We have crafted this journey to reveal Vietnam beyond its landmarks—through rare traditions, heartfelt local stories and purposeful encounters that inspire deeper connections and leave a positive trace.
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.
15 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 adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh City where you’ll meet a local representative at the airport for the private transfer to your hotel. Tonight, meet the group at a welcome meeting at 6 pm, then head out for dinner with your local leader. When you arrive at the restaurant, you’ll step straight into a piece of Vietnamese history – originally an opium refinery built in 1861, this building still holds subtle nods to its past. Feast on a menu filled with classics and southern Vietnamese favourites, like pho (noodle soup) and bun thit nuong (grilled pork and noodles).
Overnight:
Hochiminh City
Hochiminh City
Meal:
Dinner
Dinner
Day 02 - Saigon – Mekong Delta
Kick off your first full day of the trip with a visit to the Mekong Delta – a network of rivers and canals with floating markets and rice paddies. After breakfast, drive south towards this region via Ben Tre. Here, you’ll board a private boat to cruise the delta, stopping at some coconut gardens to visit a local home where you can sample tropical fruits and coconut jams. After, return to the waterways of the delta on sampans (small rowing boats) and row past the coconut trees and stilt houses that flank the river. Back on land, take a tuk-tuk tour around the villages for a glimpse at rural life and learn how the coconut industry is woven into the community here. Have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for a free evening.
Overnight:
Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh
Meal:
Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 03 - Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels
This morning, head on a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels – an extensive underground network (some 200 km) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. They housed hospitals, dwellings and schools and were extensively used for refuge, storage and as a military base. As you explore this labyrinth, you’ll be guided by a war veteran who will share a first-hand account of life during the war. He will also share his in-depth knowledge of the tunnel system. Your leader will explain more about its history and the 1968 Tet Offensive. A section of the tunnels has been widened to give visitors a feel for what underground life must have been like. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps visit the renowned TV chef Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam House Restaurant for an elevated, modern twist on traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Overnight:
Hochiminh City
Hochiminh City
Meal:
Breakfast
Breakfast
Day 04 - Saigon City Half-Day Tour - Flight to Da Nang - Hoi An
This morning, see Ho Chi Minh City through the eyes of a local during a bus and walking tour with your leader. Visit the Reunification Palace to learn about the end of the war and then take a sobering trip to the War Remnants Museum after stopping by the Notre Dame Cathedral. Stroll the city’s streets and notice the many French buildings along the way, including the main post office and Ho Chi Minh City Hall, modelled on Paris’ Hotel de Ville. Later this afternoon, fly to Hoi An – a riverside town in central Vietnam.
Overnight:
Hoi An
Hoi An
Meal:
Breakfast
Breakfast
Day 05 - Hoi An Old Town
Join your leader on a walking tour this morning to discover Hoi An’s heritage-listed ancient architecture and unique mix of influences. With its charming low-tiled houses and tranquil feel, this is a delightful town to wander around. Start by visiting an opulently decorated historic house that was once home to a prominent trader. Then, cross the Japanese Covered Bridge, stop by the Chinese Assembly Hall and pay a visit to a local museum to learn more about the history you’ve uncovered on the walk. After, sit down to a lunch with the group. This afternoon, you’re free to make the most of Hoi An and its surrounding areas. Your leader can provide suggestions if you need inspiration!
Overnight:
Hoi An
Hoi An
Meal:
Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 06 - Hoi An - My Son Sanctuary - Apsara Dance
Once a significant port of the Champa Kingdom, Hoi An remains home to many Cham descendants today. This morning, your leader will guide you through the My Son Sanctuary – a collection of temples constructed by the Kings of Champa that date back to the 4th century. Learn about the ancient architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site and see the craters created by American bombs during the war. After exploring the temples and serene surroundings, experience an Apsara dance performance featuring sparkling traditional costumes, panpipes and drums. When you return to Hoi An, the afternoon is free for you to explore further – maybe visit one of the many tailor shops and get a custom outfit or relax by the pool at your hotel.
Overnight:
Hoi An
Hoi An
Meal:
Breakfast
Breakfast
Day 07 - Hoi An - Hue - Imperial Citadel
Head for Hue this morning – the former imperial capital and hub of Vietnam's historic past. On the way, pass through the Hai Van Pass – a scenic, mountainous stretch of highway with views across Lang Co Beach. Arrive in Hue and discover its eclectic mix of busy streets and peaceful beauty. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost completely destroyed during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War, but its humble, foliage-covered ruins stand as a testament to its proud history. Here, your leader will share insights into the devastating damage endured during the war.
Overnight:
Hue
Hue
Meal:
Breakfast
Breakfast
Day 08 - Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda - Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
Ready your appetite as today you’ll be diving into Hue’s culinary scene. First up, head to a street food eatery for bun bo Hue (this spicy noodle soup is usually made with beef and pig knuckles and is an absolute must-try). Next, meet a local chef and explore the market where you can taste and smell all the herbs and ingredients that bring local dishes to life while learning about the culture of Vietnamese cuisine. Stop for lunch, then continue to the chef’s home and discover how to cook up dishes using the fresh ingredients from the market. Later, visit the Thien Mu Pagoda – an active Buddhist monastery and unofficial symbol of Hue that dates back to 1601. You’ll also visit the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its beautiful lake, frangipani and pine trees and the Imperial Citadel.
