The Ultimate Vietnam Journey (3 Weeks)

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our professional guide and driver before transferring to your hotel in the city center (approx. 30 km – 45 minutes by car). Check-in is available from 2:00 PM, allowing time to refresh after your flight.

Depending on your arrival schedule, begin your first impressions of Hanoi with a panoramic discovery tour of the capital. Start with a pleasant walk and cyclo ride through the French Quarter, passing elegant colonial-era landmarks such as the Hanoi Opera House, the legendary Metropole Hotel, and the former Bank of Indochina.

Next, immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the Old Quarter, known as the “36 Streets.” Each alleyway is named after the trade that once thrived there, from silk and silver to spices and paper. Strolling through this maze of narrow lanes feels like stepping back in time, where traditional shops and street vendors paint a vibrant picture of daily life in Hanoi.

Continue to the serene Hoan Kiem Lake (“Lake of the Returned Sword”), the beating heart of the city, and visit Ngoc Son Temple (“Temple of the Jade Mountain”) located on a small island connected by a red wooden bridge. This sacred site beautifully blends spiritual devotion with artistic heritage. Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Hanoi

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, visit Phu Tay Ho Temple, dedicated to Saint Mother Lieu Hanh, one of Vietnam’s Four Immortals. Set beside West Lake, Hanoi’s largest lake, the temple is both a sacred pilgrimage site and a serene escape from the city’s bustle. Continue to Van Nien Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s oldest temples, before exploring the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays). With over 15,000 artifacts and authentic stilt houses, the museum offers a fascinating overview of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups and their diverse traditions.

In the afternoon, explore the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 as Vietnam’s first university and a symbol of the country’s long-standing reverence for education. Then head to Ngoc Ha Village, a lively residential area where daily life unfolds along narrow alleys and markets. Here, the B-52 Lake still holds the wreckage of a U.S. bomber — a striking reminder of history.

Continue with a walk across Long Bien Bridge (formerly Paul Doumer Bridge), an engineering marvel built by the Eiffel workshops and a lasting emblem of Hanoi’s past.

Optional – Water Puppet Show
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet performance, a charming art form accompanied by live folk music. The one-hour show portrays legends and rural life scenes, offering a delightful glimpse into Vietnamese culture.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Hanoi

After breakfast, depart Hanoi and travel toward Mai Chau (approx. 140 km – 3.5 hours). Along the way, stop at the spectacular Thung Khe Pass, one of the most scenic viewpoints in northern Vietnam.

Arrive in Mai Chau around midday and enjoy a traditional lunch featuring fresh local ingredients sourced from nearby farms and gardens. The meal offers an authentic taste of the region's culinary heritage and the warm hospitality of the White Thai people.

In the afternoon, explore the peaceful countryside of Mai Chau on foot and by bicycle. Ride along quiet village paths winding through paddies and traditional stilt-house communities. Visit local villages to gain insight into the daily life, customs, and traditions of the White Thai ethnic minority, whose way of life has remained closely connected to the surrounding landscape for generations.

Later, continue your journey to Pu Luong Nature Reserve (approx. 1.5 hours), a hidden gem known for its spectacular terraced rice fields and tranquil rural atmosphere. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the reserve.

Dinner will be served at your lodge.

Overnight: Pu Luong

Today is dedicated to discovering the natural beauty and authentic rural life of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, one of northern Vietnam’s most scenic and unspoiled regions.

After breakfast, set out on a guided walk through the reserve’s breathtaking landscapes. Follow trails through the terraced rice fields, bamboo forests, and traditional Thai villages nestled among the mountains. Along the way, meet local residents and gain insight into their daily lives, agricultural traditions, and enduring cultural heritage.

Continue to some of Pu Luong’s most picturesque corners, where giant water wheels and traditional irrigation systems have been used for generations to channel water from mountain streams to the rice paddies below.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or village home, featuring fresh seasonal ingredients sourced from the surrounding countryside.

In the afternoon, continue exploring the valley at a relaxed pace. Depending on the season, admire the vibrant green or golden rice terraces that blanket the hillsides, offering countless opportunities for photography and quiet moments in nature.

Alternatively, return to your lodge to relax and take advantage of its facilities while enjoying panoramic views of the reserve.

As evening falls, enjoy dinner at your lodge and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the mountains.

Overnight: Pu Luong

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Pu Luong, taking time to relax and soak in the tranquil beauty of the surrounding mountains and rice terraces. You may wish to enjoy the facilities of your lodge, take a short walk through the nearby countryside, or simply admire the spectacular views before departing.

Late in the morning, leave Pu Luong and travel to Ninh Binh (approx. 120 km – 3 hours), often referred to as "Ha Long Bay on Land" for its dramatic limestone landscapes and peaceful rural scenery.

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties.

In the afternoon, visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, home to the temples of King Dinh and King Le, two revered rulers who played a pivotal role in Vietnam's early history during the 10th century. Explore the historic temples and learn about the foundations of Vietnam's first independent state.

