This unique Vietnam train journey offers amazing experiences throughout the country. The Reunification Express, known as the Thong Nhat Railway, traverses more than 1,726 kilometers (1,072 miles) between Hanoi and Saigon, the country’s two biggest cities. On the way along Vietnam, you will stop at most major travel destinations, stunning beaches, and join most interesting activities. Vietnam’s north-south railway is listed by the British travel guide, Lonely Planet, as one of 10 world’s ‘most amazing’ train journeys for 2019. Join now for fun!
Travel map
Highlights
Sit and enjoy romantic scenery and rural landscapes along coastal towns on the train
Enjoy scenic rice terraces of Sapa and explore its cultures of ethnic groups
Explore the Mekong Delta culture and lifestyle
Observe the unique way of trading at floating market where barges loaded with fruits and vegetables gather for the early morning trade
Experience a slow pace of life when you walk around the impossibly atmospheric Ancient Town of Hoi An
Spend the night on boat that cruise between the limestone peaks of Halong Bay while feasting on sumptuous meals on board
Arrive in Hanoi. Greeted by your driver at the airport. Transfer to your hotel in the city centre for check-in and at leisure in the rest of the day.
A Conner of Hanoi Old Quarter
Note*:
The hotel room will be available at 2:00pm, and in case that you would like to secure an early-check in, an additional charge will be applied.
Please be advised that both international and domestic might be crowded at sometimes during the day, so in case that you arrive and cannot find our representatives, please contact us, so we could easily search for you
In the morning, pickup for a half day to visit the city. We start with visit to President Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (Outside). We also visit the famous One Pillar Pagoda nearby. Leaving the President’s complex, we continue to visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu). Although several Van Mieu can be found throughout Vietnam, the most prominent and famous is that situated in the city of Hanoi, and was functioned as Vietnam’s first university.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Back to the Old Quarter at noon time. Free time to explore Hanoi till pickup for evening overnight train to Lao Cai Station.
Early departure from Lao Cai train station on Saturday morning. Breakfast at local restaurant. Transfer by road 122km to Can Cau via Lao Cai city and Bac Ha Town. The road is good but having many sharp bend with a long descend and a long ascend which takes about 3 hours including one or two breaks along the way.
Can Cau market
Arrive to the market place at about 9 am. Spend two hours joining the local tribal peoples including Flower H’mong, Black Zao, Phu La and Tay for the festive market activities where peoples in their best traditional costume gather every Saturday for shopping and socializing. The right location of the market place also offers photo-hunters ideal opportunity for taking photos, not only of peoples in colorful traditional costumes but also breathtaking landscapes of the perfect surrounding. Leaving the market almost at noon, drirve 20 km back to Bac Ha town for lunch break.
In the afternoon, you will take a walk to Ban Pho, a small village of Nung and Flower Hmong. The villagers grow vegetables and fruit trees. One of the most famous fruit of the area is plum. Visit a local house and taste a cup of corn wine, another famous product of the village. Then drive to hotel in Sapa in the late afternoon.
Followed by a 6 km walk down to Lao Chai village, and continue a further 3 km to Ta Van village where the Dzay minority people live. Here you will enjoy lunch provided for you in a local family home, all for you to discover their daily life, works and special custom, enjoy landscapes…
Sapa Town
After lunch we will trek through bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai village – home of the red Dzao. Nearby we will rest at a wonderful water fall followed by a rattan bridge crossing taking us back to the Jeep for our return to Sapa. You will have free time to explore Sapa by night.
Pickup at the hotel at 07:30. We will be walking down to the South-west of Sapa (around 4 km) to visit Cat Cat village where the Black H’mong reside. Relax at the food of the stunning waterfall and the remnants of a hydroelectric power station that was constructed by the French during the colonial time.
Sapa Rice Terrace
Continue on for 3 km to Sin Chai, which is located at the foot of Fansipan Mountain, also known as “the roof of Vietnam and Indochina”. From here we take in the beautiful picturesque view before returning to Sapa by Jeep/van. Lunch at the local restaurant before the bus ride to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi at about 9pm. Free.
Arrive the station in early morning. Pickup and transfer to the hotel for breakfast. Then free time till pickup for Halong tour.
08h00 – 08h30: Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi. Drive to Halong City through the paddy fields in the Red River Delta.
10h00: Stopover on the way for a refreshment break
12h00: Arrive at Tuan Chau wharf – Break and photography time
12h30: Board the Cruise for departure. Welcome drink will be served
Sunset in Halong Bay
13h00: Lunch is served while cruising through the bay
15h30: Visit exciting Cua Van fishing village. The village is free of busy roads and streets, electric lights, houses and high rise buildings. Instead, there are only herds of little boats and rafts. You will have the chance to discover the traditional culture and customs of the fishermen.
