Highlights
Discover the many faces of Vietnam on a 12 day journey combining historic cities, mountain landscapes, cultural heritage, local traditions and peaceful waterways from Hanoi to the Mekong Delta.
- Discover Hanoi’s heritage and Old Quarter, with a cyclo ride, water puppetry and a welcome dinner.
- Trek through Sapa’s Muong Hoa Valley, visiting Black H’Mong and Dzay communities.
- Reach the summit of Fansipan, the highest mountain in Indochina.
- Cruise overnight through the dramatic limestone landscapes of Halong Bay.
- Explore Hue’s imperial heritage, from the Perfume River and royal tombs to the Imperial Citadel.
- Discover traditional craftsmanship at Thanh Tien Paper Flower Village before crossing the Hai Van Pass to Hoi An.
- Experience Hoi An’s countryside through fishing, basket boating, organic farming and Vietnamese cooking.
- Cruise through the peaceful waterways and village communities of the Mekong Delta.
Overview
Day 1-2: Hanoi
- Arrive in Hanoi for a traditional water puppet show and welcome dinner.
- Explore the capital’s historic landmarks and Old Quarter before taking the overnight train north.
Day 3-4: Sapa
- Trek through Muong Hoa Valley, visiting Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, Ta Van and Giang Ta Chai villages.
- Experience Fansipan Peak before returning to Hanoi by overnight train.
Day 5-6: Halong Bay & Hue
- Spend a night cruising through Halong Bay with kayaking, swimming and onboard activities.
- Explore the bay the following morning before flying to Hue.
Day 7-9: Hue & Hoi An
- Discover Hue’s Imperial Citadel, Perfume River and royal tombs.
- Visit Thanh Tien Paper Flower Village and cross the Hai Van Pass to Hoi An.
- Experience fishing, basket boating, farming and cooking in Hoi An’s countryside.
Day 10-12: Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta
- Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy time at leisure.
- Explore the Mekong Delta by boat, visiting Tan Phong Island, local workshops and rural communities before departure.
Diverse Vietnam
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Detailed Itinerary
Welcome to Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam, a blend of traditional and modern beauties.
Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, your local guide and driver will welcome and take you to your hotel to check in.
After relaxing, your guide will walk you to the theatre, and you will enjoy a Water Puppet Show, a traditional art performance in Vietnam. After that, you will enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Hanoi.
08.00: After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and driver and take a full-day city tour of Hanoi
You will start with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you can see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which houses the corpse of our Uncle Ho. Keep touring to the Presidential Palace – a nice French architectural building in the garden, and visit Ho Chi Minh House on stilts. Visiting the relic will help you learn more about the simple life of Ho Chi Minh, the first president and the founder of new Vietnam. You will finish this area at the One Pillar Pagoda, with its unique architecture, which is one of the most popular attractions in Hanoi.
Have lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, continue the tour to the Temple of Literature – Confucius Temple, which was the first university in Vietnam. Keep driving to the Museum of Ethnology, where you will learn more about Vietnamese culture and its different minorities. Go back downtown to explore Hanoi Old Quarter, the famous 36 ancient streets of Hanoi, on a traditional cyclo ride. This slow – speed tour will give you a great chance to fully enjoy the classic and modern sights of the capital. You will have free time to go shopping or relax on your own and return to your hotel
20.30: Transfer to Hanoi train station for a train trip to Lao Cai.
Overnight on the train.
09:00: Meet your guide and transfer to the starting point of today’s trek through the spectacular Muong Hoa Valley, one of the most beautiful landscapes in Northern Vietnam.
Begin your walk along peaceful mountain trails, passing magnificent terraced rice fields and traditional villages of the Black H’Mong people. Visit Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai Villages, where you’ll gain a fascinating insight into the local way of life while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
Continue following the picturesque Muong Hoa Stream, crossing charming suspension bridges on your way to Ta Van Village, home to the Dzay ethnic minority. Enjoy a home-style lunch with a local family or at a traditional village restaurant, offering an authentic taste of regional cuisine.
