Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Bustling markets. Sizzling street food. Hotels pressed up against ancient temples. Music blaring. Women in conical hats selling fresh flowers and fruit. This is Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Noisy. Chaotic. Beautiful. All rolled into one.
Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi!
Upon arrival, your guide or driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour with Cyclo Ride
Tips for crossing streets in Vietnam: Walk slowly and steadily — don’t stop suddenly. The motorbikes will weave around you. Trust the flow.
Begin the morning with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and hear about the man who led Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. After dedicating his life to the liberation of his country from foreign rule, Ho Chi Minh died in 1969 and his body was preserved for posterity. Every October the mausoleum is closed for a month and Uncle Ho is given a bit of a spruce up! Then wander the grounds to see the one pillar pagoda and the presidential palace. Next,visit the 11th century relic, the Temple of Literature, which was built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius.
In the afternoon start with the Museum of Ethnology that is widely acknowledged as the best in the country, with an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority people. Take a breezy cyclo ride through the bustling 36 streets of the Old Quarter, each named after the traditional products once sold there. On streets like Tin and Bamboo, vendors still offer the same timeless wares. After exploring the historic alleys, indulge in a rich and creamy Vietnamese egg coffee at one of the oldest coffee houses in the area. To cap off your day, enjoy a delightful water puppet show, a unique traditional art form that has been captivating audiences for centuries and continues to thrive today.
Interesting fact: Walking around the streets of Hanoi, you will often see street vendors selling fruits, vegetables, and flowers from bamboo baskets that they carry on their shoulders. These vendors, a quintessential part of the city's vibrant street life, use a traditional method of transporting goods that involves balancing two baskets on either end of a bamboo pole, which they carry across their shoulders.
Day 3: Hanoi Cooking Class, overnight train to Sapa
You'll learn how to make Bánh Cuốn the traditional way - a silky, steamed rice roll that's as tricky as it is delicious. Even Gordon Ramsay couldn’t quite nail it. “Thank God I wasn't born in Vietnam - I'm just a bad cook here,” he said while struggling to master the art of these delicate rolls.
Today, you will be taken to a local home for an authentic Vietnamese cooking experience, where you'll be warmly welcomed by a friendly host. She will guide you through a traditional house and a tranquil bonsai garden, while you sip on freshly brewed tea made from herbs grown right in the garden. Next, you’ll head to the lively local market, where villagers trade their fresh produce. The host will help you choose ingredients for your hands-on cooking lesson. Back at the home, you’ll dive into crafting a Vietnamese specialty—whether it’s the delicate bánh cuốn, soft rice flour sheets filled with savory pork and mushrooms, or fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn), bursting with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, and fragrant herbs wrapped in translucent rice paper. Afterward, you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor, savoring the vibrant blend of flavors and textures, all while soaking in the warmth and joy of this unforgettable experience!
In the evening you will be transferred to the station for your overnight train to Sapa.
Interesting fact: Walking around the streets of Hanoi, you will often see street vendors selling fruits, vegetables, and flowers from bamboo baskets that they carry on their shoulders. These vendors, a quintessential part of the city's vibrant street life, use a traditional method of transporting goods that involves balancing two baskets on either end of a bamboo pole, which they carry across their shoulders.
Day 3: Sapa arrival, Bac Ha (or similar) local market
a H'mong lady in traditional costume at Bac Ha market.
Upon your early arrival at Lao Cai station (5:55 am), our guide will warmly welcome you and escort you to a local restaurant for breakfast. Afterward, you'll head to Bac Ha Market, the largest and most vibrant market in the region. Every Sunday, local ethnic minorities such as the Hmong, Phu La, Black Dzao, Tay, and Nung gather here to sell handmade products, fresh produce, and other goods. This lively market provides a colorful glimpse into local culture and traditions, offering a unique opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about their way of life. After exploring the market, enjoy a scenic ox cart ride through the lush countryside, followed by a peaceful walk through the tranquil Tay village of Trung Do. The day will conclude with your return journey to Sapa.
