Highlights
Travel the length of Vietnam on an adventurous 21 day journey combining historic cities, spectacular landscapes, mountain communities, UNESCO heritage, tropical beaches and the waterways of the Mekong Delta.
- Discover Hanoi’s heritage and Old Quarter, with a cyclo ride and traditional water puppet show.
- Cruise overnight through the spectacular limestone landscapes of Halong Bay.
- Trek, cycle and bamboo raft through the mountain scenery and villages of Pu Luong.
- Explore Ninh Binh from Hang Mua to ancient Hoa Lu and its dramatic waterways.
- Venture into Phong Nha’s remarkable cave landscapes, including Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave.
- Experience Hue and Hoi An, from imperial heritage and Hai Van Pass to farming, cooking and My Son Sanctuary.
- Island hop through Nha Trang Bay, with snorkeling, beaches and local marine experiences.
- Discover Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi and the Mekong Delta, ending with Cai Rang Floating Market.
Overview
Day 1-4: Hanoi and Halong Bay
- Discover Hanoi’s historic landmarks, Old Quarter and traditional cultural experiences.
- Spend a night cruising among the limestone islands of Halong Bay before returning to Hanoi.
Day 5-8: Pu Luong and Ninh Binh
- Explore Pu Luong through village walks, trekking, cycling, bamboo rafting and local community experiences.
- Continue to Ninh Binh for Hang Mua, Hoa Lu and a scenic sampan journey before taking the overnight train south.
Day 9-12: Phong Nha and Hue
- Discover the spectacular caves and karst landscapes of Phong Nha.
- Travel through the historic DMZ to Hue and explore its imperial heritage before crossing the Hai Van Pass to Hoi An.
Day 13 to 16: Hoi An and Nha Trang
- Experience rural Hoi An through farming, cooking and a visit to My Son Sanctuary.
- Fly to Nha Trang for an island hopping adventure with snorkeling, swimming and beach time.
Day 17-18: Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi
- Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy time to experience its vibrant urban atmosphere.
- Explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels and gain insight into Vietnam’s wartime history.
Day 19-21: Mekong Delta and Departure
- Journey through My Tho and Ben Tre to Can Tho, visiting local workshops, villages and orchards.
- Experience Cai Rang Floating Market before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for departure.
Discover the magic of Vietnam
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Detailed Itinerary
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our local guide and driver. After a smooth transfer to your hotel in the heart of Hanoi, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Take this time to relax, explore nearby attractions, or unwind at a cozy café before your exciting journey through Vietnam begins.
After breakfast at the hotel, meet our guide and driver for a full-day exploration of Hanoi, a city rich in history and culture. The day begins with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you will see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnam’s revered leader. A short walk takes you to the Presidential Palace, a beautiful example of French colonial architecture, followed by a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, which offers insight into the simple lifestyle of the man who shaped modern Vietnam. Before leaving the complex, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic temple known for its unique lotus-shaped structure.
Next, continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucius and generations of scholars. The well-preserved architecture and serene courtyards give you a glimpse into Vietnam’s academic traditions.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before choosing to visit one of the followings:
– Hoa Lo Prison Museum, commonly known as the “Hanoi Hilton,” where American pilots were held during the war.
– Or museum of Ethnology, offering a fascinating insight into the lives of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Explore displays of traditional customs, religious ceremonies, and full-scale replicas of ethnic minority homes in the museum’s outdoor area.
Late afternoon continues with an exploration of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where a traditional cyclo ride takes you through the bustling, maze-like streets of the city’s historic trading hub. This slow-paced journey offers the perfect opportunity to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, with its mix of ancient shopfronts, modern cafes, and street vendors.
As the day winds down, experience the magic of a traditional water puppet performance, a unique Vietnamese art form that brings folklore and legends to life on a water stage. After the show, return to your hotel for a well-earned rest. Overnight in Hanoi.
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 driver, and transfer back to Hanoi
Overnight in Hanoi.
Leave Hanoi for exploring the hidden gem of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, where village life, water wheels, and rafting await you. Start your day with a pick-up at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, followed by a scenic 4-hour drive through picturesque village landscapes. Take a 15-minute rest break halfway through the journey to rejuvenate yourself.
Upon arrival at Pu Luong Nature Reserve, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before checking into your room for relaxation. In the afternoon, embark on leisurely walks through Ban Cong village, where you will cross a suspension bridge to reach one of Pu Luong’s most scenic villages. Admire stunning landscapes, rice fields, and village life as you seek out the remarkable water wheels created by Vietnam’s mountainous ethnic minorities. Continue your adventure with a bamboo rafting experience on the Chieu Lau dam, paddling upstream with locals for a fun and unique experience. Complete your day with a 2km trek through rice fields and villages, and end with a transfer back to the hotel for some well-deserved relaxation. Enjoy your dinner in the hotel.
Overnight in Pu Luong.
