18 Days Explore Comprehensive of Vietnam
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Duration
Embark on an 18-day exploration of Vietnam, a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. This journey takes you from the dynamic metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, with immersive experiences in the Mekong Delta, the ancient towns of Hoi An and Hue, and the mountainous landscapes of Sapa.
Begin your adventure in Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll explore the city’s highlights on a half-day tour. The following day, delve into Vietnam’s history with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels before transferring to the Mekong Delta for an authentic homestay experience at Ut Trinh Homestay. Experience the lush waterways and vibrant local culture of the Mekong Delta before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
Fly to Da Nang and explore the Marble Mountain and the charming Hoi An Ancient Town. In Hoi An, enjoy a day of biking, cooking, and lantern-making, followed by a journey to the ancient My Son Sanctuary. Continue to Hue, where you’ll spend a full day discovering the city’s timeless treasures, including the Imperial Citadel and royal tombs.
The adventure continues with a visit to breathtaking Paradise Cave, one of Vietnam’s most impressive natural wonders. From Hue, fly to Hanoi and dive into the city’s vibrant culinary scene with a night street food tour. Transfer to Sapa, where you’ll explore the local markets and conquer the heights of Fansipan Peak, the “Roof of Indochina.”
Return to Hanoi and immerse yourself in traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship with a hands-on experience at the Zó Paper Workshop. Spend a full day exploring Hanoi’s cultural and historical landmarks before venturing to the stunning landscapes of Tam Coc, Bich Dong, and Hoa Lu.
Your journey concludes with a visit to the world-renowned Ha Long Bay. Cruise through its emerald waters, discovering hidden grottoes and limestone islands, before returning to Hanoi for your departure.
This 18-day odyssey through Vietnam offers a perfect blend of urban exploration, cultural immersion, and natural beauty, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this captivating country.
Upon arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be welcomed by our guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Later, embark on a city tour starting with a visit to the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, a neo-Romanesque cathedral built by the French using materials imported from Marseilles. Admire its stunning architecture and tranquil interior.
Next, explore the Central Post Office, one of Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest buildings and the busiest post office in Vietnam. Designed by the renowned French architect Gustave Eiffel, this neoclassical structure features painted maps of old Saigon.
Conclude the tour with a visit to the Cho Lon area, the city’s Chinatown, and the Jade Emperor Temple (Phuoc Hai). This Taoist temple, established by the Cantonese community in 1909, is a rare and significant structure in Vietnam.
Meals: None
Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meet your guide and transfer approximately 75 km northwest of downtown Ho Chi Minh City to the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels. This historic site was a critical underground base for the Viet Cong during the conflicts with the French and Americans. The tunnels, stretching over 120 km and entirely hand-dug, feature a complex network of meeting rooms, kitchens, wells, clinics, and more, built to withstand bombings and prolonged sieges. Return to the city by midday for a break.
Travel to Vinh Long in the afternoon and check in at the Ut Trinh home-stay (or another home-stay on An Binh Island). Explore the area by bike, navigating village paths to see local farms, traditional homes, and the traditional methods of fruit picking in the Mekong Delta. Join a cooking session with your hosts, enjoy a delicious dinner with tea or rice wine, and engage in conversations about the island’s culture and history.
End the day with fresh fruit and tea while enjoying traditional music at the Ut Trinh home-stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay overnight at homestay
In the morning, embark on a boat cruise to the vibrant Cai Be Floating Market, where sellers and buyers engage in lively bargaining and exchanges from their boats. Navigate through a captivating network of shaded canals to Hoa Binh Phuoc Island, where you'll be enchanted by the scenic beauty of winding canals, lush vegetation, tranquil villages, and rural activities.
On the island, visit local farmers' homes, interact with their warm-hearted hosts, and discover their traditional trades, including bonsai gardening, tile and ceramic production, and the making of rice paper and coconut candy. Enjoy a typical Vietnamese lunch prepared at a local home.
Meals: Breakfast , Lunch
Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Our tour guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for your flight to Da Nang, then transfer to the hotel in Hoi An.
