Picturesque Vietnam Journey from North to South

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken to another fascinating land – the gem in the north of Vietnam – Halong Bay. The drive takes you through the beautiful rice paddy fields and mountains of the Red River Delta. On your arrival in Halong Bay, you will realize why this area has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be ferried a short distance from the harbor aboard a tender boat to board the Junk Boat for a cruise among the numerous limestone karsts rising from the emerald water. After lunch of a great selection of fresh seafood on board, the Tender will once again take you to visit a grotto of spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, stopping en route for a relaxing swim in the warm waters of Halong Bay & a kayak back from the beach to the floating island to enjoya close up view of the bay and islands. In the late afternoon, the ship will drop anchor for an overnight stay on board.

Note: We recommend that you bring an overnight bag with you to pack for your trip to Halong Bay so that you don't have to lug all your bags with you. You will be returned to the same hotel in Hanoi after your trip and can safely store your luggage there.

Wake early to the gentle light of dawn and enjoy light breakfast on board as Ha Long Bay’s limestone pillars emerge from the morning mist. 

Continue your cruise through iconic formations, passing secluded coves and unique islets that define this UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

Following check-out, savor a leisurely brunch before returning to the harbor. From here, travel back to Hanoi, arriving mid-afternoon. Enjoy some free time at your own pace before transferring to the airport for your flight to Hue.

Upon arrival in Hue, meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the evening is yours to relax and settle into the former imperial capital. Dinner is not included.

At 8:00 AM, your guide and driver will pick you up for a scenic dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River, where the calm waters and morning lights set the tone for the day. Arrive at Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest in Hue, and take a look at its iconic seven-tier tower standing gracefully above the riverbank.

Then, continue by minivan to the Imperial Citadel, the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, and explore its palaces, temples, and royal quarters, which once bustled with courtly life. Before lunch, visit the lively Dong Ba Market, a perfect place to glimpse daily life and browse stalls brimming with local specialties.

Enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a local family.

Followed by hands-on experience making fruit cakes from green beans. Relax with an herbal foot bath, sip royal tea, and feed koi fish in the garden.

In the afternoon, visit the tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh, each reflecting a distinct style: Minh Mang’s harmonious blend of imperial architecture and landscaped gardens, and Khai Dinh’s striking fusion of Vietnamese tradition with French influence.

End the day at Thuy Xuan conical hat village, you’ll have chance to meet local artisans, try making incense sticks and conical hats, and capture vibrant photos among the colorful displays. Return to your hotel around 16:30.

Enjoy the morning at your own pace until it’s time for your private transfer to Hoi An. Your room in Hue is available until noon.

On arrival in Hoi An, check into your hotel and take the rest of the day to relax or begin exploring the lantern-lit streets at your leisure. Overnight in Hoi An. Dinner is not included.

 At around 7:30 – 8:00 AM, your guide and minivan will pick you up from your hotel for a scenic drive to Ba Na Hills. Upon arrival, you’ll board the renowned cable car system, one of Southeast Asia’s longest and most modern, offering panoramic views of Da Nang’s coastline.

Begin at the Golden Bridge, a surreal walkway cradled by giant stone hands, then wander through the romantic Jardin D’Amour Gardens and pause at Linh Ung Pagoda, marveling at the serene Goddess of Mercy statue that watches peacefully over the hills. 

As the cable car takes you higher, the charming b comes into view. This whimsical setting offers not only lively street performances but also quiet corners like the Nine-Floor Goddess Shrine. After enjoying a buffet lunch, you will board the Lava Train for a fun ride to new highlights such as Helios Waterfall and the Moon Kingdom. In the afternoon, thrill-seekers can play over 90 exciting games at Fantasy Park before returning to the city by cable car.

Around 8:30, meet your local guide and kick off your countryside journey with the experience of a colorful Ba Le market. Let's gain some tips on how to deal with local sellers and choose ingredients for the meals. 

Following your friendly local guide to the charming Cam Thanh Coconut Village, a tranquil spot also known as Hoi An Coconut Village, nestled among emerald palms and winding waterways. Here, you'll meet residents and hear fascinating stories about their lives and traditions, an intimate window into rural Vietnam.

Then, take to the water for a hands-on experience with nature and community. Try your hand at traditional round net and cast net fishing and “Purple Crabs” in the canal, glide through coconut canals in a bamboo basket boat, and even join in a friendly basket boat race, which is a highlight for many visitors!

Since you have a fun-filled morning, visit a local family’s home where a warm welcome drink awaits. Roll up your sleeves for a lively Vietnamese cooking class, where you’ll prepare authentic dishes alongside four delicious side plates. Savor your creations over a relaxing lunch and take home recipes that are sure to impress family and friends.

Around 12:30 PM, return to your hotel for a well-earned rest, with wonderful memories and new culinary skills in hand. 

Menu: (vegetarian menu available upon request)

1. Appetizer: Papaya Salad
2. Starter: Deep-Fried Spring Roll
3. Main Course: Vietnamese Pancake
4. Main Course: Braised Chicken in Clay Pot
5. Side Dishes: Morning Glory, Steamed Rice, Dessert

NOTE: We accommodate vegetarian and other dietary requirements upon request

Spend your final morning in Hoi An wandering its lantern-lit lanes, admiring centuries-old houses, and capturing the town’s timeless beauty through your lens. Enjoy some free time until your private transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Once you arrive in Ho Chi Minh, your driver transfers you to your hotel to check you in. The rest of the day is at leisure. Dinner is on your own.

At 7:30 AM, leave bustling Ho Chi Minh City behind for a scenic drive to the riverside town of Cai Be. Step aboard a river boat and glide past stilted houses to traditional craft villages, discovering how coconut candy and rice popcorn are still made by hand.

Continue to Tan Phong Islet, a lush haven shaded by orchards. Here, enjoy the soulful melodies of Đờn ca tài tử, Southern Vietnam’s UNESCO-recognized folk music, and savor fresh tropical fruits. A gentle paddle boat ride through narrow canals completes the experience.

After a lunch of Mekong specialties, step into history at the Ba Kiet Ancient House, a 19th-century wooden home filled with antiques and old-world charm, before cycling leisurely through the surrounding countryside, where quiet lanes weave between orchards, rice fields, and riverside hamlets. 

In the afternoon, continue by road to Can Tho. After checking in at your hotel, the evening is yours to explore whether stroll along lively Ninh Kieu Wharf, sample street food, or simply admire the glowing lights of the iconic Can Tho Bridge over the Hau River. Overnight in Can Tho.

For those eager to experience the vibrant life of the Mekong Delta, rise early and be at Cai Rang Floating Market by around 6:00 AM, where traders sell fresh produce from colorfully laden boats. While soaking up the lively river scenes, sample the local specialty “hu tieu pizza,” a crispy rice-noodle pancake made right on the water.

Continue to the ornate Munir Ansay Pagoda, an architectural gem of the Khmer community. Then, from the riverbank, take a short boat ride to Con Son Islet for an authentic community-based tourism experience.. Meet friendly locals, wander through fruit gardens, and enjoy the slow rhythm of delta life. A delicious home-style lunch is served on the islet.

In the late afternoon, depart by road back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in the early evening. Drop off at your hotel for a full recharge after a meaningful journey to western Vietnam.

On the last day of your journey, spend time relaxing before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Your hotel room is at your disposal until noon. Meals on your own. End of tour.