Overnight:
Hue
Hue
Meal:
Breakfast. Lunch
Breakfast. Lunch
Day 09 - Hue - Flight to Hanoi - City Walk and Ca Tru Performance
Fly from Hue to Hanoi today. Settle in when you arrive and then get your bearings with a leader-led walk, where you’ll wander the ancient 36 Streets to discover shop-lined alleys that sell everything from souvenirs to silk clothing. In the afternoon, join your group again for a traditional Ca Tru performance. Ca Tru is an art form of Northern Vietnam dating back to the Tran Dynasty. Originally, this was performed at Royal Courts and is now included by UNESCO on the list of Intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding. Today, these performances are rare, but you and your group will be taken to an ancient temple and treated to an exclusive show in one of the few places where these artists still sing acoustically. Overnight at Hanoi
Overnight:
Ha Noi
Ha Noi
Meal:
Breakfast
Breakfast
Day 10 - Hanoi - Mai Chau - Vun Art Social Enterprise Visit
Leave Hanoi this morning in a private coach transfer to Mai Chau. This peaceful town is situated in a valley and surrounded by green mountains, making it famous for its breathtaking scenery and friendly hill tribe communities. Admire the views, fuel up over lunch and visit Vun Art – a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities to make art pieces with recycled silk scraps. Check into your accommodation in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to unwind and relax.
Overnight:
Mai Chau
Mai Chau
Meal:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - Mai Chau Cultural Tour
Today, your leader will guide you on a walk through several villages around Mai Chau. Pass terraced rice fields and traditional stilt houses before observing local cotton textile production at close range and hearing an artisan's perspective on Thai garment craftsmanship. Next, learn how ruou can, a traditional fermented rice wine, is made and discover the cultural significance behind each stage of the process. After lunch hosted by a local family, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy. Relax at the hotel or speak with your leader about optional experiences in the area.
Overnight:
Mai Chau
Mai Chau
Meal:
Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12 - Mai Chau - Hanoi City Tour - Lunch at KOTO
Return to Hanoi this morning for a guided half-day exploration of the capital. Gain a deeper understanding of the city's history through visits to the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda and the former residence of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam's most renowned revolutionary. Enjoy lunch at KOTO, an Intrepid Foundation-supported programme that equips disadvantaged young people with hospitality skills. The evening is free for you to explore independently. Hanoi is especially rewarding on foot, with its many lakes and parks offering a quieter rhythm than its southern counterpart. West Lake, to the north of the city centre, is a relaxed place to spend time among local residents and unwind by the water.
Overnight:
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh
Meal:
Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13 - Hanoi - Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise
Travel to Ha Long Bay today, a UNESCO World Heritage site where limestone karsts and islets rise dramatically from the water. The bay is best appreciated by boat, which will also be your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening. Thoughtfully designed with traditional details and modern comforts, the vessel offers a relaxed setting from which to glide between limestone islets, karsts and caves. The exact route may vary, but you may visit a lively fishing village to learn about local life or explore a cave with your leader to admire its distinctive rock formations. Return to the boat for a seafood lunch. During the afternoon, there may be opportunities to swim, kayak or simply relax on the beach. This evening, dine on deck as the sun sets over the bay.
Overnight:
On the cruise
On the cruise
Meal:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 - Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Farewell Dinner
Begin the morning with breakfast on board and, should you wish, join an optional tai chi session as the day unfolds over the bay. Sail back to the port, disembark and return to Hanoi. On arrival in the capital, enjoy time to revisit any places you may have missed. Browse the shops along Hang Gai Street or pause for afternoon tea at the Metropole Hotel. In the evening, join your group and leader for a farewell dinner at a Hanoi restaurant, sharing stories and reflecting on the most memorable moments of your journey together.
Overnight:
Hanoi
Hanoi
Meal:
Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
Day 15 - Hanoi Departure
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. Should you wish to spend more time in Hanoi, please speak with 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ho Chi Minh City | Alagon Saigon Hotel & Spa | Rex Hotel Saigon |
| Hoi An | Hội An Ancient House Resort & Spa | La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa |
| Hue | ÊMM Hotel Hue | |
| Ha Noi | M Village Tho Nhuom | The Legend Hanoi Hotel |
| Mai Chau | Mai Châu Hideaway Lake Resort | Mai Châu Hideaway Lake Resort |
| Ha Long | Amanda Cruise | Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort |
- Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD35
- Halong Bay - Kayaking Tour – VND150000
- Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison - VND50000
- Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure - USD25
- Hanoi - Ninh Binh Mini Adventure (TVAN) - USD330
- Hiking in Sapa (TVAG) - USD402
- 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.
