Vietnam Premium Train Group Tour – 16 Days

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (GP)

Arriving at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel. You’ll have time to relax after your journey. Your overnight stay will be in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City tour with street food/ Overnight train to Lao Cai (B, street food, G)

After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll visit the Fine Art Museum which is consider the most interesting art collections in Vietnam. Your next stop will be Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam dating back to the 11th century and Hoa Lo Prison – better known by captured US pilots as the ‘Hanoi Hilton’

Later, we will be wandering a couple hours in the Old Quarter to explore many of the best street food. You can choose your own selection, for example from ‘pho’ (Hanoi’s famous beef noodle soup), ‘nom’ (green papaya salad with seasoned beef), ‘banh goi’ (minced pork and mushroom pillow-shaped pasty covers in breadcrumbs and deep-fried), ‘banh cuon’ (warm rice paper with pork and fried onion), or bun cha (fresh noodle with grilled pork and a sharp sauce), or Bun Cha (fresh noodle with grilled pork). Try 3-4 varieties as you wish.

The tour will finish, in true local style, at a Bia Hoi where you can enjoy some local draft beer. You’ll check in a mini hotel nearby the railway station for the refreshing until 21.00, then take the overnight sleeper to Lao Cai.You will spend the night on board.

Day 3: Lao Cai/Lao Chai/Ta Van/Thanh Phu (B, L, D, G)  

You’ll arrive at Lao Cai Train Station at early morning. Your guide will welcome you you’ll hike down a scenic valley calling in at the H’mong and Dzay ethnic minority villages on the way. You’ll have lunch with a local family. Later in the afternoon, you’ll be picked up by car to travel 12km ahead. You’ll enjoy picturesque scenery e-route and diverse ethnic minorities. You’ll then continue your hiking to Thanh Phu village where you’ll have dinner and spend the night in a Tay ethnic minority group stilt-house. (Local homestay)

Day 4: Thanh Phu/Nam Toong/Ban Ho/Sapa (B, L, D, G)

After breakfast, you’ll trek to the village of Xa Pho tribe, the smallest ethnic group in Sapa who have very little contact with modern Vietnam and they can speak very little Vietnamese. The route will continue taking you through the rice fields to the Red Dao village of Nam Toong where your guide will prepare your lunch in a local house.

After lunch you will ascend back to Ban Ho where your driver is waiting for you to take you back to Sapa.

Day 5: Sapa/ Fansipan Peak by Cable/ Hanoi by shuttle bus (B, L, G)

This morning, from 8.00 A.M you will have combo tickets (inclusive of mountain train and cable car) to visit Fansipan Peak (the guide will help to buy tickets and you will visit the Fansipan Peak by yourself).

Firstly, you will enjoy a total length of approximately 2 km on train from Sapa town to the cable car station. This is the longest mountain railway in Vietnam up to the present time. The train goes through several mysterious tunnels, crosses the viaduct and offers passengers a view to looking down the majestic natural beauty of Muong Hoa valley and peaceful villages.

You then continue with 15 minutes on cable car to admire the beautiful natural landscape at an altitude of thousands of meters. It is the primitive forest Hoang Lien Son, poetic Muong Hoa, the magnificent Hoang Lien Son mountain range… Reach the altitude of 2800 meters, you have a good time to see the view and take photos, visit pagoda the spiritual destinations and trek up to 600 steps (or take another short tram) you will reach the peak of Fansipan – the Roof of Indochina.

Retuning back to your hotel to get luggage and our guide will drop off you at the bus station for the returning Hanoi by Limousine car. You will spend the night in Hanoi.

Note that innumerable street food specialties will be available throughout the day; we just mention some of the famous dishes, but you may find some other interesting on the way exploring.

Day 6: Hanoi/ Halong/ Lan Ha Bay/ Overnight stay on Nostalgia Cruise (B, L, D, DP in Hanoi, G on board)

Around 09.00am, your private driver will arrive and take you to Halong.

11:00 – 11:30 Arriving at Lot 32 – Tuan Chau Marina – have check-in procedures at the waiting lounge. You can take special tea at the lounge by a warm welcome.

11:45 – 12:00 Transfer to Nostalgia Cruise by a tender boat. Welcome aboard, we’ll have some welcome drinks and gather at the restaurant for a cruise briefing and some safety instructions.

12:45 – 13:00 Passengers will be taking lunch while we cruise and visit Ha Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay – one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature

15:00 – 15:30 We progress to Dark and Bright Caves – a must-visit destination! Kayaking through these caves is the ultimate way to experience the breathtaking beauty of Ha Long Bay up close.

Option 2: Discover Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches Islets), where tranquil waters and picturesque landscapes create an idyllic setting for kayaking or unwinding on a sandy shore. Take pleasure in a refreshing swim in the emerald-green waters. (If the weather permits)

17:00 – 17:30 Nostalgia Cruise anchors for an overnight stay in Tra Bau, Lan Ha Bay, offering a serene landscape to immerse yourself in the bay’s natural beauty.

18:00 – 18:15 Onboard you may join a cooking demonstration and enjoy the Happy Hour (buy 1 get 1) at the bar while watching the view of the bay at sunset.

