Vietnam Signature Journey: Saigon to Sapa Discovery 12 days

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s vibrant southern metropolis, where past and present collide in a blend of culture, cuisine, and color.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by your friendly local tour guide holding a sign with your name. Let the city's energy greet you as you are transferred in comfort through the lively streets to your hotel in the city center. 

Once checked into your hotel, take some time to relax and settle in.

Get ready to explore the beating heart of Ho Chi Minh City, where French colonial elegance, wartime history, and the buzz of modern Vietnam converge. Today’s full-day city tour will take you through iconic landmarks and lively streets that reveal the city’s rich past and vibrant present.

Begin the journey at the Reunification Palace, a striking symbol of Vietnam’s reunification after the war. Wander through its opulent halls and underground war command bunkers as your guide shares stories of political drama and historical milestones that once echoed through these very corridors.

Just a short drive away, admire the elegant beauty of Notre-Dame Cathedral, built entirely with materials imported from France. With its red-brick façade and twin bell towers piercing the skyline, this 19th-century cathedral is a serene reminder of the city’s colonial past.

NOTE: The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City is currently closed to visitors due to ongoing renovations

Right across the square stands the Central Post Office, a masterpiece of French architecture designed by Gustave Eiffel. Step inside to admire the grand arched ceiling, antique telephone booths, and beautiful mosaic maps of old Saigon—each corner whispering tales of a bygone era.

Next, take a leisurely stroll down the lively Walking Street, where locals gather for music, art, and people-watching amid fountains and floral displays. Surrounded by modern cafés, boutique shops, and colonial buildings, this is the city at its most youthful and energetic.

Conclude your day at the iconic Ben Thanh Market, a bustling maze of stalls selling everything from fragrant spices and fresh produce to handicrafts and souvenirs. This is the perfect place to soak in the local atmosphere, haggle like a true Vietnamese, and maybe sample a bowl of steaming pho or a refreshing glass of sugarcane juice.

Morning

After breakfast, leave behind the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and journey southwest to My Tho, a peaceful gateway to the vast and fertile Mekong River Delta. As the urban landscape fades into lush rice fields and coconut palms, you’ll begin to feel the slower, more grounded rhythm of delta life.

Board a traditional boat and cruise along the labyrinth of narrow canals that weave through this water-bound region. The calm water reflects the overhanging greenery, creating a dreamy, almost surreal journey through Vietnam’s countryside soul.

Stop at a local family’s home, where you’ll be warmly welcomed with seasonal fresh tropical fruits. Enjoy a live performance of traditional Southern music, a soothing and soulful art form.

Continue the experience with a short, scenic ride on a horse-drawn cart, trotting slowly through rural pathways lined with orchards. It’s a charming way to witness local life up close, from farmers at work to children playing along dirt roads.

Pause for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where dishes made from regional ingredients.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, return to the pier by boat, soaking in the last peaceful moments on the water before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City by road.

Morning

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, where every corner buzzes with energy, history, and flavor. Whether you choose to explore independently or join one of our immersive optional tours, the city offers countless ways to connect with its dynamic spirit.

For those curious about Vietnam’s wartime history, the Cu Chi Tunnels Half-day Tour (Optional) offers a compelling window into the country’s resilience. Around 08:00, depart from your hotel on a scenic two-hour drive, passing lush countryside and tranquil rural scenes that stand in stark contrast to the intense history you’re about to witness.

Upon arrival, begin with a short documentary that sets the stage for what life was like for Vietnamese soldiers and civilians who once lived, fought, and survived within this underground world.

Step into the actual network of narrow tunnels, which once served as hidden homes, supply routes, and strategic bases during the war. The air is cool, the space is tight, and the experience deeply humbling.

After your tour, you’ll get a taste of history with a serving of boiled tapioca and hot tea, the simple sustenance that once kept resistance fighters going.

For those seeking a burst of adrenaline, try your hand at the nearby shooting range, where you can fire legendary weapons like the AK-47 or M16 (optional, at your own expense). The tour concludes around 13:00, with a comfortable return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Evening

As night falls, the city transforms - and the Saigon Night Life & Food Tour by Motorbike is your ticket to experiencing it like a true local (optional tour).

