Exploring Northern Vietnam and South Korea

Hanoi Heritage

Pickup from your hotel this morning.

Start your day this morning with a cyclo trip around Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi’s fascinating Old Quarter, followed by a visit to Uncle Ho at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the residential grounds, learning about his great life. From here head to the French Quarter and explore the area on foot. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant (a la carte menu).

Return to your hotel in the afternoon (at leisure).

Curator-Led Art Gallery Visit

Today, immerse yourself in Hanoi’s dynamic contemporary art scene with a private, curator-led visit to one of the city’s standout galleries. Depending on your interests and the current exhibitions, you might explore spaces such as the Manzi Art Space – known for its thought-provoking installations and cultural events – or the Green Palm Gallery, which showcases modern Vietnamese painters. Other possibilities include the CUC Gallery, celebrated for its support of emerging artists, and the long-established Mai Gallery, featuring a range of influential contemporary works.

Your guide, an experienced curator or art specialist, will provide valuable insight into the local art movement, the stories behind the works on display, and the evolving identity of Vietnamese contemporary art.

Travel from Hanoi to Ha Giang

Private transfer from Hanoi to Hà Giang, a journey of approximately 7–8 hours including comfort stops and lunch. The first part of the drive follows the main highway before transitioning into quieter, less-touristed towns. En route, stop for a simple local lunch featuring traditional regional dishes.

Red Dao Herbal Bath

After the lengthy drive, reward yourself with a traditional Red Dao herbal bathing ritual, a body purification practice passed down through generations. More than twenty types of medicinal herbs are handpicked from Panhou’s garden, carefully roasted and brewed by hand to create a warm, aromatic bath. This treatment helps detoxify the body, ease muscle tension, and restore vitality. It is a moment of calm that rejuvenates both body and mind.

Introducing Ha Giang

Set against Vietnam’s northernmost frontier, Hà Giang is a land of extraordinary mountain scenery and cultural richness. Towering limestone peaks, deep river gorges and winding mountain passes create one of Southeast Asia’s most dramatic landscapes, best explored along the legendary Hà Giang Loop. The region is home to a mosaic of ethnic minority communities, including the H’Mông, Tay, Dao and Lolo, whose villages and markets offer fascinating insight into centuries-old traditions. With its raw beauty, remote character and striking sense of adventure, Hà Giang provides an unforgettable journey into Vietnam’s untamed highlands.

Trekking in Ha Giang

Trekking through the mountain villages of local ethnic communities is one of the most popular activities for visitors at Panhou Retreat. Accompanied by an experienced local guide, you’ll journey across magnificent terraced rice fields, marvel at the untouched beauty of nature, and meet the people who call these mountains home. Along the way, listen to stories about their history and traditions, share a simple homemade meal in the village, and try on the traditional attire of the Red Dao people — a heartfelt experience that connects you deeply with the spirit of Hoang Su Phi.

Day at Leisure at An Chang Retreat

Spend the day unwinding at An Chang Retreat & Spa with a leisurely morning by the pool or a yoga session overlooking the gardens, followed by a restorative spa treatment. Enjoy unhurried meals, gentle riverside walks, and time to simply relax and reconnect in the retreat’s peaceful natural setting.

Transfer from Ha Giang to Sapa

Prepare for a scenic transfer today around 7-8 hours to Sapa. There will be plenty of local life to see along the way, beautiful scenery and the mountains rise and become more dramatic. The valleys also widen as you get closer to Sapa and the rice terraces more abundant and larger. Comfort stops will be made enroute along with a stop in Bac Ha, to wander the market and to enjoy lunch.

Note - The first 30 mins or so of the drive twists and turns on lower quality lanes, and then the main road is much better with just small patches of potholes.

