Explore Vietnam in 19 Days – Mountains, Heritage & Beaches

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USD $1890 /pax

Why you’ll love this trip?

Detail itinerary Bestour:

  • From peaceful Hanoi filled with cultural charm, to the breathtaking beauty of Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands — every moment is unforgettable.
  • Step back in time in Ninh Binh, the ancient capital surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and rich historical heritage.
  • Trek through the spectacular rice terraces of Sapa and experience the unique traditions and daily life of ethnic minority communities.
  • Be enchanted by the romantic and historic atmosphere of Hue, home to the majestic Imperial Citadel and royal legacy.
  • Discover the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels, a powerful symbol of Vietnam’s wartime history, before diving into the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City.
  • A perfect blend of nature, culture, history, and local life — all in one unforgettable journey across Vietnam. – Culture, Nature & Adventure in One Epic Trip

Infomation & Trip map

Day by day itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Upon arrival, our guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

After that, you will have free time to explore the city at your own pace. Hanoi the heart of Vietnam is a vibrant capital where rich cultural heritage meets modern life in perfect harmony. The city offers a wide range of experiences, from historic landmarks and charming old streets to lively markets and world-famous street food.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour Half Day

Morning

Meet your tour guide in the hotel lobby and get ready for an exciting day discovering the cultural and historical highlights of Hanoi.

Your journey begins with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you’ll learn about the life and legacy of President Ho Chi Minh the beloved leader of Vietnam. Explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his modest stilt house, and the Presidential Palace, each reflecting his simple lifestyle and deep influence on the country’s history.

Continue to the famous One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most iconic landmarks. Built on a single stone pillar rising from the water, this unique pagoda is admired for its elegant architecture and rich cultural significance.

After the sightseeing tour, enjoy a flavorful Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. You may choose to relax, explore Hanoi’s charming streets, discover local cafés, or experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere on your own.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 3: Ninh Bình - Hoa Lu Temples - Tam Coc - Hanoi

07:15 – 8:00: Pick up from your hotel in the Old Quarter area and departure for Ninh Binh.

09:15: Have a short break for relaxing at a stop-over about 20 minutes.

10:00- 10:30: Arrive at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, visit the temple of King Dinh and King Le. Under the introduction of our local guide, you will get to know more about the Vietnamese history. Taking a bike and start riding to explore the beautiful scenery and limestone mountains with an unique route.

12:00: Enjoy buffet lunch at a local restaurant – goat meat dishes is the local specialty ( Vegetarian foods are avaiable )

13:30: Visit Tam Coc by a Sampan boat rowed by a local people for about 1.5 hours. Known as “Halong Bay on land”, the boat trip is a nice journey along the river with the peaceful scenery of Limestone Mountains, rice paddy if traveling during harvest season.

15:45: Get back to Limousine Bus then leave for Mua Cave. Walk up almost 500 steps, you can reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain & have an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from here

17:00- 17:30: Leave Ninh Binh and drive back to Hanoi.

19:00 – 19:30: Arrive in Hanoi, drop you back to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 4: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay

Morning

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and begin the scenic journey to the breathtaking Ha Long Bay – one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival, board your cruise and set sail through the emerald waters dotted with thousands of majestic limestone islands and dramatic karst formations. As the cruise glides peacefully across the bay, you will have the chance to admire the stunning scenery that has made Ha Long Bay famous worldwide.

Afternoon

Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard while surrounded by the incredible beauty of the bay. In the afternoon, take part in exciting activities such as kayaking through hidden lagoons, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or relaxing on a tranquil beach.

Later, join a fun Vietnamese cooking demonstration and learn how to prepare traditional local dishes with the cruise chef.

As evening approaches, savor a delightful dinner onboard. The cruise will anchor overnight in a peaceful area of the bay, offering a magical night surrounded by limestone mountains under the stars.

Note: The itinerary and activities may vary depending on the cruise selected.

Overnight in Ha Long Bay

Day 5: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi

Morning

Wake up to the peaceful beauty of Ha Long Bay and begin your day with an optional Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the limestone islands.

After breakfast, take a tender boat to explore one of the bay’s most impressive caves, famous for its magnificent stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years. Admire the magical atmosphere inside this natural wonder before returning to the cruise.

Back onboard, enjoy a relaxing brunch while the cruise gently sails back toward the harbor, offering one last chance to soak in the breathtaking scenery of Ha Long Bay.

