Walking with sightseeing in Vietnam

Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to our hotel in Hanoi’s atmospheric Old Quarter. Later the whole group will meet for a welcome dinner and a chance to meet your fellow travellers.

Distance: approx. 4.5 miles (7 km)

Today we will explore on foot the sights and sounds of Hanoi, Vietnams vibrant and historic capital. Founded as the capital in 1010 by Emperor Lý Thái Tổ it was then called Thang Long – Rising dragon symbolising prosperity and power. Our walk begins at Train Street where buildings are inches away from the active train tracks. Visitors often enjoy a coffee while watching the trains go by and feeling the gust of wind they create. From here we head to the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 it is complex honouring Confucious and later becoming Vietnam’s first national university. Five architecturally beautiful courtyards tell the story of Vietnams intellectual history and manicured gardens, and lotus pools create a serene haven from the contrasting bustle of Hanoi. After lunch we explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex which includes a museum with exhibits relating to Ho Chi Minh’s life and his mausoleum, his final resting place. Tree lined avenues take us past the Imperial Citadel which served as a royal political centre for over a millennium. You have the option to stay and visit the citadel and make your own way back to the hotel or continue walking with your Tour Manager back to the old town.

Distance: approx. 7.5 miles (12 km)

Leaving Hanoi, our journey takes around four hours and brings us to Mai Chau valley, surrounded by high limestone mountains and filled with rice fields. This area is home to the White Thais, and we’ll pass many hamlets of wooden houses on stilts, stopping to meet a local family for a traditional lunch and a chance to learn more of their way of life.

Spend the afternoon walking on backroads and paths between rice fields, villages, and vegetable plots, observing the farmers and their buffaloes at work. Our walk ends at the serene Mai Hich village where we will become immersed in the local culture for the next two nights in our comfortable home stays.

Distance: approx. 7 miles (11 km)

Distance: approx. 6 miles (10 km)

Distance: approx. 6.5 miles (10 km)

Today we have a rural “day in the life” of Ninh Binh. For those who would like to do an early morning visit to experience the hustle and bustle of a local market your Tour Manager will meet you in reception. On return to the hotel enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a gentle walk through an artisan’s village famous worldwide for intricate lace and thread embroidery. It is not just about clothing, the artisans also produce home décor, unique thread paintings and even small souvenirs like bottle holders using traditional and modern designs. Try your hand with this traditional craft said to date back 800 years. From the village we board our sampans for a ride through Thung Nang, navigating limestone karsts, caves, and quiet waterways. A sampan is a traditional flat-bottomed boat that uses oar power to get around. Thung Nang or Sunshine Valley is a tranquil ecotourism spot known for its rivers that reflect the emerald-green of the rice fields or golden fields during harvest. Disembarking we head to a local home and meet our hosts who will provide a delicious home-made lunch in a garden setting. Enjoy some free time back at the hotel before a short drive to Hang Mua Mountain to climb the 500 stone steps to its summit. Viewpoints feature a dragon statue and a pagoda, and the climb is worth the effort as it rewards with stunning panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.

Departing early, we drive across the Red River Delta to the coast and the Gulf of Tonkin where we embark on a two-night cruise aboard a deluxe cruise boat and one of the prettiest in Halong.

Over the next two days we’ll sail through one of the world’s most majestic UNESCO-listed locations. Relax on deck, tuck into delicious meals, and take in the ever-changing landscape as we explore the lesser-known channels of Ha Long and Lan Ha bays. Lan Ha bay is a less-crowded alternative offering turquoise waters and emerald-green limestone mountains. As we cruise you may spot primates in the foliage of the islands or the abundant marine life and even rare birds.

There’s the opportunity to visit limestone caves, kayak in coves, and swim in the emerald waters. Early risers can enjoy a sunrise Tai Chi session, or you could take part in a cooking demonstration.