Introducing Sapa

Nestled in the Hoàng Liên Son Mountains near the Chinese border, Sapa is one of northern Vietnam’s most captivating destinations. Known for its dramatic terraced rice fields, misty peaks, and vibrant hill tribe communities, Sapa offers a striking blend of natural beauty and cultural diversity. The town serves as a gateway to treks through remote valleys, visits to ethnic minority villages (such as the Hmong, Red Dao, and Tay), and encounters with traditional ways of life that have remained unchanged for generations. With its cool climate, scenic landscapes, and unique cultural tapestry, Sapa is a rewarding retreat for those seeking adventure.

Trek to Local Villages

Explore Sapa’s wild heart on a full-day guided trek through rice terraces, waterfalls, and remote Red Dao and Black H’Mong villages, complete with a home-cooked lunch in a local house.

For something gentler, choose a scenic half-day walk to Lech Village: admire sweeping valley vistas, meet Red Dao families, and learn about their traditions.

After, head back to your lodge.

Batik and Village Experience

After breakfast, transfer to Lao Chai Village for a full-day textile workshop with Black H’Mong artisans. Learn about hemp production, batik design, and natural indigo dyeing while uncovering the meanings behind traditional H’Mong folk art symbols. A traditional H’Mong lunch is included.

You'll begin with a gentle 30-minute hike to Lao Chai and an easy one-hour walk to nearby Ta Van Village, where the car will be waiting to meet you. This hands-on workshop experience offers both cultural discovery and light trekking.

Alternatively, we can combine a shorter Batik workshop with a visit to Fansipan Mountain. Fansipan is the highest peak in Indochina at 3,143 metres above sea level. The cable-car to reach the peak was opened in 2016 and holds the record as the longest cable-car journey in the world. After a 45 minute drive to Sapa town, you begin with a short funicular railway journey to the next level. From here you board the cable-car and travel for around 15 minutes across the valley, with magnificent views of Muong Hoa towards the border of China and Laos. Climb the final 700 steps to the summit or take a second funicular railway and then descend via the steps to the cable-car before returning to Sapa.

Transfer from Sapa to Hanoi

This morning, depart Sapa for a scenic overland transfer to Hanoi. The journey takes approximately six hours, with arrival at your hotel scheduled for later in the day.

Transfer from Hotel to Hanoi Airport

Transfer from your hotel to Hanoi Airport to board the direct flight (4 hours) to Busan.

Transfer from Busan Airport to Hotel

On arrival, after clearing immigration, baggage and customs, you will be met by a representative from LiNGER Travel and privately transferred, around 45 mins to your hotel.

Note - There is an ATM at the airport should you need to withdraw some Won (KRW).

Introducing Busan

Discover Busan, Korea’s second-largest city and its historic maritime gateway. With a rich history as a major port since the Three Kingdoms era, Busan has long been a center of trade, culture, and migration.

Explore Gamcheon Culture Village, where hillside homes and vibrant murals reflect the resilience of post-war communities, or wander the bustling Gukje Market and BIFF Square, emblematic of the city’s modern cultural revival and global film presence.

Stroll along Haeundae and Gwangalli Beaches, or gaze at the rugged coastline from Oryukdo Skywalk, where natural beauty meets urban vitality. From traditional temples to contemporary art, Busan offers a layered glimpse into Korea’s maritime heritage, its cultural evolution, and the everyday life of a thriving coastal metropolis.

Full-Day Tour: Busan – Culture, Markets & Coastal Views

Discover the vibrant spirit of Busan with a full-day guided exploration (with private car) of its colorful neighborhoods, bustling markets, and stunning coastal scenery. Busan is Korea’s second-largest city and its historic maritime gateway. With a rich history as a major port since the Three Kingdoms era, Busan has long been a center of trade, culture, and migration.

Start at Gamcheon Culture Village, known as the “Machu Picchu of Busan,” where stair-step houses cascade down the hillsides and the alleys are adorned with vivid murals and resident-created sculptures.

