From Hanoi to Saigon: Discover Vietnam Heritages | Authentic Tour – 17 Days

Welcome to Hanoi, enjoy a walking tour in the old quarter

After landing at Noi Bai Airport, you will be welcomed by your tour guide and driver at the arrivals hall. Enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, where your guide will provide an introduction to the city's main attractions, culture, traffic, and cuisine. Check into your hotel upon arrival.

Note: check-in time is 14:00 and take a moment to relax.

In the afternoon, join your guide for a walking tour of the city. Begin at Ba Da Pagoda, a serene location in a quiet alley just steps away from the Hanoi Great Cathedral, built during the French colonial period. Your tour will take you through historic streets like Lan Ong Street, known for its traditional medicine shops, and Lo Ren Street, famous for its metal crafts. Visit Dong Xuan Central Market, the largest market in Hanoi, then continue to Ta Hien Street. This vibrant area is renowned for its lively street food scene and nightlife, where you can sample various local foods for an unforgettable evening.

Note: If your flight arrival late or you are jet leg after long flight, the walking tour will be moved to the city tour day.

Included:
English speaking guide
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Exploring the center of culture & education Van Mieu, outstanding museum of ethnology, visiting French Quarter and discovering Old town

Your day begins at 9:00 AM with a pickup from your tour guide to visit the Temple of Literature, built in the 11th century under the Ly dynasty. This site was dedicated to Confucius and was an educational institution for royal children. Enjoy a walk through its gardens and view Khue Van Cac, a symbol of the city. Next, explore the "stone steles," commemorating exceptional students, and Quoc Tu Giam, the first national university of Vietnam.

Afterwards, visit the Ethnology Museum (closed on Mondays) to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture through its exhibits on traditional clothing, tools, musical instruments, and ethnic group houses. Plan to spend around two hours here.

In the afternoon, discover the French Quarter, a district reminiscent of Paris with its elegant boulevards, government buildings, and expansive square. You’ll have a chance to see Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum from the outside before strolling through the botanical gardens, where you’ll find the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s former residence on stilts. You’ll also visit the distinctive One-Pillar Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s iconic landmarks. Depending on the number of travelers, exploring this area may take between 1 and 2 hours.

End the day with a water puppet show, a traditional Vietnamese performance featuring puppets on water that portray the culture and daily life of the Vietnamese people, accompanied by traditional music.

Return to your hotel to conclude the day.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Leisure: Water puppet
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Biking to Thung La temple and then a boat trip in Van Long Nature Reserve, embroidering experience

Your journey begins at 8:00 AM with a transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, where you'll drive through the charming Red River Delta countryside, characterized by its picturesque rice and vegetable fields.

You can choose to bike for 15km or walk through the local villages. As you follow the dyke, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of rice fields, a river, and limestone formations. There will be several stops for photos and interactions with locals before you visit Thung La Temple, a historic site from the 11th century. You'll meet Mr. Tuong, the temple keeper, and witness a 20-minute drum performance.

Afterwards, take a sampan boat ride through the scenic Van Long Nature Reserve, surrounded by limestone mountains. With luck, you might see white monkeys and egrets on the cliffs. Following the boat trip, visit an embroidery village and participate in a workshop led by Mrs. Lam, a local craftswoman who will teach you traditional embroidery techniques. This is a great chance to practice the craft yourself.

End your day with a return transfer to your hotel in Hanoi.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Van Long
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Bike: Ninh Binh
Leisure: Thung La temple music
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Cruising from Halong to Lan Ha bay, swimming & kayaking, cooking class

Starting at 9:00 AM, you'll be picked up from your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter for a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive to Lan Ha Bay via National Highway No. 5B. As you travel through the Red River Delta, enjoy the views of rice fields and villages. There will be a break for drinks and a restroom stop before continuing to the harbor around noon, where you’ll be greeted warmly at the cruise reception.

At 12:00 PM, you’ll arrive at Tuan Chau Port in Quang Ninh province, where the Peony Cruises team will welcome you.

By 12:30 PM, you'll board a support vessel that will transport you to the Peony Cruises. During this time, you'll receive a briefing about the itinerary.

At 1:00 PM, you'll be welcomed aboard with refreshing drinks and wet towels, followed by a special lunch featuring fresh, delectable dishes. The cruise will then head towards Lan Ha Bay, known for being one of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays.