At 17:30, hop onto the back of a motorbike driven by a skilled local guide and feel the pulse of the city as you weave through buzzing streets lit by neon lights.

Gaze up at the gleaming Bitexco Financial Tower, a striking symbol of modern Saigon that pierces the night sky, then cruise past the city’s most iconic corners, from colonial landmarks to lively neighborhoods.

Dive deeper into the city’s character with a visit to Chinatown, where colorful temples flicker with incense smoke and the mingling of Vietnamese and Chinese culture plays out in architecture, language, and flavors.

Along the way, stop at bustling street food stalls, where sizzling grills and aromatic broths invite you to sample authentic dishes - perhaps bánh xèo, grilled seafood, or chewy rice cakes.

Your final stop is the enchanting Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, the largest in the city, where rows of vibrant blossoms bloom even after dark. Wander through fragrant alleys lined with lilies, orchids, and sunflowers, and watch traders sort and bundle petals under glowing lanterns.

By 22:00, return to your hotel, your senses full and your heart buzzing with the city’s after-hours magic.

After enjoying your final moments in Ho Chi Minh City, you will then board a domestic flight and soar northward toward Hanoi, Vietnam’s timeless capital. Upon arrival, your local guide will warmly welcome you and escort you to your hotel for check-in and rest.

As you settle into Hanoi, you may immediately notice the distinct change in pace and atmosphere - the Northern charm, a little more reserved, yet no less captivating. Prepare to discover a city that balances elegance with raw authenticity, tradition with modernity.

Tonight is yours to relax or take a gentle stroll around the Old Quarter, where winding lanes are alive with the aromas of street food and the hum of motorbikes. Let the evening unfold at your leisure as you prepare for the cultural riches that await in the coming days.

Today, you’ll immerse yourself in the soul of Hanoi, a city where timeless tradition weaves seamlessly into everyday life. From spiritual sanctuaries to historical landmarks and vibrant street scenes, Hanoi reveals its many layers as you explore its most treasured sites.

Your journey begins at the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, nestled on a small island in the tranquil West Lake. With its elegant red tower reflected in the still waters and the gentle scent of incense in the air, Tran Quoc Pagoda offers a peaceful, spiritual introduction to the capital’s sacred heritage.

Next, you’ll visit the solemn and revered Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the embalmed body of Vietnam’s beloved leader is preserved. Surrounded by manicured gardens and guarded with quiet reverence, this site serves as a powerful reminder of the nation’s revolutionary past.

Nearby, the One Pillar Pagoda, a lotus-shaped structure rising from a single stone column, adds a graceful spiritual contrast. Built in the 11th century, it’s a symbol of enlightenment and purity nestled among the modern surroundings.

Continue your cultural discovery at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where rich exhibits, traditional costumes, and life-size replicas of ethnic homes offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s 54 ethnic groups. The vibrant diversity of Vietnamese life comes alive through stories, artifacts, and interactive displays that bring the highlands, deltas, and coastlines into one immersive experience.

Later, visit the Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university and a sanctuary of Confucian learning. Walking through its ancient courtyards, stone steles, and poetic gardens, you can almost hear echoes of scholarly recitations from centuries past. The scent of frangipani blossoms and the whisper of wind through the trees lend the site an aura of wisdom and tranquility.

As the day winds down, make your way to the heart of the city - Hoan Kiem Lake. This is the spiritual center of Hanoi, where locals gather to practice tai chi, play chess, or simply sit and reflect.

For a deeper dive into local life, hop aboard a cyclo or motorbike for a 45-minute ride through the narrow alleys and wide boulevards of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. As your driver skillfully navigates the organized chaos, you’ll pass colonial facades, street vendors balancing bamboo baskets, and the hypnotic rhythm of everyday Hanoi life unfolding all around you.

Cap off your enriching day with a visit to a Water Puppet Show, a uniquely Vietnamese art form that dates back to the 11th century. Accompanied by live traditional music, these vibrant wooden puppets dance and splash across a water stage, telling tales of village life, mythical creatures, and heroism in a way that delights all ages.

Morning

After an early breakfast at your hotel in Hanoi, begin your journey by bus to the mist-shrouded mountains of Sapa, a land of rugged beauty and colorful hill tribe culture.