Continue to Gukje Market & BIFF Square, where history meets modern culture. Browse the lively market stalls offering everything from local goods to street food, then explore the cinematic heart of Busan at BIFF Square, a hub of movie theaters, shops, and entertainment inspired by the Busan International Film Festival.

End the day with a visit to the Oryukdo Skywalk, a thrilling glass bridge perched 35 meters above the sea, offering panoramic views of the East Sea — perfect for capturing unforgettable photos.

Full-Day Tour: Busan – Coastal Temples & Sunset Yacht

Experience the beauty of Busan’s coastline on a full-day tour combining culture, scenic vistas, and leisure with your guide and driver.

Begin at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a rare seaside temple founded in 1376, offering spectacular ocean views alongside its historic Buddhist architecture.

Continue to the Taejongdae Viewing Deck, where dramatic cliffs and unique rock formations provide breathtaking panoramic vistas of the East Sea. Stroll along forested paths or explore cultural exhibits and observation points for stunning photo opportunities.

Relax at Haeundae Beach, Busan’s most famous beach, with its white sands, shallow bay, and vibrant atmosphere. End the day with a private sunset yacht experience (Duration: 1 hour), cruising along the sparkling coastline for unforgettable views of the city and sea.

Transfer to Busan Airport

Morning transfer to Busan Airport for your flight to Jeju (approx. 1 hour). (This service is on a private basis.)

Introducing Jeju Island

Discover Jeju Island, Korea’s largest island and a land shaped by volcanic activity, rich folklore, and maritime traditions. Its dramatic landscapes—including Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak, Hallasan Mountain, and pristine waterfalls—tell the story of its geological past, while Bijarim Forest and coastal wetlands highlight the island’s unique ecology.

Beyond nature, Jeju is home to a distinct cultural heritage, from the matriarchal haenyeo divers who have harvested the sea for centuries, to historic villages preserving traditional thatched houses and local crafts.

The island’s history is also marked by resilience, including its role in regional trade and the 4.3 Uprising, making Jeju a place where natural beauty, human ingenuity, and cultural memory converge into a deeply immersive experience.

Full-Day Tour: Jeju Island – Tea Traditions & Natural Wonders

Discover the serene beauty and cultural heritage of Jeju on this full-day tour with a local guide and driver.

Begin at the O’Sulloc Tea Museum, located next to the lush Seogwang Tea Plantation. Opened in 2001 by Amore Pacific, the museum offers a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, featuring a tea gallery, eco-friendly rest areas, and a café where you can sample delicious tea-based desserts.

Continue with a traditional Tea Ceremony at the Jeju Forest, guided by a tea master. Learn the art of darye—the Korean tea ceremony—including proper etiquette, preparation techniques, and the cultural significance behind each gesture. Enjoy freshly brewed local tea paired with traditional Korean sweets amidst the calming forest surroundings.

Conclude your day with a visit to Cheonjiyeonpokpo Falls, whose waters appear to descend from the heavens. Surrounded by rare and protected trees, the 22-meter-high waterfall is a designated Natural Monument and a peaceful haven where nature’s beauty unfolds in every direction.

Full-Day Tour: Jeju Island – Forests, Sunrise Peak & Local Flavours

Discover Jeju’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant local culture on a full-day journey through the island’s eastern treasures with your local guide and driver.

Begin your day with a peaceful walk through Bijarim Forest, home to over 2,800 ancient Torreya trees, some between 500 and 800 years old. Known as the world’s largest single-species forest, this serene woodland offers a refreshing escape beneath its dense green canopy.

Continue to Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), a UNESCO World Heritage site formed by a volcanic eruption over 5,000 years ago. Climb to the crater’s rim for sweeping views of the sea and Udo Island, and admire the silver grass fields that shimmer under the morning sun.

Conclude your day at Seogwipo Maeil Olle Traditional Market, where the lively stalls overflow with fresh seafood, local produce, and Jeju specialties. Sample black pork, tangerines, and savory seafood pancakes as you immerse yourself in the island’s authentic flavors and daily rhythms.

