World Heritage Sites of Vietnam

Day 1 - Hanoi - arrival and time to explore

Morning check-in to a downtown hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter with a leisurely afternoon, introductory walking tour to explore the area – or perhaps take in an optional viewing of the unique water-puppet show – before a local-style welcome dinner.

Overnight: Hanoi Transport: Walk,  Meals: D, 

Day 2 - Hanoi - Day tour of some of the City's sights

Day tour of some of the sights of the beautiful old city including the famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the 11th-century University and Temple of Literature, iconic ‘Train Street’, Hoan Kiem Lake, the excellent Museum of Ethnology and a stroll through the fascinating lanes of the bustling Old Quarter.

Precise itinerary may vary according to opening days/times.

Overnight: Hanoi Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 3 - Halong - afternoon cruise and overnight in the Bay

Departure for Halong Port, where we’ll board our boat for an afternoon cruise through the awe-inspiring limestone scenery of UNESCO-listed, World Heritage Halong Bay. Explore the islands and grottoes before dinner and overnight on board. (A well-appointed craft with air-con, en-suite cabins).

Overnight: Halong Bay Transport: Minibus, Boat,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 4 - Morning cruise and on to Ninh Binh

Early rise for dawn over Halong Bay, after which we’ll continue to weave our way through the myriad picturesque limestone islets and outcrops with a midday return to Halong Port. A transfer south takes us to Tam Coc in Ninh Binh Province for an afternoon rowing boat tour through Trang An’s delightful labyrinth of caves, tunnels and emerald lagoons.

Overnight: Tam Coc Transport: Minibus, Boat, Bike,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 5 - Head to the hills; Mai Chau and Pu Luong

Time to travel west to the small town of Mai Chau, located in a scenic valley. Lunch and a leisurely cycle through the surrounding paddy fields before heading into the hills and a late afternoon arrival at a spectacularly located eco-resort overlooking the mountains of Pu Luong National Park.

Overnight: Pu Luong Transport: Boat, Bike,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 6 - Pu Luong National Park

Our exploration of stunning Pu Luong National Park includes a nature hike through the area’s varying ecosystems and (water levels permitting) a bamboo rafting trip, as well as a visit to one of the local villages.

Overnight: Pu Luong Transport: Boat, Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 7 - Return to Hanoi to catch the night sleeper train

Optional morning hike or simply some time at leisure by the lodge’s spectacular infinity pool with an afternoon return driver to Hanoi, where we’ll catch the night sleeper train south.

Overnight: Sleeper Train Transport: Minibus, Train,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 8 - Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park

Morning arrival in Dong Hoi and a drive into the hills for a day’s exploration of Phong Nha – Ke Bang, Vietnam’s largest, and now World Heritage-listed national park. We’ll discover the area’s spectacular limestone features and cave systems with an overnight stay in a charming, family-run eco-resort.

Overnight: Pepper House Transport: Boat, Walk,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 9 - Hue - across the former DMZ and on World Heritage Hue

South by road through the infamous DMZ (former Demilitarised Zone) with a stop to visit the incredible Vietcong tunnels at Vinh Moc and famous Hien Luong Bridge on the 17th parallel, which marked the old pre-1975 border between South and North Vietnam. Afternoon arrival and time at leisure to stroll around fun and friendly Hue Town.

Overnight: Hue Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 10 - Hue - imperial tombs of the ancient capital

Check out some of the spectacular sights of this historic, former imperial capital and now UNESCO World Heritage Site. Morning walk includes the main market and the iconic ancient citadel while the afternoon programme takes in Thien Mu Pagoda, followed by the spectacular pagodas, tomb and hunting park of Emperor Tu Duc.

Overnight: Hue Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 11 - Hoi An - south via Marble Mountain

Short, scenic drive over the spectacular Hai Van Pass to Danang and a visit to the picturesque cave temples of Marble Mountain. After lunch, we’ll continue to Hoi An for an afternoon walking tour of the old town and waterfront. Well-preserved and charming, UNESCO-listed Hoi An was one of Southeast Asia’s most important ports during the 16th to 19th centuries.

Overnight: Hoi An Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 12 - My Son - The World Heritage ancient Cham capital

Early morning visit to the atmospheric ruined temples of ancient My Son, ceremonial centre of the Cham Empire. The site is thought to have been occupied from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Return to Hoi An with an afternoon at leisure to explore the quaint old streets, visit the bustling market or perhaps cycle down to the nearby beach for a dip or massage.

Overnight: Hoi An Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 13 - Hoi An - transfer to Danang and departure

Morning at leisure in Hoi An before a transfer to Danang Airport with a stop at the fascinating and nearby Cham Museum. A choice of flights to either Hanoi or Saigon is included while Danang International Airport also serves numerous other regional destinations including Singapore, KL, Phnom Penh and Bangkok.

*Please note, upgrades to private cabins are available on the sleeper train..

Extra accommodation in Hanoi or Saigon before or after your tour is available if required.

Airport transfers are included if you purchase the with flights package.

Overnight: Departure Transport: Minibus,  Meals: B,