In the afternoon, visit the Marble Mountains, a renowned sightseeing destination in Da Nang. Stone steps carved into the mountain lead to a Buddhist pagoda. Explore the stunning caves and enjoy breathtaking views from the summit. Afterward, descend to the stone village, where skilled local artisans craft beautiful marble products.
Next, take a walking tour of Hoi An to fully appreciate the town's charm. This small yet captivating town blends Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese cultures, offering a peaceful atmosphere and glimpses into a bygone era through its ancient houses.
Enjoy dinner at an Indian restaurant before returning to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay ovenright in Hoi An
In the morning, meet our guide at your hotel and stroll to a local market to explore the ingredients and traditional foods used in Vietnamese cuisine. Next, board a boat for a 25-minute ride along the Hoi An River, where you'll observe local fishermen casting their nets as part of their daily routines.
Upon reaching the cooking school, set in a picturesque open-air pavilion by the river, you'll engage in a cooking class with a seasoned chef. Learn to prepare a delicious lunch with local flavours tailored to your preferences and savour the results of your efforts.
After lunch, embark on a cycling excursion to visit a lantern-making family. Lanterns, introduced by Chinese and Japanese traders in the late 14th century, are a defining symbol of Hoi An. Experience the time-honored craft of lantern-making, which has been practiced for over 400 years. Guided by skilled artisans, you’ll participate in each step of the process, from shaping bamboo frames to cutting and attaching fabric. Take home your handcrafted lantern as a memorable souvenir from this charming and tranquil town.
Meals: Breakfast , Lunch
Stay overnight in Hoi An
In the morning, meet our guide at your hotel and enjoy a scenic transfer approximately 40 km west of Hoi An to visit My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic site was once a significant religious centre for the Cham people, where royal ceremonies and burials took place. Today, it features a collection of partially ruined Hindu temples, originally numbering 70, built by Cham kings between the 4th and 14th centuries in honour of the god Shiva. My Son is renowned as one of Southeast Asia’s most important Hindu temple complexes and is often compared to other remarkable sites such as Angkor in Cambodia, Ayutthaya in Thailand, and Borobudur in Java.
Meals: Breakfast
Stay overnight in Hoi An
In the morning, our guide will pick you up at your hotel for a full-day tour of Hue City, the former Imperial Capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. Begin with a visit to the Hue Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 520-hectare fortress complex, built in the early 1800s, consists of three enclosures: Kinh Thanh Hue (Civic City) as the outer, Hoang Thanh (Royal City) as the middle, and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden City) as the inner.
Next, explore Khai Dinh Tomb, the burial site of Vietnam’s second-to-last king. This tomb is renowned for its elaborate architecture, blending European influences with traditional Asian style. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, take a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery dating back to 1601, which overlooks the river from a prominent vantage point. Continue by car to Minh Mang Tomb, the final resting place of the 2nd Emperor of the Nguyen dynasty. Conclude your day with a visit to Dong Ba Market, the city's traditional commercial hub, for some shopping. Then transfer to the hotel in Hue for check-in.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay overnight in Hue
After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit Paradise Cave, often called the “underground palace” and renowned as one of the world’s most stunning wonders. You will be transported by electric buggies from the car park to the base of the cave. A 15-minute walk will lead you to the cave’s entrance, revealing a hidden world of awestruck beauty. Inside, you’ll marvel at the high arches, striking stalactites, and diverse stalagmites that spark the imagination. After exploring, return to Dong Hoi for lunch before heading back to Hue.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay overnight in Hue
Our tour guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to Phu Bai International Airport in Hue by air-conditioned vehicle. Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to your hotel in about 50 minutes to 1 hour for check-in.
18:00 our guide will pick you at the hotel and transfer to the heart of Hanoi for a walking tour through the Old Quarter. Accompanied by a passionate food guide, you’ll wander through the Old Quarter’s narrow lanes, backstreets, and hidden alleys, where vendors set up vibrant stalls along the roadside. Enjoy the bustling sights and sounds of the city.
Stop at one of Hanoi's best pho shops to savour a steaming bowl of pho, Vietnam's famous noodle soup, while your guide reveals the secrets behind this national dish. Afterward, continue on your food adventure, sampling local favourites like banh cuon (steamed rice rolls stuffed with pork and mushrooms), nem chua ran (fried spring rolls), and other delicious dishes.
