We’ve crafted a 15-day Premium journey through Vietnam, from Cu Chi’s living history and the Mekong’s quiet waterways to lantern-lit towns, Hanoi’s old soul and a starlit night on Ha Long Bay—woven with local flavours and encounters that linger on.
Designed by Mary
Travel crafter
La Passion Traveller Highlight
Vietnam changes rhythm for you, day by day.
Vietnam changes rhythm for you, day by day.
Journey south through Vietnam, from the north’s karst-studded bays to vibrant cities and bicycle-powered food carts along the way.
10 days, scene by scene
Each day opens a different Vietnam.
Each day opens a different Vietnam.
Discover Vietnam through limestone bays, vibrant city rhythms, and the quiet charm of street food served from bicycle carts.
Day 01 - Saigon Arrival
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your journey begins in Ho Chi Minh City, a city shaped by French influences and a vibrant, fast-paced energy. If you arrive early, perhaps head to Pham Ngu Lao Street to explore the local open-air market or visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. At 6:00 pm, join a welcome meeting to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Afterwards, head out together for dinner and savour the fresh flavours and rich sauces that define Vietnamese cuisine.
Overnight:
Hochiminh City
Hochiminh City
Meal:
Dinner
Dinner
Day 02 - Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels - Half-Day City Tour
After breakfast, leave the city to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, part of a larger war museum outside Ho Chi Minh City. This former Viet Cong stronghold offers insight into the resourcefulness and tenacity of the Vietnamese people, as well as a glimpse of what life was like during the war. Stretching for more than 120 km, this underground network includes trapdoors, living areas, kitchens, storage facilities, an armoury, hospitals and command centres. Your journey through history continues back in Ho Chi Minh City at the War Remnants Museum, where you can see military equipment including an F5A fighter aircraft and a UH-1 Huey helicopter. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. Perhaps join some of your fellow travellers to visit Notre Dame, the Post Office or the Reunification Palace.
Overnight:
Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh
Meal:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03 - Saigon - Mekong Delta
This morning, leave Ho Chi Minh City behind for the night and travel south by private bus to Ben Tre. On arrival, board a small traditional boat and explore the intricate waterways of the Mekong Delta. Known as 'the rice bowl of Vietnam', the delta is abundant in rice paddies, fruit orchards and flower gardens. During your boat journey, stop to sample fresh tropical fruit and visit a selection of cottage industries in the area. Then experience warm Vietnamese hospitality over a home-cooked Vietnamese-style lunch at a local family home. Around sunset, continue to your guesthouse, where you will spend the night with the locals and enjoy another memorable meal featuring regional specialities.
Overnight:
Hochiminh City
Hochiminh City
Meal:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04 - Mekong Delta - Saigon
Begin the morning with more of the Mekong Delta's finest fruit at breakfast before travelling back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Perhaps set out with fellow travellers in search of a favourite local meal - your group leader can recommend options for a range of budgets. Later, you may wish to take in the city from one of its vibrant rooftop bars.
Overnight:
Hochiminh City
Hochiminh City
Meal:
Freedom
Freedom
Day 05 - Saigon - Flight to Da Nang - Hoi An
This morning, take a short flight to Da Nang before continuing to Hoi An. On arrival, settle in over a traditional Vietnamese lunch and sample mi quang or cao lau, two noodle dishes for which Central Vietnam is known. Afterwards, your leader will guide you on an orientation walk through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Hoi An was a major trading port with the West during the 16th and 17th centuries, leaving a rich blend of European, Chinese and Japanese architectural influences. Today, much of the city has been restored and retains the atmosphere of more than a century ago. Along the way, see Chinese temples, Japanese pagodas, French-inspired houses, wooden shops and old canals. Afterwards, you may wish to browse Hoi An Market and the street stalls offering paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns and more.
Overnight:
Hoian
Hoian
Meal:
Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 06 - Hoi An - Free Day
Enjoy a free day to discover Hoi An at your own pace. You could hire a bicycle and ride to nearby Cua Dai Beach. Alternatively, consider an Urban Adventure such as Hoi An Boat & Bike, a guided experience that includes a countryside cycle ride and a sunset cruise along the Thu Bon River. Vietnam is, of course, known for its delicious cuisine, and Hoi An is no exception. You may also choose the Hoi An Food Adventure to explore the flavours of the Old Town.
