22 Days North to South Vietnam Tour and Scenic Halong Bay

ITINERARY

Day 1: Hue – Hanoi | Arrive Hanoi

International Flight: Excluded

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival in Hanoi, our guide will greet you at the airport welcome area and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Then you’re able to relax.

Feel free to enjoy a stroll on your own around Hoan Kiem Lake outside your hotel. Feel free to also pick up a souvenir at the night markets or at one of the many trinket shops in the alleys and small roads of this historic part of town.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi | Best of Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast
See the highlights of Hanoi during your full day city tour, enjoy the visit to cultural, historical and iconic landmarks.

In the morning, we’ll take you to see some of the most significant places in Hanoi.

You’ll begin by seeing the Tran Quoc Pagoda. This 1,400-year-old temple features ten tiers surrounded by gardens and which also hosts a bodhi tree grown from a cutting of the original bodhi tree under which Buddha sat. Next, you’ll pass by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a large memorial where the charismatic Vietnamese leader read the Declaration of Independence in 1945. Not far from here is the One Pillar Pagoda. This millennium -old structure was built on a large stone column in the middle of a pond to resemble a temple seen in the Emperor’s dream.

Then you’ll learn about the highlight of this tour – The Temple of Literature. The ancient university was erected almost a millennium ago and has hosted many of the most prominent scholars through Vietnamese history. The site features many gardens, pools, buildings, courtyards, and ancient trees where the best and brightest of Vietnam studied under the guidance of Confucius teachings.

In the afternoon, you’ll go on to see the Museum of Ethnology to learn about the different ethnicities in Vietnam. Next, you’ll take a stroll around the Hoan Kiem Lake where you can see the Tortoise Tower sitting on the water. You’ll also be able to visit the Ngoc Son Temple, which rests on the lake with a narrow bridge for access.

Turtle Tower in the center of Hoan Kiem Lake

Old Quarter Cyclo Ride

Then you’ll enjoy a half hour cyclo tour through the Old Quarter in Hanoi. The cyclo is a historic mode of transportation in the cities of Vietnam where a cyclist escorts you while you sit in a seat affixed to the front with a canopy over top. In the Hanoi Old Quarter, you’ll enjoy streets full of life with genuine shops and cafes frequented by locals.

The tour finishes with a Water Puppet Show performed by the world-renowned Thang Long Opera House. This performance features a talent unique to Vietnam. You’ll watch as water puppets perform the folklore legends of Vietnam while live ethnic music sets the mood.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi – Sapa | Road Trip to Sapa | Leisure

Meals: Breakfast
Today, you will travel around 4 hours on the newly built highway northward from Hanoi to Sapa through the lush countryside and beautiful mountainsides. Sapa is a lovely small town located near the top of the Annamite Range and surrounded by the ethnic hill tribes. Then you will check in your hotel and enjoy some leisure time.

Accommodation: Victoria Sapa

Day 4: Sapa | Meet Remote Hill Tribes (Lao Chai-Tava-Gian Tour)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You’ll then leave your hotel to visit Lao Chai village while following the road down the mountain. Views of the Muong Hoa valley and magnificent surroundings of mountains and rice terrace fields can be seen from this road. Along the road, you may have a chance to see ethnic groups of H’mong, Giay, Red Dao and stalls serving tea, fruits and sweets. Arrive at the Black H’mong village of Lao Chai, where you will experience the daily life of the villagers. After that, take a walk from Lao Chai to Ta Van village, where the Giay hill tribes live. Here you’ll take a rest and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the local guide in a local house.

After lunch, you’ll trek through the winding hills and venture through a bamboo forest to find a hidden waterfall. Here, you’ll stop to relax. Continue on foot to explore the Red Dao village of Giang Ta Chai where you will also have the chance to see their daily activities. In the afternoon, you’ll return back to Sapa.

