Authentic Vietnam – 14 Days

7:30 am – 8:30 am: Begin your day with a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, an esteemed Buddhist relic and national heritage located on the tranquil West Lake. 9:30 am: Explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnam's revered leader, President Ho Chi Minh. Discover his stilt house, where he resided and worked from 1958 to 1969, and delve into his legacy at the Ho Chi Minh Museum. 10:30 am: Adjacent to the Mausoleum is Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts, while the One-Pillar Pagoda, established by King Ly Thai To in 1049, stands nearby as a significant symbol of Hanoi. 11:00 am: Visit the Temple of Literature, the nation's first university, founded in 1070. Dedicated to Confucius, scholars, and sages, this grand temple remains an architectural marvel. 12:30 pm: Enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant. 1:40 pm: Explore the renowned Bat Trang Pottery handicraft village. 4:00 pm: Return to the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake to witness the exquisite Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated to Van Xuong saint and former General Commander Tran Hung Dao. Take in the captivating blend of Vietnamese and French architectural styles surrounding the lake before returning to your hotel. 7:30 pm - 8:00 pm: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the railway station, where you'll board the train to Lao Cai/Sapa. Overnight on the train.

Upon your arrival at the train station, our team will be there to greet you and transfer you to Sapa in a comfortable shared bus. If your room is available, early check-in will be arranged for you; otherwise, we will provide a basic room where you can freshen up with a shower. The trekking adventure begins at 9:30 am as follows: Embark on a 6km walk towards the southeast of Sapa, along the scenic Muong Hoa Valley, until you reach Y Linh Ho village, home to the Black H'mong ethnic group. Continue the journey with a 2km trek down to Lao Chai village, passing through terraced rice fields, and finally reach Ta Van village, inhabited by the Dzay minority people. Indulge in a delightful lunch at a local family's home, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in their daily lives, witness their distinctive architectural style, and appreciate the breathtaking landscapes along the way. The last leg of the trek is approximately 2km, leading to the bus stop in Tavan, from where we will return to Sapa by jeep or minivan. • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included. Overnight stay at a hotel in Sapa. • Trekking level: Moderate (6/10) • Total distance: 10km trekking, 8km driving from Tavan village back to Sapa.

Upon your arrival at the train station, our team will be there to welcome you and transfer you to Sapa in a convenient shared bus. If your room is available, early check-in will be arranged for you; otherwise, we will provide a basic room where you can freshen up with a shower. The trekking adventure begins at 9:30 am as follows: Embark on a scenic 6km walk towards the southeast of Sapa, tracing the path alongside the picturesque Muong Hoa Valley until you reach Y Linh Ho village, inhabited by the Black H'mong ethnic group. Continue the journey with a 2km trek to Lao Chai village, passing through breathtaking terraced rice fields, and finally arrive at Ta Van village, where the Dzay minority people reside. Enjoy a delicious lunch with a local family, providing a unique opportunity to discover their traditional house architecture, witness their daily lifestyles, and immerse yourself in their exclusive customs. Delight in the stunning landscapes that unfold along the way. The last part of the trek is a 2km stretch leading to the Tavan bus stop, where we will return to Sapa by jeep or minivan. • Breakfast and lunch are included. Overnight stay at a hotel in Sapa. • Trekking level: Moderate (6/10) • Total distance: 10km trekking, 8km driving from Tavan village back to Sapa. Dinner will be at your leisure. Explore the enchanting streets of Sapa at night and savor the local street food on your own. Overnight in Sapa.

8:00 am: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel. Your driver and tour guide will accompany you to the Cable Car Station, where you'll embark on a 20-minute cable car ride, treating you to awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding scenery. 9:00 am: Reach an altitude of 2800 meters, allowing you ample time to admire the panoramic views, capture memorable photos, visit the spiritual pagoda, and embark on a 600-step trek to the summit of Fansipan - the Roof of Indochina (approximately 1.5 hours for hiking and photography). 11:00 am: Return to the Cable Car Station and make your way back to Sapa town. 12:30 pm: Indulge in a delicious lunch served at your hotel. 1:30 pm - 3:45 pm: Enjoy some leisure time to explore Sapa town, purchase souvenirs, and immerse yourself in its charm. Gather with the rest of the group at the hotel to prepare for the journey back to Hanoi. 4:00 pm: Board the public bus for the return trip to Hanoi, with two comfortable breaks along the way. 9:30 pm - 10:00 pm: Bid farewell as we drop you off at your hotel in Hanoi. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

