Vietnam Explorer: 19-Day Small Group Journey

Upon arrival, a guide will pick you up and take you to your hotel for checking in. 

Then, you have free time to explore this city. Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam, is a vibrant place with a rich culture, where traditional beauty and modern life blend perfectly. The city offers a diverse array of attractions, including historical sites, ancient streets, bustling markets, and delicious cuisine.

Morning

Please assemble in the hotel lobby to meet your tour guide and receive a brief introduction to the day’s itinerary.

Begin your journey by learning more about the life and legacy of Vietnam’s revered leader, President Ho Chi Minh. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his historic house-on-stilts, and the Presidential Palace, all of which provide meaningful insight into his simple lifestyle and profound influence on the nation.

Continue the tour with a stop at the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a unique wooden structure perched on a single stone pillar. This architectural masterpiece is rich in national cultural heritage, showcasing intricate design, sculpture, woodcarving, and painting.

After the visit, enjoy a delicious meal at a nearby restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Afternoon

The rest of the day is your leisure time to explore Hanoi at your own pace. If you’re not sure what to do, you may want to consider one of our optional tours below:

Morning

From 07:30 to 08:00, your guide will meet you at your accommodation to begin a 120 km journey to Ninh Binh in a comfortable limousine bus. Enjoy the scenic ride through lush landscapes, with a short stop along the way to rest.

At 10:30, you will visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, the former capital of Vietnam and a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage site. This historic area is closely tied to the nation’s early defensive battles and the formation of three Vietnamese dynasties. You will also explore Dinh King Temple, dating back to the 17th century, where intricate wood and stone carvings showcase traditional craftsmanship.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant featuring authentic regional cuisine.

Afternoon

At 14:00, embark on a serene sampan boat ride rowed by local residents along the Ngo Dong River. As you drift between rice paddies and limestone mountains, you’ll be treated to picturesque views of Tam Coc’s rural charm. The journey includes passing through the impressive Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba tunnels, where you can admire the many unique stalactites hanging overhead.

By 16:00, you will arrive at Mua Cave and begin the trek up Ngoa Long Mountain. From the summit, take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the Tam Coc valley. Along the way, you may encounter beautiful stone animal sculptures that reflect elements of Vietnamese spiritual architecture.

At 17:30, you will board the limousine bus for the return journey to Hanoi. Around 20:30, you will be dropped off at your hotel, marking the end of the trip.

Morning

On the 4th day, you will be picked up at the hotel and get on a 170 km adventure to one of the seven wonders of the world - Halong Bay. Here, you will board a cruise.

The boat glides gently through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed area, which features the towering limestone karst islands erected amid the emerald waters.

Afternoon

Then, tourists will savor a delicious lunch to energize for the afternoon filled with exciting activities. In the bay, you can swim in the clear blue waters, relax on a pristine beach, or kayak to explore a secluded bay.

Following the activities is the cooking demonstration class onboard, where you will learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes. The third-day trip concludes with a delightful dinner.

As night falls, the cruise drops anchor, allowing you to sleep peacefully amidst the majestic limestone mountains.

Note: The detailed itinerary will be different depending on each cruise.

Morning

In the morning, if you are an early bird, you can kick off the day with an optional Tai Chi class on the deck.

After breakfast, you will board a tender to explore a cave, a beautiful cave with giant stalactites and stalagmites. Back on the cruise, you have a brunch on board before the cruise takes you back to port.

Afternoon

From the port, you will return to Hanoi by bus. Upon arrival, you will check in at your hotel and have the rest of the afternoon free to relax and enjoy the city, preparing for the next stage of your journey to the north.

From Hanoi, our pick-up bus will take you to Sapa - the town of Cloud, with a travel time of about 5 hours.

Nestled amidst the Hoang Lien Son Mountains in Northwestern Vietnam, Sapa is famous for its dreamy terraced fields stretching across the Muong Hoa Valley. It is also home to many ethnic minorities, the most popular are the H'Mong, Tay, and Dao. This creates the cultural richness of this land.

