Search

The Ultimate Vietnam Discovery Journey

Embark on an unforgettable journey that captures the full essence of Vietnam, from its northern highlands to the southern waterways. Begin in Hanoi, where ancient temples meet vibrant street food, before cruising the emerald waters of Halong Bay and exploring the river caves of Ninh Binh. Experience the serene village life in Mai Chau’s ethnic valleys and the adventurous countryside of Quang Binh. The journey continues to the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, the romantic highlands of Da Lat, and the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City. Your adventure culminates with a vivid immersion into the floating markets and river culture of the Mekong Delta, offering a profound connection to local life across the country.

OVERVIEW

  • ROUTE

    Hanoi - Bat Trang - Halong Bay Cruise Overnight - Ninh Binh - Mai Chau - Quang Binh - Da Nang - Hoi An - Da Lat - Ho Chi Minh City

  • DURATION

    25 days

  • TRANSPORT

    Air-conditioned bus, 4 or 5 stars cruise, domestic flight (not included in the price)

  • LANGUAGE

    English (Other languages available: Spanish/Portuguese/Russian/France...for an additional fee)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Culinary & Cultural Discovery in Hanoi: Experience the essence of Vietnam’s capital with a street food tour through the historic Old Quarter and a cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake. Dive deeper into tradition at the Temple of Literature and enjoy the unique art of a Water Puppet show.
  • Iconic Nature – Halong Bay & Ninh Binh’s “Bay on Land”: Sail through the emerald waters and majestic limestone karsts of Halong Bay on an overnight cruise. Discover its stunning inland counterpart in Ninh Binh with a serene boat trip through the river caves of Trang An.
  • Heritage Towns & Ethnic Highlands – Hoi An & Mai Chau: Wander the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An’s Ancient Town and visit the mystical My Son Sanctuary. Then, immerse yourself in the serene valley life of Mai Chau, staying among the stilt houses of Thai ethnic villages.
  • Mountain Retreats & Rural Adventures – Da Lat & Quang Binh: Explore the cool, romantic highlands of Da Lat, from flower villages to Langbiang Mountain by Jeep. Shift to adventure in Quang Binh with cycling through the peaceful Bong Lai Valley and visits to local eco-farms.
  • Southern Pulse – Ho Chi Minh City & the Vibrant Mekong: Feel the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City, from historic landmarks to panoramic skyline views. Then, journey to the Mekong Delta to witness the lively Cai Rang Floating Market and experience authentic river life.

100% Price Beat Guarantee

  • Shared Twin/ Double/ Triple room with AC and private bathroom (4-stars hotel or depending on selection)
  • Transfers and private tours with live-speaking guides in AC vehicles
  • Meals as per program
  • 2 bottles of mineral water per day on the bus
  • Entrance fees
  • 24/7 support
From 2200USD/PERSON (group of 20 pax)
CONTACT US

ITINERARY

DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL - STREET FOOD TOUR (-/-)

All guests are warmly welcomed upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport by our local guide then transfer to check in the hotel (standard check in time 14:00). 

Street food tour (pay by your own the street food) begins at 18:00. As the sun is setting, head out for a Hanoi street food walking tour through the Old Quarter.

Along with a passionate food guide, walk through the Old Quarter’s small lanes, winding backstreets, and hidden alleys where a multitude of vendors set up their stalls and stools along the roadside. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the city at night. Then pull up a stool at one of Hanoi’s best pho shops. Slurp up a bowl of the steaming noodle soup while the guide explains the secrets behind this national dish.

Having tantalized the taste buds, continue on the food trail to sample other local favorites. Try banh cuon, steamed rice paper stuffed with pork and mushrooms, and nem chua ran, fried spring rolls, and many other dishes. Then sit down for a dinner of barbeque, dining on perfectly grilled meats and vegetables at a popular local shop.

Wrap up the evening with a beer at a bia hoi¸ small shops selling draft beer. Sip a cold beer while watching the vibrant night time street scenes, then return to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

After breakfast at hotel, you will start the day with visit to the Temple of Literature. Built in 1076, The Temple of Literature was Vietnam’s first university and was established to educate Vietnam’s royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years. Its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past.

Next, visit Hanoi’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. The Citadel was constructed on a Chinese fortress dating back from the 7th century and re-built in the 11th century by the Ly Viet Dynasty. The historical site and remains represent a unique fusion of traits, with influences from China in the north and the ancient Kingdom of Champa in the south.