In the afternoon, continue your trek to Cau May (Rattan Bridge) and Giang Ta Chai Village, where lush bamboo forests, cascading streams, and dramatic mountain scenery create one of Sa Pa’s most picturesque hiking routes. Along the way, visit local homes and learn about the customs, traditions, and daily life of the ethnic communities who have called this valley home for generations.
At the end of the trek, your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Sapa.
The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may relax at your hotel or explore the charming mountain town at your own pace.
Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Sapa.
09:00: Meet your guide at your hotel and walk to the Muong Hoa Mountain Railway Station, located within Hôtel de la Coupole – MGallery by Sofitel. Board the scenic mountain railway for a picturesque journey through the Hoang Lien Son National Park to the Fansipan Cable Car Station.
Continue by cable car to Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Indochina at 3,143 metres above sea level. During the ride, enjoy spectacular views of lush valleys, dramatic mountain ranges, and cascading forests stretching as far as the eye can see.
Upon arrival, climb the final steps to the summit and take in breathtaking panoramic views from the “Roof of Indochina.” Explore the spiritual complex, admire the impressive Buddhist monuments, and capture unforgettable photographs from Vietnam’s highest point.
After your visit, return by cable car and mountain railway to Sa Pa town.
The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. Enjoy lunch on your own, explore the town’s charming cafés and local boutiques, or simply relax before your evening departure.
17:30: Your private driver will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to Lao Cai Railway Station to board the overnight train back to Hanoi in a comfortable air-conditioned sleeping berth.
Overnight on the train.
05.30 – 06.00: Arrive at the Hanoi Railway Station, meet your local guide and driver in Hanoi, and go to the local restaurant for breakfast.
08.30: Meet your guide and driver, then depart for Halong Bay – a World Natural Heritage recognized by UNESCO twice. Upon arrival, embark on the cruise and enjoy a welcome drink while having the tour briefing and safety instructions. A seafood lunch will be served on board while the ship sails out to the Bay, with time to admire its dramatic karst formations.
Take a rest at your leisure on the sundeck or relax in your cabin. In the afternoon, decide whether to swim in the warm, calm water or get on kayaks to discover the wonders. Our expert and experienced guides will surely instruct you on the basics of paddling before leading you to explore the extraordinary beauty of Halong Bay. After 01 hour exploring the bay, you will embark on the cruise again before attending a cooking class in the late afternoon.
Enjoy the superb dinner and stay overnight on board.
Note: The detailed itinerary of the cruise will be provided upon confirmation. The program may be subject to change depending on the weather or management.
Enjoying Halong Bay in the early morning with a Tai Chi Class on the sun deck is a must-do that you should not miss on an overnight cruise. Then relax on the upper deck, enjoy the best sightseeing, and take photos of the magnificent beauty of the rocky islands rising from the emerald water.
After breakfast, you will explore Sung Sot cave – one of the finest and widest grottoes in Halong Bay. Go back to the boat and keep cruising through the fishing village, and witness its unique way of life.
10.30: The boat cruises back to the jetty. Enjoy your last time on the bay before having a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
11: 30: Disembark the cruise, get ashore, meet your guide and driver, and transfer to the airport for your flight to Hue. Take your opportunity to visit the rice fields and villages on the way if the flight time permits.
Upon arriving in Hue, you will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel by your tour guide and driver.
Overnight in Hue.
Meet your local guide and begin exploring Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam and one of the country’s most culturally significant destinations.
Start the day with a leisurely dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River, taking in the peaceful scenery and local riverside life. Your first stop is the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most revered landmarks, beautifully situated on a hill overlooking the river.
Continue to visit the magnificent royal tombs of Emperor Minh Mang and Emperor Khai Dinh. These impressive monuments showcase two distinct architectural styles and offer fascinating insights into the lives of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, explore the Imperial Citadel, the historic heart of the Nguyen Dynasty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the ancient palaces, courtyards, and gates of the Forbidden Purple City, once reserved exclusively for the emperor and royal family. Discover the rich history, culture, and architectural heritage that made Hue the political and cultural center of Vietnam for more than a century.
After the tour, return to your hotel. The evening is free for you to relax or explore the charming city at your own pace.
