Overview
This 13-day Enchanting Vietnam Tour showcases the country’s top highlights from north to south. Start in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, explore the rice valleys of Mai Chau and Pu Luong, and cycle among Ninh Binh’s limestone landscapes. Sail on an overnight Ha Long Bay cruise, then fly south to Hue’s royal citadel and lantern-lit Hoi An. Conclude in dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, where colonial charm meets modern energy. A perfect mix of culture, history, and natural beauty — this journey offers a complete Vietnam experience.
Highlights
- Complete north-to-south journey covering Hanoi, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh City
- Guided tours of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hue’s Imperial Citadel, Hoi An’s Ancient Town & Saigon landmarks
- Cultural experiences: water puppet show, lantern-making workshop, and visits to traditional villages
- Cycling through rice fields in Mai Chau & Ninh Binh, plus boat rides on Tam Coc and Ha Long Bay
- Overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay with kayaking and sunset views
Itinerary List
Day 01: Hanoi – Arrival
Day 02: Hanoi – City Tour
Day 03: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Pu Luong
Day 04: Pu Luong – Ninh Binh
Day 05: Ninh Binh – Tam Coc, Hoa Lu & Phat Diem
Day 06: Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay (Cruise)
Day 07: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Hue
Day 08: Hue – Imperial City & Royal Heritage
Day 09: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An
Day 10: Hoi An – Countryside & River Life
Day 11: Hoi An – Da Nang – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City – City Tour
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City – Departure
How Our Trips Work
- Mekong Mosaic specializes exclusively in private, tailor-made journeys for small groups of two or more. Each package includes all on-site services from the moment you arrive until your departure.
- The itinerary presented is a suggested outline for inspiration. Depending on your preferences and budget, it can be fully customized and adjusted in terms of duration, content, and travel period.
- We offer a wide range of trip styles and experiences. If this program doesn’t fully match your expectations, we invite you to explore additional options available through our advisors.
- For any quote requests, simply contact our travel experts. They will work closely with you to ensure your tailor-made itinerary reflects your vision of the perfect journey. Expect a personalized response within 24 hours—guaranteed.
Welcome to Hanoi! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in and a chance to rest after your journey.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may spend the afternoon exploring the city at leisure. Suggested experiences include a walk through the bustling 36 Streets of the Old Quarter, where you can witness the daily rhythm of local life.
You will also visit the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, a symbol of Hanoi, along with Ngoc Son Temple and Pen Tower (Tháp Bút). This complex showcases Vietnam’s rich folk traditions and spiritual practices.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show, a centuries-old art form in which colourful wooden puppets dance on water, depicting legends and scenes of rural life. Dinner and overnight in Hanoi.
Overnight: Hanoi
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, visit Phu Tay Ho Temple, dedicated to the Holy Mother Lieu Hanh, one of Vietnam’s revered deities. Located on the banks of West Lake, the largest lake in Hanoi, covering nearly 500 hectares. The temple is both a spiritual site and a place of natural beauty.
Continue to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), which houses around 1,500 objects illustrating the daily life, customs, and costumes of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The outdoor exhibition features traditional houses and examples of ethnic architecture, providing a comprehensive insight into Vietnam’s cultural diversity.
Lunch of Hanoi’s famous cuisine "Bun Cha" at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Mausoleum (outside view), the stilt house where he lived and worked, and the surrounding gardens. Additionally, we stop at the One Pillar Pagoda, originally built in 1049 and resembling a lotus blossom rising from the water.
Later, explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070. This beautiful Confucian complex is a vital cultural monument of Hanoi and a prime example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Hanoi.
Overnight: Hanoi
After breakfast, check out and depart for Mai Chau Valley (approximately 160 km – a 4-hour drive). Nestled among emerald mountains, Mai Chau is home to the Thai ethnic minority, with stilt houses, lush rice paddies, and tranquil streams. En route, stop at Thung Khe Pass for panoramic views and visit a Muong village.
Upon arrival, enjoy a walk through Van Village, followed by lunch at a local eatery.
In the afternoon, continue to Mai Hich Village, about 15 km from Mai Chau. This lesser-visited destination offers an authentic experience of Thai culture, with traditional music, dance, and the warm hospitality of local villagers.
Later, transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve (50 km – approx. 1.5 hours’ drive). This protected area is famed for terraced rice fields, dense forests, and ethnic minority villages. Dinner and overnight in Pu Luong (homestay or hotel).
Overnight: Pu Luong
Breakfast at your hotel.
This morning, depart for Ninh Binh (approximately 160 km – a 4.5-hour drive), often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on Land” due to its dramatic limestone karst landscapes. The province combines mountains, rivers, rice fields, and ancient temples, offering a picture-perfect rural setting.
Check into the hotel and enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, cycle through the peaceful countryside of Ninh Binh, passing rice fields, villages, and limestone outcrops. Afterwards, return to the hotel to relax or enjoy its facilities. Dinner at leisure.
