Mekhala Cruise

Welcome to Vietnam!

Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up at your hotel in or near the city’s Old Quarter.

Pho Hanoi

After settling in, you can stretch your legs on a self-guided walking tour. Remember, no visit to Vietnam would be complete without sampling its famous cuisine. So, follow your nose around the Old Quarter, where you’ll find an abundance of great street food and some of the best restaurants in the city. Don’t miss pho, the famous beef and noodle soup that has all but conquered the world. There’s nothing quite like tucking into a bowl of this aromatic broth in the place where it was invented.

Included: Airport pick-up and accommodation.

After having breakfast, leave your hotel on a short drive from Hanoi to the Bat Trang Pottery Village, where you’ll learn about the traditional handicrafts of Vietnam’s Red River Delta region. Stop for a workshop where you’ll learn to make a piece of pottery, from turning the clay on a wheel to drying and decorating. You can take away your masterpiece as a souvenir.

Bat Trang Pottery Village

As dusk falls, meet your guide and head back to Hanoi’s Old Quarter for a delicious evening of culinary exploration. Stroll through the historic district’s hidden lanes, savoring the city’s best street food. Try local favorites like pho sot vang (noodle soup with pork and herbs), bun cha (grilled pork with rice noodles), and of course, the famous banh mi sandwich. Wash it all down with some sugar can juice or perhaps a local rice wine. Afterward, head back to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast.

You’ll spend this day to discover Hanoi’s beauty, history, and cuisine on a private, full-day tour. First, you’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to see the final resting place of “Uncle Ho”. Adjacent to it is the 11th-century One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple regarded as the most unique pagoda in Asia due to its lotus flower design perched on a stone pillar rising out of the pond.

After that, visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, which occupies four floors and showcases women’s role in Vietnamese culture and society. The first part of the day ends with a stop at Thang Long, an imperial; citadel dating back to the 11th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was Vietnam’s political and cultural center for several dynasties.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, explore the Museum of Ethnology. There are over 25,000 items from 54 54 ethnic minorities in Vietnam here. This museum provides you with information about the Vietnamese people and their rich and diverse culture.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast and lunch.

Today is yours to enjoy Hanoi. If you haven’t already, perhaps take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. Located in the Old Quarter, at its north end is the Temple of the Jade Mountain, built in the 18th century to honor Tran Hung Dao, a famous military commander. In the center is Turtle Tower, a small stone tower built to commemorate the mythological Golden Turtle Gold, Kim Qui.

Hoan Kiem Lake

If you like, take the rest of the afternoon to stroll the Old Quarter and do some shopping. Then transfer to the station, where you’ll boat an overnight train bound for Lao Cai. This northern region is known for its beautiful mountain landscapes, diverse ethnic cultures, and its role as a gateway to the famous Sapa and its iconic terrace rice fields.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Hanoi – Lao Cai train ticket, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast.

Upon arrival at Lao Cai Station, you’ll have breakfast and take the scenic transfer to Sapa. During the trip, you’ll pass winding rivers and gorgeous mountain valleys dotted with rice and cornfields, gardens, bamboo forests, and humble villages populated by Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. These groups originated in southern China and emigrated to places like Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand over several centuries.

After arriving in Sapa, you’ll check into your hotel, freshen up, and then head out to a few nearby villages. You’ll witness the daily life of the Black Hmong at Lao Chai village, who are renowned for their handicrafts and traditional colorful garment dresses made by hand. From here, you’ll enjoy the panoramic view of Muong Hoa, the largest valley in Vietnam, which contains some of the country’s most picturesque rice fields.

Muong Hoa Valley

Continue hiking along terraced rice paddies to Ta Van, a village home to the Giay people. They’re known for their rich culture and traditional wooden stilt homes rising above the rice fields. This area marks the beginning of the expansive Muong Hoa Valley, and from a high point on the main road, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the villages and soaring mountains surrounding them.

At the end of the afternoon, transfer back to Sapa.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Meals: dinner.

Start the day with a short drive a few miles west to Mount Fansipan, Vietnam’s tallest mountain, also called “Roof of Indochina”. The journey to the top involves a thrilling cable car ride that ends at a garden complex dotted with pagodas and Buddha statues. From there, you can either hike or take a funicular train the rest of the way to the summit. At the 10,212-foot (3,134 m) peak, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of clouds topped mountains and can see across the border into China.

Mount Fansipan

After that, meet your driver and continue to the O Quy Ho Mountain Pass in the Hoang Lien Son range. Also known as Heaven’s Gate, it’s the highest mountain pass in Vietnam at 6,676 feet (2,035 m), and contains some of the north’s most epic scenery. Later, you’ll transfer back to Sapa.

Overnight in Sapa.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation. English-speaking guide, Meals: dinner.

