12 Authentic Days from Hanoi to Saigon

Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, our driver will be waiting to greet you at the arrival hall exit, right by Column No. 11. You’ll then enjoy a comfortable 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi, passing over the historic Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city’s unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic.

The rest of the day is free at your leisure. Lunch and dinner are free at your own arrangement to explore the local cuisine. Overnight stay in Hanoi. Note: Hotel check-in time is from 2:00 PM. Early check-in is subject to availability and may incur an additional charge.

8:30: Start your day at the Temple of Literature, founded in the 11th century under the Ly dynasty to honor Confucius and educate royal scholars. Stroll through its peaceful courtyards and gardens until you reach Khue Van Cac, the iconic pavilion that symbolizes Hanoi. Continue to the UNESCO-recognized stone steles, which record the names of Vietnam’s most outstanding graduates, before exploring Quoc Tu Giam, regarded as the country’s first national university.

Next, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), an engaging institution that offers deep insight into the cultures of Vietnam’s many ethnic groups. Its rich collection includes traditional costumes, agricultural tools, musical instruments, and life-size replicas of ethnic minority houses. A full visit typically takes about two hours. For lunch, enjoy one of Hanoi’s most beloved dishes: cha ca, fragrant turmeric-marinated grilled fish served with fresh herbs, rice noodles, and a tangy dipping sauce — a true staple of the capital’s culinary heritage.

In the afternoon, continue with an exterior visit of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, then enjoy a relaxing walk through the nearby botanical gardens to see the simple House on Stilts, where Ho Chi Minh once lived and worked. Conclude this section of the tour at the unique One-Pillar Pagoda, one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks.

For a delightful gourmet pause, settle onto a small stool inside a traditional tube house and savor a cup of egg coffee - a creamy specialty born during the French colonial era. Made from whipped egg yolk and rich Vietnamese coffee, this iconic drink remains a local favorite. End your day with a stroll through the atmospheric Old Quarter. Originating in the 15th century as a busy trading hub, its famed “36 streets” each once specialized in a particular craft or product. Today, the Old Quarter is a vibrant open-air museum of living history, with narrow alleyways, tube houses, small temples, bustling markets, and irresistible street food creating an unforgettable sensory experience.

Afterward, enjoy a unique water puppet show, a traditional art form that first appeared in the 11th century. In these performances, the daily life, culture, and beliefs of the Vietnamese people are beautifully depicted by puppets on water, accompanied by a traditional live music performance. Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hanoi.

8:30: Meet your tour guide and driver at hotel then transfer to Ninh Binh, the awesome site is enriched with historical, cultural, religion and geographic wonders. On the journey passing the Red River delta, stop as you wish for pictures.

Upon arrival, we make our first stop in Tam Coc, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land” for its spectacular karst scenery rising from emerald rice fields. This picturesque landscape also appeared in the famous French movie Indochina. Enjoy a private sampan boat ride along the peaceful Ngo Dong River, drifting through three natural caves while taking in a harmonious blend of limestone formations, rice paddies, and rural village life.

After the boat ride, we visit Thai Vy Temple, a serene and lesser-known sanctuary nestled among rice fields and limestone mountains. Dedicated to the Tran Dynasty kings, the temple honors Emperor Tran Thai Tong and his successors, who led Vietnam during a golden age in the 13th century. Built entirely of stone, the temple stands out for its simple yet elegant architecture and its tranquil atmosphere, offering a deeper insight into Vietnam’s royal and spiritual heritage away from the crowds. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Following lunch, we transfer to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century. Here, we visit two historic temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang (r. 968–980) and Emperor Le Dai Hanh (r. 980–1009), the founders of the first independent Vietnamese dynasties after nearly a thousand years of Chinese domination. Although the temples were rebuilt in the 17th century, they continue to symbolize deep national respect for these emperors and feature traditional Vietnamese architecture set against a dramatic limestone backdrop.

Later in the day, we meet our driver and continue the journey to Van Long Nature Reserve. Dinner and overnight in Ninh Binh.

