Beyond the Ordinary: Vietnam 3 Week Itinerary North to South
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Itinerary

Embark on this Vietnam 3 week itinerary north to south journey offers you authentic local encounters by discovering off the beaten path of Vietnam. The trip begins in the ancient charm of Hanoi, then ventures to the stunning landscapes from the mountain to the beach, and then ends the trip in Ho Chi Minh City before immersing in the unique beauty of the Mekong Delta. This suggested itinerary was designed by our travel experts as inspiration. Share your travel preferences and we’ll create a customized tour to match your style. You can also check out our Vietnam package tours for more recommendations.

  • Immerse yourself with the charm but hustle atmosphere of Hanoi
  • Explore the picturesque waterways of Tam Coc or Trang An ecological area in Ninh Binh
  • Enjoy the natural beauty and fishing village of Halong Bay with an overnight cruise experience on board
  • View the stunning landscapes of Sapa and its vicinity areas to see the authentic daily life of people in mountainous areas
  • Learn more about the history and ancient infrastructure of Hue’s old capital, dating back to the 18th century.
  • Wander around the charming Hoian Ancient town and explore the hidden gems on the outskirts of Hoian
  • Walk through the historic ruins of My Son and recall the once glorious days of the Champa Kingdom.
  • Relax at the white sandy beaches in Nha Trang
  • Experience the easy-peasy feeling of Dalat, a French-built town in the mountain area
  • Embark on a vespa tour to uncover the hidden alleyways of Ho Chi Minh City and visit the massive tunnel networks at Cu Chi during the Vietnam War
  • Explore the local life of people in Mekong with various hands-on experiences

Day 01: HANOI ARRIVAL

Arrive at Noi Bai airport. You will be welcomed by our guide. We arrange drivers for you and take you to your hotel in Hanoi. Check-in and have a restful overnight stay at the hotel.

Meal: None
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

hanoi street
Hanoi train coffee

Day 02: HANOI CITY TOUR

The full day tour takes you around Hanoi’s highlights.  The sites including in the day tour in Hanoi are the Ho Chi Minh Complex: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his stilt house, Presidential Palace and the One Pillar Pagoda. You also have a chance to visit the first national university – The Temple of Literature, that dates back to the 11th century. You can learn about Buddhist practices in a serene lakeside pagoda. Visit the famous Ethnology Museum.

Back to the Old Quarter, walk through the narrow streets that were famous for its specialized craft making guilds. The streets are named for their product or location and still bear such names nowadays.

Optional: You can experience the vibrant rush hour culture of Hanoi by taking a ride on cyclo, instead of walking. You’ll witness the hustle and bustle of the Old Quarter and French Quarter’s main streets, immersing yourself in the city’s lively atmosphere.

Before settling in for an exciting water puppetry show, explore local markets like Hang Be or Troi Market. Here, you’ll witness locals buying ingredients for their dinners and get an insider’s view of Hanoi’s true character. This is a unique experience away from the usual tourist spots.

And then join a traditional water puppet show that features Vietnamese folklore and culture.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English speaking guide

Hanoi cyclo city tour
Hanoi hidden gem

Day 03: HANOI – NINH BINH

After breakfast, depart from your hotel at 8:00 am to Ninh Binh Province. Today we will learn about the national heroes Dinh and Le who founded the ancient capital of Hoalu, dated to the 10th century. Glide down a narrow stream in a small rowboat and enjoy a ride through Tam Coc area. This area is shaded by steep limestone cliffs in harmony with the blazing green rice paddies.

Optional: Discover the beauty of lush rice paddies and serene villages on a cycling tour that takes you off the beaten path. Immerse yourself in the local culture and rhythms of life for 1-2.5 hours in the afternoon.

