General Information
Tour Highlights
• A chance to immerse in the vibrant Hanoi Old Quarter
• Cruise trip on Halong Bay
• Cruise on a traditional junk boat
• High on life on the white sandy beaches in Nha Trang
• Discover Dalat – the City of Eternal Spring
• Mekong Cruise
Tour Details
Duration: 19 Days/ 18 Nights
Start/ End: Hanoi/ Ho Chi Minh
Tour Route: Hanoi – Ha Long– Hue – Hoi An – Nha Trang – Da Lat – Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh
Tour Type: Tailor-made tour
Tour Customizable: Definitely! Tell us your interest
Vehicle: private air-conditioned vehicle and licensed driver
Guide Service: private English-speaking guide
Tour Departure: No fixed departure. Anytime you wish!
Brief Itinerary
Day 01: Hanoi Arrival – Evening Food Tour
Day 02: Discover Hanoi – 1st Day
Day 03: Discover Hanoi – 2nd Day
Day 04: Hanoi – Halong | Halong Cruise
Day 05: Halong Cruise – Discover Halong
Day 06: Hue Arrival
Day 07: Discover Hue – 1st Day
Day 08: Discover Hue – 2nd Day
Day 09: Food Tour in Hoi An
Day 10: Discover Hoi An – 1st Day
Day 11: Discover Hoi An – 2nd Day
Day 12: Nha Trang Arrival
Day 13: Free Day in Nha Trang
Day 14: Drive to Da Lat
Day 15: Free Day in Da Lat
Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival – Evening Food Tour
Day 17: Discover Ho Chi Minh City
Day 18: Mekong River Cruise
Day 19: Ho Chi Minh Departure
Full Itinerary
Day 01: Hanoi Arrival – Evening Food Tour
Xin Chao – Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival, our representative will be waiting to warmly greet and escort you to the hotel in Hanoi.
In the evening, we will enjoy a food tour in Hanoi Old Quarter, strive local street food, local brew, a draft beer tracing its roots to Eastern Europe. Enjoy the vibrant evening with cooling beer as well as delicious local dishes and watch the nightlife in Hanoi go by.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 02: Discover Hanoi – 1st Day
Our journey begins with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which is the resting place of President Ho Chi Minh. He led Vietnam to independence from French colonial rule. Next, we head to the One Pillar Pagoda as well as Presidential Palace where you can see a replica of Ho Chi Minh President’s simple workspace.
After that, set off through bustling and hustling central Hanoi toward the Temple of Literature – the first University of Vietnam and it is also a good example of old-aged architecture structured in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius. Our final destination today will be the Porte D’Annam Restaurant.
Latter, the rest of the day will be yours. If you are in Hanoi on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, do not ignore to get into the vibrant evening heading to the Walking Street around Hoan Kiem lake to experience the authentic atmosphere of Hanoi in the weekend. Walking Street around Hoan Kiem lake opens at 19:00 Friday till 23:59 Sunday.
Day 03: Discover Hanoi – 2nd Day
To enjoy the essence of Hanoi, you have to get up early and head to the Hoan Kiem lake and witness a really different ambiance of Hanoi. No crowed street, just fresh air with the peaceful scenery of the elder doing exercises. You can feel the time at that moment seems to pass by immensely slowly.
Back to the hotel and have breakfast and then, begin our trip. We enjoy a trip to explore the Hanoi Old Quarter. If it is not the weekend, we will board a cyclo and discover the Old Quarter. We hop off the cyclo at the Northern Gate of the Ancient Citadel to learn a little bit about the history of this imposing structure and close to this site, we head to Cua Bac Church.
We then proceed to the Quan Thanh Temple which is the 11th-century Taoist temple. Stop at Pho Cuon Restaurant for a snack.
Our day trip in Hanoi continue to several destinations as Chau Long market, Nguyen Truong To Street, Hang Thang Street where you can see the manifold wedding, Hang Cot Street, and Hang Ga for taking a rest with a local coffee shop.
Head back to your hotel and relax at leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 04: Hanoi – Halong | Halong Cruise
After breakfast, depart from Hanoi and travel by shuttle bus to the seaside port of Halong Bay. We board on the L’Azalee Deluxe, a beautifully restored traditional wooden junk boat and marvel at the sublime beauty of the limestone karts rising out of the water like giants.
