This journey leads you through some of Vietnam’s most iconic highlights: the timeless charm of Hanoi, the tranquil karst landscapes of Lan Ha Bay, the lantern-lit lanes of Hoi An, and the imperial grandeur of Hue. Your trip concludes with the vibrant pace of Ho Chi Minh City and the peaceful waterways of the Mekong Delta.
Designed as a self-guided adventure, it allows you to explore Vietnam at your own rhythm while enjoying a seamless arrangement of hotels, domestic flights, transfers, a cruise on Lan Ha Bay, and an excursion into the Mekong Delta. You are free to choose what to visit and to follow your interests as you encounter Vietnam's unmissable sites.
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our guide and driver at the pickup lobby. You’ll then enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi, passing over the Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city’s unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic.
The rest of the day is free at your leisure. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense. Overnight stay in Hanoi.
You have the full day to discover Hanoi at your own pace. Below is a suggested highlights if you’d like some inspiration.
Temple of Literature: Wander through the peaceful gardens, admire Khue Van Cac, and explore Vietnam’s first national university with its UNESCO-recognized stone steles.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays): A fascinating look into the country’s diverse ethnic cultures, featuring traditional houses, costumes, and daily-life artifacts.
Lunch: Try Hanoi’s signature grilled fish dish – “Cha ca”, served with herbs, rice noodles and a tangy sauce, or opt for “Bun cha”, a beloved local classic of grilled pork, vermicelli and fresh herbs.
Ho Chi Minh Complex (outside only): Stroll through tree-lined boulevards, see the Mausoleum from the outside, then continue to the Presidential Palace area, Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda.
Egg Coffee: Relax in a traditional café and enjoy this creamy Hanoi specialty born in the colonial era.
Old Quarter: Explore the 36 historic streets, bustling markets, temples and iconic tube houses. Walking is the best way to feel the district’s vibrant rhythm.
8:00 - 8:30: The driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi, and from there, we’ll begin our journey to Halong City with a scenic drive through the Red River Delta. The trip takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, with an optional stop along the way for a short break.
11:30 – 12:00: Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor.
12:00 – 12:30: Board a tender to transfer to the main vessel. Welcome aboard Sena Cruise! Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink as our Cruise Manager gives a safety briefing and a short introduction to the cruise program. Afterward, check into your cabin and settle in.
13:15 – 13:45: Lunch is served while Sena Cruise begins its journey into the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay—an extension of Ha Long Bay, known for its tranquility and fewer visitors. Along the way, admire iconic formations such as Finger Islet and Candle Islet, as well as countless limestone karsts and islands.
15:00: Explore the serene Dark and Bright Cave, renowned for its untouched natural beauty and poetic landscape. Take stunning photos of this romantic area or enjoy a relaxing bamboo boat ride. You may also swim in the calm, emerald waters—a perfect way to experience the hidden charm of Lan Ha Bay.
17:00: Return to the cruise. Join a sunset party on the deck—an ideal moment for photographers to capture the golden hour over the bay. Participate in a Vietnamese cooking class and learn how to make traditional spring rolls.
Our captain will anchor the boat in a peaceful area for the night.
19:00: Enjoy a delicious dinner in the onboard restaurant. Afterward, unwind with your choice of activities: Chat at the bar or enjoy a movie in the restaurant; Treat yourself to a spa session (*); Sip cocktails at the panoramic bar (*); Try your hand at squid fishing with our prepared rods and lighting.
Overnight onboard in Lan Ha Bay.
(*) Additional charges apply for some services—please book with the cruise team directly.
06:00: Start your day early with a sunrise photo opportunity and join our Tai Chi session on the sundeck to rejuvenate your body and mind.
07:00: The Sena Cruise sails through more majestic karst formations. Enjoy tea, coffee, and a light breakfast in the fresh morning air.
08:15: Experience kayaking and swimming in the peaceful waters of Tra Bau, one of the filming locations for Kong: Skull Island (2018). Discover hidden corners and soak up the serene atmosphere.
09:30: Return to the boat and check out of your cabin.
10:00: While enjoying a set-menu early light lunch, Sena Cruise gently sails back toward the harbor, passing by a panorama of limestone cliffs.
11:30 – 11:45: Arrive at the harbor, disembark, and farewell to the crew.
The cruise shuttle bus driver meets you at the Cruise Waiting Lounge and transfers you back to Hanoi. You are dropped off in the Old Quarter, where your private driver picks you up for the onward transfer to Noi Bai Airport.
