Turn your holidays in Vietnam into a truly unforgettable vacation with this 18-day tour of Absolute Vietnam Discovery, starting from the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City and concluding in the charming capital, Hanoi. Explore Vietnam’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures as you visit the Mekong Delta (Ben Tre & Can Tho), the City of Love Dalat, Nha Trang Beach City, the ancient town of Hoi An, the peaceful heritage city of Hue, the misty mountain town of Sapa, and embark on a magical cruise through the stunning Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
From the bustling southern cities to the tranquil northern highlands, and from serene beaches to misty mountain landscapes, this tour covers the best of Vietnam’s highlights for a truly memorable vacation experience.
Day 1: HCMC arrival
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam’s bustling financial center! Arrive in the late morning and enjoy an orientation tour of the vibrant streets of Saigon. Relax and explore the city at your leisure after checking into your hotel.
Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Hotel in HCMC
Day 2: HCMC City Tour
Today, discover Saigon’s diverse attractions. Explore China Town, visit the FITO Museum of traditional Vietnamese medicine, and shop at Ben Thanh Market. Continue with visits to the War Remnants Museum, the former Presidential Palace, and iconic French colonial landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in HCMC
Day 3: HCMC – Ben Tre – Can Tho
Travel to Ben Tre Province, known for its Mekong Delta beauty. Take a boat ride along the Ben Tre River, visit a bee farm, a coconut candy workshop, and explore tranquil villages by bike. After lunch, continue to Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho
Day 4: Can Tho – HCMC – Fly to Dalat
Rise early for a visit to the Cai Rang floating market, where you’ll see colorful boats brimming with fruit and vegetables. Afterward, head back to HCMC for your flight to Dalat, known as the “City of Eternal Spring.”
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Dalat
Day 5: Dalat city tour
Explore Dalat’s charming sights including the Truc Lam Zen Monastery, Tuyen Lam Lake, Bao Dai’s Summer Palace, and the XQ embroidery workshop. Visit Lat Village to meet the local ethnic minorities and shop for traditional handicrafts.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Dalat
Day 6: Dalat – Nha Trang
Leave the highlands behind and drive to Nha Trang, a beautiful coastal city famous for its beaches and islands. In the afternoon, visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, the Alexandre Yersin Museum, and Long Son Pagoda.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Nha Trang
Day 7: Nha Trang – Free day
Enjoy a full day at leisure, perfect for relaxing on the beach or exploring more of Nha Trang.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Nha Trang
Day 8: Nha Trang – Fly to Danang – Hoian
Fly to Danang and transfer to the charming town of Hoian. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring this UNESCO World Heritage town at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
Day 9: Hoian city tour & Cooking class
Visit Hoian’s colorful market, followed by a boat cruise to the Red Bridge Cooking School. Participate in a cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Hoian’s ancient town, including the Japanese Bridge and the Chua Ong Pagoda.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
Day 10: Hoian – Ecotour
Take a leisurely bike ride to a local farm, where you’ll experience life as a traditional farmer, including working in the rice fields. Afterward, return to your hotel for a free afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
Day 11: Hoian – Danang – Hue
Travel to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital. After lunch, visit the Royal Citadel and the Mausoleum of King Tu Duc.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Day 12: Hue City tour – Fly to Hanoi
Enjoy a boat cruise on the Perfume River, visiting Thien Mu Pagoda and the Minh Mang Tomb. In the afternoon, take a flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, and transfer to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 13: Hanoi City tour
Explore Hanoi’s charming streets and landmarks, including the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Experience Hanoi’s Old Quarter with a cyclo ride, followed by a traditional water puppet performance.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 14: Hanoi – Sapa
Drive to the northern town of Sapa, known for its stunning landscapes and ethnic minority villages. In the afternoon, visit the Old Church and Sapa Market, then head to the Black Hmong village for panoramic views and interactions with local people.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa
Day 15: Sapa Trekking tour
Enjoy a day of trekking through picturesque valleys, terraced rice fields, and ethnic villages. Choose from different trekking routes based on your preference for a soft, medium, or long trek.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa
Day 16: Sapa – Hanoi
Visit a local hill tribe market before returning to Hanoi in the afternoon. Explore the bustling streets of Hanoi and enjoy a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 17: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight on cruise
Take a scenic drive to Halong Bay for a two-day cruise. Sail through stunning limestone islands, visit caves, and relax on a secluded beach. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on board, followed by a peaceful evening on the water.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Onboard cruise
Day 18: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Departure
Participate in a Tai Chi session at sunrise, explore more islands, and enjoy a light breakfast before heading back to Hanoi. Take a final scenic drive to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Brunch
Accommodation: N/A
Highlights
- Discover the colonial charm of Hanoi, with its mix of ancient traditions and French influences.
- Explore Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, with its UNESCO-listed Royal Citadel and ancient mausoleums.
- Wander through the peaceful riverside town of Hoian, a beautifully preserved ancient town with unique architecture.
- Experience the vibrant energy of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), the country’s modern metropolis full of history and culture.
- Visit Can Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta, and explore the bustling floating markets and traditional village life.
- Relax in Da Lat, the “City of Eternal Spring” known for its cool climate, beautiful landscapes, and colonial architecture.
- Soak up the coastal beauty of Nha Trang, a beach lover’s paradise with stunning islands and clear waters.
- Trek through Sapa, exploring rice terraces and hill tribe villages, gaining a deeper understanding of local cultures.
- Sail through Halong Bay on a traditional junk boat, visiting fishing villages, caves, and engaging in kayaking, swimming, and other exciting activities amidst the towering limestone karsts.
- Experience the authentic countryside life in the Mekong Delta, exploring its floating markets, traditional farms, and lush landscapes.
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