From the Timeless Charm of Hanoi to the Vibrant Energy of Ho Chi Minh City
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Vietnam with our 12D/11N Explorer Vietnam Tour. This carefully curated itinerary takes you from the historical wonders of Hanoi to the breathtaking limestone landscapes of Ha Long Bay, the imperial legacy of Hue, the coastal beauty of Danang, and the buzzing modernity of Ho Chi Minh City.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, history, and cuisine. Experience traditional water puppetry, cruise among emerald islands, explore ancient citadels and royal tombs, relax on sun-kissed beaches, and dive into the dynamic rhythm of Vietnam’s largest metropolis.
With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and immersive local experiences, this adventure promises not just a vacation—but a deeper connection with the spirit of Vietnam.
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you are met by a local guide and transfer to your hotel.
Arrival time subject to confirm.
The rest of day at leisure today after long haul flight
Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: None
Start your day with the Quang Phu Cau Village Tour, exploring the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village in Hanoi promises to captivate you with its unique landscape and vibrant ambience, showcasing the vibrant life of its people deeply rooted in traditional handicrafts. After the tour, we will be back in Hanoi and we will start our city tour with a journey through the history of Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and its humble house on stilts. The serenity continues with a visit to the elegant One Pillar Pagoda, before stepping back in time to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. In the afternoon, take a walk around Sword Lake and visit the charming Ngoc Son Temple, where legend and tranquility meet. Experience the city like a local with a cyclo ride through the bustling Old Quarter, a maze of narrow streets teeming with life.
Tonight enjoy the water puppet show, famous and traditional Vietnamese puppet show.
Dinner in a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight in Hanoi
After breakfast at hotel, transfer to Halong Bay to board on cruise. Boarding time is at 12:00pm. Upon boarding guests are greeted with a welcome drink and gather in the dining room for a comprehensive safety and boat orientation. lunch is served at 1:00pm. Lunch is a multi-course Vietnamese and Western set menu. During lunch while cruising in the magnificent Ha Long Bay, admiring the fascinating nature, then anchor at Titop Island area.
Join a guided visit to Sung Sot Cave (also called Amazing Cave), one of the biggest and the most beautiful cave in Ha Long Bay. Climb to the peak of Titop Island for the panorama view of the bay. Going down and relaxing on the beach, swimming in the crystal water.
Enjoy happy hours with various drinks on discounts. Take part in a cooking demonstration and food décor with our Chef
Dinner is served.
After dinner time to join squid fishing with the crew, sing karaoke or just laze around or relax in your cabin.
Overnight on board
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Welcome a new day with amazing dawn on the Legendary Gulf of Tonkin. Refresh your body & soul by a Tai-chi lesson on sundeck.
Catch morning view of seascapes with a cup of tea or coffee, have breakfast while charming the labyrinth of Karst.
Continue Join a guided to explore hidden parts of the bay, Luon cave. You share a sampan with other tourists with a local rower or taking a kayak on your own.
Return to cruise for shower and check out your room. The Sails weighs the anchor to continue to roam the picturesque route toward Bai Chay bridge for photos. Have light lunch on board during the cruise going to dock.
Disembark at 11h 45. Transfer from Halong directly to Noi Bai airport for flight to Hue
Schedule flight Hanoi – Hue VN 1549 19:45 - 21:00
On arrival in Hue you are met by a local guide and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Enjoy breakfast before taking a boat ride along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, considered the most beautiful pagoda in Hue. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the imperial tombs of Emperor Khai Dinh and Tu Duc and the imperial citadel.
Tonight cooking class Hue cuisine style.
Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
This morning after your breakfast, we will take the road to Da Nang. Enjoy the costal road and the famous Hai Van pass name also cloudy pass. Arrive in Da Nang late morning and we will process to check in at your hotel.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. The rest of the the day for leisure and relax at the beach or hotel swimming pool.
Overnight in Danang
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
In the morning, at 8:00 am, our driver and guide will meet you at your hotel in Da Nang city center to begin your city tour. The first stop will be the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone and marble hills located about eight kilometers south of the city.
Visit to Da Nang’s famous modern bridges, the Han Bridge and the Dragon Bridge. These architectural landmarks are among the city’s most photographed locations, providing stunning views of “The City of Bridges.”
Continue to visit Cham Museum, home to an extensive collection of ancient artifacts from the fascinating Cham culture. The museum’s exhibits are arranged geographically, reflecting the regions where they were discovered. This layout allows visitors to appreciate the diverse styles of Cham architecture, which evolved in response to different local traditions and ways of life.
experience the daily life of the people of Da Nang by visiting one of the city's largest and most vibrant Han Market. As you explore the market, you will be able to interact with local vendors, observe their daily routines, and gain insight into the cultural and commercial life of the region.
Your journey continues with a visit to Linh Ung Pagoda, also known as Lady Buddha. This sacred site is located at the foot of the Son Tra Peninsula and is home to the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam.
Overnight in Danang
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Morning Tra Que Vegetable Village. Tra Que Vegetable Village is a peaceful farming community located just a few kilometers from the ancient town of Hoi An. Famous for its fresh and aromatic herbs, Tra Que supplies vegetables to local markets and restaurants across the region. Visitors can immerse themselves in the daily life of local farmers—learning how to till the soil, plant seedlings, and water the crops using traditional methods. Surrounded by lush green fields and tranquil scenery, the village offers a unique and authentic experience of rural Vietnam, where sustainability and tradition go hand in hand.
