Overview

This 15-day journey offers a balanced exploration of Vietnam, connecting the cultural depth of the north with the energy of the south. Beginning in Hanoi, the route moves through the limestone landscapes of Ninh Binh and Halong Bay, before continuing along the central coast to Hue and Hoi An. The journey concludes in Ho Chi Minh City and the waterways of the Mekong Delta.

Along the way, the program blends major landmarks with everyday experiences. Walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, cruise among karst formations, travel over the Hai Van Pass, and engage with local life in Tra Que village and the Mekong Delta. Each destination is approached at a measured pace, allowing time for both guided exploration and personal discovery.

Designed for first-time visitors seeking a comprehensive yet manageable itinerary, this journey reflects Vietnam’s diversity—historical and contemporary, urban and rural—while maintaining comfort, continuity, and local insight throughout.

Highlights

• Explore Hanoi’s historic landmarks and walk through the Old Quarter.
• Visit Ninh Binh’s karst landscapes with boat journey through Tam Coc.
• Overnight cruise in Halong Bay among limestone islands.
• Discover Hue’s Imperial Citadel, royal tombs and Perfume River.
• Travel over the scenic Hai Van Pass along Vietnam’s central coast.
• Walk through the preserved heritage town of Hoi An.
• Visit My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO-listed Cham site.
• Experience rural life and cooking in Tra Que vegetable village.
• Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s landmarks and wartime history at Cu Chi Tunnels.
• Cruise through the Mekong Delta with village visits and local encounters.
• Balanced pacing with a mix of guided touring and leisure time.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (-)

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival into Noi Bai Airport, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in Central Hanoi. The rest of the day is free for your own discovery of the capital or just relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities to recover from jetlag. 

Meal: none

Overnight: in Hanoi

Day 2: Explore Hanoi  (B,L)

Meet your guide at 8am to begin your city tour with a visit to Ho Chi Minh Square (Ba Dinh), dedicated to the father of modern Vietnam – Uncle Ho, to see his Mausoleum (see notes below), view the Presidential Palace, his house on stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda. Continue your tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature - Vietnam's first university now dedicated to Confucian worship. 

After stopping for a local lunch (either "Pho" rice noodles served with beef or " Bun Cha" rice noodles served with barbecued pork), you will visit the Ethnology museum. This will give you a fascinating insight into the lifestyle, culture and customs of Vietnam's various minority groups. 

You then visit the “Hanoi Hilton” - the nickname given to a prison built by the French where U.S pilots were imprisoned during the Vietnam War - part of the site is now converted into a museum. Continue to explore the soul of the city with a brief walking tour through the fascinating Old Quarter - 36 ancient streets where you can observe the daily bustle of life around the markets where locals continue to trade as they have done for centuries. Ending your busy day with a stop at a local coffee shop for Hanoi's famous drinks - egg coffee.

Important message:

Please note that the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is accessible only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays between 7:30am and 10:30am. The Mausoleum is closed for annual maintenance in September for 2-3 months and can only be viewed from the outside. All other sites in the Ho Chi Minh complex are still accessible during this period. Entry to the Presidential Palace is not permitted.

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight: in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi to Ninh Binh (B,L)

After breakfast you will be picked up and driven to Ninh Binh. On the way, stop at Quang Phu Cau, the incense village to learn about the fabrication process and for a colorful photo session. Then, head to Mua Cave to challenge the 500 steps to reach the top. You will be rewarded by the most beautiful view on the valley and Tam Coc site

Time for lunch in a local restaurant

After lunch, you will reach Tam Coc boat pier. A relaxing 2 hours cruise on Sampan (traditional wooden boat) will take you in the middle of fairy landscapes. Passing through karst pics, pagodas and under caves, it is an unforgettable experience.

To end the day, you will visit Bich Dong Pagoda, a three-level architectural complex with a deep meaning of Buddhist spirit.