At 3:30 PM, visit the Tra Bau area, renowned for its natural beauty and scenic seascapes. This is a great opportunity for kayaking or to enjoy the Jacuzzi pool on the cruise.

From 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, take part in a cooking demonstration to learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese spring rolls. Alternatively, enjoy the sunset from the top deck of the cruise and take advantage of Happy Hour - BUY ONE GET ONE FREE at the bar, ideal for capturing the sunset in photos.

At 7:30 PM, indulge in a delicious dinner featuring local cuisine prepared by our skilled chef in an intimate and romantic setting.

From 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM, relax with exotic cocktails at the sky bar (additional charge), enjoy a spa service (optional), or unwind on the top deck under the stars. You may also try your hand at squid fishing on the main deck.

Included:
Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Tuan Chau
English speaking guide (on board)
Meal: B, L, D
Entrance fees
Kayak: Halong
Leisure: Swimming,Squid fishing
Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Peony Cruise - 2D1N(Deluxe Balcony Cabin)
5/33B Pham Ngu Lao street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Exploring Trung Trang Cave, visiting Cat Ba National park, Transferring back to Hanoi for a night train to Quang Binh

6:00 AM: Start your day with an invigorating Tai Chi session as you watch the sunrise over the horizon.

6:45 AM - 7:15 AM: Enjoy breakfast while cruising back to Gia Luan jetty. Please note that breakfast timing may vary based on the actual schedule.

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Explore the Cat Ba World Biosphere with a tour. It takes about 30 minutes to transfer from Gia Luan to Trung Trang Cave, one of the most remarkable caves on Cat Ba Island, Vietnam. The limestone cave is adorned with thousands of stalactites in various shapes and offers significant geological and ecological interest.

9:30 AM: Return to the main boat, check out of your cabin, and place your luggage outside your cabin.

Enjoy an early lunch at the restaurant and settle any bar bills (if applicable).

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Disembark from Peony Cruises and transfer back to Tuan Chau Port.

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Arrive at Tuan Chau Port and be prepared for the next leg of your journey.

Meet your driver at the harbor for a 2.5-hour drive back to Hanoi via the new Highway No. 5B, passing through the Red River Delta and local villages. You will be dropped off at your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter.

In the evening, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Hanoi Train Station for an overnight train journey to Quang Binh.

Included:
English speaking guide (on board)
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Leisure: Morning Tai Chi
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Train:SE3 (Hanoi - Dong Hoi) / 19:20 - 05:29 - Deluxe( 4 berths / cabin) / 06 tickets

Discovering the beauty of Phong Nha & Paradise Caves

On arrival at Dong Hoi Airport, you’ll be welcomed by your tour guide and driver. If you're flying in rather than arriving by train, you’ll take an early morning flight to Quang Binh Province, known for its narrow width and the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2003. The park, covering 85,754 hectares, is renowned for its karst plateaus, rainforests, and impressive underground caves and rivers, and is home to a variety of unique species.

You’ll embark on a one-hour drive through the rural countryside to reach the national park, where you will explore Phong Nha Cave. Discovered in 1994, this cave is famous for its underground river and its striking stalactites and stalagmites. A boat ride on the Son River will take you to the cave’s impressive entrance, followed by a leisurely walk through its fascinating features, including Bi Ki Cave and Celestial Palace.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Paradise Cave (Thien Duong Cave) in the afternoon. Discovered in 2005, this cave is renowned as the longest in Asia, stretching 31.4 km with heights of 60 meters and widths from 30 to 100 meters. After a short walk through the forest, you’ll explore this spectacular cave and its grandiose formations.

You’ll then transfer to your hotel, check in, and spend the night in this peaceful town.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Phong Nha
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Phong Nha Lake House(Deluxe Pool view)
Hung Trach hamlet, Bo Trach district, Quang Binh , Vietnam

Visiting Vinh Moc tunnel, Hien Luong Bridge and travelling to Hue

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will travel to Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Along the way, you'll visit the renowned Vinh Moc Tunnels, a network of tunnels dug by local people between 1965 and 1967. Spanning 1.7 km in length and reaching depths of 10 to 23 meters, these tunnels served as a bomb shelter during the Vietnam War, showcasing the resilience and bravery of the Vietnamese people.