Paradise Grand Cruise

Sail through one of the world’s most majestic UNESCO-listed locations aboard the 5-star Paradise Grand. With just 39 cabins, this luxury cruise offers an intimate experience, complemented by spacious, elegantly appointed rooms – all with a balcony or terrace for uninterrupted views of emerald waters and limestone cliffs. Onboard highlights include a jacuzzi, spa, sundeck, piano lounge, and Michelin-starred menus. Join morning Tai Chi, try Vietnamese cooking with the resident chef, or watch a classic film under the stars.

Distance: approx. 4.5 miles (7km)

On arrival in Hue this morning we transfer to our hotel where breakfast is waiting. Then we’ll set off for a walking tour of Hue’s imperial past. The Imperial City was Vietnam’s political, cultural and religious centre under the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 – 1945. We enter through the Northern gate which was designed for the King’s private use. This vast complex includes palaces, temples, moats, gardens and the Forbidden Purple City which was the royal residence.

After exploring this grand city, we will stop for lunch and then there is free time back at the hotel where you can use the pool or relax in the gardens, or stay out and explore more of Hue independently.

After breakfast, we visit Dong Ba market, one of the oldest and biggest in Hue. With more than 2,700 stalls filled with fresh foods, conical hats, silk items, lacquer ware and steaming cooking pots with fragrant street foods, this is a fascinating insight into the Vietnamese way of life. A short drive outside Hue is Tu Duc Tomb built by a romantic Emperor who loved art, poetry and nature. Tu Duc’s palace where he relaxed and wrote poetry, became his final resting place in 1883. There is a central lotus-filled lake with an island, a memorial temple, various pavilions including Bi Dinh which houses a huge stone stele with the emperor’s autobiography etched into it. All surrounded by gardens.

Nearby Thuy Bieu Village is our next stop where we will visit a local house and garden and meet our host who will welcome us with home-made ginger jam and tea. We take a walk around the village and then cruise on the famous Perfume River with a visit to the 7-storey octagonal tower of the Thien Mu Pagoda.

Our lunch is a very special and exclusive experience for our groups. We will share a vegan lunch and conversations with a Buddhist Monk at the pagoda. Your Tour Manager will facilitate the conversation so that you can ask any questions you have.

Return to our hotel in Hue and enjoy free time.

Distance: approx 2.5 miles (4km)

Today our journey continues to the charming town of Hoi An. Along the way we will pass Lang Co Bay which is recognised as one of the world’s most beautiful. Pristine white beaches and clear turquoise waters have a backdrop of lush green mountains. We will travel on the Hai Van Pass, known as the “Ocean cloud pass” it is famous for its dramatic coastal views. 

Close to Hoi An we stop at Tra Que a charming centuries-old farming village where we can see local agricultural practises and meet some of its residents. From here it is an easy walk to Hoi An and our riverside hotel. Settle in and relax before exploring Hoi An’s legendary street food scene. Your Tour Manager will introduce you to some of the freshly prepared local delicacies like crispy savoury pancakes, fragrant noodle soups and the iconic Vietnamese sandwich Banh Mi.

Distance: approx. 3 miles (5km)

Our day starts with a walk around the UNESCO world heritage old town, a well-preserved former trading port with a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and European influences. A silk route hub from the 15th – 19th centuries today it offers a charming walkable experience of laneways with yellow Merchant houses, an iconic Japanese covered bridge and various temples.

We delve into the local market wandering around colourful stalls laden with fresh produce, spices and herbs perfect ingredients for our cooking lesson. We travel by boat to a small farm tucked away on an island in the Thu Bon River. Here we will have a hands-on cooking lesson with our local chef and taste the results of our cooking prowess. Walking through farmlands we return to Hoi An and the remainder of the day is free to relax or explore further.

Today is free to explore the delightful port town of Hoi An at your own pace, or perhaps take the opportunity to do some shopping – it’s famous for its excellent tailors. You could also head to a nearby beach - An Bang beach is a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. This evening we’ll meet up for our farewell dinner and a chance to reflect on our adventures in Vietnam.

Our tour ends after breakfast. Transfer to Danang International Airport which is around an hours drive.

With flight guests arrive back in the UK.