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From the buzzing boulevards of Saigon to the misty mountains of Sapa, experience Vietnam in its full diversity on this unforgettable 16-day journey from South to North. This carefully curated itinerary takes you through the vibrant floating markets of the Mekong Delta in Can Tho, the imperial elegance of Hue, the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, and the dynamic blend of modernity and heritage in Danang.
As you continue northward, be captivated by the cultural heart of Hanoi and the breathtaking limestone seascape of Halong Bay. Finally, escape to the green highlands of Sapa, where terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages welcome you with warmth and wonder.
Whether you’re passionate about history, food, landscapes, or local traditions, this journey offers a perfect blend of iconic sights, authentic encounters, and unforgettable experiences — all designed with comfort, discovery, and sustainability in mind.
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat 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 Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: None
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.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
At 7:30 am depart for the 3-hour drive to Cai Be, deep in the Mekong Delta. The tour begins with a visit to the colorful Cai Be floating market, followed by a visit to some local home factories that produce rice paste, rice popcorn and coconut candy. Proceed to evergreen islands along the Mekong River through a large network of meandering tributaries, crisscrossed with countless arroyos. Lunch is eaten before the cruise to Vinh Long to discover the stunning landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong Delta rural life. Drive to Can Tho and transfer to the hotel on arrival.
Overnight in Can Tho.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Departure at 6:30, after enjoying breakfast at the hotel to see Mekong's largest floating market. Busy Cai Rang Floating market hundreds of boats congregate with a piece of fruit or a vegetable attached to a pole at the bow signifying what is for sale on each. During the early morning market hours, larger sized boats anchor and create lanes that smaller boats weave in and out of. The waterway becomes a maze of hundreds of boats packed with mango, bananas, papaya, pineapple and other types of produce. Following head back to Can Tho where you will have time to freshen up before lunch and your return journey to Saigon.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Departure to Tan Son Nhat airport for your flight to Danang.
On arrival you are met by local tour guide and transfer to Hoi An.
Along the way, stop to explore the mystical Marble Mountains, a cluster of five marble and limestone hills named after the five elements. Climb the stone steps to ancient pagodas, hidden caves, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the coastline. Next to visit Cham Museum, home to the world's largest collection of Cham sculptures. Here, you’ll discover the fascinating art and history of the Champa Kingdom through intricate sandstone carvings and statues dating back to the 7th century.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals : Breakfast, lunch, dinner
In the morning 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.
In the afternoon at your leisure, allowing you time to rest and relax.
Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
After a peaceful morning in the charming ancient town of Hoi An, we’ll make our way to the coastal city of Da Nang—just a short and scenic transfer away.
As we arrive, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Take this opportunity to unwind, whether it’s soaking in the sea breeze at My Khe Beach, sipping a coconut by the waterfront, or simply relaxing at your hotel with a view of the ocean or mountains.
Da Nang offers the perfect balance of modern comforts and natural beauty. Feel free to explore the vibrant cafés and shops nearby, or save your energy for the adventures that await tomorrow.
After days of exploration and cultural discovery, today is yours to relax and unwind in the coastal charm of Danang.
This vibrant yet peaceful city is the perfect place to slow down and soak up the best of Vietnam's central coast. Enjoy a free day to stroll along the golden sands of My Khe Beach, dip your toes in the warm waters of the East Sea, or lounge by your hotel pool with a refreshing drink in hand.
Departure to Danang airport for your flight to Hanoi
On arrival you are met by local tour guide and transfer to your hotel.
On the way Lunch will take place at the KOTO restaurant, KOTO which stands for "Know One, Teach One is a unique social enterprise and restaurant in Hanoi. This afternoon visit the History Museum and the Temple of Literature which was Vietnam's first university. Enjoy an evening at the water puppet show.
Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Halong Bay to board on cruise. Boarding time is at 12:00 pm.
Upon boarding you 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 caves 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 decoration with our Chef.
Enjoy the dinner on board.
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 the sundeck.
Catch a 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 take a kayak on your own.
Return to cruise for a 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 back to Ha Noi City and the journey finishes at the hotel around 16h30.
Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Today, visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his wooden house and the One Pillar Pagoda. Enjoy a walking tour through the bustling Old Quarter and continue to Hao Lo Prison, formerly known as the "Hanoi Hilton" during the Vietnam War. The stop will be at the Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple and the Ethnology Museum.
Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
A stunning and diverse place with monoliths scattered around the greenery, rivers flowing through and caves formed in it. Discover Ninh Binh province, one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam also called Halong Bay on Land.
