Day 1: Hanoi

Arrival at Hanoi Airport. A shuttle bus takes you to your hotel in the heart of the old quarter of Hanoi. Despite the three million inhabitants Hanoi offers a rural and traditional atmosphere. The historic old town district is considered as one of the best preserved in Southeast Asia. The colourful and bustling streets contribute to the Asian flair. We take a walk though the streets and in the afternoon we visit the famous water puppet theatre- a traditional Vietnamese form of art. Today we get to know our fellow travellers when joining the dinner together.

Day 2: Hanoi – Hai Phong – Cat Ba (approx. 28 km/ 17 miles)

After breakfast our shuttle bus takes us past the vast rice fields to the city of Hai Phong. Upon arrival we board a speedboat at 10 am. It takes approx. 1 ¼ hours to get to Cat Ba. At the port of Phu Long we hop ashore and start our first bike ride. The first part leads us along the coast and later into the interior of the island. On a hilly road we cycle into the island’s capital to our hotel.

Day 3: Cát Bà Island – Viet Hai village (approx. 22 km/13 miles)

Early in the morning we cycle 5 km until we reach a small pier. A one hour boat ride takes us and our bicycles to another small landing stage. From there we cycle to a secluded village of the Viet Hai minority. We leave our bicycles and continue on foot on a fascinating guided tour through a nature reserve in a nature protected primary forest. Here not only the wild and untouched flora will impress us but also the huge and brilliantly coloured butterflies. Our destination is one of the highest mountains of the island. On a clear day a magnificent view of the Ha Long Bay and the entire island is offered. After the tour we cycle back to the boat and let the day fade away at the Sunrise Resort and its private beach. The night is spent in the hotel.

Day 4: Cat Ba – Gia Luan – Ha Long Bay (Kayak-day)

In the morning we have time to relax on the private beach or to visit the market in Cat Ba. After lunch at the hotel our transfer bus takes us to the port of Gia Luan where we board our boat and cruise to Ha Long Bay. After an interesting passage we reach the rocky wonderland of Ha Long Bay. With a kayak we participate on a discovering tour- the best way to reach the caves, lagoons and hidden coves. Afterwards our junk takes us close to the island of Soi Sim where we stay for the night.

Day 5: Ha Long Bay and Quan Lan Island (Kayak-day)

The day begins with a cruise to the Lam Bo channel with our junk and by kayak. There we explore the little known but very beautiful Me Cung cave. Me Cung means something like bewitching and beguiling. The entrance of the cave is so narrow that only one person can pass through. Then it expands to several small rooms with impressive stalagmites and stalactites. Inside of the cave it is dry and well ventilated. Once we have left the cave we have to ascend only a few steps in order to view the lagoon. A variety of fish, shellfish and aquatic plants live inside of the lagoon. Enjoy the view from the highest point of the island. If the weather allows we take our lunch on the island. In the afternoon a longer trip into the direction of Quan Lan is scheduled.

Day 6: Quan Lan Island and Trà Ban Island (approx. 29 km/10 km, 18 miles/6 miles)

In the morning we reach Quan Lan. The pristine white island is known for its spacious and completely untouched beaches which we explore by bike. Then we board our junk and cruise on into the direction of Trà B?n Island. On narrow roads and through green rice fields we start our tour on an island completely untouched by tourism. We will see Vietnams’ typical water buffalos and perhaps may even get a chance to talk with the local farmers who live in small villages along the way and who cultivate their fields continually. After an entertaining tour we return to our boat and cruise to Van Don Island.

Day 7: Van Don Island (approx. 33 km/ 20 miles)

After breakfast we farewell our junk and the friendly crew and start our bicycle ride on the island Vân ??n. First we cycle along the coast on a paved road, and then we cross nature paths through the well-wooded island interior. In a hotel at the port we have time to shower and to change clothes. From there a bus transfer takes us back to Hanoi. Along the way we have lunch in Ha Long City. In the evening we take a stroll through the bustling streets and alleys of the Vietnamese capital. Overnight stay at the hotel. 

Day 8: Hanoi – Hue (approx. 10 km / 6 miles)

In the morning we fly from Hanoi to Hue which is prettily located between hills and rice fields at a bend of the Perfume River. The spiritual heart of Vietnam beats here, in more than 300 temples and pagodas. In the afternoon we bicycle through this ancient imperial city to visit the expansive citadel with the “Forbidden Purple City” which was once exclusively reserved for the Ngyen dynasty. Afterwards we visit the Thien Mu Pagoda which is part of one of the most influential monasteries in Vietnam. The day ends with a leisurely boat trip on the Perfume River.

Day 9: Hue – Perfume River – Hoi An

In the morning a transfer bus takes us to one of the famous Vietnamese Emperor’s tombs. Afterwards we continue by bus to Hoi An. En route we make a brief stop at the Cloud Pass, the weather line between North and South Vietnam and at the Marble Mountain with its numerous little sanctuaries. Hoi An, once the most important port of Southeast Asia, has a delightful old centre inviting us to stroll around in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Hoi An (approx. 17 km / 11 miles)

Today we have the possibility to take a closer look into the daily life of the local farmers. In the morning we cycle to Tra Que- a small village in the suburban area of Hoi Ans. The name of the place originates from a sweet vegetable often used by the locals as a spice for their meals: a totally new and special kind of specialty! Our host prepares the meal with us together and explains us this special ingredient. The afternoon can be designed individually: A stroll through the picturesque old town or a relaxing bathing afternoon at the white beach of Cua Dai.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City

In the morning we will be transferred to Da Nang and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. The city is the vibrant heart of the south. On a guided tour through the rapidly growing metropolis we visit the town hall, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum commemorating the Vietnam War. Overnight at the hotel. 

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta (approx. 20 km / 12 miles)

After breakfast the transfer takes us to My Tho where we will check in on a boat which brings us to Cai Be. During the short trip we cruise along the Mekong and can enjoy the ample growing nature of the delta as well as the river related life of the inhabitants. By boat we move on north to Ben Tre. Here we have a relaxing cycle tour including some kilometers only. Back on board lunch is served. In the afternoon the schedule includes the discovery of the green island Ngu Hiep and we have the opportunity to try exotic fruits while getting astonished by different local handcrafts.

Day 13: Mekong Delta – Islands of Vingh Long and Traon (approx. 30 km / 19 miles)

In the morning we cross over to Vingh Long Island and under palm-shaded paths we cycle around the island. We continue by boat to Traon Island where we have once more the opportunity to explore the surroundings by bike. Later on we can enjoy the excellent cuisine on board and the wonderful evening atmosphere in the water labyrinth of the Mekong Delta.

Day 14: Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City

During breakfast the ship takes us to Can Tho, where we will be transferred to a small boat taking us to Cai Rong, the most famous floating market of the Delta. Make sure to have your camera at the ready before getting caught up in the unique atmosphere of the merchants on their gaily painted boats. The following cruise through the small tributaries of the Delta completes our visit in the south. After lunch on board of the Conchinchine we check out and are transferred back to Ho Chi Minh City. Departure is possible from 8 pm on.Day

15: Ho Chi Minh City

Individuel departure or extended tour to Cambodia (Angkor Wat, Siem Reap) 

Due to technical reasons or weather conditions changes of schedule are subject to changes.