Option: Massage service available. Please book with our Cruise Manager directly.

19:15 – 19:30 Savor a fusion dinner made with the freshest ingredients in a sophisticated space with elegant French neoclassical style and traditional oriental touches.

21:00 – 21:30 It’s time to admire the beauty of the night on the bay, our bar on the sundeck, and in the restaurant welcomes you. You may want to try your luck with squid fishing or watch a movie in the restaurant, we also have chess and cards for you.

23:00 Overnight on board.

Day 7: Lan Ha Bay/Hanoi/Overnight train to Hue (Brunch, G on board,)

06:00 – 06:30 It is a perfect time to refresh and indulge yourself in the peaceful beauty of the bay with a tai chi session on the sundeck. If you want to hunt for dawn, get up from 5:30 to 6:00 depending on the season, and consult our sailors.

06.45 – 07:00 We will have breakfast at the restaurant while continuing the cruise.

08:30 – 08:45 We progress to Hoa Cuong Cave, also known as Diamond Cave, remains untouched by humans, preserving its natural beauty. Hidden deep in a forest-covered mountain, it exudes mystery and wonder, sure to mesmerize visitors!

09:45 – 10:00 Nostalgia Cruise welcomes you back on board and it is time for checking out.

Enjoy a delightful brunch at our restaurant while cruising back.

11:00 – 11:45 Disembark Nostalgia Cruise at Tuan Chau Marina, say best wishes, and end your cruise with us.

You should arrive in the late afternoon and spend the night in Hanoi.

*Cruise program is subject to changed due to weather or cruise operation plan upon authority’s policy

You will be dropped off at a mini hotel nearby the railway station and  free until the time to Hue by overnight train.

Day 8: Hue Arrival/ Hue Royal Tombs (B, L, G)

Upon arrival at Hue station, your guide will meet you and take you to the hotel for the breakfast.

Next, you will be taken up by a cruise along the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda, and then by road to the Royal Tombs of Emperor Minh Mang and, in the afternoon, Emperor Khai Dinh. The two mausoleums span the long reign of the Nguyen King’s imperial dynasty – the contrast is stark.

From there, you’ll return to Hue to visit one of city’s ‘garden houses’ and then return to your hotel to freshen-up. You’ll spend the night in Hue.

Each Royal mausoleum reflects the personality of the Emperor it commemorates. The most majestic is that of Emperor Minh Mang, a staunch follower of Confucianism with many wives, concubines and a small army of children. Planned by the Emperor and built shortly after his death in formal Chinese style, it’s opulent and exotic, and a good example of classic Sino-Vietnamese architecture.

In complete contrast to Emperor Ming Mang’s flamboyant creation, the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh is an unprepossessing concrete construction on the side of a wide valley. Its interest lies in the uneasy combination of Vietnamese and European features, the use of fragments of ceramics and glass for decoration, and the striking views from the courtyard in front of the mausoleum.

The garden houses are a unique feature of Hue. The houses are traditional, privately owned, and set in attractive formal gardens. Some have connections with the old Royal Imperial Court. Hue traditional architecture has long had close associations with the natural environment. The garden houses reflect this association. Each is highly individual – house and garden, people and scenery, plants, clouds and water co-exist and blend with each other in a harmonious context. The narrow streets and abundant flora give the garden house area a country village feeling.

Day 9: Hue/Danang/Hoi An (B, L, G)

In the morning, your car will arrive to drive you to Danang. On the way, you’ll cross the high mountain pass of Hai Van. The views from top are excellent – you should be able to see Lang Co beach, village and the lagoon far below, and Danang spread out before you to the south. Upon arriving in Danang, you’ll have a brief look at the remarkable Hindu statuary in the Cham Museum before leaving for Hoi An. In the afternoon, you’ll have a guided visit to the Ancient Town of Hoi An. You’ll spend the night in Hoi An.

Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage area. An ancient trading port, once the largest in Indochina, Hoi An was a meeting point for many cultures that left their mark in the different architectural features of its wooden buildings. The original traditional street pattern still exists, as does the quay that once welcomed ships from all over East Asia and beyond. Many remained there for months at a time, waiting for favourable trade winds to carry them home.

There are plenty of good restaurants offering a variety of cuisines and price levels. The town is also a good place for shopping for silk. You can have your clothes tailor-made within a day or two at reasonable cost.

Hoi An town is three kilometres from Cua Dai Beach – part of what was known as China Beach and used for rest and recreation by American GIs during the Vietnam War. The beach is composed of white sand, is fringed with palm trees and overlooks the South China Sea.

Day 10: Hoi An – From Farmer to Fisherman (Join-in) (B, L, G)

The day starts with cycling the narrow roads through the countryside to a local farming village, passing by rice paddy fields, water buffalos, bamboo bridges and local farmers on their daily work. You will join in the daily work of local farmers – hoeing and a soil, watering veggie at an organic herb garden, riding water buffalo in the field. You’ll then board a boat to the mouth of the Thu Bon estuary where the river meets the Cua Dai Sea and cruise along the coastline observing the lives of the local fishermen.