Continue with a leisurely bicycle ride through the picturesque countryside to experience the peaceful rhythms of rural life and interact with local communities.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Ninh Binh

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over Ha Long Bay, a truly unforgettable sight as the mist lifts from the limestone peaks. Early risers may join an optional Tai Chi session on the sundeck to start the morning in harmony with nature.

Enjoy breakfast on board as the cruise continues its journey through the tranquil seascape. Stop to visit the Vung Vieng Fishing Village, accessible by traditional rowboat. Here, meet local fishermen, learn about their daily life, and observe the floating fish farms that sustain the community.

As the boat sails back toward the pier, enjoy a buffet lunch on board while passing through the bay’s majestic scenery one last time.

Disembark at Hon Gai Port around 11:30 AM and return by road to Hanoi (approx. 170 km – 3.5 hours). Upon arrival in the late afternoon, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before boarding the overnight train to Dong Hoi.

Overnight: Dong Hoi

Arrive in Dong Hoi around 8:00 AM, where you’ll be welcomed by our guide and driver. After breakfast at a local restaurant, drive about 50 km (1 hour) to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Asia’s oldest karst landscapes, dating back over 400 million years. The park spans more than 85,000 hectares and features ancient caves, archaeological sites, and a lush tropical forest teeming with biodiversity.

At the Son River pier, board a sampan boat for a scenic cruise along tranquil waters flanked by limestone cliffs and jungle-covered peaks. Venture deep into the magnificent Phong Nha Caves, renowned for their vast chambers, striking stalactites, and underground rivers — among the most beautiful cave systems in the world.

Continue to explore Thien Duong (Paradise) Cave, an awe-inspiring natural wonder celebrated for its immense size and intricate rock formations.

In the afternoon, return to Dong Hoi for hotel check-in. The rest of the day is free for personal exploration or relaxation on Dong Hoi Beach, weather permitting.

Overnight: Dong Hoi

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Hue (approx. 170 km – 4 hours), traveling along a scenic coastal route lined with fishing villages and lagoons. En route, stop briefly in Quang Tri, a city that bore some of the heaviest bombings of the American War — historians estimate that each resident endured the equivalent of seven tons of explosives.

Continue toward the Vinh Moc Tunnels, a remarkable underground network constructed between 1965 and 1967 after the village of Vinh Moc was completely destroyed. Supported by local villagers, the Viet Cong created a three-level system extending 15 to 26 meters deep, with twelve entrances — several opening directly onto the beach. These tunnels served as both a military base and a refuge for more than 60 families, complete with living quarters, kitchens, wells, and meeting chambers. In total, seventeen children were born underground during this period. Walking through these narrow passageways today is a moving testament to the resilience and determination of the Vietnamese people.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then continue along the coast to Hue, the former imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax after the day’s journey. Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Hue

Breakfast at the hotel.

Begin a full-day exploration of Hue, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site for its outstanding historical and architectural value. Once the seat of the Nguyen emperors, Hue is often described as a vast open-air museum filled with ancient palaces, temples, pagodas, and royal tombs.

Your morning starts at the Imperial Citadel, built between 1805 and 1832 by Emperor Gia Long. Enclosed within defensive walls spanning 5.2 km², the complex mirrors traditional Eastern fortress design with subtle French influence. Visit its most significant monuments, including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate (Noon Gate), Palace of Supreme Harmony, Pavilion of Edicts, and the Forbidden Purple City, once reserved for the emperor and his royal family.

Continue to discover the architectural concept of “Nha Vuon” (garden house) — a style unique to Hue where homes are harmoniously integrated with lush gardens, ponds, and tropical trees, reflecting the Confucian ideal of balance between man and nature.

Lunch at a local restaurant featuring Hue’s royal cuisine, renowned for its refined presentation and delicate flavours.

In the afternoon, visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, designed by the emperor himself and surrounded by pine forests, lotus ponds, and tranquil courtyards. It remains one of Hue’s most elegant and poetic royal mausoleums. Nearby stands the Tu Hieu Pagoda, founded in the 19th century and home to a community of monks. The pagoda is also where Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh began his monastic life and spent his final years in peaceful meditation. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Hue

After breakfast, depart for Hoi An (approx. 150 km – 3.5 hours) via Da Nang, traveling along one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking coastal drives — the Hai Van Pass (“Cloud Pass”). Winding between mountains and the sea, this spectacular route offers panoramic views of the central coastline and the azure South China Sea from its summit.

Arrive in Hoi An around midday. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1999, Hoi An — formerly known as Faifo — was once a flourishing international trading port during the 17th and 18th centuries. Chinese and Japanese merchants established their own quarters here, later joined by Portuguese, Dutch, and French traders, creating a town rich in cultural fusion.

Take a guided walking tour through Hoi An’s charming old streets to explore its main highlights:

• Fujian Assembly Hall – dedicated to Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea and protector of sailors and fishermen. The hall features intricate wood carvings and statues of the goddess and her attendants.
• Japanese Covered Bridge – built in 1593 to link two merchant districts, this iconic bridge houses a small pagoda and is adorned with a beautiful roof of yellow and green tiles.
• Ancient House – over 200 years old, this well-preserved residence exemplifies a harmonious blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architecture.
• Hoi An Central Market – a vibrant riverside market where locals trade fresh produce, spices, flowers, meat, and fish. The lively atmosphere offers a genuine glimpse into the daily rhythms of local life.

