Best of Vietnam

Breakfast at the hotel.

Pick-up by the guide to visit the Museum of Ethnology (closed every Monday), which offers a unique opportunity to explore the cultural richness of the numerous ethnic groups in Vietnam. After the museum, visit the Temple of Literature (Quoc Tu Giam). Considered Vietnam’s first national university, it was built under the Ly Dynasty in the 11th century; the complex served as a place for the worship of Confucius and a school for royal children.

Lunch at a local restaurant (not included).

In the afternoon, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside only, as it is closed on Mondays and Fridays) before taking a pleasant walk through the botanical gardens to visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House where he lived and worked, and Ba Dinh Square, the site where Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence from the French in 1945. Next, stop at the One Pillar Pagoda, considered one of the city’s most important symbols.

Afterward, visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, dating back to the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De. Finally, enjoy a cyclo (xich lo) ride of about 40 minutes around Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword), which evokes the legend of a giant turtle and a magic sword used to drive the Chinese out of Vietnam, and the Hanoi Old Quarter with its famous streets bustling with life.

The day ends with a Water Puppet Show, depicting the daily life, culture, and beliefs of the Vietnamese people through puppets on water.

At the end of the visits, return to the hotel.

Dinner at your leisure and overnight stay at the hotel in Hanoi.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Meet your tour guide and driver, then depart for Ninh Binh (100km ~ 2.5 hours). As you pass through the Red River Delta, you may stop to take photos if you wish. Upon arrival in Hoa Lu, you will visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-980) and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009), who played vital roles in gaining the country’s independence after a thousand years of Chinese rule. Both temples were built in the 17th century to symbolize deep respect for the Kings’ contributions.

Lunch at a local restaurant (not included).

The next stop is Tam Coc, known as “Halong Bay on Land” and featured in the famous French film “Indochine.” Upon arrival at the pier, board a private sampan boat for a ninety-minute cruise along the Ngo Dong River. You will pass through three caves and witness a breathtaking landscape interspersed with small communities, rice paddies, cemeteries, and temples.

Continue your tour to Bich Dong, a typical pagoda in the Red River Delta countryside built in the 15th century. Upon arrival, cross a stone bridge to Chua Ha, from which over 100 steps lead to Chua Trung – the cave pagoda featuring unique clay statues. Then, walk up to Chua Thuong. You will not only have the chance to learn about Buddhism but also enjoy an incredible view of the countryside.

Return to Hanoi. You will have a day-use room at a hostel for relaxation until 9:00 PM.

Walk to the station for the night train to Lao Cai.

Overnight on the train.

Arrival at Lao Cai station around 06:00 AM. Welcome by your local English-speaking guide. 

Breakfast at a small local restaurant.

Departure for Bac Ha via Thanh Kim and Thanh Phu; along the way, you can enjoy breathtaking views of mountains, the river, and lakes. Situated at an altitude of 1,000 meters, Bac Ha is home to various ethnic groups such as the Flower Hmong, Phu La, and Tay. The Bac Ha region is well known for its colorful weekly markets, surrounded by a wild and beautiful landscape. These markets are not just for trading goods but also serve as a cultural epicenter for the diverse ethnic groups living in harmony in this region. You will visit a vibrant ethnic market that takes place once a week (Coc Ly Market – Tuesday, Sin Cheng Market – Wednesday, Lung Khau Nhin Market – Thursday, Can Cau Market – Saturday, Bac Ha Market – Sunday). You can browse the market and see products such as vegetables, poultry, horses, and buffaloes. Your attention will surely be captured not only by the liveliness of the market but also by the many minority groups in their most colorful traditional attire.

After visiting the market, take a short walk through some small ethnic villages around Bac Ha, interspersed with cornfields, cassava hills, and clay houses. Plum orchards and H’Mong women in their colorful dresses will accompany you throughout the journey.

Finally, we will head towards Sapa. Dinner at your leisure and overnight stay at a lodge in a tribal village.

Breakfast at the lodge.

Continue your exploration of Sapa with a soft trek toward Y Linh Ho village. Follow the downhill path and interact with the friendly H’mong women and children living in houses nestled in the valley. You will stop at the cable car bridge to refresh and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. For the sporty and adventurous, you can follow an uphill trek along the buffalo trails (dirt paths) offering breathtaking views and fewer tourists. Those preferring an easier trek can take a pleasant walk along the Muong Hoa River.

