Tour Itinerary
This comprehensive Vietnam trip provides an immersive experience, featuring historical walks, visits to colonial and national monuments, a 700-year-old university, hillside tribe trekking, and local culinary tastings, guaranteeing unforgettable memories.
Day 1: Arrive Hanoi (N/A)
Hanoi, a city of contrasts, is a captivating destination that combines modern and traditional elements, blending chaos and serenity, and always surprises.
At Noi Bai Airport, driver and tour guide will pick you up and transfer to your hotel for check-in. You will have free time to relax after a long flight.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour Full-day (B, L)
After breakfast at your hotel, your tour guide will pick you up at 8:30 AM to visit the sixth-century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda by serene West Lake.
Next, head to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1076 to educate the monarchy and elite over an impressive 800 years.
You’ll then choose a museum to visit that day:
- Option 1: The Vietnamese Women’s Museum, showcasing cultural diversity and the vital role of women in Vietnam.
- Option 2: The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), which highlights the cultural heritage of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through interactive exhibits.
After the museum, enjoy a well-deserved lunch.
Post-lunch, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. While the site is impressive, be prepared for some walking (note that the Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, and each afternoon from June 12th to August 14th).
Walk past the Mausoleum to learn about Ho Chi Minh’s life and legacy, then visit the ‘stilt house’ where he lived from 1958 to 1969 (also closed Monday and Friday). Stroll through the peaceful gardens before heading to the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049, a unique symbol of Hanoi.
In the afternoon, explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, wandering through the bustling streets of the ’36 guilds’ and discovering hidden gems of local life.
To wrap up the day, enjoy the ancient art of water puppetry at the famous Water Puppet Theater.
Finally, your guide and driver will drop you back at your hotel for an overnight stay in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Overnight train to Lao Cai (B, L)
At 8:30, after having breakfast, the tour guide will take you through Hanoi’s backstreets, passing by homes, schools, streetside markets, and alleyways. You’ll see historic landmarks like the Old Quarter, Opera House, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Huu Tiep lake, John MC Cain monument, and An Duong market. You’ll also explore an island with fertile soil, flooding each year during the rainy season. The final stop is the Long Bien Bridge, once the longest bridge in Asia, built over a century ago and famous during the ‘American war’.
Take photographs or selfies whenever you get the opportunity. The open door / top jeep will provide plenty of photo chances.
Wrap up the day with specialties of Hanoi: Egg coffee or a quintessential Hanoi dish; Bun Cha (pork noodles). Discuss with your guide in advance, the best option for your day.
In the afternoon, return to the hotel (late checkout is arranged until 18:00).
In the evening, meet your guide, who will help you with a private transfer to Hanoi Railway Station for an overnight train to Lao Cai.
Overnight on train.
Day 4: Lao Cai – Sapa (B, L)
Arrive in Lao Cai early in the morning, where you will be welcomed by the guide and sent to a local restaurant for breakfast. Then drive to a local market (Ban Cam on Tuesdays, Cao Son on Wednesdays, Lung Khau Nhin on Thursdays, Can Cau on Saturdays, Bac Ha or Muong Hum on Sundays.)
The Flower Hmong are the most frequent visitors, although the Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, and Nung hill tribes also gather here. The market provides a variety of locally produced things that are not accessible elsewhere, including an odd animal market featuring pot-bellied pigs, cows, and buffaloes. Continue your adventure with a little walk to a hill-tribe community. You will get the opportunity to visit many local homes to learn more about the tribes’ daily life, as well as their culture and rituals. Transfer to Sapa, a former highland station.
Overnight in Sapa.
Day 5: Sapa – Full day Sa Seng – Hau Thao (B, L)
This morning, enjoy a short 15-minute drive to Sa Seng Village for a hike. Stroll along a charming concrete path with stunning views of rice terraces, leading to a Black Hmong community. Discover how locals build their homes amidst rice and corn fields, then continue uphill on a rocky trail through lush bamboo forests.
Lunch will be served at a scenic spot overlooking the beautiful Muong Hoa Valley.
