Vietnam Cultural Highlights 14 Days

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our friendly driver and guide will greet you warmly. Relax during your comfortable 35-minute transfer to your hotel, then check in and settle into your accommodation.

If you arrive early, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Wander through the charming Hanoi Old Quarter with its bustling 36 streets and sample delicious Vietnamese street food, or simply relax at your hotel after your journey.

Meal: None
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

Embark on a comprehensive tour of Hanoi’s most captivating attractions, diving deep into the city’s rich culture and history.

Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, home to the Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and his humble stilt house. Next, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university founded in the 11th century. Discover Buddhist teachings at a peaceful lakeside pagoda, then explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where you can try traditional activities and folk games like calligraphy and “O An Quan” (Mandarin Square Capturing). This morning offers a fascinating journey through Vietnam’s cultural heritage and Ho Chi Minh’s enduring legacy.

In the afternoon, wander the narrow, winding streets of the Old Quarter, once famous for their specialized craft guilds. Many streets still carry names reflecting the goods traditionally made or sold there. Cap off your day with a traditional water puppet show celebrating Vietnamese folklore and culture.

The evening is yours to experience Hanoi’s vibrant nightlife. Explore hidden corners of the Old Quarter and savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

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

After breakfast, check out at 8:30 AM and journey to the charming rural town of Tho Ha for an authentic off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Discover the remnants of ancient rice paper production and a historic village known for crafting miniature coffins. Cross the Cau River by boat and watch locals demonstrate traditional rice paper-making techniques.
After this enriching morning, return to Hanoi for lunch.

The afternoon is free for you to discover Hanoi’s hidden gems independently.

Overnight in Hanoi.

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

After breakfast, embark on a 2.5-hour journey to Halong Bay, where you’ll experience this natural Wonder of the World aboard an overnight cruise.

Enjoy lunch while sailing past breathtaking scenery – thousands of limestone karsts rising dramatically from the emerald waters like dragons’ teeth.

In the afternoon, visit an authentic floating fishing village and meet fishermen whose families have lived and worked on these waters for nearly three generations. Learn about their unique culture and daily life.

As evening approaches, sip sunset drinks or join a cooking class on board before enjoying a delicious dinner. After dinner, choose to watch a movie, play board games, indulge in spa treatments, or simply relax before bed.

Overnight on the cruise.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide on board

Wake to the gentle sounds of waves, fresh sea breeze, and stunning bay views. Enjoy breakfast on board, then explore magnificent limestone caves.

Cruise back to the harbor, taking in final views of Halong Bay’s spectacular scenery. Disembark around 11:30 AM, where your driver will be waiting to transport you back to Hanoi.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, rest briefly at a day-use hotel near the train station. That evening, our team will escort you to your cabin for the overnight train journey to Lao Cai.

Overnight on the train.

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

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

Trekking for vibrant Sapa paddy fields

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

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

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

Dong Ba market

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 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

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

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

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

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!