Overnight in Hue.
08.30: After breakfast, transfer to Thanh Tien Village, stop en route to capture typical moments of local life and beautiful landscapes (French cows, churches…). This is an opportunity to discover the charms of the Hue countryside, the ancient villages, the pagodas and churches, as well as its rivers covered with lotus flowers (subject to weather conditions). Thanh Tien village is located on the bank of the Perfume River, and it is famous for the traditional handicraft products of paper flowers, dating back a hundred years.
After visiting Thanh Tien village, you will be on a 2.5 – 03hour journey to Hoi An. Drive up the Hai Van Pass to enjoy a breathtaking view, one of Vietnam’s most impressive panoramic scenes.
Lunch at a local restaurant on road
Arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon, check into the hotel, and then be free to relax at the resort or wander around the colorful, peaceful town.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Meet your guide at the hotel and travel to the banks of the Co Co River, where today’s authentic countryside adventure begins.
Board a local boat and cruise along the peaceful waterways while discovering the daily life of the fishing communities that have lived here for generations. Meet local fishermen, learn about their traditional techniques, and try lifting a large fishing net or casting the unique Ro fishing net, an age-old method still used today.
Continue to the Coconut Forest, where local fishermen welcome you aboard a traditional Vietnamese basket boat. Learn how to paddle this unique round boat through the maze of water coconut palms, enjoy a fun basket boat demonstration, and try catching the small purple crabs that inhabit the mangrove forest.
Enjoy a refreshing break at a traditional bamboo-and-water-coconut house, where you can relax with a cup of Vietnamese tea before continuing to the next experience.
A short drive brings you to the peaceful Tra Que Organic Vegetable Village, a farming community that has supplied fresh herbs and vegetables to Hoi An for more than 400 years. After a refreshing welcome drink, take a guided walk through the gardens to learn about the village’s history and the traditional organic farming methods that have been preserved for generations.
Join local farmers in preparing the soil, planting vegetables, watering the gardens using traditional shoulder yokes, and harvesting fresh herbs. Discover how river seaweed is still used as a natural fertilizer and learn why Tra Que’s produce is renowned throughout central Vietnam.
After your farming experience, relax with a traditional herbal foot soak and massage, a simple yet enjoyable local wellness ritual.
Continue to your host family’s home for a hands-on cooking session. Using the fresh herbs and vegetables you have just harvested, learn to prepare local specialties such as Tam Huu (Hoi An fresh spring rolls) and the famous Vietnamese crispy pancake (Banh Xeo).
Sit down to enjoy the delicious meal you have prepared before returning to your hotel in the afternoon.
Overnight in Hoi An.
After breakfast, take your free time to walk around Hoi An ancient town, go shopping, admire the ancient architecture, or relax at the beach.
About 02 hours before the flight, get a transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City – one of the most modern cities in Vietnam, which gives you a fascinating insight into the rich culture and history. Arrive at the airport, and you will be taken to your hotel to check in. Free to discover the city.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
07.30: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City and drive to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s largest agricultural region.
Upon arrival in the Mekong Delta, take a boat trip along the river and smaller waterways to explore the peaceful countryside and experience the local way of life. Cruise towards Tan Phong Island, where you will take a leisurely walk along quiet village paths, passing through lush orchards, traditional houses and small local communities. Along the way, you may have the opportunity to see local activities and learn more about daily life in the Mekong Delta.
Continue with a small rowing boat ride through narrow canals, shaded by coconut palms and surrounded by tropical vegetation. This peaceful journey offers a closer look at the rural landscape, and it is a great opportunity to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the Delta.
Lunch will be served at a local home, featuring traditional Mekong Delta dishes.
After lunch, take a relaxing walk through the fruit orchards and enjoy a cup of tea in a traditional house. You may also have the chance to listen to traditional Southern Vietnamese music performed by the residents.
Continue exploring the village at a leisurely pace, with possible stops at small family-run workshops or local households where traditional products are still made, depending on availability. These activities may include rice paper, coconut candy or simple handicrafts, although such traditional home-based production is becoming less common.