This is a great experience combining trekking and cycling. We descend into the beautiful valley facing the Retreat, where you can walk around tumbling rice terraces. Then we will go along small paths shrouded in vegetation to slowly reveal a picturesque Uoi village at the base of a towering mountain. It is the only place offering a bird’s-eye view from the top of the pass. Continue walking downhill to a local home, where you can take a bike to cycle around Lan village. Lan is tranquil and famous for its embroidery craft. A small stream with water from the farthest mountains winds through the houses, creating a bunch of outdoor nature bathing places for villagers after long farming days and cycling through the rice paddies and village to village, hanging bridges to explore more of the scenic landscapes surrounding. Have lunch at a local restaurant.
You will end up at Hieu Village, and enjoy the Hieu waterfall, the only one in the reserve. Return to your accommodation.
Overnight in Pu Luong.
Enjoy breakfast before saying goodbye to the host, then walk down to the spectacular rice terrace valley. Hike through small paths and reach four picturesque villages, Leo, Mo, Chu, and Danh. Don’t forget your camera to capture these unforgettable moments. During the hike, you will enjoy the changing landscapes of rice terraces, villages, wild fields, ponds, streams, and mountains.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Transfer to Ninh Binh, check into your accommodation.
Overnight in Ninh Binh
Drive to Hang Mua, where an invigorating adventure awaits us. We’ll begin our ascent, conquering over 500 stone steps to reach the summit of Mua Mountains. As we climb higher, you’ll be enchanted by the crisp air and rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the area. This vantage point is ideal for capturing stunning photos and creating lasting memories of the awe-inspiring landscape. Then, we’ll visit the area of the ancient capital city of Hoa Lu, a historically significant site representing Vietnam’s rich past. As we immerse ourselves in this ancient kingdom’s history, we’ll discover the remarkable and distinctive architecture found in the temples of Dinh and Le Kings, which left indelible marks on Vietnam’s early history.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, enjoy a captivating boat excursion of Tam Coc, poetically known as “Halong Bay on the rice paddies,” famed for its breathtaking scenery, an absolute must-do activity in Ninh Binh, . This part of the journey is a true highlight, offering an unforgettable experience. You’ll ride on a traditional bamboo boat or sampan, weaving through beautiful grottos adorned with stunning stalactites. The serene beauty of the surroundings will leave you spellbound, creating a sense of tranquility and awe.
After the boat trip, if time permits, lets enjoy a beautiful drive or a bicycle ride through the countryside to Bich Dong Pagoda, a charming pagoda nestled in the mountains, featuring caves and scenic views.
In the evening, drive to the train station to take an overnight train to Dong Hoi.
Overnight on the train
Arrive in Dong Hoi City, meet our driver and transfer to Phong Nha National Park, deep in the serene beauty of Phong Nha, and relax by the hotel pool. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts the oldest karst mountains in Asia, with a history dating back over 400 million years. Adventurous souls can explore numerous caves and waterfalls in the area, including the magnificent Paradise Cave, a part of the world’s longest cave system. Today, for people seeking a more laid-back experience, refreshing beverages poolside is recommended.
After breakfast, your tour guide and driver will pick you up and then transfer you to Paradise Cave, first discovered in 2005 by the British Cave Research Association. It’s the largest and one of the most beautiful caves in the Phong Nha – Ke Bang area. It is said that the cave’s beauty is reminiscent of an imperial palace and is very well presented with easy access, great walkways, and excellent feature lighting, which makes it extra special. You will take the buggy from the parking lot to the foothills of the cave (2km). Admire countless stalactites with different shapes: Thach Thien Cung, waterfall Thien Ha, Quan Tien converging, Thap Lien flower…
Leave Paradise Cave for lunch at a local restaurant and take a rest to restore your energy for the afternoon adventure.
In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the Son River to Phong Nha Cave, famous for its rock formations, stalagmites, stalagtites with names like the “Lion” and the “Buddha.” The afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the activities and serene views at your hotel.
Overnight in Phong Nha National Park.
Drive ahead to the south on Highway One toward Hue City, and you will visit Vinh Moc Tunnels, the refuge of some 400 North Vietnamese inhabitants during the bombing operation “Rolling Thunder”. You will continue to visit the Hien Luong Bridge crossing over the Ben Hai River in the middle of the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), the river that was the only true physical demarcation between North and South Vietnam.
Lunch at a local restaurant
Arrive in Hue in the afternoon, explore Hue Imperial Citadel, 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, drive to your hotel. The evening is free for you to relax or explore the charming city at your own pace.
Overnight in Hue.
Meet your local guide and keep exploring the highlights of Hue today.
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, join in a thrilling adventure as driving through the majestic Hai Van Pass, a 21-kilometer stretch of road that offers breathtaking views of Central Vietnam’s coastline. Renowned travel expert Jeremy Clarkson has hailed this drive as one of the best in the world, with its deserted roads and stunning scenery. Along the way, we will make photo stops to capture the beauty of this iconic route and take a refreshing break at a hidden natural spring with stunning views.