Next, proceed to Lao Chai Village via a small trail through the rice paddies. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the locals’ daily life and culture. The tour continues with the exploration of Ta Van Village, the fascinating land of the Dzay people, beautifully situated on a hill with a splendid view of the river and the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. As you walk along the village lanes, you will meet locals who may kindly invite you to visit their homes.

Pick-up by car and transfer back to Sa Pa in the afternoon. Free time until 3:00 PM, then take the shared shuttle bus (without guide) to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi at 9:00 PM and check into your hotel.

Dinner at your leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Meet the cruise company staff between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM at the hotel reception. Shared transfer (private transfer available upon request with a supplement) by the cruise company’s shuttle bus to Halong port (approximately 4 hours with a break along the way).

Halong Bay, which in Vietnamese means “the bay where the dragon descends into the sea,” is an enchanting bay featuring thousands of limestone islands, karst caves, sea stacks, and islets that make it a picturesque and magical place. Magnificent, mysterious, and majestic, Halong Bay has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994 and is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

Day 1 of the 2-Days/1-Night Cruise program.

Meals and overnight stay on the cruise.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

• Lunch and dinner featuring seafood tasting on board the junk (included – drinks not included).
• Overnight stay on board in a private deluxe cabin (with AC and shower).
• The cruise itinerary may change without prior notice depending on weather conditions or decisions by local authorities.

Only one English-speaking guide provided by the cruise company will be present on the junk.

Breakfast on the cruise.

Day 2 of the 2-Days/1-Night Cruise program:

Return on board for check-out. Enjoy brunch on board while sailing back to the harbor.

Return to the port. Shared transfer (private upon request with a supplement) by the cruise company’s shared limousine to Hanoi.

Transfer to Noi Bai Airport by private car via the highway (approximately 2 hours) for your flight to Hue. Upon landing at Phu Bai Airport, you will be welcomed by a driver at the arrival hall. Transfer and check-in to your hotel in Hue.

Dinner at your leisure and overnight stay at the hotel in Hue.

NOTE: For international flights, you are required to be at the airport 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights, 2 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Hue, dating back to 1601. It is the city’s spiritual highlight, well-known for its majestic octagonal tower and stunning views over the Perfume River. Next, visit the city’s most important site—the Hue Citadel, the sole remaining symbol of what was once the Imperial City of Vietnam. Its design was inspired by Vauban fortifications. The city consists of three sections: Kinh Thanh (the Capital City), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial City), and Tu Cam Thanh (the Forbidden Purple City). Hue’s most beautiful sites are concentrated in this area, including the Flag Tower, the Noon Gate, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the Dynastic Temples, and the residential quarters.

Lunch at a local restaurant (not included).

In the afternoon, visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, an architectural masterpiece that harmoniously blends nature with imperial religious works, followed by a visit to Xuan Thuy village. The day concludes with a visit to the Dong Ba Market.

At the end of the day, return to your hotel and enjoy your stay in the ancient capital.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Hue.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure for Hoi An (125km ~ 3 hours) via the Mandarin Road and the Hai Van Pass. Along the way, stop at the top of the Hai Van Pass (Ocean Cloud Pass) to enjoy breathtaking views of the Lang Co fishing village, the ocean, and the city of Da Nang.

Arrive in Hoi An and check into your hotel. Break for lunch (not included).

In the afternoon, discover the Old Quarter. The first stop is Cam Pho – built according to traditional Chinese architecture, this building serves as a center for worship, trade negotiations, and cultural exchange between locals and Chinese and Japanese merchants. Take a short walk to the symbol of Hoi An – Chua Cau, or the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 17th century to provide access to the Japanese quarter from the Chinese quarters.

Continue to the Quan Thang Ancient House – one of the most authentic ancient houses in Hoi An. Its lively and refined architecture and sculptures were crafted by artisans from the famous Kim Bong carpentry village in an Oriental style. The house offers a glimpse into the daily life of a Hoi An family. Afterward, visit the Phuc Kien (Fujian) Assembly Hall; built in the 17th century, it served as a meeting place for residents, traders, and visitors from the Fujian region of China. Finally, if you like, you can visit a handicraft lantern factory where you will have the opportunity to participate in making a lantern with local artisans.

Dinner at your leisure and overnight stay at the hotel in Hoi An.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Set off by bicycle to the Cam Thanh coconut village, where you will enjoy a basket boat trip through the Bay Mau nipa palm forest. Located in Cam Thanh village, just 7 km from the city center, this forest is a must-visit destination for those wishing to explore Vietnam’s natural beauty. The name “Bay Mau” comes from the fact that this coconut forest originally covered an area of only seven acres.