Afterwards, visit The One Pillar Pagoda, which was founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure is one of Vietnam’s smallest but most iconic temples. Close by is the Mausoleum of the historic Father Figure of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, and the Former President’s House on stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969. His former home illustrates the modesty of this Vietnamese revolutionary

(The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed Mondays & Fridays and from Jun to Aug, you will view from the outside)

Lunch. Afternoon you will visit the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Hoan Kiem Lake was already considered the most beautiful lake in Hanoi when Ngoc Son Temple was built on an island in the 19th century. Initially, the temple was called Ngoc Son Pagoda and was later renamed Ngoc Son Temple, since temples are dedicated to saints. Saint Van Suong, considered to be one of the brightest stars in Vietnam’s literary and intellectual circles, was worshipped there along with other National heroes. 

Afterward enjoy a leisurely one-hour Cyclo tour through the streets of this fascinating city,  you will come face to face with the daily lives and activities of Hanoi’s streets as you pass through the congested, but delightful, Old Quarter. Ride pass the fascinating streets, which still bear the names of the shops that could be found in them in the 15th to 18th centuries 

Dinner. Transfer to your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Bat Trang Ceramic Village – the famous village is situated approx. 15km outside of Hanoi, surrounded by fertile farmland. Watch the artisans forming, painting and glazing their products, which are then baked for several days in huge kilns. 

Then you will explore the Bat Trang Pottery Museum – the center for preserving and developing the traditional pottery culture of Bat Trang village. This museum boasts unique architecture and unforgettable experiences that make it an ideal destination for anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind adventure.

The idea for this masterpiece was born over a decade ago, and in 2018, construction on the 3,300 square meter site was completed. With its five floors, basement, and two rows of two-story buildings with traditional tiled roofs, this museum offers a range of functions and experiences that are sure to delight visitors.

Step into the museum and be transported to a world of exquisite ceramics and timeless traditions. Marvel at the skill of local artisans as they demonstrate their techniques, and learn about the rich history and cultural significance of Bat Trang pottery. Explore the many galleries and exhibits, each one showcasing unique styles and designs that reflect the region’s vibrant and diverse artistic heritage.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just looking for a memorable experience, the Bat Trang Pottery Museum is the perfect destination. Come discover the beauty, history, and culture of Vietnam’s most famous pottery village today! Lunch.

End the day with a Water Puppet show. This is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. Dinner. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi

Free at your own leisure in Hanoi

Hanoi to Halong Bay (160 km): 2.5 – 3.0hrs

Morning you will enjoy the 2.5 – 3.0hrs drive to Halong Bay. Arrive at the jetty in Halong City towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities. Be welcomed onboard and have lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board. Overnight on Halong Bay.

Free at your own leisure on Halong Overnight Cruise.

Halong Bay to Hanoi (160 km): 2.5 – 3.0hrs

Enjoy the fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Halong in the morning and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruise slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. Disembark and transfer to Ninh Binh for a 4-hour (approximately) drive. 

Arrive Ninh Binh, check in the hotel. Dinner. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Morning, you will visit temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-980), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009). The ancient Hoa Lu Citadel, most of which has since been destroyed, once covered an area of three square kilometers.

After visiting Hoa Lu, if time and energy levels permit, choose to take a half-hour walk up one of the surrounding limestone karst hills. The climb is rewarded with spectacular views. Along the way, stop to take pictures of local villages and the stunning landscape.

After lunch, visit Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a relaxing boat ride on a peaceful river passing through a series of caves. Trang An is a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks permeated with valleys, some of which are submerged, and surrounded by steep, almost vertical cli s. As the boat gently slices through the water, notice the enormous limestone karsts jutting out from the green rice elds giving rise to other name, ‘Halong on Land’. Officially designated as an ‘eco-tourism’ area, the only interruptions here are the sound of birds and the gentle paddle of the oar upon the crystal clear river.

Then transfer back to the hotel. Dinner. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

After early breakfast, you will enjoy the journey to Mai Chau for the 4 hours drive to Mai Chau, Hoa Binh. Arrive Mai Chau in the late afternoon, check in the hotel. Lunch.

Afternoon starts with the discovery of the beauty of Mai Chau valley in the morning mist, the guide will take you to visit Chieu Cave, this is the place where Vietnamese soldiers residing in the resistance war against the French.

Dinner. Overnight in Mai Chau.

You get up early to watch the sunrise, peaceful atmosphere in the village, have breakfast. Continue the journey to discover Lac Village (Ban Lac). Start the journey to visit, explore the landscape, cultural practices of the indigenous people: Ban Lac 1, Ban Lac 2 – two small villages adjacent to each other are considered “the capital of the Thai people”. Visitting to this place, you feel time slows down and each beauty, each fragrant flower seems to be discreetly entering the feeling as well as the gaze in the heart. Each roof on stilts appears as if opening the door of the thousand-year-old culture of the white Thai people to tourists from all over the world. Lunch.

