Vietnam Essence Journey

Upon arrival at Hanoi International Airport, after completing immigration and customs formalities, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the city center.

The remainder of the day is free at leisure to relax or explore Hanoi at your own pace.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Today, enjoy a full-day city tour of Hanoi, beginning with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, one of the country’s most significant historical sites. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, located at Ba Dinh Square, where the preserved body of Vietnam’s founding father rests (open Tuesday–Thursday and weekends from 08:00–11:00).

Continue to the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, a modest wooden home completed in 1958 that reflects his simple lifestyle. Nearby stands the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a unique lotus-shaped structure originally built in 1049 and later restored in 1955.

The tour proceeds to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, offering insights into the country’s educational traditions spanning nearly a thousand years.

In the afternoon, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, showcasing the culture, traditions, and architecture of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through both indoor and outdoor exhibits (closed on Mondays).

The day concludes with a one-hour Water Puppet Show, a distinctive form of traditional Vietnamese performance art.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Hanoi for a scenic three-hour drive through the fertile farmlands of the Red River Delta to Halong City.

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1994, Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Located approximately 200 km from Hanoi, the bay features nearly 1,600 limestone islands rising dramatically from emerald waters.

Upon arrival, embark on a luxury traditional wooden junk for a cruise through the spectacular seascape of Halong Bay. Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch on board, followed by opportunities to swim and explore impressive limestone caves.

As the sun sets, the cruise anchors near a secluded island, creating a peaceful atmosphere for the evening. Dinner is served on board.

Overnight on the cruise.

Wake up to the peaceful beauty of the bay and enjoy time to watch the sunrise over the sea, followed by breakfast on board. The morning continues with further cruising to quieter areas of Halong Bay, allowing you to fully appreciate its serene landscapes.

Around midday, return to the main harbor and disembark. Your private vehicle will be waiting for a scenic three-hour drive to Ninh Binh via Thai Binh and Nam Dinh.

Located in the southern part of the Northern Delta, Ninh Binh is known as Vietnam’s first imperial capital under the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties. The region offers a picturesque rural landscape of limestone mountains, caves, rice fields, and water buffaloes.

Upon arrival, the remainder of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

After breakfast, set out to explore the peaceful countryside of northern Vietnam with a visit to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam in the 10th century. Although much of the ancient citadel has disappeared over time, the area is home to two well-preserved temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, offering insight into Vietnam’s early dynastic history.

Continue with a scenic boat excursion through the Trang An Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic limestone mountains, winding waterways, lush valleys, and an extensive system of caves. The tranquil scenery makes Trang An one of northern Vietnam’s most captivating natural landscapes.

After lunch, return to Hanoi for free time at leisure. In the evening, transfer to the railway station to board the overnight Reunification Express train to Dong Hoi, traveling in a soft sleeper, air-conditioned cabin (departure at 20:10, arrival at 06:24).

Arrive in Dong Hoi early in the morning, then transfer to the Son River for a boat trip to the famous Phong Nha Cave. Located in Quang Binh Province, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park was recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site in 2003. Inside the cave, discover impressive limestone formations as well as remnants of ancient Cham altars and inscriptions.

Continue the journey to explore Paradise Cave (Thien Duong Cave), one of the most spectacular cave systems in the world. Discovered in 2005, the cave is renowned for its vast chambers, pristine stalactites, and breathtaking natural formations resembling a magnificent underground landscape.

At noon, exit the jungle and follow the eco-trail to Nuoc Mooc Spring to relax and refresh in its crystal-clear waters. Enjoy leisure activities such as swimming and kayaking along the scenic Chay River before returning to your hotel.

Overnight in Dong Hoi.

In the morning, depart the coastal town and travel south through the former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to visit the historic Vinh Moc Tunnels. Strategically located near the former border between North and South Vietnam, the tunnels were constructed to shelter local residents from intense aerial bombardments during the war. This remarkable underground complex offers powerful insight into the resilience and daily life of the people of Quang Tri Province.

Lunch is served en route to Hue.

Upon arrival in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty, discover a city renowned for its royal citadels, palaces, tombs, and pagodas. Beyond its architectural grandeur, Hue’s timeless traditions and tranquil atmosphere create a uniquely poetic charm.

The remainder of the day is free at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.

Overnight in Hue.

We then set out to explore the highlights of Hue, beginning with a scenic boat trip along the Perfume River to visit the iconic Thien Mu (Heavenly Lady) Pagoda. Built in 1601, this is one of Hue’s most important religious landmarks, beautifully set within a peaceful riverside landscape.

Disembark and continue to the elegant Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, widely regarded as the most picturesque royal mausoleum in Hue. Designed by the emperor himself, the complex reflects the harmony between architecture and nature characteristic of Nguyen Dynasty royal tombs.

