Vietnam Rails Tour Highlight (Saigon to Hanoi) (#105a)

Day 1: Saigon – arrival (no meals)

You can choose to depart this tour from Hanoi if you wish to.
You are welcomed at Tan Son Nhat Airport from flight and be transferred (no guide) to hotel in the city center.
Rest of time is free at leisure.
In the largest city of Vietnam, you will see the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese life everywhere, and there is something invigorating about it all. Constrasting images of the exotic and mundane abound. There are the street markets, where bargains are struck and deals are done; the pavement cafes, where stereo speakers fill the surrounding streets with a melodious thumping beat; and the sleek new cafes and pubs, where tourists chat over beer, pretzels, coffee and croissants. A young office worker manoeuvres her Honda Dream through rush-hour traffic, long hair flowing, high heel working the break pedal. The sweating Chinese businessman chats on his cellular phone, cursing his necktie in the tropical heat.
Overnight in Saigon.

Day 2: Saigon – full day visit Mekong Delta /Cai Be floating market (B)

Breakfast at hotel.
08:00am: your tour guide in the South of Vietnam welcomes you at hotel, leave the city for a scenic drive to the watery world of the Mekong Delta – Vietnam’s most fertile region and the source of a large amount of the country’s fresh food. Continue taking a boat trip to fruit orchards and Cai Be floating market which offer great insights into the daily lives of the locals along the rivers and canals. Drive back Saigon

Note: Cai Be floating market, a nice traditional business way in this Mekong Delta, nowaday has been changed alike city center, but you still can see some small supermarket boat, house boat, fruit boat… as a proof of those locals.
Overnight in Saigon.

Day 3: Saigon – half day visit Cu Chi tunnels – half day sightseeing Saigon – night train to Da Nang (B)

A morning city tour of bustling Ho Chi Minh City. We explore Ho Chi Minh City’s grand boulevards, passing famous sites such as the former President’s Palace, Saigon Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral.

In the afternoon, we leave for Cu Chi tunnels:  one of the few remaining monuments in the Vietnam War. The tunnels were part of an underground network that was built by the Vietcong during the American War. Come back to Saigon, directly transfer  to Saigon train station for evening Reunification Express train to Da Nang. Soft sleeper 4-berth sharing cabin, SE2 (1930/1231+1).
Overnight on train.

Day 4: Da Nang arrival – visit Danang & Hoian ancient town (no meals)

12.31 pm: Meet on arrival at Danang station, transfer to visit Cham Museum with its collection of relics from the Cham Kingdom. Passing Danang, the car will continue to Hoian with visit of Marble Mountains on the way.
Explore Hoian charming town on foot.
Overnight in Hoian.

Day 5: Hoi An – visit My Son hollyland – Danang station – train journey to Hue (B)

In the morning, drive to visit My Son – one of the most stunning sights in the Hoi An area. My Son is Vietnam’s most important Cham site and as of 2000 a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the centuries when Tra Kieu (the known as Simhapura) served as the political capital of Champa, My Son was the site of the most important Cham intellectual and religious centre, and also may has served as burial place for Cham monarchs. My Son is considered to be Champa’s counterpart to the grand city of South-East Asia’s other Indian-influence civilisation: Angkor (Cambodia), Bagan (Myanmar), Ayuthaya (Thailand) and Borobudur (Java).
Transfer to Danang train station & enjoy your train trip to Hue with Reunification Express train. Soft seat with A/C, SE4 (1413/1639). On arrival, transfer to your hotel for check in.
Overnight in Hue.

Day 6: Hue – Hanoi (B)

In the morning, take a cruise on the scenic Perfume River and visit the 16th century Thien Mu pagoda
Continue to visit the Imperial Citadel-an impressive complex, first built in 17th century based on the ancient practice of geomancy. We also take a visit the completely different Khai Dinh royal burial place, built in the 1930’s.
Transfer to Hue railway station to catch a night train to Hanoi on Reunification Express carriage. A/c soft sleeper, 4-berth sharing cabin, SE2 (1531/0450+1)
Overnight on train

Day 7: Hanoi station – early morning arrival – full day sightseeing (B)

4.50  am: arrive in Hanoi train station. TAKE METER TAXI TO HOTEL (WE RECOMMEND YOU TO TAKE MAI LINH TAXI, ABC TAXI, TAXI GROUP AS IT IS RELIABLE ENOUGH)
Refresh, bring you back to the shape! Early check-in & breakfast at hotel inclusive.

