Today is dedicated to uncovering some of Hanoi’s most iconic cultural and historical landmarks, offering a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s rich heritage:

• Temple of Literature: Step into Vietnam’s first national university, built in 1070, and admire its peaceful courtyards and traditional architecture. A symbol of feudal education, it remains one of the capital’s most revered monuments.

• Ba Dinh Square: Visit the site where President Ho Chi Minh declared independence in 1945. The square is home to several key landmarks, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his stilt house residence, and the former palace of the governor of Indochina.

• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: Delve into the country’s incredible cultural diversity with over 25,000 artifacts showcasing the daily life, customs, and traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.

In the evening, experience a traditional water puppet show—a uniquely Vietnamese art form that dates back centuries and depicts rural life and folk legends.

Overnight in Hanoi.

This morning, set off for Ninh Binh, a region often referred to as “Halong Bay on land” for its dramatic limestone karsts, winding rivers, and lush rice fields.

Your first stop is Mua Mountain in Ninh Xuan. Climb the 486 stone steps to the summit of this bell-shaped peak, where a breathtaking panoramic view of the Tam Coc Valley awaits—an unforgettable reward for your effort.

Next, head to Tam Coc and embark on a scenic bike ride through the countryside. Pedal past tranquil villages, rice paddies, and limestone cliffs, soaking in the beauty and serenity of this timeless landscape.

In the afternoon, take a peaceful rowboat trip along the Ngo Dong River, one of Vietnam’s most iconic water routes. Drift between soaring karsts, glide beneath three mystical caves, and witness everyday rural life unfolding along the riverbanks.

Overnight in Ninh Binh, surrounded by the natural splendor of the region.

This morning, depart for Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Asia’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Upon arrival, board a traditional wooden junk boat, where you’ll be welcomed by the friendly crew.

Set off on a scenic cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay, the quieter, less-traveled northern part of Halong, known for its pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

Highlights of the day include:

• Marvel at iconic limestone formations, each with its own legend—like the islets shaped like sails, dogs, roosters, and incense burners.

• Explore Thien Canh Son Cave, a hidden gem filled with ancient stalactites and stalagmites, beautifully lit and steeped in myth.

• Kayak or swim in the emerald waters around Cap La, surrounded by towering cliffs and serenity (weather permitting).

• Unwind on the sundeck in the late afternoon, taking in the golden light as the sun sets over the bay’s surreal landscape.

Enjoy lunch and dinner on board, prepared with fresh local ingredients.

In the evening, relax at your own pace—perhaps with a game of cards, a chat under the stars, or even night fishing.

Overnight on board your junk, gently rocked to sleep by the calm waters of Halong Bay.

Wake up early to take in a truly magical sunrise over Halong Bay, as the first golden rays illuminate the bay’s limestone karsts. Start your day with a gentle Tai Chi session on the sundeck—an invigorating and peaceful ritual against the breathtaking backdrop of the bay.

After breakfast, set off on a boat or kayak excursion to Vung Vieng fishing village, one of the few remaining floating communities in the bay. Glide through calm waters, learn about the villagers’ way of life, and, if you wish, chat with locals as they go about their daily routines.

Return to the junk for a final lunch on board, then disembark and transfer back to Hanoi by road.

In the evening, take a domestic flight to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, nestled along the banks of the Perfume River.

Overnight in Hue, ready to explore the city’s royal heritage the next day.

Begin your day with a deep dive into Hue’s imperial legacy, the former capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945.

• The Imperial City: Step inside the grand walled citadel where 13 Nguyen emperors lived and ruled for over a century. Stroll through palaces, ceremonial halls, temples, and gates that tell stories of a royal past.

• Minh Mang Mausoleum: Visit the majestic tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, renowned not only for his leadership but also for fathering 142 children with 43 concubines. The site is admired for its harmony between architecture and nature.

• Phu Mong Village: Discover this peaceful village known for its garden houses, a unique feature of Hue’s cultural identity, blending imperial design with lush greenery.

