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  • Before You Go
    • Vietnam Travel Guide
      • Southern Vietnam
        • Ho Chi Minh City
        • Mekong Delta
        • Phu Quoc
        • Con Dao
        • Mui Ne
      • Central Vietnam
        • Phong Nha
        • Hue
        • Hoi An
        • Da Nang
        • Quy Nhon
        • Phu Yen
        • Da Lat
      • Northern Vietnam
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        • Halong Bay
        • Lan Ha Bay
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        • Sapa
        • Ha Giang
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        • Pu Luong
    • Cambodia Travel Guide
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      • Siem Reap
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      • Pakse
      • Vientiane
      • Xieng Khuang (Plain of Jars)
    • Thailand Travel Guide
    • Essential Guide
      • Best time to travel Viet Nam
      • Healthy & Safety in Viet Nam
      • Money in Vietnam
    • Month by month
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      • Travel tips to Vietnam
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  • Essence of Vietnam

Essence of Vietnam

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Tour info

TOUR CODE
V14A
Language
English
Destination
Vietnam
Physicality
3/10
Duration
14 days
Tour Type
Classic & Cultural Tour
Pace
Leisurely
Group Size
Private

OverviewĀ 

Ready to experience the real Vietnam? Our 14-day Vietnam tour North to South takes you through the country’s most iconic destinations — from Hanoi’s timeless Old Quarter to the limestone wonders of Halong Bay, the lantern glow of Hoi An, the peaceful countryside of the Mekong, and the crystal-clearĀ beaches of Phu Quoc. Each stop reveals a new layer of culture, flavor, and scenery.
Not two explorers are the same. That’s why we designed this itinerary to be fully customizable. Just let us know — our local experts are here to shape a Vietnam story that feels entirely your own.

Why you will love this trip

  • Hanoi’s Charm: Wander through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Ancient temples, colonial architecture, and the scent of street-side pho create a captivating mosaic of old and new Vietnam.
  • Halong Bay Escape: Cruise across the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. Towering limestone islands and tranquil emerald waters surround you during this overnight escape to one of Asia’s most stunning natural wonders.
  • Hoi An Culture: Pedal through the peaceful countryside around Hoi An. Then, explore its lantern-lit streets, ancient houses, and riverside charm.
  • War History: Step into history at the Cu Chi Tunnels. You will learn how resilience and resourcefulness shaped a nation during wartime.
  • Mekong Life: Drift along narrow canals in the Mekong Delta. Visit family-run workshops and taste tropical fruits fresh from the garden.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Hanoi (-)

Xin chĆ o! Welcome to Vietnam. Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, your private driver will be waiting to greet you. You’ll head straight to your hotel in the heart of Hanoi, where you can take your time settling in.Ā 

Depending on your energy, you might enjoy a gentle walk around the neighborhood or relax after your flight. In the evening, stroll by Hoan Kiem Lake, watch locals practicing tai chi, or sample northern Vietnamese dishes at a nearby restaurant. Rest well — tomorrow, your adventure truly begins.

Overnight in Hanoi Included: Private airport transfer Ā· Hotel accommodationĀ 








Day 2 - Highlights of Hanoi (B, L)

After breakfast, your guide will take you on a deep dive into the cultural and political heart of Vietnam. You’ll begin at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the country’s most revered leader rests. Nearby, visit Uncle Ho’s simple stilt house, set amidst peaceful gardens, for a glimpse into his daily life. Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, a delicate wooden structure balanced on a single stone pillar, and then to the Temple of Literature — Vietnam’s first university and a masterpiece of traditional Vietnamese architecture.Ā 

After a local lunch, step into history at Hoa Lo Prison, known during the Vietnam War as the ā€œHanoi Hilton.ā€ It’s a powerful site that reveals stories of resilience and struggle. The afternoon continues with a visit to the Vietnam Women’s Museum, where exhibits highlight the vital roles, women have played throughout the nation’s history and culture.Ā 

Later, hop on a traditional cyclo for a slow ride through the Old Quarter, where everyday life spills onto the streets. Finish the day at Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple before enjoying a traditional water puppet performance — an art form unique to northern Vietnam, performed over water with live folk music accompaniment.

