Itinerary
- Day 1
Hanoi
Your guide meets you and takes you to the hotel, checking in around 14:00. The afternoon and evening are yours to settle in and get comfortable after traveling.
- Day 2
Hanoi
After breakfast, you'll start with Hanoi's imperial sites including Ba Dinh Square and Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and stilt house. Then it's on to the One Pillar Pagoda from 1049 and Tran Quoc Pagoda by West Lake. The afternoon takes you through the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university built in 1070, followed by a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and into the 36-street Old Quarter. Grab coffee at a local spot before heading back. Evening is free.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex including Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, and stilt house
- Visit One Pillar Pagoda
- Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda
- Visit Temple of Literature
- Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake
- Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter (36 ancient streets)
- Coffee at local café
- 01 cup of egg coffee per person
Optional Activities
- Streetfood tour by Vespa - 3-hour evening tour (approximately 18:00-21:00) featuring authentic Hanoi cuisine including bún chả, bánh cuốn, spring rolls, with stops at local eateries, pass by Long Bien Bridge, includes English-speaking guide, Vespa with experienced driver, helmet, rain coat, water, and local beer or traditional chè
- The Quintessence of Tonkin - Cultural spectacle in Da Phuc Village featuring outdoor performance with 500+ local performers (not professionals), showing northern Vietnamese traditions, performance backdrop of Chua Thay pagoda, 45-minute show (19:00-19:45, Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday only), includes shared shuttle bus, entrance/zone fee, show tickets, local assistant (English-speaking guide not included)
Landmarks/POIs Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum Ba Dinh Square One Pillar Pagoda Tran Quoc Pagoda Temple of Literature Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi Old Quarter Long Bien Bridge Chua Thay - Day 3
Hanoi to Pu Luong
After checking out, the drive to Pu Luong Nature Reserve takes about 4 to 4.5 hours covering 155km through rural villages and winding roads. You'll head to Dong Dieng Village, then trek roughly 3.5 to 4km down through terraced rice fields to Kho Muong Village. Learn about local herbs with your guide, visit a Thai stilt house to see how herbs are used for foot soaking, and watch the sunset before returning to your homestay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Trek through terraced rice fields from Dong Dieng Village to Kho Muong Village (approximately 3.5-4km, easy level)
- Learn about local herbs and plants from guide
- Visit Thai traditional stilt house and learn about herbal foot bathing preparation
Landmarks/POIs Pu Luong Nature Reserve Dong Dieng Village Kho Muong Village - Day 4
Pu Luong
This day is completely yours. Spend it relaxing in the peaceful nature around you, or take an optional tour to explore more of the local culture and landscape if you prefer.
Optional Activities
- Biking and trekking through villages with lunch at local family - 4-6km trek (medium level difficulty), scenic hike to Uoi Village, cycle to Lan Village then to Hieu Village and Hieu Waterfall, traditional lunch at local home, return by bus to homestay, approximately 6.5-7 hours total, pick-up 08:30 AM, drop-off approximately 15:00-15:30 PM, includes English-speaking guide, transportation, bike per person, water, entrance fees if any, lunch at local family (Alternative for non-cyclists: local motorbike scooter with driver at USD 4 per person surcharge to be paid on site)
Landmarks/POIs Uoi Village Lan Village Hieu Village Hieu Waterfall - Day 5
Pu Luong to Ninh Binh
After breakfast and checkout, you'll travel about 3 hours covering 128km to Ninh Binh, known as 'Halong Bay on land.' The drive takes you from mountains to the countryside with limestone karsts, calm rivers, and green landscapes. Once there, check in and have free time to explore at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Tam Coc & Mua Cave, biking through rice fields - Cycle approximately 8km (about 1 hour) along Boi River to Van Long Nature Reserve by small rowing boats crossing rice paddies and rocky peaks; afternoon hike up 500 stone steps to Mua Cave viewpoint for panoramic views over Tam Coc's rice fields and river; scenic bike ride through peaceful rice fields (season-dependent: lush green, golden harvest, or farmers at work), approximately 5-5.5 hours total, pick-up 12:30 PM, drop-off 17:00-17:30 PM, includes English-speaking guide, transportation, bike per person, water, entrance/zone fees, boat tour (2-3 persons per boat) (Alternative for non-cyclists: Option 1 - local motorbike scooter with driver at USD 4 per person surcharge to be paid on site; Option 2 - relax at coffee shop/restaurant with 01 drink per person included)
Landmarks/POIs Tam Coc Van Long Nature Reserve Mua Cave Boi River - Day 6
Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay
You'll drive 3 hours east covering about 206km to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Gulf of Tonkin. A tender boat takes you to the overnight cruise where lunch is served on board while sailing past limestone scenery. After lunch, rest or join swimming and kayaking. Late afternoon brings a cooking demonstration before dinner and evening activities.
