Leave behind the city skyline and journey into the peaceful countryside of Ben Tre, often referred to as the “coconut kingdom” of the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, step aboard a traditional motorboat for a scenic cruise along the winding canals. The riverbanks are lined with nipa palms, fruit orchards, and small stilted homes, giving you a close-up view of life in the Delta. 

During your exploration, stop at several family-run workshops to see local traditions in action — from coconut candy making to brick kilns and mat weaving. Continue your adventure aboard a xe lôi (a motorized cart), winding through tranquil village roads surrounded by lush coconut palms and tropical gardens. 

Enjoy a home-style lunch in a peaceful garden restaurant, where you’ll enjoy regional dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Later, relax on a sampan ride, a small rowing boat that glides through shaded backwater canals for a final glimpse of this region’s slow rhythm and quiet beauty. 

In the late afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City, free at leisure. 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city 

Included: Private A/C vehicle · Guide · Entrance fees · Meals: B, L  · Hotel accommodation 

This morning, head northwest of the city to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels — a sprawling network of hand-dug passageways used by resistance fighters during the Vietnam War. Your guide will walk you through hidden trapdoors, underground kitchens, and narrow corridors once used for shelter, supply routes, and surprise attacks. It’s a sobering yet fascinating look at the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people in times of hardship. 

Return to the city for a hearty local lunch, then dive into Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial past. Admire the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, built entirely from imported French bricks, and step into the beautifully preserved Central Post Office with its grand vaulted ceiling and historic charm. Continue to the Reunification Palace, where history changed course in 1975 when tanks rolled through its gates. 

In the late afternoon, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will be waiting to bring you to your hotel in Hoi An. After check-in, the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. 

Overnight in Hoi An 

Included: A/C vehicle · Guide · Entrance fees · Meals: B, L · Hotel accommodation 

After breakfast, meet your local guide for a coffee briefing before beginning a full-day adventure into the rural charm surrounding Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most atmospheric towns. Begin your journey with a short cycle to the local pier, followed by a peaceful ferry ride across the Thu Bon River, offering a refreshing glimpse into daily river life. 

Arriving in Kim Bong Carpentry Village, a community renowned for its woodcraft heritage will welcome you. Walk among workshops where artisans carve intricate wooden details for temples, build fishing boats, weave colorful mats, and roll rice paper by hand — all using time-honored techniques. This hands-on experience reveals the soul of central Vietnam’s traditional industries 

Continue cycling to Tra Nhieu Eco Village, a quiet riverside hamlet known for its sustainable farming and vibrant fishing community. Stop by a local rice wine distillery to see how herbal rice wine is brewed — and enjoy a small taste. As you explore the village, learn about fishing traditions and witness how local life revolves around the river and rice fields. 

At midday, settle in for a warm, home-cooked lunch with a local family, tasting fresh herbs, vegetables, and dishes made with regional flair. It’s more than a meal — it’s a cultural exchange and an invitation into Vietnam’s rural heart. 

In the afternoon, cycle to the nearby dock and board a boat for a gentle cruise back to Hoi An Ancient Town.  

The rest of the day is yours to wander the lantern-lit streets, explore charming boutiques and riverside cafés, or simply relax at your hotel 

Overnight in Hoi An 

Included: A/C vehicle · Guide · Entrance fees · Workshop · Meals: B, L · Hotel accommodation 

Spend the morning at your own pace — visit the local tailor, enjoy coffee by the river, or relax on Cua Dai Beach. Later, catch your short flight to Hanoi, where your guide and diver will meet you for a smooth transfer to your hotel. 

Overnight in Ha Noi
Included: Airport transfers · Guide · Domestic flight · Meals: B · Hotel accommodation 

Start your day in Hanoi with a journey through the capital’s layered past. Begin at the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where Vietnam’s most beloved leader rests. Nearby, step into Uncle Ho’s humble stilt house — a peaceful reflection of his simple lifestyle and leadership ideals. Continue to the elegant One Pillar Pagoda, an architectural gem that rises from a lotus-shaped base, and then to the scholarly serenity of the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and a beautiful tribute to Confucian values. 

After a flavorful lunch at a local restaurant, gain insight into the nation’s wartime struggles with a visit to Hoa Lo Prison, once dubbed the “Hanoi Hilton.” Its exhibits offer a sobering look at colonial rule and the Vietnam War through personal stories and preserved relics. Continue to the Vietnam Women’s Museum, which highlights the important role women have played in family, war, and daily life across the centuries. 