Your first day on the water promises a visit to a local Pearl Farm, and a leisurely cruise through the Kiem Lam Bay, a secluded area within Cat Ba National Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, disembark here for a swim or go kayaking to discover sea caves and secluded inlets that the bigger boats can’t reach. We back to the boat and enjoy the evening Vietnamese cooking demonstration from the chefs on the board.
Overnight on the boat.
Day 05: Halong Cruise – Discover Halong
Get up, have breakfast and we head to the Surprise Cave, the biggest in Halong Bay. Board the tender for a short trip to the cave and prepare to be amazed – the entrance to the cave is deceptively narrow but, once through, the cave will be much more commodious with impressive limestone formations. Surprise! Then it’s back to the boat for one last cruise to Halong Port, arriving in the early afternoon. From there you will continue on to Hanoi, arriving in the early evening. Spend your final night in Hanoi relaxing, or head out on the town to discover some fun nightlife spots.
Overnight on the boat.
Day 06: Hue Arrival
Breakfast and morning at leisure until taking a drive to the airport for a flight to Hue. Upon arrival, our guide will be waiting to meet you and escort you to the hotel for check-in.
The rest of the day will be yours. Enjoy your day in Hue.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 07: Discover Hue – 1st Day
Have breakfast before we head to the Hue’s famous royal tombs and the illustrious examples of grand dynasties past, the garden houses.
Begin your day by floating down the peaceful Perfume River by boat, taking in the endless surrounding greenery. After a long hour-long boat trip, hop-off at the pier and transfer to the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh. Witness the uncanny combination of architecture blending a traditional Chinese past with a modern of Western. Then, keep going to Minh Mang Tomb to discover the opulent and resting place laid out in formal Chinese style.
Vegetarian meal for lunch will be prepared by nuns at Dong Thuyen Pagoda, a temple located on the top of a hill with a fantastic view. Visit the kitchen to see how your meal is prepared in a wood-burning stove, then dig into your food in the company of the nuns who made it. Take the opportunity to learn about Buddhism or just get to know your friendly hosts.
Next, we had to Thanh Tien Village, famous for over 300 years of crafting paper flowers. Meet one of the local villagers and then, get to know how to make your own ornate paper flower. You can be sure that your visit is backing a good cause as it is supported by Backstreet Academy, a social enterprise providing struggling artists, craftsmen, and home-based workers with additional income and recognition.
Finally, we pay a visit to Tha Om Garden House and its owner, Mr. Vinh. Get an insight into the traditional 19th century Hue residence and listen to stories of Mr. Vinh about his royal heritage before returning to your hotel.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 08: Discover Hue – 2nd Day
In the morning, enjoy a 40km drive out of the city center and into the scenic countryside. Arrive at Phuoc Tich Village, an untouched residential area dotted with 27 ‘Nha Ruong’ – Hue’s traditional houses – and unique gardens. Take a walk through the peaceful streets, admiring the historical sites nestled within the scenery, and pay a visit to one of the traditional homes. Try making ‘Banh Gai’, one of the most famous traditional cakes in Hue, with your welcoming host, Mrs. Kieu. Part of your tour fee will be directly contributed towards Mrs. Kieu, helping her to earn an income as a home-based chef.
After trying your hand at baking, hop on a bicycle and take a 30km ride from Thanh Toan to Tam Giang lagoon. Wind through the countryside, watching the daily life of the local people and the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient villages. On your way, stop at Quang Cong Village, known locally as the ‘City of Ghosts’, and behold the increasingly lavish and elaborate tombs that the villagers build for their ancestors.
Upon arrival at Tam Giang lagoon, enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood and take a boat trip on the lagoon. Float past local families living on the riverbank, stopping to meet some of them on your way. Finally, transfer back to your hotel in the late afternoon with plenty of time to enjoy your evening as you please.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 09: Food Tour in Hoi An
Depart from the hotel in Hue in the morning and continue south to the riverside town of Hoi An. The pretty 5-hour drive hugs the coastline along the South China Sea with majestic sceneries, particularly as the road winds its way up Hai Van Pass (Pass of the Clouds).