- Meals
- Lunch (Sumptuous lunch on board cruise), Dinner (Dinner on board cruise)
Included Activities
- Boat transfer to Ha Long/Lan Ha Bay by tender boat
- Overnight cruise through Halong Bay
- Lunch on board
- Swimming or kayaking
- Cooking demonstration
- Dinner on board
Landmarks/POIs Ha Long Bay Lan Ha Bay - Day 7
Ha Long Bay to Hanoi to Dong Hoi
Watch sunrise over Halong Bay's limestone islets, each with its own name like Fisherman's Head, Turtle, the Sail, and Cock Fighting Rocks. The boat returns to the wharf by midday. You'll then head to Hanoi Train Station for the 19:40 evening train to Dong Hoi, arriving at 06:02 the next morning. You'll sleep on the train.
Included Activities
- Sunrise boat tour through Ha Long Bay islets
Landmarks/POIs Ha Long Bay Hanoi Train Station - Day 8
Dong Hoi to Phong Nha
Light breakfast is served on the train when you arrive in Dong Hoi. Your guide and driver meet you, then transfer you to the hotel in Phong Nha. The rest of the day is free for exploring the area at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Light breakfast on train)
Included Activities
- Light breakfast on train
Optional Activities
- Dark Cave with zipline & Phong Nha Cave - Thrilling zipline ride across lush landscapes, swim in crystal-clear waters, kayaking and mud baths at Dark Cave (habitat for endangered Ha Tinh langur listed in Vietnam's Red Book), afternoon visit to Phong Nha Cave in UNESCO-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites, approximately 7.5-8 hours total, pick-up 08:30-09:00 AM, drop-off approximately 16:30-17:00 PM, includes English-speaking guide, transportation, kayak, mud-bath activity, zipline, water, entrance/zone fees
Landmarks/POIs Dark Cave Phong Nha Cave Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park - Day 9
Phong Nha to Hue
After breakfast, head to Dong Ha town to explore DMZ historical sites from the Vietnam War era. Visit the Vinh Moc Tunnels where villagers lived underground during bombing, see Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River marking the old North-South divide, follow the Ho Chi Minh Trail route, and end at Khe Sanh Combat Base museum with war relics and bunkers. Later you'll head to Hue with the rest of the day free.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Vinh Moc Tunnels
- Visit Hien Luong Bridge
- Visit Ben Hai River
- Follow Ho Chi Minh Trail
- Visit Khe Sanh Combat Base museum
Landmarks/POIs Vinh Moc Tunnels Hien Luong Bridge Ben Hai River Ho Chi Minh Trail Khe Sanh Combat Base - Day 10
Hue
After breakfast, explore Hue starting with the Royal Citadel and Forbidden City, then visit the Hue Royal Museum and King Tu Duc's tomb, one of the three best-preserved Nguyen Emperor monuments from the 19th to early 20th centuries. Late afternoon takes you to Tam Giang pier for a boat through Vietnam's most beautiful lagoon where you'll see local fishermen's daily life and visit Rú Chá, a small farming community. Return to your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Royal Citadel
- Visit Forbidden City
- Visit Hue Royal Museum
- Visit Tombs of King Tu Duc
- Boat tour of Tam Giang Lagoon
- Visit Rú Chá islet
Optional Activities
- Royal Dinner - Experience imperial elegance of Vietnam's past in beautifully restored traditional house or garden-style restaurant featuring authentic Hue royal cuisine once reserved for kings and queens, optional royal costumes, live traditional music and graceful court performances, approximately 1.5 hours, pick-up 19:15-19:30 PM, drop-off approximately 21:00 PM, includes English-speaking guide, transportation, dining with Nguyen Dynasty royal menu style, royal costumes
Landmarks/POIs Royal Citadel Forbidden City Hue Royal Museum Tombs of King Tu Duc Tam Giang Lagoon Rú Chá - Day 11
Hue to Hoi An
Enjoy leisure breakfast at the hotel before checking out and heading 120km south for about 3 hours to Hoi An, a well-preserved Southeast Asian trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries. Walk over the tile-roofed Japanese Bridge, visit Chinese Assembly Halls, explore ancient houses, pagodas, and the market by Thu Bon River. Shop for lanterns and silk or get clothes tailored. Head back to the hotel by electric car.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walk over Japanese Bridge
- Visit Chinese Assembly Halls
- Visit ancient houses and trading houses
- Visit pagodas
- Explore market by Thu Bon River
- Return to hotel by electric car
Optional Activities
- Hoi An Memories Show - Spectacular outdoor performance on grand riverside stage featuring 500+ performers, stunning lighting effects, sweeping musical compositions, scenes of ancient trade, folk traditions, and timeless love stories, world-class visual masterpiece celebrating Hoi An's heritage, approximately 1 hour show time, pick-up 19:30 PM, drop-off 21:00-21:10 PM, includes English-speaking guide, transportation, entrance ticket (zone ECO), water, entrance/zone fees