Afternoon, you can visit Pom Coong Village. In Pom Coong Village You can spend time walking in the village along with taking pictures to enjoy the fresh atmosphere of the highland completely separate from the city. The houses on stilts with lemon-leaf roofs have a relatively large stimulus along with a beautiful space and extremely cold scenery. 

Dinner. Overnight at hotel in Maichau. 

Morning, you will transfer directly to Noi Bai Airport for your domestic flight to Quang Binh. Lunch on the way.

Upon arrival Dong Hoi Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our local guide then transfer to check in the hotel. Dinner. Overnight at hotel in Quang Binh.

After breakfast, transfer to ecotourism Bong Lai Valley. Cycle to the Bong Lai Valley. Seeing the peaceful countryside of Vietnam with the green corn fields, rice fields, villages and meet local families with the buffalo on the fields, and see their daily lives. Continue the journey to visit Wild Boar Eco Farm. This is a great spot to swim or hang out in the huge Vietnamese house. Lunch

Cycle back to the center of the ecotourism Bong Lai Valley, then back to your hotel. Dinner. Overnight at hotel in Quang Binh.

Morning, you will transfer to Danang. ~ 240km

Upon arrival Danang, you will be warmly welcomed by our local guide then transfer to Hoian, then check in the hotel (standard check in time 14:00). Lunch

One of the best ways to discover Hoi An and its surroundings is by walking, during your leisurely walk you will visit some of the historic merchant and community houses, places of worship and famous Japanese Covered Bridge, the daily life of the local people: green paddy fields, vegetable gardens, markets, temples, historic houses, fishermen and stunning countryside scenes will simply mesmerize you. This tour offers great photo opportunities and you may find yourself chatting with the locals and inhaling unforgettable memories.

Dinner. Overnight at hotel in Hoian

Morning, our guide will pick you up at your hotel and begin exploring the Hoi An countryside. You will discover a traditional craft village, where locals live with wooden handicrafts and colorful sleeping mats. Take the opportunity to experience knitting mats with the help of locals. Take a short trip to Cam Thanh village to visit a local farmer. Continue to An Bang Beach, relax and swim on the beach. Back to the hotel. 

Dinner. Overnight at hotel in Hoian.

After breakfast at hotel, you will transfer to visit Cam Thanh Water coconut village, have a brief introduce to the history there. Take on the basket boat along the water coconut river. Fishermen will teach you how to catch the crabs (02 paxs/ boat). Disembark on the boat, back to the Hoian Town. Lunch

Free at your own leisure in Hoian Town. This evening, you will enjoy one hour from 8pm to 9pm of the world–best outdoor spectacle Hoi An Memories Show. The traditional performing Hoi An Memories is not simply a tale that balances legend with history, tradition with progress, and peace with turbulence but also a way to help enrich the community of which they’re a part of. This most impressive show acts as a door to the larger world of performing arts by staging high–quality productions and impress anyone. A MUST–SEE SHOW WHEN YOU ARE IN HOIAN. (Note: the show is not performing on Tuesday)

Dinner. Overnight at hotel in Hoian.

This morning, you will visit My Son Holy Land, the towers and tombs have been dated from VII century to XIV century, but archaeological findings show us that the Cham kings were buried here since IV century. The total of buildings are more than 70 towers including small, normal and large towers. My Son Sanctuary supposedly is the religion center and culture of the Champa Ancient Kindom. Lunch.

Dinner. Overnight at hotel in Hoian.

Free at your own leisure in Hoian Town

Overnight at hotel in Hoian.

Morning, you will transfer directly to Danang Airport for your domestic flight to Dalat.

Upon arrival Lien Khuong Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our local guide then transfer to check in the hotel (standard check in time 14:00). Lunch

Lying 1,500 m above sea level and surrounded by pine hills, Dalat has been known as the prime hill resort city thanks to its mild weather, romantic valleys, tranquil lakes surrounded by pine hills, colonial time villas, pagodas and monasteries. Dalat is also the flower festival city of Vietnam.

This afternoon, you will enjoy the best local coffee at Sunny Farm (expense is on your own account) where you take photo with the “Infinity stair” which is designed in a way that in photos it looks deceptively like it ascends to the sky and disappear into the horizon.

Afterward you will visit the most beautiful and famous Van Thanh Flower Village – the largest flower in the city which provides over 80% roses of Da Lat

Then you will visit the Domaine De Marie Church (Cherry Church). The complex consists of the main church and two convents. Built from 1930 to 1943, the facade is designed as an isosceles triangle with small arched windows and a central rose-shaped window. This is a unique architecture which bears the European architecture style of 17th century and the traditional architecture style of the locality

Dinner. Overnight at hotel in Dalat.

The cost of domestic airfare is not included in the current package. The final price for this airfare will be provided when you make your booking.