In the afternoon, descend through small Hmong hamlets in Hau Thao village, capturing breathtaking views of Fansipan Mountain, Vietnam’s highest peak. Visit a local home to learn about Hmong culture and lifestyle, then enjoy an easy walk through the villages and rice terraces.
A car will pick you up at the main road for your return trip.
Overnight in Sapa.
Tour Summary: 45-minute road transfer, 5 hours of easy walking and visiting local homes.
Important Notes:
Moderate trekking covering approximately 13 km.
This trip is available year-round.
Day 6: Sapa morning free at leisure – Hanoi (B)
Enjoy the morning at leisure before being picked up by the guide and driver for the return journey to Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 7: Hanoi – Halong Bay overnight cruise (B. L, D)
Experience the UNESCO World Heritage areas of Halong and Lan Ha Bay on a charming boat. Enjoy the mystical scenery of thousands of limestone islands, covered in lush flora. After breakfast, drive 2.5 hours to Halong City, check-in at the pier, enjoy lunch, and enjoy activities in the afternoon.
The boat will anchor for the night surrounded by karst formations at the end of the day.
Enjoy sunset on the deck followed by dinner, then retiring for the evening.
Overnight on Halong / Lan Ha Bay.
Please note: Subject to change depending on weather conditions.
Day 8: Halong bay – Hanoi // Fly Danang – Hoi An (B)
Wake up to a fresh morning amidst the bay’s islands for breakfast (brunch on certain boats) and enjoy the tranquil backdrop of the amazing rock formations.
As the cruise ship approaches port, continue to checkout about mid-morning. Disembark and transport three hours to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport for a 1.5-hour flight south to Danang City. When you arrive at Danang Airport, the entrance to Hoi An, your private guide and driver will assist you in getting to the hotel and checking in.
Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most gorgeous cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once a major Asian commercial port in the 17th and 18th centuries and today attracts worldwide visitors for its history and surrounding scenery.
Rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Note:
- The cruise’s itinerary may be subject to change depending on weather conditions.
- Over the past years Halong Bay has been experiencing increasing environmental problems such as pollution, overfishing and impairment of its natural habitats. We encourage you to enjoy the beauty of Halong Bay, but also to help protect and preserve it so that future generations can experience its beauty with responsible tourism behavior which is crucial to reducing issues on Halong Bay and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
Day 9: Hoi An – My Son (B, L)
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Central Vietnam with a day trip starting at 08:00. Begin with a scenic one-hour drive to My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the cultural heart of the ancient Cham Empire. Explore the temple complex, which thrived from the 4th to 13th centuries, and learn about Cham culture and its rulers while wandering through the serene ruins.
After this historical exploration, return to Hoi An for a relaxing lunch, sampling some of the town’s famous dishes.
In the afternoon, discover Hoi An’s old town, renowned for its well-preserved traditional houses and vibrant history as a trading port. Start at the Japanese Bridge, built over 400 years ago to connect the Japanese and Chinese communities. Admire its intricate carvings and learn about their cultural significance.
Next, visit a colorful Chinese communal hall adorned with dragon statues and bright gates. Stroll through charming laneways and local neighborhoods to fully appreciate Hoi An’s unique character.
After this insightful experience, you’ll return to your hotel or next destination.
Day 10: Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh city (B, D)
Transfer to Da Nang airport for a short flight to vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately called Saigon by locals. Once known as the “Pearl of Indochina,” Saigon showcases a rich architectural heritage that reflects its colorful history, from historic pagodas and museums to modern skyscrapers.
Upon arrival, your guide and driver will meet you for a walking tour of the historic city center. Explore the stunning City Hall, Dong Khoi Street, the Continental Hotel, and the Saigon Opera House.
Venture off the main road to discover a historic building transformed by the city’s youth, filled with local shops, cafes, and art spaces. If time permits, enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes.
Continue to the Central Post Office, where you can also see the former CIA building, site of one of the last helicopter evacuations in 1975.
Stroll through 30 April Park to the Reunification Palace, a fascinating site preserved in time, complete with ‘war rooms’ in the basement.