Back to the hotel to relax. Dinner and evening at leisure

Overnight in Ninh Binh

Day 4: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay (B/L/D)

06.45- 7am: This morning you leave for spectacular Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.  See the stunning Karst seascape formed by limestone pillars standing like sentinels in this wonderful and evocative Bay. You board the best quality wooden junk for sightseeing and after lunch can indulge activities such as swimming and fishing. Have the option of being rowed around the amazing fishing villages dotting the shoreline inlets or kayak yourself.  Dinner on the junk is an occasion to remember as the standard of food and service is very good with the addition of beautiful scenery.  Enjoy a restful night in an air-conditioning ensuite room while on your classic Vietnam trip.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight:  overnight cruise

Day 5: Ha Long Bay back Hanoi (B)

Get up early for a Tai Chi session on deck.  Have a drink and snack before visiting an amazing cave complex.  Back on the junk, enjoy a leisurely brunch and relax on deck to take in a last glimpse of Ha Long bay before your return to Hanoi, arriving late afternoon. The evening is at leisure with many restaurants to choose from.  Soak up the ambience of Hanoi and its nightlife and maybe take a last stroll to Hoan Kiem Lake, a magnet for locals at night and early morning too.  

Meals: Brunch

Overnight: in Hanoi

Day 6: Hanoi to Hue (B)

Fly to Hue and discover another magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site as Hue was the Imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945. Despite the devastation of war Hue still retains many featured buildings and its traditional culture and charm. 

Visit impressive monuments and the old Imperial Citadel, a magnificent building for the use of the king, royalties and officers. 

A visit to the lively Dong Ba market nearby is next. Strolling around is pleasant and so is a cyclo tour.  Relax and take the weight of your feet!

Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Overnight in Hue

Day 7: Inside Hue  (B, L)

Hue is such an elegant city to visit while on your Vietnam Tours. Our morning starts with a boat ride on the romantic Perfume River with a visit to the charming ancient Thien Mu Pagoda.  You will also see the majestic and dignified Emperor Tombs of the Kings from the Nguyen Dynasty: Minh Mang, Khai Dinh and Tu Duc. 

A visit to the unique and distinctive Garden Houses is a must.  Exuding calmness and tranquility they are a peaceful oasis.  Most have links to the Imperial Court and some have royalty or mandarin connections.   

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight in Hue

Day 8: Hue to Hoi An over Hai Van pass (B)

Today, the road itself is an adventure. Travel over the legendary Hai Van Pass, where winding roads reveal breathtaking views of the sea and cloud-kissed mountains. Pause to admire the turquoise waters of Lang Co Beach and the shimmering expanse of Tam Giang Lagoon. 

In Da Nang, discover the Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone peaks dotted with hidden caves and ancient shrines. 

Then continue to Hoi An, a World Heritage town whose timeless streets and lantern-lit evenings enchant every traveler. Check into your hotel and take a leisurely stroll through the riverside, where colorful façades and quiet courtyards hint at centuries of global trade and cultural exchange.

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 9: Inside the My Son Sanctuary (B)

This morning we visited another World Heritage site, My Son Sanctuary, resembling a mini Angkor Wat.  This holy setting is both unique and distinctive.  Explore the remains and origins of the remarkable temples and towers of the Cham civilization and listen to many interesting stories in this stunning and tranquil valley setting.  

Your afternoon in Hoi An is at leisure.  Explore the fine houses, pagodas and temples with their Chinese, Japanese and French influence to complement Vietnamese artistry.  Hoi Ann is for relaxation and a delight at night with a few shopping streets now pedestrian only. Be quick and you may get a silk garment made overnight.  

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 10: Experience Tra Que Vegetable Village (B,L)

Tra Que is a small village located 2 km north-east of Hoi An Ancient Town and is famous for delicious fresh herbs and vegetables grown in the special local farming tradition for over 300 years.

Starting from your hotel in Hoi An at 8AM, cycle a short distance through picturesque countryside to the quaint village of Tra Que. 

After a refreshing welcome drink, join a local family for the morning and get 'hands-on' to learn about some of the unique farming methods unique to Vietnam. You will have a chance to interact closely with the people of this region experiencing an interesting cooking class of a traditional dish or making local rice paper. 

You will also get to enjoy a herbal foot massage after the activities. After a local lunch (or dinner) 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 11: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City (B)

The flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, takes only 75 minutes.  It is the most dynamic city in Vietnam and the business heartbeat.  After hotel check-in and lunch you will have an orientation tour visiting places agreed with your guide. With free time in the evening, stroll around the central area but as with Hanoi mind the human tidal wave of motorbikes!  Maybe do a bit of shopping or people watch or watch a game of shuttle badminton using feet instead of a racket!  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight in Saigon

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)

Your Travelmates guide will meet you at 8am for a journey west to see Cu Chi tunnel network which stretches over 250km and extends to three levels underground providing you with remarkable insight into the hardships, courage, determination and terror of a guerrilla war.