After the visit, return to the boat and cruise back to the pier. Disembark and transfer by road back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Free time at your leisure, sightseeing, shopping, buy souvenirs, and take photos until being transferred to the airport for your onward flight (03 hours before your flight time). Thank you and see you again!
Includes
- Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
- Two overnight train journeys between Hanoi and Lao Cai
- Overnight Halong Bay cruise
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Local English speaking guides
- Private air conditioned transportation
- Domestic flight: Hanoi to Hue and Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City
- Fansipan mountain railway and cable car
- Entrance fees, boat trips and activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport and railway station transfers as specified
Excludes
- International flights
- Vietnam visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Meals and drinks not specified
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Tips and gratuities
- Early check in and late check out
- Services not mentioned under Inclusions
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Diverse Vietnam
12 Days2:00
Diverse Vietnam
Watch Detailed Itinerary In Video
Vietnam Travel Tips & FAQs
Everything you need to know before planning your journey through Vietnam.
1. When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
Vietnam can be visited year round, but the best time depends on which regions you plan to explore. Northern Vietnam is particularly pleasant in spring and autumn, while central and southern Vietnam follow different seasonal patterns. For a multi region journey, March to April and October to November often provide a good balance of comfortable weather and rewarding experiences.
2. Where are the best places to visit in Vietnam?
Vietnam offers an exceptional variety of destinations, from the historic streets of Hanoi and the limestone landscapes of Halong Bay and Ninh Binh to the heritage towns of Hue and Hoi An. Further south, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta reveal a different side of the country, while Sapa, Ha Giang and other northern regions are ideal for dramatic scenery and cultural encounters. The best places to visit depend on your interests, travel style and available time.
3. What are the best things to do in Vietnam?
Some of the most memorable experiences in Vietnam include cruising through Halong Bay, exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter, cycling through rural villages, discovering the heritage of Hue and Hoi An, tasting regional Vietnamese cuisine and travelling through the Mekong Delta. Nature lovers can explore mountains, rice terraces and national parks, while those seeking a slower pace can enjoy beach retreats and carefully selected resorts. A well designed itinerary combines iconic sights with meaningful local experiences.
4. What is the best way to experience Halong Bay?
An overnight cruise is one of the best ways to experience Halong Bay, allowing you to enjoy the scenery after many day visitors have departed. Depending on your interests, you can choose between classic Halong Bay routes or quieter areas such as Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. LuxeTravel Asia can help select the right cruise based on cabin quality, route, onboard experience and the amount of time available in your itinerary.
5. What is Vietnam famous for?
Vietnam is known for its remarkable landscapes, rich history, diverse regional cultures and distinctive cuisine. Highlights range from limestone bays, terraced rice fields and tropical coastlines to ancient towns, vibrant cities and traditional villages. The country is also celebrated for its warm hospitality and the strong local character that makes each region feel different from the next.
6. What food should I try in Vietnam?
Vietnamese cuisine varies greatly from north to south, making food an important part of any journey. Popular dishes include pho, banh mi, bun cha, fresh spring rolls and regional specialties such as cao lau in Hoi An or bun bo Hue in central Vietnam. Street food, family run restaurants and carefully selected local dining experiences are often some of the most memorable ways to discover Vietnamese culture.
7. Is Vietnam safe for travelers?
Vietnam is generally considered a welcoming and straightforward destination for international travelers. As with any trip, visitors should take normal precautions with personal belongings, traffic and unfamiliar areas. Traveling with reliable local arrangements, private transportation and experienced guides can make the journey more comfortable and allow you to focus on enjoying the destination.
8. How many days do I need to explore Vietnam?
For a first visit, around 10 to 14 days allows enough time to experience several of Vietnam’s major highlights without making the journey feel rushed. Travelers with two to three weeks can explore the country in greater depth, combining northern landscapes, central heritage, southern cities and the Mekong Delta. LuxeTravel Asia designs itineraries around your interests and preferred pace, so the ideal length depends on how deeply you want to experience each region.
When To Go
Vietnam’s climate is unique.