9.00 am: your tour guide welcomes you at hotel, enjoy a full day city tour starting with Ho Chi Minh Complex (Monday & Friday close) which includes Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum – the final resting place of the beloved national hero, Uncle Ho. Then we visit the President Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house where he lived off and on from 1958 to 1969. You’ll also go to the Ho Chi Minh Museum where you can learn about this remarkable man and what he did for Vietnam and the region. Next, you’ll visit the One Pillar Pagoda which is actually a group of structures that collectively make up a pagoda built over the water in the middle of a square lake. Then we visit the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam and  Ethnology Museum: dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The beautiful West Lake and the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history are also highlight of our trip. Visit these sights before continuing to the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 8: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay (B/L/D), no escort guide from Hanoi, guide on junk/cruise

Breakfast at hotel.

PROGRAM WITH GLORY CRUISE  
7.30 : Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi. Drive to Halong City through the paddy fields in the Red River Delta.
12.00 – 13.00: Arrive in Tuan Chau Wharf – Breaking and taking photo at Glory Legend Private Lounge
13.00 – 15.30: Check in and enjoy Welcome Drink, receive cruise brief and safety instruction by crew member and  Cruise Manager
Start cruising. Enjoy set menu lunch while cruising to magnificent Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay, admire the fascinating formations on the way. You will have opportunity to see the famous rockes such as: Perfume Rock, Fighting Cock, Lonely Rock, Saddle Rock…. before arrives to “Vung Viêng” village.
15.30 – 17.30:Visit “Vung Viêng” village by a rustic – row boat, meet the local people who will help you row the boat for sightseeing. Enjoy quiet space and fresh air, you will feel truly relaxing.
17.30 – 19.30: Back to the boat and free time for relaxing

Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)
Cooking class on sundeck – How to make spring rolls. Then enjoy spring rolls you make together and Happy Hour (buy one drink, get one free). It is time for chatting and relaxing.
19.30 – 23.00: Deluxe Vietnamese Dinner will be served
Evening activities include: Leisure time for chatting around the bar, watching many sorts of Vietnam cultural films, relaxing and spending a romantic night on Glory Legend Cruises’ music, reading magazines in room and dining room.
Passengers may also try their luck with squid fishing on the boat.

Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)

PROGRAM WITH PELICAN CRUISE
7.30 : Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi. Drive to Halong City through the paddy fields in the Red River Delta
Stopover at Hai Duong province for refreshment about 20 – 30 minutes
12.00 – 13.00: Arrive in Tuan Chau Wharf – Breaking and taking photo at Pelican Privateb Lounge
Transfer by tender to the boat
13.00 – 15.30: Check in and enjoy Welcome Drink, receive cruise brief and safety instruction by crew member and  Cruise Manager
Start cruising. Enjoy buffet lunch while cruising to magnificent Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay, admire the fascinating formations on the way. You will have opportunity to see the famous rockes such as: Perfume Rock, Fighting Cock, Lonely Rock, Saddle Rock…. before arrives to “Vung Viêng” village.
15.30 – 17.30: Visit “Vung Viêng” village by a rustic – row boat, meet the local people who will help you row the boat for sightseeing. Enjoy quiet space and fresh air, you will feel truly relaxing.
Free optional swimming and kayaking around many small and big islands at emerald Bai Tu Long water.
17.30 – 19.30: Back to the boat and free time for relax

Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)
Cooking class on sundeck – How to make Vietnamese spring rolls. Then enjoy the spring rolls you make together and Happy Hour (buy one drink, get one free). It is time for chatting and relaxing.
19.30 – 23.00: Deluxe Vietnamese Dinner will be served

PROGRAM WITH STARLIGHT CRUISE
08:00 – 08:30: Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. Check in Oriental Sails JSC’s private waiting hall – The Oriental Sails Lounge in Hong Gai Tourist Wharf.

