The Best of Vietnam 14 Days

After breakfast, at about 8:30am, you’ll embark on a full-day discovery of the capital’s cultural treasures starting at Ho Chi Minh Complex, including Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Vietnam’s independence on Sep 2, 1945. A short walk brings you to the elegant French-colonial Presidential Palace and the simple stilt house where “Uncle Ho” lived and worked, before visiting the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of Vietnamese spirituality. Continue to the Museum of Ethnology for a fascinating look into Vietnam’s many ethnic groups. After lunch (at your own expense), we’ll visit Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first national university, founded in 1070, embodies the nation’s deep respect for education and Confucian traditions. Its ancient courtyards, stone steles, and classic architecture create a serene atmosphere that evokes a sense of reverence and scholarly appreciation. Next, head to the serene Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the sacred Ngoc Son Temple, followed by a walking tour around the Old Quarter. 

In the evening, refresh at a mini hotel before heading to the railway station for your night train to Lao Cai.

Overnight on the train (soft sleeper, 4-berth cabin).

Meals: breakfast 

The train reaches Lao Cai quite early in the morning, about 5:30am. After that there will be a local tour guide to pick you up and guide you to explore one of the region’s famous weekly markets, namely Bac Ha Market (Sunday), Coc Ly (Tuesday), Cao  Son (Wednesday) or Can Cau (Saturday). These markets are the feast for the senses, alive with ethnic chatting, scent of hot special delicacies, bright colorful traditional costumes. Later, descend to Sapa town and check in your room. In the afternoon, you'll be guided to visit Cat Cat Village, about 2km from Sapa town. Home to the Black H’mong people, the village offers a window into traditional life in the northern highlands. As you walk along quiet stone paths, you’ll pass wooden stilt houses, terraced rice fields, and waterfalls tucked beneath the hills. Back to Sapa, you’re free to discover this misty town by yourself.

Overnight in Sapa

Meals: breakfast

This morning, take the cable car up to Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina. Rising 3,143 meters above sea level, it rewards you with sweeping views of the Hoang Lien Son range, where clouds drift gently across the valleys. After enjoying time at the summit, return to Sapa for lunch (at your own expense) before transferring back to Hanoi in a comfortable limousine shuttle, arriving in the evening.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: breakfast, brunch

Once you've finished breakfast, your guide and driver will be waiting in the hotel lobby to take you on a scenic drive to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO-listed wonder known for its crystal-clear waters and towering limestone islands. On boarding, a fresh welcome drink will be served as you listen to a cruise briefing. Then unwind and settle into your cabin before savoring your lunch at the restaurant. After a short rest, you’ll visit an impressive cave and have time for swimming at a peaceful beach in the afternoon. Afterward, unwind on deck or join a relaxed cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare a simple Vietnamese specialty. Happy hour is a perfect chance to sip a cocktail and watch the sun set. The cruise will treat you to dinner in the restaurant, after which you can spend some time on the Sky bar or a bit of squid fishing. 

Enjoy a peaceful night onboard

Overnight on cruise in Halong Bay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Awaken to the gentle sunrise over Halong Bay and breathe in the fresh sea air while taking in the stunning scenery. Enjoy a light breakfast before visiting a nearby fishing village to see local life on the water. Return to the cruise for check-out, with brunch served around 10:00 am. After disembarking, transfer back to Hanoi to catch your flight to Hue. Upon arrival, your driver will take you to your hotel for check-in. Take some time to rest, or step out for a cyclo ride to explore the evening atmosphere of Hue.

Overnight in Hue

Meals: breakfast, brunch

Welcome to Hue – where the Imperial Past Meets New Experiences. This romantic and tranquil city will captivate you with its poetic beauty and imperial heritage. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, our tour guide will pick you up to explore the Forbidden Purple City, the former residence of the Nguyen emperors, followed by a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda – a 17th-century pagoda gracefully perched on the banks of the Perfume River. Then venture to Thuy Bieu Eco Village, a quiet community surrounded by fruit gardens. You can try your hands at traditional farming, wander through the lush fields, and taste the village’s seasonal specialties. Among them, the most famous is Thanh Tra pomelo, a small delicate variety unique to Hue, prized for its thin skin, juicy flesh, and refreshingly sweet flavor. After this trip, you'll have time for your lunch at your own expense. 

In the afternoon, Step into Tu Duc’s Tomb, a harmonious blend of natural scenery and imperial design that offers a glimpse into the Nguyen dynasty’s grandeur before ending the day at the bustling Dong Ba Market, where vendors sell everything from fresh produce to conical hats.