8:30: To begin the day’s activities, you may choose to enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the dyke, offering beautiful views of rice paddies and dramatic limestone mountains. Along the way, feel free to stop for photos or brief encounters with local villagers, providing an authentic glimpse into daily rural life. The ride leads to Thung La Temple, a peaceful and little-visited temple dating back to the 11th century. Nestled at the foot of limestone cliffs and surrounded by farmland, the temple reflects early Vietnamese spiritual architecture and local religious traditions. Here, you'll listen to a traditional musical performance, offering insight into the region’s cultural heritage.

Afterwards, return to Van Long Nature Reserve for a tranquil sampan boat ride through a vast landscape of limestone karsts and wetlands. As one of Vietnam’s largest nature reserves and a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance, Van Long is known for its rich biodiversity. With a bit of luck, you may spot Delacour’s langurs (white monkeys), egrets, or other water birds resting on the cliffs and along the marshes. Cycling distance: approximately 10 km (one way) or 20 km (round trip) Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Note: For guests who cannot ride a bicycle, you can choose the moto-taxi option with an additional charge of 15 USD per person.

After lunch, we continue to Lang Van Church, one of the most striking contemporary religious landmarks in Ninh Binh. Designed in an impressive Gothic style, the church is characterized by pointed arches, soaring vaulted ceilings, and an imposing bell tower rising over 100 meters, making it one of the tallest church towers in Vietnam.

We then take part in an embroidery workshop led by Mrs. Lam, a local master craftswoman. With great pride, she introduces the traditional embroidery techniques passed down through generations. Under her guidance, you have the chance to work with needle and fabric, gaining hands-on experience and a deeper appreciation of this delicate craft, just like a local artisan. Dinner and overnight in Ninh Binh. Note: The guide will leave you at the end of the day. The next day, only your private driver (no guide) will pick you up for the transfer to Halong Bay.

8:00: Depart for Halong. The journey takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, with an optional stop for a restroom break along the way. Upon arrival, you'll be dropped off at Tuan Chau / Bai Chay pier, where you will board your cruise.

11:30 - 12:00 : Arrive at the office at Halong International Cruise Port, spend time relaxing with a cup of tea or coffee while waiting for the captain to finish registration, then transfer by tender to the boat. 12:15 - 12:30 : Enjoy a welcome drink and listen to a short briefing about safety on the boat and included activities, then check in to the cabin.

13:00 - 13:30 : A Vietnamese set menu lunch is served while cruising into Bai Tu Long Bay.

15:00 : Arrive at the kayaking area at Cap La Island. Enjoy kayaking through the karst, swimming, and relaxing. 17:00 - 17:30 : Get back to the boat and enjoy the sunset party while the cruise sails to the overnight anchorage.

18:00 - 18:30 : Enjoy the sunset party at the overnight anchorage place and experience a vegetable carving demonstration with the chef. 19:00 : A set-dinner is served onboard. 20:30 : Free time to try Vietnamese puzzle games, play board games with family or group, go squid fishing, or enjoy a cocktail at night on the bay. Important Notes: - The itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions. Wi-Fi is available in the bar/restaurant area, but internet access may be limited due to the geography of Halong Bay. Thank you for your understanding.

06:00: Start your day with a Tai Chi routine on sundeck or catch a morning view of the stunning bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee. 07:00: Breakfast will be served in Western style, familiar to you to fulfill your strength and ready for another exploring day.

08:00: Explore the well hidden Thien Canh Son Cave. 09:00: Upon return to the boat you will have about 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing.

10:00: Attend in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration. You can quickly learn a simple but delicious Vietnamese dish that Gordon Ramsey (a 2 Michelin Star Chef) used to guide – Nem Cuon or challenge yourself in fruit and vegetables carving. 11:00: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch on boat.

12:00: Back to the harbor.