After joining the fisherman to try your hand at catching fish in a traditional ‘Thung Chai’ basket boat, you will meander through the water palm coconut canal. During the American War, Viet Cong soldiers made use of this area as a highly effective hiding place from enemy attacks through their long struggle. Following an insightful visit to a local fishing village, you’ll be free to relax and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch.

Thung Chai Basket boats, similar in style to coracles in use throughout the ancient world, are widely used throughout Central Vietnam, and are highly suited to the local terrain and lifestyles of local fishermen due to their relative light weight and portability, often doubling as a carrier for various handy items. Circular and constructed of bamboo and tarred for waterproofing, these small boats can typically carry up to five people, and represent a fun-filled opportunity to touch the authentic rural soul of Vietnam. As a precaution, life jackets are provided for your safety during this excursion.

Please note that the clothing and footwear used for activities is likely to get wet and or dirty out on the water, in the mud and basket boats. Travellers are suggested to bring sufficient spare clothes in case it rains or you get wet or dirty during the morning activity sessions. Please wear shoes that are comfortable, and can be worn in the mud (or you will need to take your shoes out).  

Day 11: Hoi An free (B)

The day will be free for you to bike around Hoi An, go to An Bang Beach or do anything that takes your fancy. You will spend the night in Hoi An.

Day 12: Hoi An/Danang/Quy Nhon by luxury Vietage Train (B, L, DP)

At 06.00am, your driver will arrive at your hotel to pick you up and transfer you to Danang Train Station. You will board the Vietage train at 08.00 and start your scenic journey to Quy Nhon. Arriving at Dieu Tri train station at 14.03, you will be met and transferred to Anantara Quy Nhon Villas. You will spend the night in Quy Nhon.

The Vietage elegant and luxurious 12-guest carriage developed by Anantara links historic Hoi An Ancient Town to the unhurried coastlines of Quy Nhon, 318 kilometres to the South, on a six-hour journey that immerses travellers in the romance of the rails.

Inspired by the beauty of Vietnam and the luxury of vintage rail travel, The Vietage’s six spacious booths feature two comfortable window seats, offering everyone onboard views of Central Vietnam’s verdant plains, forested mountains and sparkling shores. This beautifully designed carriage also features its own sit-up bar, gourmet dining, private restroom and a dedicated area for head and shoulder treatments.

Among the finest beach resorts in Vietnam, surrounded by mountain on three sides and overlooking the Bay of Quy Nhon, Anantara Quy Nhon Villas offers beachfront basking and adventurous discoveries. Only 26 luxury pool villas dot seven acres of lush landscaping fronting a private cove.

Day 13: Quy Nhon free (B)

Your time will be your own!

Quy Nhon is a sleepy place off the regular tourist track.  It’s an important historical site with several magnificent Cham towers and was the home of the Tay Son brothers who led a peasant revolt and drove the Chinese invaders from Vietnam.

Day 14: Quy Nhon/Fly to Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon nightlife on a Vintage Vespa (Join-in) (B, D, DP in Quy Nhon, GP in Ho Chi Minh City)

After breakfast, you will be free until your private car and driver will arrive to take you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be welcomed by our guide and transferred to your hotel in the city centre.

*Check-in time: 15.00. Early check-in is subject to availability

In the evening at 18.00, you’ll be picked up at your hotel for Vespa tour. Your first stop is to Café zoom to “watch the world goes by” (quoted by The Lonely Planet) and enjoy cocktail and appetizer (inclusive) before adventuring into favourite local eating spot. You’ll experience the nightlife of Saigon the way locals do, all from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. Then the tour will continue to a hidden Vietnamese-style coffee shop to have a taste of Vietnamese music (live) as a local. Your overnight stay will be in Ho Chi Minh City.

The tour will start with a ride to part Chinatown and then heading to District 4 through busy streets and alleys to see the night life of locals and enjoy street sea- food and cold drinks, places that foreigner won’t be found. Leaving district 4 to district 3 the tour pass through downtown district 1 to take in the sights on the way to Banh Xeo, specialty of Saigon, and southern food with the locals.

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City and the Cu Chi tunnels (B, L, G)

After breakfast, your guide will take you to visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels, a Byzantine maze of underground passages, chambers, rooms and booby traps used by both the Vietminh and the Viet Cong to suddenly materialise as if from nowhere, launch a lightning ambush, and vanish equally rapidly.

Later, you’ll return back Ho Chi Minh City and your guide will show you around the city. You’ll visit the Reunification Hall – an early colonial masterpiece constructed to accommodate the Governor –general of Indochina. Next stop will be the Main Post Office – a masterpiece of French colonial architecture.

You’ll also call in at the Jade Emperor Temple. It’s one of the best Taoist temples in Vietnam, with superb effigies, remarkable carved panels of the descent to Hell and somewhat incongruous terrapin and tortoise sanctuaries before returning back to your hotel for refreshment. You will spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City departure (B, DP)

Your day will be free until your private car and driver arrive to take you to Tan Son Nhat airport for your international flight back home.

Key:

B = Breakfast

L = Lunch

D = Dinner

G = English-speaking tour guide

GP = English-speaking guided pick up

DP = Driver pick-up