Day 1: Ha Noi Arrival (Flight to be advised / Own tickets)    
Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, either Domestic or International arrival, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting at designated spot in the “NOTE” segment of this text, holding the Trails of Indochina signboard with your name on it, if you cannot locate your guide, please go to the Airport Information counter situated in the middle of Domestic and International arrival lobby (inside the terminal) and call the emergency numbers (+84) 9 1323 7040 for assistance.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A HANOIAN at 08.30am
Today’s tour guide will take you to the “standing newspaper” where your guide will tell a fascinating story of a time when newspapers were considered a luxury in Hanoi. Next, stop at a local coffee shop to observe the rush of daily life in the Old Quarter, before transferring to Gioi Market – the corner where thousands of trade goods are sold. From kitchenware to motorcycle parts, this market has everything! Continue your exploration by driving to the rail station in a Hanoi suburb and catch a local train back to the city centre. After a 10-minute train ride that passes over the first French bridge built on the Red River, finish the tour by having lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant that will bring you the most Hanoian experience. 
Day 3:  Ha Noi
Explore the charming city of Hanoi, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’, with its yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes. Visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument of marble and granite built to house the preserved body of beloved revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known to the Vietnamese as “Uncle Ho”. Visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple built in 1049 of wood in the shape of a lotus blossom and set on a single stone pillar. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century. The picturesque temple is an example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote. In the afternoon, visit the fascinating Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays) which houses an extensive collection of traditional costumes and artefacts from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups. Drive back to central Hanoi for a walking tour through thefamed Old Quarter known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares” named after the original 36 artisan guilds that date as far back as the 13th century. Conclude your day by watching an entertaining water puppet performance, a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form said to have originated in the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta where villagers entertained themselves by manipulating puppets over the water. The show uses colourful wooden puppets to depict scenes of rural life and episodes of national history set to music.
Day 4:  Ha Noi – Ha Long     
After your breakfast, you will meet guide at lobby and then transfer from Hanoi to Tuan Chau/Hon Gai- 2D1N with guide (new road, including on route snack) and enjoy activities on cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, 
Accommodation: Own arrangement
Day 5:  Ha Long  - Ninh Binh     
Your 2nd day on the cruise will end after a breakfast, check out and meet your guide to begin your journey towards Ninh Binh.
Upon arrival, you will have free time to spend your own time on the rest of this day. 
The regular check-in time is at 14:00; early check-in is NOT included and subject to availability 
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Le Clos du Fil/ Standard Double / Twin
Day 6: Ninh Binh - Overnight on Train SE19 Ninh Binh – Da Nang (21h51 – 11h45+1)    
EXPLORING NORTHERN VIETNAM’S STUNNING COUNTRYSIDE AT HOA LU AND TAM COC
Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, Trang An complex is famed for its spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks whose sheer vertical walls rise abruptly 200m (656ft) above the surrounding land and water. Dense rain forest covers the landscape, even clinging to the cliffs and peaks, blending naturally with rice paddy fields and rivers, creating a picturesque patchwork of color. Within the complex, visit Vietnam’s ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the country’s first centralized feudal state from the end of the 10th century. While the ancient citadel has largely disappeared, the temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties still stand surrounded by rice paddies. Your adventure continues with a climb to Hang Mua's limestone peak, offering breathtaking panoramic views of rice fields, karst formations, and winding rivers. Following our exploration of Mua Cave, we embark on a cycling adventure along tranquil country lanes from Tam Coc to Bich Dong Pagoda, covering approximately 5km round trip in an estimated time of 40 minutes. Immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery of lush paddy fields.
Indulge in a delightful lunch at a local restaurant before we embark on a serene sampan boat journey from Tam Coc dock. 
known as “Halong Bay on Land”, where a skilled rower will take you on a 2-hour slow journey on the winding river and canals. 
Enjoy the views of the beautiful karst formations as you enter three of the many natural caves formed under the hills. Visit the Thai Vi temple on the way back to Hotel at late afternoon.
You will have time to freshen up and relax before checking in and boarding the train at lately night. 
Note:  Late check out is included until departure time.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight on Lotus Train/ Private 2 berth per cabin.
Day7: Da Nang – Hoi An    
On arrival Da Nang train station, you will meet your guide holding the Trails of Indochina signboard with your name on it, if you cannot locate your guide, please go to the nearest Information counter and have them call the emergency number (+84) 9 1349 3398 for assistance. Your guide will come to meet you up and transfer to the historic former trading town of Hoi An.
Afternoon is free at leisure for your own exploration. 
The regular check-in time is at 14:00; early check-in is NOT included and subject to availability 
Meals: None (you will have own breakfast / Lunch on train)
Accommodation: Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa Hoi An/ Deluxe Garden View
Day 8: Hoi An     
WALKING & BOAT TRIP IN HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN at 14:00
Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An known then as ‘Faifo’, was a prosperous trading port, attracting Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish ships amongst others. Today, this World Heritage ancient town is recognised for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets and distinctive local cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. Hoi An’s narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour of its many atmospheric sights including: old merchant houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, first built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with its intricate woodcarvings; and the colourful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two. Enjoy an hour-long boat trip on the Thu Bon River for up close views of fishing boats and country villages before returning to your hotel.
NOTES: Tour duration: 3.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, 
Accommodation: Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa Hoi An/ Deluxe Garden View
Day 9:  Hoi An     
ORGANIC LIVING HOIAN STYLE 
Cam Thanh Village is now an urban ward of Hoi An city. It is known for dense water coconut jungles and immense rice fields. During the American war, Cam Thanh was a shelter for local people and soldiers. Nowadays, this place is the main supplier of seafood, vegetables, and rice for the area. This morning, meet your guide and transfer to a lantern-making workshop, where traditional craftsmanship is preserved. Start with a brief introduction of the Hoi An lantern history. Make your own lantern under instruction of craft man and keep yours as a souvenir. Next, visit Thanh Dong village which is the first and only organic farm in Hoi An. Meet local farmers who will introduce you to the traditional methods of chemical-free farming and their positive effects on the environment. Then venture into the garden and get your hands dirty! You may like to borrow the farmers’ clothing provided by the villagers and experience the daily lives of the farmers through activities on the farm. Enjoy cassava and green tea after the activities. Experience a bamboo basket-boat ride along the Do River with the beautiful scenery of local villagers on the way. Before getting back to the hotel, we will enjoy a short cooking class and have Vietnamese family-style lunch before coming back to your hotel.
Day 10:  Hoi An     
On this day is your own arrangement.

Meals: Breakfast, 
Accommodation: Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa Hoi An/ Deluxe Garden View
Day 11: Hoi An – Da Nang Departure (Flight to be advised / Own ticket)    
After check-out, transfer from your accommodation to Da Nang Airport (with guide) for your flight to the next destination.
The regular check-out time is at 12:00; late check out is NOT included and subject to availability 
Meals: Breakfast,