7:45 am - 8:30 am: The Swan shuttle bus will pick you up from your Hanoi hotel, embarking on a journey to the northeast of Vietnam. During the trip, we'll make a quick stop for a leg stretch and refreshments before continuing towards Halong Bay. 12:00 pm: Arrive at the Swan office in Ha Long, where you'll have some time to relax before transferring to the Swan Cruises via tender. 12:45 pm: Enjoy a welcome drink and receive a safety briefing about the boat and included activities. Check in to your cabin. 1:30 pm: Delight in a delicious lunch while leisurely cruising towards the captivating core of Bai Tu Long Bay. 3:30 pm: Reach Cap La Island, a scenic area within Bai Tu Long Bay. Experience the beauty of the karsts and breathtaking nature as you kayak through the waters and unwind. 5:30 pm: Return to the boat and savor the mesmerizing Sunset Time, accompanied by tea and fresh fruits. This magical hour is also known as "Happy Hour" while our cruise sails towards the overnight anchorage. Additionally, our guide will host a cooking class during this time, giving you the opportunity to learn how to prepare Vietnamese cuisine. 7:00 pm: Enjoy a delightful dinner in the dining room on board. 8:30 pm: Free time to join in on games or try your luck with squid fishing. If you're interested in karaoke, please inform our tour guide for support. Overnight on Swan Cruise in the Cong Do area. Note: Swimming activities are subject to approval by the Halong Bay Management Authority.

6:30 am: Begin your day with a serene Tai Chi session on the Sundeck, immersing yourself in the captivating morning scenery of the bay. 7:00 am: Indulge in a delicious breakfast on board, with complimentary tea and coffee to accompany your meal. 7:45 am: Explore the mesmerizing Thien Canh Son cave as our knowledgeable tour guide shares the captivating history of Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and this natural marvel. 8:45 am: Return to the main boat, soaking in the remaining moments of the breathtaking surroundings. 9:30 am: Complete your packing and check out of your cabin. Please ensure that you have removed all belongings, and if you have heavy luggage, our staff will assist you in transferring it directly to the pier. 10:00 am: Unleash your creativity in a fruit carving activity, showcasing your artistic skills. 10:45 am: Delight in a final lunch on board as our cruise sails back to Hon Gai harbor. 12:00 pm: Disembark at Hon Gai pier, bidding farewell to the enchanting Halong Bay. Our bus will transport you back to Hanoi. 5:00 pm: Conclude the 2-day-1-night journey on Swan Cruises. Please note: The itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions, tide levels, and operational factors. 7:30 pm - 8:00 pm: Our driver will pick you up from your Hanoi hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival in Danang, our driver will be waiting to take you directly to your destination in Danang or Hoi An.

After a satisfying breakfast at your hotel, 8:30 am: Your knowledgeable tour guide will pick you up from the hotel as we embark on a journey to explore the captivating My Son Sanctuary, a distinguished UNESCO World Heritage Site. 10:00 am: Immerse yourself in the ancient allure of My Son Sanctuary, once a fortress of the Champa Kingdom. Admire over 70 architectural masterpieces, the temples of this bygone empire. Despite the ravages of time and war, these monuments have endured, preserving the essence of Champa's rich heritage. During your visit, be enthralled by a mesmerizing traditional Champa dance performance by talented local artists. 12:30 pm: We depart for a local restaurant near Hoi An. 1:30 pm: Savor a delectable lunch at a charming local restaurant. 2:30 pm: We will return you to your accommodations in Danang. Overnight in Danang.

In the afternoon, at 3:30 pm, we will meet you at the designated location to commence our tour. Our first stop will be the enchanting Marble Mountains. Marvel at the craftsmanship of the local artists in Non Nuoc Village, nestled at the base of Marble Mountains. Here, you'll encounter a plethora of stone sculptures and handicrafts, showcasing the artisans' skill and creativity. For those seeking a physical challenge, the Water Mount, one of the five peaks in the cluster, offers an excellent opportunity. Ascend over 150 steps and explore the natural caves like Huyen Khong, Tang Chon, and Hoa Nghiem. Additionally, discover sacred sites including Da Nang's first Linh Ung Pagoda, Tam Thai Pagoda, and other exquisite temples. Bid farewell to the captivating Marble Mountains and Non Nuoc Village as we make our way to the ancient town of Hoi An. Arriving in Hoi An at 5:30 pm, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we will stroll through the town, visiting ancient houses, assembly halls, ancestral temples, and the iconic Japanese Bridge Pagoda. In Hoi An, the charm of the past remains intact. As night falls, Hoi An dazzles with colorful lanterns adorning the streets and a vibrant night market offering an array of souvenirs. At 7:30 pm, we will treat you to a delightful dinner, introducing you to the local specialties of Hoi An. After the meal, we will return you to your accommodations in Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.