Take a short flight to Da Nang City.
Upon your arrival at Da Nang airport, our local driver will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation in Hoi An, a journey of approximately 1 hour.
Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hoi An.
Enjoy a full free day to discover Hoi An in the way that suits you best. Below are suggested activities if you’d like some inspiration.
Basket Boat Experience: Visit to Cam Thanh village, known for its peaceful waterways and centuries-old nipa palm forests. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing ride in a traditional bamboo basket boat and try simple crab fishing — a light, fun activity close to nature.
Hoi An Ancient Town: Wander the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town at your own pace. You may visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, old merchant houses, temples, and the vibrant local market.
Tailor-made clothing: Hoi An is also one of the best places in Vietnam for tailor-made clothing, with skilled tailors offering high-quality garments often completed within 24 hours.
Lunch: You may like to try Cao lau — a regional specialty with thick noodles, pork slices, crispy croutons, and fresh herbs found only in Hoi An — or Mi Quang, turmeric noodles topped with pork, shrimp, herbs, and a light, fragrant broth.
8:30: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in the heart of Hoi An. From there, we’ll head to Hue, passing through Da Nang. The journey takes about 3-4 hours, taking you along some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in central Vietnam, including My Khe Beach, fishing villages, the Hai Van Pass, and Lang Co Lagoon.
Upon arrival in Hue, you are dropped off at your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at your own pace. If you’d like some inspiration, here are a few suggested activities:
The Imperial Citadel: Discover Hue’s former imperial capital, designed with Vauban-style defensive architecture. Key highlights include the Flag Tower, the South Gate, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, ancestral temples, and the surviving halls of the Forbidden City.
Dong Ba Market: Stroll through bustling aisles filled with fresh produce, local snacks, conical hats, and traditional handicrafts - a lively window into everyday life in Hue.
The morning is free for you to relax or continue exploring Hue at your own pace. If you’d like some ideas for a gentle and meaningful start to the day, you may consider visiting:
Thien Mu Pagoda: One of Hue’s oldest spiritual landmarks, founded in 1601. Its distinctive octagonal tower and sweeping views over the Perfume River make it an inspiring place to understand the spiritual heritage of the former capital.
Minh Mang’s Tomb: An architectural masterpiece that harmoniously blends imperial design with serene natural landscapes. Initiated during Emperor Minh Mang’s reign (1820–1840) and completed by Emperor Thieu Tri, the complex showcases the refined craftsmanship of thousands of artisans of the Nguyen era.
Thuy Bieu Village: A peaceful riverside village known for its fragrant pomelo gardens. You can opt for an easy bicycle ride through shaded lanes, stopping at ancestral temples, century-old garden houses, and small vegetable plots tended by local families.
In the afternoon, your driver transfers you to Phu Bai Airport for your flight to Saigon.
Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, our local driver will greet you at the pickup area and transfer you to your hotel in the city.
You have a full day to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. If you’d like some inspiration, here are a few suggested highlights:
Independence Palace: Former residence and workplace of the South Vietnamese presidents, featuring preserved 1960s–1970s interiors and the iconic tank that marked the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.
War Remnants Museum: A powerful museum offering a comprehensive perspective on the Vietnam War through photographs, documents, and thematic exhibitions.
Lunch: Popular options include banh xeo, com tam, or a Southern-style seafood meal — all excellent introductions to Saigon’s vibrant food culture.
Quan Am Pagoda: One of the city’s oldest pagodas, dedicated to Guan Yin and influenced by Taoist traditions. A peaceful stop rich in spiritual atmosphere.
Binh Tay Market: Located in the heart of Chinatown, this bustling wholesale market offers clothing, souvenirs, spices, snacks, and a lively food court where you can sample authentic local dishes.
8:00: Tour guide and driver welcome you at your hotel for your transfer to Ben Tre, a beautiful region in the Mekong Delta River, famous for making coconut candy. Arrive at Hung Vuong pier, take a boat trip on Ben Tre River to discover the daily local life. Continue your boat trip on a canal to Nhon Thanh Village. This will be an opportunity to taste the fresh fruits.
Take a bike ride (or Tuk tuk) on a small path through the villages and enjoy views of the coconut ranges, rice fields and vegetable gardens. A lunch of elephant ear fish is served in the village. A short walk will help you to discover the local life in depth. This is followed by a boat ride on the small canal shaded by the wild palm trees.
Transfer back to Saigon in the late afternoon.
Dinner is on your own expense (not included). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport.
