Classic Vietnam With Hands Bridge and Sleeper Train

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Hanoi

  Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport in Vietnam's capital of Hanoi, your tour guide will welcome you outside the customs area holding a sign with your name on it. A private transfer afterward will whisk you to your hotel for check-in.

  The rest of the day is on your own to relax after a long-haul flight or go outside for a glance at urban exploration.

  • Hanoi

• Day 2: Hanoi City Discovery

  After breakfast, start your discovery journey of the city's historic landmarks, including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside only), Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, One Pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature.

  This afternoon, head to the Museum of Ethnology to learn about Vietnamese culture and customs before exploring the vibrant Old Quarter by Cyclo for a fascinating insight into Hanoi street life. Finally, unwind with a leisurely walk around the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake.

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  • Hanoi

• Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay

  This morning, travel onward on a direct shuttle bus transfer to the UNESCO-recognized Halong Bay, about a 3-hour drive away from Hanoi.

  After embarking on a boat, enjoy your cruise through a spectacular seascape of crystal-blue waters and towering karst islands. A list of fun activities for you to choose from, kayaking into the local floating village, joining the others for squid fishing, and simply relaxing on the boat for sunbath and sauna. Plus, uncover the secrets of Vietnamese Cuisine at the cooking demonstration.

  Tonight, enjoy a restful sleep on the cruise boat.

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  • Halong Bay

• Day 4: Drive back to Hanoi for an Overnight Train toward Da Nang

  Arise early to take a refreshing Tai Chi exercise before having a light breakfast. Continue your cruise over the spectacular Halong Bay, along with an exploration into a karst cave strewn with stalactites and stalagmites. After brunch, disembark and take a shuttle bus back to Hanoi.

  This afternoon, take a walking food tour through Hanoi's Old Quarter, offering a completely different experience from the cyclo ride. As you stroll through the lively streets, savor local delicacies and uncover the secrets of Vietnamese food culture. Explore vibrant markets, taste local treats, and discover the unique ingredients that make the cuisine unforgettable.

  Then you will be transferred to the railway station for your overnight train to the coastal Da Nang in central Vietnam.

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  • Hanoi

• Day 5: Da Nang

  Meet your guide at the railway station in Da Nang at midday for a private transfer to your hotel, where you will spend the rest of the day at leisure. Da Nang boasts the most beautiful beach in Vietnam; thus, relaxing on the beach at sunset is highly recommended.

  • Da Nang

• Day 6: Da Nang, Bana Hills with Hands Bridge

  Escape to Ba Na Hills, where you may experience the changing moods of the seasons in a single day. Start your morning with the fresh air of spring, bask in the warmth of summer at noon, feel the crispness of autumn by afternoon, and embrace the cool winter breeze by evening. Enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Da Nang and its lush, rolling landscapes from the peak.

  Your day begins with a hotel pickup and transfers to Ba Na Hills Station. Step aboard the modern cable car and soar above the clouds, passing charming French villas and crossing the iconic Hands Bridge on your ascent to the summit of Nui Chua, 1,487 meters above sea level. Pause to enjoy lunch while soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

  In the afternoon, explore the historic Vong Nguyet villa and its wine cellar, then visit the tranquil Linh Ung Pagoda before marveling at the towering Sakyamuni Buddha monument.

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  • Da Nang

• Day 7: Da Nang, Day Excursion to Hoi An Ancient Town

  Discover the authentic charm of Hoi An on this captivating one-day tour. Start with a visit to the vibrant local market, selecting fresh ingredients for your upcoming cooking class. Afterward, hop on a traditional bamboo basket boat and venture into the peaceful nipa palm forest for a fun-filled crab-fishing experience.

  By midday, head to the coconut village for a hands-on cooking class with a skilled chef, learning to prepare classic Vietnamese dishes. Once the cooking is complete, savor your creations for a satisfying lunch.

  This afternoon, take a leisurely walk through the quaint streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, exploring its historic landmarks, including the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Tan Ki House, Phung Hung Ancient House, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.

  Today comes to a close with a transfer back to your hotel in Da Nang.

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  • Da Nang

• Day 8: Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City

  This morning, take a short domestic flight to the south, flying into Ho Chi Minh City.

  Upon landing, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. You'll then be shown around the city's key historical and architectural sites, including the Independence Palace, Old Saigon Post Office, and Dong Khoi Street.

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  • Ho Chi Minh City

• Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City, Sailing the Rustic Mekong Delta

  Today, travel out of the city to Ben Tre in the rustic Mekong Delta, a remarkable agricultural area referred to as the country's "breadbasket". Following this, boat trips will take you through the area's waterways to explore floating markets and rustic villages, with stops at a local workshop specializing in making rice paper and coconut candy. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for the night.

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  • Ho Chi Minh City

• Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City, Departure

  Enjoy this morning at leisure and check out the hotel before noon. Conveniently, take a private transfer to the airport in time for your flight, either home or to your next destination.

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