Vietnam Discovery Tour 14 Days / 13 Nights

Explore the nation’s capital and its most iconic attractions. Start with the Ho Chi Minh complex, where you will see the One Pillar Pagoda, the house on stilts where the former leader lived, and his Mausoleum. Next, visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the city, dating back to the sixth century. You will also see Quan Thanh Temple, one of the four Sacred Temples of Hanoi. Then, explore the Temple of Literature, a tranquil sanctuary that was the first university of Vietnam. Admire the architecture and the gardens of this cultural treasure.

For lunch, enjoy a delicious bowl of pho, the most famous Vietnamese dish.

In the afternoon, learn about the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam at the Museum of Ethnology, a modern and impressive museum. Return to the city center and browse through Dong Xuan market and the Old Quarter. 

In the evening, hop on a scooter and ride along the Long Bien Bridge, West Lake, Hoang Dieu Street for some amazing views and photo opportunities. Pass by the Opera house, the Metropole Legend Hotel and the Hanoi Cathedral. Finish your day with a cup of smooth egg coffee at Pho Co Café, and then have some free time to discover Hanoi by night.

Overnight in Hanoi

At 7am, begin your journey to Sapa in a shared limousine bus following the Noi Bai-Lao Cai highway. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the northwest mountains with terraced fields along the way. You will have a 30-minute break on your trip. 

At 12:30pm, arrive at Sapa and have lunch at a local restaurant. Check in to your hotel and meet your guide. Then proceed to the hill tribe villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van. These villages are home to the Black Hmong and Dzay people, who are very friendly and welcoming. Enjoy a delightful walk through the valley, surrounded by beautiful rice terraces and villages.

Overnight in Sapa

In the morning, drive up the mountain and admire the amazing view of Mount Fansipan. 

Along the way, observe rose flower farms and chayote plants growing on bamboo frames, covering a large area. Stop at the beautiful Silver Waterfall before continuing your drive to the Heaven’s Gate and Tram Ton Pass, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam at 2,047m above sea level. Walk around and enjoy the stunning scenery of both sides of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Note how the weather conditions may differ on each side: it is often foggy and cloudy on the Sapa side, but sunny and clear on the other side. 

Later, drive down for about 7km to visit some green farms in O Quy Ho where various kinds of vegetables, flowers, fruits and medicinal plants are grown. This makes this part of Sapa always green. 

Next, take a cable car to Fansipan Mountain, the highest point in Indochina at 3,143m. This is the world’s longest and highest cable car which runs from Sapa right to the summit. Enjoy the stunning view from the peak of this magnificent mountain. The lush green subtropical vegetation makes this area extremely beautiful. Make some shots and take away some unforgettable memories from the rooftop of Indochina. 

Later, return to Sapa by cable car. 

In the evening, transfer to Lao Cai railway station. Have dinner near the railway station while waiting for the night train to Hanoi. 

Overnight on the train

Arrive in Hanoi early in the morning where you will be greeted by your Hanoi guide. Taste a bowl of traditional Hanoi pho, a delicious Vietnamese noodle soup, for breakfast. Your tour guide will explain the Vietnamese dining etiquette and the special ingredients used in the soup. 

After a brief break, head to Van Long Nature Reserve in Ninh Binh, a scenic wetland surrounded by limestone mountains and home to diverse wildlife. Van Long is the largest and most intact inland wetland in the northern region of Vietnam, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The highlight of this tour is the boat journey through a winding stream with a visit to Tam Coc (the Three Caves). Tam Coc is also known as “Halong on Dry Land” because of its spectacular scenery of limestone crags and rice fields. Then visit the Mua (Dancing) Cave, the most beautiful place in Ninh Binh, where you will be stunned by the panoramic view of Tam Coc and the limestone massifs. Time permitting, visit Bich Dong pagoda, a charming temple complex.

Overnight in Ninh Binh

At 8am drive to Halong bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning natural beauty. Its name means “The Descending Dragons” in Vietnamese. The bay features more than a thousand islands of limestone that jut out of the sea, and some of them have incredible caves within. 

Arrive at the pier, board the cruise and start exploring this amazing bay. Enjoy a wonderful journey among the surreal islands in the calm emerald green waters. 

At night, you will anchor on the bay and savor a delicious seafood dinner on board.

Overnight on board

Note: the Halong itinerary may vary depending on the latest cruise itinerary updates

Start your day early in the morning with coffee and tea on the sundeck, along with a Tai Chi class. After breakfast, keep exploring the bay and some of its many caves. 

Lunch is served on board as you head back to the docks. 

After disembarkation, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Danang. 

