✨ Discover the Essence of Vietnam: A Journey Through Culture, Nature & Timeless Beauty

Welcome to Hanoi – the heart and soul of Vietnam! Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our friendly tour guide and private driver will greet you and escort you to your hotel in the city center.

In the afternoon, embark on a charming cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where narrow streets are named after traditional guilds that have existed for centuries. Feel the city’s rhythm as you pass colorful shopfronts, bustling markets, and locals going about their daily routines. The ride concludes at the serene Ngoc Son Temple, gracefully set on Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the Lake of the Returned Sword — a symbol of Hanoi’s enduring legends and beauty.

As evening falls, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant featuring authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Then, some nightlife activities are suggested for your choice: sip fresh local beer at Ta Hien Street, fondly called the “Beer Corner,” and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Hanoi’s sleepless heart; or listen to live music and mingle with locals and travelers in the buzzing Old Quarter; or for a more relaxed evening, explore boutique shops, night markets, or modern shopping malls scattered around Hoan Kiem District.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, begin your full-day exploration of Vietnam’s charming capital, where ancient heritage and modern energy intertwine seamlessly.

Start with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, home to some of the nation’s most significant landmarks. Admire the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (viewed from the outside), where the beloved national leader rests in eternal peace. Continue to Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, a simple yet meaningful wooden residence that reflects his humble lifestyle, and then marvel at the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, an elegant lotus-shaped temple rising from a single stone pillar.

Next, delve into the city’s turbulent past at the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, also known as the “Hanoi Hilton.” Built by French colonists, it once held Vietnamese revolutionaries and later American POWs during the Vietnam War. The exhibits here tell a powerful story of endurance, resilience, and history.

In the afternoon, explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where engaging displays and life-sized village models showcase the unique cultures and traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups — a fascinating window into the country’s diversity.

Continue your journey to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070 to honor Confucius and great scholars. Stroll through its peaceful courtyards and gardens, surrounded by ancient trees and stone steles engraved with the names of scholars from centuries past.

As the day draws to a close, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show, a uniquely Vietnamese art form that dates back over a thousand years. Watch as colorful puppets dance gracefully across the water, accompanied by live folk music and storytelling.

After the show, return to your hotel to relax and reflect on the day’s experiences.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After an early breakfast, your private car and guide will meet you at the hotel for a scenic drive along the Hanoi–Lao Cai Expressway toward the misty mountains of Sapa. The journey unfolds through the lush countryside of the Red River Delta, offering picturesque views of rice fields, peaceful villages, and rolling valleys framed by distant peaks — a perfect prelude to the beauty awaiting you in northern Vietnam.

By noon, arrive in Sapa, a charming hill station once favored by the French for its cool climate and breathtaking vistas. Enjoy a hearty lunch at a local restaurant, featuring regional specialties that reflect the area’s diverse ethnic heritage.

In the afternoon, begin your trekking adventure into the Muong Hoa Valley, one of the most stunning landscapes in northern Vietnam. Walk down gentle mountain paths surrounded by terraced rice fields, bamboo forests, and crystal-clear streams, as you encounter the Black Hmong and Zay ethnic villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van. Here, you’ll have the chance to observe daily rural life, traditional houses, and the warm smiles of local villagers who have preserved their customs for generations.

After the trek, your driver will meet you in Ta Van Village and transfer you back to Sapa Town, where the evening is free for your own exploration.

Dinner at your own arrangement.
Overnight in Sapa.

Today offers two fascinating options, each promising a deep cultural immersion into the colorful highland life of northern Vietnam.

Option 1: Visit a Hill Tribal Market (Available on Wednesday or Sunday)

If today falls on Wednesday or Sunday, you’ll embark on a memorable journey to one of the most vibrant hill tribal markets in the region — either Sin Cheng Market (Wednesday) or Bac Ha Market (Sunday).

Depart from Sapa around 7:00 AM and travel along winding mountain roads, passing misty valleys and picturesque terraced hills. The markets come alive in the early morning with locals from numerous ethnic groups, including the Flower Hmong, Chinese, Nhang, Dzao, Nung, Phu La, Thai, and Kinh (Viet) people.