The driver meets you at the Cruise Waiting Lounge and transfers you back to Hanoi. You will be dropped off at your previous hotel in the Old Quarter (room not included), where you can leave your luggage at the reception to freely enjoy a stroll around the Old Quarter, shop for souvenirs, get a massage, or have dinner at your own leisure and expense while waiting. 18:15: Your private driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the railway station for your overnight train to Hue. Note: Each passenger will have a soft berth in a shared, air-conditioned cabin (4 berths/cabin). The train travels at an average speed of 60 km/h on 1.2-meter-wide tracks. The berths are like small beds, measuring 80 cm in width, which nevertheless allow you to sleep in relatively good conditions. We highly recommend having dinner before boarding, as the food served on the train is not very good. Overnight on board the train (Shared cabin of 4 soft berths, air-conditioned).

8:30: Upon arriving at Hue train station in the morning, you meet our local guide and driver, then head to a nearby restaurant to enjoy a breakfast. Afterwards, we board a dragon boat to cruise along the Perfume River, giving you a gentle introduction to Hue’s daily life unfolding on both banks of this poetic waterway. Reaching Tien Non village, we step ashore for a leisurely bike ride through the countryside. Along the way, you meet villagers working in their fields and vegetable gardens, and stop to visit a traditional family worship house.

We continue to Thanh Tien, a 400-year-old village famous for crafting delicate paper flowers. Here, local families create these symbolic flowers for the New Year festival as offerings to their ancestors. You visit the home of Mr. Hieu, a renowned artisan, and learn how to make your own paper flower under his guidance.

The journey goes on to Sinh village, another 400-year-old craft community known as the birthplace of Hue’s traditional folk prints. Meet Mr. Phuoc, who shares the techniques behind these distinctive artworks - an ideal chance to find meaningful handmade souvenirs. Around midday, we return to Hue. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in town.

We'll explore the serene Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest and most revered pagodas in Hue, founded in 1601. Set on the banks of the Perfume River, this spiritual landmark is instantly recognizable by its elegant octagonal tower. The peaceful surroundings and river views make Thien Mu Pagoda a symbolic and contemplative highlight of the former imperial capital.

Continue to the Imperial Citadel, the last remaining symbol of what was once Vietnam’s imperial capital. Inspired by Vauban-style fortifications, the complex is divided into three distinct sections: Kinh Thanh (the Capital City), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial City), and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). Within these walls lie many of Hue’s most remarkable landmarks, including the Flag Tower, the imposing South Gate, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the temples dedicated to past dynasties, and the former royal residential quarters. Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hue.

08:30 : Begin with a visit to the Khai Dinh Tomb, the most distinctive of Hue’s imperial tombs. Unlike the others, it blends traditional Vietnamese design with strong Western influences. A climb of around one hundred stone steps leads to the main worship hall at the summit, where visitors admire an extraordinary interior adorned with intricate mosaics made from porcelain and glass fragments. Highlights include the impressive ceiling mural depicting a soaring dragon and a small exhibition displaying royal artifacts connected to Emperor Khai Dinh.

Travel onward to Hoi An on a scenic drive of around 3.5 hours. The route follows some of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in central Vietnam, passing the tranquil Lang Co Lagoon, crossing the dramatic Hai Van Pass (also known as the Sea Cloud Pass), and skirting the coastline near My Khe Beach, famous for its long stretch of white sand and clear waters. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, discover the timeless charm of Hoi An Ancient Town on a guided walking tour. Begin at the Museum of Antiquities, home to a compact yet insightful collection of Cham artefacts and ceramics, offering a deeper understanding of Hoi An’s layered cultural heritage.

Continue on foot to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a 17th-century wooden structure and enduring symbol of the town’s historic role as an international trading port.

Your walk concludes at Quan Thang Ancient House, one of Hoi An’s best-preserved merchant residences, admired for its elegant architecture and refined wood carvings that reflect the prosperity and aesthetic sensibilities of a bygone era. Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hoi An.

