This 12 day Vietnam itinerary suits travelers who want more than simple sightseeing. Over nearly two weeks, you explore Vietnam’s culture, landscapes, and daily life at a comfortable pace, with meaningful time in places such as Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City. The journey combines guided experiences with free time and moves smoothly from north to south with local expertise. By the end of the trip, you gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam and connect with its rhythm, flavors, and contrasts.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you are warmly welcomed by your English-speaking guide and private driver. After a smooth transfer to your hotel, the rest of the day is kept relaxed to help you recover from the flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a gentle walk around the neighborhood or simply rest.
Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: N/A
Today offers a lively yet well-balanced introduction to Hanoi. In the morning, you explore the city aboard a vintage Hanoi Jeep, allowing you to see both iconic landmarks and authentic local life. The route takes you past the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex from the outside to understand modern Vietnamese history, continues to the Temple of Literature, as Vietnam’s first national university, and includes a visit to Hoa Lo Prison to learn about the country’s colonial past.
After returning to your hotel, the afternoon is free for rest, spa time, or personal exploration. In the evening, you join a guided Hanoi street food tour, sampling signature dishes hidden in the Old Quarter while gaining insight into local dining culture.
Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave the busy capital behind as you travel southwest toward Pu Luong Nature Reserve. The scenic drive gradually reveals limestone hills, terraced rice fields, and traditional villages. Upon arrival, you check in to your eco-lodge nestled in nature. The rest of the day is unhurried, ideal for enjoying the peaceful surroundings, light walks, or simply relaxing with mountain views.
Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a calm morning in Pu Luong, where misty valleys and village sounds create a gentle start to the day. After breakfast, you continue your journey toward Ninh Binh, often called Halong Bay on land. Along the way, landscapes change from remote mountains to open rice plains framed by dramatic karst formations.
Upon arrival, you check in and enjoy a restful evening.
Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast
Today is dedicated to discovering Ninh Binh’s iconic scenery at a relaxed pace. You enjoy a traditional sampan boat ride through limestone caves and gentle river landscapes, followed by time cycling or walking through peaceful villages and rice fields. The experience is completed with visits to ancient temples set against dramatic natural backdrops, allowing you to fully appreciate the quiet beauty of rural northern Vietnam.
Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast
Depart Ninh Binh in the morning and travel to the coast, where your Halong Bay cruise awaits. After boarding, you enjoy lunch as the vessel glides through emerald waters and limestone islands.
The afternoon is spent at leisure with activities such as cave exploration, kayaking, or simply relaxing on deck. As evening falls, you savor dinner onboard while anchored in a tranquil bay and spend the night on the cruise.
Overnight in Halong Bay (on cruise)
Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day begins with a peaceful morning on Halong Bay, often featuring sunrise views and a light activity before brunch. After disembarkation, you transfer to Hanoi airport for your flight to Da Nang.
Upon arrival, you continue by private car to Hoi An, where you check in and enjoy a relaxed evening in this charming riverside town. Overnight in Hoi An
Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Brunch
This morning features a guided walking tour of Hoi An’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shaped by centuries of international trade. As you stroll through the pedestrian lanes, you discover the Japanese Covered Bridge, well-preserved merchant houses such as Tan Ky house, Chinese assembly halls, and small riverside temples. Along the way, your guide shares stories about Hoi An’s role as a major trading port, while you pass lantern-lined streets, art galleries, tailor shops, and historic shophouses that define the town’s timeless charm.
Later, you join the Hoi An Red Bridge Cooking Class, beginning with a visit to the local market to learn about fresh herbs, spices, and everyday ingredients used in Vietnamese cooking. The experience continues with hands-on preparation of classic dishes such as cao lau, fresh spring rolls, and Vietnamese pancakes, guided step by step by experienced chefs, offering both cultural insight and a rewarding culinary experience
Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today is dedicated entirely to relaxation at An Bang Beach. You are free to swim, sunbathe, enjoy beachfront cafés, or indulge in optional spa treatments. With no scheduled activities, the day allows complete freedom and rest.
Tour guide: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Another free day at An Bang Beach allows you to slow down after days of exploration. You may choose to relax by the sea, explore the nearby countryside, or enjoy optional wellness activities, depending on your mood.
Tour guide: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
You transfer to Da Nang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. After check-in, the afternoon is free for rest.
In the evening, you experience the city on a guided Vespa tour, riding through lively streets, local neighborhoods, and hidden food spots, offering a vibrant contrast to the historical north and central regions.
Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a free morning for last-minute shopping or relaxation. At the appropriate time, your private driver and English-speaking guide escort you to the airport for your departure flight.
Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast
This private package tour starts at USD1,380 per person.
Note:
– The price above is for reference only and can be adjusted based on your custom itinerary.
– This tour features comfort-level accommodations. If you’d like to upgrade to premium hotels or customize your itinerary for your 2026 Vietnam visit or beyond, we’re happy to tailor an experience to suit your preferences.
– All prices are listed in US dollars. For quotes in GBP or other currencies, please contact us via this form or email [email protected].
Below are our suggested accommodations at a comfort level. As we offer private tours, your hotel can be selected to match your travel interests. Share with our travel expert your preferences to get the quote within 12 hours by filling out the form below.
| Cities | Hotel category |
| Hanoi |
San Boutique Hotel Hanoi |
| Halong Bay |
Garden Bay Legend Cruise |
| Ninh Binh |
Le Clos De Fil Hotel Ninh Binh |
| Pu Luong |
Pu Luong Eco Garden |
| Hoi An |
Garden Bay Legend Cruise |
| Ho Chi Minh City |
Roseland Corp Hotel |
TRIP INCLUSIVE
TRIP EXCLUSIVE