07:30 Tour guide and car pick you up at hotel for transfer to Ninh Binh It is two and half and hours drive to Bai Dinh Pagoda
Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, the most famous and largest pagoda in Southeast Asia, known for its numerous records, including 500 Stone Arhat Statues, a 36-ton bronze bell, and a 100-ton Buddha statue.
Enjoy lunch at a restaurant featuring a variety of local dishes such as goat meat, fish, chicken, and fried rice. Vegetarian options are also available in the buffet.
Continue to explore Trang An, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. Famous for its stunning tunnel cave system, Trang An was chosen as a filming location for the 2016 movie "Kong: Skull Island." The 2.5-hour boat trip showcases the area's breathtaking beauty.
Return to your car and head to Mua Cave (Dancing Cave). Climb nearly 500 steps to reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain, where you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Tam Coc.
Late afternoon finish the tour and transfer back to Hanoi
Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
After a leisurely morning to explore Hanoi at your own pace or simply relax, your evening adventure begins with a transfer to Hanoi Railway Station. There, you’ll board the comfortable overnight train bound for Lao Cai—gateway to the stunning northern highlands and the famous terraced landscapes of Sapa.
Departure Time: 21:40 – Arrival Time: 05:30
Train: Soft sleeper with air-conditioning
Meals included: Breakfast
Early arrive in Lao Cai and transfer to Sapa . Once a former French hill station during the colonial era, this beautiful valley region is home to the Dao, Giay and Hmong minorities.
Breakfast at hotel. You may leave your luggage at the hotel and begin your day tour to visit Cat Cat -Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Tavan
Met up at your hotel in Sapa by local guide and driver for a short transfer to Cat Cat village. After a couple of minutes, you follow steps going downhill to Cat Cat village. You will stop by a waterfall and a hydroelectric station for a while before continuing the trek on a dirt trail through rice paddy terraces. You also will enjoy spectacular scenery while walking along a narrow river. You eventually arrive in Y Linh Ho village of Black Hmong minority, where you can take a rest while you are served lunch nearby the river.
After lunch, you head toward Muong Hoa valley. You will pass through Lao Chai village of Black Hmong minority and then Tavan village of Giay minority by following a very popular trekking route. You will return Sapa from Tavan by car.
Overnight in Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
You will be met by local guide and driver upon your arrival at Lao Cai station then transferred to a local restaurant for breakfast (optional). Then start our drive to Bac Ha town. The road is relatively flat from Lao Cai to Bao Nhai bridge. After crossing the bridge, we begin our journey up to Bac Ha. Bac Ha market, located in the heart of Bac ha small town is the largest one in the area. Every Sunday, the different and colorful ethnic minority come all here to sell their homemade products or buy something for the family. They are Hmong, Phu La, Back Dzao, Tay or Nung minorities. Some of these ethnic minorities can’t be met in any other areas. Your lunch will be provided in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we drive downhill towards Lao Cai for about half an hour. We stop on the way (before reaching Lao Cai) to take a short walk to Trung Do village inhabited by Tay people. Tay villages are always set up at the foot of a mountain or along a stream and are named after a mountain, a field, or a river. Each village contains about 15-20 households. A large village is divided into many small hamlets. The houses are built on stilts or level with the ground. Stop by a traditional Tay house for a short visit before taking a boat cruise upstream the Chay River. The scenery is very beautiful on both sides of the river. The boat trip will end at Bao Nhai bridge where your vehicle will be waiting for you for the journey back to Lao Cai.
Approx: 5 hours driving/ 30 mins boat cruise/ 0.5-hour walking/ 1-hour lunch
Note: In case the level of water is not able to take boat trip, you can change to take a buffalo cart in Trung Do village instead.
Transfer to Lao Cai station for your night train to Hanoi.
Schedule train Train Lao Cai to Hanoi 20:55 -04:35
Overnight on train
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Your journey continues as you arrive early in the morning in Hanoi, the cultural heart of Vietnam. Our team will greet you at the airport and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel, where you can refresh and settle in after your travels.
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Whether you choose to unwind in the comfort of your hotel or take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and the charming Old Quarter, Hanoi offers a gentle and authentic welcome.
Optional ideas for the day:
Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee at a street-side café.
Visit a nearby spa for a relaxing massage after your flight.
Explore the vibrant local markets or try your first bowl of pho in its birthplace.
Tomorrow, your adventure through the wonders of Vietnam begins in earnest—but for today, simply relax and let the charm of Hanoi work its magic.
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.
