Brief Information
Tour Route: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Sapa - Hue - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - Phu Quoc Island
Duration: 21 Days/ 20 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
Start/ End: Hanoi/ Saigon
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour by Vintage Jeep
Day 3: Duong Lam Ancient Village (Optional)
Day 4: Hanoi - Halong Bay by Private Seaplane
Day 5: Halong Bay - Hanoi
Day 6: Hanoi Food Tour with a Local Blogger (Optional)
Day 7: Hanoi - Sapa
Day 8: Sapa Discovery
Day 9: Sapa - Hanoi
Day 10: From Capital to Capital
Day 11: Explore & Experience Emperor Life
Day 12: Hue - Hoi An
Day 13: Hoi An Walking & Countryside Tour
Day 14: Hoi An - Danang - Fly to Saigon
Day 15: Saigon City Tour by Sidecar
Day 16: Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 17: Saigon - Phu Quoc Island
Day 18: Phu Quoc Relax & Revelry
Day 19: Phu Quoc Relax & Revelry
Day 20: Phu Quoc Island – Saigon
Day 21: Saigon Departure
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
On Hanoi arrival, you will be welcome by guide and driver, then transfer to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is your leisure to explore the Vietnamese capital. Hanoi is a fascinating and bustling city of scared pagodas, ancient temples, cultural institutions and enchanting French colonial quarters. It is also one of the best places to taste the mouthwatering array of street foods.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour by Vintage Jeep
After breakfast, explore the charming Hanoi of colonial buildings, scenic lake and tree-lined boulevards by a vintage Jeep. First, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which is built to house the preserved body of great president Ho Chi Minh. Next, visit One Pillar Pagoda, the iconic Buddhist temple built in 1049 owning the shape of a lotus blossom on a single stone pillar. Before lunch, continue to visit the picturesque Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century.
In the afternoon, ride along famed Hanoi old quarter and get a wonderfully eclectic glimpse into Hanoi street life. Before traveling to the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword). On riding around the lake, you will hear the legend in the 15th century about the origin of its name. Stop at Ngoc Son Temple (Jade Mountain Temple) accessible by the gorgeous wooden The Huc Bridge.
Day 3: Duong Lam Ancient Village by Bike (Optional)
Today is your leisure day to explore Hanoi or you can join in an interesting countryside journey to experience the peaceful and rustic of Vietnamese rural area. After breakfast, leave Hanoi and head to Duong Lam ancient village, a typical long-standing agricultural village in the northern Red River Delta. It is also the only place in Vietnam of being the birthplace to two Vietnamese kings and being recognized by UNESCO for the huge efforts in preserving local culture and heritage.
Take a leisurely cycling tour along Duong Lam’s narrow alleyways to see rural local life and ancient Vietnamese architecture dating back over 4 centuries. Visit Mong Phu Temple whose original village entrance gate remains and observe the villagers’ daily life.
Enjoy a home-hosted lunch served in a 300-year-old house while chatting with the friendly and hospitable owners. Later, continue biking to Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen temples and the 600-year-old Mia Pagoda which is famous for its 287 ancient statues. End your day by a visit the old Catholic Church before returning to Hanoi.
Day 4: Hanoi - Halong Bay by Scenic Flight
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to take a scenic flight by seaplane to the Halong Bay. You will have a chance to see the World Natural Heritage Site at a unique view from the air. More than 2,000 limestone islets rising out from the emerald waters make up the magic Halong Bay. It takes millions of years for wind and waves to erode the islands and create majestic caves, grottos and the occasional sandy cove.