Accommodation: Victoria Sapa 

Day 5: Sapa | Authentic Weekly Bazaar of Flower H’mong Ethnic

Meals: Breakfast
Each day of the week, various ethnic village tribes congregate together in remote sections of the mountains. They dress in their finest ethnic garments to represent their tribes as they come together to buy, sell and trade their produce and livestock with other villages. The hill tribe market is a unique opportunity to see the colorful ethnic apparel proudly on display. It is a time of social and community gathering. Finally, return to your hotel and relax.

Note: As different regions have different markets on certain days of the week, we will clarify in the itinerary which market you will visit based on your travel dates.

Sapa Hill Tribes at the Bazaar – 22 Days North South Vietnam Tour Scenic Halong Bay

Accommodation: Victoria Sapa

Day 6: Sapa – Hanoi | Return to Hanoi | Leisure

Meals: Breakfast
Today, you will travel by vehicle back to Hanoi with the view of the lush countryside and beautiful mountainsides along the way. Arrive at the hotel and enjoy your leisure time.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 7: Hanoi – Halong Bay | Voyage Halong Bay with Cruise by Orchid

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, your guide and driver will transfer you to Halong Bay. Upon arrival, enjoy refreshments at Private Lounge until boarding. Then board Orchid Cruise.

Receive a safety briefing and check in your cabins. The boat sets adrift for Da Chong islet, home to an old French lighthouse. Enjoy a sumptuous feast in the panoramic dining hall while en route to the isles of Con Vit and Gia Luan. The bay opens up to you with stunning green karsts towering above the water. This area receives very few cruise ships as it has just been newly opened up. Continue to Ba Trai Dao beach of Lan Ha Bay. A paradise with perfect beaches and natural beauty. Stop at one of the beaches for swimming or kayaking during the afternoon.

As dusk approaches, welcome the sunset with a local specialty – “Ba Kich”(a liquor made from Noni fruit). Back on board, you’ll join a cooking demonstration to learn a few Vietnamese culinary secrets. Enjoy your creation! Then time for supper in the dining hall. Delicious Vietnamese cuisine and seafood in a romantic setting. After dinner, you may enjoy watching the stars from the sundeck, watching a movie in the restaurant, or give night squid fishing a try with the staff(subject to seasonal availability).

Accommodation: Orchid Cruise

Day 8: Halong Bay – Ninh Binh | Halong Bay Sunrise | Bai Dinh Temple

Meals: Breakfast
Rise early for one of the top best sunrises in the world. Then head to the sundeck for an invigorating Tai Chi session amongst a picture-perfect backdrop of karsts, sea, and nature. Enjoy a breakfast in the dining hall before taking a journey to explore the area around Sang Tai sea cave via canoes.

Sunrise at Halong Bay – 22 Days North South Vietnam Tour Scenic Halong Bay

Return back to the pier for check out and then transfer to Ninh Binh.

Check in at the resort with stunning views all around.

Time to stretch your legs! Go with our guide to visit Bai Dinh Temple, the largest temple in Vietnam. This Buddhist temple was built into the mountain with 3 terraces and faces the river. Explore the many halls, rooms, carvings and statues during the late afternoon. Our guide will then take you to the best place for watching the sunset over this untouched part of Vietnam. Shortly afterward, you’ll witness the 13-tier pagoda – Chau Bai Dinh – be lit up for the evening: a true spectacle to behold! Return to the resort for overnight and leisure.

Accommodation: Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh

Day 9: Ninh Binh | Wonders of Ninh Binh

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, enjoy some time at the resort to relax and take in the stunning views. Check out late morning and then you’ll go to visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital. In 968, Dinh Bo Linh declared himself as the King. Since then Hoa Lu existed as the capital for only 41 years. In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long – present-day Hanoi. Hoa Lu became the old citadel. In Hoa Lu, there are now two temples dedicated to two Vietnamese kings, which have been built on the grounds of the old royal palace. The visit offers a chance to learn more about the feudal dynasties and historical periods in Vietnamese history.

Next, you’ll take an amazing boat trip through Trang An Grottoes. A gathering of 31 valleys and 50 cross-water caves are home to 600 kinds of flora and over 200 kinds of fauna many of which are listed in the Red Book of Vietnam. Rowing through the Trang An Grottoes is a peaceful trip of serenity. The highland air is a respite from modern living and the sounds are only that of birds and the oars stirring the clear water. Towering overhead are magnificent forested mountains upon which you might catch a glimpse of grazing white-bearded goats.