Afternoon

Disembark at the port and transfer back to Hanoi by bus. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy free time at your leisure. Relax, explore the city, or prepare for the next exciting part of your journey to Northern Vietnam.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 6: Hanoi – Sapa – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van

06:15 – 06:45: Pick-up from Hanoi Old Quarter by limousine or sleeper bus, departing for Sapa via the Hanoi – Lao Cai Expressway.

09:30: Short rest stop for refreshments.

11:00: Arrive in Lao Cai, the gateway to Sapa, then continue to the town.

13:00: Arrive in Sapa, meet the local guide, and enjoy lunch at a restaurant featuring regional specialties.

14:30: Start the trekking journey:

  • Descend into Muong Hoa Valley, admiring stunning terraced rice fields.
  • Pass through Y Linh Ho Village, home to the Black H’Mong people, known for their unique textile craftsmanship.
  • Continue to Lao Chai Village, a peaceful H’Mong settlement with traditional earthen houses.
  • Walk along scenic trails surrounded by rice paddies and streams.

17:30: Arive in Ta Van Village, home to the Giay ethnic group. Check in at the bungalow with a fantastic valley view.

18:30: Enjoy a traditional dinner featuring local dishes such as grilled pork, mountain vegetables, and fresh fish.

20:00: Free time to explore the village or relax at the bungalow.
Overnight at a bungalow in Ta Van Village

Day 7: Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai – Free time in Ta Van

07:00: Breakfast at the bungalow with hot tea, bread, eggs, or Vietnamese pho.

08:00: Trek to Giang Ta Chai Village:

  • Walk through bamboo forests and terraced fields.
  • Meet the Red Dzao people, recognizable by their distinctive red headscarves and traditional herbal medicine practices.
  • Stop by Giang Ta Chai Waterfall, feel the cool mist, and take stunning photos.
  • Cross the bamboo suspension bridge, an iconic feature of Sapa’s countryside.

11:00: Complete the trek and return to Ta Van Village.

12:00: Enjoy a delicious lunch at the bungalow.

Afternoon: Free time in Ta Van Village

  • Rest and relax at the bungalow, enjoy the mountain views and fresh air.
  • Take an optional short walk to nearby villages, interact with locals.
  • Experience rice wine tasting or a herbal bath (optional, extra fee).
  • Visit a local handicraft workshop, see how traditional clothing and silver jewelry are made.

18:30: Dinner at the bungalow, followed by leisure time under the starry sky.

Overnight at a bungalow in Ta Van Village

Day 8: Ta Van – Hang Cung Village – Hanoi

07:30: Breakfast at the bungalow.

08:30: Trek to Ta Van Mong Village and Hang Cung Village:

  • Explore the lifestyle of the Blue H’Mong ethnic group.
  • Hike through remote trails with panoramic views of the valley.
  • Visit local silversmiths, learning about their intricate jewelry-making techniques.

11:30: Return to the bungalow enjoy lunch and rest

Overnight at a bungalow in Ta Van Village

Day 9: Sapa - Hanoi

Enjoy your final leisure moments in the charming mountain town of Sapa. In recent years, Sapa has become famous for its cozy cafés with breathtaking mountain views and relaxing spa experiences featuring traditional herbal treatments of the Red Dao people.

In the afternoon, depart for Hanoi by bus. Sit back and enjoy the scenic journey through the northern mountains before arriving at your hotel in Hanoi in the evening (approximately 5 hours).

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 10: Hanoi - Da Nang - Hoi An

Day 10 takes you to the beautiful central coast of Vietnam. After breakfast, transfer to Noi Bai Airport for a short flight to Da Nang one of the most vibrant coastal cities in Central Vietnam.
Upon arrival, our driver will welcome you and transfer you to the charming ancient town of Hoi An, located about an hour away. Nestled in Quang Nam Province, Hoi An is renowned for its timeless beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and remarkably preserved architecture dating back to the 16th century.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An captivates visitors with its lantern-lit streets, historic houses, riverside charm, and rich cultural heritage, creating a magical atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Vietnam.

After checking in at your hotel, enjoy free time to wander through the ancient town, discover local cafés and boutiques, or simply soak in the romantic beauty of Hoi An at your own pace.

Overnight in Hoian

Day 11: Hoi An Walking Tour - Free Afternoon

In the morning, set out with your local guide on a captivating walking tour through the ancient town of Hoi An, where every corner tells a story of its rich cultural heritage.

