Vietnam in Depth 17 Days

After breakfast, our tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to begin the day. The tour starts at the 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 Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first national university, founded in 1070 - known for its ancient courtyards and Confucian heritage. After a local lunch (your own arrangement), take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, connected by the red The Huc Bridge.  From 5pm to 9pm, set out on a  Jeep Food Tour through Hanoi’s lively streets. Along the way, sample the city’s culinary highlights, from egg coffee and Banh Mi to pho cuon (fresh spring rolls), steaming bowls of pho, and crisp local beer—a flavorful evening that perfectly rounds off your exploration of Hanoi’s culture and energy.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: breakfast, foods the food tour

Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel and then you’ll head northwest of Hanoi to Thanh Hoa city - home to Pu Luong Nature Preserve. This is a hidden gem where terraced rice fields blend with dense forests. Upon arrival, get on a bamboo raft boating along the crystal-clear waters of Cham Stream. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool water and then savor a relaxed lunch on the bamboo raft floating quietly surrounded by peaceful nature. Next, step into the mysterious Surprising Cave, marveling at centuries-old stalactites and stalagmites that create a natural underground wonder.  Later, visit a 120-year-old Thai Ancient Stilt House and take part in cultural practices such as pounding and milling rice, weaving colorful fabric, and sampling fragrant homemade rice wine. On the way to your hotel, pause at the Giant Water Wheel, an iconic symbol of Pu Luong ingenuity in harnessing water for the rice terraces. Dinner will be served with local flavors.

Overnight in Pu Luong (Thanh Hoa) 

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner 

After your morning meal, check out your hotel then we’ll travel to Hieu Waterfall, tucked among mountains and thick green forests. Water cascades into clear pools, framed by rocky cliffs and lush vegetation, creating a peaceful, natural escape. You can wander along the paths, feel the cool mist on your skin, and breathe in the serenity of the forest. Next, we come to Lan Brocade Weaving Village, where local artisans continue traditional weaving techniques passed down for generations. Watch the process, admire the vibrant fabrics, and gain a glimpse into the everyday life and culture of the community. Lunch will be served afterwards.  Around 13:30, begin the drive back to Hanoi, a journey of approximately 4–4.5 hours, arriving in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Hanoi 

Meals: breakfast, lunch 

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 

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 lunch 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. In the afternoon, continue to Minh Mang Tomb, where architecture harmonizes elegantly with gardens and reflective pools 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.  The evening time is free for you to relax and explore at your own pace.

Overnight in Hue 

Meals: breakfast 

Your morning begins with a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most sacred and significant sites in Hue’s religious life. Sitting gracefully on the bank of the poetic Perfume River, its iconic seven-story tower stands as a symbol of Buddhist worship. As you explore the pagoda, listen for the gentle toll of its ancient bell, echoing through the gardens and over the river, adding a serene soundtrack to the surroundings. Take some time to admire the pagoda’s timeless charm and architectural details that have been carefully preserved over the centuries.  Next, head to Thuy Bieu ecological village, a peaceful community known for its thriving vegetable gardens and fruit orchards. Visitors can try their hand 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. All together, it paints a vivid picture of rural life at a gentle, unhurried pace, offering a refreshing contrast to the modern city. Lunch is at your own expense. The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish.

Overnight in Hue 

Meals: breakfast 

Following your breakfast, you will enjoy a scenic drive along the famous Hai Van Pass, known for its panoramic coastal views. After about three hours on the road, you’ll arrive in the charming Hoi An Ancient Town. Your first stop is Cam Thanh Coconut Village – an ecotourism destination where you can enjoy a fun and authentic basket-boat ride through the peaceful water coconut groves.  In the afternoon, discover the landmarks of Hoi An Ancient Town, including the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, Phung Hung Ancient House, and the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall.