Overnight in HanoiĀ 

Included: Private A/C vehicle Ā· Tour guide Ā· Entrance fees Ā· Water puppet show Ā· Meals: B, L Ā· Hotel accommodationĀ 




Day 3 - Hanoi to Halong Bay (B, L, D)

Upon arrival at Halong International Cruise Port, check in at the cruise lounge before boarding a short speedboat transfer to your home for the night — a beautifully appointed boutique cruise ship anchored in the heart of Lan Ha Bay.Ā 

Settle into your private en-suite cabin and enjoy a gourmet Vietnamese lunch on board as the boat glides past forested islets, floating villages, and towering limestone formations. In the afternoon, disembark at Cat Ba Island for a cycling excursion to Viet Hai Village, a secluded community nestled within Cat Ba National Park. Pedal through scenic forest trails and past tranquil fishponds, organic gardens, and traditional homes — a vivid glimpse into rural island life in Vietnam.Ā 

Back on board, unwind with a herbal tea, enjoy a massage, or simply soak in the quiet beauty of the bay. As the sun sets, join an interactive Vietnamese cooking class led by the ship’s chef, learning the secrets of local flavors and techniques. Dinner is served al fresco on the sundeck (weather permitting), where regional cuisine, live music, and a canopy of stars complete your unforgettable eveningĀ 

Overnight on board in Lan Ha bay Included: Shared cruise transfer Ā· Cruise guide Ā· All onboard activities Ā· Meals: B, L, D Ā· En-suite cabin accommodationĀ 

Day 4 - Halong Bay to Hoi An (B)

Wake early to the quiet beauty of Halong Bay. If you’re up for it, join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the first light hits the limestone peaks. After a light breakfast, the cruise continues through the bay, allowing you to take in more of its serene corners and hidden gems. A hearty brunch is served on board before you return to the pier.Ā 

From Halong, you’ll be transferred back to Hanoi, where you’ll catch a short flight to Da Nang, the gateway to central Vietnam. On arrival, a driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An — a beautifully preserved trading port and one of the country’s most atmospheric towns. Take the evening to relax and soak up the town’s peaceful ambiance.Ā 

Overnight in Hoi An Included: Cruise transfer Ā· Flight from Hanoi to Da Nang Ā· Private airport transfers Ā· Meals: B, Brunch Ā· Hotel accommodationĀ 

Day 5 - Life and Culture in Hoi An (B, L)

After breakfast, you’ll step into the countryside just beyond Hoi An. Begin your morning in a nearby fishing village, where you’ll meet local fishermen and try your hand at paddling a traditional basket boat through the coconut groves. Continue your journey by bicycle, riding along quiet backroads framed by rice paddies, cornfields, and small hamlets. It’s a peaceful, authentic look at rural life in central Vietnam.Ā 

In the afternoon, return to Hoi An Ancient Town for a guided walking tour. Explore the narrow streets lined with centuries-old homes, visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and step inside historic family chapels and assembly halls that reflect the town’s diverse heritage. As the sun sets, lanterns begin to glow along the river — a magical time to enjoy Hoi An’s calm charm.Ā 

Overnight in Hoi AnĀ 

Included: Guided day tour Ā· Basket boat ride Ā· Bicycles Ā· Entrance fees Ā· Meals: B, L Ā· Hotel accommodationĀ 






Day 6 - Leisure day in Hoi An (B)

Today is yours to enjoy Hoi An at your own pace. Whether you’re drawn to local handicrafts, tranquil cafĆ©s, or hidden temples, Hoi An offers the perfect setting to wander and unwind. If you’re up early, catch the peaceful rhythm of the morning market — a great way to start a slow day.Ā 

Overnight in Hoi AnĀ 

Included: Meals: B Ā· Hotel accommodationĀ 








Day 7 - Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh (B)

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Hoi An. You might take one last stroll along the river, visit your favorite tailor for a final fitting, or simply enjoy a coffee in a quiet courtyard café. In the afternoon, your driver will transfer you to Da Nang Airport for your flight south to Ho Chi Minh City. 

Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting to take you into the heart of this energetic metropolis — Vietnam’s largest city. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours. You might explore the nearby streets on foot, sample southern street food, or relax at the hotel and prepare for the adventures ahead.Ā 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City Included: Private airport transfers Ā· Domestic flight Ā· Meals: B Ā· Hotel accommodation





Saigon Opera House at sunset with motorbikes passing by in Ho Chi Minh City.


Day 8 - Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon City Sights (B, L)

This morning, you’ll journey to the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City to visit the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels — an extraordinary underground network used by Vietnamese fighters during the war. Walk through portions of the tunnels, see hidden trapdoors and underground chambers, and gain a deeper understanding of the resilience and tactics that shaped modern Vietnam.Ā 

After returning to the city, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your exploration. Your afternoon includes visits to key landmarks: the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and the Reunification Palace, the former presidential home of South Vietnam. At the War Remnants Museum, powerful exhibits offer a raw and moving look at the cost of conflict.