16h30: Enjoy kayaking or swimming (if the weather permits).
17h00: Back on board and continue cruising.
19h00: Dinner is served.
21h00: Take some leisure time to enjoy chatting at the bar or enjoy some night fishing.
Note*: the itinerary and activities on board would vary depending on the boat you choose. Please see the choice of boat in Hotel Inclusions.
07.00: Coffee and tea will be served
08.00: Continue cruising
08h15: Visit splendid Sung Sot Cave
09h00: Check out and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay, passing Dinh Huong Island, fishing villages, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island and Sail Island.
Halong Kayaking
09.30: Buffet brunch (breakfast/lunch) while cruising back through Halong Bay to the pier
11h30: Arrive at the pier. Time to say goodbye to the crew.
12.00: Return from Halong to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi at about 17pm. Drop off at small hotel for shower, then free time to explore Hanoi city till pickup for overnight train to Dong Hoi.
Our driver and Guide will pick you up at Dong Hoi Train station. Transfer to the restaurant for breakfast.
Then we drive on to the Ho Chi Minh-West Trail. There will be a short stop at the 8 Ladies Cave. This is a memorial temple for 8 brave woman that sought shelter inside one of the caves during the war. Our tour guides will explain the entire story to the participants!
Phong Nha Cave
Visit Paradise Cave. Named as Heaven in Mother Earth’s Underground, Paradise Cave is one of the most magnificent and magical wonders in the world. The Bristish Royal Caves Research Association has recognized it as the longest dry cave in Asia. Especially, the stalactite system here are so beautifully glizt and shimmey that beyond human’s imagination
Continue the journey to visit the Mooc Spring Eco Trail. The Mooc Spring Eco-Trail is home to many exotic animals like Gibbons, colorful birds, snakes, many fresh water fish and butterflies. Enjoy the great moments of relaxation, mix the natural scenery of the romantic Mooc stream.
Visit Phong Nha Cave. The only way to enter the cave is by a short 30 minute boat ride boat on the Son river. Every tour to Phong Nha Cave starts at the boat station at the Phong Nha Ke-Bang Tourism Center. The mouth of the cave is simply beautiful and unlike any other cave entrance in the world.
Conquering the Phong Nha Cave is the longest wet cave or river cave in the world , enjoy the scenery spectacular limestone, underground river system and unique stalactite in the world.
Continue the journey to visit the Chay River – Dark Cave.
The entrance of the Dark Cave is at the opposite river bank from the Zip-Line tower. The beautiful deep blue color of the Chay river will catch your eye while riding the Zip-Line and a short 20 meter swim is required to actually enter the cave after the ride.
The cave is home to many lakes, with a water temperature of about 18 degrees. Inside the cave there are many unique things to see and experience! There is a natural mud bath at the end of one of the narrow passages and there are many ancient fossils to be found. The fossils are over a million years old!
Phong Nha Caves
Our guides will provide information about the history of the cave while exploring it. After successfully exploring the cave it’s time to take the kayak and paddle back to the boat station. Pickup and drive to the train station to transfer to Hue Transfer to the hotel in Hue upon arrival.
Note*: we would have to arrange bus transfer in case there is not suitable train today.
In the morning: visit Old Imperial City, Flag Tower, Thien Mu Pagoda and Dong Ba bustling market. Lunch at the local restaurant.
Thien My Pagoda
In the afternoon: visit Royal Tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh. We will also visit a Conical hat village and incense stick village. Then free to explore Hue city.
Free to explore Hue city till transfer to the station for 2.5 hour day train to Danang.
My Khe Beach
Enjoy scenic train journey through the most stunning route while passing Hai Van pass. Transfer to the hotel in Danang. Enjoy your free time to relax at a nearby beach hotel. Relax or swim at My Khe Beach.
In the morning, enjoy your free time to relax and swim at beautiful My Khe Beach.
Cua Dai Beach – Hoian
In the afternoon, transfer to Hoian. Upon arrival, enjoy walking tour to visit Hoian ancient town. The interesting walking tour which brings you through Hoi An old streets, see many ancient houses with special architecture, observe the crowded daily life of locals, and also visit some famous sites here such as Fujian Assembly Hall or Japanese Covered Bridge. Also, you will have a chance to taste a cup of the famous herbal drink in Hoi An bought from a small lovely teashop on the street.
8:30 AM – Your guide will meet you at your hotel. We’ll then take a gentle cycle on a short but beautiful ride through lush garden land, rice fields and small villages to a riverside garden.