Upon arrival, you will spend a couple of hours walking around Cu Chi’s rugged grounds with a local guide. Hear how the residents constructed an intricate, underground network of tunnels during the country’s recent wars. Crawl underground (optional) and have a look at the tiny chambers, imagining what life was like for those who lived there. Once above ground, see other ingenious items used by the residents to defend themselves such as bamboo traps and camouflaged pits. 

Throughout the tour, the guide will explain the impact of war on the local community and the country as a whole. Following this insightful visit, journey back to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch.

After lunch, visit perhaps the city’s most famous landmark - the Reunification Palace. Now preserved in a time warp, the ‘war rooms’ in the basement plus the opulent display’s are fascinating.

Stroll through lovely 30 April Park to the Central Post Office. Here, you can also glimpse the former CIA building, where one of the last helicopter evacuations took place in 1975.   

Finish up the day at another historic site, the Ben Thanh Market. Still functioning as a local neighborhood market, the central location also welcomes travelers with a variety of stalls. 

Having gained greater understanding of Saigon's culture and history, return to the hotel or your next destination.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Saigon

Day 13: Mekong Delta (B, L)

Your guide will meet you at your hotel at 8am for a full day tour to the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam, the Delta is the most fertile region in the country and the main producer of rice and tropical fruits. 

Board your private boat at My Long pier and begin cruising along the tranquil Tai Phu canal, surrounded by coconut jungles and swaying palms. Visit a local coconut workshop and charcoal mill. Learn how every part of the coconut is used—from crafts to fuel.

Step ashore and take a short walk to a local farmer’s house. Observe how traditional coconut jam is made, enjoy some tea, and sample fresh jam. Choose between biking along peaceful village paths or hopping on a tuk tuk through the coconut groves of Thuan Dien. Interact with local farmers and observe everyday rural life.

Board a traditional rowing boat and float through the shaded Cai Tac small canal, a peaceful waterway ideal for nature photography and quiet reflection.

Enjoy a delicious local lunch at a riverside restaurant, featuring Mekong Delta specialties. Relax and take in the laid-back ambiance of the countryside.

Continue by boat to a coconut candy mill. Watch how candy is handmade, taste fresh sweets, sip honey tea, and enjoy live traditional music performed by locals. Cruise back toward the pier, stopping en route at a traditional brick kiln. Witness how bricks are made completely by hand and capture great photo opportunities. Disembark at Phong Nam Pier. Return to Ho Chi Minh City by late afternoon. 

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch 

Overnight in Saigon

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City (B)

This day is free at leisure for your own exploration of the city 

Optional tourings - prices available on request for specific guest number

• Saigon City by Vespa Half Day Private Tour

• Join in a Hands-on Cooking class

• An Evening Street Food Tour by Vespa 

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight in Muong Thanh Grand Saigon Centre or similar

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)

This day is free at leisure until you are picked up from your hotel for a transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Though the journey concludes, it opens the door to lasting memories and stories waiting to be shared — of a land rich in history, culture, and soul.

Meals: Breakfast

General Inclusions

• Group airport transfers without guides
• Accommodation (twin/double share), check-in time: 14:00, check-out time: 12:00
• Meals specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfasts, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
• Domestic air ticket (Hanoi to Hue, Danang to Ho Chi Minh), 20 kg checked baggage, 7 kg hand baggage
• Boat trip in Ha Long, Mekong Delta
• All entrance fees for touring as itinerary
• Stationed English speaking tour guides for touring in each city.
• Bottle water (3 bottles x 500ml per bottle for a full day tour, 2 bottles for a half day tour and 1 bottle for arrival transfer).
• Child 0 – 5 years old: 10%, 6 – 10 years old: 50% (sharing bed with parents, maximum 2 children per couple), 100% of adult price if requiring a separate bed

General Exclusions

• Prices are for Twin and Double share per person.
• Single supplement. 
• Vietnam visa 
• Travel Insurance for medical and accidents within Vietnam 
• Compulsory dinner on 24 Dec and 31 Dec if applicable - surcharge will be advised separately
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal expenses such as: laundry, shopping, beverage, etc.
• International arrival or departure flights
• All others services not mentioned in inclusions