Accommodation: Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh

Day 10: Hanoi | Cuc Phuong National Park

Meals: Breakfast
Check out the hotel in the morning and transfer to Cuc Phuong National Park, the largest nature reserve in the country.

You’ll start on foot trekking. There are excellent hiking opportunities in the park. Their park features diverse animal species, several ancient trees, caves and Muong villages.

Cave of the Prehistoric Man: delve inside this huge cave, with only the illumination of your torch(or cellphone). In this cave was discovered one of the earliest human habitations in Vietnam.

Primate Rescue Center is an important rehabilitation center of monkeys and apes in the park. See the different species from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia and observe the process of reintegrating rescued animals into the wild.

The Turtle Conservation Center has over six hundred turtles which are bred and released back into the wild.

After the adventure, transfer back to Hanoi to relax.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 11: Hanoi – Hue | Leisure | Flight to Hue

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning is at your leisure to relax or explore the rest in the city on your own.

Board on an afternoon flight to Hue. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

In the evening, we will take you to a Royal Residence near the Imperial Citadel. First, you’ll be given royal garments to wear for this gala event. Then you’ll be escorted to your own room with “servants” ready to serve you. Live music with ethnic instruments local to Hue will commence a colorful entourage of eight courses. These foods highlight the royal cuisine native to Hue. You’ll be joining dinner with a member of the royal family. The moments that ensue will make for a great addition to your photo album.

Accommodation: La Residence Hotel and Spa

Day 12: Hue | Hue Imperial Citadel and Purple Forbidden City

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, you’ll start with a visit to the Perfume River, a river famed for its natural scenery and numerous flowers that cover its shores. Along the river, you’ll see Vietnamese daily life up close. Your boat will take you to the Tomb of Minh Mang, featuring gardens, many steps, and beautiful decorations.

Then you’ll visit Tu Doc, a compound with the private royal residence and a tomb which also houses the body of one of the wealthiest emperors in Vietnam. Archaeologists have attempted to find his body and the vast treasures, legends have held, that are contained with it. However, these attempts have failed as the body was buried in an inconspicuous place in the large compound unknown to this day. You’ll then continue on to see the Khai Dinh Tomb, a more modern tomb with ornate decorations inside.

Hue Lunch at a Royal Residence

Your ventures will take you to lunch at a royal residence. These imperial styled houses near the Royal Citadel feature beautiful gardens, intricate furnishings, and detailed ornaments at every turn. Each dish highlights different aspects of Hue traditional food enjoyed by the royalty. The brilliant food presentation will be sure to leave a fond memory with you of this family-owned garden and restaurant.

Hue Royal Citadel – 22 Days North South Vietnam Tour Scenic Halong Bay

In the afternoon, you’ll press onward to see the famed Imperial Hue Citadel – the old capital of Vietnam. This Citadel has a moat and wall perimeter 10 km long. You’ll be able to view it’s vast gardens and structure relics. Then you’ll breach the outer perimeter of the Hue Imperial City. Inside, you’ll see many of the national treasures and structures which have survived the Vietnam War. Venture further inside and you’ll enter the Purple Forbidden City. This city was off limits to the commoners and only could be entered by the highest officials in Vietnamese government and royalty. Your driver will meet you on the other side of the city where you’ll then be escorted to a stop at the Dong Ba Market where you can see local fruits and produce for sale.

Accommodation: La Residence Hotel and Spa

Day 13: Hue | Phong Nha Cave

Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, you’ll transfer 200km North of Hue to visit the remote Phong Nha Caves. These caves were recently discovered and comprise some of the largest caverns in the world. They are still being mapped by a team of British and Vietnamese scientists. You’ll take a boat trip to visit some of the more easily accessible caverns. The caves are famous for their rock formations which have been given names such as the Lion, the Fairy Caves, the Royal Court, and the Buddha. Afterward, return to Dong Hoi for lunch before driving back to Hue.

