Vietnam Cultural Highlights 14 Days
4.4 8

Itinerary

This Vietnam tour 2 weeks includes the most-wanted destinations from the north to the south. You will have a perfect view and capture all of the highlights of Vietnam’s culture, history, and cuisine. Yet still be able to enjoy the natural landscapes, pristine beaches, and the daily life beauty of local people with this Vietnam itinerary for 14 days.

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the charming but bustling Hanoi old quarter
  • Enjoy the stunning landscapes in Sapa and surrounding areas with various options for trekking lovers
  • See the magnificent Ha Long Bay, together with an overnight cruise experience on board
  • Explore the long history of the Imperial City Hue and its ancient royal structures, dating back to the 18th century
  • Wander around the amazing but reminiscent Hoi An town and An Bang beach
  • Walk through the ancient ruins of My Son to see in your lifetime and recall the once-glorious days of the Champa Kingdom
  • Take a brief glance into the Southern metropolitan – Saigon and daily life in the Mekong Delta

Besides if you want to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations or focus on specific cultural or local exploration, let us know your travel preferences, and we’ll create a customized itinerary just for you! You can also check out our list of  Vietnam holiday packages all inclusive for more itinerary ideas.

Day 01: HANOI ARRIVAL

Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our friendly driver and guide will warmly welcome you. A comfortable vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel, which is approximately a 35-minute drive away. After checking in, take some time to relax and settle in.

If you arrive early in the day, you have the freedom to spend the rest of the day at your leisure. You can stroll around on your feet to explore the charm of Hanoi Old Quarter with its vibrant 36 streets and enjoy Vietnamese street food, or simply unwind at your hotel after a long flight.

Meal: None
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

Vietnam-Cultural-Highlights

Day 02: HANOI CITY TOUR

Embark on a full-day tour of Hanoi, where you’ll discover the city’s top attractions and immerse yourself in its rich culture and history.

This day tour will give you a chance to explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which consists of the Presidential Palace, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and his stilt house, is one of the destinations on the day tour of Hanoi.

Additionally, you have the opportunity to go to the first national institution, The Temple of Literature, which was founded in the eleventh century. In a tranquil pagoda by a lake, you can learn about Buddhist principles. Explore a variety of activities and Vietnamese folk games, such as calligraphy and mandarin square capture (O An Quan), at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

This morning is a captivating journey through history, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s cultural heritage and the legacy of Ho Chi Minh.

Back in the Hanoi Old Quarter, make your way along the winding lanes that were renowned for their guilds that produced specialty crafts. Today, the names of the streets still refer to their location or primary commodity.

After that, you’ll take part in a customary water puppet display that showcases Vietnamese folklore and culture.

For the rest of the day, you are free to enjoy Hanoi nightlife. Don’t miss a chance to explore the nooks and crannies of the old town and delve into delicious Vietnamese cuisine.

We’ll stay overnight in the Hotel in Hanoi.

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

One pillar pagoda

Day 03: THO HA VILLAGE

A hearty breakfast will prepared for you before you check out the accommodation at 08:30. Then we’ll depart to the picturesque rural town of Tho Ha for an amazing off-the-beaten-path excursion.

Let’s find the remains of a town that produced rice paper and a village that made miniature coffins in antiquity. You also have a chance to observe a local’s sharing method for manufacturing rice paper while traveling across the Cau River on one of the boats.

After a marvelous morning excursion, we’ll turn to Hanoi for lunch.

This is your free time to unveil the Hanoi Hidden gems on your own

Let’s spend one more night in Hanoi to recharge your energy and prepare for tomorrow’s journey.

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

Tho Ha village

Day 04: HANOI - HALONG BAY

After breakfast, you’ll travel approximately 2.5 hours to Halong Bay, where you’ll delve into the Wonder of the World with wonderful overnight cruises.

Lunch will be served while you sail along the bay and admire the stunning landscape. Thousands of limestone islets rise from the ocean in the mysterious bay like dragons’ fangs.

Later in the afternoon, you will go to a real fishing community, where you will have the chance to interact with fishermen who have been working in the water for nearly three generations. You also have a chance to explore their culture and daily life.

Before indulging in a sumptuous supper on land, you will watch the sunset while sipping drinks or taking a cookery class back on board.

After having dinner onboard, you can opt to participate in movie night, play board games, or unwind in the spa before retiring for the night.

You’ll spend all night to sleep on the cruise.

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

Travel Halong Bay from Hanoi

Day 05: HALONG BAY - HANOI – TRAIN TO LAO CAI

With the sounds of the waves, the breeze, and the fresh air, let’s wake up and say hello to the new day on the bay. Breakfast will be served on board.

A morning exploration of limestone caves is waiting for you.

