Trip summary

Day 1: Saigon Arrival

Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels and City Tour (B, L)

Day 3: Saigon to Mekong Delta (B, L, D)

Day 4: Mekong Delta to Saigon (B)

Day 5: Saigon to Dalat (B)

Day 6: Dalat to Hoi An (B)

Day 7: Hoi An (B)

Day 8: Hoi An to Hue (B, D)

Day 9: Hue (B)

Day 10: Hue to DMZ and Phong Nha (B)

Day 11: Phong Nha – Paradise Cave (B)

Day 12: Phong Nha to Hanoi (B)

Day 13: Hanoi (B)

Day 14: Hanoi to Halong Bay (B, L, D)

Day 15: Halong Bay to Hanoi (B/Brunch)

Day 16: Hanoi to Sapa (B)

Day 17: Sapa – Ban Khoang and Ta Phin (B)

Day 18: Sapa – Sau Chua, Sa Seng, Hang Da, Hau Thao (B)

Day 19: Sapa to Hanoi – Departure (B)

Overview

From the energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the quiet mountain landscapes of Sapa, this 19-day journey traces Vietnam in its full geographical and cultural range. Designed as a south-to-north exploration, the program connects major landmarks with everyday life, balancing well-known sites with more reflective experiences along the way.

The route follows the natural rhythm of the country. Begin in the Mekong Delta, where river life shapes daily routines, before moving to the cooler highlands of Dalat and the historic trading port of Hoi An. Continue north through Hue’s imperial legacy and the historical landscapes of the former DMZ, then into the cave systems of Phong Nha. In the north, Halong Bay offers a change of pace on the water, followed by time in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and the mountain communities of Sapa.

This is not a fast-moving highlights program, but a considered journey through Vietnam’s contrasts—urban and rural, lowland and highland, past and present. Throughout, Travelmates ensures a steady pace, reliable logistics, and locally grounded guidance.

Highlights

• Cruise through the Mekong Delta with overnight stay on a traditional-style river vessel.
• Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels for insight into Vietnam’s wartime history.
• Experience Dalat’s highland landscapes, colonial architecture and historic rail line.
• Walk through the preserved heritage streets of Hoi An Ancient Town.
• Travel over the Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most scenic coastal routes.
• Discover Hue’s Imperial Citadel and royal tombs, with a hosted local dining experience.
• Visit the former DMZ, including Vinh Moc Tunnels and Ben Hai River.
• Explore the caves of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park.
• Overnight cruise in Halong Bay among limestone karsts and quiet coves.
• Walk Hanoi’s Old Quarter and experience its street-level food culture.
• Trek through Sapa’s highland villages, meeting Red Dao and Black Hmong communities.
• Travel seamlessly from south to north with carefully planned logistics and local guides.

Day 1: Saigon Arrival

Xin chào and welcome to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, your Travelmates guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the city. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Accommodation: 2 nights
Meals: None

Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels and City Tour (B, L)

Ho Chi Minh City, still commonly referred to as Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest city and commercial capital. Dynamic and fast-moving, it reflects the country’s rapid development while retaining reminders of its complex past.

This morning, travel to the remarkable Cu Chi Tunnels. Originally constructed during the war years, this vast underground network stretches more than 250 kilometres and extends across multiple levels below ground. It offers powerful insight into the resilience and resourcefulness of those who lived and fought here.

Return to the city for lunch at a traditional local restaurant, where you will enjoy a bowl of Vietnam’s iconic pho. In the afternoon, visit key landmarks including the War Remnants Museum, the French colonial Notre Dame Cathedral (exterior), the Central Post Office, and the Municipal Theatre (exterior). Stroll along Dong Khoi Street, pass Ho Chi Minh Square and the historic Rex Hotel. As the sun sets, you may choose to enjoy a drink at the rooftop Saigon Saigon Bar (at personal expense). Evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 3: Saigon to Mekong Delta (B, L, D)

Travel south to the Mekong Delta, often referred to as Vietnam’s “rice bowl” and the country’s most fertile agricultural region.

Upon arrival, board your overnight cruise and begin exploring the waterways of the Mekong. After lunch on board featuring regional specialties, cruise through narrow canals and tributaries, observing daily life along the riverbanks. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through a riverside village and surrounding plantations before returning to the boat. Dinner is served on board as the sun sets over the delta.

Accommodation: 1 night onboard
Boat: Bassac Mekong Cruise (2-berth cabin) or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Mekong Delta to Saigon (B)

After breakfast, continue cruising through the smaller canals. Visit a lively floating market, where traders exchange produce directly from their boats, continuing a tradition that has endured for generations. Stop at a local family-run producer before disembarking.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon. Evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Saigon to Dalat (B)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Dalat in the Central Highlands. Established by the French in the early 20th century as a hill station retreat, Dalat is known for its cool climate, pine forests and faded colonial elegance.