Accommodation: La Residence Hotel and Spa

Day 14: Hue – Hoi An | Mountain Coastal Road Trip to Hoi An | Leisure

Meals: Breakfast
Your tour guide will assist with checking you out of your hotel and then you’ll be escorted by vehicle for a scenic ride along the mountain coasts of Vietnam. Start by riding through the mountains, valleys, countryside, and shorelines where you’ll find numerous breath-taking scenes. Feel free to request your driver to stop for photos along the way. Then you’ll continue to a summit where the clouds will meet you. In Chinese, the summit is referred to as “Where the Clouds Meet the Ocean”. After you cross the summit, you’ll approach a steep and narrow descent where you’ll find the scenery surreal. Along the way, there is a stretch of road which overlooks a beautiful bay with a small fishing village, perfect for a Facebook portrait.

As reach the base, you’ll travel alongside the beaches of Danang where you’ll see hundreds of traditional fishing boats scattered out along the water with beautiful mountains lining the horizon.

Then you’ll approach Hoi An with beautiful countryside, hills, river views, and seaside coasts. Your tour guide and driver will escort you to your hotel for check-in.

At the end of a long lane of sandy beaches, palms and the blue sea turns the Thu Bon River. Take a step back in time 300 years to cobblestone alleys and aged wooden and stone homes. Time stands still in this quiet part of the world where ornate doorways and bridges could keep the curious passerby entranced in amusement. The setting – a Far Eastern port that was forgotten in time. Japanese, French, Chinese and Vietnamese designs and styles melt together along every street.

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery Collection

Day 15: Hoi An | 4th Century Cham Ruins and Hoi An Ancient Port Town

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, you’ll transfer to the My Son Holy Land. Tucked in the mountains up winding roads with serene views, lay the 4th century My Son Holy Land Ruins. The surrounding mountains are strictly forbidden from living or development. The ruins lay in a beautiful surrounding mountainous landscape. You’ll enter the temples while your tour guide gives you the history and stories of the Cham and the site.

Hoi An Ancient Port Town – 22 Days North South Vietnam Tour Scenic Halong Bay

In the afternoon, you’ll continue to visit Hoi An Ancient Town. This town features the 16th-century Hoi An port town in it’s preserved state. You’ll start the day visiting the Museum of Trade Ceramics. This museum houses art and pottery dating from the 1,500s to the 1,700s.

Then you’ll briefly visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, a temple from the 17th century which features China’s influence in the region. You’ll continue through the Ancient Town as the streets take on a magic of their own with old lanterns, French-style houses, intricately carved wooden doors and more. You’ll take a stroll through the Old Tam Ky House to see it’s imperial styles meshed with French overtures. Continue on to stroll along the river and see traditional boats and locals on bicycles passing by. You’ll then approach the Japanese Covered Bridge. This bridge has connected the Chinese and Japanese sides of town over the waterway for centuries. The old wooden structure has shown amazing resilience for more than 400 years.

At dusk, enjoy walking along the riverside as colorful lanterns light up the town. After you’ve finished the tour, you will return back to your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery Collection

Day 16: Hoi An | Traditional Lantern Making

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Learn how to do the famous Lanterns in Hoi An.

In the morning, our local guide will meet you at the hotel and you will ride by bicycle to the home of a craftsman in the old streets. Here you will have a brief introduction to the history, shape, and color of the Lanterns as well as the many stages of making them. You can make your own lantern and keep it as a souvenir.

After that, you will learn to cook traditional Hoi An food, have lunch and relax.

After lunch, you will be shown how to decorate and pack the lantern, before saying goodbye to your host and returning to the hotel by bicycle.

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery Collection

Day 17: Hoi An | Leisure Day

Meals: Breakfast
Today is at your leisure. You can explore the beautiful beaches of Hoi An or explore the rest in the town on your own.

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery Collection

Day 18: Danang – Saigon | Leisure | Flight to Saigon

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning is also at your leisure.

