Best of Vietnam & Nha Trang – Culture and Beach

Breakfast at the Hotel.

The day is dedicated to discovering the city of Hanoi, starting with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, including the main building – the Mausoleum (exterior only, closed on Mondays and Fridays), the majestic Presidential Palace, Uncle Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Built of wood in 1049, it rests on a single pillar and represents the purity of the lotus flower. After that, the tour continues with a visit to West Lake – the city’s largest natural lake – and the Tran Quoc Pagoda, which stands on the eastern shore of the lake.

Free lunch at your choice of local restaurants. You will begin the afternoon with a “cyclo” (xich lo) ride through the Old Quarter, considered the city’s historic center – a place with a thousand-year history teeming with vitality and commerce. The Quarter consists of 36 streets, each dedicated to the sale of a specific product and named accordingly: from colorful spices and food to shoes, clothing accessories, and even votive paper (Hang Ma). Passing through an interesting local market, you will head toward the Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem), linked to a legend of swords, emperors, and golden turtles, and surrounded by ancient trees. You will visit the Ngoc Son Temple, an oasis of peace and tranquility, which offers a beautiful view of the Turtle Tower (Thap Rua).

Return to the hotel. Accommodation and overnight stay at the hotel.

Departure for Ninh Binh through the lush vegetation of the Red River Delta.

The province of Ninh Binh is located about 100km from the capital, immersed in a breathtaking landscape of rivers and limestone formations. The first destination to visit is undoubtedly Tam Coc, where you will take a trip on a traditional boat along the river that laps against karst hills and rice paddies. This place, whose beauty some say surpasses that of Halong Bay, has recently become famous as the “Halong Bay on Land.” Only the birdsong distracts from this “otherworldly” scene. Near Tam Coc, it is also possible to visit the Bich Dong Pagoda – a series of 15th-century cave temples situated on a hillside. The excursion lasts about two hours, covering 2 km of the river along which there are three caves carved by the water.

Free lunch at a local restaurant.

The day continues with a visit to Hoa Lu through rural villages, limestone rocks, and breathtaking rice fields. Visit Hoa Lu – the ancient capital of Vietnam for 41 years, ruled by the Dinh and Le dynasties. Although most of the buildings have been irreparably destroyed, you can still admire two evocative temples, including Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh.

NOTE: On the way back from Hoa Lu to Tam Coc, you can enjoy a very pleasant bicycle ride.

Return to Hanoi. Transfer to the station to take the night train to Lao Cai. Overnight stay on the train.

Welcome at Lao Cai station and breakfast at a local restaurant. Transfer to Bac Ha (100 km – 3h). Visit to the Bac Ha market, which takes place only on Sundays. At the market, ethnic minorities such as the Flower Hmong, Black Dao, and Nung gather to trade goods. After the visit, a short trek to Ban Pho and transfer to Sapa. Accommodation and overnight stay at the hotel.

The Bac Ha market is the largest in northern Vietnam, where you can find a vast number of people from various minorities living in dozens of villages in the nearby valleys. The Flower Hmong wear short, colorful flared skirts and jackets with zigzag embroidery; the Black Dao wear dark, fluttering aprons and high cylindrical hats; and the Nung and Pa Then wear bright, intricately embroidered garments.

• Option 1: Tuesday: Coc Ly Market

• Option 2: Wednesday: Cao Son Market

• Option 3: Thursday: Lung Khau Nhin Market

• Option 4: Saturday: Can Cau Market, Y Ty Market

• Option 5: Sunday: Bac Ha Market, Muong Hum Market

Read more: “Seven days of markets in Sapa”

Sapa, situated in a splendid valley near the Chinese border, was an ancient mountain retreat established in 1922. Dubbed the “Queen of the Mountains,” it is magnificently perched at a scenic point overlooking a stunning valley, surrounded by high peaks that soar above the town on all sides. This is the ultimate destination in northwestern Vietnam, a gateway to another world of mysterious ethnic cultures and enchanting panoramas. The spectacular scenery surrounding Sapa includes cascading rice terraces that stretch across the mountains like a multicolored quilt.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Departure from Sapa at 9:00 AM, following the road that crosses the Muong Hoa River. You will travel along small dirt paths up to Lao Chai village, inhabited by the Black Hmong. Along the way, you can admire the spectacular views of colorful terraced rice fields, with opportunities to visit several tribal families. Continuing through the fields on this same riverbank, you will reach Ta Van village, inhabited by the Giay ethnic group. Descending toward the Muong Hoa River and crossing a small suspension bridge, you will discover a site with ancient rock carvings. From this point, you can choose between a quick ascent back toward Sapa or the road that continues toward Hmong and Dao villages located further south.

