Embark on a 15-day journey that reveals Vietnam’s most iconic highlights - from the timeless charm of Hanoi to the lush valleys and ethnic traditions of Mai Chau, followed by the karst landscapes and rural serenity of Ninh Binh. Continue your experience on the tranquil waters and limestone formations of Lan Ha Bay before exploring the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the imperial legacy of Hue. The adventure unfolds further in the vibrant rhythm of Ho Chi Minh City, then slows again along 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: Meet tour guide and driver then depart to Mai Chau. On the way, visit a Muong village. Continue to Thung Khe pass where you can view magnificent panoramic views of the valley before arriving in Mai Chau town. Mai Chau is a beautiful valley located 145 km away from Hanoi. It is great place with harmonious landscapes, green mountain ranges, rice terraces and White Thai ethnic villages.
Upon arrival in Mai Chau, enjoy a home-hosted lunch. In the afternoon, explore Mai Hich village by bike (optional) or walk along the trails and concrete roads. You will be seduced by the gorgeous landscapes as the villages, rice fields, mountains and streams are in perfect harmony with one another. Do not miss the opportunity to communicate with the friendly local people who are always willing to welcome you into their house to enjoy a cup of tea.
Distance: approx. 6 km (walking) or 12 km (cycling)
Dinner and overnight in Mai Chau.
Depart for Ninh Binh, with optional stops en route to stretch your legs or capture moments of rural daily life.
Upon arrival in Ninh Binh, we will make our first stop in Hoa Lu, you will visit the temples dedicated toEmperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009) who played a vital role in gaining the country’s independence after it was ruled by China for a thousand years. Both temples were built in the 17th symbolizing a deep respect to the King’s contributions.
Then, we make our way to Tam Coc, which has been well-known as the “Halong Bay on land” and appeared in famous French movie “Indochina”. On arrival at the pier, you will take a private sampan boat for a ninety-minute cruise along Ngo Dong River. Pass through three caves and witness a stunning landscape interleaved by small communities, rice fields, cemetery and temples.
To wrap up the day, Bich Dong pagoda, a typical pagoda in the countryside of the Red River Delta, built in the 15th century. On arrival, you will cross a stone bridge to Chua Ha, from which over 100 steps lead to Chua Trung – the cave pagoda with unique clay statues. You will then hike up to Chua Thuong. You not only have the chance to learn about Buddhism but also get to experience incredible countryside views.
Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Ninh Binh.
8:30: To kick off the day’s activities, take a sampan boat trip along the stream and amidst the limestone mountains to uncover the beauty of Van Long Nature Reserve. Recognized as one of the country's largest reserves and designated as a Ramsar Site, it offers a unique experience. If you're fortunate, you might catch sight of white monkeys and egrets perched on the cliffs.
Then, you can choose to embark on a 10 km bike ride (one way) or a 20 km ride (round trip) along the dyke, offering stunning views of rice fields, a river, and limestone mountains. Take optional stops along the way for picturesque photos and interactions with locals. Continue your exploration by visiting Thung La Temple, which dates back to the 11th century. Don't miss the opportunity to experience traditional musical instruments that are integral to the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.
Note: Travellers who prefer not to ride a bicycle can either ride as a passenger on a scooter or reach the temple by car.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit an embroidery village and participate in an embroidery course guided by the local craftswoman, Mrs. Lam. She will proudly explain the techniques of her traditional craft, providing you with a valuable opportunity to practice on fabric like a true craftsman.
Before the day ends, and if time permits, take a stroll to visit the Lang Van Church - one of the most impressive new religious structures in Ninh Binh. Built in a striking Gothic style, the church features pointed arches, soaring vaults, and a monumental bell tower rising more than 100 meters - placing it among the tallest in Vietnam.
Return to your hotel and immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture and cuisine with a fun hands-on cooking class hosted by the welcoming team at Nep’s House. Learn how to prepare authentic yet simple Vietnamese dishes with step-by-step guidance from your local host. After cooking, sit down to enjoy the delicious meal you’ve created together. It’s a warm, personal experience that connects you to local life through food.
Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Our limousine driver will pick you up at your hotel for a shared transfer to Halong. The journey takes around 3.5–4 hours, with an optional stop for a restroom break along the way. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at Tuan Chau Pier to board your cruise.
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.
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.
Tra Que Farming Village: Famous for its aromatic herbs such as mint and basil, Tra Que offers a pleasant glimpse into traditional vegetable cultivation and the use of plants in Vietnamese medicine. A short visit brings you close to local farmers and provides lovely photo opportunities in a peaceful rural setting.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Located just 2 km from town, Thanh Ha is known for its centuries-old pottery tradition, still practiced by 23 local families since the 16th century. You can admire restored pottery pieces in an ancient house and continue with a visit to the village’s private porcelain museum.
Kim Bong Carpentry Village: Renowned for wood carving, Kim Bong’s craftsmen originally learned techniques from northern Vietnam and later integrated Chinese and Japanese influences to develop their own distinctive style. A visit reveals fine traditional workmanship and a vibrant artisanal heritage.
8:00: 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: Meet our tour guide and driver for your transfer to Cai Be. Visit Cao Dai temple on route. On arrival, experience the rhythm of life on the legendary Mekong River by visiting the canals lined with orchards.
Visiting craft workshops of rice popcorn, coconut caramel and rice cake…Go biking or walking on the village paths to discover the ancient and beautiful Phu Chau pagoda where the serenity reigns and meet the local people. Enjoy lunch in an open air restaurant where you can taste a famous local specialty, the elephant ear fish. Finally, enjoy tasting delicious fruits while rowing a small rowboat in the canals, shaded by the fruit trees.
Continue your boat trip to Vinh Long and meet the driver at the pier for a transfer to Can Tho. Arrive in Can Tho in the late afternoon. Check in your hotel and relax. Enjoy free time on your own to discover the city located on the Mekong River side.
Have breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the pier for a boat trip to visit Cai Rang floating market, the largest and most lively market in the Mekong Delta. There are so many colors and smells in the bubbling atmosphere where hundreds of sampans are filled with goods such as rice, fruits, and craft products. Everything is shown to sell from the early morning.
Leave the market and continue the boat trip through the canals and visit a fruit garden. Head back to An Binh Market which is full of fish, fruits and vegetables. Stop at Binh Thuy ancient house which contains the orchid garden where “The Lover” was filmed.
Transfer back to Saigon and arrive in the late afternoon. Dinner is at 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.
