Trip Snapshot
Highlights
- • Hanoi city discovery with Water Puppet show and Street Food tour
- • Overnight train to Lao Cai and Sapa trekking with H'mong homestay
- • 4-star luxury Lan Ha Bay cruise with kayaking
- • Top Gear motorbike tour in Hue through incense villages
- • Hoi An Easy Rider biking through vegetable villages
- • Cu Chi Tunnels exploration in Saigon
- • Cai Rang Floating Market dawn visit
- • 23 meals including Welcome Dinner and cooking class
Travel Moments
Selected Vietnam highlights from this journey.
Travel Moments Gallery
10 photos
Itinerary
Upon arriving at Noi Bai Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and driver for a transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, you'll join your travel group for a scenic orientation walk through the heart of Hanoi, exploring its colonial charm, vibrant old streets, and peaceful lakeside scenery. The day concludes with a delicious dinner featuring local specialties.
Where you go
- Noi Bai International Airport
- Hanoi Opera House
- Hanoi Old Quarter
- Hoan Kiem Lake
- Ngoc Son Temple
What you do
- Meet and greet with the tour guide and driver upon arrival
- Transfer to the city center hotel for check-in
- Gather with the tour group for an orientation walk
- Explore Hanoi's historic and cultural landmarks on foot
- Enjoy a welcoming dinner with authentic Vietnamese cuisine
Meals
- Dinner
Today is dedicated to discovering the unique blend of French colonial elegance and ancient Eastern traditions in Hanoi. You will visit the city's most revered historic sites in the morning, followed by a traditional water puppetry performance. As evening falls, you will dive into the bustling alleys of the Old Quarter for a guided street food adventure, tasting iconic local delicacies. After some rest at a day-use hotel, you will board a comfortable overnight train heading toward Sapa.
Where you go
- Ho Chi Minh Complex (Mausoleum and Stilt House)
- Presidential Palace
- One Pillar Pagoda
- Temple of Literature
- Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
- Hanoi Old Quarter & Local Markets
- Day-use Hotel (Hanoi city center)
- Hanoi Railway Station
What you do
- Tour Hanoi's top historical and cultural landmarks
- Watch a traditional Water Puppet show depicting rural Vietnamese life
- Take a guided walking street food tour through vibrant Old Quarter alleys
- Sample famous local dishes and beverages like Egg Coffee or Bia Hoi
- Relax and freshen up at a day-use hotel
- Board an overnight A/C train to Lao Cai (First-class, 4-berth cabin)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Arriving early at the Lao Cai railway station, you will take a scenic drive up to the mountain town of Sapa. After breakfast and some morning rest, you will embark on a guided trek through spectacular terraced rice fields. You will visit the Black Hmong villages of Cat Cat and Sin Chai to learn about their unique culture and daily customs. The evening is yours to leisurely explore Sapa's charming town center, where you can visit the historic Stone Church and the lively local night market.
Where you go
- Lao Cai Railway Station
- Sapa Mountain Town
- Local Restaurant (Sapa)
- Cat Cat Village
- Sin Chai Village
- Sapa Stone Church
- Sapa Night Market
What you do
- Transfer from Lao Cai station to Sapa by car/bus
- Enjoy a local breakfast and rest upon arrival
- Trek for two hours through breathtaking terraced rice paddies
- Visit local ethnic minority communities to experience their heritage and lifestyle
- Spend a free evening exploring Sapa town at your own pace
- Browse the evening markets and historical landmarks
Meals
- Breakfast
After fueling up with breakfast, you will embark on a rewarding trek through dramatic, terraced valleys to discover Sapa's natural beauty and ethnic diversity. You can choose a soft, medium, or long hiking route to match your fitness level. Along the way, you will visit remote villages and connect with the Hmong, Dzao, and Dzay communities. After a outdoor picnic lunch, the trek leads to a traditional Hmong stilt house, where your group will share a rustic communal stay and enjoy an authentic home-cooked dinner with the hosts.