Start your day with a cup of coffee amid stunning views of mist-shrouded peaks. Then head out and explore the town. Wander Sapa’s hilly streets, stop at the Stone Church (a French colonial landmark dating to 1902), and shop for handicrafts sold by local Hmong women in traditional dress.

Sapa town

To learn more about the area, visit the Sapa Culture Museum, which features exhibits in English. Later in the day, you’ll transfer to the train station in Lao Cai for the overnight trip back to Hanoi.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, Lao Cai – Hanoi train ticket, Meals: breakfast.

Arrive back in Hanoi in the early morning. Then, meet your driver and transfer from the train station 3.5 hours north to the legendary Ha Long Bay. Located on the Gulf of Tonkin, over 1,000 karst islets rise above jade waters and resemble the spine of some mythological creature.

Halong Bay

Upon arrival at the marina, you’ll board a multilevel cruise ship for an overnight tour. Afer settling into your cabin, head up to the deck, where a delicious seafood lunch awaits. Then, you can spend hours relaxing on the sundeck as the ship sails across glassy emerald waters to secluded corners of the bay.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Meals: lunch, dinner.

Wake up early in the morning to catch the sunrise gilding the bay waters. Then sit down and enjoy breakfast in the open air as you cruise around towering karst islets. The rest of the morning is free to relax and enjoy the views or participate in one or two more optional activities, like kayaking around Ha Long Bay’s famous floating villages. After an early lunch, you’ll disembark at the marina and catch the transfer bus back to Hanoi.

Vung Vieng Fishing Village

Once back in the city, transfer to the airport and catch a flight south to Da Nang. Then, it’s another transfer down the coast to Hoi An, which was a major trading port from the 15th century through the 19th century. Check into your hotel and the remaining time at your leisure.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, Hanoi – Da Nang flight ticket, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast.

Today, you’ll spend time exploring the countryside of Hoi An.

With a full bicycle basket, leave Hoi An and pedal along a riverside backroad, passing shrimp farms, fishing villages, and Cam Thanh. This waterfront village is famous for its lush mangroves and 208-acre (84 ha) coconut palm forest. Here, you’ll hop in a traditional basket boat (called a thung chai) for a ride down the Thu Bon River.

Then, transfer to the Tra Que Vegetable Village. Upon arrival, visit a local home and enjoy a welcome drink. You will meet your chef who will show the tricks and techniques for preparing delicious regional dishes.

Tra Que Village

Later, return to Hoi An and enjoy some leisure time. Stroll the riverfront promenade and admire the faded yellow colonial architecture and Japanese/Chinese merchant buildings, browse the galleries of Ancient Town to discover Hoi An’s burgeoning art scene, or relax at a café by the river.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Today, you’ll visit one of the most impressive landmarks in Vietnam – the Golden Bridge.

Meet your driver and tour guide in the morning for the transfer back to Da Nang. Your destination is Ba Na Hill, a mountaintop resort/theme park that was once a popular vacation spot for the French during the colonial period.

Golden Bridge – Iconic sign of Da Nang

At the station, you’ll ride a cable car to the famous Golden Bridge, a 492-foot-long (150 m) pedestrian bridge supported by two giant stone hands. Here, at 4,900 feet (1,500 m) in altitude, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Quang Nam province laid out below. Then, explore the charming French Village, home to a Gothic-style cathedral and French restaurant. After a break for lunch, you’ll return to Da Nang via cable car and transfer back to Hoi An.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: dinner.

In the morning, you’ll transfer to the Da Nang airport and catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, Vietnam’s largest metropolis is a wonderland of contradictions, as famous for its French colonial and wartime history as its modern skyscrapers and chaotically fun streets.

Ho Chi Minh City By Night

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, check in, and spend the rest of the day exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s streets. When you’re ready for a break, grab a beer or soda in the bar at the 861-foot (262 m) Bitexco Tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh flight ticket, Visit fee, Meals: dinner.

Today, you will visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. This immense network of underground passages was constructed in 1945 to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from French attacks. They also served as living quarters, communications hubs, and supply routes with storage areas and hospitals.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Having at a local restaurant, then return to Ho Chi Minh City for a highlights tour in the afternoon. First up is Reunification Palace (also known as Independence Palace), the Saigon government’s headquarters during the American War (as the Vietnam War is known locally). After that, visit the historic 19th-century landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. You’ll also stop at Ben Thanh, one of the largest municipal markets in the city.

Overnight at your hotel.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast.

It’s time to say goodbye to the bustling city as you leave Saigon this morning and venture into the famed Mekong Delta. At 8 am, a driver will pick you up from the hotel for the 2.5-hour ride to the heart of the delta region and the town of Cai Be, which sits on the Mekong River. During the driving, you’ll be treated to scenes of traditional countryside life.