Return to the city center for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, constructed in the 19th century as the political and ceremonial heart of the Nguyen Dynasty. The vast complex consists of three concentric enclosures: the Citadel, the Imperial City, and the Forbidden Purple City.

If time permits, enjoy a leisurely walk through Dong Ba Market, Hue’s most vibrant local market, where you can browse regional specialties and handicrafts.

Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, continue the journey south by road to Hoi An. Once a thriving international trading port in the 16th and 17th centuries, Hoi An Ancient Town is now renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, well-preserved architecture, skilled tailors, and charming cafés.

Enjoy a scenic drive along the coast with a stop at Lang Co Beach for coffee and refreshments, before ascending the spectacular Hai Van Pass. From here, admire panoramic views over Lang Co Bay to the north and Da Nang to the south.

Descend toward Da Nang and visit the Cham Museum, the famous China Beach, and the Marble Mountains.

Arrive in Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy your first impressions of this enchanting town. Its low-tiled houses with Chinese influences, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and the colorful riverside market create a uniquely timeless charm.

Overnight in Hoi An.

In the morning, enjoy a leisurely cycling trip to Tra Que Vegetable Village, riding along quiet country lanes to experience rural life around Hoi An. Upon arrival, discover traditional farming and fishing tools and take part in hands-on local activities such as drawing water with bamboo buckets, pounding rice, and lifting fishing nets.

Savor simple local treats including boiled sweet potatoes with roasted salted peanuts, lotus tea from Tra Que’s lotus ponds, and traditional folk songs from Quang Nam and Hoi An. Continue with a visit to a local family to learn about the village’s history and development, followed by a guided walk through the organic vegetable gardens, where farmers demonstrate traditional planting and cultivation techniques. Guests are welcome to join in harvesting and preparing vegetables.

Return to the family house for a relaxing foot massage, then take part in a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class, learning traditional recipes before enjoying the dishes you have prepared together.

In the afternoon, continue to the My Son Sanctuary, a 4th-century Cham religious complex set in a lush green valley. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features Vietnam’s most significant remaining Cham ruins and offers insight into the culture and history of the ancient Cham civilization.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, continue driving south through a region known for its coconut-lined beaches and ancient Champa towers. En route, stop to visit Chien Dang Tower and enjoy lunch at Sa Huynh Beach, a quiet coastal area far from the usual tourist routes.

The journey offers scenic views along lesser-traveled roads, providing a glimpse of Vietnam’s unspoiled countryside. Upon arrival in Quy Nhon, check in at the hotel and enjoy free time at leisure.

Overnight in Quy Nhon.

Enjoy free time at leisure to relax on the peaceful beach or explore the surroundings before transferring to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, depart for the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, located approximately 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. This extensive underground network, built during the war, offers fascinating insight into the resilience and ingenuity of Vietnamese soldiers and is now one of the country’s most significant historical sites.

In the afternoon, enjoy a half-day city tour of Ho Chi Minh City, beginning with the Reunification Palace, a landmark associated with the end of the Vietnam War and an excellent example of 1960s architecture set amid lush gardens.

Continue with visits to classic French colonial landmarks, including the Old Saigon Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. The tour proceeds to the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the city’s most atmospheric temples, before ending at the lively Ben Thanh Market, where you can explore local food stalls, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Mekong Delta, located in southern Vietnam, is where the Mekong River fans out and flows into the sea. This fertile region is covered with vast rice fields and orchards, producing nearly half of Vietnam’s agricultural output.

In the morning, depart for My Tho, then continue to Ben Tre, crossing the scenic Rach Mieu Bridge. Known for its lush fruit gardens and river-based lifestyle, Ben Tre is an ideal destination for eco-tourism and nature lovers.

Upon arrival, embark on a boat trip along the Ben Tre River to observe daily life on the water. Visit local workshops to see traditional brick making, salt processing, and coconut products. Continue by motor cart (xe loi) through rice fields and vegetable farms, offering a closer look at rural life.

In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful rowing boat ride through water palm-lined canals, followed by a visit to a local rice workshop before returning to Ben Tre town.

On the way to Can Tho, stop to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, then continue onward for an overnight stay.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Take an early morning boat trip to Cai Rang Floating Market, where you can experience the age-old tradition of river trading and witness the lively exchange of fruits and local specialties. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and sample a traditional Vietnamese breakfast, such as a bowl of pho, right on the water.

Continue with visits to a traditional old house and a family-run workshop producing a local snack similar to popcorn, offering insight into everyday life in the Mekong Delta.

After the excursion, return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Today is at leisure until check-out. You may relax at the hotel or explore Ho Chi Minh City on your own.

At the scheduled time, transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight home.