VIETNAM  ROUNDTRIP  15 Days - from Saigon to Hanoi

Day 1: Transfer from Ho Chi Minh airport to hotel.
Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnel, guided city tour
Day 3: Drive Ho Chi Minh - My Tho / Mekong Delta
Day 4: Fly Ho Chi Minh - Hue, boat trip on Perfume River, Cyclo Ride
Day 5: Drive Hue-Hoi An, visit Emperors tomb, Lang Co Village
Day 6: Hoi An Ancient Town
Day 7: Hoi An Village Tour by boat, biking and car
Day 8: Drive Hoi An - Danang, fly to Hanoi
Day 9: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay overnight Cruise
Day 10: Halong Bay - Hanoi
Day 11: Hanoi city tour, Drive to Sapa
Day 12: Sapa Colorful ethnic market
Day 13: Drive Sapa - Ta Phin - Topas Ecolodge
Day 14: Drive Sapa - Hanoi via Lech Village
Day 15: Transfer to Hanoi airport 

DAY 01: HO CHI MINH CITY ARRIVAL

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in Saigon.
A vibrant metropolis, Saigon is full of energy, movement, and contrast. Traditional and modern life coexist harmoniously, with the city’s contemporary skyline standing side by side with colonial-era architecture and ancient temples. On the streets, young professionals zip past on motorbikes while chatting on their phones, while inside quiet temple courtyards, worshippers pray amid swirling incense.

The remainder of your day is at leisure. Saigon is an exciting city to explore at night, offering a wide selection of bars and excellent restaurants—you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 02: HO CHI MINH  CU CHI TUNNEL

Today, journey out of Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi region, where you will explore the vast underground tunnel network originally constructed as a defense against the French and later expanded during the Vietnam War.
It was from these tunnels that the North Vietnamese conducted guerrilla warfare. You’ll be amazed by the ingenuity and resilience of those who lived and fought here. Discover hidden trapdoors, underground kitchens, living quarters, and meeting rooms. Adventurous visitors can explore the deeper second and even third-level tunnels, while those who prefer to stay above ground can observe excavated sections from the surface.

Your guide will explain the length and difficulty of each tunnel before entering—some are easily accessible via stairs. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are recommended for this excursion.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided city tour of Ho Chi Minh City.
Visit the former Presidential Palace, now a museum, complete with the underground communications bunker used by the Saigon government during the war. Continue to the History Museum, which offers an excellent exhibition tracing the origins of Vietnam’s indigenous peoples.

Explore key colonial landmarks including the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Stroll along Dong Khoi Street—formerly Rue Catinat—the city's main shopping avenue and the heart of old colonial Saigon. Along the way, you’ll pass elegant European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel de Ville) and the historic Opera House (both viewed from the outside).

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 03: HO CHI MINH  MY THO/ MEKONG DELTA 

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be met by your guide and depart Ho Chi Minh City for a scenic morning drive through the lush landscapes of the Mekong Delta.
Upon arrival in My Tho, board a boat to visit a local orchard garden. Enjoy a short walk on the island and sample a variety of tropical fruits grown in the region. Cruise along tranquil, palm-lined creeks before experiencing a traditional horse-drawn cart ride through the village.

Visit a local family to explore a bee farm, where you’ll enjoy a cup of Vietnamese tea infused with fresh honey and lemon—a true taste of the Delta’s natural offerings. Continue your journey with a peaceful sampan ride along narrow canals shaded by water coconut trees, taking in the serene beauty of the Mekong.

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit a family-run workshop to see how coconut candies are made using age-old techniques. Before returning to My Tho, stop at the 150-year-old Vinh Trang Pagoda—an impressive site blending Vietnamese, Khmer, and French architectural styles that reflect the area’s diverse cultural and religious history.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City for overnight stay.

DAY 04: HO CHI MINH  HUE BY FLIGHT 

Enjoy free time at your leisure until your transfer to Tan Son Nhat Domestic Airport for your flight to Hue.
Upon arrival at Phu Bai Domestic Airport, you will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in Hue.

Hue is a beautiful and hospitable city. As the former capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945), a center of Vietnamese Buddhism and scholarship, and a significant location during the Vietnam War, Hue offers a unique insight into the country’s rich and complex history.

Begin your exploration with a peaceful boat trip along the romantically named Perfume River. As you glide past the 10-meter-thick defensive walls of the Citadel aboard a traditional Vietnamese dragon boat, you’ll head toward one of Hue’s most iconic religious landmarks—the Thien Mu Pagoda. Known for its distinctive seven-story octagonal tower, this serene and picturesque site is also a significant Buddhist sanctuary.

In 1963, it was from this pagoda that the monk Thich Quang Duc began his journey to Saigon, where he would carry out his historic self-immolation in protest of the government’s anti-Buddhist policies.

Next, enjoy a cyclo ride to the Imperial Citadel—a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modeled after Beijing’s Forbidden City. The original structure was encircled by 10 kilometers of walls and a broad moat. While many of the buildings were damaged or destroyed during the Vietnam–American War, the remaining structures still offer a fascinating glimpse into the regal life of the Nguyen emperors.