It’s important to note that the availability of this cycling experience depends on your health, personal preferences, and weather conditions.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English speaking guide

Tam coc boat trip
Cycling in Ninh Binh

Day 04: NINH BINH – HALONG

After breakfast, at around 8.00 am, we pick up you to mbark on a journey to the mesmerizing Halong Bay. On arrival, you are welcomed on boat and served a mouth-watering lunch while cruising through the bay. Depends on which cruise you choose, the detailed itinerary will basically include a visit to Sung Sot grotto, kayaking (extra option at most of the boat, some boat has kayaking included), swimming in crystal water and enjoy the landscape or relaxing at the sundeck. The day will end with a sumptuous dinner on board, and you will spend the night under the starry sky.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour guide: English speaking guide

halong limestone
kayaking in halong

Day 05: HALONG – HANOI – LAO CAI

Wake up on the bay to the sounds of waves, fresh air and breeze. A brand new day comes. Following breakfast, you can discover a breathtaking limestone grotto before returning to the boat for a scenic cruise back to the dock.

Your boat will arrive at the harbor by 11:30 am, and your driver is waiting to take you back to Hanoi. Afterward, have a light break at a small hotel near to the train station. Then later that evening, our staff will escort you to your cabin on the train to Lao Cai. Spend the night on the train and wake up refreshed and prepared to explore your next destination.

Tour guide: English speaking guide

Meal: Brunch

halong sunset on cruise
halong wooden cruise

Day 06: LAO CAI – SAPA

Arrive at Lao Cai train station at around 6 am. Pick up and transfer to hotel in Sapa (1-hour drive). Once in Sapa, have breakfast and start with an enjoyable walking tour to the hill tribe village of Cat Cat, home to the H’mong minority peoples. You will have the opportunity to get cultural interaction with the families that live in the area before heading back to Sapa around noon. Check-in to your hotel (the early check-in is upon availability and hotel’s policy) and stay rest. Overnight in Sapa.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English speaking guide

Hmong people at Cat Cat village

Day 07: SAPA – LAO CHAI/TA VAN/LAO CAI – HANOI

Have breakfast in hotel. Today you will explore Sapa daily wet market and then set out on 3-4 hour trek down to Muong Hoa valley. Then travel through the villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van, home to H’mong and Dzay people. You will be amazed by the breathtaking scenery on your walking tour accompanied by local tribal people, making your experience authentic indeed. Take a break and enjoy some mouth-watering cuisine at a local restaurant before heading back to Sapa town in a waiting vehicle.

You’ll have free time before your transfer back to the train station around 5 pm, where you’ll board the night train back to Hanoi and spend the night onboard.

Special note: If your scheduled day is Tuesday, Thursday, Sat or Sunday, we will recommend to visit some of the most beautiful markets in Northwestern Vietnam.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

bac ha - local market at Sapa
Sapa rice terrace

Day 08: HANOI – HUE

This morning, arrive at Hanoi Train station and see our driver who drives you to the airport to take a morning flight to Hue Airport. You are picked up by our guide and driver then transfer to your hotel in Hue. Check in and relax until our guide and driver come back to pick you up for a royal style dinner to show off the nice and sophisticated cuisine of Hue. Overnight at your hotel.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Tour guide: English speaking guide

Local Hue cuisine

Day 09: HUE CITY TOUR

Begin your day with a breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a journey of discovery with our local guide to explore the charms of the Citadel in this former Imperial City with many well-preserved royal monuments. Experience the stunning beauty of Hue as you cruise along the Huong River on a dragon boat and make a stop at the Thien Mu Pagoda to observe local religious practices at the oldest Buddhist symbol in Hue. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will continue your adventure by visiting the historic Tu Duc’s tomb and the bustling Dong Ba Market, which has a charming atmosphere. Overnight in Hue.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English speaking guide

Explore Hue imperial
Dong Ba market

Day 10: HUE – DA NANG – HOI AN

Once you finish exploring the ancient citadel, your next stop will be the picturesque ancient town of Hoi An. To get there, you’ll travel along the breathtaking Ocean Clouds Mountain Pass (Hai Van Pass), and make stops at the Cham Museum and the Marble Mountains in Da Nang. When you arrive at Hoi An, you can indulge in a scrumptious local lunch at a nearby restaurant. After lunch, you can check in at your hotel and leisure time on your own.

In the afternoon, we embark on an enchanting walking adventure through the Old Quarter, exploring the wonders of the Chinese Embassy Halls, Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Pagoda, and Tan Ky House. As the day draws to a close, you can indulge in some much-deserved free time for shopping or relaxation.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English speaking guide

Couple in Hai Van pass
Phuc Kien pagoda

Day 11: HOI AN – MY SON

Start your day with a delicious breakfast, then embark on a half-day private tour to My Son. This sanctuary of Cham culture will take you back in time to the grandeur of the Champa people, dating from the 4th to the 13th century. Discover the ancient ruins of My Son holy land and be immersed in the rich history of this civilization.