Then we’ll return to the boat for one more look at Halong Bay as you sail back to the port. By 11.30 a.m., the boat has arrived at the harbor, and your driver is there to take you back to Hanoi.

Once in Hanoi, let’s take a short rest later in a modest hotel close to the train station. Our crew will then accompany you to your cabin on the train to Lao Cai later that evening. Train overnight travel.

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

Halong bay Kayaks

Day 06: LAO CAI – SAPA/LAO CHAI – TA VAN

In the early morning, you’ll arrive at Lao Cai train station. From there, a one-hour drive will take you to your accommodation in Sapa, a picturesque town nestled amidst the enchanting Northwest Mountains of Vietnam. Prepare yourself for an exciting trekking tour as you witness the mesmerizing dance of clouds in this breathtaking region.

Have breakfast in Sapa Town and visit the Sapa wet market today before embarking on a 3- to 4-hour trek through the majestic Muong Hoa Valley.

Travel via the H’mong and Dzay villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van. Your trip is made authentic by the breathtaking scenery and the stroll you take along the way with the indigenous people.

We’ll visit a neighborhood restaurant for lunch en route. Your car is waiting to take you back to Sapa town on the main road.

You are free to do as you choose the rest of the day. Spend the night in Sapa.

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

Rice terrace in Ta Van, Sapa
Trekking for vibrant Sapa paddy fields

Day 07: SAPA/MATRA – TA PHIN – TRAIN TO HANOI

Have some free time to explore Sapa town after breakfast at your accommodation. Then, check out of your accommodation around lunchtime, and ride a 5-kilometer ride to Sapa’s northeastern region.

Take a car away from this location to reach the H’mong settlement of Ma Tra Village. Immerse yourself in the authentic rural life of the local ethnic communities and experience the tranquility of this picturesque village.

Start a journey through the mountain after this town to get to Ta Phin village. The Red Dzao and the Black Hmong live here in a cooperative traditional craft community.

Following is the Ta Phin Town is encircled by stunning mountains with the scenery is breathtaking. Ta Phin Village is renowned for its traditional handicrafts, such as weaving, embroidery, and batik dyeing and they often showcase their techniques to visitors.

Back on the main road, your car will be ready to transport you to Lao Cai so you can board the overnight train to Hanoi. We’ll continue to train overnight travel.

*If it is Tuesday, Thursday, Sat or Sunday, we will recommend visiting some of the most beautiful markets in Northwestern Vietnam

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

Visit Ta Phin village in Sapa

Day 08: HANOI – FLY TO HUE

Arrive at the Hanoi railway station this morning to meet our driver, who will transport you to the airport to catch the early flight to Hue – a captivating city in Central Vietnam that showcases the grandeur and architectural splendor of Vietnam’s imperial past.

Our tour guide and driver collect you up and then transport you to your Hue hotel. Check-in and unwind till our driver and guide arrive to take you up for a royal-style supper to showcase Hue’s lovely and upscale cuisine.

Sleep at your hotel tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

imperil in hue city tour

Day 09: HUE CITY TOUR

Today is a Hue city tour to explore the excellent history of Vietnam through famous attractions in Hue.

After breakfast at the hotel, we meet up with our local guide once more to begin our day-long exploration of Hue’s ancient Imperial City, which is home to numerous exquisite royal structures.

Then, we’ll take a dragon boat down the Perfume River, stopping at Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest and most important Buddhist sites.

Following a meal at a neighborhood eatery, continue to the most famous Tu Duc’s tomb and Hue’s largest Dong Ba Market.

After a long day, you’ll have free time to explore the tranquil Hue by night and we’ll stay the night in here.

**Note: These attractions are famous and may attract crowds. If you have any requests for off-the-beaten-track and less touristy, please contact with our travel consultants. We’ll customize your itinerary to fit with your preferences.

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

Hue imperial

Day 10: DA NANG – HOI AN

Today will be the journey to the historic town of Hoi An. You may have two choices after a satisfying journey via the picturesque Ocean Clouds Mountain Pass (Hai Van pass) before reaching Hoi An:

  • A trip to Golden Bridge Vietnam in Ba Na Hills, Da Nang, is one alternative.
  • A visit to Da Nang’s Marble Mountains and Cham Museum is an additional choice.

The well-known Hoian ancient town will then be your destination. A local restaurant will offer lunch before you check into your accommodation and have some free time.

We go on a walking tour of the Old Quarter in the afternoon to see the Chinese Embassy Halls and the Japanese Covered Bridge. One represents the Chinese influence on the town, while the other is a symbol of the historical connection between Japan and Vietnam.

Following for this afternoon’s sightseeing is Tan Ky House – a beautifully preserved 18th-century merchant’s house that showcases the architectural fusion of Vietnamese.

Then we’ll continue to visit the Phuc Kien Pagoda – a stunning Chinese-style pagoda known for its intricate wood carvings and vibrant decorations.

