14 DAYS 13 NIGHTS GRAND VIETNAM JOURNEY – FROM SOUTH TO NORTH

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you are warmly welcomed by our local guide and transfer to hotel in Saigon for check-in.

Free at leisure for your own activities. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning you will meet our local guide at lobby and transfer to visit Independence Palace (Reunification Palace), War Remnants Museum. Afterwards, stroll through the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City: the Old Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral inaugurated in 1880 became the spiritual and cultural crucible of the French presence in the Orient as was the Post office designed by Gustav Eiffel and resembling a grand railway station.

11:00AM embark and depart Saigon by speedboat. Within 15 minutes, the banks of the river change from city sprawl to lush jungle.

12:30 you will arrive at the Cu Chi Tunnels and lunch at local restaurant

13:30 watch a brief introductory ‘propaganda’ video to the Cu Chi area. Explore the tunnel site, which includes weapon and booby trap exhibitions, navigating authentic Viet Cong tunnel, visiting different underground bunkers (kitchens, meeting rooms, ammunitions etc.), a firing range and much more. Try the local cassava root that sustained Viet Cong fighters for years.

15:30 say goodbye to Cu Chi Tunnel and return to Ho Chi Minh City.

16:45 arrive back at the pier and back to your hotel. Overnight in Hochiminh
 

Today you will meet our local guide at your hotel and transfer to Cai Be. Your journey begins with a scenic boat ride past Cai Be town and its charming ancient church. Continue onwards to Tan Phong Island, where a traditional rowing boat will take you gently along tranquil canals shaded by lush mangrove trees. Pause at a local garden to savor tropical fruits and hot tea while enjoying the soulful sounds of traditional music.

Afterward, set off on a leisurely cycling trip along quiet village paths, where everyday scenes unfold before your eyes-verdant orchards, local schools, ancient pagodas, traditional houses, and smiling villagers. Along the way, visit family-run workshops and watch skillful hands transform dried water hyacinths into beautiful handicrafts such as baskets, hats, and bags. (Walking is also an option, though cycling allows you to experience more.)

Reboard the boat to cross the legendary Mekong River, one of the world’s longest waterways, before arriving at An Binh Island. Lunch will be served either onboard or at your homestay.

In the afternoon, check in at a charming local homestay. Explore the village further by bike or on foot, stopping at traditional workshops to discover how locals make rice paper, coconut candy, and crispy pop-rice. Taste these delightful sweets accompanied by a fragrant cup of tea.

As evening falls, refresh yourself with a shower, then join your host family in preparing a selection of authentic Vietnamese dishes. Share a warm and hearty dinner together, before settling in for an overnight stay at the homestay-an intimate experience of the Mekong Delta’s hospitality.
 

After breakfast, take a refreshing morning walk around the village to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before checking out and saying farewell to the friendly local family.

Embark on a boat trip to visit the traditional brick kilns, where locals skillfully transform clay into beautiful pottery. Continue cruising past the floating villages of the Mekong, where you can observe the unique practice of catfish farming on the river.

Stop at the bustling Vinh Long Market, a vibrant place full of colors and sounds—the perfect spot to capture photos of fresh fish, shrimp, prawns, crabs, snakes, rice-field rats, tropical fruits, and vegetables.

The cruise concludes at the new boat station in Vinh Long City around 10:00 AM. Then you will back to Hochiminh City and check-in (check-in time: 14:00) 

Free at your own activitites. Overnight in Hochiminh. 
 

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for a domestic flight to Danang. 

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to Hoi An, passing through Danang City. Stop visiting the Marble Mountains, then continue along Non Nuoc Beach.

Have lunch at a local restaurant before hotel check-in. In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Discover its blend of Vietnamese and Chinese architecture, historic houses, temples, bustling markets, and charming countryside scenes.

Later, enjoy free time to explore Hoi An or visit its famous tailors. Overnight in Hoi An.
 

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride to Tra Que Village to explore lush vegetable gardens and observe farmers at work. Continue to Cam Thanh Water Coconut Village, where you will learn about its history and traditions, and take a fun basket boat ride along the peaceful waterways.

Return to Hoi An town for lunch at local restaurant. Free at your own leisure. 

Evening: Enjoy the spectacular Hoi An Memories Show, the largest outdoor performance in Vietnam. Featuring over 500 actors, dazzling costumes, and world-class staging, the show vividly recreates the history and culture of Hoi An in a breathtaking blend of tradition and modernity. More than entertainment, it is an unforgettable artistic journey and a must-see experience in Hoi An.
(Note: No performance on Tuesdays.)
 

After breakfast, drive to Hue via the spectacular Hai Van Pass, with a short stop at the summit for panoramic views. Nestled by the Perfume River, Hue was the Imperial City of Vietnam’s last dynasty and is famed for its historic monuments and Imperial Court Music, both recognized by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritages. The city’s rivers, hills, and lush landscapes add to its timeless charm.

Arrival Hue, explore the Imperial City of Hue, built by Emperor Gia Long on the northern bank of the Perfume River. The complex includes the Citadel, Imperial City, and the Forbidden Purple City, once reserved for the Emperor’s family. Today, this royal site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tour continues to enjoy a scenic boat trip on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. 

Tonight you will be brought back to the splendid history of ancient Royal time in Vietnam, you will be charmed with the Royal style decoration of the Royal Dining room, the atmosphere of the diner that you are the King with royal wears., beside you are the Queen accompanied by the servants in traditional royal clothes, all wearing traditional royal clothes. All the food served is royal dishes symbolizing the dragon, phoenix, or peacock. Table is decorated by Hue’s colorful silk and flowers, large candle lights, colorful lantern with dragon pattern and spotlights … All meticulously prepared to the finest details for a sumptuous dinner that fits for royalty.