To close the day, you’ll join your guide for a sidewalk coffee, as you sip, you’ll learn about local slang, cultural quirks, and the everyday rhythms of city life from a local’s perspective.Ā 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh CityĀ 

Included: Private A/C vehicle Ā· Tour guide Ā· Entrance fees Ā· Meals: B, L Ā· Hotel accommodationĀ 






Front view of Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral with flocks of pigeons flying across the square.

Day 9 - Into the Mekong Delta (B, L)

Leave the skyscrapers behind as you head into the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta. Today’s journey brings you to Ben Tre, a province known for its coconut palms, handcraft traditions, and slow pace of life. Upon arrival, you’ll board a boat and cruise through narrow canals lined with nipa palms and riverbank villages.Ā 

Along the way, stop to see how locals make bricks by hand, sample fresh coconut candy, and visit family-run workshops. Then hop on a xe lÓi (a local motor cart) or bicycle to explore the countryside, passing rice paddies and garden farms. 

After a traditional southern lunch, relax with a sampan boat ride through quiet backwaters before continuing on to Can Tho, the capital of the delta. Arrive in the late afternoon and settle in for the evening, where a stroll along the riverside offers a glimpse of Mekong life at dusk.Ā 

Overnight in Can ThoĀ 

Included: Private A/C vehicle Ā· Boat rides Ā· Tour guide Ā· Entrance fees Ā· Meals: B, L Ā· Hotel accommodationĀ 








Day 10 - Floating Market & Transfer to Phu Quoc (B)

Rise early to experience one of the Mekong’s most vibrant traditions — the Cai Rang Floating Market. From your boat, you’ll see a colorful display of local commerce as vendors trade fresh produce, flowers, and breakfast right from their wooden boats. It’s a sensory snapshot of life on the river — horns tooting, fruit flying, and smiles exchanged over steaming bowls of noodle soup.

After returning to your hotel in Can Tho for breakfast and check-out, you’ll travel to Rach Gia, where you’ll board a high-speed boat bound for Phu Quoc Island. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your beachfront hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax — feel the sea breeze, dip into warm tropical waters, or simply enjoy a slow sunset on the sand.Ā 

Overnight in Phu QuocĀ 

Included: Boat ride Ā· Private A/C transfers Ā· Tour guide Ā· Speed boat ticket Ā· Meals B Ā· Hotel accommodation








Day 11 - Leisure day in Phu Quoc (B)

Today is all about slowing down and soaking up island life. Phu Quoc offers crystal-clear waters, swaying palms, and peaceful stretches of white sand. Spend the day sunbathing, swimming, or kayaking in the calm sea. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider joining an optional snorkeling trip to explore vibrant coral reefs or visit nearby islets.Ā 

You might also explore the island’s interior, where pepper farms, forest trails, and local villages offer a taste of everyday life. In the evening, head to the night market for fresh seafood and laid-back island vibes under the lantern glow.Ā 

Overnight in Phu QuocĀ 

Included: Meals: B Ā· Hotel accommodationĀ 








Day 12 - Leisure day in Phu Quoc (B)

Enjoy another free day to spend exactly as you wish. You could pamper yourself with a beachside spa treatment, take a cooking class to learn local island recipes, or explore Phu Quoc’s cultural sites such as the Phu Quoc Prison Museum or a traditional fish sauce factory. Or, simply find your favorite spot by the sea and let the rhythm of the island carry you through the day.Ā 

Overnight in Phu Quoc Included: Meals: B Ā· Hotel accommodationĀ 








Day 13 - Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Spend your final morning on Phu Quoc Island savoring the slow rhythm of the coast. Take a last swim, sip coffee with a sea view, or enjoy a quiet walk along the beach. After check-out, you’ll be transferred to Phu Quoc Airport for your short flight back to Ho Chi Minh City.Ā 

Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in the city. The rest of the day is yours — revisit a favorite spot, pick up some last-minute souvenirs, or simply relax and reflect on the journey you’ve taken across Vietnam.Ā 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City Included: Private airport transfers Ā· Domestic flight Ā· Meals: B Ā· Hotel accommodationĀ 








Day 14 - Departure from Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Your journey comes to a close today. After breakfast, enjoy a bit of free time until your private driver transfers you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.Ā 

Included: Private airport transfer Ā· Meals: BĀ 

Gallery

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Hotel

The hotels listed below are our carefully selected standard options. Please note that final confirmation may vary depending on availability and your chosen budget level.

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