Crossing Vietnam By Train 11 Days

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, 8:00 AM: We will pick you up from your hotel located within Hanoi's Old Quarter, and begin our exciting Hanoi city tour. First, we'll visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, an important historical site featuring Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, his stilt house, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum, where you can delve into the life and achievements of this revered leader. Next, at 9:30 AM, we'll explore the One Pillar Pagoda, an architectural gem surrounded by a serene square lake. Our journey continues to the Tran Quoc Pagoda, situated on the picturesque West Lake. We'll then proceed to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's oldest university, dedicated to Confucius. For lunch, we'll head to a restaurant in the Old Quarter. Afterward, we'll visit the heart of Hanoi - Hoan Kiem Lake - a symbol of the city's spirit and charm. Finally, we'll conclude our city tour at the Museum of Ethnology, a fascinating showcase of Vietnamese cultural diversity. Return to your hotel for some free time in the evening and enjoy dinner at your chosen place. At 9:20 PM, our team will pick you up and transfer you to Hanoi train station, where you'll board the night train to Lao Cai. Overnight on the train, in preparation for the next day's adventure.

At 6:00 AM, your driver will greet you at Lao Cai station and transfer you to Sapa town, where a delightful breakfast awaits. Embark on an invigorating trek that commences with a downhill trail, leading you to the enchanting Suoi Hoa village perched atop a gentle hill. Take in the local charm by visiting several homes before strolling along a well-paved path, offering splendid vistas of the valley, terraced paddies, and vibrant flower farms. The walk culminates with a visit to the ruins of a French Catholic church, a poignant reminder of the area's history. Afterward, a convenient road transfer of 12km returns you to Sapa. Enjoy an overnight stay in the captivating town of Sapa.

Following breakfast, embark on a short road transfer towards the northern region of Sapa, passing breathtaking landscapes of Fansipan and Sin Chai valley. Turn right and venture along a narrow road enveloped by dense rainforests and towering mountains, with glimpses of mesmerizing waterfalls along the way. Arrive at Ban Khoang, a Red Zao ethnic village, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the local inhabitants. Take a leisurely one-hour walk to explore the remote village of Ban Khoang. Continue the journey for approximately 10km to Ta Giang Phin valley, home to the Black Hmong community, living harmoniously along the serene stream. Indulge in a tranquil lunch break by the stream, and then follow the village path, connecting you to various communities engaged in daily activities, from cultivating fields to tending crops. In the late afternoon, conclude the walk and return to Sapa by road. Refresh yourself and later transfer downhill to Lao Cai station for an overnight train back to Hanoi.

Arrive at Tran Quy Cap station at 5:00 AM. Our driver will take you to your hotel for a refreshing shower and breakfast from 5:00 to 7:00 AM before embarking on your journey to Ninh Binh. At 7:00 – 7:30 AM, our guide will meet you at your hotel/stay to commence a 110km modern bus journey through the picturesque countryside. There will be a short break en route. By 10:00 AM, you will arrive at the majestic Bai Dinh pagoda complexes, the largest pagoda not only in Vietnam but also in Southeast Asia. Nestled at the foot of Dinh Mountain, the pagoda offers breathtaking views of the river valley below and the surrounding limestone karsts. The pagoda boasts an impressive array of massive and magnificent Vietnamese traditional architecture, with highlights such as 500 stone statues of "La Han" (Arhats), two huge bronze bells weighing 27 tons and 36 tons, and the Quan Yin statue with thousands of arms and eyes. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Gautama Buddha statue. At 12:00 PM, indulge in a delightful lunch at our restaurant, savoring the finest local cuisines. By 1:30 PM, it's time to venture to the Trang An Grottoes, a mesmerizing natural wonder of towering limestone massifs spreading across 20 square kilometers amidst rice paddy fields. Embark on a traditional sampan, gently rowed through the enchanting river, exploring numerous caves, including Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Dai Cave, Thanh Truot Cave, and visit Cao Sơn Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, Vu Lam Temple. By 3:30 PM, visit Mua Cave and embark on an exhilarating trek to the top of Ngoa long mountain, granting you a spectacular view of the rice valley and the awe-inspiring nature. At 5:15 PM, return to our bus and journey back to Hanoi. By 7:30 PM, we will drop you off at your hotel/stay. Enjoy an overnight stay in Hanoi.

Depart from Hanoi to Ha Long International Cruise Port in Bai Chay town, Ha Long city, between 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM. Refresh yourself at the lounge. Board the Oriental Sails at 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM. Enjoy a welcome drink and receive a brief introduction to the cruise and safety guidelines. Check-in to your cabin. Lunch is served while cruising through the magnificent Ha Long Bay, where you can marvel at the captivating nature. Later, anchor at Titop Island area. Between 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, partake in a guided visit to Sung Sot Cave (Amazing Cave), one of the largest and most stunning caves in Ha Long Bay. Climb to the peak of Titop Island to witness a panoramic view of the bay. Afterwards, relax on the beach or take a swim in the crystal-clear water. Return to Oriental Sails at 5:20 PM and savor the sunset while enjoying happy hour discounts at the bar. Participate in a cooking demonstration and food décor with our Chef. Dinner is served from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Afterward, you can join the crew for squid fishing, sing karaoke, or simply relax in your cabin. Overnight on Oriental Sails.