The culinary journey concludes with a hearty barbecue of perfectly grilled meats and vegetables at a popular local eatery. Finally, relax at a bia hoi shop or a local café with a refreshing cold beer or a cup of Vietnamese coffee, watching the vibrant street scenes unfold. After this delightful experience, you will return to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Street food
Stay overnight in Hanoi
Our guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you to Sapa via Vietnam’s longest motorway. This modern route has significantly reduced travel time, allowing you to reach Sapa in just 4-5 hours. Enjoy a faster, safer, and more comfortable journey through stunning landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast
Saty overnight in Sapa
After enjoying breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the local market in Sapa, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and explore the unique products and handicrafts of the region. Following lunch, you'll be transferred to Sun World for an unforgettable journey to Fansipan, the highest mountain in Vietnam and all of Indochina. From the summit, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, lush forests, and traditional hill villages. This remarkable experience on Fansipan promises to leave you in awe, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay overnight in Sapa
Our private guide will meet you at your hotel in Sapa, where you'll embark on a comfortable journey back to Hanoi in a private air-conditioned vehicle. Relax as we take the modern highway, ensuring a smooth and scenic drive that will take around five hours.
Meals: Breakfast
Stay overnight in Hanoi
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel, enjoying a selection of local and international dishes to start the day on a perfect note. After breakfast, embark on an enriching cultural experience at the Zó Paper Workshop. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to dive into the traditional art of Vietnamese papermaking. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, explore the intricate process of creating handmade Zó paper, a centuries-old craft.
During the workshop, you'll be invited to craft your own paper creations, from beautiful cards to personalised artwork, using sustainable materials and traditional techniques. This immersive experience offers not only a glimpse into Vietnam's rich artistic heritage but also a chance to bring home a piece of it, crafted by your own hands.
Meals: Breakfast
Stay overnight in Hanoi
Embark on a full-day city tour beginning with a visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. This museum offers a captivating journey through Vietnam's rich cultural tapestry, showcasing over 15,000 artefacts and life-size traditional houses. These exhibits vividly illustrate the diverse life, culture, customs, and beliefs of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Next, proceed to the Temple of Literature, the esteemed first university of Vietnam, established in 1070 by the Ly Dynasty to honour Confucius, esteemed sages, and notable Vietnamese scholars.
Enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon, continue your exploration with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, dedicated to the revered founder of modern Vietnam. Discover Ba Dinh Square, a significant pilgrimage site for many Vietnamese, and explore the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the quaint, rural-style Ho Chi Minh’s House on Stilts, where he lived and worked. Pause at the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, an 11th-century marvel dedicated to Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, designed to resemble a lotus blossom rising from a serene pond. Next, visit the Hoa Lo Museum, a remnant of the French Central Prison built in 1896 for Vietnamese political detainees. Conclude your afternoon with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, or “Returned Sword Lake,” steeped in legend and home to the Ngoc Son Temple, accessible via a picturesque red wooden bridge. Enjoy a leisurely cyclo ride through the Old Quarter, renowned for its historic streets and traditional trades, or savour a relaxing coffee at a charming local café.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay overnight in Hanoi
In the morning, meet our guide at your hotel and embark on a transfer to Ninh Binh Province, located approximately 100 km south of Hanoi. Begin your exploration in Hoa Lu, the site of Vietnam's first capital, established in the 10th century by the Dinh Dynasty. This strategic stronghold was later succeeded by the Le Dynasty. Visit two historic temples: one dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang, the Dinh Dynasty's sole king and Vietnam's first emperor, and another honouring the subsequent kings of the Le Dynasty. Although the temples are not fully intact, they still house precious antique carvings and sculptures in stone and wood. Next, proceed to Bich Dong Pagoda, an ancient three-tiered cave pagoda accessible only by steep stone steps. The climb is rewarded with breathtaking views and the charm of the pagoda itself. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant.