Your journey continues with a stop at the historic 17th Parallel. Established by the Geneva Accords, this site marked the border between Communist North Vietnam and Non-Communist South Vietnam. Here, you’ll visit the museum, flag tower, Ben Hai River, and Hien Luong Bridge to gain insight into the historical significance of this area.

Arriving in Hue in the late afternoon, you will check into your hotel. The evening is free for you to explore the ancient capital at your own pace.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Rosaleen Boutique Hotel(Deluxe Double Room)
36 Chu Van An street, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam

Full day for Hue city discovery, Perfume River boat trip, excursion to Tien Non, Thanh Tien, Sinh village, the most well-known Thien Mu pagoda and Hue Citadel
Your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Huong River (Perfume River) for a royal boat trip, providing a unique chance to explore the riverside villages east of Hue. Arriving at Tien Non village, you’ll disembark and enjoy a bike ride through the countryside, visiting Tien Non, Thanh Tien, and Sinh villages to experience rural life.

In Tien Non, observe local villagers working in fields and visit a family worship house. Then, travel to Thanh Tien village, renowned for its 400-year-old paper flower tradition. Visit Mr. Hieu’s workshop to learn the art of paper flower making. Continue to Sinh village, the birthplace of Hue’s traditional folklore prints, where Mr. Phuoc will demonstrate the printmaking techniques. You’ll have the chance to purchase some beautiful souvenirs before returning to the city by boat.

In the afternoon, visit the historic Thien Mu Pagoda, founded in 1601. It is an iconic site in Hue, known for its impressive octagonal tower and panoramic views of the Perfume River.

Next, tour the Hue Citadel, the emblematic site of the former imperial city. The Citadel is divided into three sections: Kinh Thanh (Capital City), Hoang Thanh (Imperial City), and Cam Thanh (Forbidden City). Key attractions include the flag tower, South Gate, Palace of Supreme Harmony, Dynasty Temple area, and residential quarters.
You will return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B
Boat: Sinh - Tien Non
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Bike: Hue
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Rosaleen Boutique Hotel(Deluxe Double Room)
36 Chu Van An street, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam

A short trip to Khai Dinh Tomb before traveling to Hoian, passing by Hai Van pass, Cham sculpture museum. Hoi An half day city

7:30 AM: Begin your day with a pickup from your hotel to visit the Khai Dinh Tomb, constructed between 1920 and 1931 on Chau Tru Hill. This tomb is unique for its fusion of Eastern and Western styles. A climb of one hundred steps leads you to the main worship hall, where you’ll see stunning porcelain mosaics, a grand ceiling mural, and a small museum of royal relics. The descent provides panoramic views of the tomb and the surrounding area.

Drive to Hoi An, traveling through the scenic Mandarin Road and the Hai Van Pass. At the top of the pass, stop to enjoy the breathtaking views of the ocean and Da Nang city. Upon arrival in Da Nang, visit the Cham Museum, renowned for its extensive Cham cultural collection. Next, walk along My Khe Beach, where you can view the impressive statues at Linh Ung Pagoda and photograph local fishermen. Continue driving along the coastline to Hoi An.

In the afternoon, explore Hoi An, known for its well-preserved Old Town from its days as a prominent Southeast Asian trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries. Discover the cultural influence reflected in its historic architecture, religious sites, and the traditional lifestyle of its residents.
Visit Cam Pho, one of Hoi An's oldest communal houses, built to symbolize prosperity and foster cultural and business exchanges with Chinese and Japanese traders.

Proceed to Chua Cau, or the Japanese Covered Bridge, a 17th-century structure connecting the Japanese and Chinese districts. The bridge retains its historical charm.

Next, explore the Quan Thang Ancient House, an excellent example of traditional Hoi An architecture with beautiful woodwork by Kim Bong craftsmen, offering insight into local family life.

Conclude your tour at the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, built in the 17th century as a meeting place for Fujian residents and a shrine to Thien Hau. Enjoy the colorful courtyard fountains, ornate gates, and intricately carved dragons.