Mekong Delta

Upon arrival in Cai Be, you’ll visit its famous floating market. Each morning hundreds of boats ply the water selling fresh produce, and your guide will introduce you to this world of aquatic commerce and teach you how to barter like a local. Then, you’ll have some time to scroll between small villages and alongside fruit orchards.

At the end of the afternoon, you’ll hop on a local bus and head south to Can Tho. This river city is famous for being home to Cai Rang, the largest and most iconic floating market in the Mekong Delta. During the trip, you’ll pass more beautiful Mekong scenery, like fertile rice paddies and traditional villages. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: lunch, dinner.

Today, you will wake up early to visit the Cai Rang Floating Market. Like in Cai Be, you’ll barter with traders as you mingle with locals amid the infectious energy of market life.

Afterward, you’ll transfer by car north up the delta to Chau Doc, at the border with Cambodia. This culturally diverse river city is home to Cham, Chinese, and Khmer ethnic groups and is a popular destination for its nearby pilgrimage sites.

Cai Rang Floating Market

Your last stop of the day is at Tra Su Sanctuary. This nearly 2,000,000 acres (800,000 ha) wetland forest is a protected area for wading birds like storks, herons, and egrets. Most of the park is closed, but you’ll enjoy a 20-minute boat tour along the canals through sunken forests to admire the exotic birdlife. Afterward, you’ll return to your hotel in Chau Doc.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: dinner.

Today, you will have time to shop at the floating market in Chau Doc.

Then, meet our driver for the transfer outside the city to a village populated by the Cham people. This ethnic minority has a long history dating back to ancient times. During a visit, your guide will introduce you to locals, and you’ll learn about their region. Interestingly, while the Cham people initially practiced Hinduism, many eventually converted to Islam. Part of the tour even includes a visit to a local mosque.

Chau Doc

After lunch, visit Ba Chua Xu Temple, located in a serene setting at the foot of Sacred Sam Mountain. This one is dedicated to Ba Chua Xu, a goddess in the local folk who is revered for her benevolence and protection.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast.

In the morning, you’ll board a speedboat on the Mekong River and head north to Cambodia and its capital Phnom Penh.

The Capital Phnom Penh

At the port, you will meet a driver and transfer to your hotel in the city. Once you’ve settled in, feel free to head out to explore. This busy capital enjoys a scenic location at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, Meals: dinner.

Today, you will take part in a full-day city tour that covers two disparate yet equally vital aspects of Cambodia’s history and culture. First is a stop at the National Museum (or Musee des Beaux-Arts). You’ll also visit Wat Phnom (Phnom Penh’s namesake), a 14th-century temple that’s the tallest religious structure in the city. From its location on a hill, you can enjoy views over the city’s wide tree-lined avenues.

Phnom Penh’s National Museum

Then, you will focus on Cambodia’s harrowing Khmer Rouge era (1975-1979). During this time, Pol Pot’s genocidal military dictatorship claimed the lives of over two million Cambodians, or about 25% of the country. You will also visit the historical landmarks of the Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields.

At the end of the day, return to your hotel.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast.

Have breakfast at your hotel and transfer to Siem Reap.

Artisans D’Angkor

Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to your hotel. Then, meet your tour guide for a quick city tour. One highlight is a visit to Artisans D’Angkor, a community workshop where rural Cambodians train in the art of traditional Khmer craftsmanship. Finish the day at one of the city’s lively open markets, where you can mingle with locals.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, dinner.

In the morning, meet your guide and visit one of the most famous temples in the world – Angkor Wat. This 12th-century complex covers 200 acres (81 ha), and its five towers are so iconic they’re emblazoned on the Cambodian flag. On this walking tour, you’ll immerse yourself in the ruins as you stroll through its galleries, libraries, pavilions, and courtyards.

Bayon Temple

Then, you’ll explore Angkor Thom (literally “Great City), once the most impressive royal city of Cambodia’s Angkor period, and its looming Bayon Temple. Other structures you’ll visit include the Terrace of the Elephants (featuring sculptures and bas-reliefs of elephants), Phimeanakas (a three-tiered pyramid), and the Terrace of the Leper King, known for its carvings of demons and mythological figures.

End the day with a visit to Ta Prohm, a 12th-century Buddhist temple whose crumbling towers have been all but absorbed by the surrounding jungle. Here, you’ll receive a blessing from a Buddhist monk wishing you prosperity, happiness, and a safe trip. Afterward, you’ll return to Siem Reap.

Overnight at your hotel.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, Transportation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, dinner.

Enjoy your last minute in Siem Reap. After that, your driver will transfer you to the hotel for your flight home.

And just like that, your wonderful three-week adventure through Southeast Asia has reached its conclusion. Safe travel!

Included: Airport drop-off and breakfast.

*END OF SERVICE*