NOTE: The journey typically takes around 5.5 hours, including two 20-minute rest stops

Upon arrival in Sapa, the cool mountain air greets you as you check in at your hotel nestled amid the lush hills. This charming town, once a French colonial hill station, retains its quaint alpine feel, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Hoang Lien Son Range.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, embark on a breathtaking trek that connects two of Sapa’s most captivating villages: Sin Chai and Cat Cat.

Starting in Sin Chai, one of the less-visited H’mong villages, you’ll descend through ancient forest trails and terraced fields brushed in green, gold, or mist, depending on the season.

NOTE: To ease your journey through the winding paths, you may choose to travel by electric car or motorbike.

As you reach Cat Cat Village, nestled in a deep valley at the foot of the mountains, discover a traditional Black H’mong settlement where the sounds of cascading waterfalls blend with the hum of looms spinning handwoven textiles.

Stroll along cobbled paths lined with craft stalls and wooden houses built on stilts, and observe artisans creating silver jewelry and dyeing fabrics with indigo. The village is rich in cultural flavor and framed by dramatic vistas of terraced hillsides and flowing streams.

As the sun begins to dip behind the jagged peaks, return to your hotel in Sapa with your heart full of vivid images - bamboo fences, emerald paddies, and the gentle rhythm of life in Vietnam’s northern highlands.

NOTE: Depending on your group’s preferences and weather conditions, you may opt for a scenic route to Ta Giang Phinh instead of Sin Chai - Cat Cat. This is a lesser-known treasure that offers expansive views and untouched natural charm, where ethnic villagers continue their way of life much as they have for generations.

Morning

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, then lace up your trekking shoes for a memorable journey through some of Sapa’s most picturesque landscapes.

Your adventure starts with a 6-kilometer trek to Y Linh Ho Village, a remote settlement perched on steep mountain slopes and home to the Black H’mong ethnic group. The path winds through terraced rice fields, babbling streams, and scattered bamboo groves, offering breathtaking views. As you walk, you’ll catch glimpses of daily life - children playing by the riverside, women in working on traditional embroidery, and smoke curling from small thatched roofs.

From here, continue your exploration with a scenic 3-kilometer hike to Lao Chai Village, another Black H’mong community known for its panoramic rice terraces and authentic cultural vibe. The rhythm of village life flows around you - buffalo slowly plowing the earth, farmers chatting in the fields, and the sound of looms echoing from wooden homes.

In this serene setting, you’ll be warmly welcomed to share a homemade lunch with a local family at a rustic picnic spot, surrounded by nature and tradition. It’s a rare and humbling moment to connect with the villagers and gain insight into their unique way of life.

Afternoon

After lunch, the trek continues along the valley floor as you make your way to Ta Van Village, where the culture blends harmoniously with the stunning natural surroundings. The trail crosses wooden bridges and meanders past cascading waterfalls, whispering bamboo, and open rice paddies that shimmer under the afternoon sun.

Once you’ve taken in the sweeping views and snapped a few final photos, make your way back to the main road, where a jeep awaits to transfer you back to the hotel.

NOTE: The trekking distance is 12 km.

After breakfast, you may opt to experience the majestic beauty of Fansipan Peak, known as the "Roof of Indochina" in our Sapa Fansipan Cable Car Tour. Towering at 3,143 meters, this iconic mountain offers sweeping views, sacred pagodas, and a journey through clouds that captures the soul of Vietnam’s northern highlands.

The journey begins at the elegant Sun Plaza Building, where you board the Muong Hoa Monorail Train (Route 1). This charming train glides through lush valleys and colorful flower fields, connecting you from Sapa Station to Hoang Lien Station.

From there, soar above the world on the spectacular Fansipan Cable Car (Route 2). As you drift through the sky, you can capture the panoramic beauty of the romantic Muong Hoa Valley, set amidst the majestic backdrop of Hoang Lien National Park and the Hoang Lien Son Range before reaching Fansipan Station.

At this point, you can choose to take the one-way mountain-climbing train (Route 3) from Do Quyen Station up to the summit. This short but scenic ride brings you closer to the peak with minimal effort. For the descent, you can walk down via a scenic stairway or purchase a return train ticket on the spot if preferred.

