Around Viet Nam by Train - The Heritage Journey – 12 Days

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel across Vietnam aboard some of the country’s most scenic railway routes, including the spectacular Hai Van Pass.

• Explore the cultural heritage of Hanoi, Hue Imperial City, and Hoi An Ancient Town.

• Discover the stunning landscapes of Ninh Binh with Trang An boat ride, countryside cycling, and Mua Cave viewpoint.

• Enjoy authentic local experiences, including a cooking class at Tra Que Vegetable Village.

• Relax on the beautiful beaches of Nha Trang and admire Vietnam’s breathtaking coastline.

• Visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City.

• Cruise through the peaceful Mekong Delta and discover traditional river life.

• A perfect blend of culture, history, nature, cuisine, beaches, and unforgettable train journeys.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HANOI 

Welcome to Hanoi — the cultural heart of Vietnam. Upon arrival, our driver will transfer you to your hotel in the city center.

After check-in, enjoy free time to explore the vibrant Old Quarter, famous for its local street food, cafés, and lively atmosphere. You may visit Hoan Kiem Lake and experience Hanoi’s unique blend of tradition and modern life.

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 2: HANOI CITY TOUR (Breakfast, lunch)

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide and driver will pick you up for a full-day Hanoi City Tour. Discover some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, including:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• One Pillar Pagoda
• Temple of Literature
• Tran Quoc Pagoda

During the tour, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant while discovering the rich culture and history of Vietnam’s capital.

After the tour, return to the hotel to collect your luggage before transferring to Hanoi Railway Station.

Board the evening train departing at 19:20 to Ninh Bình, arriving around 21:30. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Ninh Binh

DAY 3: NINH BINH & OVERNIGHT TRAIN TO HUE (Breakfast, lunch)

Discover the peaceful beauty of Ninh Bình, famous for its dramatic limestone mountains, rivers, and rice fields.

Today’s highlights include:

• Boat trip through Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
• Cycling through traditional rural villages
• Hiking to the viewpoint at Mua Cave for panoramic views

In the evening, enjoy local specialties such as crispy rice and mountain goat dishes.

After some rest at the hotel, transfer to the railway station for your overnight journey aboard train to Hue.

Overnight on Train (High-quality North-South trains 23:07-9:35)

DAY 4: HUE IMPERIAL CITY 

Enjoy a relaxing morning before boarding the overnight sleeper train to Hue.

Experience Vietnam’s railway journey while watching peaceful countryside scenery pass by your window.

Arrive in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.

Visit the historic Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda/Khai Dinh tomb, and enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Perfume River. Hue is also famous for its royal cuisine and peaceful atmosphere.

Overnight in Hue.

DAY 5: HUE – HAI VAN PASS – HOI AN (Breakfast, dinner)

Board one of Vietnam’s most scenic railway journeys from Huế to Đà Nẵng aboard the famous heritage train, traveling through the spectacular Hải Vân Pass with breathtaking coastal and mountain views along the way.

Continue to Mable Mountain and Hoi An Ancient Town and enjoy the romantic lantern-lit streets, riverside cafés, and lively night market.

Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 6: HOI AN COUNTRYSIDE EXPERIENCE (Breakfast, lunch)

Join a cycling tour through the peaceful countryside surrounding the ancient town, ride past lush rice fields and quiet village roads.

Experience a hands-on cooking class at Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you will learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes together with local chefs and enjoy the delicious meals you create yourselves.

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and local cuisine of Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 7: HOI AN – DA NANG – TRAIN TO NHA TRANG (Breakfast)

After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Hoi An Ancient Town before transferring to Da Nang Railway Station for your train journey to Nha Trang.

During the trip, relax and admire the beautiful coastal scenery of Central Vietnam. Upon arrival in Nha Trang, check in to your hotel and enjoy free time by the beach.

Overnight in Nha Trang. (High-quality North-South trains 13:29-22:35)

DAY 8: NHA TRANG BEACH & ISLAND EXPERIENCE (Breakfast)

Today is dedicated to relaxation and beach activities in one of Vietnam’s most famous coastal cities.

You may join optional activities such as island hopping, snorkeling, scuba diving, mud bath spa, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy fresh seafood.

In the evening, explore the lively beachfront atmosphere and local night markets.

Later, transfer to the railway station for your overnight train journey to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight on train (High-quality North-South trains 22:30-6:30)

DAY 9: HO CHI MINH CITY

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time to discover the vibrant city. You may visit Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, or experience Saigon’s famous café and nightlife culture.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 10: CU CHI TUNNELS & HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR (Breakfast, lunch)

Today, explore the highlights of southern Vietnam.

In the morning, Enjoy your city tour with visits to:

• Notre-Dame Cathedral area
• Central Post Office
• War Remnants Museum

In the afternoon, after lunch continue visit Cu Chi Tunnels, an impressive underground tunnel network used during the Vietnam War. Learn about the history and daily life of Vietnamese soldiers during wartime.

Enjoy local southern Vietnamese cuisine and coffee culture.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 11: MEKONG DELTA DISCOVERY (Breakfast, lunch)

Leave the busy city behind and travel to the peaceful Mekong Delta region.

Enjoy a boat trip through narrow canals surrounded by coconut palms and traditional riverside villages. Visit local workshops producing coconut candy and handicrafts, taste tropical fruits, and experience the relaxed countryside lifestyle of southern Vietnam.

Optional activities include cycling through villages or enjoying traditional folk music performances.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 12: DEPARTURE

Enjoy free time until your private airport transfer.

End of services.

Thank you for traveling through Vietnam with us. We hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable journey in Southeast Asia.

✅ INCLUDED

• Accommodation 4★ hotels (or similar) as mentioned in the itinerary with daily breakfast
• Train tickets for all railway journeys as specified in the program
• Private airport transfers
• English-speaking local guides during sightseeing tours
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Entrance fees to all attractions listed in the route
• Trang An boat trip in Ninh Binh
• Countryside cycling tour and cooking class in Hoi An
• Mekong Delta boat excursion
• Bottled water during sightseeing days

❌ EXCLUDED

• International and domestic flights
• Vietnam visa fees (if applicable)
• Early check-in and late check-out at hotels
• Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, minibar, etc.)
• Optional tours and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Meals and beverages not specified in the program
• Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and service staff
• Surcharges during public holidays, festivals, or peak seasons (if applicable)
• Any services not specifically mentioned under "Included"

WHY CHOOSE THIS TOUR

• Experience Vietnam from North to South through some of the country's most scenic railway journeys
• Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, imperial cities, ancient towns, and stunning natural landscapes
• Enjoy a perfect balance of culture, history, nature, beaches, and local cuisine
• Travel like a local while enjoying comfortable accommodations and carefully selected experiences
• Small-group experiences with knowledgeable local guides
• Authentic activities including countryside cycling, cooking classes, boat cruises, and cultural encounters
• Hassle-free travel with all major transportation, accommodations, and tours arranged for you

WHO THIS TOUR IS PERFECT FOR

• Travelers seeking an authentic Vietnam experience beyond the typical tourist route
• Train enthusiasts who want to experience Vietnam’s legendary railway journeys
• Culture and history lovers interested in imperial heritage, ancient towns, and local traditions
• Nature lovers looking to explore stunning landscapes, countryside scenery, and coastal beauty
• Solo travelers, couples, and friends who enjoy a balance of guided activities and free time
• Anyone looking for a comfortable, hassle-free journey from North to South Vietnam