Return to your hotel or enjoy free time to explore Hoi An on your own.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Delicacy Hotel & Spa(Deluxe City View Room)
116 Hung Vuong, Hoi An, Quang Nam , Vietnam

A great day to Kim Bong, Tra Nhieu, Cam Thanh village, boat trip & biking in countryside, interact with local people.

Move from your hotel and cycle to Hoi An pier. Board a ferry to cross the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong Village, enjoying the fresh air and stunning views during the trip.

Kim Bong Village is renowned for its wood carving, a skill that blends traditional Vietnamese methods with influences from China and Japan. Explore the village by bike, observe local life, and visit a carpenter’s workshop to see their impressive craftsmanship. Wooden souvenirs are available for purchase.

Continue cycling along scenic routes through rice paddies and bamboo bridges to Tra Nhieu Village. Immerse yourself in the traditional rural lifestyle of central Vietnam and meet local artisans such as Ms. Duoc, who weaves mats; Mr. Kha, who creates bamboo baskets; and Mr. Huynh Ri, a talented carpenter. Enjoy the views of palm trees, rice fields, and working farmers.

From Tra Nhieu, embark on a boat ride on the Thu Bon River to Cam Thanh Village. Along the way, take in the sights of fishing farms and water palm trees. In Cam Thanh, board a small round bamboo sampan boat and enjoy crab catching in the water palm forest—an enjoyable and relaxing activity.

Afterward, visit fisherman Mr. Phong’s home for a break. Enjoy green tea and a foot massage with medicinal herbs from his garden. Join a cooking class with fresh vegetables and herbs from Tra Que Village, learning to prepare traditional dishes like crispy pancakes with meat, shrimp, and beansprouts, Hoi An spring rolls, Tam Huu, and grilled fish in banana leaves. Enjoy your self-prepared meal.

Return to your hotel in the afternoon.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Tra Nhieu - Cam Thanh,Cam Thanh
Entrance fees
Bike: Hoi An
Leisure: Foot massage
Cooking class: Cam Thanh
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Delicacy Hotel & Spa(Deluxe City View Room)
116 Hung Vuong, Hoi An, Quang Nam , Vietnam

Exploring My Son Sanctuary, Champa culture, unique architecture. Then fly to Ho Chi Minh City

8:00 AM: Your day starts with a pickup from your hotel by your tour guide and driver. Embark on a half-day journey to the sacred My Son Valley, 40km from Hoi An. My Son was a crucial center of the Champa Kingdom, known for its religious and intellectual significance, and may have also been used as a burial site for royalty.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, My Son is home to 70 ancient brick and stone temples from the 7th to the 13th centuries. Your guide will provide insights into the site’s cultural, historical, and architectural importance as you explore. The tour also includes a traditional Champa dance performance before you leave.

Afterward, transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. At Tan Son Nhat Airport, a guide and driver will meet you. During the 30-minute drive to the city center, your guide will give you an overview of Ho Chi Minh City’s main attractions, dining, traffic, and local culture.

Arrive at your hotel for check-in.

Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Flight :VN143 (DAD - SGN) - (Direct) / 20:10 - 22:05 - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 06 tickets
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Discovering Saigon city with the best highlights: Independence palace, Binh Tay market, China town, Quan Am pagoda and Fito Museum of traditional medicine

9:00 AM: Travel from your hotel to explore the Independence Palace. This historic site was once the home and office of South Vietnamese Presidents. See the North Vietnamese tank that famously breached the palace in 1975, ending the Vietnam War. The five-story building retains its 1960s and 1970s decor, including a basement bunker.

Continue with a walking tour to the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, an example of French colonial architecture built between 1863 and 1880. It’s a charming and historic part of the city.

Next, stroll to Nguyen Hue Walking Street and visit the Saigon Central Post Office, a beautifully designed building by Gustave Eiffel that is still in operation.

Drive to Binh Tay Market, located in the heart of Saigon’s Chinatown. This bustling market is the largest in the city, featuring a variety of stalls with clothing, souvenirs, and food. The market’s food court is perfect for trying local street food.

Visit the Quan Am Pagoda, one of the oldest temples in the city, dedicated to Guan Yin and embodying elements of Taoism and folk worship.

End with a visit to the FITO Museum, where you can explore traditional medicinal herbs, ancient potions, and antique medical tools.

Return to your hotel at the end of the day.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Special excursion to Cu Chi tunnels and then visiting Cao Dai temple.