After returning to Sapa town and checking out from your hotel, you will board a comfortable bus in the afternoon for the journey back to Hanoi. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the changing landscapes as you leave the mountains behind and head toward the vibrant capital city.

NOTE: The temporary suspension of the funicular and cable car systems starting from November 24th, 2025. With the reopening schedule below:

• Cable car and Muong Hoa funicular: From December 16th, 2025
• Fansipan funicular: From December 18th, 2025

Begin your day with anticipation as you leave the bustling streets of Hanoi behind. Between 08:00 and 08:30, a professional driver will pick you up directly from your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter and transfer you to the port via the brand-new Hanoi - Hai Phong Expressway, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride through scenic countryside landscapes.

Upon arrival at the breathtaking Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site renowned for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands, you’ll be warmly welcomed aboard a luxury cruise. While sipping a refreshing welcome drink, take in the cruise briefing and safety instructions as you prepare for an unforgettable journey through one of Vietnam's most iconic destinations.

Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at the onboard upscale restaurant, where every bite is accompanied by panoramic views of the bay’s surreal karst formations gliding past your window.

As the cruise gently sails deeper into the heart of Ha Long Bay, let your senses immerse in the tranquility and grandeur of nature. In the afternoon, pamper yourself with rejuvenating massage and spa treatments to melt away any remaining tension.

NOTE: Please make a reservation with your cruise manager to guarantee there is space for you

Continue your adventure by ascending more than 50 stone steps to reach the mouth of the legendary Surprise Cave (Sung Sot Cave).

As you step inside, be amazed by the immense chambers adorned with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, each formation shaped over centuries by the hands of nature. The cave opens up to an awe-inspiring view that captures the mystery and wonder of Ha Long Bay in its purest form.

As the sun begins to set, nearly all overnight cruises offer a delightful Vietnamese cooking demonstration or a creative session on fruit and vegetable carving, giving you a glimpse into the art of local cuisine. Then, sit down for a delectable dinner on board, served in a setting as elegant as the food itself.

After dinner, the night is yours to enjoy. Whether you're drawn to night squid fishing, sipping a cocktail at the bar, engaging in board games and cards, or simply stargazing on the deck, it promises both serenity and charm. Retreat to your cozy cabin and let the gentle waves lull you into a peaceful sleep, cradled by the natural wonder of Ha Long Bay.

NOTE:

• The itinerary may change depending on the specific cruise you book
• The cruise has only English-speaking guide

Around 06:30 - 07:00, wake up early to catch the magical sunrise over Ha Long Bay - a moment that rewards early risers with a golden glow stretching across the mirror-like water, framed by limestone peaks. As the cruise slowly stirs to life, enjoy a light breakfast of fresh pastries, fruit, and steaming tea or coffee served in the dining room.

After breakfast, awaken your body and mind with a tranquil Tai Chi Class on the sundeck. The combination of graceful movements and fresh sea breeze makes this a perfect way to begin your final morning on the bay.

The next destination on your journey is Titop Island, a peaceful crescent-shaped gem nestled in the heart of Ha Long. Famous for its pristine beach and panoramic viewpoint, Titop offers both relaxation and adventure.

Spend 1 to 2 hours soaking in the sun, taking a dip in the turquoise waters, or climbing to the top of the observation platform for a jaw-dropping 360-degree view over the bay - a spectacular scene worth every step.

Return to the cruise just in time for a satisfying brunch, served as the boat gently makes its way back to the harbor. You can take this final stretch to unwind on the sundeck, reflecting on the experience, or pack up your belongings at a leisurely pace.

The cruise concludes its voyage at Tuan Chau Port, where you’ll disembark and have a moment to relax before continuing your journey. Around 16:00, a comfortable vehicle will transfer you back to Hanoi, with drop-off arranged at your hotel or designated conference location.

As your memorable journey across Vietnam comes to a close, take one last chance to soak in the timeless charm of Hanoi. Depending on your flight time, you may wish to revisit your favorite local spots or pick up final souvenirs - perhaps aromatic Vietnamese coffee beans, hand-embroidered crafts, or delicate lacquerware to take a piece of Vietnam home with you.

Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport, ensuring a smooth and timely journey.