Essential Vietnam Journey 17 Days 16 Nights

After breakfast, your day kicks off with a visit to the square in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, honoring the nation's founder. Your guide will narrate the country's independence history before you capture memories in photos.
Next, head to the Defense Pagoda by West Lake, ending your morning with an insightful trip to the Hanoi Ethnography Museum, showcasing Vietnam's diverse ethnic cultures.
Lunch awaits at a local eatery.
In the afternoon, a fascinating stroll through the Hanoi Old Quarter awaits you. Start with the Long Bien Bridge - Paul Doumer Bridge (Trần Nhật Duật Street side) and continue to Cao Thắng Street, famous for its traditional spices. Then, explore the Đồng Xuân Market, the largest market in Hanoi, and soak in the lively atmosphere of Hàng Mã Street, known for its decorative items, Chinese toys, and colorful lanterns.
Continue your exploration through Lương Văn Can, Lãn Ông, and Hang Buồm streets, taking the time to visit the Bạch Mã Temple (76 Hang Buồm Street), the oldest temple in Hanoi. Take a well-deserved break at Café Market (Hanoi Coffee Station, 44 Hang Bè Street or another café boutique) to enjoy a complimentary coffee.
Capture the vibrant atmosphere by Hoan Kiem Lake before attending a mesmerizing Hanoi water puppet show in the evening.
Dinner is on your own, followed by an overnight stay at the hotel in Hanoi

We will start your day with a 8am pick-up from your hotel to transfer you to Halong Bay. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a popular travel destination located in Quảng Ninh Province, Vietnam. In Vietnamese, "Hạ Long" means "descending dragon."

We will arrive at Tuan Chau Port around 11:45am to 12:00pm, where you will board our boat. You will receive a welcome drink and a cruise briefing with safety instructions. A delicious deluxe Vietnamese Set Menu Lunch will also be served. If you wish, you may book a massage service in advance with your Cruise Manager and enjoy it throughout the cruise.

As we cruise through Halong Bay, we will pass by the most beautiful and serene areas, including Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, and Finger Islet. Our next destination is the breathtaking Surprise Cave (Hang Sửng Sốt), one of the largest and most stunning grottoes in Halong Bay. To reach the mouth of the grotto, we will climb approximately a hundred stone steps.

After exploring the Surprise Cave, we will depart and sail for about 30 minutes to anchor overnight. During this time, guests can attend a Fruit and Vegetable Carving Lesson led by our Head Chef. Our chef will demonstrate fruit and vegetable carving and teach guests how to decorate and make some traditional Vietnamese food.

Dinner, featuring fresh seafood, will be served in the evening, followed by various activities. Board games like cards or Parcheesi will be available, as well as massage services throughout the cruise. Everyone can also try their luck at squid fishing on the boat with the help of the crew.

Overnight on boat.

Best things to do in Halong Bay

After enjoying a good night's sleep, guests can opt to wake up at 6:30 am for a breakfast of coffee, tea, and pastries in the dining room. However, it's not compulsory, and those who prefer to sleep in can do so. For early risers who are interested, a 30-minute Tai Chi lesson will be held at 6:45 am on the sundeck.

Next, guests will be taken to Titov Island by tender boat, where they can spend approximately an hour climbing to the peak to enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of the bay. For those who don't wish to climb, there's an expansive viewing deck halfway up the island. After the climb, guests can relax on the beach and take a swim.

Once guests return to the boat, they will have 30 minutes to freshen up and pack their belongings. All heavy luggage should be left outside the cabins, as staff will transfer it directly to the pier. Guests can enjoy a full breakfast in the dining room and settle their bills afterward. As the boat approaches the pier, guests can relax on the sundeck or in the dining room, taking in the beautiful scenery.

We are scheduled to arrive at Tuan Chau port by 11:00 am, where guests can relax inside the pier building while waiting for return transportation. Please note that the itinerary is subject to change due to weather and tide conditions.

At 12:00 pm, the cruise experience comes to an end, and guests will be transferred to Ninh Binh, stopping along the way to sample the delicious local delicacy, green cake. Upon arrival in Ninh Binh, guests will check in at their hotel and have leisure time to relax and unwind before dinner on their own.

Overnight in Tam Coc (12km from Ninh Binh city).

After breakfast, take a small sampan for a spectacular two-hour cruise through numerous waterways. You will be able to admire a beautiful rural landscape of limestone cliffs and rice fields before reaching Thung Nham, which is located 05 km from Tam Coc.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, the discovery of Bai Dinh Pagoda. The Bai Dinh Pagoda is not only the largest pagoda in Vietnam, but it is also considered to be the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. The pagoda leans back on the hill in the rear and overlooks the river in the front. This prime location has made Bai Dinh Pagoda one of the most impressive attractions in Ninh Binh.