Today, we take a leisurely bike ride to discover the peaceful rural villages around Hoi An. Depart from your hotel and pedal toward Kim Bong village, a community long celebrated for its traditional woodcarving. Local artisans first inherited their techniques from northern Vietnam, then refined their craft through exchanges with Chinese and Japanese masters, gradually shaping a distinctive style of their own.

Continue cycling along quiet trails lined with rice paddies, bamboo bridges and river views before reaching Tra Nhieu village. This is a wonderful immersion into Central Vietnam’s countryside. Along the way, you meet local families such as Ms. Duoc, who weaves sedge mats; Mr. Kha, known for his round bamboo basket boats; and Mr. Huynh Ri, who maintains a small traditional shipyard. The scenery of nipa palms, rice fields, grazing buffaloes and farmers at work accompanies your ride.

From Tra Nhieu, board a boat along the Thu Bon River to Cam Thanh village. The journey flows through tranquil landscapes of fishing farms and lush water palms. On arrival, step into a small round bamboo basket boat and try your hand at catching crabs in the palm-water channels.

Afterward, relax at the home of a local fisherman, Mr. Phong, where you enjoy green tea and a soothing herbal foot massage using plants grown in his garden. Then, with fresh vegetables and herbs, take part in a hands-on cooking session to prepare typical Hoi An dishes such as crispy pancakes (with meat, shrimp and bean sprouts) and fresh spring rolls — and then savor the dishes you’ve created. Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hoi An. Note: For guests who cannot ride a bicycle, you can choose the moto-taxi option with an additional charge of 15 USD per person.

Transfer to Da Nang Airport by driver only for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and driver in the arrival hall. During the 30-minute drive from the airport to the city center, your guide will introduce the city’s main attractions and share local insights regarding dining, drinks, traffic, and culture.

Begin your city tour at the Independence Palace, the former seat of the South Vietnamese government. Here, you can view the historic North Vietnamese tank that crashed through the gates in 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War. Explore its rooms spread across five floors, which beautifully preserve the style of the late 1960s and 1970s, as well as the underground bunker.

Continue with a short walk to the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon, built between 1863 and 1880. It stands as a magnificent emblem of French colonial influence and is one of the city's most photogenic landmarks.

Heading toward Nguyen Hue Walking Street, continue your excursion to another must-see monument. The Saigon Central Post Office is a stunning building designed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel. Still fully operational, it is a wonderful stop to admire the beautiful interior architecture. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Afterward, take a short drive to visit the Binh Tay Market, located in Saigon's vibrant Chinatown (Cholon). Packed with hundreds of stalls, this massive wholesale market offers everything from clothing and souvenirs to fresh produce. It also features a lively food court where you can sample authentic local street food

Conclude your day with a visit to the Ben Thanh Market, the most famous and bustling market in central Saigon, perfect for souvenir shopping and discovering local products. At the end of the day, transfer back to your hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Saigon.

8:30: Our local driver and guide will pick you up from your hotel in central Ho Chi Minh City. From there, we’ll head to Ben Tre, in the heart of the Mekong Delta.

Upon arrival, board a boat at Phong Nam pier (near Phong Nam Bridge) and begin cruising along the Chet Say River, a scenic branch of the Mekong. Along the way, enjoy views of daily life on the river—fishing, cargo transport, and local activity. Stop at a traditional brick factory where bricks are still handmade using age-old techniques. Refresh with a glass of fresh coconut juice. Continue the boat trip to a coconut processing workshop where you’ll discover how coconut candy is made. Taste the delicious coconut treats, enjoy tropical fruits, and sip honey tea.

Take a short walk to visit a family-run mat weaving workshop. Then, hop on a motor cart or bicycle for a peaceful ride through quiet village lanes, giving you a closer look at local farmers’ daily lives. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, transfer by motor cart back to the pier. Then take a traditional rowing boat ride to return to Nha Viec Bridge.

Our driver will be waiting to pick you up for the return journey to Ho Chi Minh City. Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport. Note: Hotel check-out time is before 12:00 PM. Late check-out is subject to availability and may incur an additional charge.