Upon arrival and pickup by your tour guide and driver, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight at Hoi An

Start off the day with a stroll through the ancient town of Hoi An, a former trading hub on the Thu Bon River. Hoi An has a rich history of cultural exchange and commerce, dating back to the Cham civilization from the 2nd to the 10th century. Later, it became a popular destination for merchants and missionaries from various countries, such as India, China, Japan, Portugal, France, and more. They left their mark on the architecture and culture of Hoi An, creating a unique blend of influences. Today, Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a charming place to explore. 

Start with the Japanese covered bridge, a symbol of Hoi An that was built in the 16th century by the Japanese community to connect with the Chinese quarter. Then, visit the Phuc Kien assembly hall, a beautiful temple that was founded by the Fujian Chinese in the 17th century to worship their ancestors and gods. Proceed to the Phung Hung old mansion, a typical example of Hoi An’s architecture that combines Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese elements. The house is over 200 years old and has been preserved by eight generations of the same family. Later, learn more about Hoi An’s history, culture, and art by visiting one of the Hoi An museums (either the Sa Huynh Culture Museum or the Ceramics Trade Museum). Stop by Quan Cong temple, built in 1653 by Chinese immigrants who worshipped Quan Cong, a famous Chinese general and a symbol of loyalty, integrity and justice. The temple has a unique architecture that reflects the classical Chinese style, with colorful carvings, paintings and statues.

At the end of the tour, taste the famous banh mi sandwich, a delicious fusion of Vietnamese and French cuisine in its Hoi An iteration. 

Then, you will have some free time to stroll leisurely in the old town, soak up the atmosphere, learn more about its original culture, shop for custom-made clothing, lanterns, shoes and food.

Overnight in Hoi An

In the morning, drive along the magnificent Hai Van (Ocean Clouds) Pass, a 21-km-long road that winds through the mountains between Danang and Hue. It is one of the most picturesque roads in Vietnam, offering panoramic views of the sea and the sky from 500 metres above sea level.

On arrival, explore the Royal Complex, the former residence of the Nguyen Dynasty, who ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. Discover the historic and majestic walled Citadel, which houses the former Imperial Palace and the Forbidden Purple City. 

In the afternoon, visit the tomb of Tu Duc, one of the most impressive royal mausoleums, and then take a cruise on the Huong (Perfume) River to admire the ancient Thien Mu Pagoda. 

On the way back to the city, stop by a local workshop and learn how incense sticks and traditional conical hats are made. 

At the end of the day, enjoy a royal dinner at an old Hue restaurant, where you can taste the exquisite cuisine of the former emperors.

Overnight in Hue

Take a morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City, also known and often referred to by its traditional name Saigon. 

Upon arrival, visit the War Remnants Museum which displays the history and consequences of the wars in Vietnam. The museum is a member of the International Network of Museums for Peace and was established on September 4, 1975. Next, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office, two iconic examples of French colonial architecture. The Post Office was built between 1877 and 1883 by Gustave Eiffel, the renowned designer of the tower in Paris that proudly bears his name. To honor the city’s Chinese heritage, pay a visit to Thien Hau Pagoda, a temple built in 1863 by the Chinese community of Saigon and dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, and the Cho Lon market, a bustling place to shop for local goods. Time permitting, visit Saigon docklands (without taking a boat trip on the river) and other parts of the city.

Overnight in Saigon

In the morning, drive to Ben Tre, a hidden gem in the Mekong Delta that has recently emerged as a destination of its own. This tranquil place offers more than just lush greenery, winding canals, and friendly smiles. It also reveals the rich culture and traditions of the local people. Find out how they make bricks and grass mats using ancient methods, and how they produce various goods from coconuts. Marvel at the scenic views of the countryside, with its coconut palms, yellow rivers, and colorful markets. Feel the tropical breeze on your skin and the cool water on your feet as you explore the rural paths. Sample and savor the local exotic fruits, fresh dishes, and sweet treats, such as wet rice paper, coconut candy, and green tea. Immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of the delta, from the boats to the music to the people. Listen to their stories and jokes, appreciate their hospitality and modesty, and enjoy a traditional music performance.

Overnight in Saigon

Morning airport transfer for a short flight to Phu Quoc Island. 

On arrival, hotel transfer, check in, and the rest of the day free at leisure. Enjoy the splendor of the beaches in Phu Quoc at your own pace. 

Overnight in Phu Quoc

After breakfast at your hotel, you have the option of snorkelling or lounging on the beach. Alternatively, hire a motorbike and discover the island on your own.

Overnight in Phu Quoc

Enjoy some free time until transfer to the airport for the return flight to Saigon and then check in for your outbound flight at the airport’s international terminal.