Visit a peaceful Zen monastery set amid landscaped gardens, then continue to the historic Dalat Railway Station. Enjoy a short train journey to Trai Mat hamlet, evoking the charm of colonial-era travel. Conclude the day at Dalat’s central market, where vibrant displays of fresh produce, flowers and local goods offer a glimpse into everyday life.

Accommodation: 1 night
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Dalat to Hoi An (B)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Danang, then continue by road to Hoi An. Once one of Southeast Asia’s most important trading ports, Hoi An reflects centuries of cultural exchange, visible in its architecture influenced by Chinese, Japanese and European merchants.

Please note: Flights between Dalat and Danang do not operate daily; the itinerary may be adjusted accordingly.

Accommodation: 2 nights
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Hoi An (B)

This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Visit a traditional merchant house, a Chinese Assembly Hall and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.

The afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace or relax by the river.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Hoi An to Hue (B, D)

After some free time in Hoi An, travel north to Hue via the scenic Hai Van Pass, one of the most spectacular coastal drives in Vietnam.

Hue, set along the Perfume River, was the imperial capital under the Nguyen Dynasty and remains a cultural and spiritual centre. This evening, visit a nearby village and enjoy dinner hosted by a local family, sampling regional specialties.

Accommodation: 2 nights
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 9: Hue (B)

Visit the Imperial Citadel, former seat of the Nguyen emperors (1802–1945). Although heavily damaged during the Tet Offensive in 1968, much of the complex is being carefully restored.

Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s most iconic religious monument. In the afternoon, visit the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, set among tranquil gardens and lakes.

Later, meet young artisans supported by the Spiral Foundation, a social enterprise providing vocational opportunities through handicraft production. Participate in a hands-on activity using recycled materials.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Hue to DMZ and Phong Nha (B)

Travel north to Quang Binh Province. En route, stop at the Ben Hai River, which marked the boundary between North and South Vietnam during the division period, and visit the Vinh Moc Tunnels, where entire families sheltered during wartime bombardment.

Continue to Dong Hoi in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: 2 nights
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Phong Nha – Paradise Cave (B)

Explore Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic karst landscapes and cave systems.

Visit Paradise Cave, one of Asia’s largest dry caves, and walk along elevated wooden pathways into its vast interior. After lunch (not included), take a boat journey along the Son River to Phong Nha Cave, once used as a Cham sanctuary. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Phong Nha to Hanoi (B)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. After check-in at your hotel in the Old Quarter, enjoy a guided walking tour through local markets and food stalls. Sample regional specialties such as che (sweet dessert soup), banh tom (shrimp fritters) and banh cuon (steamed rice rolls). Stop at a traditional bia hoi venue for a refreshing local draft beer.

Accommodation: 2 nights
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Hanoi (B)

Begin with a walking tour of the Old Quarter’s 36 historic streets. Visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university.

Continue to Ba Dinh Square and visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (exterior), House on Stilts, Presidential Palace (exterior) and One Pillar Pagoda.

Return to your hotel mid-afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Hanoi to Halong Bay (B, L, D)

Drive to Halong Bay and board your overnight cruise. Recognised as Vietnam’s most iconic natural landscape, the bay is dotted with thousands of limestone islands rising dramatically from the sea.

Cruise through the bay while enjoying a fresh seafood lunch on board. Overnight on the boat.

Accommodation: 1 night onboard
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Note: Cruise itinerary subject to weather conditions

Day 15: Halong Bay to Hanoi (B/Brunch)

Enjoy an early morning in the bay before continuing your cruise. Brunch is served on board prior to disembarkation. Return to Hanoi in the afternoon.

Meals: Brunch

Day 16: Hanoi to Sapa (B)

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to gain insight into the country’s diverse ethnic communities before driving approximately five hours to Sapa. Arrive in this mountain town set amid dramatic highland scenery.

Accommodation: 3 nights
Meals: Breakfast

Day 17: Sapa – Ban Khoang and Ta Phin (B)

Drive to Ban Khoang and begin your trek through a peaceful valley to a Red Dao village. Gain insight into local agricultural practices and daily life.

After lunch, continue walking through fields and forested paths toward Ta Phin village, home to Red Dao and Black Hmong communities. Return to Sapa by vehicle at the end of the trek.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 18: Sapa – Sau Chua, Sa Seng, Hang Da, Hau Thao (B)

Transfer to the trekking point and begin your walk through Black Hmong villages, passing Sau Chua and Sa Seng. Observe traditional stone houses and mountain farming practices.

After lunch in the village, continue toward Hang Da at approximately 1,800 metres above sea level, offering panoramic views over the Muong Hoa Valley. Walk onward to Thao Hong Den before descending to Pho Village, where your driver will meet you for the return to Sapa.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 19: Sapa to Hanoi – Departure (B)

Enjoy free time before returning to Hanoi or transferring directly to the airport for your onward flight. Your Vietnam Grand Discovery concludes here.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None

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.
• 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