Landmarks/POIs Japanese Bridge Chinese Assembly Halls Thu Bon River Hoi An Ancient Town - Day 12
Hoi An
After breakfast at the hotel, you have free time to explore Hoi An however you like. If interested, you can optionally visit My Son Sanctuary UNESCO World Heritage Site or check out traditional villages with a lantern-making class.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Morning My Son Sanctuary - Explore ancient Hindu temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in lush jungle, fascinating ruins of Champa Kingdom dating back to 4th century, intricate carvings and red-brick structures, learn cultural and religious significance, enjoy serene natural surroundings, return to hotel afternoon, approximately 3 hours, pick-up 08:00 PM, drop-off 11:00-11:30 PM, includes English-speaking guide, transportation, water, entrance/zone fees
- Afternoon traditional village with lantern making class - Peaceful bike ride across Cam Kim Bridge to Kim Bong Village known for centuries-old carpentry traditions, observe skilled artisans crafting wood by hand using techniques passed down through generations, cycle to Duy Vinh Village known for weaving sedge mats surrounded by vibrant green rice and corn fields, hands-on lantern-making class with experience coach connecting with Hoi An's iconic craft culture, your finished product after lesson, conclude by biking back then transfer by electric car to hotel, approximately 4 hours, pick-up 13:00 PM, drop-off 17:00 PM, includes English-speaking guide, transportation, water, entrance/zone fees, lantern making course with coach, finished product
Landmarks/POIs My Son Sanctuary Kim Bong Village Duy Vinh Village Cam Kim Bridge - Day 13
Hoi An to Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City
Transfer to Da Nang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Once you arrive, get picked up and transferred to your hotel. Visit the Reunification Palace with its grand halls and period furnishings, see the French colonial Central Post Office, and walk through vibrant Ben Thanh and Yersin Markets. Late afternoon is free to stroll Le Cong Kieu Street for antiques or just soak in the city's energy.
Included Activities
- Visit Reunification Palace
- Visit Central Post Office
- Visit Ben Thanh Market
- Visit Yersin Market
Optional Activities
- Stroll Le Cong Kieu Street for antiques
Landmarks/POIs Reunification Palace Central Post Office Ben Thanh Market Yersin Market Le Cong Kieu Street - Day 14
Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre to Can Tho
Early transfer to Ben Tre where you'll board a moto-boat at Ham Luong dock to cruise the Ham Luong River tributary. Visit local workshops learning about traditional crafts like activated charcoal and coconut products. Travel village roads by motorized rickshaw then kayak through tropical canals. Visit a local fruit plantation, enjoy seasonal fruits, and relax in a small boat through natural canals. Return to dock and drive to Can Tho to check in.
Included Activities
- Moto-boat cruise along Ham Luong River
- Visit local workshops (activated charcoal, dried coconut, coconut husk brooms, coir art)
- Tour village by 'Xé Lôi' (local motorized rickshaw)
- Kayaking through tropical canals
- Visit local fruit plantation
- Relax being rowed in small boat through natural canals
- Sampan return to dock
Optional Activities
- Cycling around village or walking countryside (optional if time available)
Landmarks/POIs Ham Luong River Ben Tre Mekong River - Day 15
Can Tho to Chau Doc
Check out in the morning and drive about 2 hours 15 minutes covering 124km to Chau Doc. From there, head about 30km to Trà Sư Cajuput Forest for about an hour. Take a boat through the green forest to see exotic birds and walk on a panoramic bamboo bridge. Back on mainland, drive up Sam Mountain to watch the sunset over the Vietnam-Cambodia border. Check in your hotel.
Included Activities
- Boat ride through Trà Sư Cajuput Forest
- See exotic birds
- Walk on panoramic bamboo bridge
- Watch sunset from Sam Mountain over Vietnam-Cambodia border
Landmarks/POIs Trà Sư Cajuput Forest Sam Mountain - Day 16
Chau Doc to Rach Gia to Phu Quoc
Free morning in Chau Doc to explore however you want. Check out and drive about 2.5 hours covering 103km to Rach Gia. Board a speedboat to Phu Quoc at 12:40, arriving at 15:10. Transfer to your resort, check in, and have free time to settle in.
Landmarks/POIs Phu Quoc - Day 17
Phu Quoc
The day is yours in Phu Quoc. Relax and enjoy the island however you like.
Landmarks/POIs Phu Quoc - Day 18
Phu Quoc
Another free day in Phu Quoc. Spend it relaxing and enjoying the island at your own pace.
Landmarks/POIs Phu Quoc - Day 19
Phu Quoc
Free day in Phu Quoc to unwind and explore the island however you prefer.
Landmarks/POIs Phu Quoc - Day 20
Phu Quoc
The day is open in Phu Quoc. Relax and enjoy the island at your leisure.
Landmarks/POIs Phu Quoc - Day 21
Phu Quoc
At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Your tour services end here.
Landmarks/POIs Phu Quoc
