Embark on a remarkable 16-day journey through Vietnam, exploring the diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures from the stunning mountains of the Northwest to the serene beaches of the Southwest. Our Vietnam in Depth tour takes you through the heart of this beautiful country, offering you a chance to experience everything from the majestic highlands to the bustling floating markets and peaceful coastal retreats. Whether you’re trekking in the mountains, cruising through the Mekong Delta, or relaxing on the pristine shores of Con Dao, each day will immerse you in the unique details that define Vietnam.
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s captivating capital. Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and driver, who will transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the city. Take the rest of the day to relax and recover from your journey.
Meals: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi city tour & Overnight train to Lao Cai
Today, enjoy a full day of exploring Hanoi. Start with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you’ll see the Mausoleum of Vietnam’s founding father, Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace, and his iconic house on stilts. Nearby, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of the city’s history. Then, head to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam, followed by the Ethnology Museum, which showcases the country’s diverse 54 ethnic groups.
In the afternoon, take a traditional rickshaw ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a fascinating maze of narrow streets that still echo the city’s ancient trading history. Finish the day with a captivating water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form.
Later, transfer to Hanoi’s railway station to board the overnight train to Lao Cai.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight train to Lao Cai
Day 3: Lao Cai to Sapa – Trekking & homestay
Upon arrival in Lao Cai, your guide will drive you up to Sapa, where you’ll enjoy a local breakfast.
Today’s adventure includes a trek through picturesque landscapes, starting with Sa Seng, a remote Hmong minority village. From there, continue trekking through the breathtaking Muong Hoa Valley to Hang Da Village, perched at 1,800 meters above sea level. After a scenic picnic lunch, trek down to Hau Chu Ngai, another Hmong village, and descend further to Hong Den Hamlet, an idyllic spot with stunning views. Conclude the day at Ta Van Bridge before heading to your homestay, where you’ll enjoy a traditional cooking demonstration and a home-cooked dinner with your local hosts.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay
Day 4: Sapa trekking & return to Sapa town
Start your day with breakfast at the homestay before embarking on a full day of trekking through Sapa’s magnificent valleys and terraced rice fields. You’ll pass through villages of the H’mong, Dzao, and Dzay peoples, each with their own distinct culture and lifestyle. Choose from three trekking options depending on your fitness level: Soft Trek (3 km), Medium Trek (6 km), or Long Trek (12 km).
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa
Day 5: Free day in Sapa & Overnight train to Hanoi
Enjoy a leisurely day in Sapa, exploring the town at your own pace or relaxing in its serene surroundings. In the evening, transfer back to Lao Cai Railway Station to board the overnight train back to Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa
Day 6: Hanoi to Halong Bay – Overnight on a cruise
Arriving early in Hanoi, you will have a brief stop at a hotel near the station for breakfast and freshen up. Then, set off for Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonders. Upon arrival, board a traditional wooden junk for an unforgettable two-day cruise around the bay. As you sail through the emerald waters, marvel at the limestone karsts and caves that dot the bay. After a delicious lunch, enjoy a swim in a secluded cove and visit Sung Sot Cave, one of Halong Bay’s most famous grottoes. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the deck, soaking in the stunning scenery.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: On Cruise
Day 7: Halong Bay to Hanoi & flight to Da Nang – Hoi An
Wake up early to witness the breathtaking morning views over Halong Bay and see the local fishermen at work. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before continuing your cruise, passing notable landmarks like Man Head and Tortoise Rocks. After disembarking at noon, drive back to Hanoi, where you’ll catch a flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, transfer to Hoi An, a charming town known for its rich history and well-preserved architecture.
Meals: Brunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Day 8: Hoi An walking tour & cooking class
Begin your day with a fascinating cooking class. Visit Hoi An’s vibrant local market, where you’ll buy fresh ingredients for the day’s lesson. Afterward, enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. Explore the school’s herb and vegetable gardens before learning how to prepare iconic Vietnamese dishes. The class includes a demonstration followed by hands-on practice, and you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch of the dishes you’ve prepared.
In the afternoon, take a guided walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town. Highlights include the Japanese Bridge, Chinese merchant houses, ancient temples, and the bustling central market.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Day 9: Free Day in Hoi An
Today is free for you to relax or explore Hoi An on your own. Alternatively, you can choose from a range of optional activities:
- Sunrise Fish Market
- Farming & Fishing Life Experience
- My Son Sanctuary Day Trip
- Hoi An Biking Tour
- Ba Na Hills
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Day 10: Hoi An to Da Nang – Fly to Can Tho
After breakfast, transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Can Tho in the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, your guide will greet you and take you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. In the evening, take a stroll along Ninh Kieu Pier or enjoy a boat ride along the Hau River while listening to traditional “Don Ca Tai Tu” folk music. Later, explore the lively night market.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho
Day 11: Cai Rang floating market & Soc Trang sightseeing
Early this morning, board a boat to visit the famous Cai Rang Floating Market, where you’ll see vendors selling fresh produce and local goods from their boats. Continue to the fruit orchards of the Mekong Delta for a taste of tropical delights. Afterward, drive to Soc Trang, a region known for its Khmer culture, and visit Kh’leang Pagoda and Dat Let Pagoda (Clay Pagoda), both of which are renowned for their historical significance and architectural beauty.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Soc Trang
Day 12: Soc Trang to Con Dao – Beach time
This morning, board a speedboat from Soc Trang to Con Dao. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing by the beach.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Con Dao
Day 13: Free day in Con Dao
Today, enjoy a full day of leisure on the beautiful beaches of Con Dao.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Con Dao
Day 14: Free day in Con Dao
Another day to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings of Con Dao’s beaches.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Con Dao
Day 15: Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh city – City tour
After breakfast, take a flight from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour of this vibrant metropolis. Visit key landmarks such as the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the City Post Office, and the famous Ben Thanh Market.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
Day 16: Departure from Ho Chi Minh city
Enjoy your final morning in Ho Chi Minh City at leisure. Depending on your flight time, you can explore or simply relax before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Highlights
- Discover Vietnam’s rich history in the capital.
- Trek through the stunning mountains and interact with ethnic minority groups in the picturesque town of Sapa.
- Cruise through the majestic limestone karsts and tranquil waters of Halong bay.
- Wander the charming streets of Hoi An ancient town, famous for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant culture.
- Experience the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest in the region, and explore the life on the water.
- Relax on the serene beaches of Con Dao Island, an untouched paradise ideal for unwinding.
- Explore the dynamic metropolis, visiting historical landmarks in Ho Chi Minh city.
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