Day 1: Arrive into Hanoi
At Hanoi airport, you’ll be greeted by our team, who’ll help you with the fast-track arrival service, customs and baggage collection.
You’ll be transported via private transfer to the beautiful Peridot Grand Hotel and Spa, an oasis of tranquillity in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where coffee shops, boutiques, and street vendors create a charming lively atmosphere.
You might choose to enjoy a meal at one of the hotel’s two restaurants, or visit the well-equipped gym and day spa with jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna. To end the day, consider heading to Ignite Sky Bar—the hotel’s rooftop bar—perfect for a cocktail while you take in panoramic views of Hanoi’s skyline.
Day 2: Explore the bustling city
Enjoy Hanoi at your own pace. You could start the day with some pre-breakfast Tai Chi or yoga with locals in the tranquil surroundings of Hoan Kiem Lake, or perhaps enjoy an early morning swim in the hotel’s infinity pool.
Later, you could visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, get lost in the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, or explore the Hanoi Botanical Gardens.
Just be sure to make time for your included 60-minute Swedish massage at the hotel’s luxurious day spa to soothe your body after a day of exploration.
In the evening, experience Hanoi’s live music, rooftop bars, and vibrant night markets for some late-night fun.
Day 3-4: Wellness cruise in Lan Ha Bay
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred via private transfer to Ha Long Bay—one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonders known for its dramatic limestone karsts and emerald waters.
Here you’ll embark on a sensory journey aboard Heritage Line’s Ylang, a luxury cruise ship that combines wellness-inspired activities, opportunities to explore the beautiful hidden coves, and relaxing moments on pristine private beaches.
You can choose to join the included excursions to get a taste of local life at one of the few remaining floating fishing villages in the bay, or indulge in relaxing treatments in the onboard day spa. Other wellness-inspired activities include morning Tai Chi, an optional tea-tasting session, or learning more about traditional Vietnamese herbal health remedies.
Before the day ends, you can experience a calming singing bowl meditation—a Tibetan ritual designed to alleviate stress.
Day 5: Return to Hanoi
On your final morning aboard Ylang, the ship is moored at the tranquil waters of Frog Lake where you can enjoy another chance to kayak or go on a refreshing pre-breakfast morning swim.
Mid-morning, you will disembark and be met by your driver for a scenic 3.5-hour drive back to the Peridot Grand Hotel in Hanoi, and after, you can spend the rest of the day to your liking.
Day 6: Journey to the mountains of Sapa
After breakfast, your journey to explore Vietnam’s stunning northern highlands will begin. Along the way, take in the sights of the picturesque mountain landscapes of Sapa which offer a fascinating window into Vietnam’s ethnic diversity and rich natural beauty.
Upon arrival in the afternoon, you will check in to your mountain eco-lodge. Its local white granite and thatched roofs are simple yet stylish and cosy. With no television or internet, you can spend your time soaking up the breathtaking views from your private balcony—the perfect spot to succumb to the beauty of nature.
Enjoy a rejuvenating 60-minute deep tissue massage at the lodge’s day spa after your long journey. You can also take it slow in the gardens or unwind in the amazing infinity swimming pool.
You are free to arrange your own dinner and choose from a selection of different dining options at the lodge. Traditional Northern Vietnamese cuisine is available at Stilthouse Restaurant and Scandinavian-inspired grill plates at Restaurant 360. Lighter meals are also available at the Inn Bar or the Infinity Pool Bar.
Day 7-8: Relax & reset at Topas Ecolodge
The next two days are yours to do as little or as much as you please. Perhaps start the day with some yoga on your private balcony while taking in the misty mountain views before a leisurely breakfast in the lodge’s restaurant.
Keen to explore? Choose from a variety of outdoor activities such as bicycling, hiking and day tours to the region’s diverse minority villages. We highly recommend the 3-hour Jungle & Waterfall Hike with BBQ lunch where you’ll also learn about the local Red Dzao minority.
During your stay, you have three additional treatments in the lodge’s day spa included to ensure you can truly relax and unwind. This includes a 60-minute herbal foot reflexology treatment, a 60-minute traditional Vietnamese massage, and a Red Dzao herbal Bath—a one-of-a-kind healing experience made with a variety of indigenous medicinal herbs used by the Red Dzao for centuries.
Day 9: Return to Hanoi for departure
Enjoy the serenity on your final morning in the mountains with breakfast at the lodge. When you’re done, your driver will meet you for your transfer back to Hanoi. You will arrive in the afternoon in time for your onward flight.
