Market. Why not fill your evening up with one of our many street food tours giving you a true taste of Ho Chi Minh City’s finest cuisines.

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City
This full day private tour will take you on to the river into the heart of the Mekong Delta where you will travel on bike, boat, and land, meeting the locals and learning their way of life, a truly unforgettable experience.

Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City
Your last day in Saigon, shop for souvenirs or simply eat as much as you can before early evening comes and you are transferred back to Ho Chi Minh International airport for your overnight flight home.

Welcome home… What an adventure!