The Flower Hmong women, dressed in their dazzling hand-embroidered outfits, are among the most striking sights. The market is not only a place for buying and selling local produce, textiles, and handicrafts — it’s also a weekly social gathering, where people come to meet friends, exchange stories, and celebrate their traditions.

After lunch, enjoy a short hike or scenic drive through nearby villages such as Ban Pho, Trieu Cai, or Na Hoi, where time seems to slow down amidst the serene mountain landscapes.

Return to Sapa by late afternoon.
Overnight in Sapa.

Option 2: Ta Phin Village Discovery (For Other Days)

If your visit doesn’t coincide with a market day, you’ll still experience a deeply authentic glimpse of rural life with a visit to Ta Phin Village, located just 12 km from Sapa. This charming valley is home to the Red Dzao and Black Hmong ethnic groups, both renowned for their traditional embroidery and textile weaving using natural silk threads and indigo dyes.

Take a leisurely hike through terraced rice fields, visit an old French seminary nestled in the Ta Phin Valley, and explore the Ta Phin Cave, surrounded by local hamlets. Along the way, you’ll meet villagers engaged in their daily craftwork — a perfect opportunity to purchase handmade brocades and woven fabrics directly from the artisans.

Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the peaceful mountain scenery before returning to Sapa Town in the afternoon.
Overnight in Sapa.

After breakfast, leave the misty town of Sapa behind and embark on a scenic four-hour drive to Mu Cang Chai, one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking mountain regions. The journey offers captivating views of winding passes, cascading valleys, and small ethnic hamlets nestled among the hills — a photographer’s dream and a prelude to the magnificent landscapes ahead.

Upon arrival in Mu Cang Chai, enjoy a local lunch and take some time to rest before your afternoon adventure.

In the afternoon, begin your trekking journey along off-the-beaten-path trails leading to Che Cu Nha Commune, renowned for possessing the most stunning rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai — officially recognized as a National Heritage Site in 2007. The trek, approximately 8 kilometers, winds up and down gentle mountain slopes, offering panoramic views of layered terraces curving gracefully around the hills, dotted with farmers tending their crops and water buffalo grazing in the distance.

This is one of the most authentic experiences in northern Vietnam — a chance to witness local farming life, interact with ethnic Hmong villagers, and soak in the serene mountain atmosphere that defines this remote corner of the country.

After completing the trek, return to your local homestay in Mu Cang Chai, where a home-cooked dinner awaits. Enjoy the warmth and hospitality of your hosts as you unwind from an inspiring day surrounded by nature’s artistry.

Overnight at a homestay in Mu Cang Chai.

After breakfast, begin your morning trek down into the Cao Pha Valley, one of the most scenic valleys in the northwest. Follow the gently sloping paths through golden rice terraces and mist-covered hills as you make your way toward Lim Mong Village, home to the Black H’mong ethnic community. This peaceful community is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, where terraced fields ripple like golden waves during harvest season and misty mountains rise in the distance.

As you walk, you’ll have the opportunity to observe daily farming life, meet friendly Hmong villagers, and capture the essence of rural Vietnam — timeless landscapes, handmade traditional attire, and genuine smiles that reflect the warmth of the highlands.

Enjoy a local lunch before beginning the long drive back to Hanoi (approximately 7 hours). Along the way, soak in the changing scenery — from the rugged mountains of the northwest to the gentle plains of the Red River Delta.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, check into your hotel and relax after the journey. The evening is yours to unwind or explore the capital at your own pace.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Start your morning like a true Hanoian — rise early to join the locals as they gather around the city’s lakes for gentle tai chi, fan dances, yoga, and sword exercises. It’s a wonderful way to witness Hanoi’s lively yet peaceful rhythm before breakfast at your hotel.

After a short rest, depart for Halong Bay, with a brief stop at Bat Trang Ceramic Village — a riverside village famed since the 15th century for its exquisite handmade pottery. Stroll through workshops filled with celadon vases, crackle-glazed ceramics, and raw terracotta pieces, and perhaps pick up a few souvenirs crafted by local artisans.

