A Wonderful Journey to Southeast Asia
Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam!
Known for its centuries-old architecture and rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences, Hanoi is the spirited capital city of Vietnam. It's also famous for its delectable cuisine, silk textiles, and bustling Old Quarter, where the narrow streets are roughly arranged by trade.
Upon landing at Noi Bai International Airport, retrieve your luggage and proceed to the arrival gate. Look out for our driver, who will be holding a sign with your name on it. If you have any trouble locating them, please don’t hesitate to message or call your Personal Travel Consultant for immediate assistance.
We will provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel located in the heart of Hanoi. After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring the vibrant city.
Begin your day with breakfast before heading out at 8:00 AM. Your first stop is the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you’ll explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Stilt House, and One Pillar Pagoda – a unique Buddhist temple built on a single stone pillar.
- Should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, temples, pagodas…
- Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays.
- Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed at least 2 months (15thJune -15thAugust) for the annual maintaining but still can take picture Mausoleum and visit around that area
Continue your cultural journey with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university and a symbol of Confucian heritage.
Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.
Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, offering fascinating insights into the cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. (on Mondays, this will be replaced with the Vietnamese Women’s Museum).
Next, visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, often referred to as the “Hanoi Hilton,” to learn about its dark but significant role in Vietnam’s colonial and war history.
Wrap up the day with a visit to Hanoi Train Street, a narrow alley where trains pass just inches away from homes and cafés — a uniquely Hanoi experience perfect for photos and a relaxing coffee.
Around 17:00: Return to your hotel
Overnight in Hanoi.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
At 8:00AM, Our guide and driver pick you up from your hotel for a journey to Ninh Binh.
Upon arrival, visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Explore the historic Dinh and Le Temples, dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh, respectively. These temples showcase traditional Vietnamese architecture and offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich imperial past.
Have lunch at a local restaurant.
Visit UNESCO-listed Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. Here, you'll embark on a mesmerizing boat ride, gliding through crystal-clear waters flanked by towering limestone karsts and lush vegetation. This journey through Trang An’s caves and grottoes offers not only a visual feast but also a serene escape into the heart of Vietnam's natural beauty.
Get back to the car then leave for Mua Cave (Dancing 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. Then return to your hotel in Ha Noi.
Overnight in Ha Noi.
Breakfast at your hotel and checking out. We recommend leaving your main luggage at the store hotel and bring only a small bag for your 2 day 1 night trip to Ha Long Bay.
8:00-8:30 Get picked up by our friendly driver at a hotel in the old quarter and transfer by Limousine bus to Halong-Tuan Chau.
11.45 - 12.00 Boarding our boat at Tuan Chau Port – enjoy welcome drink, receive cruise briefing and safety instructions.
13.15 – 14.00 After the welcome aboard, be served with lunch while cruising towards the bay.
14.00 Cruise through Halong Bay, passing the most beautiful and quiet areas including Incense Burner, Kissing Rocks.
14.30 Visit Luon Cave, the cave is not only known for the stunning limestone structure at every turn but also for the interesting natural habitat. There are two choices for you: traveling on a shared Sampan rowed by local people or going on two-person self-rowed kayaks.
16.00 Visit Surprise Cave or Me Cung Cave, two of Ha Long Bay's most renowned and breathtaking natural wonders. We will walk up to the cave entrance and tour inside for about 45 minutes, then exit and go back to the cruise.
17.30 Depart and cruise for about 30 minutes to anchor overnight.
18.30 – 19.00 Attend the Fruit and Vegetable Carving Lesson led by our Head Chef.
During the lesson, the chef will conduct Fruit and Vegetable carving, showing the guests how we decorate and make some traditional Vietnamese food.
19.30 Dinner is served.
20.30 Evening activities. Board games like cards or Parcheesi are available. Also, everyone can try their luck at squid fishing on the boat with help from the crew.
Note: The itinerary is subject to change without notice, in accordance with the weather and other operating conditions.
Overnight on the Cruise.
06.00 Continental breakfast: Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries served in the restaurant.
06.30 Enjoy Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck (lasting for about 30 minutes).
07.45 – 09.00 Visiting Titov island for swimming or climbing up to the top & enjoy Halong bay panorama view.
09.00 Upon returning to the boat, guests will have 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing. Please collect all of your belongings from the cabins and leave heavy luggage outside the cabins (staff will transfer directly to the pier).
09.30 Enjoy a Brunch in the restaurant. Bills are settled after Brunch. Relax on the sundeck or in the restaurant enjoying the bay scenery as we approach the pier.
11.00 Arrive at Tuan Chau port, relax inside the pier building while waiting for return transportation.
14:30-15:30: Arrive in Hà Nội, where you'll be dropped off in the Old Quarter. Enjoy free time to explore the area until your car picks you up for transfer to the train station, where you will board the night train to Hue City.
Note: There are 4-soft berths per tourist cabin with A/C. You may share it with other passengers. It takes around 13 hours from Hanoi to Hue. Please contact us if you want to upgrade the internal flight from Hanoi to Hue.
Night 5: Overnight on the train.
Upon arrival at Hue Railway Station around 8:30 AM, meet your guide and enjoy a light breakfast before beginning your full-day exploration of Hue’s historical and cultural landmarks.
First visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest and most iconic religious sites in Hue. Perched on a hill overlooking the river, this seven-story pagoda has become a symbol of the city and offers a glimpse into the spiritual life of the region.