You can join a trekking tour to explore Ta Van village to learn more about the local Zay people. With basic to medium difficulty, the trek is about 14 km long, crossing the terraced rice fields, along well-formed trails and cobbled steps.

Notably, the terrain is a bit undulating but not too challenging with uphill or downhill sections. Alternatively, you can also enjoy the afternoon on your own way to discover Sapa town.

The eighth day continues the journey to explore the life and cultural beauty in Sapa. You will walk to visit Cat Cat and Sin Chai, the two H'Mong villages that preserve the unique culture of this ethnic minority.

Continue the journey, you will see the impressive Tien Sa Waterfall and a hydroelectric power station established during the French occupation. On the way back to Sapa, the more beautiful scenery with lush green forests and terraced fields is waiting for you.

Note: This walking tour is basic to medium difficulty, with a distance of about 7 km. The terrain is gently undulating, with no steep or difficult sections. If you are not interested in walking, you can enjoy the day at leisure in Sapa.

This is the time for you to enjoy the last leisure moments in Sapa. Recently, this mountainous town has developed with attractive cafes offering stunning views and spa services with the traditional herbal treatment of the Dao people.

In the afternoon, you will depart for Hanoi and return to the hotel in the evening (approx. 5 hours).

The tenth day takes you on an adventure on the central coast of Vietnam. From Hanoi, you will travel to the Noi Bai airport, and take a 1.5-hour flight to Da Nang, a destination in Central Vietnam.

Upon landing, our driver will pick you up and head to Hoi An, a charming ancient coastal city, about 1 hour drive away.

Located in Quang Nam province, Hoi An is a city with peaceful, ancient beauty, featuring many old quarters built in the 16th century and still exist almost intact today. With its well-preserved architecture, lantern-lit streets, and rich cultural heritage, Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for travelers to Vietnam.

After completing the check-in procedures at the hotel, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the special beauty of this city.

In the morning, you will set off with your local guide on a walking tour to discover the ancient town of Hoi An.

Begin your journey at the vibrant Hoi An Market, a lively hub brimming with colorful stalls, aromatic foods, and the constant hum of local life. The sights, sounds, and scents combine to give a true sense of the town’s energy and character. Not far from here, the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall captures attention with its intricate carvings, dragon motifs, and beautifully detailed roofs. Here, you can observe the practice of ancestor worship and see locals presenting offerings at the family altar.

Next, explore some of Hoi An’s historic houses, such as Phung Hung and Tan Ky, both standing strong for over two centuries and offering a fascinating glimpse into traditional family life.

Continue on to the Museum of Folk Culture, set in a 150-year-old Chinese merchant house, where displays reveal how generations lived, worked, and crafted their daily lives. For a cultural highlight, catch a performance at the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House, showcasing traditional music and theater.

No visit to Hoi An would be complete without a stop at the legendary Japanese Covered Bridge, built more than 400 years ago to link Japanese and Chinese communities across a small canal. Finally, meander through art galleries, handicraft shops, and quiet alleyways, discovering hidden corners and local neighborhoods that reveal the enduring charm and elegance of this ancient town.

This day is yours to relax or explore the charming beauty of the town at your own pace. Alternatively, you can join our optional Ba Na Hills Full Day from Da Nang (from US$95/pax) for a memorable adventure.

Morning

Depart from Hoi An by bus to Hue. The journey offers breathtaking views of the sea, mountains, and mist-covered hills, making it one of Vietnam’s most beautiful road trips.

Afternoon

Upon arriving in Hue, you will check into your hotel and have time to enjoy the rest of the evening at your own pace, relaxing and exploring this ancient city.

Morning

After breakfast, you will begin the tour of Hue City. First, you will take a boat cruise on the peaceful Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, a 400-year-old structure built on a hill overlooking the river. Located 4km southwest of the Citadel, this pagoda is an icon of Vietnam and is also considered a symbol of Hue.

