Welcome upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the city. Hanoi, Vietnam’s charming capital, retains its French-colonial architecture and tree-lined boulevards alongside a lively Old Quarter filled with shops and street food vendors. After some rest at your hotel, enjoy a welcome dinner at a fine-dining restaurant featuring traditional Vietnamese cuisine. In the evening, you may stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and its vibrant surroundings.

Overnight: Hanoi

Begin the day exploring Hanoi’s cultural treasures, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Continue to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to discover the diverse ethnic cultures of Vietnam. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided cyclo ride through the bustling Old Quarter, stopping at Ngoc Son Temple and local markets. A highlight today is a walk along Hanoi’s Train Street, capturing the unique street-side railway atmosphere. End the day with a traditional Water Puppet Show performance, unique to northern Vietnam, before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi

Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and board your luxury overnight cruise. Sail through the bay’s stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters, enjoy a gourmet lunch on board, and take part in optional activities like kayaking or visiting Sung Sot Cave. As the sun sets, savor a cocktail on deck and a delicious dinner.

Overnight: onboard cruise

Wake up to the sunrise over Halong Bay and enjoy a light breakfast on board as the cruise continues through the magnificent limestone formations. Take part in a morning Tai Chi session on the sundeck, then visit Ti Top Island for panoramic views or a nearby floating village to observe local fishermen at work. Enjoy brunch on board before disembarking late morning and transferring back to Hanoi by road. Upon arrival, head straight to the airport for your flight to Hue, the former imperial capital. On arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese dinner highlighting local cuisine.

Overnight: Hue

After breakfast, immerse yourself in Hue’s rich imperial history with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors. Continue to the Thien Mu Pagoda, perched gracefully beside the Perfume River, and discover its spiritual significance. In the late morning, visit a traditional incense-making village to observe local artisans crafting incense and experience an authentic slice of village life. After lunch, explore the elaborate royal tombs of Emperor Minh Mang or Khai Dinh, renowned for their intricate architecture blending Eastern and Western influences. Conclude the day with a scenic Perfume River boat ride, and in the evening, enjoy a traditional royal-style dinner featuring Hue’s unique culinary specialties.

Overnight: Hue

After breakfast, journey south along the spectacular Hai Van Pass, famed for its panoramic sea and mountain views. Stop briefly at Lang Co Beach for a photo stop before continuing to the Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone hills dotted with caves, pagodas, and viewpoints overlooking the coast. At the foot of the mountains, visit traditional stone carving workshops to see artisans skillfully shaping marble into intricate sculptures. Arrive in Hoi An in the late afternoon, check in at your hotel, and soak in the magical atmosphere of the lantern-lit ancient town.

Overnight: Hoi An

This morning, take a guided walking tour of Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, with highlights including the Japanese Covered Bridge, centuries-old merchant houses, and the bustling local market. After lunch, enjoy a taste of local life with an excursion to Cam Thanh village for a basket boat ride through coconut palms. Return to town for some shopping or café hopping before dinner at a local restaurant

Overnight: Hoi An

Transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam’s energetic southern hub. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the city’s highlights: the historic Notre Dame Cathedral, the colonial-style Central Post Office, and the thought-provoking War Remnants Museum.
In the evening, board a Saigon River Dinner Cruise, where you can enjoy Vietnamese cuisine, live performances, and the glittering city skyline from the water.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

Early morning departure to Tay Ninh (~2.5 hours), home of the Cao Đài Holy See. Witness the midday prayer ceremony, a colorful and spiritual event. After lunch, continue to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used during the Vietnam War. Learn about guerrilla tactics and daily life underground. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

Today, travel to Ben Tre or Cai Be, located in Vietnam’s fertile Mekong Delta, often called the country’s “rice bowl.” Cruise along coconut-lined canals on a traditional sampan, and enjoy the lush scenery of rice paddies, orchards, and local villages. Stop at family-run workshops to observe and try your hand at traditional crafts, such as coconut candy and sweet-making, rice paper preparation, or fruit processing. Sample tropical fruits and local delicacies along the way.

Lunch will be served at a local family home or riverside restaurant, offering authentic Delta specialties. In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

This morning, take part in a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class, starting with a guided visit to a local market to select fresh ingredients. Under the guidance of your chef, learn how to prepare signature Southern dishes and enjoy your creations for lunch.

In the afternoon, spend time shopping at Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and handicrafts, and browse the trendy boutiques along Dong Khoi Street, home to stylish shops and colonial-era charm. As evening falls, embark on a guided street food walk, sampling a variety of authentic Saigon flavors at popular local spots. Conclude the day with a memorable farewell dinner at a fine restaurant, celebrating the end of your Vietnam journey.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and some free time for last-minute exploration or relaxation. Later, transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight. Bid farewell to Ho Chi Minh City and take with you lasting memories of Vietnam’s vibrant culture, scenic landscapes, and warm hospitality.