Vietnam 360: Cities, Sapa & Island Escape

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hue, the former Imperial capital. A charming and peaceful city, Hue is renowned for its stunning architecture, including the citadel, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas, and temples, all built during the Nguyen dynasty along the picturesque Perfume River.

Upon arrival at Hue Airport, proceed to the exit gate where your guide will be waiting for you, holding a welcome sign with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel by private vehicle. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the city at your own pace. Alternatively, you may join our Hue Insight Tour*, which includes visits to the Imperial Citadel, the Tu Duc Tombs, and an incense-making village. Overnight stay in Hue.

*Optional Half-Day sightseeing tour of Hue: Explore the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire its stunning architecture and gardens while learning about the royal court's history. Despite extensive damage during the Vietnam War, much of the citadel remains well-preserved. Next, visit the Royal Tu Duc Tomb, a tranquil resting place surrounded by pine woods and a lakeside pavilion. This was once a retreat for the emperor, who enjoyed fishing, music, and poetry here. On the way back to downtown Hue, stop at a family-run workshop to see how incense sticks are made.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, check out and head to Hoi An, enjoying a scenic drive along the coastline. Pass over the Hai Van Pass, offering breathtaking views of lush mountains, clear blue skies, and the beautiful Lang Co Beach. From the mountain top, Lang Co appears as a picturesque scene, framed by green trees, crystal-clear waters, and the misty mountains above.

Once a thriving trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries, the riverside town of Hoi An still retains many traces of its prosperous past, seen in its lively market, numerous souvenir shops, and tailor establishments. What makes Hoi An so remarkable is the preservation of its Old Quarter. The streets are lined with traditional tile-roofed shop houses, shaded pagodas, and colourful communal halls, contributing to its UNESCO World Heritage status.

This afternoon, enjoy a half-day guided walking tour of Hoi An ancient town, known for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-friendly streets, and local cuisine. Stroll through the historic merchant houses, ancient pagodas, and places of worship, all reflecting influences from Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese cultures. Begin with a visit to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, over 400 years old, originally built by the Japanese community in the 1590s to connect with the Chinese quarter across the water. Then, head to the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation, where you can admire the intricate wood carvings on the beams, walls, and altar, while your guide shares untold stories of the Chinese community's time in Hoi An. Continue exploring the town’s backstreets, where the gentle hum of sewing machines fills the air. Hoi An is famous for its tailor shops, and while the origins remain a mystery, you can stop at a tailor shop to have clothes made to order. Overnight stay in Hoi An.

Breakfast at your hotel. Spend the day at your leisure exploring the charming town of Hoi An, or consider visiting the scenic Ba Na Hills and the iconic Golden Bridge*. Overnight stay in Hoi An.

*Optional visit to the scenic Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge: Today, drive for about 1.5 hours from Hoi An to Ba Na Hills, a scenic mountain area with cool temperatures year-round. Take a ride on the modern cable car for stunning views of the landscape, then walk on the Golden Bridge, supported by giant hands emerging from the mountain. Enjoy free time to explore the area, with options to visit European-style villas, indoor games, flower gardens, pagodas, and the French Wine Cellar (extra cost).

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you will meet your driver in the hotel lobby and depart by shuttle bus (an escorted guide from Hanoi is provided for groups of 10 or more) for the journey to Halong Bay (or Lan Ha Bay, a part of Halong), a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, renowned for its thousands of breathtaking limestone islets and grottoes rising from the clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink on board before checking in to the Halong Bay Cruise. Lunch will be served as the boat, a traditional junk, cruises past numerous stone islets, floating villages, and small beaches. Visit a floating fishing village and unwind on the sundeck. Dinner will be served as the boat anchors in a tranquil, designated overnight area. Night on board.

Important: The cruise operator will follow only one itinerary to either Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay. Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions or local administration regulations. There will be no guide on board.