The highlight of the pagoda is Phuoc Duyen Tower, a 21m-high octagonal tower, constructed under the reign of Emperor Thieu Tri in 1844. Each of its seven stories is dedicated to a manushi-buddha (a Buddha that appeared in human form).

Next, you will take a car to the intricate mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, the fourth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, who reigned from 1847 to 1883. Built on a peaceful plot of land, right on the poetic Canh Vong hill, Tu Duc Tomb is considered the most splendid architectural system of the Nguyen Dynasty, including nearly 50 works that served King Tu Duc throughout his life.

Then, the morning ends with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

The tour continues to the city’s most iconic destination - Hue Imperial Citadel. This spectacular citadel was built according to strict principles of geomancy and is home to a series of palaces, ornate halls, libraries, residences, and colleges.

The next stop is Dong Ba Market, one of Hue’s oldest markets, with hundreds of stalls selling household goods, handicrafts, clothing, and fresh produce at affordable prices.

Finally, the tour ends with a return to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the rest of the day.

This is the next part of the tour, which takes you to the landmarks in the South of Vietnam. From Hue, you will travel to Hue Airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, with a flight time of about 1 hour. 

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest and most vibrant city in Vietnam. The city boasts rich cultural and historical destinations, and ancient architectural works bearing the hundred-year mark of Indochina architecture.

Also known as a "city that never sleeps", Ho Chi Minh also features bustling entertainment activities day and night and giant skyscrapers with many flashy shopping centers.

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be taken to your hotel to check in. Here, you can relax and enjoy the rest of the day in comfort.

Cu Chi Tunnels is always the first destination worth visiting in Ho Chi Minh. This is a special structure built by Vietnamese soldiers during the country’s long fight for independence.

You will be transferred from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi. Before the tour, you will watch a short introductory video to learn more about the construction process and historical significance of this tunnel system.

Next, you will delve into a section of the tunnel that was once used as hospitals, schools, kitchens, weapon storage, command centers, and living quarters. The hidden underground tunnel system helped soldiers move across the countryside without being detected and was once home to about 10,000 people.

In addition, you will see the remnants of American tanks and numerous bomb craters, evidence of the fierce war period.

After the tour, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City. Here, you can choose to come back to your hotel or visit the nearby War Remnants Museum (entrance fee is not included). The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city on your own.

Morning

Your day begins with a hotel pick-up in Saigon for a scenic drive to Ben Tre Province, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Along the way, enjoy views of lush landscapes, swaying palms, and glimpses into the daily life of the southern countryside.

Upon arrival, embark on a peaceful cruise along the Ham Luong River, one of the nine estuaries that define the charm of the Mekong Delta. Let the gentle breeze and serene river scenery set the tone for a relaxing day of discovery.

Your first stop is a local coconut workshop, where you'll see how coconuts are transformed into a variety of traditional products. Interact with the warm and welcoming artisans and learn about the ingenuity behind this regional craft.

Continue with a visit to a mat-weaving house, where you can witness the intricate handwork that goes into making these mats—objects that hold cultural and spiritual significance in Southern Vietnamese life. Enjoy a serving of fresh tropical fruits and sip on a cup of fragrant local tea as you take in the peaceful surroundings.

Next, hop on a 'xe loi' (motorized rickshaw) or bicycle for a slow-paced ride through quiet village paths, past lush orchards and traditional homes—offering a closer look at the authentic lifestyle of the Mekong people.

Afternoon

Savor a delicious riverside lunch featuring Mekong specialties, then continue your adventure aboard a sampan boat, gently drifting through narrow, tree-lined canals. Along the way, admire the diverse flora and the serene beauty of the waterways.

As the day winds down, we'll begin the return journey to Ho Chi Minh City.

Following the itinerary, this is the free day, during which you can admire the city on your own way or join an optional tour.

This is your final day in Vietnam, the end of a long and memorable journey exploring all the essence throughout three regions of the country! You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport for your flight back home.

Note: Please note that the standard check-out time is in the morning, at 12:00.