On landing at Halong airport, you will be transferred to the cruise ship for check-in, lunch, and a short rest. Later, you can enjoy swimming, kayaking to explore hidden corners of the bay and excursions to floating villages of making pearls and fishing. Overnight on the cruise ship
Day 5: Halong Bay - Hanoi
Wake up early this morning to behold the gorgeous dawn at Halong Bay then participate in a Taichi lesson with an experienced master which is extremely good for your health. Then travel by boat to explore Sung Sot Cave (Cave of Surprises) filled with mysteries in every stalactite. Later, return to the cruise and join the cooking class instructed by a top chef. You will have a chance to learn to make Vietnamese traditional dishes among the iconic destination in Vietnam. After lunch, farewell the cruise team, disembark the ship, take a flight back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 6: Hanoi Street Food Tour with a Local Blogger (Optional)
Today, feel free at leisure after the trip to Halong Bay or you can participate in a fascinating street food tour in Hanoi which is known as one of the most amazing culinary in the world.
Today, take an amazing street food tour at Hanoi’s best culinary spots with a food blogger – Mr. Van Cong Tu (optional), the man with an enormous passion for food and culture. First of all, reach Thanh Ha market in the heart of Hanoi Old Quarter to taste local delicacies listen to his explanation of food practices, and feel the sights and sounds of Hanoi – the essence of Vietnamese culture.
Next, travel to Dong Xuan market – the biggest traditional market in Hanoi. You will completely be impressed by the diversity of foods, dried goods, spices and aromatics known as the essentials of Vietnamese cuisine. Stop at any stalls that make you interested, order the foods from the friendly sellers, and enjoy.
Later, move to Hang Than Street to view ceremonial cake stalls and taste a special French influenced dessert. Then head to Hang Cot Street and tasted especially o mai (treated seasonal fruits) – a common snack in Vietnam. End the tour at Giang coffee for a well-earned sit-down and unique egg coffee before transferring back to your hotel.
Day 7: Hanoi - Sapa
Today, journey north to the land of stunning natural sceneries, ethnic hill tribes, and unique cultures. On arrival in Sapa, check-in the resort and take a rest after the long travel. The rest of the day is your free time to explore this “town on the clouds”.
Day 8: Sapa Discovery Tour
After breakfast, travel downhill through pine forests until reaching a small village of Suoi Ho, the home to the Black Hmong ethnic minority. You’ll see their special houses which are built without windows due to the cold winter weather together with the images of local weaving colorful clothes and the children playing in the front yard. Then walk through rice paddy fields and spectacular scenery to Ma Tra to see people at work in the tea and cardamom plantations. Enjoy your lunch with local specialties at a local house.
In the afternoon, travel to the stunning Tram Ton Pass on the northern side of Mount Fansipan to gain incredible views of the Hoang Lien Valley of rice terraces and dotted with the village of ethnic minorities including. End the day by an exploration to the Fairy Cave where three fairies hid from their father because they wish to stay on earth, according to the myth. Then get on the vehicle and transfer back to the resort.
Day 9: Sapa - Hanoi
This morning today is your relaxing time after a long day of traveling. You can visit the Sapa market nearby to buy some local souvenirs or simply see the vibrant atmosphere where surrounding peoples gather to trade their products. In the afternoon, transfer back to Hanoi for overnight.
Day 10: Hanoi - Hue
After breakfast, reach the airport for a flight to Hue city. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in, repose, and lunch. Hue used to serve as an imperial capital to the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty which reigned Vietnam from the 17th to the 19th century.
In the afternoon, leave your hotel at about 4.00 pm, the Vespa scooter driver will take you through some less-traveled roads to the most flattering angles for photo shooting before reaching Vong Canh Hill. Its hilltop offers a panoramic viewpoint over the romantic Perfume River and the royal valley where royal family members of the Nguyen Dynasty rest in peace. Enjoy an aperitif while contemplating the river landscape and magnificent sunset.
Day 11: Explore & Experience the Emperor Life
With splendid tombs of emperors, old pagodas and the historical relics of the citadel, the city still retains its royal charm. First of all, visit the Hue Imperial Citadel, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see its astonishing architecture and gardens while listening to your guide’s explanation of the events and the intrigue of the former royal court.