Welcome the new day with a serene Tai-chi lesson on the sundeck as you witness the stunning dawn over the Legendary Gulf of Tonkin. Enjoy the morning view of the seascapes with a cup of tea or coffee, and have breakfast while admiring the beauty of the Karst labyrinth. Between 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, join a guided exploration of the hidden parts of the bay, Luon Cave, either sharing a sampan with other tourists or kayaking on your own. Return to Oriental Sails for a refreshing shower at 9:30 AM. Check-out from your room. Oriental Sails weighs anchor and continues on the picturesque route towards Bai Chay bridge for photos around 10:50 AM. Have lunch at 11:30 AM. Disembark between 11:30 AM to 11:45 AM. The cruise ends. Transfer back to Hanoi City, and the trip concludes at the hotel around 4:30 PM. You will have free time to relax, go shopping, or enjoy a meal. At 7:00 PM, transfer to the station to catch the train SE3 at 7:25 PM to Da Nang. Spend the night on the night train.

Morning: The car will pick you up at the station/airport and take you to savor Da Nang specialties, including the famous Pork Roll. Afterward, you will be given priority for an early check-in at the hotel, where you can rest and freshen up. Afternoon: The car and guide will take you to explore the enchanting Non Nuoc Ngu Hanh Son Scenic Area. Marvel at the vast landscape with its azure beach and silky white sand, reminiscent of a young girl's smooth skin. Discover the mysterious caves adorned with solemn Buddhist statues, adding to the area's grace. At the foot of the mountain, you will visit My Nghe Non Nuoc stone sculpture village. Next, head to Hoi An, where you can leisurely explore the Hoi An Ancient Town. Admire the 400-year-old Cau Giay Pagoda, visit historic houses like Tan Ky or Phung Hung Ancient House, and explore the Museum of Ceramics, Phuoc Kien Guild, and various handicraft workshops. Dine and stroll freely through the Old Town, basking in the warm glow of shimmering lanterns in vibrant colors. Later, the bus will take you back to Da Nang. Overnight in Da Nang.

After breakfast at the hotel: 7:00 - 7:30 AM: The car and guide will pick you up to visit Ba Na Tourist Area, a premium resort established by the French in 1910. Experience the wonders of spring, summer, autumn, and winter all in a single day. Visit Suoi Mo Station, where you can capture souvenir photos and enjoy a water music performance. Then, take the cable car ride, setting four Guinness World Records, offering breathtaking views of the Ba Na Nature Reserve amid the clouds. Visit the world-famous Golden Bridge and explore the 100-year-old Wine Cellar and Le Jardin flower garden. Continue the journey to encounter the majestic 27-meter-high Thich Ca Buddha, the highest in Southeast Asia, and the sacred Linh Ung Ba Na Pagoda, a place of spiritual solace. Ride the world's longest cable car (nearly 6,000m), visit Vong Nguyet Hill, Linh Ung Pagoda, Thich Ca Buddha Dai, the old French stables, the tranquil garden, and the mountain's summit. Continue the cable car ride to Nghinh Phong Peak, Le Nim Villa, Vong Nguyet Penthouse, Ba Na Suspension Bridge, and reach the top of Christ's Mountain at 1,487m above sea level for stunning views of Ba Na Mountain, Da Nang, and Quang Nam. In the afternoon: Explore Ba Na Nui at your leisure, enjoy the amusement park games in the Fantasy Park area, such as Love Wheel, SKIVER Pilot, Fire Track, Windmill, Spider Man, and Free Fall Tower. 3:00 - 3:30 PM: Return to Da Nang, visit the Central gift shop for souvenirs. Then, return to the hotel and relax at My Khe Beach, voted one of the six most charming beaches on the planet by Forbes. Evening: Enjoy Da Nang cuisine at Mu Quang Frog Kitchen or Ba Du Pancake, take a stroll, visit Love Bridge, Dragon Carp, and walk along Bach Dang Street. At 9:00 PM (every Saturday/Sunday), witness the Dragon Bridge spraying water and fire. Overnight in Da Nang.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel: 7:30 AM: Embark on a captivating Hue city tour. En route to Hue, you'll pass through the Hai Van tunnel, the longest tunnel in Southeast Asia. Take a moment to relish the golden sandy beaches of Lang Co Bay, one of the most picturesque bays on the planet. 11:00 AM: Arrive in Hue and visit Khai Dinh Tomb, the resting place of a king during the final days of the feudal regime in Vietnam. 12:00 PM: Stop for a delightful lunch at a local restaurant. 1:00 PM: Continue your journey with a visit to The Imperial City of Hue. 2:30 PM: Explore the Thien Mu Pagoda with the group. 3:30 PM: Return to Da Nang city. Dinner: Dine at your leisure and savor Da Nang's culinary delights, such as Banh Xu Ba Du, Noodle and Frog Kitchen Trang, and Be Anh Seafood. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll, visit Love Bridge, Carp Dragon Culture, and walk along Bach Dang Street. Watch the mesmerizing Dragon Bridge spraying water and fire at 9:00 PM (every Saturday/Sunday). Overnight in Da Nang.

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and relax at My Khe Beach, which Forbes has voted one of the six most charming beaches on the planet. Until the appointed time, the car will pick you up. Take the opportunity to explore and shop at the Central Specialty Supermarket or Han Market. Indulge in the specialty "Bun Cha Ca Ong Ta" for lunch. Then, the car will transfer you to Da Nang airport/train station for your departure. Farewell to our valued visitors. End of the trip!