8:00 AM: Depart from your hotel for a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the most significant sites from the Vietnam War. The Cu Chi Tunnels are an extensive underground network spanning over 250 kilometers, used by the Viet Cong during their resistance against American forces. These tunnels, painstakingly dug over twenty years with just pickaxes and shovels, include areas you can enter for an immersive experience. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Ben Duoc Memorial Temple nearby, a less-touristic site built in 1993 to honor the Vietnamese who lost their lives at Cu Chi.

Next, proceed to the Cao Dai Temple, a sacred site of Caodaism, a uniquely Vietnamese religion incorporating elements from Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and even Roman Catholicism. If timing allows, you can witness the midday mass ceremony.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you'll return to your hotel in the afternoon.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

From Saigon to Mekong discovery: Boat trip & biking in Ben Tre, visiting typical craft village, interact local people, garden tour, overnight in a homestay

8:00 AM:move from your hotel and head to Ben Tre, a beautiful Mekong Delta area known for its coconut candy.

Arriving at Hung Vuong pier, board a boat to cruise along the Ben Tre River and witness the daily activities of the locals. Continue your boat ride through a canal to Nhon Thanh Village, where you can enjoy fresh fruit tastings. Choose to explore the area by bike (or tuk-tuk), passing through village paths and enjoying views of coconut trees, rice paddies, and vegetable plots.

Lunch in the village will feature elephant ear fish. After dining, take a short walk to delve deeper into local life, followed by a boat ride on a small canal shaded by wild palm trees. Travel for about an hour to Cai Lay, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your homestay host. Engage in making Banh Xeo Nam Bo, a traditional regional dish, with your host.

Dinner and overnight accommodation in Cai Lay.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L, D
Boat: Ben Tre
Private transportation
Tuk Tuk: Ben Tre
Cooking class: Ben Tre homestay
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Hai My's Homestay(Standard Room)
864 Provincial street, Dong Hoa hamlet, Tam Binh village, Cai Lay district, Tien Giang , Vietnam

Mekong discovery: Enjoying fruit garden tour, Kien An Cung pagoda, Huynh Thuy Le's house

Enjoy breakfast at your homestay before setting out on a 1 to 1.5-hour bike ride from Dong Hoa to Tam Binh. The route offers views of durian, sapota, and longan orchards, and gives you a chance to interact with local residents and visit a village market. Afterward, return to the homestay for refreshments.

For an extended adventure, take a 1-hour walk along a local trail or bike to Ngu Hiep Island, known for its fertile lands due to the Mekong River’s alluvial deposits. If biking isn’t ideal for you, ask the tour guide about using a motorbike as a passenger.

Travel to Long Xuyen via Sa Dec, where you'll visit Kien An Cung Pagoda and Huynh Thuy Le’s house, a setting in Marguerite Duras’s L’Amant. Explore the lively Sa Dec market, rich in local produce. Continue to Long Xuyen for a visit to a Cao Dai temple and a crocodile farm before checking in to your hotel for the night.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Bike: Ben Tre
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Hoa Binh 1 Hotel(Standard Room)
130 Tran Hung Dao street, Long Xuyen city, An Giang , Vietnam

Mekong discovery: Long Xuyen floating village, Cu Lao Ong Ho island. Back to Ho Chi Minh City

In the morning, transfer to the floating market and floating village in Long Xuyen which are animated and authentic on a small tributary of the Mekong River. Discover the daily activities of people living by the river. Enjoy a boat trip to Cu Lao Ong Ho where there is a small museum about our famous president Ton Duc Thang. Take a bike ride on the island and enjoy the beauty of the peaceful landscapes.

Take the road back to Saigon and check in your hotel in late afternoon.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Long Xuyen
Private transportation
Bike: Long Xuyen
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Transferring to airport for flights to next destinations

Private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby for about 30 minutes to Tan Son Nhat airport (international or domestic hall according to your request). Thanks for the visit to our city.

Note: International flights require you to be at the airport 3 hours and domestic is 2 hours before departure time.

In the rush hour (07:00 – 08:30 AM and 16:30 – 18:30 PM), it takes around 1 hour from city center to Tan Son Nhat airport.

Included:
Meal: B
Private transportation
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day