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, sit back with a cup of traditional egg coffee at the active "train street" to anticipate the thrilling moment when a train passes just inches away.

  Following this, proceed with a short drive 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

  An entertaining day out in cool climes unfolds as you ride the world-record-setting cable car up to the French-inspired hilltop resort of Bai Na. The iconic 150-metre-long Hands Bridge (or Golden Bridge), held up by two giant stone hands, will hold you in awe and make you feel like you are walking in the clouds. Then, visit some old French villas and immerse yourself in the spiritual serenity of Linh Ung Pagoda before enjoying lunch at a buffet restaurant.

  This afternoon, you are free to explore the Fantasy Park and check out some of its attractions. Appreciate the expansive views of the Ba Na Hills as you ride the cable car back.

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  • Da Nang

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

  Experience the authentic charm of Hoi An in a one-day tour. Start your day with a vibrant local market visit, allowing you to procure fresh ingredients for your upcoming cooking class. Afterward, board a traditional bamboo basket boat to go fishing for crabs amidst the serene nipa palm forest. Around noon, partake in a cooking class lead by a skilled chef to prepare different Vietnamese dishes in a rustic village. After cooking, relish your own creations for lunch. After that, savor your own culinary creations for lunch.

  This afternoon goes with a lesurely walk around the charming Hoi An Ancient Town. Your guide will lead you to explore its historic architecture, from ornate Vietnamese tube houses to wooden Chinese temples, iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and French colonial buildings.

  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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