In the afternoon, board a flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Saigon(officially Ho Chi Minh City) is a bustling metropolis of the South and the economic muscle of Vietnam. During the Vietnam War, it was the main base center of the US military with the largest airport in the region. Prior to that, it was under French colonial rule and was an Asian hub of sea trade. The city is based in the Mekong River Delta region – the rice basket of Southeast Asia and where many exotic fruits are cultivated. Full of history and culture, Saigon will certainly be an interesting visit.

As dusk is setting, take a cyclo tour around 45 minutes to the Dang Pier on Saigon River, where you’ll enter a replica of the emperors Saigon Boat Cruise for magnificent and memorable dining and entertainment spectacle along the Saigon river. The dinner cruise features soft traditional ethnic music while you enjoy the passing lights of the city. The captain will welcome you onboard and introduce you to the specialties which have made this boat a culinary experience in Ho Chi Minh City. While on board, relax on the upper deck and enjoy a panoramic view of Saigon lighting up the evening sky.

Accommodation: Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon

Day 19: Saigon | Impressions of Saigon | Leisure

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, your private guide and car will greet you and escort you to see some of the most significant and mysterious temples in Ho Chi Minh. You’ll start by visiting the Emperor Jade Pagoda; also known as the Tortoise Pagoda. This figurine-filled place of worship is considered by many to be Saigon’s finest. The next stop is Cholon: the Chinatown of Saigon. A thickly settled district rife with tea houses and pagodas. There you’ll see Phuoc An, Hoi Quan Pagoda and Quan Am Pagoda. Then you’ll enjoy a cyclo tour around the city before stopping at Ben Thanh Market. Here you can find local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs or give the local cuisine a try. After the tour, transfer back to your hotel to rest in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon

Day 20: Saigon | Cu Chi Tunnels and Vietnam Culinary Class

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Learn southern Vietnamese cooking in Cu Chi province.

After you’ve finished breakfast at the hotel, your private guide and car will greet you and escort you to visit a lush green Vietnamese Medicine Garden full of herbs, vegetables, and spices used in local cuisine. Your chef will teach you how to identify various plants and when is the right time to pick them. The chef will also educate you on the various mints used in the Vietnamese kitchen and which herbs are believed to have certain healing properties.

After you’ve learned about the various vegetation used in Vietnamese gourmet, you’ll be taught how to make your own masterpiece dishes.

Then you’ll have the opportunity to eat your creation for lunch.

Next, you’ll take your adventures underground for an adventure in history you won’t forget with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Discover these amazing systems developed by the guerrillas fighting in the Vietnam War.

You’ll have an opportunity to see the various weapons used in the war on display. Then you’ll be taken to see the innovative ways the guerrillas survived and fought back in the war. See how they built an impressive underground system as your tour guide tells of the stories and history of the Vietnam War.

Then you’ll have the chance to see rice paper and coconut candy being made. After, you’ll enjoy jasmine tea and a boiled cassava root snack that was a common food eaten by guerrillas during the war.

You’ll return back to Ho Chi Minh.

Accommodation: Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon

Day 21: Saigon | Mekong Delta Discovery: Vinh Long

Meals: Breakfast
Discover the Mekong River, essential to life in the heart of Vietnam.

After you’ve finished breakfast at the hotel, we will take you to Vinh Long where you’ll embark on a boat cruise to the vibrant Cai Be floating market. Be prepared to see fresh spices, mints, and local fruits. If you’re adventurous, you can take of one of the many colorful fruits in season.

Cai Be Floating Market – 22 Days North South Vietnam Tour Scenic Halong Bay

The next stop is the Hoa Binh Phuoc islet, full of local homes where the families produce tiles and ceramics. You’ll visit the rice-paper kiln and coconut candy kiln where you can walk around and observe daily country life. You can have the opportunity to taste fresh made coconut candy which has a soft and chewy consistency. You’ll return to Ho Chi Minh after the tour.

Accommodation: Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon

Day 22: Saigon | Farewell!

Meals: Breakfast
Today our guide will transfer you to the airport before your homeward flight and will bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us!

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