Where you go
- Sapa Valleys and Rice Terraces
- Remote Ethnic Minority Villages (Hmong, Dzao, and Dzay communities)
- Traditional Hmong Homestay (Stilt House)
What you do
- Prepare a light pack with essentials (trekking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent)
- Choose a preferred hiking difficulty: Soft (~3 km), Medium (~6 km), or Long (~12 km)
- Hike through scenic landscapes and interact with local hill tribes
- Experience a communal overnight stay in a traditional stilt house
- Bond with your travel group and local hosts in a shared sleeping area
Meals
- Breakfast
- Picnic Lunch
- Dinner
Following breakfast, you will say goodbye to your homestay hosts and stroll to a neighboring village to catch a bus back to Sapa town. After soaking in the last glimpses of the majestic mountain landscape, you will board a comfortable bus for the return journey to Hanoi, offering views of the peaceful Vietnamese countryside along the way. Arriving in the capital by afternoon, you will check back into your hotel and enjoy a completely free evening to explore Hanoi at your own leisure.
Where you go
- Hmong Homestay Village
- Sapa Town Center
- Red River Delta Countryside (en route)
- Hanoi Capital City
- La Nueva Boutique Hotel (Hanoi)
What you do
- Bid farewell to your local hosts after breakfast
- Take a short morning walk to the nearby village bus pickup point
- Travel from Sapa back to Hanoi on a scenic highway bus route
- Check in to your hotel upon arrival in Hanoi in the afternoon
- Spend a relaxing evening wandering, shopping, or exploring Hanoi independently
Meals
- Breakfast
After breakfast, a short drive takes you from the capital to the world-famous waters of Ha Long Bay. Stepping on board your cruise ship around midday, you will enjoy a welcome drink and a fresh lunch as the vessel glides past iconic limestone karsts. The afternoon offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, with opportunities for kayaking, swimming, exploring hidden caves, or participating in a traditional cooking demonstration on deck. As twilight sets in, the ship anchors in a peaceful spot among the islands for a serene dinner and overnight stay.
Where you go
- Hanoi
- Ha Long Bay (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
What you do
- Travel from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay on a comfortable 2.5-hour drive
- Complete check-in formalities and board the cruise by noon
- Sail through emerald waters surrounded by thousands of limestone formations
- Join afternoon excursions such as cave visits, swimming, or kayaking
- Participate in an onboard culinary class to learn a classic Vietnamese recipe
- Relax on the sundeck and watch the sunset over the bay
- Spend the night on board an anchored cruise ship
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Start your morning taking in the sunrise over the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay while enjoying a light breakfast or brunch on deck. As the cruise makes its way back to the harbor, you'll have one last chance to admire the dramatic karst scenery. After disembarkation, a direct transfer brings you back to Hanoi's airport for your afternoon flight to Hue. Upon arrival in this UNESCO-listed ancient capital, your local guide and driver will welcome you and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel for a relaxing, unstructured evening.
Where you go
- Ha Long Bay Karst Formations
- Ha Long City Harbor / Dock
- Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
- Phu Bai International Airport (Hue)
- Hotel in Hue
What you do
- Catch the morning sunrise from the cruise sundeck
- Relax on board as the vessel slowly navigates back to the mainland
- Disembark at the pier and meet your driver
- Take a private transfer from Ha Long City directly to Hanoi's airport
- Board a short domestic flight from Hanoi to the historic city of Hue
- Meet your new regional guide and driver at the Hue airport arrival hall
- Check in to your hotel and enjoy a totally free evening to unwind or wander
Meals
- Brunch
Today offers an immersive journey through Hue's rich heritage and scenic countryside on the back of a motorbike. Riding as a passenger with an experienced driver, you will cruise past quiet villages, local markets, and traditional workshops specializing in conical hats and incense making. The tour takes you deep into Vietnam's imperial history with visits to the ancient Tiger Arena, majestic royal tombs, and the sprawling Imperial Citadel—including the Forbidden Purple City. After stopping at the historic Thien Mu Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, a comfortable bus will return you to your hotel for an evening of rest.
Where you go
- Hue Countryside & Artisan Villages (Conical hat and incense making)
- The Ho Quyen Tiger Arena
- The Perfume River (Sông Hương) and scenic hills
- Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty Emperors
- The Imperial Citadel (Imperial City & Forbidden Purple City)
- Thien Mu Pagoda (The oldest pagoda in Hue)
- Romance Hotel, Hue
What you do
- Ride as a pillion passenger on a safe, guided motorbike excursion (with car alternatives available at no extra cost)
- Explore rural Hue, passing through bustling local markets and panoramic riverside viewpoints
- Observe traditional craftsmen handcrafting incense sticks and iconic conical hats
- Step back in time at the 19th-century Imperial Citadel, modeled after Beijing's Forbidden City
- Discover ancient historic ruins, royal burial sites, and sacred Buddhist pagodas
- Return to the hotel by bus in the afternoon for a relaxing, free evening
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Following breakfast, you will embark on a beautiful three-hour drive south toward Hoi An. The journey takes you past the pristine sands of Lang Co Beach and winds up the dramatic Hai Van Pass, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. Weather permitting, you will also pause near Da Nang to visit a traditional stone-carving artisan village at the base of the Marble Mountains. Upon arriving in the UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An, you will check into your resort and set out on an afternoon walking tour to discover its remarkably preserved old quarters, ancient assembly halls, and iconic bridges. The evening is yours to enjoy the atmospheric, lantern-lit streets, shop, or visit local tailors.