Continue your journey with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the political center of the Nguyen Dynasty. Stroll through the grand gates and walkways as your guide brings to life the history of Vietnam’s last royal family. You'll explore the Forbidden Purple City, palaces, temples, and halls, each echoing stories of regal splendor and wartime resilience.
Head to Dong Ba Market, the busiest traditional market in Hue. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local atmosphere, observe daily trading activities, and browse through stalls offering everything from fresh produce to local handicrafts and street food.
Next, enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, featuring regional specialties unique to Hue’s royal cuisine.
In the afternoon, visit Minh Mang Tomb, known for its harmonious architecture and serene natural surroundings. Then continue to Thuy Xuan Incense Village, where colorful incense sticks are handmade using age-old techniques. Take time to observe the process and enjoy the fragrant ambiance.
Afterward, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Hue City Centre for check-in. The evening is yours to relax or further explore the tranquil charm of Hue at your own pace.
Overnight in Hue.
After breakfast at your hotel and check-out, depart for Hoi An at 8:00 AM.
Enjoy the scenic drive along the Hai Van Pass, offering panoramic views of the coastline and lush mountains.
Continue the journey southward and make a stop to visit Marble Mountain, a cluster of five marble and limestone hills named after the five elements. Take time to explore its caves, pagodas, and enjoy the panoramic views from the summit.
After the visit, proceed to Hoi An.
Upon arrival, have lunch at a local restaurant and check in to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore the ancient town at your own pace.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Breakfast at your hotel.
Your local guide will meet you at your hotel at 08:30 and you’ll take a bicycle ride to the center of Hoi An to visit the colorful market. At the market you’ll have the opportunity to interact with local sellers and learn about the fresh ingredients you’ll be using during your cooking lesson later in the day. This is a great chance to take some photos as well, so be sure to have your camera ready!
After visiting the market, you’ll take a ride to Tra Que vegetable village. You’ll enjoy a welcome drink and then walk through the vegetable gardens where local farmers work in their fields following the methods that have been in use for hundreds of years.
Next you’ll have a cooking lesson with a chef to learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. After the lesson, you’ll have a chance to enjoy what you’ve cooked! At around 14:00, you’ll bid farewell to your host family before riding back to Hoi An and your hotel.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Breakfast at your hotel.
At 8:00 AM, your car and tour guide will pick you up from the hotel for a half-day excursion to My Son Sanctuary—a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the religious and political heart of the ancient Champa Kingdom from the 4th to the 14th century. This archaeological site features a remarkable collection of Hindu temples dedicated to the worship of Shiva.
Enjoy a captivating Cham dance performance, where traditional music and graceful movements bring to life the legends and spiritual rituals of the Champa civilization. This vibrant cultural experience offers deeper insight into the artistic heritage of the Cham people.
After the tour, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
You'll return to your hotel with lasting impressions and a richer connection to Vietnam’s cultural legacy.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Breakfast at your hotel.
At 8:00 AM, our car and guide will pick you up at your hotel to begin the journey to Ba Na Hills, one of the region’s most iconic destinations.
At 9:30 AM, arrive at the Ba Na Hills cable car station, where you'll board one of the world’s most impressive cable car systems—holding multiple world records.
Your visit includes:
● Explore the Le Jardin D’Amour Flower Garden, a romantic and beautifully landscaped garden.
● The highlight of the tour is the Golden Bridge (Hands of God), where you’ll have time to admire the panoramic views and take memorable photos.
● Visit Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the highest sitting Buddha statue in Vietnam (27 meters tall).
After exploring, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a restaurant on Ba Na Hills. Take a short break to relax and recharge.
In the afternoon, continue to:
● Visit Chua Mountain’s summit (1,487 m) and the Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple.
● Discover French Square and experience the fun at Fantasy Park, one of the largest indoor amusement parks in Vietnam, offering a variety of games and entertainment.
In the late afternoon, descend by cable car and say farewell to the magical atmosphere of Ba Na Hills.
Our vehicle will then take you back to your hotel in Hoi An for some rest and relaxation.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Breakfast at hotel and check out.
Enjoy your free time until our driver meets you at the hotel lobby then transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport, meet up our driver then transfer to the hotel for check-in. After check in, you can take some time to relax.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City,
Breakfast at your hotel.
8:00 AM Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars.
Have lunch at local restaurant.
Depart for Cu Chi Tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war.
Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun.
18:30: Return to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon.
Breakfast at your hotel.
8:00 AM Leaving the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City start your trip to My tho wharf – Tien Giang Provice. Boarding the boat and cruising down the river around the floating fish farm and fish market harbor. Visit one of fishing pens and have a looks fishing boats parking here after catching in the sea and bustle of fishing dock.
Crossing the large Mekong River to the other side in Ben tre. Have a look four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands. Continue on small canal winding through coconut jungle and palm trees, mangrove trees growing up wildly along the waterway. Change riding a hand-rowed sampan through canal and treat yourself in the beauty of the countryside,
Step ashore and get in the local houses to see bee farms made by farmers and enjoy some fruits, honey tea and listen to local music show as well.
Hop on moto cart on village paths and discover tranquil coconut country. Stop at coconut candy workshop, enjoy some sweets by the way.
Have lunch at local riverside restaurant with local Vietnam food.
Crossing back large Mekong River to pier in My Tho.
17:00 PM: Return to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight at Saigon.
Breakfast at your hotel.
Enjoy your final morning in Ho Chi Minh City with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or a relaxing stroll around the city.
At the designated time, our driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight. We hope you had a memorable journey exploring the best of 14 Days Vietnam Grand Discovery Tour. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you again!