Embark on a sampan cruise along the Hoang Long River, meandering through the picturesque landscape of Tam Coc, a 350-hectare area characterised by karst mountains amidst lush wetlands and rice paddies. Often called "an inland Ha Long Bay," this region boasts similar water-and-rock terrain features. Depending on the season, you might witness local farmers harvesting rice or transplanting seedlings. Glide through three magnificent caves, which lend their name to the area (Tam Coc means "Three Caves" in Vietnamese), showcasing a stunning array of local rocky caves and grottoes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay overnight in Hanoi
Begin your adventure with a morning pickup at 08:00 from your hotel for a scenic transfer to Ha Long Bay, approximately 160 km away, a journey of around 3.5 hours. Along the way, you will pass through the charming rural landscapes of the Red River Delta, offering ample opportunities to capture stunning photographs of local Vietnamese farmers tending to their lush paddy fields. Midway through the journey, enjoy a stop at a handicraft workshop, known for its exquisite fine clothing and beautifully embroidered paintings.
Arriving in Ha Long City at 11:30, you'll be welcomed aboard your selected junk boat, where a refreshing welcome drink will be served. As the cruise begins, delight in a delectable lunch onboard while taking in the breathtaking vistas of the mighty bay. Ha Long Bay, which translates to Descending Dragon Bay, is steeped in legend and said to be the sacred landing place of a celestial dragon. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the natural wonders of the world, boasts an impressive formation dating back over 500 million years, with approximately 2,000 stunning karst islands and islets scattered across 1,553 km2.
Your journey continues with close-up views of the iconic Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island, and Sail Island. Explore the enchanting Sung Sot Cave and enjoy a refreshing swim at the picturesque Titov Beach. Unwind as you watch the sun set over the bay's shimmering waters before savouring a delightful dinner on board. Later in the evening, try your hand at night fishing at 21:00, and relax with an overnight stay on the peaceful waters of Ha Long Bay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay overnight on Ha Long Bay Cruise
Early risers will be rewarded with a breathtaking and serene view of Ha Long Bay at dawn. Immerse yourself in the refreshing sea air, enjoy the gentle morning breeze, and listen to the melodic sounds of birds overhead. After a delightful breakfast, continue your cruise to explore the Human Head Shaped Island and Tortoise Island. Sail further into Bai Tu Long Bay to uncover the beauty of this lesser-known gem, aptly named "The Little Dragon Bowing to His Mother."
As your journey concludes, check out and enjoy a leisurely lunch on board while cruising back to the shore.
Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Stay overnight in Hanoi
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a leisurely morning at your own pace. Later, you will be transferred to Noi Bai International Airport for your departing flight. End trip!
Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation in a twin or double room with daily breakfast
- One-night cruise on Ha Long Bay
- Lunch or dinner as specified in the itinerary
- Services of a driver and private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers
- Experienced English-speaking guide during all tours and transfers
- Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
- Private boat for sightseeing as mentioned in the programme
- Mineral water is available as complementary
- International & Domestic flight tickets
- Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc. All other services not specified in the itinerary
- Meals, if not specified in the itinerary
- Vietnam visa approval letter on arrival: USD 5 per pax
- Visa stamping fee at the airport (25 USD single entry to Vietnam paid by cash at the airport)
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance)
HOTEL LISTS
Destination |
Superior packages | Deluxe packages |
Luxury packages |
HO CHI MINH |
ALAGON SAIGON HOTEL & SPA | CARAVELLE SAIGON |
PARK HYATT SAIGON |
VINH LONG |
MKH-UT TRINH & UT BINH HOMESTAY (VL) | MKH-UT TRINH & UT BINH HOMESTAY (VL) |
MKH-UT TRINH & UT BINH HOMESTAY (VL) |
HOI AN |
HOI AN CENTRAL BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA | ALLEGRO HOI AN (LITTLE LUXURY HOTEL & SPA) |
FOUR SEASONS RESORT THE NAM HAI HOI AN |
HUE |
ELDORA HOTEL | SILK PATH GRAND HUE HOTEL & SPA |
AZERAI LA RESIDENCE HOTEL & SPA |
HA NOI |
SILK PATH LUXURY HANOI HOTEL | PAN PACIFIC HOTEL |
SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE |
HAI PHONG |
DORIS CRUISE | HERITAGE CRUISES (BINH CHUAN) |
CAPELLA CRUISE |