Continue your drive through the Red River Delta’s lush countryside before arriving at the legendary Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most magnificent natural wonders. Recognized twice by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site (in 1994 and 2006), Halong Bay is celebrated for its thousands of limestone karsts and emerald-green waters, creating a seascape like no other on Earth.

Upon arrival, check in to your cruise, then enjoy a sumptuous lunch of freshly caught seafood as your vessel glides across the calm waters. Marvel at the surreal formations — towering limestone pillars, hidden caves, and floating villages — each with its own story and charm.

In the afternoon, you may explore a karst grotto, swim in the bay’s crystal waters, or simply relax on deck as the sun sets, painting the horizon in shades of gold and crimson.

Enjoy a romantic dinner on board, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Halong’s starlit bay.

Overnight on the cruise.

Wake up early to witness one of nature’s most unforgettable moments — sunrise over Halong Bay. As the first rays of light illuminate the limestone peaks rising from the emerald waters, you’ll understand why Vietnamese people lovingly call it the “Eastern Sea” — a place where each dawn feels almost miraculous.

After breakfast on board, your cruise continues through some of Halong’s most scenic areas, where almost every islet has a story and a name reflecting its unique shape — such as Sail Island, Fisherman’s Head Rock, Butterfly Rock, or Turtle Islet. It’s a magical farewell to this legendary seascape.

By late morning, enjoy a light brunch on the cruise as you slowly sail back to the harbor. Disembark and transfer by private vehicle back to Hanoi International Airport for your short flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival, your local guide will welcome you at Da Nang Airport and transfer you along the scenic coastal road to Hoi An Ancient Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its timeless beauty, lantern-lit streets, and fusion of cultures.

Arrive and check into your hotel, where the evening is free for you to relax or explore Hoi An’s charming riverside atmosphere at your own pace.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a leisurely walking tour through Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its timeless charm and blend of Eastern and Western influences.

Begin with a stroll across the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 17th century to link the Japanese and Chinese quarters. Continue to visit the Chinese Assembly Halls, each richly decorated and dedicated to different deities, and admire the town’s ancient merchant houses, where wooden beams and antique furniture tell stories of Hoi An’s prosperous trading past.

As you wander, listen to traditional folk music performances in old clubhouses and pause to explore the vibrant Hoi An Market by the Thu Bon River, where locals sell everything from fresh herbs to handwoven crafts. The atmosphere is filled with color, scent, and sound — an artist’s paradise and a photographer’s delight.

Hoi An is also a shopping haven, famous for its tailor shops, lanterns, and luxurious silks. You can have custom-made clothing tailored within 24 hours or browse for elegant souvenirs to take home.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to discover more of the town at your own pace — perhaps cycling through the tranquil countryside along the Thu Bon River to the golden sands of Cua Dai Beach, or simply relaxing in one of the cozy riverside cafés as lanterns begin to glow at dusk.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast and check-out from your hotel, we’ll begin a scenic journey from Hoi An to Hue through the legendary Hai Van Pass, famously known as the “Ocean Cloud Pass.” This winding mountain road offers some of the most breathtaking coastal views in Vietnam, with panoramic vistas of the South China Sea, lush green hills, and misty peaks.

Along the way, enjoy a short stop to admire the pristine Lang Co Beach, often hailed as one of Vietnam’s most beautiful bays, where the turquoise sea meets a tranquil lagoon framed by verdant mountains.

Upon arrival in Hue, a city steeped in history and recognized by UNESCO as Vietnam’s first Cultural World Heritage Site, you’ll step back in time to explore the grandeur of the former imperial capital. Begin your tour at the Royal Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, once the exclusive domain of the Nguyen Emperors. Visit the Hue Royal Museum to discover precious artifacts and royal treasures that reflect the city’s glorious past.

Continue to the Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic seven-story tower perched along the Perfume River, and then explore the Tomb of King Tu Duc, one of the most elegant and well-preserved mausoleums in Hue, surrounded by lotus ponds and poetic pine forests.

This day captures the very essence of imperial Vietnam, combining history, architecture, and natural beauty in perfect harmony.
Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning before transferring to Hue Airport for your midday flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) — Vietnam’s vibrant southern metropolis. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in and a short rest.