Overnight:
Hoi An
Hoi An
Meal:
Breakfast
Breakfast
Day 07 - Hoi An - Free Day
Today offers another full day to enjoy this historic haven. If you are happy to rise early, visit the local produce market and watch the lively exchange as shoppers bargain over fresh fish, spices and vegetables. Alternatively, your leader can help arrange an optional Vietnamese cooking class or a visit to the ruins of My Son, Vietnam's most important Cham site. Set in a verdant valley, surrounded by hills and overlooked by the massive Cat's Tooth Mountain, these UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples reflect the cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation that flourished in this region between the 4th and 12th centuries.
Overnight:
Hoi An
Hoi An
Meal:
Breakfast
Breakfast
Day 08 - Hoi An - Hue - Imperial Citadel
Continue your journey north today, travelling over the spectacular Hai Van Pass, an exceptionally scenic mountain road with views of Lang Co Beach. Stop in beautiful Lang Co, where you can buy lunch. In the afternoon, arrive in Hue, Vietnam's former imperial capital. Step into the city's royal past with a visit to the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. As its name suggests, the Forbidden Purple City was once reserved for the personal use of the emperor and his concubines. Almost entirely destroyed by bomb blasts during the war, its surviving ruins now offer a poignant reminder of centuries past, with crumbling palaces that reveal their story to those who take the time to look. Afterwards, the evening is yours to relax and simply enjoy this poetic place.
Overnight:
Hue
Hue
Meal:
Breakfast
Breakfast
Day 09 - Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda - Emperor Tu Duc
After a local breakfast of bun bo Hue (spiced beef noodle soup), spend the day delving deeper into the historical highlights of Hue. Stop at Thien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery dating back to 1601. Your explorations will soon work up an appetite, and lunch is a delicious vegetarian feast at a local nunnery. Make a final stop at the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, set beside a lake among frangipani and pine trees. After a full day of discovery, the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. Ask your leader which of Hue's local favourites to seek out for dinner - there is good reason the city is known as Vietnam's culinary capital.
Overnight:
Hue
Hue
Meal:
Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10 - Hue - Flight to Hanoi - Half-Day City Tour
After breakfast, fly from Hue to Hanoi, Vietnam's charming capital. On arrival, enjoy lunch at KOTO Restaurant, an Intrepid Foundation-supported programme that teaches hospitality skills to disadvantaged youth. After lunch, set out on a half-day tour that captures the beauty and history of this laid-back, tree-lined city. Visit major sights including the Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda. You will also pass Hoan Kiem Lake and enter the historic Old Quarter's '36 Streets', a network of interwoven lanes and roads where, traditionally, each street specialised in a particular trade or product - silk, bamboo, ceramics, kitchenware and many more.
Overnight:
Hanoi
Hanoi
Meal:
Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 - Hanoi - Ninh Binh
Depart Hanoi this morning for UNESCO-protected Ninh Binh, a naturally beautiful landscape often referred to as 'Ha Long Bay on land', where winding rivers run between towering limestone mountains. On arrival, head straight to the lush Cuc Phuong National Park to visit Save Vietnam's Wildlife, a non-profit organisation focused on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of wildlife. A veterinarian will guide you through the park, sharing insights into the conservation project and its work to protect endangered species such as pangolins, monkeys, otters and leopard cats. SVW is one of the newest Intrepid Foundation-supported projects in Vietnam. Afterwards, you will be welcomed into a local home for a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Meet the family and enjoy dishes such as grilled beef wrapped with guise leaves, spring rolls and fried fish with tomato sauce. Complete the day in this scenic region with a visit to the Dinh and Le Temples, built in the 10th century and dedicated to two former emperors of Vietnam.
Overnight:
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh
Meal:
Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12 - Ninh Binh - Thung Nham - Mua Cave
Enjoy a relaxed start this morning, with time to explore at your own pace. You may wish to head to Hang Mua Cave for sunrise, where you can photograph the lotus field and hike to the viewpoint for a 360-degree panorama of Ninh Binh. In the afternoon, set out for an active exploration of the Thung Nham ecotourism zone, just outside Ninh Binh. Begin with a traditional rowboat journey to discover the largest natural bird garden in northern Vietnam. Glide peacefully along the calm waters, surrounded by towering mountains, lush greenery and an abundance of birdlife. Then explore the cave system, including But Cave and Tien Ca Cave. Continue to spiritual sites including the thousand-year-old banyan tree, Gii Dai Temple and Linh Than Mieu. Finish at a gentler pace as you explore the Thung Nham flower paradise, nursery and vegetable garden.