Overnight in Hoi An 

Meals: breakfast 

Leaving Hoi An at around 7:30 AM, you’ll head to Da Nang, a vibrant coastal city that blends natural beauty with cultural heritage. Your first stop is the scenic Son Tra Peninsula (also known as Monkey Mountain), where you’ll visit the striking Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the towering Lady Buddha statue—standing 67 meters tall and gazing out over the East Sea. Next, explore the Cham Museum, which holds the world’s largest collection of Cham sculptures and artifacts, reflecting the spiritual and artistic heritage of the ancient Champa Kingdom. After that you’ll be transferred to Da Nang International Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, the driver will greet you and take you to your hotel in the heart of Sai Gon for check in. Take a rest after the flight or you may want to walk around to first feel the rhythms of this dynamic space.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City 

Meals: breakfast 

Your tour guide will meet you in the reception area and take you to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 70 km northwest of central Saigon. This remarkable historical site is considered one of the most fascinating underground structures in the world. During the war, this extensive underground maze served as a hidden military base where Vietnamese soldiers lived, coordinated strategies, received medical treatment, and launched surprise attacks before disappearing underground. Visiting Cu Chi today, in a time of peace, offers valuable insight into the courage, ingenuity, and resilience of the Vietnamese people during wartime. Afterwards, we’ll drive back to the city center and you’ll have your own time for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll take you to visit these attractions: War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sai Gon Post Office and Ben Thanh Market. We may finish the day at about 17:30 You’re free to discover Saigon’s night life on your own.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City 

Meals: breakfast 

Leave Ho Chi Minh City in the morning and travel south to Ben Tre, a peaceful province at the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Board a boat and begin exploring the waterways, where you’ll see daily life unfolding along the riverbanks. Stop at a riverside brick workshop, watch how coconut candy is made by hand, and taste honey at a small family farm. You may also enjoy a short walk or cycle through coconut groves and rice fields, soaking in the calm rhythm of the countryside. Later, switch to a rowing sampan for a gentle ride along narrow canals lined with water palms before returning to the pier. From here, continue your journey by road toward Long Xuyen. On the way, pause in Sa Dec to visit Kien An Cung Pagoda, an ornate temple built over a century ago by the Hoa community. After the visit, carry on to Long Xuyen for an overnight stay by the river.

Overnight in Long Xuyen

Meals: Breakfast

Long Xuyen, a riverside city in An Giang province, rests along the gentle flow of the Hau River. Life here still carries the rustic charm of the Mekong Delta, where people trade from boat to boat as they have done for generations. At dawn, you’ll board a small motorboat and drift into the Long Xuyen Floating Market, watching the river come alive with wooden boats laden with fruits and produce. Don’t miss the chance to taste sweet tropical fruit passed to you straight from a vendor’s boat—a simple pleasure that captures the soul of the delta. From the market, continue by sampan to visit a floating fish farm, then glide onwards to the Cham ethnic village. Stilt houses, traditional weaving looms, and the rhythm of daily life here reveal a community that has long lived in harmony with the river. Your day continues to Cu Lao Ong Ho, or Tiger Island, a quiet islet shaded by orchards and dotted with small paths. Beyond its peaceful scenery, the island also preserves the memory of Uncle Ton (Ton Duc Thang), the first president of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, whose modest life still inspires respect today.  As the sun lowers, you’ll travel by road to Chau Doc and settle into your hotel for the night.

Overnight in Chau Doc

Meals: breakfast

After breakfast, take a little time to wander through Chau Doc Market, where you can sample local delicacies and soak up the lively atmosphere. Later, travel back to Ho Chi Minh City. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the city at your own pace.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Meals: breakfast

Today you’ll leave the bustle of the city behind and head for the coast. Upon reaching Mui Ne, check in at your resort and spend the rest of the day settling into the laid-back rhythm of life by the sea.

Overnight in Mui Ne 

Meals: breakfast 

You’ll have the whole day to enjoy Mui Ne at leisure. Spend time unwinding on the long sandy beach, where gentle waves and sea breezes set the perfect pace for relaxation. A quiet stroll along the shore brings you to colorful fishing villages, where traditional boats rest on the water. Fresh seafood is a must—best enjoyed in a beachfront restaurant as the sun begins to set.

Overnight in Mui Ne

Meals: breakfast

From Mui Ne, travel back to Ho Chi Minh City for your departure flight, concluding a seventeen-day journey that has taken you deep into the heart of Vietnam.

Meals: breakfast