Your journey begins at the bustling Hoi An Market, a vibrant gathering place filled with colorful stalls, fragrant local delicacies, and the lively rhythm of everyday life. The blend of sights, sounds, and aromas offers an authentic glimpse into the town’s unique atmosphere and charm. Nearby, the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall impresses visitors with its elaborate carvings, dragon sculptures, and beautifully ornamented rooftops. Here, you will witness the long-standing tradition of ancestor worship as local families make offerings at their ancestral altars.

Continue to some of Hoi An’s most historic homes, including Phung Hung House and Tan Ky House, both preserved for more than 200 years and offering fascinating insights into traditional merchant life and family heritage.

Next, visit the Museum of Folk Culture, housed within a 150-year-old Chinese merchant residence, where exhibits vividly portray the daily life, customs, and craftsmanship of past generations. A cultural highlight awaits at the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House, where traditional music and theatrical performances bring Vietnam’s artistic heritage to life.

No visit to Hoi An is complete without seeing the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, built over four centuries ago to connect the Japanese and Chinese communities across a narrow canal. Conclude your exploration by wandering through charming alleyways, art galleries, and handicraft shops, uncovering hidden corners and local neighborhoods that continue to preserve the timeless beauty and elegance of this enchanting ancient town.

Overnight in Hoian

Day 12: Hoi An Free Day

Enjoy a free day to relax or explore the town’s unique charm and scenic beauty at your own rhythm. Alternatively, embark on our optional Ba Na Hills Full Day Tour from Da Nang (from US$95 per person) and create lasting memories amidst breathtaking landscapes and iconic attractions.

Overnight in Hoian

Day 13: Hoi An - Hue by bus

Morning

Leave Hoi An by bus and journey toward Hue, passing through some of Central Vietnam’s most spectacular scenery. Along the way, admire panoramic views of the coastline, majestic mountains, and misty hills that make this route one of the country’s most scenic drives.

Afternoon

Arrive in Hue and check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free at leisure for you to relax or explore the timeless charm and peaceful atmosphere of Vietnam’s former imperial capital at your own pace.

Overnight in Hue

Day 14: Hue City Tour

08:00 – 08:30: Pick up at your hotel in Hue city center and get on the dragon boat to visit Thien Mu Pagoda.

09:15: Visit Imperial Citadel

11:30: Continue to see Dong Ba Market

12:15: Have Lunch at a local restaurant

13:30: After lunch, continue to visit Minh Mang Tomb and Khai Dinh Tomb

16:00: Visit and take photos at Conical hat and incense-making village

16:45: Arrive at Hue city center and drop off at hotel

Overnight in Hue

Day 15: Hue - Ho Chi Minh City

This next stage of the journey brings you to the iconic highlights of Southern Vietnam. From Hue, you will transfer to Hue Airport for a short flight of approximately one hour to Ho Chi Minh City.

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic metropolis, where history and modernity blend seamlessly together. The city is home to a wealth of cultural and historical landmarks, as well as remarkable colonial-era architecture that reflects the enduring charm of Indochinese heritage.

Often referred to as the “city that never sleeps,” Ho Chi Minh City is equally famous for its energetic nightlife, vibrant entertainment scene, soaring skyscrapers, and bustling shopping centers that light up the city day and night.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the comfort of your accommodation or begin exploring the lively atmosphere of this fascinating city at your own pace.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Day 16: Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour

7:30 – 8:00: Pick-up time. Depart for Cu Chi Tunnels. Take an excursion to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network built by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

Walk through sections of the Cu Chi Tunnels, explore hidden corners, and imagine the life of resistance fighters underground. For an extra thrill, try shooting an authentic AK-47—a weapon once used during the war (optional, at your own expense)

14:30: End of the tour.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Day 17: Insight Mekong Delta Full Day Tour

7:30 – 8:00: Pick-up time. Depart for Mekong.

10:00: Arrive at My Tho Port. Take a cruise to the Unicorn Island (Con Lan). Visit the orchard garden and bee farm to enjoy honey tea.

10:30: Head to Coconut Candy Workshop, try special candy and coconut wine. Go to the tropical fruit garden to enjoy some fruits and listen to Southern Vietnamese folk music. Take a rowboat trip on the small canal. Board a motorized rickshaw (xe lam).

Lunch: Have lunch and relax at a local restaurant.