Enjoy local specialties Tam Huu Rolls A Tra Que favorite made with prawn, pork, basil, and green onion, served with sweet-and-sour fish sauce infused with garlic and chili and Sweet Basil Seed Drink refreshing and rich in fiber, this drink is known to help relieve stress.
In the afternoon you will enjoy a walking tour in Hoi An. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the center of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday. This walking tour is the best way to see the wooden-fronted houses that once belonged to the town’s prosperous merchants, the Japanese-covered Bridge and the wonderful market as well as the many silks, handicrafts, and antiques.
Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Today is yours to explore the timeless beauty of Hoi An at your own pace. Wander through the lantern-lit streets of the Ancient Town, where history whispers from every yellow-walled house and charming riverside café. Discover tailor shops, colorful markets, hidden temples, and peaceful courtyards—or simply relax on the nearby An Bang Beach for a sun-soaked retreat.
Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
Flight: Danang – Ho Chi Minh City (VN109 | 09:00 – 10:30)
After breakfast, transfer to Danang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling southern metropolis. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your local guide and escorted to your hotel for check-in.
Take some time to relax and unwind at your own pace, soaking in the vibrant city atmosphere or enjoying a quiet moment before the evening's adventure.
In the afternoon, prepare for an unforgettable culinary journey as you hop on a vintage Vespa for an exciting street food tour. Ride through hidden alleys and lively neighborhoods, sample authentic Vietnamese dishes, and experience the city as the locals do—with flavor, fun, and flair.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, you will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels that were used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. You will learn about the history of the tunnels and how they were used by the Vietnamese people to fight against the Americans.
In the afternoon we will explore Vietnam's largest and busiest city with a visit to the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral, a beautiful neo-Romanesque Basilica built by the French in the late 19th century.
Central Post Office: One of the oldest buildings in Ho Chi Minh City and the busiest post office in Vietnam. Admire its neoclassical architecture and painted maps of Saigon from a bygone era.
Following visit to the War Museum offers visitors a deep insight into the sacrifices, struggles, and resilience of the Vietnamese people during times of conflict through its extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and personal stories.
This evening enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, cruise dinner
After your breakfast we will take you to the airport according to your flight schedules.
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If you want to visit Vietnam, you might be wondering what the weather is like in different months. Well, it depends on where you go and what you want to do. Vietnam has a diverse climate, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. But don’t worry, I’ll give you a general overview of what to expect in each month, based on the average weather patterns. You can also check out the holidays and events that happen in each month in Vietnam.
January
This is a good month to enjoy the dry and pleasant weather in most parts of Vietnam, except for the north. The north can get quite cold, especially in the morning and evening. You might need some warm clothes and jackets if you go to places like Sapa and Ha Giang. If you’re looking for some beach time, head to Phu Quoc, where the sun is always shining. Just be aware that Halong Bay can be foggy this month, so you might not see the best views.
February
The weather gets warmer in most of Vietnam, except for the north, which still feels chilly. This is a high season for tourism, so expect more crowds and higher prices. But it’s also a great time to experience the TET festival, which is the Vietnamese New Year. It’s a big celebration with lots of food, fireworks, and fun. Just keep in mind that many shops, museums, and restaurants are closed for about a week during TET.
March
This is one of the best months to visit Vietnam, as the weather is fantastic everywhere. You have more options for beach destinations, such as Mui Ne, Con Dao, and Nha Trang. Hoi An is also a lovely place to enjoy the beach and the old town. This is also a great time to visit Halong Bay, which should have clear blue skies and no fog.
April
Like March, April is another great month to visit Vietnam, with amazing weather everywhere. This is also a high season for tourism, so be prepared for more crowds and higher prices.
May
The weather gets hotter in May, but it’s still a good time to visit Vietnam before the rainy season starts. You might get some rain in the north and south by the end of the month, but nothing too serious. You can also take advantage of the lower prices after the high season.
June
You might get some rain in the north and south of Vietnam, but it’s usually not too bad. You can still enjoy the sunny days in Hanoi, Mai Chau, and Halong Bay. The best place to be is in central Vietnam, where the weather is still dry and sunny. You can relax on the beaches of Lang Co and Hoi An, or explore the countryside and culture. This is also a good time to travel before the school holidays start next month.
July
Central Vietnam is still the best place to be in July, with lots of sunshine and little rain. The rest of Vietnam might have some showers, but they won’t ruin your fun.
August
Central Vietnam is still a good place to visit in August, although you might get some more rain by the end of the month. The rest of Vietnam might also have some rain, but it’s not too bad. You can also enjoy some discounts on flights and hotels during the low season.
September
This is a good month to catch the last sun on the central coast of Vietnam before it gets too rainy. The north and south are usually very wet this month, but you can still find some bargains on hotels.
October
The weather gets better in the north of Vietnam in October, and this is a great time to visit places like Sapa or Ha Giang. You can admire the stunning scenery of rice terraces, valleys, and mountains that change color with the seasons. You can also hike, bike, or stay with the local people who live there. This is not a good month for beach lovers, but Vietnam has so much more to offer than just beaches. And traveling in October means you avoid the crowds.
November
The high season starts again in November, as many people come to Vietnam for the cooler winter months in the north. By the end of the month, most of Vietnam is hot and dry again, except for the central region, which might have some rain.
December
There is still a chance of rain in the central part of Vietnam in December; however, most of Vietnam is hot and dry again. The beach season starts again on Phu Quoc island. You should book early for Christmas time, as it can get very busy.
