Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's vibrant southern metropolis. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in (from 2:00 PM). Spend the remainder of the day at leisure to relax or begin exploring the city's lively streets, cafés, and colonial architecture at your own pace.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels (B/L)
Travel to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary underground network stretching over 200 km that played a vital role during the Vietnam War. Discover hidden entrances, living quarters, command centers, and field hospitals while learning about the ingenuity and resilience of the Vietnamese people. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon and enjoy free time at leisure.
Optional Evening Experiences (Excluded):
- Saigon by Night Vespa Street Food Tour – Explore the city's nightlife, sample authentic street food, seafood, rooftop views, and live music aboard a vintage Vespa.
- A O Show – Experience Vietnam's award-winning bamboo circus combining acrobatics, contemporary dance, live music, and theatrical storytelling.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 3: Ben Tre – Mekong Delta Discovery (B/L)
Journey into the lush Mekong Delta and discover the peaceful province of Ben Tre, famous for its coconut groves. Cruise along the waterways by sampan, visit a traditional brick kiln, enjoy a ride through quiet villages by local xe lôi, and experience family-run workshops producing coconut candy and rice wine. Glide through narrow palm-lined canals by rowing boat before enjoying a home-style lunch featuring regional specialties. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang – Hoi An (B)
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang before continuing to the charming UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An. Explore its beautifully preserved Ancient Town on a guided walking tour, visiting highlights including the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, historic assembly halls, and centuries-old merchant houses illuminated by colorful lanterns.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 5: Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge (B/L)
Travel to Ba Na Hills and ride one of the world's longest cable cars through lush mountain scenery. Visit the famous Golden Bridge, stroll through the French-inspired village, admire Linh Ung Pagoda, and enjoy panoramic mountain views. Spend free time exploring Fantasy Park before returning to Hoi An.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 6: Hoi An – Da Nang – Hanoi (B)
Enjoy free time before transferring to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Hanoi, Vietnam's elegant capital. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure exploring the charming Old Quarter or relaxing around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 7: Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave (B/L)
Discover the spectacular landscapes of Ninh Binh, often called "Halong Bay on land." Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, then enjoy a peaceful sampan cruise through the limestone caves and rice paddies of Tam Coc. Continue to Mua Cave, where a climb of nearly 500 stone steps rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding karst mountains and countryside before returning to Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 8: Hanoi City Tour – Overnight Train to Sapa (B/D)
Explore Hanoi's cultural and historical highlights, including the Ho Chi Minh Complex, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, and the Vietnam National Museum of History. Complete your day with a traditional cyclo ride through the bustling Old Quarter before boarding the overnight train to Lao Cai.
Overnight on the train.
Day 9: Sapa – Cat Cat Village (B/L)
Arrive in Lao Cai and transfer through scenic mountain roads to Sapa. Visit Cat Cat Village, home to the Black H'mong people, where you'll discover traditional houses, handicrafts, waterfalls, and spectacular mountain scenery while learning about local ethnic culture.
Overnight in Sapa.
Day 10: Lao Chai – Ta Van Villages – Overnight Train (B/D)
Trek through the stunning rice terraces of Lao Chai and Ta Van, visiting villages inhabited by the Black H'mong and Dzay ethnic communities. Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery and authentic cultural encounters before returning to Lao Cai to board the overnight train back to Hanoi.
Optional Experience (Excluded):
- Fansipan Cable Car – Ride one of the world's longest cable cars to the summit of Fansipan, the "Roof of Indochina," and enjoy spectacular mountain views.
Overnight on the train.
Day 11: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise (B/L/D)
Arrive in Hanoi before traveling to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. Board your overnight cruise and sail through thousands of limestone islands and emerald waters. Enjoy onboard activities, delicious seafood meals, and unforgettable sunset views amidst one of Vietnam's most iconic natural wonders.
Overnight on the cruise.
Day 12: Halong Bay – Hanoi (B)
Begin the day with sunrise over Halong Bay before enjoying breakfast and cruising past dramatic limestone formations. Return to Hanoi and, in the evening, attend a traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique Vietnamese art form that brings folklore and rural life to the stage through music and handcrafted puppets.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 13: Hanoi Departure (B)
Enjoy free time until your transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight, bringing your unforgettable journey across Vietnam from south to north to a close.