Trip grading: EASY to MODERATE Suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and independent mobility. Fly between major destinations, two overnight trains.

What’s included: 12 nights hotel accommodation and 2 overnight trains (soft sleeper four-berth shared cabin), flights as specified, all road transport by air-conditioned vehicles (half-day temple touring by tuk-tuk), all sightseeing as specified (excluding entrance fees on Classic Journeys), Western tour leader (7 or more travellers) and local English speaking guides throughout, arrival and departure transfers, breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 2 dinners.

Tour Leader: Travel Indochina tour leader based on a minimum of 7 people.
Maximum group size: 15

Itinerary

Your Journey starts Saigon, ends Hanoi

Days 1–3 ~ Saigon & Mekong Delta
Arrive Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and transfer to your hotel. This evening get to know your tour leader during your tour briefing and welcome drinks. While in Saigon we will stroll along the city’s historic Dong Khoi Street, the former Rue Catinat, and visit sites such as the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. We also visit the amazing Cu Chi tunnels, and spend a day cruising the canals and wandering the shady lanes of the Mekong Delta.
Hotels: Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers.

Days 4–5 ~ Hoi An 
Fly to Danang in Central Vietnam, visiting the city’s famous Cham Museum and sacred Marble Mountain before arriving in Hoi An. Discover traditional houses and temples and the iconic Japanese Bridge on a walking tour and for something different, we embark on the family-run ‘Fisherman eco-tour’. Try your hand at local fishing techniques and learn how to navigate a basket boat through the narrow waterways!
Hotel: Life Heritage Resort.

Days 6–7 ~ Hue
Leaving charming Hoi An behind, drive through spectacular coastal scenery to Hue. We explore the city’s historic sites, including the Citadel, elaborate emperors’ tombs and the Thien Mu Pagoda. Sit back and feel the wind in your hair as we take a cruise along the Perfume River and enjoy free time to explore this lovely city.
Hotel: La Residence Hotel & Spa.

Days 8–9 ~ Hanoi & Halong Bay
Fly to Hanoi, Vietnam’s oldest city and elegant modern-day capital. Experience a cyclo ride in the fascinating Old Quarter, visit the ancient Temple of Literature and infamous Hanoi Hilton, and enjoy an evening performance of Hanoi’s famous water puppets. Travel to magical Halong Bay where we cruise among the thousands of limestone islands on our private boat, enjoying a seafood lunch on board.
Hotel: Sofitel Metropole.

Days10–13 ~ Sapa
Take part in a fun cooking class at the legendary Highway 4, and enjoy some free time before taking the overnight train to Lao Cai, near the Chinese border. From here we head to Sapa, a charming town set among beautiful mountains and home to the colourful Hmong and Red Dzao hilltribes. Explore the town and surrounding villages, and spend a night at the remote Topas Ecolodge. Return to Hanoi on the overnight train.
Hotels: Victoria Express Overnight Train, Victoria Sapa & Topas Ecolodge.

Days 14–15 ~ Hanoi
Learn all about the life and legend of ‘Uncle Ho’ at his former home and mausoleum. There is time for some shopping, or simply relaxing in a lakeside cafe before joining your group and tour leader for a farewell meal. Your journey ends with an aiport transfer on day 15.
Hotel: Sofitel Metropole.