Afterward, return by cyclo to your hotel.

Overnight in Hue.

DAY 05: HUE  EMPERORS’ TOMB  LANG CO VILLAGE  HOI AN

The hills surrounding Hue are adorned with the tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors.
These tombs were not built solely as eternal resting places but also as retreats for leisure—places where emperors could fish, hunt, and spend time with their concubines in their twilight years.

Your tour today includes visits to two of the most contrasting imperial tombs. First, explore the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, which showcases classic Vietnamese architecture. Wander along paved walkways, admire tranquil lotus ponds, relax in elegant pavilions, and stroll through a small forest once used for royal hunts.

Next, visit the Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh. Known as the “Puppet Emperor” due to his ties to the French colonial regime, Khai Dinh's tomb is a striking contrast—designed with colonial influences and richly decorated with intricate glass and porcelain mosaics, including a dramatic interior frieze.

After your visit, depart Hue for Hoi An. Along the way, stop at Lang Co Village and the Hai Van Pass to take in the breathtaking coastal views toward Da Nang.

Continue your scenic journey along some of Vietnam’s most winding and picturesque roads, offering some of the finest sea views in Central Vietnam. Upon arrival in Hoi An Ancient Town, check in at your hotel.
Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 06: HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN

Hoi An is a truly unique trading town—a place seemingly frozen in time.
Isolated by damaged rail lines and a silted river, Hoi An was spared the destruction of war and has retained its historic charm. With no cars allowed in the town center, it is a perfect place to explore on foot.

Begin your walking tour with visits to traditional Chinese communal houses and pagodas, followed by the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Admire the diverse architectural influences of former traders—Japanese, French, Chinese, and Indian—reflected in the beautifully preserved ancient houses.

You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the vibrant local market, browse charming art galleries, and soak in the relaxed riverside atmosphere.

Continue your tour with a visit to a local shop where you can observe the traditional process of raising silkworms and producing silk. Then, meet a local lantern artisan and learn how to craft the colorful silk lanterns for which Hoi An is renowned.

Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 07: HOI AN  VILLAGE TOUR BY BOAT, BIKING AND CAR 

After breakfast at your hotel, walk to the pier in Hoi An Ancient Town and board a boat for a short trip along the river to Kim Bong Village, renowned for its traditional boat-building heritage.
Upon arrival, pick up your bicycles and begin a leisurely ride through the picturesque countryside. Along the way, stop to visit local cottage industries including basket boat making, mat weaving, and wood carving workshops.

Continue biking past lush rice fields, historic temples, and charming colonial-era houses. Pause for photos and enjoy a refreshing break at a local family home. This scenic and immersive ride—approximately eight kilometers on flat terrain—is a wonderful way to experience the traditional lifestyle of rural Hoi An.

From Kim Bong, cruise to Thanh Ha Pottery Village, where you’ll visit a traditional ceramics workshop. Here, you'll have the chance to “get your hands dirty” and try your hand at making your own pottery creation.

Return to Hoi An Ancient Town by car and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, head to Tra Que Village to explore traditional Vietnamese farming techniques. Join the local farmers in the fields, sample fresh regional dishes, and unwind with a soothing foot soak using a homegrown herbal remedy. Return to Hoi An for the night.
Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 08: HOI AN  DA NANG  HANOI BY FLIGHT 

Early this morning, check out from your hotel and transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Hanoi.
Upon arrival, enjoy a full-day guided city tour of Vietnam’s capital.

Begin at Ba Dinh Square, where silent sentries guard the marble and granite mausoleum that houses the body of Ho Chi Minh (please note: the mausoleum is closed every Friday and Monday, and during October and November). Nearby, visit the humble stilt house where “Uncle Ho” lived and worked, and explore the Ho Chi Minh Museum—a striking, abstract tribute to the life of the nation's founding father and Vietnam’s journey to independence.

As you explore the city, you’ll notice the influence of French colonial architecture. A notable example is the former Governor’s Residence, located close to the famous One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist temple built on a single stone pillar, symbolizing a lotus flower.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, originally built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. This peaceful haven, later established as Vietnam’s first university, offers a quiet contrast to the city's busy streets.

In the afternoon, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the Lake of the Restored Sword, named after the legendary tale of a magical sword returned to the Golden Turtle God. From there, proceed to one of the city’s captivating museums (depending on time and interest).

Later, embark on a walking tour of the Ancient Quarter, also known as the 36 Streets District. Historically, this bustling neighborhood was home to Hanoi’s craft guilds, with each street named after the trade practiced there. Today, it remains a vibrant marketplace with streets like Sugar Street, Tin Street, and Paper Street, where ancient temples and houses blend seamlessly with shops and street vendors—making it a paradise for souvenir hunters. Drive to your hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 09: HANOI  HALONG BAY OVERNIGHT ON CRUISE

After breakfast at your hotel, depart for Ha Long Bay with a scenic drive through lush rice paddies.
Located approximately 170 kilometers east of Hanoi, the journey takes around 3.5 hours. Upon arrival, board a traditional sailing junk for an unforgettable cruise through the stunning seascape of Ha Long Bay, where hundreds of limestone islets rise majestically from the emerald waters.