In the afternoon, spend your leisure time with lounging on the beach or browsing the world of handicrafts and souvenirs in Hoian. You also can simply stroll along the riverside to get a feeling of the old days of the busy Faifo merchant port.

Besides that explore the hidden gems of Hoi An by taking a boat ride to the nearby riverside fishing villages. Here you can immerse yourself in the authentic local culture.

Finally, end your day with a peaceful view of the stunning sunset at the beautiful Dai estuary area. Overnight in Hoi An.

Meal: Breakfast
Tour guide: English speaking guide

My Son sanctuary

Day 12: HOI AN – NHA TRANG

After breakfast, transfer to Da Nang to take your flight to Nha Trang. Arrive at Camranh airport in Nha Trang and go on a drive to the downtown of this sun-washed city. Check in your hotel and be ready for your beach break.

Meal: Breakfast
Tour guide: None

fishing man in Hoian

Day 13: NHA TRANG

Leisure time on beach. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Meal: Breakfast
Tour guide: None

Nha Trang beach

Day 14: NHA TRANG – DA LAT

After breakfast, take some time to bask in the beauty of the beach. Then as you check out, our driver will be waiting to take you on a journey to Dalat, a city known for its romantic and charming highland. The scenic drive offers breathtaking views of natural landscapes that will leave you in awe. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and immerse yourself in the inspiring atmosphere of Dalat.

Meal: Breakfast
Tour guide: None

The serenity of Nha Trang beach
Xuan Huong lake in Dalat

Day 15: DA LAT

Today, at around 8.30 am, our guide and driver will take you out for a city tour. The tour includes the highlights and hidden gems of the city such as the famed Truc Lam Thien Vien Temple, Bao Dai’s villa which is a base for the last Emperor. Onyour way to the villa, you will also get to observe how dried persimmons are made at a nearby far m. Furthermore, you will have the chance to explore the old train station and the ancient cathedral, both of which will transport you back in time. You also can visit Da Lat’s bustling markets packed with produce such as locally grown flowers and fruits. The rest of the day is yours to savor and enjoy. Overnight in Dalat.

Meal: Breakfast
Tour guide: English speaking guide

Truc Lam monastery
dried persimmons farm in dalat

Day 16: DA LAT – HO CHI MINH CITY

After breakfast, check-out and get your transfer to the airport to take a 30 minutes flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, check in your hotel and relax or doing some own strolll to explore around the hotel neighborhood area.

Optional: Or you can experience the thrill of discovering the vibrant streets of Saigon at night and be swept away by the electrifying energy of this bustling city. Our local guides will take you on a journey through the culinary wonders of the city on the back of a motorbike. Indulge in the authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine on a street food tour while uncovering hidden alleyways and the best-kept secrets of Saigon’s food scene.

Overnight in Saigon.

Meal: Breakfast
Tour guide: None

Vibrant bui vien street
Explore Saigon by mortorbike
Hop on a vintage Vespa for Saigon sightseeing

Day 17: HO CHI MINH – CU CHI TUNNEL

Today in the morning, we start our tour to all the hot spots including Central Post Office, Reunification Palace and the provocative War Remnants Museum. You can browse for some souvenirs at the bustling BenThanh market or stroll along the ancient Rue Cardinal (now Dong Khoi Street) to see how fascinating and extraordinary the city’s life is. After lunch, we drive to the outskirts of the city to Cu Chi and witness the tremendous work done by V.C and guerrilla fighters during the Vietnam war, the massive network of tunnels that remains to these days. The evening is at your own leisure.

Meal: None
Tour guide: English speaking guide

Tour guide at Cu Chi tunnel
Cu Chi tunnel tour

Day 18: HO CHI MINH CITY – MEKONG DELTA

We will meet at lobby of the hotel then transfer to Cai Be town. When we arrive at Cai Be, board on our boat. You will have a welcome drink, along with the introduction to the ship. Lunch is served while en route.