Overnight in Hue

Meals: breakfast 

This morning, drive along the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, where mountains drop steeply into the sea. Stop in Da Nang before continuing to Hoi An. At Cam Thanh Coconut Village, ride in a traditional basket boat through shaded waterways. Later, explore Hoi An’s Ancient Town, a UNESCO site filled with historic treasures: the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, Phung Hung House, and the ornate Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. As evening falls, take part in the enchanting lantern release on the Hoai River—a magical tradition held on the 14th day of each lunar month, at its most colorful and festive during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals: breakfast

Today is dedicated to exploring Ba Na Hills, a hilltop resort rising 1,487 meters above sea level. Often described as a “fairyland,” it enjoys a cool climate year-round and the rare charm of four seasons in a single day.

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to An Son Commune and board the cable car that will carry you high above the mountains. This record-breaking system—holder of four Guinness World Records—offers a spectacular ride through drifting clouds with panoramic views of the lush landscape below.

Your first stop is the iconic Golden Bridge, a 148-meter-long walkway seemingly cradled by two giant stone hands. More than just a symbol of Da Nang tourism, it is an architectural marvel that feels almost otherworldly. As you stroll across, the mountain breeze and sweeping vistas will make for an unforgettable moment.

Continue your visit with the historic Debay Wine Cellar, where you may sample fine French vintages, and wander through Le Jardin d’Amour, a romantic flower garden blooming in a riot of colors. If you wish, step into Fantasy Park for thrilling rides and games, or find tranquility at Linh Ung Pagoda, perched serenely on the hillside.

After a full day of discovery, return to Da Nang and relax at your own pace.

Over night in Da Nang

Meals: breakfast 

In the morning, visit Marble Mountain with its caves and pagodas hidden within limestone peaks. Continue to Son Tra Peninsula, where the Lady Buddha statue stands watch over the sea. Before leaving, stop at Han Market, a lively place for local goods and souvenirs. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the dynamic heart of southern Vietnam.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city  

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Start your day with a trip to the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network used during Vietnam’s resistance against foreign invasion. This remarkable site offers a hands-on experience—kids can crawl through specially adapted tunnels and discover how people lived, hid, and cooked beneath the earth during those challenging times. 

After returning to the city, continue with a guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s key landmarks. Visit the War Remnants Museum, where you will gain insights on how harsh and awful the war is. Also, the war crimes will definitely touch your soul. Next is the tranquil Jade Emperor Pagoda, a peaceful space filled with rich carvings and spiritual ambience. End the day by wandering through Binh Tay Market in Cho Lon, where you’ll experience the energy of the city’s bustling Chinatown district. A final stop at the Saigon Sky Deck offers panoramic views of the modern city skyline - a striking contrast to the underground world you saw earlier.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city  

Meals: breakfast 

Departing from Ho Chi Minh City in the morning, you'll head to Tien Giang Province to begin your exploration of the Mekong Delta. The first stop is Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda, a well-known Buddhist site built in the early 19th century, noted for its blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles.

From the pier, board a boat for a short cruise on the Mekong River, passing by floating houses where fish are raised underneath. You’ll then arrive at Unicorn Island, where a short cart ride brings you to a shaded garden. Here, you can listen to traditional Southern folk music and taste a variety of fresh tropical fruits.

Continue with a peaceful hand-rowed sampan trip along narrow canals lined with water coconut trees, giving you a closer view of local life along the waterways.

In the afternoon, visit a small bee farm, where you can enjoy a cup of honey tea and learn a bit about local beekeeping practices. Before lunch, stop by a family-run coconut candy workshop, where the process of making this local treat is demonstrated, and samples are offered. After that, travel onward to Can Tho.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Meals: Breakfast

Wake up early this morning for a boat ride to Cai Rang, the most vibrant floating market in the Mekong Delta. Hop on a boat and cruise along the river, where you'll see dozens of boats gathering to trade fresh fruits, vegetables, and all kinds of local specialties. One charming detail to look out for is the beo pole – a bamboo stick displayed on each boat, showing what the sellers have for sale to attract passing customers.

The river comes alive with the hum of boat engines, cheerful chatter, and the enticing aroma of ripe tropical fruits, morning dishes, and strong local coffee filling the air. It’s more than a market, it’s a joyful, authentic, and completely unique window into daily life in the Mekong.

After your visit, travel back to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping en route at Binh Thuy Ancient House—an elegant 19th-century residence of the Duong Family, reflecting the harmonized blending of Vietnamese, Chinese and French architecture The evening in Ho Chi Minh City is free for you to relax at your own pace. 

Evening time in Ho Chi Minh City is free for you to unwind at leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast.

Your two-week adventure through Vietnam comes to a close today. After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight. We thank you for traveling with us and look forward to welcoming you back to Vietnam in the future.

Meals: Breakfast.