14:00: Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda

17:00: Back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City Free Day

According to the itinerary, today is your free day to relax and explore the city at your own pace. You may choose to wander through its vibrant streets, discover local attractions, or simply enjoy the atmosphere in your own way. Alternatively, you can join one of our optional tours for a more immersive and memorable experience.

Tour Price from
HO CHI MINH CITY FULL DAY & SAI GON RIVER WATER BUS 44 USD/ person
DINNER CRUISE ON SAIGON RIVER 38 USD/ person
VUNG TAU 1 DAY – THE FORMER CAP SAINT JACQUE 42 USD/ person

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Day 19: Departure

Today marks the final day of your unforgettable journey through Vietnam a memorable adventure discovering the unique beauty, culture, and essence of all three regions of the country.

At the scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight home, bringing your incredible Vietnam experience to a close.

Note: Please be aware that standard hotel check-out time is at 12:00 noon.

Inclusions

Meals

18 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 1 Brunch, 1 Dinner

Transport

Shuttle bus/ Limousine/ Private car/ Flight

Accommodation

Hotel

Included activities
  • Accommodation in shared Twin/Double rooms with air-conditioning (AC) at selected hotels.
  • All transportation throughout the tour by air-conditioned vehicle, including airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
  • Services of local English-speaking guides during all guided touring activities.
  • Meals provided as specified in the itinerary.
  • Sightseeing and entrance fees included according to the program.
  • Two domestic flights included: Hanoi – Da Nang and Hue – Ho Chi Minh City.

 

Tour Price

FAQs

1. What is the weather like during this trip?

Vietnam has different climates depending on the region:

  • Hanoi, Sapa, and Ninh Binh can be cool in the early morning and evening, especially in Sapa.
  • Ha Long Bay has a coastal climate with possible mist or light rain.
  • Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue are generally warmer and more humid.
  • Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta are hot year-round.

Recommended items:

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A light jacket
  • Sunscreen, hat, and a light raincoat
2. Is this itinerary suitable for elderly travelers or children?

Yes, but please note:

  • Sapa includes trekking and uphill/downhill walking.
  • Hang Cung Village and Giang Ta Chai require moderate physical fitness.
  • Walking distances can be adjusted, and local transport support may be available if needed.
3. How much cash should I prepare?

It is recommended to carry some Vietnamese Dong (VND) for:

  • Local markets
  • Small restaurants
  • Tipping

Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and larger restaurants.

Estimated personal expenses:

  • Meals not included: approximately 10–25 USD per day
  • Shopping and cafés: depending on personal preference
4. Should I buy a SIM card or eSIM in Vietnam?

Yes, it is highly recommended for:

  • Google Maps
  • Communication with guides
  • Ride-hailing apps

Popular mobile providers:

  • Viettel
    Vinaphone
    Mobifone
5. How difficult is the trekking in Sapa?

The trekking level is easy to moderate.
Some trails include:

  • Rice terraces
  • Dirt paths that may become slippery after rain

Recommended:

  • Trekking shoes or non-slip sneakers
  • Avoid carrying large suitcases during trekking days
6. Will I experience motion sickness in Ha Long Bay?

If you are prone to motion sickness:

  • Bring motion sickness medication
  • Prepare light snacks
  • Get enough rest before the cruise
7. Is Wi-Fi available throughout the trip?

Most:

  • Hotels
  • Cafés
  • Restaurants

offer free Wi-Fi.

However, internet signals in remote areas of Sapa may be weaker.

8. What should I wear when visiting temples and historical sites?

When visiting spiritual or cultural sites such as:

  • Hoa Lu Temples
  • Pagodas in Hue
  • Historical monuments

Please wear:

  • Long pants or skirts below the knee
  • Shirts with sleeves
  • Avoid overly revealing clothing
9. What kind of luggage is best for this trip?

Recommended:

  • One main suitcase
  • One small backpack for daily use

Especially useful for:

  • Sapa trekking
  • Mekong Delta tours
  • Walking tours in Hoi An
10. Will there be free time to explore independently?

Yes, the itinerary includes several free periods:

  • Free afternoon in Hoi An
  • Full free day in Hoi An
  • Evenings in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
  • Free day in Ho Chi Minh City

Optional activities:

  • Spa or massage
  • Rooftop cafés
  • Shopping
  • Food tours
  • Tailor-made clothing in Hoi An
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