The cruise slips into the canal, in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the river traffic, between markets and churches. This is a unique opportunity for a glimpse of the very varied life on the banks as well as on the water. Take a trip to a village on the riverbanks to discover the way of life and kindness of the locals. You can even wander through nearby orchards and rice fields and discover the wonders of this breathtaking place.

Back on board and rest on the deck enjoying the sunset. Dinner is served on boat. Overnight on board.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour guide: English speaking guide on board

local life in Mekong Delta
Cycling tour in Mekong delta

Day 19: MEKONG DELTA – HO CHI MINH CITY

We may get up for breakfast as early as 06:30 am. The ship then departs towards Can Tho. Arrival in Cai Rang floating market, transfer onto a local boat to navigate through and visit the floating market, the nearby arroyos and gardens and return to the Ninh Kieu pier. By mid-morning, the boat trip will end on shore at Can Tho where we will take our private vehicle back to Ho Chi Minh city. Check in our hotel and relax at your own leisure. Dinner is up to you.

Meal: Breakfast
Tour guide: English speaking guide

cai rang floating market
Enjoy Mekong boat trip

Day 20: HO CHI MINH DEPARTURE

After a late breakfast, you are free for last minute shopping or wait until transfer time to airport for your departure flight.
End of services.

Meal: Breakfast
Tour guide: None

Ho Chi Minh street

Pricing

Category Price valid from Jan 1st – Dec 31th, 2023 (per person in US dollar)
2 people 3 – 4 people 5 – 6 people 7 – 8 people Single supplement
Superior $2,714 $2,322 $2,067 $1,916 $733
Deluxe $2,994 $2,602 $2,346 $2,195 $994
Luxury $3,588 $3,195 $2,940 $2,789 $1,548

 

ACCOMMODATION

Cities Hotel Category
Superior Deluxe  Luxury
Ho Chi Minh Sanouva
Deluxe room
Liberty Citipoint
Deluxe room
Nikko
Deluxe room
Hue Alba Spa
Deluxe room
Eldora
Deluxe City View room
Indochine Palace
Palace Deluxe room
Hoi An Mulberry Collection Silk Village
Deluxe Room
Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel & Spa 
Deluxe Room
Almanity
My Spirit (Superior) room
Hanoi Hanoi Brilliant Hotel
Deluxe Room
Anatole Hanoi Hotel
Deluxe Room
Hanoi Peridot Hotel
Premier Deluxe
Halong Bay Garden Bay Cruise
Deluxe cabin
Lily Cruise
Deluxe cabin
Indochine Cruise
Junior Suite
Mekong Mekong Eyes Cruise
Superior cabin
Bassac Cruise
Deluxe cabin
Song Xanh Sampan
Private Cruise
Nha Trang Michelia Nha Trang
Superior room
Liberty Central
Deluxe room
Mia Resort
Garden View room
Sapa My Boutique Hotel
Deluxe room
Aliana Boutique Sapa
Deluxe room
Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa
Classic room
Ninh Binh Lalita Boutique
Deluxe room
Ninh Binh Hidden Charm
Deluxe Room
Tam Coc Garden Resort
Deluxe Garden Room
Da Lat Du Parc Hotel
Standard room
Ngoc Lan TTC Premium Hotel
Deluxe room
Ana Mandara
Villa room

 

Include & Exclude

TRIP INCLUSIVE

  • All private transfer and transportation
  • Domestic air tickets for flight Hanoi – Hue, Danang – Nhatrang, Dalat – Saigon
  • Accommodation shared in Twin/Double room with daily breakfast
  • Experienced local English / French speaking guide
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary
  • All sightseeing tickets
  • Water and tissues on coach
  • Services charges and government tax
  • Dragon Boat in Hue
  • Private double/twin cabin in Halong
  • Boat trip in Mekong Delta
  • Approval document for visa on arrival (1 month single entry)
  • Train ticket to Lao Cai/ Sapa in return route

TRIP EXCLUSIVE

  • International flights & departures taxes
  • Beverage
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
  • Vietnam visa stamping fee.
  • Others not mentioned above

 Note:

* Check in time: 02.00pm – Check out time: 12.00pm.

* Price is based on minimum 2 people sharing 1 double/ twin room. Single supplement is surcharged when one person occupy one room.

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