Arrive in Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital in northern Vietnam, and be warmly welcomed by your English-speaking guide at the airport. A comfortable transfer will take you to your centrally located hotel (check-in available from 2:00 p.m.). The day’s activities will be adjusted according to your arrival time.

Begin your first exploration of Hanoi’s city center, marking the start of your enriching 2-week journey through Vietnam.

• Visit King Ly Thai To Square and learn about the thousand-year history of Vietnam’s capital.

• Wander through the Hanoi Old Quarter with its 36 ancient streets, each named after the traditional goods once sold there. Stop by Ma May Street to visit a preserved “tube” house, showcasing classic Hanoi architecture.

• Discover the city’s French colonial heritage on a cyclo (cycle rickshaw) ride, passing landmarks such as the Grand Théâtre, the iconic Métropole Hotel, the State Bank, and the Central Post Office.

End your day with a restful evening at your hotel, setting the tone for a memorable cultural journey across Vietnam.

A day to discover Hanoi’s most iconic cultural and historical landmarks:

• Visit the Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university and a symbol of traditional education.

• Explore Ba Dinh Square with key sites: the former Governor’s Palace, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and his stilt house.

• Discover the Museum of Ethnology with over 25,000 artifacts showcasing Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups.

• Enjoy a traditional water puppet show in the evening.

• Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Depart from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, a stunning region often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land.” Known for its dramatic limestone karsts, sugarloaf mountains, and rice fields that are flooded by rivers and lakes year-round, Ninh Binh offers a peaceful contrast to the capital.

Upon arrival in Ninh Xuan, visit Mua Mountain. Climb the 486 white stone steps to reach the summit of this bell-shaped hill, where a breathtaking panoramic view of the Tam Coc region awaits.

Continue your journey with a relaxing bike ride through the Tam Coc countryside. This is a great opportunity to soak in the tranquil rural landscape and observe local life.

In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful boat trip along the Ngo Dong River. The winding waterway takes you past golden rice fields, limestone peaks, and through three magical caves carved into the cliffs.

End your day with an overnight stay in Ninh Binh, surrounded by natural beauty and serenity.

Depart for Halong Bay, considered Vietnam’s most breathtaking seascape and one of Asia’s most enchanting natural wonders. Upon arrival, board a traditional wooden junk and receive a warm welcome from the crew before setting off on a scenic cruise through the bay. Today’s route takes you to Bai Tu Long Bay, the less-traveled northern part of Halong.

• Marvel at the striking rock formations and islets shaped like sails, dogs, roosters, incense burners, and more.

• Discover the stunning Thien Canh Son Cave, home to ancient stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years.

• Continue sailing toward Cap La, where you’ll have the chance to kayak and take a refreshing swim in the emerald waters (weather permitting).

• Unwind on the sundeck in the late afternoon, taking in the peaceful atmosphere of the bay.

Savor both lunch and dinner onboard, enjoying the comfort and charm of the junk.

Spend the evening at leisure — whether relaxing in your cabin, joining a card game, or trying your hand at night fishing.

Overnight stay on board the junk in the heart of Halong Bay.

Wake up early to witness a truly magical moment — the sunrise casting its first golden light over the thousands of limestone peaks scattered across Halong Bay. It’s a peaceful and breathtaking start to the day.

Visit a traditional floating village, where you can observe local fishermen at work and gain insight into cage fish farming — a key part of the region’s livelihood.

The cruise continues through lesser-known, hidden corners of the bay, offering one last chance to soak in its mystical beauty before the journey ends.

Enjoy a final lunch onboard as the junk returns to the harbor. Disembark and begin the return drive to Hanoi. On the way, make a stop to explore But Thap Pagoda, one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist temples in Vietnam.

Later in the afternoon, board the night train heading south to Phong Nha, marking the next stage of your adventure.

Note: Private cruises aboard traditional wooden junks are available upon request.

Arrive in the morning at Dong Hoi train station and transfer by road to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO-listed Natural World Heritage site known for its striking karst landscape and vast cave systems.

Upon arrival, enjoy a boat trip along the park’s underground river — one of the longest of its kind in the world. As you cruise through the caves, marvel at the stunning rock formations carved over millions of years.

Afterward, take a short walk through the Ke Bang limestone mountains to appreciate the area’s unique geological features and lush surroundings.

In the afternoon, continue your journey south to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital located in the heart of the central region.

Arrive and enjoy some leisure time to relax at your hotel.

Today is devoted to exploring Hue, Vietnam’s last imperial capital, which served as the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945.

Begin with a visit to the Imperial City — the former royal residence and administrative center of 13 Nguyen emperors over 143 years. Stroll through its ancient gates, palaces, and temples that reflect the grandeur of imperial Vietnam.