As you pass through the city of Danang, stop at the Cham Museum. The Cham civilization ruled central Vietnam from the 2nd – 13th centuries and was considered extremely important for religion and learning.
Afterward, set off on a culinary adventure in Hoi An to discover the flavors and dishes that make this coastal town and its cuisine so unique. Your guide will tell you the stories behind the most Hoi An’s iconic dishes at the famous eateries of the town.
Start your tour at a local restaurant famous for white rose dumplings, found exclusively in Hoi An. Sit back and enjoy the wonder of the locals working here, who churn out up to 6000 of these dumplings every day! Your visit here includes a chance to try making a few of your own dumplings before sampling a few.
In a nearby try, another local specialty: Banh Can crackers. Served with quail eggs, pork and a tasty salad, this dish is a highlight of Hoi An street food culture and a must-try for every visitor. Pull up a small street-side stool and enjoy it with your guide.
Continue onward to sample grilled pork satay and spring rolls at a local restaurant. Next up is fried wonton – lovingly referred to as a “Hoi An pizza” – and finally, try the famous Cao Lau noodle or chicken rice. Wrap up the tour with a stop at Sky Coffee Bar, a local favorite within the Hoi An Museum. Chat with your guide over a beverage here before heading back to your hotel for a restful evening.
Overnight in Hoi An
Day 10: Discover Hoi An – 1st Day
After breakfast, meet with your guide for an interesting and insightful tour of Hoi An’s highlights and learn about its history.
Hoi An is a former trading port that welcomed Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants between the 16th to 18th centuries. Recently, Hoi An is renowned for its restored architecture, homemade silk, expert tailors and scrumptious noodles and seafood. Its tranquil and peaceful vibe along with walking streets are the two main things making this town a pleasure to stroll around and discover something novel.
The first stop is Chua Ong Pagoda, dating back to 1653 and built in honor of the Chinese general Quan Cong, who is worshipped by many as a symbol of loyalty and justice.
Next, pop into Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, to see the Jinshang Temple which is dedicated to the goddess of the sea and the protector of sailors. We then take a short walk to Tan Ky House which is a 200-year-old ancestral house and finally, walk across the often photographed 17th century covered bridge structured by Japanese craftsmen. The stunning built bridge doubles as a temple and is a well-known attraction of Hoi An. End your afternoon with a boat trip along Thu Bon river before returning back to your hotel. Tuck in early for the evening or head out to the riverside promenade to explore its lantern-lit charm under cover of night.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 11: Discover Hoi An – 2nd Day
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Then, hop on a bicycle for a picturesque half-day tour of the countryside surrounding Hoi An. En route, we pass rows of serene rice paddy fields to Cam Thanh Village where you’ll get a taste of local life. The village was once a shelter for locals as well as soldiers during the war and it is now well-known for its thatched-roof cottages, woven from water coconut leaves of the region. Spend some time with a local family and learn about the villagers’ way of life. Then, we hop-on a bamboo basket boat and get to know how to catch crabs alongside local experts. Take a well-earned rest and savor the refreshing flavor of fresh coconut water before cycling on to Ha Linh for a lantern workshop. There, you’ll learn how to make these delicate creations in a hands-on master class. With your hand-made lantern in hand, enjoy the charming scenery as you cycle back to Hoi An and return back to your hotel. Enjoy your last evening in Hoi An with a stroll along the river, being sure to float a lantern for good luck.
Day 12: Nha Trang Arrival
Breakfast and take a short rest until taking a drive to the airport for a flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival, our guide will be waiting to heartily welcome you and escort you to the hotel for check-in. Warm-up and you will have a joyful time spending on the beach where you will lay your back on the white sand and watch the waves or something you want do.
Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 13: Free Day in Nha Trang
Have breakfast and get into the tropical delights of Nha Trang at leisure. You can opt to board on a boat to several gorgeous islands surrounding, relax at leisure on several pleasant mainland beaches, or head to some of the attractions like Po Nagar, Long Son Pagoda, Vinpearl Park.
Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 14: Drive to Da Lat
Today, we will transfer to Da Lat by taking a 4-hour scenic drive.
Once reaching Da Lat, take a stroll around the town and discover the reason why the city itself called “The City of Eternal Spring”. Also, you can opt to relax and enjoy the view from the hotel.
Overnight in Da Lat.
Day 15: Free Day in Da Lat
Da Lat is renowned for its enchanting mountain’s vista, pine forests, waterfalls, and lakes and without doubt, this city is perfect to unwind. Enjoy the whole day of discovering Da Lat. Do not forget to experience delicious food in Da Lat. Ask your guide for some suggestion.
Overnight in Da Lat.
Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival – Evening Food Tour
After a rejuvenating time in Da Lat, your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City – formerly known as Saigon. Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting to meet and escort you to the hotel for check-in.
In the evening, taste the culture of Saigon. Set off on a culinary adventure in the heart of the city where locals eat. Walk along small alleys, and see the streets come alive at night. With the help of our guide, try all those weird and wonderful foods and see how they’re made. Pull up a stool and taste a selection of different Vietnamese favorites. Begin with a unique rice paper pizza, then enjoy some Banh Beo or water from cakes, try some fresh snail dishes, and savor a Vietnamese pancake known as Banh Xeo. End the night with dessert from one of Saigon’s little sweet soup places. Then head back to your hotel for some rest or head out and explore some of the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 17: Discover Ho Chi Minh City
In the morning, get off of the tourist track to experience the local life of bustling Ho Chi Minh City. Learn about Vietnamese and Chinese communities as you travel to Cho Lon, one of the world’s largest and oldest Chinatowns. Our trip will begin with a visit to iconic Binh Tay Market, well-known for its warren of food stands and grand Sino-French architecture. Get an insight into the daily life of the fruit and vegetable sellers here before stopping for a glass of traditional Café Sua Da – Vietnamese iced coffee, and the chance to try some of Vietnam’s exotic fruits. Afterward, hop on a cyclo and pass through the chaotic backstreets where everything from spare motorbike parts to religious artifacts are frantically traded! Stop at historic Cha Tam church, where President Diem was seized during the 1963 coup and hear about the city’s turbulent past before walking through the oldest streets of Cho Lon. Visit a traditional Chinese medicine shop and see how herbal tea is prepared before arriving at the Minh Huong communal house – home to one of Cho Lon’s oldest Chinese communities. Hear the stories of the families that moved from China over 3 centuries ago and learn how Vietnamese and Chinese culture has blended over the years. Finish your morning onboard the beautiful Lady Hau Rice Barge, where you will enjoy a cooking master class before sitting down for a tasty Vietnamese lunch as Saigon slips past you. Then, transfer back to your hotel for an early rest.
Day 18: Mekong River Cruise
Depart from your hotel in the morning and drive approximately two hours to Ben Tre, and the gateway to the delta. Here, you will board a small boat to start your sightseeing around the waterways of Mekong Delta which is known as the rice bowl of Vietnam because of its large rice production. The region has also diversified into activities related to aquaculture, rearing of animals, cash crops and fruit trees.
Visit a brick factory and board a small boat to meander through the canals and waterways in the area. Then, stop at a small homemade coconut processing plant to see how coconuts have been turned into oil, candy and woven mats that are later sold in the market. Afterward, enjoy a short walk to a local village to see mat weavers at work, before jumping on the Delta’s version of a tuk-tuk and driving down country roads to the pier. Once there, we get on a beautiful teak boat, the Le Jarai, and continue your cruise along the river. While joyfully immersing in the trip, join in the demonstration of Vietnamese cooking before sitting down to a sumptuous three-course lunch of Mekong specialties. After lunch relaxes on the top deck and takes in the scenery back to Ben Tre where, on arrival you will transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving late in the afternoon. Enjoy one last night out on the town exploring the famous nightlife of Saigon and your final taste of Vietnam.
Day 19: Ho Chi Minh Departure
Time to say goodbye. Breakfast and morning at leisure until taking a drive to the airport for your flight coming home. The trip ends. Hope you had a beautiful time and wish that we can serve you next time in Vietnam or any Asia tour packages.
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