Explore Vietnam’s Diversity: 14 Days from North to South
Highlights:
Join a 14-day journey through Vietnam, where breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality await.
From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene beauty of the Mekong Delta, experience the diverse charm of this captivating country.
Explore ancient temples, trek through lush mountains, and relax on pristine beaches. Interact with friendly locals, learn about their traditions, and savor the delicious flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
This unforgettable adventure offers a comprehensive glimpse into the heart of Vietnam.
Details of experience:
Day 1: Welcome to the beautiful capital of Vietnam, Hanoi
With the advantage of owning Noi Bai International Airport, the most modern airport in Vietnam, Hanoi is pleased to welcome you to the Capital.
Here, there are friendly – polite – elegant people, delicious food, and a peaceful landscape ready to say hello to you. Hanoi will be a great beginning for your journey to explore this beautiful country.
Depending on the plane’s arrival time, the driver and guide will pick you up at the airport. Then, we transfer you to the hotel to check in and relax after the long flight.
In the evening, the driver and guide pick you up at the hotel and move to a restaurant to enjoy your first dinner in Vietnam.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2-3: Cruise on Ha Long Bay
Your journey to explore this lovely country officially begins with a trip to Ha Long Bay, a World Natural Heritage recognized by UNESCO.
At 8:30 AM on day 2: The driver and guide take you from the hotel and depart for Ha Long Bay.
Arriving at the marina, you board the boat and begin a 2-day and 1-night cruise in the incredible bay area surrounded by nearly 2,000 large and small islands.
A wonderful time resting and relaxing on luxury cruises is waiting for you. Explore beautiful cave systems on islands with a geological structure of limestone mountains. Participate in fun activities such as kayaking, swimming, fishing, and climbing – climbing is optional.
On the evening of day 2: You stay overnight on a cruise ship in the mysterious gulf, admiring the vast sea and sky.
Overnight of day 2 on the cruise.
The next morning: Let’s wait for the sunrise and join in the warm-up with Tai Chi.
Please note: Tai chi and sunrise-watching activities will take place early in the morning, so if you do not want to participate, please tell the staff on the boat in advance so they do not wake you up early.
Around 11 AM to 12:00 noon on day 3: The cruise ship will take you back to the port, ending the tour of Ha Long. Then, the car will pick you up and return to Hanoi.
In the afternoon & evening of day 3: You are free to rest, have dinner on your own, and walk to admire Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi’s Old Quarter at night.
Overnight of day 3 in Hanoi.
Day 4: Visit cultural landmarks in the thousand-year-old Hanoi City
After two long days of warming up in Ha Long, along with many exciting, energy-consuming activities, we will spend this day in Hanoi City to balance the pace of our body’s movement.
Here, you will visit tourist attractions imbued with the culture and history of this land and the local people.
At 8:30 AM on day 4: We will depart from the hotel and start moving to famous attractions, including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi National Museum of History, and Literature Quoc Tu Giam Temple.
Noon: Lunch at the restaurant.
After lunch, we take a short rest while enjoying a traditional water puppet show in the city center.
Next: The car and guide will move with you to West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda.
Evening: Free time to have dinner and walk around the old town.
Overnight of day 4 in Hanoi.
Day 5-6: Adventure to Sapa in the mountainous region of Northwest Vietnam
Sapa is a small town located in the mountainous region of Northwest Vietnam. This place stands out with its friendly, innocent ethnic minority communities with unique cultural colors. They live in harmony with nature, and the terraced fields are picturesque.
When traveling to Sapa, you will have good chances to walk and admire the surprisingly beautiful landscape of mountains and rice fields. Visit local villages and learn about their unique traditional culture.
8:30 AM of day 5: We depart at the hotel to take you away from the bustling city, through winding mountain passes, and amidst thousands of green forests to reach Sapa town, hidden in the mist.
Day 5 noon: Arrive in Sapa, check in to the hotel, have lunch, and rest.
Day 5 afternoon: Visit Cat Cat Village and Sapa Stone Church, and take pictures at Sunplaza Clock Gate.
Evening: Free time to visit the town, roam, and shop at the Sapa night market.
Overnight of day 5 in Sapa.
8:30 am on day 6: We visit terraced fields in Muong Hoa Valley. Explore Ta Van village. Return to the Sapa market to see how mountain people exchange their products. Also, top at Sapa museum.
Noonday 6: Rest, have lunch, and get on the bus. Then, we start going to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi to fly to Da Nang City, ready for the program to explore Da Nang-Hoi An in Central Vietnam.
The evening of day 6: After welcoming you at Da Nang Airport, we transfer you to Hoi An, and check in to the hotel and rest.
Overnight of day 6 in Hoi An.
Day 7-8: Stroll and relax in the friendly and hospitable ancient town of Hoi An
Hoi An is an ancient town about 30km south of Da Nang. During the 16th and 17th centuries, this place was known as a busy international trading port, a meeting area for many large merchant ships. By 1999, UNESCO recognized Hoi An as a world cultural heritage.
Visiting Hoi An, visitors will feel comfortable and close as if they were in their own homeland. It is because there are peaceful – beautiful landscapes and extremely friendly – gentle – hospitable people welcoming you.
The morning of day 7: After a 6-day journey with plenty of activities in the north, the morning in Hoi An is the right time to rest, restore energy, and enjoy the best personal space.