12:30 – 13:00: Embark Starlight Cruise. Enjoy welcome drink and get a brief introduction about cruise and safety guidelines. Check-in your cabin.

13:15 – 16:00: Have lunch while cruising in the magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay.

16:00 – 17:00: Visit Thien Canh Son Cave – the most beautiful cave in Bai Tu Long Bay

17:00 – 17:30: Return to Starlight Cruise, Cruising to Cong Do Area, enjoy the sunset and relaxing with Jacuzzi

17:30 – 19:00: Try mini-golf on the top deck or take part in a cooking demonstration and food décor with our Chef. Happy hour with finger food is served.

19:00 – 21:00: Dinner is served. Private dinner is available on request.

21:00 – 22:00: Join squid fishing with the crew, sing karaoke or just laze around, relax in your cabin. Overnight on board at Cong Do Area

Day 9: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – night train to Lao Cai, guide on junk/cruise, no escort guide back Hanoi

PROGRAM WITH GLORY CRUISE (Brunch)
06.00 – 09.00: Taking part in Tai Chi class on the sundeck (duration about 30 minutes)
Coffee, tea and pastries… for breakfast are served in the dining ROOM with morning view of bay’s landscape.
Transfer by tender to Sung Sot Cave. Walk up about 100 steps to the cave entrance. It takes approximately 45 minutes for cave visiting. Return to the boat by tender. Proper shoes are highly recommended.
09.00 – 11.30: Check out and make payment in reception area
Have a set menu brunch while cruising back to the Tuan Chau Wharf. Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery as approaching the wharf.
11.30: Transfer by tender to Tuan Chau Wharf. Say goodbye  to the crew
12.00 – 16.30: Return from Halong to Hanoi by shuttle bus
Stop over the middle to visit a traditional workshop
16.30: Arrive in Hanoi

PROGRAM WITH PELICAN CRUISE (Brunch)
06.00 – 09.00: Taking part in Tai Chi class on the sundeck (duration about 30 minutes)
Coffee, tea and pastries for breakfast are served in the dining room with morning view of bay’s landscape.
Transfer by tender to Sung Sot Cave. Walk up about 100 steps to the cave entrance. It takes approximately 45 minutes for cave visiting. Return to the boat by tender. Proper shoes are highly recommended.
09.00 – 11.30: Check out and make payment in reception area
Have a buffet brunch while cruising back to the Tuan Chau Wharf. Relaxing on the sundeck or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery as approaching the wharf.
11.30: Transfer by tender to Tuan Chau Wharf. Say goodbye  to the crew
12.00 – 16.30: Return from Halong to Hanoi by shuttle bus
Stop over the middle to visit a traditional workshop
16.30: Arrive in Hanoi.

PROGRAM WITH STARLIGHT CRUISE (Brunch)
06:30 – 7:00: Welcome a new day with amazing dawn on the Legendary Gulf of Tonkin. Refresh your body & soul by a Tai-chi lesson on sundeck.

07:00 – 08:00: Catch morning view of seascapes with a cup of tea or coffee, have breakfast while cruising toward Vung Vieng fishing village.
08:00 – 09:00: You are free to choose one of the below options:
Option 1: Fishing village visit
Those are interested in local daily life: Take a bamboo rowing boat trip (around 45 minutes) around Vung Vieng fishing village – one of the largest fishing villages in Halong Bay to see the life of local fishermen. The village is set in closed lagoon, surrounded by mountains, excellent settings for some good photos.
Option 2: Beach and kayaking
For those who like some water activities and beach. The tender shall take you to Ban Chan beach, where you can enjoy yourself on the beach, swimming or playing volleyball…, or try your hands in some kayaking in the magnificent setting for Halong Bay.
09:00 – 09:30: Return to Starlight Cruise for freshening up and checking out your cabin. Starlight Cruise weighs the anchor to continue roaming around the picturesque route toward Hon Gai harbor.
09:30 – 12:00: Have early lunch.
12:00 Disembark.
Transfer back to your hotel in Hanoi by shuttle bus. Arrive Hanoi city at around 04:00 – 04.30 pm

Rest of time is free at leisure.
Day-use at standard 3* hotel till 20:00 is inclusive.
20:15: our driver (no guide escort) will come to your hotel, pick up & transfer to Hanoi train station for your night train to Lao Cai. Soft-sleeper, wooden 4-berth sharing cabin on tourist carriage train.
Overnight on train.