Overnight:
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh
Meal:
Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13 - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay
Travel by private minibus to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam's most beautiful places, with emerald waters dotted with sandstone islands and caves. Board a private boat and cruise through the bay. You may also choose an optional kayaking tour for a different perspective on the remarkable natural scenery. Spend the night aboard under the moon and stars of a clear night sky. The boat also features a dining room and bar, where all your meals will be served, including a fresh seafood lunch and dinner. As sunset approaches, perhaps take a drink from the bar out onto the deck and enjoy the evening with your fellow travellers.
Overnight:
on the cruise
on the cruise
Meal:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 - Ha Long Bay - Hanoi
If you are an early riser, perhaps set an alarm and take in the scenery of Ha Long Bay from your floating accommodation at sunrise. Savour one last view of the turquoise waters before returning by road to Hanoi. On arrival, head out for a traditional water-puppet performance hosted by a local family who are experts in this art form. Tonight, gather as a group for dinner, perhaps trying the traditional cha ca la vong, a fish dish served with fresh herbs and noodles. Spend the evening together, reflecting on the highlights of your Vietnam journey.
Overnight:
Hanoi
Hanoi
Meal:
Breakfast, Brunch
Breakfast, Brunch
Day 15 - Hanoi Departure
With no activities planned today, your journey comes to an end after breakfast. Should you wish to spend more time in Hanoi, please contact your booking agent in advance to arrange additional accommodation.
Meal:
Breakfast
Breakfast
Note: Our tour's itinerary is carefully designed only for travelers from global by team of local travel experts with more than 5 years' experience.
This customizable tour can be arranged for couple. Final Prices vary according to hotel standard, when you travel, how many people you travel with, the level of private guiding required and the overall arrangements. We can easily customize the itinerary based on your budget, interests and schedule. Please contact us to discuss your individual requirements
What’s included
The details are part of the comfort.
The details are part of the comfort.
Hotels, transfers, cruise, meals, guides and local support are shaped to keep the journey smooth.
INCLUSIONS
EXCLUSIONS
ACCOMODATION
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
NOTES
| DESTINATION | 4 Star | 5 Star | 5 Star |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ho Chi Minh City | Queen Ann Hotel | Cicilia Saigon Hotel | Rex Hotel |
| Mekong | Guest House Mekong | Guest House Mekong | Guest House Mekong |
| Hoi An | ÊMM Hotel Hue | La Charm Hoi An Hotel & Spa | La Siesta Hoi An |
| Hue | Hue Serene Palace Hotel | ÊMM Hotel Hu | Indochine Palace Huế |
| Ha Noi | La Passion Classic | Lestar Hotel | The Legend Hanoi Hotel |
| Ninh Binh | Le Clos du Fil | Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort | Jiva Hoa Lu Retreat |
| Ha Long Bay | Hera Boutique Cruise | Amanda Cruise | La Regina Cruise |
- Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD 35
- Hoi An - Private Bike, Boat and Dinner Experience - USD 62
- Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery - USD 63
- Ninh Binh - Visit to Mua Cave - VND 140,000
- Ha Long Bay - Kayaking Tour - VND 150,000
- Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum - VND 30,000
- Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison - VND 50,000
- Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology - VND 40,000
- Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure - USD 25
- We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance, including coverage for emergency medical evacuation, for travel to Vietnam.
- Prices are valid for 30 days from the date of the offer. After this period, prices and conditions may be subject to adjustment.
- Airfares are subject to change by the airlines without prior notice.
- Reservations during peak periods (Christmas, New Year, Vietnamese Lunar New Year and national holidays) may be subject to supplementary charges and compulsory meals.
- Hotel accommodation is available from 14:00 on the arrival date until 12:00 on the departure date. Supplementary charges will apply if early check-in or late check-out is requested.
Plan this journey
Tell us your dream. We craft the journey.
Tell us your dream. We craft the journey.
Share a few details. We will help shape the right version of this 8-day Vietnam journey for two.