After lunch, take a dragon boat trip to visit Thien Mu pagoda, Hue’s best-preserved religious construction and the symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism. then travel to An Dinh Palace, the private residence of Emperor Khai Dinh, Vietnam’s second-last in the 20th century. It was built in 1917 with the inspiration of French architectural styles. After the Vietnam war, the construction was seriously damaged and it was recently restored. Get an overview of the life of a Royal family through the bedroom, entertaining rooms and book room.
Day 12: Hue - Hoi An
Today, embark on an incredible drive from Hoi An to Hue. Stop en-route at some memorable and interesting locations. It starts with Hai Van Pass for incredible vistas of mountains, clouds, and sea before heading to Marble Mountain where you will witness some sacred statues and stone sculptures. Then stop at Cham Museum which is well-known not just for its great collection of Champa era artwork and artifacts, but also for being the only museum in the world specifically dedicated to Cham history. After lunch, continue your travel to Hoi An ancient town. After check-in and a short rest, feel free at leisure to wander around this town filled with history and culture.
Day 13: Hoi An Walking & Countryside Tour
With its beguiling riverside and pretty architecture, Hoi An is small enough to explore on foot and soak up its rich heritage of tradition and culture. Used to be an important port and trading town, Hoi An is a melting pot of Chinese, Japanese and French influences. You can see the Japanese Merchant Houses, the famed Japanese bridge, the Chinese temples, old tea warehouses, temples, and traditional pagodas. Motorized traffic is prohibited which has cemented Hoi An’s status as one of Vietnam’s most pleasant and prized towns.
After lunch, discover the Hoi An countryside with an interesting buffalo cart ride, passing lush green rice paddies and vegetable farms at Cam Thanh village. You can also see Vietnamese farmers working the fields and countless ducks swimming along the canals. Then board a Vietnamese basket boat and start cruising down Hoi An River. Reach a good spot, hop off the boat to shore and try your hands at casting the traditional Vietnamese fishing nets with the instruction of fishermen owning years of experience and advice. Later, re-board on a larger boat and enjoy light, grilled seafood dishes, and a refreshing cool drink.
Day 14: Hoi An - Danang - Ho Chi Minh City
The morning is your leisure to enjoy the peaceful sceneries of Thu Bon River. Then get on the vehicle for a transfer to Danang airport to catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. The evening is your free time to explore the heart of South Vietnam as well as the most vibrant city in the country.
Day 15: Saigon City Tour by Sidecar
In spite of being a modern metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) still retains its fascinating connections with the past. After breakfast, enjoy a city tour to admire Saigon’s historic relics and landmarks from the unique vantage point of a vintage sidecar motorbike with the chauffeur.
It starts with a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires constructed by French in the colonial period. Then head across to the Central Post Office, another French constructing completed in 1891. Then travel to the Reunification Palace, the headquarters of the puppet Saigon government during the American War. End the tour with a visit to the War Remnants Museum for a vivid perspective of the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese.
Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
Today, travel to the ingenious Cu Chi tunnels, a great network of connecting underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during the Vietnam War. They also served as living places, supply routes, communication, housed hospitals, weapons caches, and food. A visit to this legendary underground system will give you a better understanding of the tunnels’ history, the hardship inside the tunnels and the reason why small Vietnam can defeat powerful America.
Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City - Phu Quoc Island
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Phu Quoc Island, the pearl in the Gulf of Thailand. On arrival, you will be greeted at Duong Dong airport, then move to the resort. The rest of the day is your leisure to relax on the beach or at the resort.
Day 18 - 19: Phu Quoc Relax & Revelry
Enjoy your free time at the resort or join in some short trips to explore the island highlights as Ham Ninh fishing village, pepper garden village, Phu Quoc famous fish sauce factory, pearl-cultivating farm. You also can try some diving and snorkeling or visit Phu Quoc former prison, An Thoi port, and Sao beach.
Day 20: Phu Quoc Island - Ho Chi Minh City
Feel free at leisure until the vehicle transfers you to the airport for the flight back to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.
Day 21: Ho Chi Minh City Departure
After breakfast, you are free to relax at the hotel or explore the city before transferring to the airport for your flight home. Trip ends.
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