Go back to Hanoi. It's dinner on your own.

Later, at 8:10 PM, you will be transferred to the railway station to catch the night train to Sapa.

Overnight on train (A/C soft sleeper - 4 persons/ cabin)

Upon your arrival at Lao Cai railway station at approximately 6:00 AM, a comfortable transfer will take you to the magnificent town of Sapa. Nestled in the mountains, Sapa boasts a diverse and vibrant community of over 30 ethnic minority tribes, including the Black H'mong, Flower H'mong, and Red Dzao. The town is also home to Fansipan Mount, the highest peak in Vietnam. Upon arrival in Sapa, you may choose to enjoy breakfast at your hotel or one of the nearby restaurants.

After breakfast, you will set out on a trekking adventure to Cat Cat village. This charming village is located on the picturesque Muong Hoa Valley and is inhabited by the H'Mong hill tribe. The village is situated about 3 km away from Sapa Town and can be reached by an easy 45-minute walk. During your trek, you will be surrounded by rice fields and corn plantations.

Next, you will proceed towards Lao Chai village via Y Linh Ho village. As you traverse through the region's stunning landscape, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and explore the scenic beauty of the area.

At lunchtime, you will savor a delectable meal at a local restaurant, which may be located in Lao Chai village.

After lunch, your trek will take you to Ta Van village, where you can leisurely stroll and observe the traditional lifestyle of the friendly locals. The village's serene and picturesque rural surroundings, complete with rice paddies, wooden bridges, and rivers, offer the perfect setting to relax and unwind.

Return to Sapa Town by car, then check-in your hotel.

Dinner on your own.

Overnight at the hotel in Sapa Town.

Following breakfast, you will have some spare time to spend in the village before being picked up by the driver to return to Sapa town. From there, you will take a VIP bus to Hanoi, which covers a distance of 330km and takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Upon arrival at your hotel in Hanoi in the afternoon, you will have some spare time to explore the city on your own.

You may choose to enjoy a meal at a restaurant of your choice.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your morning flight to Da Nang city. Upon arrival, a driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to Hoi An. En route, you will make a stop at Non Nuoc Marble village, located about 8km southeast of Da Nang City, which is also known as "Mountain and Water" in Vietnamese.

Next, you will continue your journey to the ancient town of Hoi An. This town was once an important trading port during the 17th and 18th centuries, and has been officially listed as a World Heritage site. After arriving, you will check into your hotel and have leisure time to explore the ancient town.

Meals on your own.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, embark on a scenic walk through the Hoi An ancient town to discover its hidden gems. Begin by visiting the Quan Cong temple, a shrine dedicated to the brave and loyal Chinese General. Next, explore the Phuc Kien pagoda, the most famous assembly hall in the ancient town. The pagoda was built by Fukjianese, who were Chinese traders that settled in Hoi An during the XVII century. Here, various gods are worshiped, as it serves as a place of worship for the traders.

Continue your exploration by visiting the Japanese Bridge, an iconic landmark of Hoi An that is widely used as an emblem of the town. Built by Japanese merchants in the 16th century, the bridge is a testament to the town's history and cultural diversity. Next, visit the Tan Ky ancient house, the most popular of Hoi An's old houses. The house is an excellent example of traditional Vietnamese architecture and showcases the town's cultural heritage.

Before lunch, take a moment to admire the beauty of Hoi An port, a World Heritage site listed by UNESCO.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before beginning the afternoon activities.

Spend a leisurely day cycling through the picturesque countryside of Vietnam, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. After cycling through the town, pass through the villages of rice fields on quiet roads, culminating in the Van Lang fisherman village and Bay Mau water coconut forest. Covering an area of seven hectares, the forest comprises mangroves, canals, and houses covered in water coconut leaf. This place served as a refuge for people and local soldiers during the Vietnam War and is now renowned for its abundance of seafood.

On the way to the village, stop at Ba Le market, rice fields, cemeteries, and schools. Upon arrival in the village, you will be greeted with a warm cup of green tea by Mr. Han and his family, the third generation of his family to live in the village. Take some free time to stroll through the village before joining the locals in a basket boat to learn their traditional fishing techniques in the water coconut forest.

After returning to Mr. Han and his family, enjoy a traditional therapeutic foot bath with medicinal herbs before preparing dinner with a local family. Dinner will feature a range of local dishes, including Tam Huu spring rolls, Banh Xeo local pancakes, and grilled fish in banana leaf, among other Vietnamese delicacies.