It will surely surprise you with its authentic cuisine of Hue’s royalty. You will discover how Royal life was by enjoying the "Royal meal" while listening to melodious music and having a feeling of being a real King. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
 

After breakfast and check out, you will visit Tu Duc Royal Tomb or Khai Dinh Royal Tomb, both renowned as among the most beautiful mausoleums in Hue. After the visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to Phu Bai Airport for your domestic flight to Hanoi.

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our local guide and transferred to your hotel for check in. The rest of the day is free at leisure for your own activities. Overnight in Hanoi

After breakfast, a full-day exploration of Hanoi begins. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (note: closed in the afternoon; closed on Mondays, Fridays, and throughout June to August), and his former residence, including the Humble House on Stilts, the historic One-Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university established more than 1,000 years ago.

Continue to Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built on a Chinese fortress from the 7th century and reconstructed in the 11th century under the Ly Dynasty, the Citadel showcases a unique blend of cultural influences from northern China and the southern Champa Kingdom.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, built on an island in the 19th century. Once called Ngoc Son Pagoda, it was later renamed Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated to revered saints and national heroes, including Saint Van Xuong, one of Vietnam’s most respected literary figures.

Afterwards, take a leisurely one-hour cyclo ride through Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter. Wander through bustling streets that still bear the names of the traditional guilds and trades dating back to the 15th–18th centuries.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique Vietnamese art form that originated in the Red River Delta during the 10th century. Farmers once performed this captivating art during festivals and harvests, passing down the skill within families. Puppeteers stand waist-deep in water behind a bamboo curtain, skillfully bringing wooden puppets to life on the water’s surface.

Afterward, relax with refreshments at a nearby hotel by Hanoi Train Station. Overnight train trip to Lao Cai in shared sleeping compartments (sharing with other passengers in 2 lower & 2 upper berths per compartment). Train departs at approximately 21:15 hrs.  

Notes: Train schedule is subject to change. Private compartments on request at surcharge. Train journeys are part of a great local experience. Cabins are shared with other local passengers (unless private cabin is requested and all berths paid for - with supplement). Restrooms at either end of the carriages complete the local experience.
 

Early Morning (approx. 06:30): Arrive in Lao Cai, the border town to Yunnan, China. From here, enjoy a scenic 38 km drive on winding mountain roads up to Sapa, located around 1,500 m above sea level. On clear days, you may catch a glimpse of Fansipan, the highest mountain in Vietnam.

Upon arrival in Sapa, have breakfast at the hotel before driving from the town to the trailhead. Begin a two-hour uphill trek along a quiet valley path, passing through the Black H’mong villages of Sau Chua and Sa Seng, where traditional wooden houses and stone fences still reflect their nomadic heritage.

After a local lunch break, continue hiking toward Hang Da Village, set at 1,800 m with sweeping views over the Muong Hoa Valley. Visit a few local homes and enjoy the tranquil mountain atmosphere before a scenic walk to Thao Hong Den Village, an ideal spot for admiring rural landscapes and experiencing daily village life.

Conclude your journey with a downhill trek to Pho Village in Hau Thao Commune, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Sapa. Overnight in Sapa.

After breakfast, you will transfer to the Fansipan Cable Car Station. Take a 20-minute cable car ride up Mount Fansipan - known as the “Roof of Indochina” at 3,143 meters. Along the way, admire breathtaking panoramic views of terraced fields, lush valleys, and rugged mountain ranges.

Upon arrival, climb (by foot or funicular – optional, with surcharge) the final steps to the Fansipan Summit, marked by a grand monument and fluttering prayer flags. Enjoy time to take photos, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and soak up the majestic scenery.

Visit the spiritual complex on Fansipan, including pagodas, Buddha statues, and peaceful gardens set amid the clouds.

Take the cable car back down to Sapa and transfer to lunch, relax or freshen up before heading to Lao Cai Railway Station for the overnight train back to Hanoi.

Boarding the overnight train trip to Hanoi at around 20:15 hrs (shared sleeping compartments, sharing with other passengers in 2 lower & 2 upper berths per compartment).  

Notes: Train schedule is subject to change. Private compartments on request at surcharge. Train journeys are part of a great local experience. Cabins are shared with other local passengers (unless private cabin is requested and all berths paid for - with supplement). Restrooms at either end of the carriages complete the local experience.

Hanoi to Halong Bay (160 km): 3.0hrs
Arrive in Hanoi early this morning, pick up from the train station and transfer to enjoy the breakfast & special Vietnamese coffee at local restaurant.

After breakfast, depart Hanoi for a scenic 3-hour drive to Halong Bay. Arrive at the jetty in Halong City around noon and complete the check-in formalities.

Board your cruise and enjoy a warm welcome, followed by lunch as the boat begins its journey into the bay. In the afternoon, take part in visits and activities according to the boat’s program, or simply relax and admire the stunning scenery.

As the day draws to a close, the boat anchors amidst the dramatic limestone karsts. Dinner will be served on board. Overnight on the cruise in Halong Bay.
 

Halong Bay to Hanoi (160 km): 3.0hrs
Wake up to the fresh morning air in the heart of Halong Bay as the sun rises over the limestone peaks. Breakfast is served on board (or brunch on some cruises) while the vessel leisurely cruises back through the magnificent rock formations towards the port.

Arriving Hanoi in the late afternoon, you will check-in hotel and relax. Overnight in Hanoi.
 

Breakfast at hotel, free at your own leisure until transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your international flight home. We hope you had an exciting holiday with us. Making it an affair to remember!