Upon arrival, we’ll get embark a short basket ride along the village river. Basket boat is an unique mean of transportation in Hoi An to glide along its mangrove forest. After the ride, you’ll be welcome by a passionate team of gardeners and join them with some daily gardening. Depending on the time of year, this may include tilling the land, fertilizing the garden with seaweed or picking ripe vegetables. Throughout the experience, learn more about their daily lives and the rich culture that exists in the Vietnamese countryside.
Hoian cooking
As midday approaches, we’ll join in to prepare our lunch using vegetables and herbs straight from the garden, then sit down and enjoy the tasty meal, wrapping up a memorable day in the countryside.
Cycling back to your hotel at around 2:00 PM. Arrive the hotel at about 3pm.
It’s the day for you to experience Hoi An freely. You can take a day for relaxation after a long tiring trip, taste more outstanding street foods, and go shopping for handicraft products and souvenirs.
Cua Dai beach
On the other hand, you may consider some suggestions for day tours below:
My Son Holy Land Tour: For anyone who loves historical stories and relics, a short trip to explore My Son Sanctuary where you can find many glorious and interesting Champa ruins.
Hoi An Vespa Tour: Somehow, the Vespa matches perfectly with the small ancient streets in Hoi An and becomes one of the best ways to explore and check-in in the town.
Arrive Saigon early in the morning. Pickup and transfer to the the hotel for breakfast (early checkin is not included). After breakfast, half day city tour to explore Saigon.
Saigon Post Office
Our city tour will help you to see the best of Saigon. We visit the historic Reunification palace and War Remnants Museum, followed by the architectural treats of French colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and the post Office.
Pick up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh city and start the trip to My Tho. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which sated back to the late 19th century. Then boarding the sampan and cruising down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands.
Stop over at Unicorn Island, go walking in the village paths to contemplate orchards, enjoy tropical fruits, and Vietnamese folk music performed by the local people. Visit the fruit plantation.
Mekong River Delta
Be rowed in a small sampan through the Thoi Son canal and treat yourself to the beauty of the countryside, visit the family business & bee-keeping farm, enjoy honey tea and coconut candy workshop.
Have lunch at the local restaurant. Break time.
The afternoon is time for cycling around the Tan Thach village, meeting the local people to experience their daily life in the Mekong delta. Relaxing on hammocks to enjoy the cool breeze is for those do not want to join the cycling trip. Proceed to Can Tho City and overnight in Can Tho
Breakfast at the hotel. Take a leisure boat trip to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River) then visit to Cai Rang floating market which is the liveliest one in the whole of region.
Mekong River life
Walking trip to visit the fruit plantation and local noodle factory. Visit Binh Thuy communal house and Munir Ansay Pagoda – a Khmer pagoda, renowned for its unique structure.
Have lunch and return to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive Saigon in late afternoon.
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call the travel consultant whom you deal with and then our hot line contact. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please send us a detailed message and contact information by email, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
Our all travel consultants use WhatApps. Please ensure that you have the contact number. It's best to buy a local sim-card. Most hotels offer free wifi. So it's very easy to contact in urgent case.
If you book private tour for your group, we will use private cars, different stationed guides at each location. For some long routes (or Halong/Mekong cruise package), private car would be not necessary, and very expensive (unless you are a big group). We would suggest join bus transfer where possible then.
Please do not buy gems unless you know what you are doing. Even if genuine you should not expect to be able to sell them at home. If you fall victim to a gem scam, we are unable to assist you.
We would use different hotel categories and you can select any basing on your budget. So your travel companions would not stay at the your hotel. A Hotel Voucher will be provided once your tour is confirmed with all hotel details. In case suggested hotels are full, we would use others of similar standard/price.
Note*: if you want other hotels instead of our suggested ones, please contact us for details.
Yes, there is. Free wifi is available at all hotels in Vietnam.
Most of the cafe, hotel, Shop, Restaurants in Vietnam also provide free wifi.
Compare to other neighboring countries, Wifi access in Vietnam is so much convenient.
All airport transfers are included in the tour price. You should provide us your arrival/departure flight details and we will arrange things basing on the information. A meeting sign with your name and all flight details will be sent to you. Please be ready at the lobby at pointed time for pickup.
Driver/guide should always be present at the airport before your arrival time. If you could not find the driver, please contact your travel consultant who you deal with. For any reason that airport transfer could not be arranged, please take the taxi to the hotel. We will refund the money then.
Travel insurance is not included in our tour price. When travelling with us, you are suggested to buy insurance that covers all medical coverage, cancellation, personal liability, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Be aware that petty theft can be an issue in some towns and cities especially late at night. A common tactic is opportunists on motorbikes that drive by and snatch bags. Please always leave valuables and passports etc in your hotel in safety boxes if available and only carry with you enough cash to spend for the day. Bags should always be carried over the neck and not left to sit on your shoulder.
Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)
Note*: Please pack clothing for the season in which you will be travelling. From Dec-Feb weather can be cold, so please pack warm clothing. From May-Nov it is the wet season, so please bring waterproof clothing.
Documents
All tickets (required)
Passport (required) (With photocopies)
Required visas
Hotel & Tour Vouchers
Meeting sign (with your names and flight details that we will use for transfers)
It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $3-$5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service.
Excellent tour guides We were impressed when first contacted with Kelvin. He knew our wishes well and created an amazing Vietnam tour just for us. All the guides were incredibly knowledgeable, passionate about their country, and went above and beyond to ensure we...read moreWe were impressed when first contacted with Kelvin. He knew our wishes well and created an amazing Vietnam tour just for us. All the guides were incredibly knowledgeable, passionate about their country, and went above and beyond to ensure we had an amazing time. We're already dreaming of our next adventure and wouldn't hesitate to book with Indochina Treks again!read less
Joellyn
03/10/24
Unforgettable journey through Vietnam We did a 15 day tour with Kelvin @ Indochinatreks travel. His exceptional customer service was evident from the start, with personalized itineraries tailored to our interests. We visited Hanoi, Ninhbinh, halong bay cruise, heu, Hoian, Saigon and Mekong. All...read moreWe did a 15 day tour with Kelvin @ Indochinatreks travel. His exceptional customer service was evident from the start, with personalized itineraries tailored to our interests. We visited Hanoi, Ninhbinh, halong bay cruise, heu, Hoian, Saigon and Mekong. All went well and we had nothing to complaint. All knowledgeable guides, good hotels, amazing foods, cruises, transfers, flights. We were particularly impressed when Kelvin could always reply to us in munites no matter when it's through whatapp. He also helped us do online checkin for all flights and kept us update if a change. Highly recommend Kelvin @ Indochina Treks Travel.read less
oliver
02/10/24
the tailor-made adventure in Vietnam! We were looking for a local agency to concoct a unique trip to Vietnam, far off the beaten track... Bingo with Indochina Treks! From the first contact, we felt a real listening and a communicative passion for their country. They...read moreWe were looking for a local agency to concoct a unique trip to Vietnam, far off the beaten track... Bingo with Indochina Treks! From the first contact, we felt a real listening and a communicative passion for their country. They knew how to understand our desires and offer us a personalized itinerary, with expert recommendations and confidential addresses. The result: a dream trip, rich in discoveries and authentic encounters. We recommend 100%!read less
bettye
28/09/24
An incredible journey with Indochina Treks Travel We ordered Kelvin to help us design an itinerary and he did great job. His tailored itinerary perfectly matched our interests, allowing us to explore highlights of the 3 countries we visited (Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos). We were lazy &...read moreWe ordered Kelvin to help us design an itinerary and he did great job. His tailored itinerary perfectly matched our interests, allowing us to explore highlights of the 3 countries we visited (Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos). We were lazy & traveled in low pace. The private customized tour gave us time to visit sites we wanted and relax at beach to recover. We do highly recommend Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Halong bay, Hoian and Siem Reap. From breathtaking landscapes to rich cultural experiences, we felt truly immersed in the beauty of the countries.read less
Dazie
24/09/24
Unveiling vietnam's hidden gems with local expertise We embarked on a 2 week itinerary in Vietnam with Indochina Treks Travel, and it exceeded our expectations. We intended to booked some services but found it's easier to have someone taken care of all. Kelvin was exceptional. He recommended...read moreWe embarked on a 2 week itinerary in Vietnam with Indochina Treks Travel, and it exceeded our expectations. We intended to booked some services but found it's easier to have someone taken care of all. Kelvin was exceptional. He recommended an itinerary of our interests. The high customer satisfaction was evident in the personalized service and seamless logistics. Indochina Treks is the perfect choice.read less
Michelle Drexler
24/09/24
A tri-country adventure that exceeds expectations! Wow! Our Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos tour with Indochina Treks was absolutely phenomenal! From the moment we started the booking process, everything was seamless and hassle-free. We joined a small group tour for Vietnam and did the rest privately in...read moreWow! Our Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos tour with Indochina Treks was absolutely phenomenal! From the moment we started the booking process, everything was seamless and hassle-free. We joined a small group tour for Vietnam and did the rest privately in Cambodia & Laos , allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience. The quality of accommodations, transportation, and activities far surpassed our expectations given the price point. Our guides (we had many) were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. If you're a couple looking for an enthusiastic, value-packed adventure through Indochina, look no further than Indochina Treks!read less
Depending on your budget, you can choose a suitable hotel category
Early checking/late checkout are not included and you can change the to any other hotels and room type if required. Additional charge/discount will be made accordingly
The list of hotels are used for our all tour itineraries which may includes Cambodia
We would use similar hotels in case any of above are fully booked.
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