After breakfast, transfer to visit Elephant Waterfall – This is one of the big waterfalls in Lam Dong that still retains its rare and pristine beauty. The reason it is called Elephant waterfall because of the sound of water flowing down from the top of the waterfall. Like the sound of wild elephants roaring. 

Then you will explore the Bat cave – located behind the waterfall. This cave has a depth of about 50 meters underground. Going into the cave, you will see countless sparkling, wild and interesting colorful stones. Lunch.

On the way back to your hotel, you will visit the Linh An Temple and Van Thanh Flower Village.

Dinner. Overnight at hotel in Dalat.

Today, you will visit Langbiang Mountain (Mother Mountain) – you will have the opportunity to see the impressive panoramic view at the 1950m height before conquering the twin peaks of  2,169m above sea level by 4WD Jeep where will learn the origin of a legend about passionate, touching love story of a couple named Lang and Biang. Lunch.s

Then transfer to visit Dreaming Hill (Mong Mo Hill) Theme park, here you will enjoy the romantic atmosphere, the artificial architectures in harmony with the natural landscape of sub Great Wall stretching across the hills about 2 km to over 300 year- old house emulated original Binh Dinh beam houses. These artificial architectures remind us of ancient people’s life in the past and get a glimpse of the K’ho culture, you will be treated to a hill tribe dance performance.

Transfer back to your hotel. 

Dinner. Overnight at hotel in Dalat.

Morning, you will transfer directly to Lien Khuong Airport for your domestic flight to Hochiminh.

Upon arrival Tan Son Nhat Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our local guide then transfer to check in the hotel (standard check in time 14:00). Lunch.

Afternoon, you will visit Independence Palace (Reunification Palace), War Remnants Museum. Afterwards, stroll through the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City: the Old Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral inaugurated in 1880 became the spiritual and cultural crucible of the French presence in the Orient as was the Post office designed by Gustav Eiffel and resembling a grand railway station, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee (formerly Hôtel de Ville) which is one of the most photographed buildings in Vietnam – notable for its gardens, ornate facade and elegant interior lit with crystal chandeliers. 

Dinner. Overnight at hotel in Hochiminh.

The cost of domestic airfare is not included in the current package. The final price for this airfare will be provided when you make your booking.

Morning you will enjoy the journey to of 75 km from Saigon to Cu Chi Tunnels – a complex of an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters (Viet Cong) during both the French and American wars. There are more than 200 km of tunnels, comprising a main axis system with many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters and other tunnels. You have the chance to crawl through this amazing system of tunnels. For a more “thrilling” experience, you can even test your shooting skills on original AK47s and other guns from past war times (subject to a surcharge). Lunch

Then transfer to Can Tho. Arrive Can Tho, check in the hotel. Dinner. Overnight at hotel in Can Tho.

Wake up early for a breakfast cruise to the colorful Cai Rang Floating Market bustling with wholesalers on big boats. Here, during the early morning market hours, larger sized boats anchor and create lanes that smaller boats weave in and out of .The main items sold here are fruit and vegetables and every boat has a long upright pole at its bow from which samples of the goods for sale are hung. The waterway becomes a maze of hundreds of boats packed with mango, bananas, papaya, pineapple, and even floating pho vendors.

Check out the hotel. Lunch. Then transfer back to Hochiminh City. Arrive Hochiminh, check in the hotel. Dinner. Overnight at hotel in Hochiminh.

This morning, we leave hotel for Jade Emperor Pagoda that is a lovely and quiet place of worship. The temple was filled with elaborate wooden carvings on tablets and towering Paper Mache Statues then you are transferred to visit  The major ones in Cholon are: Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda (for the Chinese God “Guan Gong”),  and Quan Am Pagoda (for the Budhhist Bodhisattva of “Guan Yin”). The transfer to the city centre and stop at Ben Thanh market – the biggest market in Ho Chi Minh City for shopping.Lunch. 

In the afternoon, you will Explore Bitexco Financial tower to visit Saigon Skydeck. Board a high-speed elevator up to the Saigon Skydeck inside Ho Chi Minh City’s tallest building. Get an amazing 360-degree view from the very center of the city. We can also learn more about the city from the informative touch screens and long-range binoculars. 

Continue the trip that travel to underground cuisine Taka Plaza, Huyen Si Church, Bach Dang Pier and Opera House.

Dinner. Overnight at hotel in Hochiminh.

Free at your own leisure time until transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your international flight home. We hope you had an exciting holiday with us. Making it an affair to remember!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...

The Ultimate Vietnam Discovery Journey

Embark on an unforgettable journey that captures the full essence of Vietnam, from its northern highlands to the southern waterways. Begin in Hanoi, where ancient temples meet vibrant street food,...

Read More