Where you go
- Lang Co Beach
- Hai Van Pass (The Pass of Ocean Clouds)
- Da Nang (Marble Mountain handicraft village)
- Hoi An Ancient Town
- Vinh Hung Riverside Resort, Hoi An
What you do
- Take a scenic coastal road trip from Hue to Hoi An
- Stop for photographs at scenic viewpoints along the beach and mountain pass
- Observe local stone craftsmen at work near the Marble Mountains
- Join a guided orientation walk through the historic streets of Hoi An
- Receive a 3-day sightseeing pass to explore historic houses and assembly halls at your own pace
- Spend a free evening exploring riverside cafes, vibrant night markets, or getting custom-tailored clothing
Meals
- Breakfast
Enjoy a completely open morning to soak in the atmosphere of this historic former trading port. You can spend your time browsing the boutique shops, getting custom-made clothing at a local tailor, relaxing at a riverside cafe, or heading to the nearby sandy shores of An Bang or Cua Dai Beach. In the late afternoon, the group gathers for a classic Vietnamese culinary experience. You will head to a bustling local market to select fresh ingredients before entering the kitchen with an expert chef to learn the secrets of authentic regional cooking, concluding the day by eating your own delicious creations.
Where you go
- Hoi An Old Town & Night Market
- An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach
- Hoi An Central Market (Local ingredient shopping)
- Cooking Class Restaurant
What you do
- Spend a relaxing morning exploring the town's historic Chinese, Japanese, and French colonial architecture
- Visit local tailors for bespoke, custom-made clothing or shop for colorful silk lanterns
- Unwind with a traditional massage or spend a few hours relaxing by the ocean
- Join a guided tour of a local market at 4:00 PM to source fresh herbs and produce
- Participate in a hands-on cooking workshop led by a professional chef
- Savor a self-prepared multi-course dinner with your fellow travelers
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Gear up after breakfast for a guided cycling tour into the peaceful countryside surrounding Hoi An. Riding along quiet paths, you will observe local farmers at work and stop to chat with friendly villagers. The route brings you close to majestic water buffaloes—where you can even opt for a brief ride—before taking you to a lush water coconut grove. Here, you will hop into a round bamboo basket boat for a fun, spinning cruise through the waterways. A relaxing boat ride returns you and your bike to the ancient town, leaving you with a completely free afternoon for final tailor fittings, souvenir shopping, or café hopping.
Where you go
- Hoi An Rural Villages and Farm Fields
- Cam Thanh Water Coconut Forest
- Thu Bon River (Scenic return cruise)
- Hoi An Ancient Town
- Vinh Hung Riverside Resort, Hoi An
What you do
- Embark on a guided bicycle tour straight from the resort into the countryside
- Meet local farmers and gain insights into traditional agriculture
- Interact with water buffaloes and try a short, supervised buffalo ride
- Paddle through tranquil mangrove channels in a traditional Vietnamese bamboo basket boat
- Board a riverboat for a scenic cruise back to the historic center
- Enjoy a final free afternoon and evening to pick up custom clothing or explore the town's night scene
Meals
- Breakfast
After breakfast, you will leave Hoi An and head to Da Nang Airport for a quick domestic flight to the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City. Upon landing, you will head directly to the countryside to explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense underground defense network used during the war. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to head underground and experience what life was like for the soldiers. After returning to the city for lunch and check-in, a guided afternoon walking tour will introduce you to Saigon's most historic architectural gems before leaving you with a completely free evening to explore.