Continue to Tra Que village, famous for its aromatic herbs, mint, and basil. The leaves here are smaller than usual and possess a unique flavor. Visit the village and the vegetable fields, meeting the farmers who work there throughout the year. This is a great opportunity to observe the traditional techniques local farmers use to grow their crops. Afterward, you will prepare dishes using the village’s vegetables and herbs during a hands-on cooking session, making specialties such as crispy pancakes (with meat, shrimp, and bean sprouts), Hoi An spring rolls, “Tam Huu,” and grilled fish in banana leaves. Enjoy the meal you have prepared.

Take some well-deserved rest in a local house, enjoying green tea and a foot massage using medicinal herbs grown in the family garden.

Return to Hoi An. Free time at your disposal to explore the “City of Lanterns.”

Dinner at your leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free time until your transfer to Danang Airport in time for your flight to Saigon.

Vietnam Airlines/Bamboo Airways … – DANANG (DAD)… – SAIGON (SGN) … (included)

Note: Availability and prices are subject to change without notice until tickets are issued. To be verified.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, meet your driver (no guide) at the exit after baggage claim. Look for the welcome sign with your name.

Dinner at your leisure and overnight stay at the hotel in Saigon.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City to visit one of the most evocative sites of the Vietnam War history: the Cu Chi Tunnels. This district was heavily devastated, deforested, and bombed during the war, suffering from the use of chemical agents like Agent Orange. During the excursion, you will explore a large section of the tunnel network to experience what underground life was like. Cu Chi stands as a remarkable example of the spirit, strength, and determination of the Vietnamese people in their pursuit of peace and freedom.

Return to the city. Lunch at a local restaurant (not included).

In the afternoon, we explore Saigon. Known as the ancient Royal city of Prey Nokor during the Khmer Kingdom, it later became the capital of the French Colony (Cochinchina) and subsequently the capital of the Independent Republic of South Vietnam until 1976, when it was renamed Ho Chi Minh City after the revolutionary leader. Among the most iconic landmarks, we will visit the Central Post Office, built in the late 19th century with Renaissance and Gothic influences. We continue to Notre Dame Cathedral (exterior only, as it is currently under renovation), the Catholic church built during the French colonial era, and the vibrant Ben Thanh Market.

At the end of the tour, return to the hotel in Saigon.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning journey to Ben Tre, a beautiful region of the Mekong Delta famous for its coconut candy production. Arrive at Phong Nam Bridge for a boat trip on the Ben Tre River to discover local daily life. Stop at a brickworks to observe traditional brick-making techniques. Along the canal, you will visit one of the many coconut processing workshops, where you can taste fresh coconut and see how every part of the fruit is transformed into various derivative products. Continue your boat trip along a canal to Nhon Thanh village, which offers a perfect opportunity to taste fresh seasonal fruits. Take a bicycle ride (or a Tuk-tuk) along a small path through the villages, enjoying views of coconut groves, rice paddies, and vegetable gardens.

Lunch at a local restaurant (not included).

A short walk will help you discover local life up close. This is followed by a boat ride through a small canal shaded by wild palm trees. After the visit, transfer to Can Tho.

Dinner at your leisure and overnight stay at the hotel in Can Tho.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today, you will wake up to the sounds of the Mekong River!

Start the day with a boat trip to reach the Cai Rang Floating Market – the largest and most vibrant in the Mekong Delta. Here, you can observe sampans laden with goods such as rice, fruit, and local handicrafts, which traders transport at dawn to sell in the floating market.

After visiting the market, you will stop at a local family home that has been hand-producing traditional “hủ tiếu” – typical Vietnamese noodles – for three generations. Under their guidance, you can discover and try the preparation steps firsthand. You will then visit a fruit garden. Finally, make a stop at the charming Binh Thuy Ancient House, surrounded by an orchid garden, where scenes from the film “The Lover” were filmed.

After the visit, return to Saigon, arriving in the late afternoon.

Dinner at your leisure (not included) and overnight stay at the hotel.

NOTE: The Cai Rang market is best visited between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free time until your transfer (without guide) to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your flight back home. We wish you a pleasant journey back!!!

NOTE: For international flights, you are required to be at the airport 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights, 2 hours before the scheduled departure time.