Finish your day at Ben Thanh Market, a bustling local market that offers a variety of goods for travelers and locals alike. After gaining insights into Saigon’s culture and history, check in at your hotel.
In the evening, explore Saigon on a vintage Vespa. At 6:00 PM, meet your driver and head to a rooftop bar for stunning city views and refreshing cocktails.
Next, glide through the lively streets to enjoy authentic seafood at a popular local restaurant, where Saigonese unwind after a busy day.
Then, visit a beloved ‘bánh xèo’ restaurant to try this savory pancake, a must for food lovers.
End your evening at a vibrant live music venue before hopping back on the Vespa for the ride back to your hotel.
Overnight in Saigon.
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh – Tay Ninh – Cu Chi (B, L)
Today starts early with a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, departing at 7:30 AM to explore the rural areas surrounding the metropolis. Enjoy a relaxing drive to Tay Ninh, where the landscape shifts from urban to serene.
In Tay Ninh, visit the Cao Dai Great Temple, a whimsical structure that feels like it’s straight out of a Disney movie. Marvel at the colorful murals and unique statues, and learn about the origins of this fascinating religion that blends major faiths into a vibrant mosaic.
After a simple local lunch, head to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Spend a couple of hours exploring the rugged grounds with a local guide, discovering the intricate underground network created during the wars. You can opt to crawl through the tunnels and see tiny chambers that housed residents. Above ground, observe clever defenses like bamboo traps and camouflaged pits.
Throughout the tour, your guide will share insights on the war’s impact on the local community and Vietnam as a whole. After this enlightening visit, return to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight in Saigon.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Can Tho (B, L)
Today’s tour starts at 08:00 with a pick up from the hotel in the city centre. Leave the busy streets and modern buildings of Ho Chi Minh City behind on this Ben Tre day trip. Drive 2.5 hours south of the city to Ben Tre, known as the land of coconut in the Mekong Delta.
On arrival in Ben Tre Province, board a local boat for a first glimpse of Delta scenery. Sip a freshly picked coconut as the boat winds through the maze of canals.
Stop at a brick kiln where locals still use centuries-old traditional methods . Following, visit a coconut workshop to see the processing and learn how every part of the nut is used.
Continue to get to know the region’s family-run cottage industries such as coconut candy making. See many local women spending their days boiling cauldrons of sticky coconut paste before rolling it out and slicing sections into squares.
Enjoy lush tropical fruits and honey tea in a garden before exploring the riverside promenade and narrow lanes that are ideal for a bicycle ride or choose to hop on a motor-tricycle which was once the iconic vehicle and main means of transportation in southern Vietnam in the 1960s (Please note: motor-tricycle to be requested in advance).
After lunch at a riverside restaurant with Mekong Delta specialties, get a closer look at delta life with a sampan boat trip, rowing through a hidden maze of small, waterpalm draped canals; this is the quintessential Mekong delta.
As the sun begins to dip lower in the sky it is time to return to Cai Be and onwards to Can Tho.
Overnight in Can Tho
Day 13: Can Tho – Phu Quoc (B)
Start your day early with a cruise to Cai Rang, once the largest floating market in the Mekong Delta. Experience a vibrant waterway filled with both tourists and traders, where local produce like mangoes, bananas, papayas, and pineapples is on display. You might even spot floating coffee and noodle soup vendors as boats laden with fruits and vegetables vie for prime positions on the river.
After check-out, transfer to the airport for your flight to Phu Quoc. Depending on the season, you can opt for extra days in Hoi An or choose alternative destinations like Nha Trang or Con Dao.
Upon arrival in Phu Quoc, take the resort’s shuttle bus to your accommodation. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool or on the sandy beach.
Overnight in Phu Quoc.
Day 14: Phu Quoc (B)
A full day at leisure in the resort or on the beach.
Overnight in Phu Quoc.
Day 15: Phu Quoc (B)
A full day at leisure in the resort or on the beach.
Overnight in Phu Quoc.
Day 16: Phu Quoc – Departure (B)
Check out and transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
