DAY 1: HANOI

ARRIVAL

Upon touchdown at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, you will be met right at the airplane's arrival gate by friendly Fast Track Service staff. You will be whisked through immigration via the diplomatic lane, have your luggage retrieved and carried, and be escorted to your Hanoi host waiting for you in the Arrival Hall. A private vehicle will be ready to take you on an adventure back to Hanoi center.

DAY 2: HANOI

HANOI INSIDE OUT BY VINTAGE SIDECAR

Duration: 6 hours

Hanoi has been the Vietnamese capital since 1010 A.D., so there are endless stories to be told from within the city's bustling alleyways and diverse quarters. Today, we'll delve deep into Hanoi as we immerse ourselves in these tales.

We'll start with a vintage sidecar ride, drifting through the must-see sights of the Old Quarter, then head to the West Lake area to visit beautiful gardens and some of Vietnam's oldest Buddhist monasteries. We suggest visiting the Temple of Literature, strolling along the Parisian boulevards of the French Quarter, and, if you're up for it, exploring Ho Chi Minh's Museum complex and the historic Ba Dinh Square.

The sightseeing will be complemented by two essential Vietnamese experiences: slurping on a bowl of Noodle Soup (Phở) and sipping traditional Vietnamese iced coffee (Café Sua Da), or even trying egg coffee (Ca phe trung) - a unique and delicious drink that originated in Hanoi.

DAY 3: HANOI TO HALONG BAY

LEGENDARY HALONG BAY BY PRIVATE YACHT

Duration: 12 hours

No trip to Northern Vietnam is complete without a visit to Ha Long Bay, a remarkable seascape of lush, rainforest-clad limestone islands and pillars jutting out of the surrounding emerald blue water. There is no better way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site than by sailing through the calm, scenic waters on board an elegantly designed private yacht.

We will drive from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay where, upon arrival, your crew will welcome everyone aboard the private stylish yacht and set sail into the Bay before sitting down for lunch. In the afternoon, we'll explore a couple of the area's deep caves or try some kayaking adventures. In the late afternoon, sit back and relax on the journey back to shore and Hanoi afterward.

DAY 4: MAI CHAU

FROM HANOI TO MAI CHAU

Duration: 5 hours

Today we're off to enjoy a hearty slice of rural Vietnam, traveling 135 kilometers west from Hanoi to Mai Chau district in Hoa Binh Province. This picturesque valley is home to the ethnic white Thai people who have built their traditional stilt-house villages within the mountainous and lush landscape for generations.

The day will begin by escaping the motorbike frenzy of Hanoi traffic to a fast highway that gently turns into windy country roads. We'll stop mid-route for a quick hike and local lunch near Muong and Thai minorities, then settle into our lodging in the Mai Chau valley.

DAY 5: MAI CHAU

A JOURNEY THROUGH MAI CHAU VALLEY'S RICE FIELDS & STILT HOUSES

Duration: 6 hours

Embark on a half-day adventure in the stunning Mai Chau Valley! After breakfast at the resort, we'll hop on a van to visit the local villages of the Thai people, then explore by vintage-style bicycle the beautiful paths that wind through rice paddies, stilt houses, and limestone karsts.

We'll enjoy a mouth-watering lunch at a traditional Thai stilt house, followed by an exclusive performance by local artists with vibrant colors, graceful movements, and captivating rhythms.

After an unforgettable morning, we'll return to the resort in the afternoon, where you'll have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the resort's facilities.

DAY 6: MAI CHAU & HOIAN

MORNING MARKET OF MAI CHAU

FLY TO DANANG, EXPERIENCE HOIAN NIGHTLIFE & WELCOME DINNER

Duration: 4.5 hours + 2.5 hours

After breakfast, accompany your host to explore the vibrant morning market of Mai Chau, where local residents gather fresh ingredients for daily cooking - a trading hub and cultural exchange center for the hill tribes. Afterward, return to Hanoi and catch a flight to Danang; upon arrival, private transfer to Hoi An.

Evening: begin with a leisurely stroll through the ancient streets, where the warm glow of lanterns illuminates the historic architecture and night markets fill the air with energy. Then enjoy a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a setting that reflects the rich traditions of Hoi An - riverside or in a traditional courtyard.

DAY 7: HOIAN

EVERYTHING HOI AN

Duration: 3 hours

Hoi An is one of Vietnam's most elegant and historic towns, a major maritime trading center for centuries with beautifully preserved architecture and delicious food.

For early risers, a visit to the fish and central markets is like going back in time. Watch locals preparing for their day, then set out on a walking exploration of interesting nooks and crannies. Next, hop on a bike to the countryside village of Go Noi for an insight into farming communities (growing incredible organic vegetables), a cooking demonstration, and a local gourmet feast.

The afternoon is clear for shopping, beach time or just taking in the atmosphere.

DAY 8: HOIAN & SAIGON

BEACH BLISS - PRIVATE CLASS AT MORNING GLORY & ONWARDS TO SAIGON

Duration: 5 hours

Visit Hoi An's colorful central market by boat with an English-speaking guide, learning about fresh noodles, how to recognize and buy fresh fish, fresh and dried spices, herbs and their culinary and medicinal uses, rice and grains, plus tastings of exotic fruits. Return by boat to Vy's Market Restaurant and tour over 10 live food counters - banh mi, dumplings, pickles, rationing-era foods, sweet treats and more, including rice paper making. The 2.5-hour cooking lesson follows: teachers demonstrate each dish before you prepare them yourselves, then everyone sits down to eat. You'll receive the recipes and a Vietnamese cooking utensil to take home.

Then: private transfer to the airport for the flight to Saigon. Upon landing, your host will be waiting - before going to your hotel in central Saigon, we'll take a few turns into cool areas of the city."

SAIGON EVENING SCOOTER ADVENTURE

Duration: 4 hours

As the sun sets, enjoy an evening scooter adventure. We'll take Saigon by storm and experience the amazing energy and movement of the southern capital via a colorful scooter journey (you'll be chauffeured by professionals!). We'll whizz around the historical district taking in all the sights, sounds and smells of a city relaxing after work. Street-side food is a delicious culinary adventure in itself. If you fancy a nightcap, we can head up to one of Saigon's rooftop bars and observe the city's frenzy from above.

DAY 9: SAIGON

FREE DAY AT LEISURE IN SAIGON

Take this day to relax and explore the city at your own pace.

DAY 10: VIETNAM - SEE YOU AGAIN!  

It's time to say goodbye to the vibrant energy and rich culture of Saigon as we depart via Tan Son Nhat airport for our onward flight home. Take one last look at the city's bustling streets and colorful markets before boarding your plane, knowing that you've experienced the best of what Vietnam has to offer. Though the journey may be over, the memories of this incredible trip will last a lifetime.