Note: Bac Ha Market is only available on Sundays. For other days, you can visit alternative markets such as Can Cau and Coc Ly, which offer similar cultural experiences and vibrant displays of local ethnic traditions.
Day 4: Lao Chai and Ta Van villages
You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Muong Hoa Valley, one of the most scenic valleys in Northern Vietnam, just 6 km away. The drive takes you through a narrow road between the Hoang Lien Son and Den Thang mountain ranges, offering views of farmland and terraced paddy fields cultivated by local ethnic minorities. Marvel at the imposing mountains and the terraced fields embracing the hillsides, then take photos before walking through the valley. You'll cross to Lao Chai village, home to the Black Hmong minority, where you can observe the daily life of its people. Afterward, trek to the next village, home to the Giay people, a small ethnic group native to the northern highlands.Enjoy a rest and a delicious lunch at a local household, then continue your hike for 3 km through hills and bamboo forests. A short stop at a waterfall will refresh you before reaching Giang Ta Chai village, home to the Red Dao ethnic minority. Here, you’ll have a chance to chat with villagers and learn about their traditional way of life. The car will pick you up to return to Sapa.
Our tip: If you'd like to see the famous golden rice paddies, consider visiting in August.
Day 5: Sapa - Mt Fansipan by cable car, afternoon transfer to Hanoi
Picture above: Electric Mountain Train to Muong Hoa station
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and then you'll begin the walk to Sun Plaza, where you'll board the Electric Mountain train to Muong Hoa station. From there, you'll take the cable car, which spans 6.2 km up to the summit of Fansipan Mountain. The Sun World Fansipan cable car holds a Guinness World Record, and the ride up to the peak is a highlight for many travelers in Sapa. Each car can hold up to 35 passengers.As soon as you leave the station, you'll start floating high above the rice terraces and rocky cliffs below. The large windows of the cable car offer stunning views as you gradually ascend to the towering peak above the clouds.
Before reaching the summit of Mt. Fansipan, you'll pass through a serene garden complex, featuring stone paths, ancient Azalea trees, and 18 meticulously sculpted bronze statues. These sculptures guide you to a 21.5-meter celestial Buddha statue, the largest in Vietnam, perched on the mountainside. The surrounding gardens and pagodas offer a peaceful atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy the fresh air.A series of stairs or a funicular railway will take you the final distance to the top of Mt. Fansipan. At the summit, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking, panoramic views of cloud-covered peaks stretching to the horizon. The highest point is a popular spot for selfies, but you can also walk the entire platform to take in 360-degree views. The ever-changing cloud formations at the top offer new shapes and scenes as they shift, blending the sky and earth in a beautiful dance.After soaking in the stunning scenery and magnificent views of Sapa and the Lai Chau province, you'll be transferred back to Sapa
Day 6: Hanoi - fly to Hoi An
Why not spend your first evening in Hoi An strolling its cobbled streets, glowing with colorful lanterns? Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant - be sure to try the Beef in Betel Leaf - then unwind with a drink at a riverside coffee shop.
Today fly to Hoi An. Upon arrival you will be taken to your hotel.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 7: Hoi An Walking Tour - Iconic sites and Rural Charm
Begin your story of Hoi An, a former port that welcomed Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants between the 16th to 18th centuries. Today it is renowned for its old quarter lined with two-storey Chinese shops, with elaborate carved wooden facades and terracotta tile roofs. And not forgetting expert tailor shops and delicious food! The tour includes stops at several famous landmarks. The first is Chua Ong Pagoda, dating back to 1653 and built in honor of the Chinese general Quan Cong, who is worshipped by many as a symbol of loyalty and justice. Next, pop into Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, to see the Jinshan Temple which is dedicated to the goddess of the sea and the protector of sailors. From there it’s a short walk to Tam Ky House, a 200 year old ancestral house and finally, stroll across the often photographed 17th century covered bridge built by Japanese craftsmen. The beautifully built bridge doubles as a temple and is a major landmark of Hoi An. After lunch, visit Cam Kim Village, a tranquil rural area not far from Hoi An. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore the village’s traditional crafts, including wood carving and mat weaving. As you stroll through the village, observe skilled artisans at work, and learn about the techniques that have been passed down through generations. You can also engage with local craftsmen, gaining insights into their daily lives and the significance of their crafts within the community. This visit provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the authentic culture of Vietnam while enjoying the picturesque countryside setting of Cam Kim Village.
