Trip code: VCU16D12
Trip highlights: Hanoi-Sapa-Halong-Hoian-Nhatrang-Saigon-Mekong Delta
Trip duration: 16 DAYS
Grade: Luxury-Easy
Group size: 6 pax +
From $USD 2163*
Day 1: Arrive Hanoi (D)
Guests will be met at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, with private transfer to city hotel. Afternoon at leisure followed by dinner at one of Hanoi’s premier restaurants. Tonight’s meal will whet the appetite for the rest of the trip — turmeric fish, lime and rare beef, green banana and snails. An unforgettable introduction to the Hanoian kitchen . Dinner will be followed by a folk performance.
Stay in Han Noi.

Day 2: Hanoi - Sapa (B,L,D)
Spend the morning exploring the many boutiques or take a leisurely stroll around Hanoi’s picturesque parks and lakes. Lunch will be served in typical French quarter style. Take a seat in the neoclassical courtyard of one of Hanoi’s finest restaurants. This acclaimed establishment serves classic Vietnamese cuisine at its very best.
You will be transferred this evening to the luxurious cabins of the Victoria Express Train. Your escorted overnight journey to Lao Cai will include a sumptuous onboard dinner.
Stay on train to Sapa

Day 3: Arrive Lao Cai — Sapa (L,D)
Arriving in the former colonial mountain retreat, we are greeted by the grand scale of the northern mountain ranges. Deep valleys and the spectacular peaks of Mt.Fansipan are home to the Hmong and Dao. We settle for 2 nights at Sapa’s Victoria Hotel. A light walking tour of the Hmong terraced villages and the produce market will take place in the afternoon. Sapa’s cool climate and ethnic diversity make for interesting rustic flavours.
Stay in Sapa.

Day 4: Sapa (B,L,D)
Morning will be spent walking in the cool mountain air. A light 3km walk to the Red Dao village will introduce you to the hospitable Dao people. Known for their stunning red headwear and silversmithing we will introduce you to their unique intricate textiles inspired by the cycle of life. Lunch will be in Sapa town for some mountain high bbq. An evening stroll around the town, we may share in some simple hearty snacks from the night market vendors.
Stay in Sapa

Day 5: Sapa - Hanoi (B)
Sapa’s cool climate is host to spectacular peach groves, bamboo and a unique ensemble of cool climate flora. This morning we will enjoy Sapa’s Botanical gardens. Stunning rock formations and mossy outcrops will be the inspiration for all gardening enthusiasts. Tonight we board the Victoria Express for the return trip to Hanoi.
Stay on train back to Hanoi.

Day 6: Hanoi (L)
Our renowned resident chef, and head chef of the Sofitel Metropole Hotel will conduct a tour of the local food market. You will be introduced to the unique produce of northern Vietnam and classic dishes to make at home. A leisurely city tour will follow.
Stay in Hanoi.

Day 7: Hanoi — Halong Bay - Hanoi(B,L)
Today will be a full day trip to majestic Halong Bay with a short excursion on a private junk boat. Halong’s soaring lime outcrops will be a backdrop to the sumptuous seafood lunch you will enjoy onboard.
Stay in Hanoi.

Day 8: Hanoi — Hoi An(B,L,D)
Transfer to airport for flight to Hoi An. Hoi An was a major Asian trading centre in the 17th and 18th Century and many of the original buildings remain. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the ancient town centre, including the 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge and the bustling produce market of this unique UNESCO-designated World Heritage town. Dinner will reflect Hoi An’s unique culinary heritage.
Stay in Hoian.

Day 9: Hoi An (B,D)
A light cycling tour of the surrounding paddy fields will take us to the nearby swimming beaches. Locally caught seafood and tropical delights are at hand for lunch. The afternoon may be spent at leisure browsing or shopping in town. Hoi An’s popularity has seen a revival and appreciation of its heritage and we will dine in one of Hoi An’s finely restored terraces.
Stay Hoian.

Day 10: Hoi An (B,L)
A morning tour of the local produce market will be conducted by our resident chef and lunch will be prepared by you! Our cooking school located on the banks of the Hoai River, will be a highlight in this trip. Expertly guided, you will learn the secrets to making Central Vietnamese dishes. Take home recipes will mean you can easily recreate these appetizing meals at home.
Spend the afternoon at leisure browsing the tailors, enjoy the balcony views from one of the many cafes and restaurants or stroll the boardwalk. Whatever you choose, do not miss sunset in this charming town.
Stay in Hoian.

Day 11: Hoi An — Nha Trang (B)
A short flight will take us to the sparkling waters of Nha Trang. Miles of golden beaches and rocky outcrops, it is home to Vietnam’s truly luxurious Evason Hideaway Resort.
Stay in Nhatrang.

Day 12: Nha Trang (B,L)
Today will be spent cruising and snorkeling in the calm waters of Nha Trang Bay. Moored off one of Nha Trang’s islands, we will enjoy a bbq lunch.
Stay in Nhatrang.

Day 13: Nha Trang (B)
Wake early for sunrise on the beach. This afternoon we will explore the 9th century ruins of the Cham civilisation . Take an evening walk along the boardwalk, and enjoy nightlife Nha Trang style.
Stay in Nhatrang

Day 14: Nha trang - Ho Chi Minh City (B,D)
A short flight will take us to the bustling city of HCMC (Saigon) and a two night stay at the Park Hyatt Hotel. We will tour the city’s boulevards at a leisurely pace by cyclo.
The cuisine of the south is a feast for the tastebuds. Influenced by Cambodian, Thai and India flavours we will enjoy dinner at one of Saigon’s premier restaurants.
Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City-Mekong Delta (B,L)
A fitting conclusion to a gourmet’s trip to Vietnam is a full day trip to the glorious Mekong River. Considered by many as the food bowl of Vietnam, its web of waterways is home to tropical fruit plantations, floating fishing villages and sampans laden with mammoth mangos and other mouthwatering produce.
Stay in Hochiminh city

Day 16: Depart Vietnam (B)
We transfer and farewell you at Tan Son Nhat airport.

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