This morning, wake up early to witness the sunrise over the bay with a cup of tea or coffee in hand on the sundeck. Afterwards, enjoy a gentle Tai Chi session. Savour brunch in the fresh air of the bay while the boat cruises through some of the most serene and scenic areas. Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room, taking in the stunning views as the boat makes its way back to the wharf. The vehicle will be ready to transfer you back to Hanoi as soon as you disembark. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Breakfast at your hotel. This morning, you depart from Hanoi and travel to Sapa by bus*. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Ta Giang Phinh, a peaceful hill tribe village beside a tranquil stream. The Blue H'mong people here have maintained their traditional customs, despite modern influences. Enjoy a hike through pristine landscapes, with stunning mountains and endless terraced fields.

As you explore, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Blue H'mong village, accompanied by a local guide, to learn about the unique traditions of its people and admire their distinctive clothing. Observe local villagers in their daily routines and capture stunning views of terraced fields, mountains, and friendly faces. Afterward, return to the hotel to rest. Overnight stay in Sapa. 

*Please note that the bus journey Hanoi-Sapa usually takes around 5.5h including two 20-minute breaks. 

Breakfast at your hotel. Today, you'll enjoy a full-day trekking through the scenic Muong Hoa Valley with a local guide. In the morning, you'll be transferred by private vehicle to Y Linh Ho village. Hike to the Black H'mong village, where you'll see their traditional indigo clothing and learn about their customs.

Continue along a dirt trail to Muong Hoa Valley, known for its stunning terraced rice fields. If you visit between July and September, you'll see local farmers at work during planting and harvest season, which will surely spark your curiosity.

Next, make a stop at a local H'mong family in Lao Chai village to learn about their lifestyle, and visit Ta Van village, home to the Zay people, known for their simpler costumes.

Capture breathtaking views of terraced fields, local houses, and portraits of the friendly villagers. Afterward, return to Sapa town by private vehicle and rest at your hotel. Overnight stay in Sapa. 

Breakfast at your hotel. Today, enjoy a relaxing morning exploring Sapa at your own pace or resting at your hotel. If you're seeking more adventure, you can choose our optional half-day visit to Fansipan Mountain by cable car*. In the afternoon, you'll take a 5.5-hour bus ride back to Hanoi. Upon arrival in the evening, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Overnight stay in Hanoi. 

*Optional half-day visit to Fansipan Mountain: Ride the world’s longest and highest cable car to the summit of Mount Fansipan, the tallest peak in Indochina. Marvel at the sweeping views of Muong Hoa Valley and the lush mountain landscape as you rise to 3,143 meters. Snap unforgettable photos before making your way back to Sapa.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, take a flight from Hanoi to Phu Quoc Island. Upon arrival at this Vietnamese paradise, also known as the "Pearl Island," your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Then, make the most of the rest of the day at your leisure, relaxing on the island’s stunning beaches, with pristine waters by day and clear skies at night. Overnight stay at  Phu Quoc.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, take the opportunity to discover the magic of Phu Quoc at your own pace, free from any schedule. Relax by the pool, bask in the sun, and savor the peaceful surroundings. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque beaches, feel the soft sand beneath your feet, and let the gentle sea breeze embrace you. Overnight stay at Phu Quoc.

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend your day soaking up the sun by the pool, strolling along the beautiful beaches, and feeling the cool ocean breeze lift your spirits. Alternatively, if you're seeking something more adventurous, you can join our optional day trip by speedboat* to explore the southern islands and enjoy a snorkeling experience. Overnight stay at Phu Quoc.

*Optional Island snorkeling getaway by speedboat: Embark on a speedboat day trip from An Thoi Pier to explore the southern islands, including Mong Tay Island, Gam Ghi Islet, and May Rut Islet, where you can enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. A fresh lunch will be served on board as you relax in the tropical sun.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a relaxed morning at your own pace, giving yourself the chance to fully absorb the breathtaking atmosphere of Phu Quoc before heading to your next destination. When the time comes, your driver will take you to the airport for your domestic flight to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi. Overnight stay in Hanoi.