Tip: Consider extending your stay in Hoi An if your schedule permits. There's always more to explore! Take some time to relax with a massage, shop for local treasures, or embark on a tour to visit the fascinating My Son Sanctuary, an ancient Cham site. Alternatively, you can visit the iconic Golden Bridge, famed for its unique design reminiscent of being lifted by two giant hands.
Day 8: Red Bridge Cooking Class, afternoon fly to Siem Reap
Hoi An’s local market: a feast of sights, sounds, and aromas!
In the morning, you’ll be transferred to Hai Scout Café, the meeting point for your culinary adventure.
From there, head to Hoi An’s vibrant main market to soak in the colorful sights, lively sounds, and rich aromas. It’s the perfect opportunity to interact with local vendors and explore the incredible variety of fresh produce on display.Next, board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely 25-minute cruise along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. Keep your camera ready — the journey offers a unique glimpse into daily river life.
Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the school’s herb and vegetable garden before diving into a hands-on, 2-hour cooking class. With guidance from Red Bridge’s expert chefs, you’ll learn how to prepare some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s most beloved dishes. Each recipe is demonstrated step-by-step before you try it yourself.
The class also includes a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving techniques — think tomato roses and cucumber hand fans for stunning plate presentations.After the class, sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Recipes include fresh rice paper, shrimp rolls, crispy Hoi An pancakes with peanut sauce, seafood salad in pineapple, and Mi Quang chicken noodles. Vegetarian options are available on request.
In the afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap.
Day 9: Angkor Temple Full Day Tour
Nothing will quite prepare you for the mind-blowing magnitude and timeless beauty of the Angkor complex, often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World"
Feel your excitement build as you drive through towering old trees on your way to the awe-inspiring Angkor Complex. The tour will begin at Bayon, a richly decorated temple. Its most distinctive feature is the hundreds of smiling faces that grace the towers. Impressive bas-reliefs tell stories of daily life and of the great battles that were fought between the Khmers and ancient Thais. Continue to Ta Prohm, one of Cambodia’s most beloved temples. Unusually, Ta Prohm is in much the same condition in which it was found. The combination of large trees growing out of the ruins and the surrounding jungle give the temple a truly magical feel. In the afternoon explore the magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and best-preserved temple in the complex. This visually spectacular massive three-tired pyramid has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its flag. Admire the grandeur of its architecture and its extensive decoration of bas-relief friezes. End your day taking in the views of the sunset over the jungle from the top of Pre Rup Temple before returning to Siem Reap.
Day 10: Banteay Srei, Banteay Samre and Kbal Spean
.jpg)
Banteay Srei: small in size, but a masterpiece of Khmer architecture, with intricate carvings that are simply breathtaking.
In the morning, drive to Banteay Samré, a serene temple located in eastern Angkor. Built in the early 12th century, this Hindu temple reflects the architectural style of Angkor Wat and offers a peaceful start to the day.Continue on to Banteay Srei, often referred to as the "Citadel of Women", perhaps due to its smaller scale and delicate features. Constructed primarily from red sandstone, this temple is renowned for its exquisitely intricate carvings covering nearly every surface. Its exceptional state of preservation and detailed ornamentation have earned it the title "the jewel of Khmer art" — an absolute must-see.
Enjoy lunch at a nearby local restaurant before continuing your adventure.Next, head to Kbal Spean, an archaeological site from the Angkorian era, often called the "River of a Thousand Lingas". After a scenic, 2-kilometer uphill trek through the jungle (about 30 minutes), you’ll reach the carved sandstone riverbeds, where spectacular rock reliefs depict Hindu deities and sacred symbols. The path splits at one point — one direction leading to a peaceful waterfall, and the other to the main carvings along the riverbed. Take time to explore both before making your way back down through the forest trail.
Day 11: Departing Siem Reap
Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
.jpg)