If time permits, visit the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum by French photographer Réhahn Croquevielle, an extraordinary collection of portraits, traditional costumes, and cultural stories celebrating the ethnic diversity of Vietnam.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and spend the rest of the afternoon discovering Hoi An’s lantern-lit charm at your own pace. Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Hoi An

Breakfast at the hotel.

At 8:00 AM, depart for Cua Dai Port, where you will board a speedboat bound for Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) — part of the Hoi An World Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO. This pristine archipelago of eight small islands is home to a rich ecosystem of coral reefs, tropical fish, and the rare swiftlet (yen bird), prized for its edible nests.

After a 30-minute cruise across turquoise waters, arrive at Lang Beach, the main settlement of Cham Island. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze, white sand beaches, and the gentle rhythm of island life as you observe local fishermen repairing their nets and traditional wooden boats lining the shore. Once an important Cham trading post centuries ago, the island retains traces of its maritime heritage in both architecture and legend.

Visit Au Thuyen, the natural harbour that shelters boats during storms, and the Hai Tang Pagoda, a 17th-century temple blending Cham and Vietnamese spiritual influences. Then, join a professional guide for an exhilarating snorkelling session to discover the island’s colourful underwater world.

A short transfer by boat takes you to Bai Chong Beach, where a fresh seafood lunch is served under the palms. Enjoy free time for swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing on the sand before returning by boat to the mainland.

Transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to explore lantern-lit Hoi An. Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Hoi An

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today is a free day to unwind and explore Hoi An at your own pace. Wander through the Old Town’s narrow streets lined with tailor shops and art galleries, relax at An Bang Beach, or enjoy a coffee beside the Thu Bon River as lanterns glow at sunset. Optional activities such as a cooking class, bicycle tour, or spa session can be arranged upon request. Meals at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, drive about 90 km (2 hours 15 min) to Ben Tre, gateway to the Mekong Delta, often called the “rice bowl” of Vietnam.

Board your private boat for a gentle cruise along the Ham Luong River toward Long Thanh Island. Disembark for a walk through the village and a visit to a small factory that produces charcoal from coconut shells. Continue cruising to Mo Cay, where you’ll observe local workshops processing coconuts into various products.

Ride a xe lam (motorized rickshaw) through vast coconut plantations and stop at a family workshop making coconut-leaf brooms. Then, board a rowing sampan to glide through narrow canals shaded by palms. Visit a local orchard to taste tropical fruits, coconut jam, and honey tea, then enjoy a traditional Mekong lunch at a local home.

After lunch, stroll through nearby villages to experience rural life at a leisurely pace. In the afternoon, transfer to Mekong Home, a family-run eco-lodge nestled under coconut trees along the river.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Mekong Delta

Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for Can Tho (approx. 150 km – 3.5 hours), with several enriching stops along the way. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, famous for its ornate architecture blending Chinese, Khmer, and European styles. Continue to Sa Dec, the hometown of French novelist Marguerite Duras. Stroll through quiet streets, visit her childhood school, and soak in the town’s colonial charm.

Next, stop at a Cao Dai Temple, reflecting Vietnam’s unique syncretic faith that honours spiritual figures from both East and West — from Buddha and Confucius to Victor Hugo and Joan of Arc.

Visit the Tan Quy Dong Flower Garden, spanning 60 hectares of vibrant blossoms cultivated for export. Then continue to Vinh Long Market, a photographer’s delight filled with colourful arrays of seafood, fruit, and vegetables.

Arrive in Can Tho by late afternoon and check in at your hotel. Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Can Tho

Breakfast at the hotel.

Early this morning, embark on a boat trip to the Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and liveliest in the Mekong Delta. Observe hundreds of boats trading fruits and produce in a colourful, bustling spectacle unique to river life.

Continue to the Le Binh Covered Market, then enjoy a bicycle ride through nearby villages, crossing small bridges and trails to see rural life up close. Stop at an orchard to sample seasonal tropical fruits.

Afterwards, return to the hotel, check out, and drive back to Saigon (approx. 180 km – 4 hours). Arrive in the late afternoon and transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.

Optional: an overnight stay in Saigon can be arranged for flights departing the next day.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Begin your full-day exploration of Saigon, Vietnam’s vibrant commercial capital. Start with a walking tour of key colonial landmarks:

• Central Post Office, an architectural gem designed by Gustave Eiffel.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral stands gracefully in the heart of the city.
• Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), lined with boutiques, cafés, and historic façades.

Continue to the Reunification Palace, the former Presidential Palace of South Vietnam, symbolizing the country’s reunification in 1975.

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Giac Lam Pagoda, one of the oldest temples in the city, representing the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. Then explore Cholon, Saigon’s bustling Chinatown — a maze of shops, markets, and temples.

Stroll through Binh Tay Market and a traditional herbal medicine shop before visiting Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess and protector of sailors. Its intricate ceramic reliefs, imported from China, make it one of the most beautiful Taoist temples in Vietnam. Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)