Highlights
Explore Vietnam from north to south on a 15 day journey combining iconic cities, spectacular caves, imperial heritage, ancient cultures and the distinctive waterways of the Mekong Delta.
- Discover Hanoi’s heritage and Old Quarter, with a cyclo ride, water puppetry and a welcome dinner.
- Cruise overnight through the dramatic limestone landscapes of Halong Bay.
- Explore Phong Nha Ke Bang Natioanal Park, from magnificent Paradise Cave to the adventurous Dark Cave.
- Journey through Vietnam’s historic Demilitarized Zone before continuing to Hue.
- Discover Hue’s imperial heritage, including the Perfume River, royal tombs and Imperial Citadel.
- Experience Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge before continuing to Hoi An.
- Explore My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Ancient Town, revealing Central Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.
- Discover Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi and the Mekong Delta, ending with Cai Rang Floating Market.
Overview
Day 1-4: Hanoi & Halong Bay
- Explore Hanoi’s historic landmarks, Old Quarter and traditional cultural experiences.
- Spend a night cruising through Halong Bay before returning to Hanoi.
Day 5-7: Phong Nha & the DMZ
- Fly to Dong Hoi and explore Paradise Cave, Dark Cave and Phong Nha Cave.
- Travel south through the historic DMZ, visiting Vinh Moc Tunnels and Hien Luong Bridge before arriving in Hue
Day 8-10: Hue, Ba Na Hills & Hoi An
- Discover Hue’s imperial landmarks, Perfume River and royal tombs.
- Continue via Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge to Hoi An, followed by My Son Sanctuary and the Ancient Town.
Day 11-12: Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi
- Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy time to explore at leisure.
- Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and the city’s major historic landmarks.
Day 13-15: Mekong Delta & Departure
- Travel through Cai Be and An Binh Island to Can Tho, exploring villages, workshops and waterways.
- Visit Cai Rang Floating Market before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for departure.
Vietnam Exploration
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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.
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.
Return to your hotel.
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.
Please note: The final Halong Bay itinerary may vary based on the specific cruise selected at the time of booking
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.
Please note: The final Halong Bay itinerary may vary based on the specific cruise selected at the time of booking
You have free time in Hanoi to go shopping or relax in your hotel.
At a scheduled time in the afternoon, our private car will wait for you at the lobby of the hotel and transfer you directly to the airport for your flight to Dong Hoi. Upon arrival in Dong Hoi, you will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel in Phong Nha by our tour guide and driver.
Overnight in Phong Nha National Park.
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.
After breakfast, embark on a scenic dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River, taking in the peaceful landscapes and local life along the banks. Your first stop is the Thien Mu Pagoda (Lady Pagoda), an iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the river. As one of Hue’s most revered religious sites, it offers stunning views and fascinating stories about its spiritual significance.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, continue the journey to explore two of Hue’s most remarkable royal tombs. First, visit the Tomb of King Minh Mang, a majestic complex known for its harmonious blend of nature and traditional Vietnamese architecture. Strolling through its pavilions and gardens, you’ll gain insight into the life and legacy of this influential ruler. Next, head to the Tomb of King Khai Dinh, a striking fusion of Eastern and Western styles. Perched on a hillside, its intricate mosaic designs and elaborate interiors make it one of Vietnam’s most unique imperial tombs.
After a day of exploring Hue’s imperial heritage, return to your hotel. The evening is free for you to explore at your own pace, perhaps a stroll along the Perfume River, a visit to Dong Ba Market, or a relaxing dinner in a traditional setting.
Overnight in Hue.
08.00: Your guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you via Danang to get to Ba Na Hills. Take a Cable Car ride from Ba Na Hills Station to travel around and enjoy the famous land. Stop at By Night station to visit Vong Nguyet Hills, Linh Ung Pagoda, and the Old Villas of the French. Then, keep riding the cable car to Nui Chua Mountain – the top of the Ba Na mountain range – and visit Nghinh Phong top, Le Nim Villas, and the Orchid Garden… Experience the hill-climbing train (the first and unique funicular in Vietnam), visit an old French cellar (Debay Ancient Wine Cellar) and the flower garden Le Jardin D’amour.
You should not miss walking on the famous Golden Bridge hanging in the foggy hills of the mountain, and witness the amazing and gorgeous view of Da Nang City
Have lunch at a restaurant on Ba Na Hills.
Afternoon: Free to join games in Fantasy Park.
Drive to Hoi An and check into your hotel. Free time at your leisure.
Overnight in Hoi An.
7:30: 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 and discover the history of the religious site, which served as a burial place for the Cham monarchs from many centuries ago. 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, get some made-to-order clothes if you like.
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.
08.30: After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide at your hotel lobby. After about one and a half hours of driving, you will arrive at the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you will start a discovery to enrich and experience a web-like tunnel system of more than 200km in length, which used to be the shelters of guerrillas during the Vietnam War.
Lunch at a local restaurant
Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, 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.
08:00 After pick-up from your hotel, embark on a 2,5-hour drive (90km) to Ben Tre, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Boat along the Ham Luong River, a serene branch of the Mekong, where you’ll visit local workshops such as brickworks, a coconut processing facility, and a mat weaving house.
The boat then stops at a quiet village, where you’ll have the chance to take a short walk and immerse yourself in traditional Delta village life. Hop onto an Xe Loi (motorized rickshaw) for a scenic ride before stopping at a riverside restaurant to enjoy a delicious local lunch, including specialties like elephant-ear fish and river shrimp.
After lunch, take a relaxing sampan ride through narrow canals before returning to your boat. From there, we’ll drive to Can Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta.
Overnight in Can Tho.
05.30: 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 City.
Lunch en route at a local restaurant.
After lunch, return to Ho Chi Minh City and check in at your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
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
- Overnight Halong Bay cruise
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Local English speaking guides
- Private air conditioned transportation
- Domestic flights: Hanoi to Dong Hoi and Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City
- Entrance fees, boat trips and activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport 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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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.