Return to Sapa in the afternoon and free time for shopping. Transfer to the station to take the train from Lao Cai.

Optional: Instead of taking the train, you can use private car services or the scheduled minivan/bus lines for the Hanoi – Sapa – Hanoi route.

Arrival in Hanoi at 5:00 AM. Walk to the New Moon Hotel in front of the station. A room is available for you to rest.

08:00 AM – 08:30 AM: Departure for Halong by cruise company bus or private car.

Magnificent and mysterious, fascinating and majestic: words alone cannot do justice to the natural wonder that is Halong Bay. The bay is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. It features thousands of limestone sea stacks and islets, making it a highly picturesque location and a destination for thousands of tourists every day. A visit to the floating village of Vung Vieng allows you to appreciate the lives of the local people, who live in perfect harmony with the water.

The journey to Halong takes 4 hours, including a short break. Arrival in Halong around noon; boarding and check-in on a boat for a cruise in the bay.

Visit the Surprise Cave (Sung Sot Cave), which features limestone formations of various shapes, with stalactites and stalagmites. To access the three chambers, you will need to climb over one hundred steps. Relax at a beach with the possibility of swimming, or climb to the highest point of an island to enjoy a panoramic view of the bay. Meals on board featuring seafood tasting. Overnight stay on board the junk in a private cabin (with air conditioning and shower).

NOTE: The navigation itinerary in Ha Long Bay may change depending on the cruise company, sea conditions, and the decisions of the bay authorities. The guide on board will be English-speaking. A guide for the transfer from Hanoi is available at a supplement. Please consult the “Supplements” section.

Breakfast on the junk’s terrace with the opportunity to admire the beauty of the bay at sunrise.

Spend the morning relaxing on the cruise amidst the magical landscapes of Bai Tu Long Bay. Brunch on board. Disembark, then return to Hanoi. Stop to visit the Phu Lang porcelain village or the But Thap Pagoda (this visit is scheduled only for groups traveling by private car).

At 3:30 PM, meet and transfer via our vehicles to Hanoi airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, welcome (without guide) and transfer to the hotel. Check-in and accommodation at the hotel.

NOTE: The navigation itinerary in Ha Long Bay may change depending on the cruise company, sea conditions, and the decisions of the bay authorities. The guide on board will be English-speaking. A guide for the transfer from Hanoi is available at a supplement. Please consult the “Supplements” section.

Breakfast at the Hotel. 

The day begins with a boat excursion on the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda—the symbol of the city, whose name means “Celestial Lady.” Return to the city by car to visit the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City, which is located within it. Break for lunch.

In the afternoon, the tour continues with a visit to the Tomb of Minh Mang and, if time permits, a visit to the Tu Hieu Pagoda. Return to the hotel. Check-in and accommodation at the hotel.

The city of Hue stands along the banks of the Perfume River and was founded in 1687 under the name Phu Xuan. It became the capital of the southern part of Vietnam in 1744 and maintained this role from 1802 to 1945 under the reign of the 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Hue is an almost mandatory stop for anyone visiting Vietnam. Not only was it the nation’s political and cultural capital for nearly 150 years, but it also preserves spectacular imperial tombs, pagodas, and temples—not to mention the culinary aspect: Hue is the refined gastronomic capital of the country.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Departure for the charming city of Hoi An, passing through a variety of spectacular landscapes. First, at the fishing village of Lang Co, you can admire the locals working with original traditional tools. You will then cross the Pass of the Clouds (Hai Van Pass), the geographic, climatic, and cultural border between Northern and Southern Vietnam. A stop to admire Danang from above and the famous “China Beach,” which stretches for over 30km. You will descend into Danang to visit the Cham Museum, which holds the richest collection of archaeological artifacts from the ancient empire, including splendid and highly significant works from this ancient civilization.