12 PM (at noon) on day 7: The driver and tour guide pick you up at the hotel and take you to have lunch. After lunch, you will explore the ancient streets of Hoi An City and visit famous landmarks, including Hoi An Covered Bridge, Fukien or Cantonese Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Ancient House, and Hoi An Market.
It’s an opportunity to experience going shopping and tailoring. Besides, you will know the gentle shopping style of the Hoi An people. Visit the handicraft village and learn the basic knowledge and overview of the traditional silkworm farming profession.
Evening: Free to rest, walk, and explore the old town at night.
Overnight of day 7 in Hoi An.
8:30 am on day 8: Our tour guide will travel to Cam Thanh village with you. We get on a basket boat to visit the 7-acre coconut forest eco-tourism area. Watch the basketboat shake and experience this exciting activity.
Next, you change the means of transportation to bicycles. The guide will leisurely ride with you on small roads, visit the Tra Que vegetable village, and participate in a cooking class to learn about the culinary culture of indigenous people.
Day 8 afternoon: Free to roam around the old town, shop, enjoy coffee, or interact with locals.
Overnight of day 8 in Hoi An.
Day 9-10: Come to the youthful and dynamic Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, located in the south of Vietnam, is the leading economic center of the country. Far from the gentle and slow pace of life in Hoi An – the Central region, life in Ho Chi Minh is dynamic and bustling, appearing in your next days.
Not only that, Ho Chi Minh is also a place that preserves many important cultural and historical marks of the country. The chain of connections between history and the present in this city will help you see a constantly developing Vietnam. You will learn more about Vietnamese people who are friendly, gentle, sensitive, and open-minded.
The morning of Day 9: Depending on the flight time, the driver and guide will pick you up at the hotel in Hoi An, transfer you to Da Nang Airport, and fly to Ho Chi Minh City.
Our representative will pick you up at the airport and explore HCM City’s typical landmarks, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market.
We also take pictures of the City People’s Committee building on Nguyen Hue Street – the largest walking street in Ho Chi Minh and taste a cup of coffee here.
8:30 am on day 10: Depart from the hotel and move to Cu Chi district to visit Cu Chi Tunnels. When coming here, you will explore a unique network of tunnels hidden underground and learn about their significance in the history of the Vietnam War.
Afternoon and evening: Return to Saigon, freely explore the city, take photos, go shopping, or immerse yourself in the rhythm of Saigon’s nightlife.
Day 11-12: Travel to the river and garden life of the people of the Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is a large region in the southernmost part of Vietnam. This region is surrounded by a dense river system, with abundant fresh water and silt all year round. Thanks to that, this delta has become the leading rice granary of the country.
Traveling to the Mekong Delta, you will see the lush, green beauty of vast rice fields or countless fruit-laden orchards all year round. Discover the unique cultural life associated with the rivers of indigenous people.
8:30 am on day 11: The driver and guide pick you up at the hotel and move to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta.
Here, you will have activities: Explore river life through boat transportation; Board smaller boats to row through the canals throughout the region; Ride a “Lam cart” around the village; and visit daily life in a local house.
Noon: Have lunch with local dishes, including giant fish and fresh coconut water.
Afternoon: Move to Can Tho City and spend the night here.
5:00 a.m. – 5:30 a.m. on Day 12: Board a boat to visit the Cai Rang floating market – one of the most famous markets in Vietnam.
Then, move to the noodle-making village, see how indigenous people produce this typical dish, and enjoy local noodle soup.
By midnight on Day 12: Check out of the hotel and return to Saigon. On the way, visit a crocodile farm and stop by a rest stop to try the famous Vietnamese durian flavor.
Evening of day 12: Overnight in HCM City.
Day 13: "Crazy" Saigon with a motorbike tour
Coming to Vietnam, you cannot help but be surprised by the strange traffic rhythm here. Especially in Saigon, where the population is dense, you will see a large number of motorbikes on the streets. During rush hours, motorbikes almost jam the roads.
Joining a motorbike tour, you will have about 3-4 hours around the city by motorbike. Immerse yourself in the smoky but bustling traffic, full of excitement. It’s like a crazy adventure tour right in the heart of this city.
Overnight in HCM City.
Day 14: Leave Ho Chi Minh City and say goodbye to Vietnam
Depending on the flight’s departure time, you check out of the hotel, check your luggage carefully before driving, and instructions will take you to the airport.
At Tan Son Nhat International Airport – the largest airport in Vietnam of the present, you will say goodbye to Saigon and Vietnam.
End your 14-day journey after exploring this beautiful country, nature, and people.
You will leave Vietnam on your own international flight.
See you again on the next journeys!
Inclusion:
- 12 nights at 4-star accommodations with daily breakfast (or 5-star hotels as your request)
- 1 night on a 4-star cruise on Halong Bay
- Flights from Hanoi to Da Nang and from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City
- Breakfast included at the hotel or on the cruise
- 12 lunch meals and 2 dinners during the trip
- An English-speaking tour guide following the itinerary
- A private car or van for transfer following the itinerary
- A water bottle per guest per day
- Entrance fee for visiting as in the itinerary
- Round boat in Hoi An
- Boat trips in Ben Tre and Can Tho City
Exclusion:
- Visa applications (We can arrange as your requests)
- International travel insurance
- Personal expenditure
- Tipping for drivers, and tour guides
- Drinks during meal
What to note:
This two-week itinerary includes a lot of activities and a high frequency of movement, so it will be suitable for people in the active age group, from 16 years old to about 60 years old, who love to explore the country and the people of Vietnam.