• Thien Mu Pagoda: Visit one of the oldest and most iconic religious sites in Hue, perched by the Perfume River. Alternatively, enjoy the quiet serenity of Tu Hieu Pagoda, home to the tombs of Nguyen-era eunuchs. Time permitting, you may witness a Buddhist prayer session with resident monks.

• Dong Ba Market: Wrap up your cultural immersion with a visit to Hue’s bustling central market—perfect for picking up local handicrafts, conical hats, and traditional áo dài tunics.

Return to your hotel for a restful evening in the imperial city of Hue.

Today, embark on a picturesque road journey from Hue to Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed town located about 150 km south. This coastal route offers breathtaking views and cultural gems, making the drive an experience in itself.

• Thuan An & Lang Co Beaches: Make a stop at these peaceful, lesser-known beaches, where long stretches of golden sand meet calm, turquoise waters. Along the way, observe the extensive lagoons and traditional fish farms, vital to the livelihoods of local communities.

• Hai Van Pass (Cloud Pass): Climb the most famous mountain pass in central Vietnam, once a strategic military road and now a highlight for travelers. At its summit, enjoy sweeping panoramic views over the bays of Lang Co and Da Nang, where mountains meet sea in spectacular fashion. This pass also marks the climatic boundary between northern and southern Vietnam.

• “Ghost Town” Cemeteries: Along the roadside, you’ll spot striking ancestral cemeteries, affectionately called “Ghost Towns” by locals. These elaborately sculpted tombs resemble miniature palaces or temples, reflecting the importance of ancestor worship in Vietnamese culture.

Arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon and check in at your hotel. Enjoy a restful evening in this charming riverside town, famous for its lantern-lit streets, historic architecture, and warm ambiance.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace, with a full day to soak in the charm of Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most enchanting towns.

• Wander the Old Quarter: Stroll through narrow, lantern-lined streets and admire well-preserved merchant houses, temples, and assembly halls. Hoi An’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a paradise for lovers of history, architecture, and culture.

• Shop Local Handicrafts: Discover lacquerware, silk, bamboo products, and handmade souvenirs in boutique shops and open-air markets. It’s the perfect place to pick up unique, locally made gifts.

• Tailor-Made Clothing: Visit one of Hoi An’s famous tailor shops, where you can have custom garments created in just a day or two—from elegant dresses to sharp suits, all made from fine Vietnamese silk and cotton.

• Bicycle through the Countryside: For a more immersive experience, hop on a bicycle and venture into the surrounding villages. Meet local artisans and farmers, and witness traditional crafts like vegetable growing in Tra Que village, pottery making in Thanh Ha, or woodcarving in Kim Bong.

• Relax at the Beach: If the weather is kind, spend your afternoon on the soft sands of Cua Dai or An Bang Beach, just a short ride from town. Swim, sunbathe, or simply breathe in the gentle sea breeze along Vietnam’s central coast.

Return to your hotel in the evening for a restful overnight stay in Hoi An.

After your flight to Ho Chi Minh City—Vietnam’s southern capital, still affectionately known as Saigon—begin your discovery of the city’s vibrant center, rich in colonial architecture and bustling street life.

• Ben Thanh Market: Dive into the heart of local life at this iconic landmark, where the scent of spices, the sounds of bargaining, and the colorful displays of textiles, handicrafts, and street food create an unforgettable atmosphere.

• Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office: Visit two of Saigon’s finest architectural gems, built during the French colonial era. The red-brick cathedral and the grand post office—designed by Gustave Eiffel—are testaments to the city’s European heritage.

• City Hall (People’s Committee Headquarters): Admire one of the city’s most elegant colonial buildings, formerly known as the Central Town Hall. With its ornate façade and classic design, it remains a symbol of Saigon’s French legacy.

• Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine: Step back over 3,000 years to explore the origins and evolution of Vietnam’s rich medical traditions. The museum offers an impressive collection of herbal remedies, tools, and ancient texts, set in a beautifully preserved wooden house.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City, where old-world charm meets modern energy.

Depart this morning for the Mekong Delta, a vast, fertile region in southern Vietnam where land and water blend into a patchwork of rivers, canals, and lush vegetation.

Arrive in Ben Tre, a town nestled among the northern tributaries of the Mekong River. From here, begin your journey aboard a local boat toward Mo Cay, a peaceful rural area still untouched by mass tourism. Known for its extensive coconut trade, Mo Cay is a hub for producing everything from coconut candy and thread to activated charcoal made from coconut husks.

Continue your adventure with a bike ride or xe lôi (a motorized rickshaw) through a lush green island blanketed in coconut plantations. The trail winds along quiet village paths, shaded by towering coconut palms—creating a poetic and tranquil landscape.

Stop at family-run workshops to witness the making of coconut sweets, brooms, and other traditional products. Then, switch to a small rowing boat for a peaceful glide along narrow arroyos lined with water coconut trees, offering a true immersion into delta life.

Visit the home of Mr. Van, a local resident, and enjoy a warm welcome with tastings of homemade coconut jam, herbal tea with honey and pollen, lovingly prepared by his wife. It’s a chance for authentic connection and meaningful conversations with locals.

In the afternoon, transfer to An Binh Island (“Peace Island”), located in the middle of the Mekong, and settle in at Madame Thuy’s charming guesthouse, set within a tranquil tropical garden.

As evening falls, join your hosts in preparing a traditional Vietnamese meal—then enjoy dinner with your own culinary creations, shared in the warmth of a family atmosphere.

Overnight on An Binh Island, embraced by the stillness of the delta.

Rise early and bid farewell to your hosts before departing for Can Tho, the vibrant capital of the Mekong Delta, located on the southern branch of the Mekong River.

Upon arrival, board a local boat and set off for a morning cruise on the river to visit the famous Cai Rang Floating Market—the largest and most bustling of its kind in the delta. Here, dozens of boats gather in a colorful, animated display, selling fruits, vegetables, and everyday goods directly from the water. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the authentic river-based trade that defines life in the Mekong region.

Next, disembark to explore the An Binh land market, located just across from Cai Rang. The contrast between the lively floating market and the traditional land market offers a unique cultural perspective.

Continue your journey with a stop in Phong Dien, where you’ll visit a local orchard, then set off on a bike ride through peaceful hamlets along the scenic So Dua River. This is a chance to see the Mekong Delta’s rural life up close—passing by stilt houses, water buffalo, and villagers tending to their gardens.

In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to the airport for your flight to Phu Quoc Island, a tropical haven off Vietnam’s southern coast, set in the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

Arrive on the island and transfer to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay in Phu Quoc, where palm-lined beaches and quiet evenings await.

Spend two leisurely days soaking in the beauty and tranquility of Phu Quoc Island, often hailed as a “paradise of relaxation and well-being” by lovers of sun, sea, and serenity.

Whether you prefer complete relaxation or soft adventure, the choice is yours:

• Lounge on secluded beaches, where soft white sand meets the calm, turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Swaying palms provide natural shade for moments of stillness and reflection.

• Take leisurely coastal walks at your own pace, letting the sound of the waves and gentle sea breeze rejuvenate your spirit.

• For the more adventurous, set off on light treks through Phu Quoc National Park, where dense jungle trails lead to hidden waterfalls, rare flora, and panoramic viewpoints.

• Visit local pearl farms, night markets, or fishing villages if you’re eager to connect with island culture and craft.

As evening falls, return to your comfortable beachfront hotel, where you can enjoy peaceful nights lulled by the sounds of nature and the gentle rhythm of the waves.

Your final day will be arranged according to your flight schedule. You may take a short domestic flight back to Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll connect to your international departure flight home.

We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of Vietnam’s landscapes, culture, and warm hospitality. Bon voyage and see you again soon!