Immediately after leaving the city heading south, you will skirt one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Vietnam and the granite mountains where pagodas and temples are nestled in a surreal landscape: the “Marble Mountains”, five marble hills from which you can enjoy an evocative view of the surrounding panorama.

Arrival in Hoi An around noon. Free lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you can visit the old town, featuring the Japanese Bridge, built at the beginning of the 17th century; the Fujian Assembly Hall (Phukien Temple), founded by a Chinese congregation devoted to the Goddess of the Sea; and the Phung Hung Old House. Check-in and accommodation at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Free time in Hoi An before the transfer to the airport for your flight to Nha Trang. Arrival in Nha Trang. Welcome (without guide) and transfer to the hotel. Free time on the beach.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Free time on the beach. Overnight stay in Nha Trang.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Free time on the beach. Overnight stay in Nha Trang.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Free time before the transfer to the airport for the flight to Saigon. Arrival in Saigon. Welcome by the guide and transfer to the hotel.

At the end of the civil war, ancient Saigon took the name of the political leader of the winning side, North Vietnam. Today, it represents the beating heart of Vietnam, as well as its largest city, reflecting its essence through a unique fusion of indigenous culture and deep French and Chinese influences, perceptible at first glance in its architecture.

In the afternoon, visit the city of Saigon: the Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Chinese Quarter (Cholon) with the Thien Hau Pagoda, and the War Remnants Museum. Check-in and accommodation at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

After breakfast, depart by car toward the Mekong Delta—considered the “rice bowl of Vietnam.” Arrival at Hung Vuong pier (Ben Tre city), located in front of the hotel of the same name. Board for an excursion along the Ham Luong River – one of the main tributaries of the Mekong River.

During the journey, you will admire lively local activities, fishing along the river, and the functionality of the irrigation canals. You will stop at a brick kiln to observe traditional-style brick making. Along the canal, you will visit one of the many coconut processing workshops where you can taste fresh coconut and see how every single part of this fruit is transformed into products. Right here, you will see how to climb a coconut tree to harvest fruit, and you can try it yourself if you wish. The final stop will be at a weaving workshop where straw mats are woven using hand looms. You will continue through the natural creeks of the delta to reach a village. Take a short walk to discover the daily life of the people in the Mekong Delta. Stop at a family home to enjoy tea and fresh local fruit. Lunch at a local house.

After lunch, you will board a sampan to navigate the canals and reach a spot where you will take a bicycle or a Xe Loi to visit the home of Mr. Khanh – a famous and passionate antique collector. The house is filled with unique artifacts from Vietnam and other Asian countries. He will also show you some family albums with photos dating back to the French colonial period. Return to the boat and transfer to Can Tho. Arrival, check-in, and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Departure by boat to visit the Cai Rang floating market, one of the most picturesque in the Mekong Delta. This is a wholesale market where producers bring their goods to traders who then sell them at local markets. It primarily deals in fruits and vegetables, where the large quantities make the colors even more vibrant. Transfers from one boat to another happen by passing goods as if they were balls, sometimes even two at a time. Amidst the traffic, a few tourist boats circulate along with a “coffee-boat” modified to hold a large pot of the inevitable soup called “pho” and other local delicacies to satisfy the merchants. These would be entirely normal scenes if they didn’t take place on a river. Vietnamese industriousness dictates that local markets take place very early; then, everyone returns to their occupations and begins the workday.

After the market, visit the Ba Cong fruit orchard and the Binh Thuy ancient house, where the famous film “The Lover” was filmed. Leaving Can Tho, you will return to Saigon. On the way, stop to visit the Long Dinh mat-weaving village. Arrival in Saigon, check-in, and overnight stay at the hotel.

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

Breakfast at the hotel. Free time in the city. Meet and transfer to the airport for your return flight. We wish you a pleasant journey home!!

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