Continue to the majestic royal tombs, such as Gia Long or Minh Mang Mausoleum, set in serene landscapes that blend architecture with nature.

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s most iconic religious site, or the peaceful Tu Hieu Pagoda, where the eunuchs of the Nguyen Dynasty were buried.

Stop by Phu Mong Village to discover Hue’s traditional garden houses, a unique symbol of the city’s cultural heritage. Also, witness the making of Vietnam’s iconic conical hats — a craft still preserved by local artisans.

In the evening, enjoy a royal-style dinner dressed in traditional costume, accompanied by classical music — a truly immersive cultural experience.

Overnight stay at your hotel in Hue.

Travel from Hue to Hoi An along the scenic coastline of the East Sea, crossing the famous Hai Van Pass — known for its winding roads and panoramic views. Along the way, take in sweeping views of turquoise bays in Lang Co and Da Nang, as well as unspoiled beaches like Thuan An and Lang Co, still relatively untouched by mass tourism.

You’ll also pass vast coastal lagoons, where locals maintain traditional fish farms — an important part of daily life in this region.

Several interesting stops are planned en route, including visits to unique roadside cemeteries. Often referred to as “ghost villages,” these resting places are marked by elaborate tombs and miniature castles, built in ornate Asian architectural styles. They reflect the deep cultural and spiritual beliefs of the local communities.

Arrival in Hoi An will mark the next chapter of your journey along Vietnam’s central coast.

Today is dedicated to discovering two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in central Vietnam: the charming Old Town of Hoi An and the ancient Cham sanctuary of My Son.

In the morning, take a leisurely walk through the historic streets of Hoi An — often praised as the most enchanting city in Vietnam. Visit key landmarks such as the Fujian Assembly Hall, dedicated to the sea goddess who protects sailors and fishermen, and Phuc Thanh Pagoda, the oldest in the town, dating back to 1454. Continue to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, built in 1593, which once connected the Chinese and Japanese merchant quarters.

Wander through narrow alleyways lined with centuries-old wooden houses and museums. Stop by traditional silk and lantern workshops to learn about local crafts, and perhaps treat yourself to tailor-made silk clothing — a specialty of Hoi An.

In the afternoon, head out on an excursion to My Son Sanctuary, located about 30 kilometers from Hoi An. Once the religious center of the ancient Cham civilization, My Son is home to a cluster of red-brick towers and temples nestled in a quiet valley surrounded by forested hills.

Return to Hoi An and unwind with a relaxing boat ride along the Thu Bon River, taking in the peaceful atmosphere of the town at sunset.

Overnight stay at your hotel in Hoi An.

Enjoy a completely free day to relax and unwind at your own pace. You might choose to take a leisurely bike ride through the peaceful countryside, where you’ll find traditional villages known for vegetable farming, pottery making, and wood carpentry. Alternatively, spend the day soaking up the sun on one of Hoi An’s nearby beaches — the perfect way to recharge during your journey.

Take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon — the bustling economic center of southern Vietnam. Upon arrival, begin your exploration of this vibrant metropolis.

Start at Ben Thanh Market, a lively hub and iconic symbol of the city, where you can find everything from local food to handmade crafts. Continue to the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, both architectural landmarks built during the French colonial era — the latter designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Visit the headquarters of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly the Marie Centrale, often considered the city’s most beautiful colonial building.

Gain deeper insight into Vietnam’s modern history with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, which documents the impact of the American-Vietnam War from 1954 to 1975.

Then, explore the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine, home to thousands of artifacts that showcase over 3,000 years of healing knowledge and cultural heritage.

Wrap up the day with a visit to Cho Lon, the city’s vibrant Chinatown, and the atmospheric Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess worshiped by the local Chinese community.

Overnight stay at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Wake up early and say goodbye to your friendly hosts before setting off for Can Tho — the vibrant capital of the Mekong Delta, located on the right bank of the southern branch of the river.

Upon arrival, board a boat for a scenic ride along the Mekong. Visit the Cai Rang floating market, where dozens of boats gather in a colorful, animated display, loaded with fresh fruits, vegetables, and local goods — a lively reflection of daily life on the water.

Disembark to explore An Binh land market, located just across from Cai Rang. It’s a perfect opportunity to compare the unique dynamics of the floating market with a more traditional land-based one.

Continue to Phong Dien for a visit to a local orchard. Then hop on a bicycle and ride through peaceful villages along the So Dua River, passing simple homes and lush countryside.

In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free time to relax and unwind after your journey.
Overnight stay at your hotel.

Enjoy a completely free day to relax, reflect on your journey, or do some last-minute shopping before heading home.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

Thank you for traveling with us! This 2-week Vietnam itinerary was thoughtfully designed to offer you a rich and memorable experience. It has been a pleasure to accompany you on this incredible journey. Wishing you safe and pleasant travels!