The early evening will be free time for leisure activities or shopping. Don’t miss a chance to witness the romantic Hoi An by night with colorful lanterns.

We’ll stay in Hoi An hotel overnight.

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

bicycle in Hoi An ancient town

Day 11: HOI AN – MY SON

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a half-day private tour to My Son, the center of Cham culture. Explore the ancient My Son holy site’s remains and consider the Champa people’s heyday, which spanned the 4th through the 13th centuries.

Spend your free time in the afternoon relaxing on the beach or exploring Hoian’s handicrafts and souvenir markets. You can also just stroll along the riverfront to get a sense of the bustling Faifo merchant port of the past.

After a fulfilling afternoon, return to your hotel in Hoi An for a comfortable overnight stay. Reflect on the experiences of the day and prepare for more exciting adventures in the days ahead.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

Explore-My-Son-Quang-Nam

Day 12: HOI AN – DA NANG – HO CHI MINH

Our driver will pick you up at the hotel this morning and take you to the airport in time for the early departure to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). When you arrive, our driver and guide will greet you and take you to the city center to check into your hotel.

We begin our half-day city trip in Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon with signature famous attractions just a few highlights:

  • The Old Post Office: Stunning colonial-era building in Ho Chi Minh City with shops and cafes.
  • Notre Dame Cathedral: Iconic landmark in Ho Chi Minh City with a striking red brick facade and beautiful stained glass windows.
  • Independence Hall: Historical site in Ho Chi Minh City with significance in Vietnam’s history, especially during the Vietnam War.
  • War Remnants Museum: Somber museum in Ho Chi Minh City showcasing the impact of the Vietnam War through photographs and exhibits.
  • Ben Thanh Market: Busy marketplace in Ho Chi Minh City for shopping, street food, and a lively atmosphere.

Besides, on the way, you may well have some local touch moments with lesser-known attractions.

Overnight in HCMC and the evening are your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

Independence-Hall-Ho-Chi-Minh-arrival

Day 13: HO CHI MINH – MEKONG DELTA

After breakfast, we ride in comfort to the southern part of Saigon to the charm of the Mekong Delta region. You’ll have fantastic experiences with off-the-beaten-path life of amiable Mekong farmers and fishermen:

  • Walk through their verdant orchards and sample a variety of in-season tropical fruits
  • Take a modest sampan trip along the winding canals
  • Savor the delectable Mekong cuisine that these friendly natives provide.

We’ll take a transfer back to Saigon after a full of activities in the Mekong region and have a free night to explore vibrant Ho Chi Minh City by night.

*The itinerary may vary depending on which Mekong program you choose.

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

local life on mekong river

DAY 14: HO CHI MINH DEPARTURE

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning before going for a stroll to the central Ben Thanh market area to finish up any last-minute shopping.

Let’s pack your bags and get ready for your journey home or a further extension to the next location. This is also the end of our marvelous journey through Vietnam after 14 days!

ben thanh market

Pricing

Category Price valid from Jan 1st – Dec 31st, 2023 (per person in US dollar)
2 people 3 – 4 people 5 – 6 people 7 – 8 people Single supplement
Superior $1,906 $1,615 $1,427 $1,309 $368
Deluxe $2,112 $1,821 $1,633 $1,515 $560
Luxury $2,418 $2,127 $1,939 $1,822 $846

 

ACCOMMODATION

Cities Hotel Category
Superior Deluxe Luxury
Hanoi Hanoi Brilliant Hotel
Deluxe Room
Anatole Hanoi Hotel
Deluxe Room
Hanoi Peridot Hotel
Premier Deluxe
Halong Garden Bay Cruise
Deluxe
Lily Cruise
Deluxe cabin
Indochine Cruise
Junior Suite
Sapa My Boutique Hotel
Deluxe room
Aliana Boutique Sapa
Deluxe room
Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa
Classic room
Hue Alba Spa
Deluxe
Eldora Hotel
Deluxe City View
Indochine Palace
Deluxe
Hoi An Mulberry Collection Silk Village
Deluxe Room
Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel & Spa
Deluxe Room
Almanity Resort
My Spirit Superior
Ho Chi Minh Sanouva
Deluxe room
Liberty Central City Point
Deluxe
Nikko Hotel
Deluxe

Include & Exclude

TRIP INCLUSIVE

  • All private transfer and transportation.
  • 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
  • Domestic flights: Hanoi – Hue, Danang – Ho Chi Minh City

TRIP EXCLUSIVE

  • International flights & departures taxes
  • Beverage
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
  • Vietnam visa stamping fee.
  • Others not mentioned above
  • Compulsory dinner and peak season surcharges at hotel

Note:

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

* Special offer in Low Season from May 1st – Sept 30th is applied. Please contact us for more details.

* 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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