Full-Day Tour: Jeju Island – Coastlines E-bike Trip & Contemporary Art

Experience a day of reflection, creativity, and coastal charm on this immersive exploration of northern Jeju with your local guide and driver.

Begin with an E-bike ride along Jeju’s scenic seaside roads, gliding past rugged shores and turquoise waters. Enjoy the freedom to pause for photos or simply take in the peaceful rhythm of the waves and sea breeze as you ride.

Continue to the Tapdong Arario Museum & Cinema, a striking contemporary art space set in a renovated downtown building. Explore innovative exhibitions by Korean and international artists, blending modern creativity with the nostalgic atmosphere of old Jeju. Take a break at the rooftop café, offering sweeping views of the Tapdong district.

Conclude the day with a visit to the Jeju 4.3 Peace Park, a poignant memorial dedicated to the victims of the 1948 Jeju Uprising. Stroll through the beautifully designed grounds and thoughtful exhibitions that honor history, resilience, and the enduring pursuit of peace.

Transfer to Jeju Island Airport

After breakfast, meet your driver for a smooth transfer to Jeju Airport. Check in for the flight to Seoul. (This service is on a private basis.)

Arrival and Transfer from Incheon Int, Airport to Hotel

On arrival at Incheon Airport in Seoul, you will be welcomed by arepresentative and privately transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Introducing Seoul

A dynamic blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge modernity, Seoul is a city that never fails to captivate. From the serene beauty of its palaces and temples to the vibrant energy of its shopping streets, food markets, and tech-forward neighbourhoods, the South Korean capital offers something for every traveller. Whether you’re strolling through the historic Bukchon Hanok Village, sampling sizzling street food in Myeongdong, or taking in panoramic views from N Seoul Tower, Seoul delivers a rich cultural experience wrapped in sleek, contemporary charm.

Orientation of Seoul on Foot

Enjoy a full-day exploration of Seoul today with an English-speaking guide by foot.

Begin at the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace, where you’ll wear a traditional hanbok for a memorable walk through Korea’s royal past. Continue to Bukchon Hanok Village for a charming rickshaw tour through its narrow alleys lined with beautifully preserved traditional houses.

Next, visit the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, showcasing Korea’s vibrant contemporary art scene in a serene architectural setting.

Conclude your cultural immersion with a leisurely stroll through Insadong, famed for its art galleries, antique shops, and tea houses—an ideal place to find a unique souvenir or enjoy a cup of traditional tea before returning to your hotel.

Half Day Visit (6-hours) to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) on a private basis

After an early morning pickup, you will be privately transferred to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a powerful window into Korea’s divided past and present.

Due to strict military regulations, for groups with less than 30 people, visitors must board the official military-operated SIC (seat-in-coach) shuttle to move between the key sites. Private vehicles are not allowed to circulate between these checkpoints. Your guide however will board the bus with you, and remain with you throughout, providing explanation and assistance as required.

Visit key sites such as Imjingak Park, Freedom Bridge, the Third Infiltration Tunnel, Dorasan Station, and the Dora Observatory, where you can catch a glimpse across the border into North Korea.

After the visit, you will be transferred by private vehicle back to your hotel.

Note – You will be required to take you passports with you.
Attire – Casual, no jeans and tank tops.

Introduction to the Korean DMZ

Step into one of the most historically significant areas of the Korean Peninsula on a visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This heavily fortified border separates North and South Korea, offering a unique glimpse into the country’s complex history and ongoing quest for peace.

Explore observation points, tunnels, and exhibits that reveal the geopolitical tensions and human stories behind the divide. The DMZ provides a rare opportunity to reflect on Korea’s past while witnessing the resilience and hope of its people.

Transfer from Hotel to Incheon Int, Airport

Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for your private transfer to Incheon International Airport for your flight home. (This service is on a private basis.)