Where you go
- Da Nang International Airport
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Cu Chi Tunnels Complex
- The Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon & Saigon Central Post Office
- Ben Thanh Market
What you do
- Transfer from your resort to the airport for an early morning flight to Saigon
- Journey out to the countryside to tour the legendary "Iron Land" underground tunnel labyrinth
- Learn about wartime history and opt to crawl through a preserved section of the tunnels
- Check in to your downtown hotel in the afternoon
- Take a guided architectural and historical walk through the heart of Ho Chi Minh City
- Spend a free evening diving into the city's vibrant nightlife, markets, or modern dining scene
Meals
- Breakfast
Today, you will leave the high-rises of Saigon behind and travel into the heart of the Mekong Delta, famous as Vietnam's primary agricultural hub. Your exploration begins with a boat cruise along the Tien River to discover scenic river islets, where you will wander through fertile fruit orchards, savor tropical fruits, and listen to traditional folk music performed by local musicians. Crossing into Ben Tre province, you will visit artisanal workshops making coconut candy and honey tea. After an entertaining ride on a motor cart or electric car, you will glide down tranquil, palm-shaded canals on a hand-rowed sampan. A late-afternoon road transfer then brings you to the vibrant riverside city of Can Tho for a free evening.
Where you go
- The Mekong Delta Region
- Tien River (My Tho)
- Dragon, Phoenix, and Unicorn Islets
- Ben Tre Province (The land of coconuts)
- Vinh Long Pier
- Can Tho City (Hau River center)
- Ninh Kieu Riverside Hotel (or similar)
What you do
- Drive from Saigon past emerald green rice fields to the rural delta area
- Board a motorized riverboat to explore different river islands
- Stroll through local village orchards to sample fresh, seasonal tropical fruits
- Listen to a live performance of traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music
- Visit a honey bee farm and an artisanal coconut candy workshop
- Opt to pose for photos with a local python at the apiary
- Ride through rural paths on a fun local motor cart or electric vehicle
- Take a peaceful, hand-rowed boat ride through narrow canals sheltered by water coconut palms
- Transfer by car to Can Tho and enjoy a relaxing evening walking along the Ninh Kieu wharf
Meals
- Breakfast
Start your day early with a boat ride to the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most energetic water market in the Mekong Delta, where locals trade goods right from their vessels. You will navigate the scenic waterways of the Lower Mekong, stopping to see how traditional rice vermicelli and rice paper are handcrafted. Your exploration includes a walk through a rural village to see classic palm-leaf houses and cross a traditional single-bamboo "monkey bridge." After sampling fresh fruits at a local orchard and enjoying lunch, you will pick up your luggage and take a private road transfer back to Saigon for a free final evening in the metropolis.
Where you go
- Cai Rang Floating Market (Can Tho)
- Lower Mekong River Tributaries
- Traditional Noodle & Rice Paper Workshop
- Rural Delta Village & Fruit Orchards
- Ninh Kieu Riverside Hotel (Luggage pickup)
- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
What you do
- Board a motorized boat at dawn to experience the lively trading at the floating market
- Cruise through picturesque river channels and observe daily local life on the water
- Learn the traditional process of making rice vermicelli noodles and fresh spring roll papers
- Take a guided walk through a rural village to see authentic stilt and palm-leaf houses
- Test your balance by viewing or walking across a classic bamboo "monkey bridge"
- Tour a fertile fruit orchard and taste fresh, sun-ripened exotic fruits
- Stop for lunch before returning to the hotel to pack up
- Relax on the drive back from the Mekong Delta to your hotel in Saigon
- Enjoy a free evening to revisit favorite spots or do some last-minute shopping in Saigon
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Enjoy your final breakfast in the bustling southern metropolis followed by a completely unstructured morning. It is the perfect opportunity to grab some premium Vietnamese coffee beans as souvenirs, complete any packing, or simply take a relaxing stroll through the neighborhood. Later, you will check out of your hotel and meet your driver for a private transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, where you will catch your flight home or continue onward to your next travel destination.
Where you go
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport
What you do
- Savor your final morning breakfast at the hotel
- Enjoy free time for last-minute souvenir shopping, photography, or independent sightseeing
- Coordinate with your guide or hotel front desk if you require recommendations for extended day trips
- Pack up, check out of your room, and settle any personal balances
- Meet your driver for a direct transfer to the airport terminal
- Board your international flight home or catch a connection to your next adventure
Meals
- Breakfast
What Makes This Tour Special
Our most popular itinerary! A perfect blend of heritage sites, authentic adventures, and local experiences across Vietnam's greatest highlights.
Hotel Options
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- All accommodation as per tour grade
- Private transportation with A/C
- English-speaking local guide
- Meals as mentioned in itinerary
- All entrance fees & activities
- Airport pickup & drop-off
- 24/7 local support
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips & gratuities
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Drinks & meals not mentioned
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