Day 10: Laocai train station – Early morning arrival – Cat Cat village – Sin Chai village – Sapa visits (B)

Early morning: arrives at Laocai train station – your tour guide in Sapa welcomes you & drive uphill to Sapa
Have breakfast at local restaurant and get leisure a bit before exploring Sapa
At a elevation of 1600 meters, Sapa is a delightful old French hill station situated in the mountainous region of Vietnams’ Northwest, close to the Chinese border. The region is home to many ethnic minorities groups all wearing their traditional and colourful attire.
Short trek to Ham Rong Mountain, enjoy the minority show performed by the young minority ladies and men. On clear days you get a beautiful overview of Sapa town and will visit the so-called “stone forest” here. Trek back to Sapa, visit the center market.
In the afternoon, transfer by car to meeting point for taking a short trekking to Cat Cat village & Sin Chai village, home to Hmong people. Walk around the village and share the daily lives of the locals for a rare glimpse into their culture and customs.
Overnight in Sapa

Day 11: Sapa – Ta Phin village – Love waterfall – Tram Ton Pass -Lao Cai station – night train to Hanoi (B)

After breakfast check out and get ready for the trip. Drive to the direction of Ta Phin village (abt 40 minutes)- home to the Red Dao people. Here you have the opportunity to share cultural experiences with the families of Black Hmong and Red Dao that live in the area. This will be about a 2 hour hiking experience.
The trip also offers you the opportunity to visit the local houses as well as visit the local caves. We continue to visit Tram Ton Pass & Love waterfall then continue drive to Lao Cai station for night train to Hanoi. Soft-sleeper, wooden 4-berth sharing cabin on tourist carriage train.
Overnight on train.

Day 12: Hanoi arrival – departure (B)

Early arrival Hanoi station, take taxi to your hotel (PLEASE TELL THE DRIVER TO TURN ON THE METER AND WE RECOMMEND YOU TO CHOOSE MAI LINH TAXI , ABC TAXI, TAXI GROUP AS IT IS RELIABLE ENOUGH!)
If you wish to book hotel here or private transfer directly to airport then tell us so we can include into the package.
Ends of trip!

Prices until 31.10.2025 (except public holidays)

Price is nett per person in US$, a half twin shared basis, tax, service charge included in the party of

USD10–/per person off rate for traveling in summer: May, June, July, August

Interested in customizing this tour as per your wish? Please email us for details

Price inclusive

• Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast at hotel mentioned.
• Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above (Please note: pick-ups will be by a guide and driver or, where a guide is not necessary, a driver only. All unaccompanied drivers will be briefed in advance, and will carry a mobile phone to ensure smooth transfer arrangements)
• Mineral water and wet wipe
• All entrance fees, boat fees
• Overnight junk fees
• Train tickets as mentioned
• English/French speaking local stationed guide
• Fullboard on junk in Halong Bay
• Kayaking Halong Bay (2 people per kayak)
• Early check in at hotel and usage of room and breakfast at hotel in Hanoi on arrival from Hue
• Day usage at standard hotel after returning from Halong
• Vietnam visa letter of approval (complimentary)

Price exlusive

• Peak season surcharge: public holidays and Christmas Eve (24/12) and New Year Eve
• International flight tickets and airport tax.
• Visa stamp fee
• Dinners, except as specified above.
• Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
• Camera fees (if any)
• Diving fees
• Insurance

Hotels used for Standard class or similar 

Hotels used for Superior class or similar 

Hotels used for First class or similar 

Hotels used for Deluxe class or similar