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch onboard, followed by the opportunity to swim—weather permitting. Later, visit a magnificent grotto filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millennia.

As the sun sets, your vessel will drop anchor amidst the bay’s dramatic limestone peaks for an atmospheric overnight stay.

Overnight on board the cruise in Ha Long Bay.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10: HALONG  HANOI

 Spend the morning cruising through the breathtaking limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay before returning to the wharf.
Back on land, enjoy a performance of Vietnam’s renowned Water Puppet Show—a traditional art form that dates back centuries. This unique style of puppetry involves skillful puppeteers who operate the marionettes using submerged rods and levers, bringing scenes to life above the water's surface.

The performances often depict Vietnamese rural life, folklore, and legends, with water as a central theme—reflecting its vital role in the country’s culture and landscape.

After the show, transfer to your hotel in Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals included: Brunch

DAY 11: HANOI  SAPA

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a peaceful morning stroll around the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, followed by a taste of Vietnam’s famous coffee.
Next, explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, a fascinating institution dedicated to the diverse cultures and traditions of the country’s many ethnic groups.

In the afternoon, depart by car for Sapa (without a guide). Nestled in the breathtaking mountains of Northern Vietnam, Sapa serves as the gateway to the region’s iconic rice terraces and the traditional villages of the area’s ethnic minority communities.

The town of Sapa itself is full of charm, offering scenic views and cultural insights, and invites you to explore at your own pace.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Sapa.

DAY 12: SAPA  COLORFUL ETHNIC MARKET

Begin your day with an early morning drive to one of the most vibrant and exotic tribal markets in northern Vietnam, known for attracting a diverse array of ethnic minority groups.
Wander through the colorful market stalls and experience the rich cultural traditions of the region firsthand.

After exploring the market, enjoy a scenic walk through the Black H'mong villages of Hau Thao and Saseng, where you can immerse yourself in the daily life and customs of the mountain-dwelling communities.

Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 13: SAPA  TA PHIN  TOPAS ECOLODGE

Your journey begins with a scenic drive downhill toward Lao Cai, before turning onto a smaller paved road that leads to Ta Phin Village.
Here, you’ll experience the distinct cultural traditions of the Black Hmong and Red Dao—the two largest ethnic groups in the region. Despite their differences, these communities live harmoniously side by side, each preserving their unique customs and way of life through generations.

You can easily distinguish them by their traditional clothing, and both groups are renowned for their exquisite handicrafts. Enjoy walking among the villagers, observing daily life, and visiting local homes for an authentic cultural encounter.

Afterward, transfer to Topas Ecolodge, perched high above the valley with breathtaking views on all sides. Immerse yourself further in the lives of these unique minority communities, surrounded by nature and tradition.

Overnight at Topas Ecolodge in Sapa.

DAY 14: SAPA  HANOI

After breakfast, begin your walking tour by following the main road for approximately three kilometers to Lech Village, home to the Red Dao minority.
Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. Upon arrival, take a short walk along a dirt path to visit a traditional Red Dao household. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the culture and lifestyle of the villagers, who continue to live much as their ancestors did—peacefully and in harmony with nature.

Return to the parking area and continue by vehicle to New Lech Village, where you'll take a longer break. Observe local women seated in their doorways, skillfully working on their intricate embroidery—a craft for which the Red Dao people are especially renowned.

Afterward, return to Topas Ecolodge to rest before your transfer back to Hanoi (without guide). Enjoy some free time in the capital, followed by a farewell dinner to celebrate the end of your journey.

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 15: HANOI  DEPARTURE

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy some free time at leisure before transferring to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure.

Included:

• Accommodation in a double or twin room with daily breakfast
• One night cruise on a junk in Ha Long Bay
• Services of a driver and private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers
• Experienced English-speaking guide during all tours and transfers
• Domestic flight tickets Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh-Hue // Danang-Hanoi)
• Mekong Delta
• Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
• Vietnam visa approval letter on arrival as complementary
• Mineral water is available as complementary

Not Included:

• Air Fare from USA
• Vietnam Visa fee
• Meals, if not specified in the itinerary
• Travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance)
• Gratuities for guides and drivers
• Personal expenses at hotels, such as laundry, telephone, room-service
• All other services not specified in the itinerary

4 Star Hotels:

Saigon (03 Nights): Harmony Saigon Hotel - Premier - https://www.harmonysaigonhotel.com/en/

Hue (01 Nights): Eldora Hotel - Deluxe city - https://eldorahotel.com/

Hoi An (03 Nights): Grand Sunrise Palace - Deluxe balcony - https://grandsunrisepalace.com/

Hanoi (03 Nights): La Casa Hotel - Deluxe - https://lacasahotel.com.vn 

Halong (01 Night): Peony Cruise - https://www.peonycruises.com/  

Sapa (03 Nights): BB Sapa Hotel – Superior - https://www.bbhotels-resorts.com/bb-hotels-sapa-vi

Alteration hotels with same standard will be replaced in case the hotel is fully booked.

Exclusive Private Tour - Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 2 people booking together.

Departure: Any day

Price: $2,600 per person in shared double occupancy

Supplement for single room: $750