Essence of Vietnam (North-Central)

Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by a local guide at Hanoi airport. Transfer and check-in at the hotel. Rooms are available from 14:00. Accommodation in Hanoi.

Breakfast at the hotel. We begin our tour of the capital, including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (exterior only), his personal residence, One Pillar Pagoda, and Tran Quoc Pagoda. Next, we visit the Ethnology Museum. In the afternoon, we continue with the Temple of Literature and a cycle ride (Rickshaw) through the old quarter and its antique shops before visiting Ngoc Son Temple, situated on Hoan Kiem Lake, an iconic landscape of the Vietnamese capital. To conclude the tour, we'll attend a Water Puppet Show. You'll discover this ancient Vietnamese art, a performance composed of sketches representing everyday life and beliefs of rural areas. Accommodation in Hanoi.

Breakfast at the hotel. We head towards Mai Hich (approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes by road), a small village southwest of Mai Chau. Nestled amidst lush green mountains and jungle, it is home to many White Thai ethnic villages. We arrive in the village around noon. In the afternoon, we take a stroll through nearby corn and rice fields and observe the daily activities of rural communities (depending on the season). Next, we transfer to Mai Chau and check in at the hotel. This idyllic Mai Chau valley is embraced by mountains and clouds, making it a retreat in Northern Vietnam. Accommodation in Mai Chau.

Breakfast at the hotel. We set off towards Hoa Lu, the former royal capital of Vietnam. Along the way, we explore the temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties. Our journey continues to Tam Coc where we take a leisurely bike ride along scenic paths amidst beautiful rice fields. In the afternoon, we embark on a sampan for a breathtaking 2-hour journey through caves, waterways, and a picturesque landscape of limestone cliffs and rice fields. Accommodation in Ninh Binh.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Halong Bay, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrival and boarding the junk for a cruise through the remote Lan Ha Bay area. Lunch will be served on board as the cruise begins through the bay. In the afternoon, we can participate in some activities such as visiting Cat Ba Island, or simply spend time relaxing on board (Swimming in the bay is possible if weather permits). Dinner and overnight on board in Halong Bay.

After breakfast on board, continue cruising among the karst formations, some of which exhibit fascinating shapes. A brunch will be served on board before disembarkation. The cruise ends around 11:00. Next, transfer back by road to Hanoi Airport for a flight to Hue. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the guide and transferred to the hotel. Accommodation in Hue.

Breakfast at the hotel. We begin the visit to the Imperial Citadel, a complex covering an area of 520 hectares formed by three circles; the Capital Citadel of Hue, the Royal Citadel, and the Forbidden City. We continue the visit to the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, built according to the mystical laws of geomancy. In the afternoon, departure by road to Hoi An. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Accommodation in Hoi An.

Breakfast at the hotel. We stroll through the old town of Hoi An. We visit the central market, Phuc Kien Pagoda, the Japanese Covered Bridge with 400 years of history, and some of the historical houses. Next, a boat ride along the Thu Bon River. In the afternoon, free time for shopping, enjoying the hotel facilities, or relaxing on the beach. Accommodation in Hoi An.