To end the day, board a traditional cyclo and enjoy a slow, immersive ride through the maze-like streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where old-world charm and daily life intersect. Your cultural immersion concludes with a magical water puppet show, a uniquely Vietnamese art form that combines storytelling, music, and puppetry performed on water — a tradition dating back over a thousand years. 

Overnight in Hanoi 

Included: A/C vehicle · Guide · Entrance fees · Meals: B, L · Hotel accommodation 

Embark on a scenic journey south to Ninh Binh, one of Vietnam’s most photogenic and culturally rich provinces, often nicknamed “Halong Bay on land.” Here, dramatic limestone karsts rise from emerald-green rice paddies, creating an otherworldly landscape perfect for immersive travel and nature lovers. 

Begin your exploration with a traditional sampan boat ride through the enchanting waterways of Tam Coc. Guided by local rowers using their feet — a remarkable technique unique to the region — you’ll drift past mossy cliffs, floating lotus blooms, and serene rice fields nestled between steep karst mountains. The cave passages along the river add a mystical charm to the ride, making it an unforgettable highlight for photographers and seekers of quiet beauty. 

After your peaceful water journey, enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at a local restaurant featuring flavors from the Red River Delta. In the afternoon, switch gears and hop on a bicycle for a leisurely ride through quiet country lanes dotted with small temples, village homes, and farmers tending to the fields. Stop at the sacred Thai Vi Temple, dedicated to the Tran Dynasty kings, and tucked among the rice paddies beneath towering stone cliffs. 

Continue to Bich Dong Pagoda, a hidden gem built into a limestone cave. Climb the stone steps and explore this three-tiered pagoda, where shrines and statues glow with incense smoke and the echoes of centuries-old prayers. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the lush countryside — a timeless scene that connects nature, spirituality, and Vietnamese heritage. 

Late Afternoon, bid farewell to Ninh Binh and begin your drive back to Hanoi for the night. 

Overnight in Hanoi
Included: Private airport transfers · Boat & bike rides · Guide · Meals: B, L · Hotel accommodation 

Depart Hanoi this morning for Halong City, where you’ll board your overnight cruise through Lan Ha Bay — a serene extension of Halong Bay known for its emerald waters, sculpted karsts, and peaceful seascapes with fewer crowds. 

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. 

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 fish ponds, organic gardens, and traditional homes — a vivid glimpse into rural island life in Vietnam. 

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. The crew serves dinner on the sundeck (weather permitting), where regional cuisine, live music, and a canopy of stars complete your unforgettable evening. 

Overnight on board in Lan Ha bay
Included: Cruise shuttle bus · Cruise guide · Onboard activities · Meals: B, L, D · Private cabin 

Wake early to the gentle light rising over Lan Ha Bay and begin your day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck — a meditative way to stretch and center yourself as the limestone peaks glow in the morning sun. 

After a light breakfast, embark on a short bamboo boat or kayak excursion to explore Dark & Bright Cave, a hidden grotto where still waters, towering cliffs, and echoing silence create a world that feels suspended in time. 

Return to the cruise for a full breakfast as the boat slowly navigates back toward the harbor, offering final glimpses of the bay’s dreamlike beauty. Disembark late morning and board a shared transfer back to Hanoi. You’ll arrive in the capital by late afternoon, with time to relax or explore on your own before your final night in Vietnam. 

Overnight in Hanoi 

Included: Cruise shuttle bus · Entrance fees · Meals: B, Brunch · Hotel accommodation 

As your journey through Vietnam comes to a close, savor a relaxed morning in Hanoi, depending on your flight schedule. Wake to the sounds of the capital easing into its daily rhythm — the clink of coffee cups, the aroma of steaming pho, and the buzz of morning scooters. If time allows, enjoy a final stroll through the Old Quarter, pick up meaningful souvenirs from local artisans, or unwind at a lakeside café for one last taste of Vietnamese hospitality. 

When it’s time to depart, your guide and driver will be ready to take you to Noi Bai International Airport, ensuring a smooth and timely transfer. As you head home, carry with you the stories, flavors, and landscapes that made this glimpse of Vietnam truly unforgettable. 

Included: Private airport transfer · Guide · Meals: B