In the afternoon, begin your city exploration with a visit to the Reunification Palace, a historic landmark that witnessed the dramatic end of the Vietnam War in 1975. This grand building now serves as a museum and venue for official receptions, offering fascinating insights into the country’s modern history.

Just a short stroll away are two of the city’s most iconic colonial-era landmarks: the Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1877 and 1883 with materials imported from France — both exquisite examples of French colonial architecture that still grace the heart of old Saigon.

Next, take a leisurely walk along Nguyen Hue Boulevard, the city’s most elegant pedestrian avenue, perfect for photography. Capture the grandeur of the Saigon Opera House and the stately Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Building (viewed from the outside).

Conclude your tour at the bustling Ben Thanh Market, one of the city’s oldest and most vibrant symbols, where you can immerse yourself in the local daily life, browse colorful stalls, and shop for handcrafted souvenirs, local spices, and textiles.

Dinner is at your own arrangement.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast at your hotel, depart for My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta — often called “the rice bowl of Vietnam.” This peaceful region is known for its lush fruit orchards, coconut groves, and traditional cottage industries, offering a perfect glimpse into rural southern life.

Upon arrival, embark on a leisurely boat cruise along the mighty Mekong River, where you can observe daily life unfolding along its banks — fishermen casting nets, boats trading fruits, and children waving from stilt houses.

Stop at one of the four islands in the area for sightseeing and enjoy a serving of fresh tropical fruits while listening to traditional southern Vietnamese folk music performed by local artists. Continue your journey on small sampan boats, rowed gently through narrow palm-shaded canals, immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of the waterways.

Along the way, visit local workshops to see how villagers produce coconut candy, rice paper, and honey tea. Taste these specialties and learn about the simple yet resourceful lifestyle of the Mekong people. You can also stroll through lush gardens where locals raise honeybees and tropical fruits, or take a horse-cart ride through the quiet village paths for a touch of authentic countryside charm.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a riverside restaurant, featuring local delicacies such as the famous Elephant Ear Fish, freshly caught and beautifully presented.

In the afternoon, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping en route to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the most beautiful and revered temples in the region. Built in the 19th century, the pagoda showcases a unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Khmer, and French architectural styles, set amid peaceful gardens and towering Buddha statues.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, set out for a journey into Vietnam’s wartime past with a visit to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. This immense network stretches over 200 kilometers of underground tunnels, dug entirely by hand and once serving as a strategic base for the Viet Cong guerillas during the Vietnam War.

Explore the narrow passageways, hidden trapdoors, living quarters, kitchens, command centers, and hospitals, all ingeniously constructed beneath the ground. At its peak before the Tet Offensive of 1968, the complex housed nearly 10,000 troops, reflecting the remarkable resilience and determination of the Vietnamese fighters.

For a truly authentic experience, you may even crawl through a section of the tunnel system, gaining a firsthand sense of the harsh conditions endured during wartime. This visit offers a powerful and moving insight into one of the most dramatic chapters in Vietnam’s history.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch and some free time in the afternoon to relax or shop in the downtown area. Saigon is a shopper’s paradise, where traditional markets meet modern malls. Wander through the lively Ben Thanh Market, the city’s most iconic trading hub, offering everything from souvenirs and handicrafts to aromatic spices and local snacks.

Just a short walk away, browse the trendy Saigon Square for fashion bargains, or visit An Dong Plaza and the nearby An Dong Market for textiles and local specialties. For upscale shopping and international brands, head to Diamond Plaza or Vincom Center, both located in the city center.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring Southern Vietnamese cuisine, a perfect way to conclude your day of discovery.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel, reflecting on the wonderful memories gathered throughout your Vietnam journey. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to explore more of Saigon, do some last-minute shopping, or simply relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this dynamic city.

At the scheduled time, our driver will transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight back home.

We sincerely thank you for traveling with us and hope the beauty, culture, and spirit of Vietnam will remain with you long after your return.

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Note: Hotel check-out time is 12:00 noon.