Trail of the Dragon’s back (SJourney)

Day 1 – Hanoi and the first northern landscapes

Your journey begins in Hanoi, with a private pick-up from your hotel in the late morning.
Upon arrival at Gia Lam station, you access a reserved lounge, away from the bustle.
Streamlined formalities, attentive service, refreshments and traditional Vietnamese music set the tone for a smooth start.

At midday, the train departs the capital and heads into the northern countryside.
From your compartment or the panoramic lounge areas, you observe the passing scenery of rice fields, villages and market gardens, following the rhythm of rural life.

Lunch is served on board, combining Vietnamese cuisine with international influences.

The afternoon unfolds through agricultural plains, rolling hills and the first mountain landscapes.
The Red River appears at times, crossing the fertile lands of the delta.

In the late afternoon, the train stops at a small local station, where you attend a traditional performance by regional artists.

Return on board for dinner in the dining car. Overnight on board.

Day 2 – Sapa and Mount Fansipan

Wake up in the mountains of northwestern Vietnam. Breakfast on board.
The day begins with the ascent of Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam.

You first take the Muong Hoa panoramic train, winding along the mountainside. The journey is short but scenic, with terraced rice fields, misty villages and rugged landscapes.

You then continue by cable car to the summit, offering wide views over the Sapa region, with its valleys, forests and layered mountain ranges.

Lunch is served in a natural setting, followed by a visit to the Muong Hoa Valley.

You explore the village of Lao Chai, surrounded by terraced rice fields and overlooked by the Hoang Lien Son mountains, offering insight into local agricultural practices and ways of life.

At the end of the day, return on board the train.

Dinner and overnight on board as the train travels back towards Hanoi.

Day 3 – Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay

In the morning, the train once again crosses the northern Vietnamese countryside. Breakfast on board.

Arrival in Hai Phong, followed by a transfer to Tuan Chau marina.

You board a cruise through Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Thousands of karst formations rise from the sea in a landscape listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lunch is served on board.

The afternoon is dedicated to exploring Lan Ha Bay, which remains more preserved.

You reach Sang Toi cave by kayak or local boat. Passing beneath the rock leads to a secluded lagoon, enclosed by cliffs and accessible only by water.

You then enjoy free time for swimming, kayaking or relaxing on deck.

At the end of the day, a quiet moment on board with views over the bay at sunset.

Return by vehicle to the train in the evening.

Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 4 – Return to Hanoi
Arrival at Gia Lam station in the morning.

Breakfast on board, followed by disembarkation formalities.

Transfer to your hotel in Hanoi or to the airport, depending on your onward arrangements.
End of your journey on board the Vietnamese luxury train SJourney.

PRICE INCLUDES

Accommodation: 3 nights on board the SJourney train in a double or twin compartment
Full board on board and in external restaurants (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Non-alcoholic beverages, beer and house wine by the glass according to the menu; tea and coffee available on board. During meals outside the train, one drink included (non-alcoholic beverage, beer or house wine by the glass)
Butler service with evening turndown
Excursions with an English-speaking local guide and entrance fees as per the program

ADDITIONAL SERVICES ON REQUEST

Private airport / hotel transfers
Travel insurance
Pre- or post-tour services

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

Drinks consumed outside of meals during off-train excursions
Personal expenses

PLEASE NOTE
For this itinerary, a maximum of 12 travelers on board the train