Vietnam Heritage 12 Days

Spend today delving into the history and culture of this thousand-year-old city. Begin at the Temple of Literature, built in honor of Confucius and once the country’s first university, before continuing to a museum of your choice: explore ethnic cultures through traditional houses and artifacts (Vietnam Ethnology Museum), discover the untold stories of Vietnamese women (Vietnam Women Museum), or learn about the nation’s military history (Vietnam Military History Museum). Later, visit Hoa Lo Prison, a haunting site where Vietnamese revolutionaries were once imprisoned under French rule, and where American pilots were detained decades later. Its displays shed light on both colonial struggles and the resilience of those who endured them. A gentle walk around Hoan Kiem Lake leads to Ngoc Son Temple, poised on a small island reached by a bright vermilion bridge. At about 18:00, enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a lively art form born from the rice paddies of the Red River Delta.   

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: breakfast

This morning you’ll set off for Ninh Binh, a destination famed for its stunning scenery and historical depth. You will first uncover Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, a place that still preserves sacred temples and cultural relics from the 10th century, narrating the glorious reigns of King Dinh and King Le. After that you’ll have time at your own expense. In the afternoon, get on a bamboo sampan boating along the poetic Ngo Dong river offering you a chance to witness dramatic limestone cliffs rising above rice paddies. Then, you’ll return to Hanoi in the late afternoon. The evening time in Hanoi is free for you to discover the city at leisure.   

Overnight in Hanoi 

Meals: breakfast

Today you’ll leave the city behind and head to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking seascape of limestone karsts, emerald waters and thousands of scattered islands. After a comfortable drive, board your boat and enjoy a welcome drink as you settle in and get ready for your overnight cruise. Lunch is served as the boat begins to glide through the bay’s beautiful limestone islands—an ever-changing view that’s perfect for kicking back and soaking it all in. In the afternoon, you’ll visit a cave and have time for a swim if the weather’s right. Then, return to the boat for a relaxing break, or join a casual cooking session where you’ll try your hand at making a Vietnamese dish. Happy hour is a great chance to grab a drink and catch the sunset from the deck. Dinner is served onboard, followed by optional evening fun—maybe a drink at the bar, a bit of squid fishing, or simply enjoying the peaceful night on the water.

Overnight on cruise in Ha Long 

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Wake up to the tranquil beauty of Halong Bay and join a dawn activity such as Tai Chi on the sundeck. After breakfast, the cruise continues through the spectacular karst scenery and may include a visit to a fishing village before you check out and enjoy brunch around 10:00 am. Once the boat docks at the harbor, you’ll be transferred back to Hanoi. The rest of the day is yours to relax at your own pace.  

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: breakfast, brunch

After breakfast, take a direct flight from Hanoi to Dong Hoi. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will take you to Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, home to some of the world’s most remarkable caves. Begin with Paradise Cave, the longest dry cave in Asia. Located 360 meters above sea level, its interior is usually 9–10°C cooler than the outside. A wooden staircase stretches for about 1 km, leading you through vast chambers adorned with surreal stalactite and stalagmite formations.  Later, continue to Phong Nha town and board a boat for a scenic cruise along the Son River to reach Phong Nha Cave. As you drift along one of the world’s longest underground rivers, you’ll be greeted by magnificent rock formations carved over millions of years—towering limestone columns, sparkling draperies, and natural sculptures that give the cave its legendary allure. The interplay of emerald waters and shifting light adds to its mysterious, otherworldly charm.  

Overnight in Quang Binh 

Meals: breakfast 

From Quang Binh, journey along the central coast to Quang Tri province, one of the regions most heavily affected by the war between 1954 and 1975. Here, in the former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), visit the historic Hien Luong Bridge over the Ben Hai River — once known as the 17th Parallel, the symbolic line that divided North and South Vietnam during wartime. Continue to the Vinh Moc Tunnels, an extensive underground shelter where local people and soldiers lived and fought during the war against the United States through nearly 2000 days and nights. In the late afternoon, drive onward to Hue, the former imperial capital, where you will spend the night.

Overnight in Hue 

Meals: breakfast 

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. In the afternoon, continue to Khai Dinh Tomb, an impressive blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles, before concluding the day with a stroll through the vibrant Dong Ba Market, a perfect spot to immerse yourself in local life and discover traditional products. Later, drive along the Hai Van Pass, a winding coastal road offering panoramic views of mountains and sea, before arriving in the charming town of Hoi An. You’ll arrive in Hoi An in the evening. Enjoy your evening with a warm dinner and take a stroll along the ancient town.   

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: breakfast

Enjoy breakfast before setting out on the one-hour drive to My Son Sanctuary, a sacred site of the Champa Kingdom dating back more than a thousand years. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site, My Son is home to remarkable architectural remains. Its red-brick towers, decorated with intricate carvings, reflect the spiritual symbolism and refined artistry of the ancient Cham civilization. Later, return to Hoi An for lunch at your own expense. In the afternoon, take a guided walk through the town: cross the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, famously depicted on the 20,000 VND banknote; step inside the Phung Hung Ancient House, with its blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese influences; and admire the ornate Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau. As night falls, lanterns light up the streets of Hoi An, casting a magical glow over the town.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: breakfast 

In the morning, you’ll be transferred to Da Nang International Airport to take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling heart of the south. In the afternoon, your guide will take you around the city’s highlights: explore the War Remnants Museum with its striking photo displays and wartime relics, step inside the Notre Dame Cathedral built with French red bricks more than a century ago, and admire the Central Post Office, a grand building by Gustave Eiffel. Finish the day wandering through Ben Thanh Market, where the lively stalls are packed with souvenirs, fabrics, and delicious street snacks.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: breakfast   

Depart from Ho Chi Minh City in the morning and head to Tien Giang Province to begin your exploration of the Mekong Delta. Your first stop is Vinh Trang Pagoda, a 19th-century Buddhist site famous for its peaceful gardens and unique mix of Eastern and Western architecture. From the pier, board a boat for a gentle cruise along the Mekong River, passing floating houses where families raise fish beneath their homes. Continue to Unicorn Island, where a short cart ride takes you to a shady fruit garden. Here you’ll enjoy traditional Southern folk music and sample a variety of fresh tropical fruits. Next, drift along narrow canals in a hand-rowed sampan, shaded by water coconut palms, for a closer look at daily life along the waterways. In the afternoon, visit a small bee farm to sip honey tea and learn about local beekeeping, then stop by a family-run coconut candy workshop to watch how this sweet treat is made—and try a few samples. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: breakfast 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. At the appointed time, your driver will meet you in the lobby and transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your 12-day journey through Vietnam’s heritage. Thank you for traveling with us—we hope to welcome you back again soon!

Meals: breakfast