Overnight: Ninh Binh
Breakfast at the hotel.
Start with a rowboat trip along the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc. This two-hour journey passes through caves, towering limestone cliffs, and rice paddies. Hence the name “Ha Long Bay on Land.”
Next, cycle through local villages and lush rice fields across the trail of Hai Nham village to reach Bich Dong Pagoda, a cluster of three ancient temples built into a mountainside during the 15th century. Surrounded by mountains and greenery, the setting is serene and timeless.
In the afternoon, continue to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, where you’ll explore the temples of Kings Dinh Dynasty (968-980) and Le Dynasty (980-1009), dating back to the 10th century. Despite their age, these temples preserve intricate wood and stone carvings that reflect Vietnam’s early artistry.
Finally, visit Phat Diem Cathedral (20km), the spiritual center of Vietnam’s Catholic community, built in 1892 with a unique fusion of Vietnamese and Gothic styles. On the way back, stop at a traditional reed mat weaving workshop in Yen Lam Village. Dinner and overnight in Ninh Binh.
Overnight: Ninh Binh
Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart for Ha Long Bay (210 km – approx. 4.5 hours). Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Covering around 1,500 km² with nearly 2,000 islands and islets, the bay is dotted with dramatic limestone karsts, hidden caves, and emerald waters.
Board your cruise around midday. After a welcome drink and safety briefing, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch as the boat begins its journey across the bay, passing thousands of limestone formations rising from the sea like mythical creatures.
In the afternoon, you may choose to go kayaking through secluded lagoons or simply relax on deck and admire the stunning scenery. As the sun sets, the bay is bathed in golden light, offering one of the most magical views in Vietnam.
A dinner of fresh seafood will be served onboard, followed by free time to relax. Spend the night in your comfortable private cabin with en-suite facilities.
Overnight: Ha Long Bay (Cruise)
Wake up early to witness sunrise over the bay, a truly unforgettable moment. After breakfast, the cruise continues through Ha Long’s most beautiful islets and caves. Visit a floating fishing village or explore Vung Vieng Village by small rowing boat, where you can observe the daily life of local fishermen.
Enjoy brunch on board as the boat returns to the pier.
Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi Noi Bai Airport (160 km – approx. 3.5 hours) for your short flight to Hue. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight: Hue
Breakfast at the hotel.
Begin your day exploring Hue Imperial City, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Constructed by Emperor Gia Long in the early 19th century, the citadel once served as the political, cultural, and religious heart of Vietnam. Within its 5.2 km² complex, discover the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Forbidden Purple City, and other royal residences.
Continue with a visit to Hue’s traditional garden houses, unique examples of architecture from the Nguyen dynasty, combining Confucian aesthetics with lush tropical gardens.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, explore Tu Duc’s Mausoleum, set amid pine forests and lotus ponds. This elegant complex reflects the emperor’s poetic spirit and is considered one of the most beautiful royal tombs in Hue. Visit nearby Tu Hieu Pagoda, home to a community of monks and known for its tranquil setting.
End the day at a traditional workshop where you can learn the art of making conical hats (Non La), a symbol of Vietnamese culture. Dinner and overnight in Hue.
Overnight: Hue
Breakfast at the hotel, then depart for Hoi An (approx. 3.5 hours). The journey takes you along the Hai Van Pass, a breathtaking coastal road with panoramic views of mountains, beaches, and the South China Sea. En route, stop at Son Tra Peninsula to visit Linh Ung Pagoda and its giant statue of the Goddess of Mercy, overlooking Da Nang city.
Lunch in Da Nang.
In the afternoon, continue to Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Once a busy trading port, Hoi An reflects centuries of cultural exchange with Chinese, Japanese, and European merchants.
Stroll through the atmospheric old streets, visiting highlights such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Ancient House, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and traditional Chinese temples. Hoi An’s lantern-lit alleys and preserved architecture make it one of the most enchanting towns in Asia. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Hoi An.
Overnight: Hoi An
After breakfast, head to the nearby countryside for an authentic cultural experience. Visit Go Noi Village, a quiet community rarely visited by tourists, where you’ll be welcomed by a local family.
Set out on a cycling tour (or motorbike ride) through rice paddies and farmlands. Experience hands-on farming activities such as plowing fields with water buffalo, planting or harvesting seasonal crops, and learning traditional techniques still used today.
Stop at a family workshop to see how locals produce peanut oil, sesame oil, or soybean oil, depending on the season. Continue to the village school to meet children returning from class and learn about rural education in Vietnam.
In the afternoon, take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River, observing fishing activities and the daily rhythms of riverside life. Lunch will be shared with a local family, where you’ll join a cooking lesson to prepare Mi Quang, Quang Nam’s signature noodle dish.
Return to Hoi An in the late afternoon. Evening free to explore the lantern-lit town.
Overnight: Hoi An
Breakfast at the hotel and free morning at leisure in Hoi An.
In the afternoon, transfer to Da Nang Airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Known as the “Pearl of the Far East,” Saigon blends colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and modern skyscrapers. The city’s charm lies in its bustling markets, shaded boulevards, and historic landmarks.