Arrive in Hoi An, known as the City of Lanterns. Immerse yourself in the charm and beauty of this ancient town, with its well-preserved architecture, vibrant markets, and lantern-lit streets.
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.
Leave Hoi An for a short drive to My Son, admire the fishing villages and the beauty of nature on the way.
Arrive at My Son – “Valley of Kings” as described by French historians- which was once the capital of the Cham Pa Kingdom from the 4th to the 15th century. Enjoy a traditional dance performance and walk around to learn about the history of the religious site, which served as a burial place for the Cham monarchs for many centuries. Drive back to Hoi An.
Lunch at a local restaurant
The whole afternoon is dedicated to discovering Hoi An, following the narrow lanes lined with centuries-old houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French, and European architecture, visiting numerous places of interest: the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Assembly Halls, the local fish market, visiting numerous art galleries and tailor shops, and getting some made-to-order clothes if you like.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Feel free to immerse yourself in the charm of Hoi An as we offer a range of exciting activities to explore the Ancient Town, then get a transfer to Danang airport for a flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival at Cam Ranh airport, meet your guide and driver to transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free in the beach city.
Overnight in Nha Trang
This full-day excursion promises an unforgettable journey through the tropical paradise of Nha Trang.
8:30: Pick up from your hotel and proceed to Nha Trang harbor
9:00: Leave for Mun Island by boat. Grab the chance to observe the structure of Salangane Island.
Enjoy snorkeling on the extraordinary coral reef. Continue to Mot Island, have lunch with many delicious seafood dishes, and enjoy the floating bar.
14:00: Journey to Tam Island and take a rest at Tam Resort.
Enjoy the fruit party and join in some fantastic water sports.
15:40: Visit Tri Nguyen Aquarium to see the diverse sea biology inside Neptune’s palace. Cruise back to the harbor.
16:45: Transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight in Nha Trang.
About 02 hours before your flight, your guide and driver will come to the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, the most bustling city in Southern Vietnam. This is one of the must-visit cities attracting international tourists. At Tan Son Nhat Airport, your local guide and driver will welcome and take you to your hotel.
After relaxation, you can be free to discover the city or Ben Thanh Market.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and depart for Cu Chi Tunnels, located approximately 1.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, discover an extensive underground tunnel network stretching over 200 kilometers, once used as shelters, living quarters, and strategic hideouts by Vietnamese guerrillas during the Vietnam War.
Lunch at a local restaurant
Drive back to HCM City, then you will take a tour to discover the city by visiting the Reunification Hall, formerly known as the Presidential Palace. This fascinating building is filled with history and evidence of the former Saigon government. The tour also includes the War Remnants Museum, the Old Post Office.
Drive back to your hotel, and then you are free to relax.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
After breakfast, your guide will take you on the trip to Cai Be pier from HCMC via Trung Luong Freeway.
Arrive at Cai Be town, embark the sampan and start to discover Mekong river delta. Visit the local workshops to see the locals making rice paper, coconut candy, pop-rice… it will be so amazing to take a bike ride on village paths to see the local daily life: orchards, school, church, pagoda, traditional. Then, take a rowing boat ride to go deeper into the countryside on canals to enjoy the peaceful time. Back on the boat to go across the Mekong River, go to An Binh Island to visit Ut Trinh’s home, and have lunch with the locals. Enjoy the traditional music in the ancient house during your lunch. Visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. The cruise will end at Vinh Long city.
Meet our vehicle for a trip to Can Tho.
Overnight in Can Tho.
In the very early morning, take a boat trip to Cai Rang floating market, where locals go to purchase their products like fruits and vegetables from boats of all sizes. This the original way of business in bustling places of the region. If you have enjoyed traveling to Vietnam for days, surely you will get out of bed early today to witness this lovely local market and gain more experience for your holiday. The boat trip will give you a valuable chance to observe the unique “advertisement” of local businesses – “Cây Bẹo”: Sellers tie their goods to a tall pole so that buyers can see from a distance what they are selling. Sit on a local trading boat, witness boasting activities in the market, and find out about local life in stilt houses along the river.
After the trip, we will get back to the hotel for breakfast and relax.
Following the schedule, your guide will take you back to Ho Chi Minh Airport and get a flight to Danang. Lunch en route at a local restaurant.
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 as specified
- Meals indicated in the itinerary
- Local English speaking guides
- Private air conditioned transportation
- Domestic flights: Da Nang to Nha Trang and Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City
- Entrance fees, boat trips and activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Daily mineral water
- Airport transfers as specified
Excludes
- International flights
- Vietnam visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Meals and drinks not specified
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Single supplement, early check in and late check out
- Peak season and holiday surcharges
- Services not mentioned under Inclusions
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21 Days2:00
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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.