After enjoying a delightful breakfast at your hotel, it's time to check out. At 7:30 am, our knowledgeable tour guide will pick you up from the hotel to embark on an enriching journey through Hue. As you travel to Hue, you'll have the opportunity to pass through the Hai Van Tunnel, known as the longest tunnel in Southeast Asia. Along the way, take a moment to revel in the beauty of Lang Co Bay, renowned for its golden sandy beach and captivating scenery. Arriving at Hue Citadel at 9:30 am, your first stop will be the Khai Dinh Tomb. This splendid tomb showcases a harmonious blend of Asian and European architectural styles, epitomizing the allure of this ancient city. Next, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, the most exquisite pagoda in Hue and revered as the National Pagoda of the Nguyen Dynasty. Here, you'll encounter relics belonging to Monk Thich Quang Duc, including his private car—a poignant testament to Vietnam's Buddhist heritage. At 12:30 pm, indulge in a delectable lunch at one of Hue's renowned restaurants, where you'll savor the city's distinctive culinary specialties. Following lunch, at 1:30 pm, we'll take you to Hue Imperial City, the former seat of power and residence of 13 Nguyen Dynasty emperors—the last ruling dynasty of Vietnam. The Imperial City, meticulously preserved for centuries, allows visitors to explore various landmarks such as the Meridian Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, and Duyet Thi Duong Theatre. Our experienced tour guide will unveil the intriguing stories of the royal family, providing insight into the lives of the kings and queens. Concluding the exploration of Hue Imperial City, we'll return to Hue city at 3:30 pm. Overnight in Hue.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport to catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, our driver will be waiting to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to relax and explore the vibrant city of Saigon at your own pace. Overnight in Saigon.

Departure: Ho Chi Minh City - Tay Ninh - Cu Chi - Ho Chi Minh City (8:00 am - 7:00 pm) We will start our journey from Ho Chi Minh City and head to Tay Ninh, where the magnificent Cao Dai Great Temple is situated. Take a leisurely stroll around this remarkable architectural gem, considered one of Southeast Asia's most impressive structures. The Cao Dai religion is a unique fusion of Buddhism, Christianity, and Confucianism, and at the temple entrance, you will find the symbol of the religion, the Left Eye of God. After exploring the temple's beauty, you will have the opportunity to attend the midday ceremony, where you can witness and learn about the religious rituals practiced by the Cao Dai followers. Following the ceremony, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before continuing our journey to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. At Cu Chi, you will be introduced to the history of this intricate tunnel system through a short video, gaining insight into the resilience and endurance of the Vietnamese people. Explore the authorized sections of the tunnel complex, which once served as an underground village in Ho Chi Minh City. Discover field hospitals, weapon factories, kitchens, command centers, storage facilities, and trap doors. Marvel at the ingenuity and resourcefulness displayed by the Vietnamese during the Vietnam War. As a special treat, taste cassava, the main food of the Vietcong during wartime, and sip tangy tea. After an insightful and engaging day, we will return to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Saigon.

Departure: Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Ben Tre - Ho Chi Minh City (8:00 am - 5:00 pm) Embark on an exciting journey from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho. Upon arrival in My Tho, our first stop will be the magnificent Vinh Trang Pagoda, a sacred site and a must-see local attraction. From there, we will proceed to the harbor and board a boat to explore the enchanting Mekong Delta region. Cruise along the Tien River and witness the captivating beauty of the Phoenix, Unicorn, Dragon, and Tortoise islands, as well as the charming fishing villages, stilt houses, and fruit plantations that adorn the riverbanks. We will make a stop at one of the islets for a delightful lunch in an orchard garden. Afterward, our sightseeing adventure continues in Ben Tre. Glide through the serene natural canals on a sampan boat, shaded by water coconut trees, and immerse yourself in the tranquility and allure of the area. Visit a family business that produces coconut fudge, where you can taste their delectable products and even purchase your favorite candies from their workshop. Indulge in the sweetness of fresh fruits as you sip on honey tea and enjoy the melodic sounds of traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music performed by local artists. After a memorable day exploring the Mekong Delta, we will return to Ho Chi Minh City by bus. Drop off at your hotel. Overnight in Saigon.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and take some free time before your scheduled transfer to the airport. End of our services.