After dinner, take some free time to rest and enjoy the tranquility of the region before returning to your hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After enjoying breakfast, you will be driven to Danang to visit the Cham Museum, a fascinating museum that showcases the art and artifacts of the Cham civilization. Afterward, you will continue your journey to Hue, which was the capital of Đàng Trong (meaning South region of Vietnam) from 1738 to 1775 and the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyễn dynasty from 1802 to 1945.

Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will take a boat cruise on the serene Huong River, visiting the Thien Mu pagoda on the riverbank. You will also explore Emperor Minh Mang's tomb, which is reminiscent of the Ming tombs in China with its pavilions, ponds, and gardens, and is known for its perfect harmony between architecture and its natural environment. The tomb was built during his reign (1820-1841) and completed in 1843, two years after his death by his successor Thieu Tri.

You will have dinner on your own tonight.

Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, you will visit the Imperial Citadel, which was the seat of power for the Nguyen Dynasty from 1804-1945. You will have the opportunity to visit some of the most highly revered sites in this World Heritage area, including the Flag Tower, South Door, Edict Pavilion, Supreme Harmony Palace, and the Forbidden Purple City.

Next, you will discover Emperor Khai Dinh's mausoleum, which is unique among the royal tombs in Hue. While other royal tombs are expansive and invite respectful reflection, Khai Dinh built his final resting place to be monumental in style and bombastic in execution.

You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Dong Ba market, a vibrant market that offers a wide range of goods, from fresh produce to souvenirs. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Diem Phung Thi exhibition of sculptures. Diem Phung Thi was a renowned artist who began studying sculpture in 1959. Her work became famous and in 1991, her name was listed in the Larousse Dictionary: The Arts of the Twentieth Century; Dictionary of Statues and Paintings. She became an Academician of the European Academy of Sciences, Literature, and Arts in 1992. In 1992, she returned to Vietnam and opened an exhibition room at the Vietnamese-French Culture Exchange Institute in HCMC.

You will have dinner on your own tonight.

Overnight in Hue.

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Hue Airport for your morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, it served as the capital of the French colony of Cochin-china and later the independent republic of South Vietnam from 1955-75. On 2 July 1976, Saigon was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City, after the Vietnamese communist revolutionary leader who was prime minister (1945-1955) and president (1945-1969) of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam).

Upon arrival, you will discover the bustling city of Saigon. You will visit the Opera House, which was built in 1900 and inspired by the architecture of the Opera Garnier in Paris. The facade of the opera is a replica of the Petit Palais in Paris. You will also visit Notre-Dame Cathedral, a famous central Saigon Cathedral built in 1877 with materials imported from France, and the Post Office signed by Gustave Eiffel.

After lunch at a restaurant, you will explore the Chinese quarter "Cho Lon" and its impressive Binh Tay market. You will end the day with a visit to a lacquer ware factory, where you will have the opportunity to witness the creation of traditional Vietnamese lacquer ware.

At the end of the day, you will return to your hotel for some leisure time.

Dinner on your own.

Overnight in Saigon.

At 8:30 in the morning, depart from Ho Chi Minh City and head to Ben Tre. Upon arrival at Hàm Luông Pier, located in Ben Tre town and opposite the hotel of the same name, take a boat ride along the Ben Tre river, which is one of the tributaries of the Mekong river. Along the way, observe the lively activities taking place on the river, such as fishing and water transfer.

Also, stop to see traditional brick-making techniques that involve printing and baking.

Visit a coconut processing workshop that is situated along the canal, and then walk to a family workshop where locals make sleeping mats and drink fruit and tea. Finally, take a motor cart (xe lôi) or a bicycle to experience life under tree shades, pass by green rice fields and vegetable plains, and learn about tropical culture from the peasants.

Have lunch at the Hai Hồ family's residence.

To reach the pier, take a rowing boat before transferring by car to Can Tho city.

Check-in at your hotel in Can Tho city, and have dinner on your own.

Overnight at hotel in Can Tho city.

After your breakfast, you will depart from Ho Chi Minh and head towards Mui Ne, which is located 220km away. A hidden gem among the coconut trees, Mui Ne is a chain of seaside resorts that caters to all ages and preferences. One of the highlights of the area is the unique white sand dunes that contain several lakes and swamps within the sandy terrain.

During the journey, you will have the opportunity to stop for lunch at a location of your choice.

Once you arrive in Mui Ne, you can spend the afternoon relaxing at a resort or exploring the colored sand dunes at Hon Rom. The coastline also offers breathtaking views during sunset along the Cape Ne beach drive. For those interested, an optional 18-hole golf course is available.

You will have dinner on your own at a restaurant of your choosing.

Overnight in Mui Ne.