Dinner at leisure and overnight in Saigon.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Start the day at Reunification Palace, the former Presidential Palace of South Vietnam, symbolizing the country’s reunification in 1975.
Continue to the War Remnants Museum, which houses powerful exhibitions of photographs and artifacts from the Vietnam War.
Before lunch, stop at Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, two architectural landmarks built during the French colonial period. Stroll down Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), lined with boutiques, cafés, and historic buildings.
In the afternoon, visit Giac Lam Pagoda, one of the oldest temples in the city, followed by a walking tour of Cholon (Chinatown) and Binh Tay Market, where Chinese merchants have traded for centuries.
On the way back, stop at Jade Emperor Pagoda, famous for its elaborate carvings and statues. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Saigon.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Breakfast at the hotel and free time to relax or explore before your departure.
At the scheduled time, transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.
Our services end here, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your journey through enchanting Vietnam.
Flight Out.
Price Includes
- Accommodation in the planned category (or similar) subject to availability.
- Escort by experienced English-speaking local guides at each stage.
- Meals mentioned in the program.
- Entrance fees for all tourist sites listed in the program.
- All activities and cruises clearly specified in the itinerary.
- Domestic economy, including applicable airport taxes.
Price Excludes
- International flights and associated airport taxes.
- Visa fees.
- Travelers’ personal insurance.
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Tips/gratuities.
- Anything not listed under “Price Includes.”
- Any service not clearly mentioned in the program.
At Mekong Mosaic, we specialize in tailor-made journeys across Vietnam and Indochina. Every trip is designed exclusively for you, ensuring complete privacy and flexibility.
- Private Experience – Travel only with your family or friends, without being grouped with other tourists.
- From Arrival to Departure – A dedicated guide and driver accompany you throughout your journey.
- Your Trip, Your Way – Visits and activities can be adapted to your pace, preferences, and interests.
- Personalized Services – From dietary preferences to special celebrations (honeymoon, birthday, anniversary), we create unique touches tailored to you.
Our pricing is personalized and depends on:
- Number of Travellers – The more people in your group, the lower the cost per person.
- Hotel Category – A 5-star hotel can cost significantly more than a 2- or 3-star option.
- Activities Chosen – Two similar itineraries may differ in price depending on included excursions.
- Travel Period – High season (October–April) is generally more expensive than low season (May–September).
- Booking Date – Early booking often secures better rates and availability.
Accommodation is a key factor in your trip’s cost, often accounting for up to three-quarters of the total.
- We offer a wide selection of 2- to 5-star hotels, always negotiated at preferential rates.
- For a truly authentic experience, you may opt for a “Night at a local’s home”—simple yet welcoming, and highly recommended for at least one night.
Our guides are the cornerstone of your experience. Each one is:
- Professional, knowledgeable, and fluent in French or English.
- Licensed by the National Tourism Administration.
- Passionate locals eager to share the cultural richness of their region.
1. Private Vehicles
All transfers are in modern, air-conditioned vehicles with experienced drivers.
- Cars for 2 passengers
- Minibuses for 4–14 passengers
- Buses for 15–20 passengers
Bottled water and refreshing towels are provided. Fuel, tolls, and driver expenses are included.
2. Domestic Flights
Flights within Vietnam are operated by Vietnam Airlines, using a modern Airbus and Boeing fleet.
3. Rail Journeys
Some itineraries include train travel (e.g., Hanoi–Hue, Hanoi–Lao Cai) in air-conditioned cabins with comfortable berths. A slower pace than flying, but a memorable cultural experience.
International airfare to/from Vietnam is not included. We recommend booking from your departure country, as prices are usually more competitive. Many airlines operate to Vietnam, with direct flights from Paris, Toronto, and other major hubs.
Step 1. Customize Your Journey
- Choose an existing itinerary or request a tailor-made program.
- A travel expert will contact you within 24 hours with a personalized proposal.
Step 2. Confirm Your Booking
- Validate the final quote with your advisor.
- Secure your trip with a deposit of 25–30% (depending on services).
- Receive confirmation within 7 days once reservations are completed.
Note: During peak season (November–March), early booking is strongly recommended to guarantee hotel availability.
At Mekong Mosaic, we believe peace of mind is part of a truly seamless travel experience. Our flexible modification and cancellation policy ensures that, should your plans change, we’ll handle every detail with fairness and transparency.
Modification Requests
- You may request to modify your booking up to 14 days before departure, subject to availability.
- Any additional costs resulting from changes (e.g., hotel or airline adjustments) are payable by the traveler.
Cancellation Policy
Should you need to cancel your trip, the following fees apply based on the number of days before departure:
- 30+ days: 10% of total trip price
- 15–30 days: 20%
- 8–14 days: 30%
- 4–7 days: 40%
- Less than 72 hours: 50%
Refunds, if applicable, will be processed within 14 business days, minus bank or transaction fees.
