Legendary Vietnam: 16-Day Saigon to Hanoi Adventure

Experience: Prepare for a day of historical conquest and modern discovery. We begin at the Independence Palace, a preserved time capsule where the dramatic history of the Vietnam War came to an end. Witness the infamous North Vietnamese tank and delve into the preserved 1960s-era bunker—a solemn, vital connection to the past. Our leisurely walking tour takes us through the elegant French colonial quarter, admiring the stunning architecture of the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and the magnificent Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel.

In the afternoon, we confront history at the War Remnants Museum, gaining essential, multi-faceted perspectives on the conflict. We conclude the day with a sensory explosion at Ben Thanh Market, a landmark open since 1870. Here, you can hunt for unique souvenirs and indulge in Vietnam’s finest street food, concluding your urban immersion on a high note.

• Accommodation: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room) or similar.

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Included: Private English-speaking Guide, Transport, Entrance Fees.

Experience: Today, we leave the urban hustle for the tranquil, verdant labyrinth of the Mekong Delta. Our journey takes us to Cai Be, where the rhythm of life slows down and centers around the river. We are immediately enveloped in the warmth of local communities as we glide through canals lined with lush orchards.

Witness traditional craft workshops creating rice popcorn and coconut caramel, engaging directly with the artisans. Afterward, take a gentle bike ride or walk along peaceful village paths to discover the serene Phu Chau Pagoda. The highlight: a delicious lunch featuring the local delicacy, Elephant Ear Fish. We conclude this perfect authentic adventure by tasting delicious tropical fruits while rowing a small boat, shaded by fruit trees, before transferring to Can Tho for the evening.

• Accommodation: Ninh Kieu Riverside Hotel (Executive Superior City View) or similar.

• Meals: B, L

• Included: Private English-speaking Guide, Transport, Boat Trip, Bike Rental, Entrance Fees.

Experience: Rise early for the sensory climax of the Mekong: a boat trip to the magnificent Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most vibrant market in the Delta. Witness a breathtaking spectacle as hundreds of sampans jostle for position, their goods displayed proudly on long poles. The air buzzes with commerce, colors, and exotic smells—a profound closeness to nature intertwined with human endeavor.

We continue our boat trip through intricate canals, visiting a local fruit garden before exploring the historic Binh Thuy Ancient House, famous as a filming location for The Lover. Following lunch, we begin our comfortable transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City, giving you time to reflect on the peaceful, resilient life of the Delta before returning to the energy of Saigon.

• Accommodation: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room) or similar.

• Meals: B, L

• Included: Private English-speaking Guide, Transport, Boat Trip, Entrance Fees.

Experience: Today is a day of powerful contrasts, beginning with a historical conquest at the Cu Chi Tunnels. Explore the daunting 250km underground network where the Viet Cong conducted their resistance, gaining firsthand insight into the ingenuity and resilience that defined the war. You’ll have the chance to crawl through sections of the tunnel for a true sense of the experience.

We continue to Tay Ninh to witness the spectacular Cao Dai Temple. Here, you'll experience a moment of spiritual awe as you attend the unique midday mass of this uniquely Vietnamese religion, blending elements of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Catholicism. After lunch, a seamless transfer and flight takes you north from Saigon's heat to Da Nang, followed by a short transfer to your hotel in the charming coastal area, preparing you for the historical heart of Vietnam.

• Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe City View Room) or similar.

• Meals: B, L

• Included: Private English-speaking Guide, Transport, Flight (SGN-DAD), Entrance Fees.

Experience: Step into the past in Hoi An, a preserved 15th-to-19th-century trading port. Your day is a gentle, intimate cultural immersion starting with the city's emblem: the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. We leisurely walk through the Ancient Town, visiting the Cam Pho Communal House, the stunning Quan Thang Ancient House, and the colorful Fujian Assembly Hall, witnessing the preserved architecture and lively culture.

In the afternoon, we engage in an authentic adventure at the nearby Tra Que Farming Village. Famous for its aromatic herbs, you'll receive an introduction to organic vegetable cultivation and the traditional role of herbs in Vietnamese medicine. This is a delightful opportunity to meet and interact with the farming community, feeling the earth beneath your feet and the simple warmth of local communities.

• Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe City View Room) or similar.

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Included: Private English-speaking Guide, Transport, Entrance Fees.

Experience: Dedicate your morning to discovering a truly legendary site: My Son Sanctuary, the former religious and intellectual heart of the Champa Kingdom. Located just 40km from Hoi An, this UNESCO World Heritage site preserves 70 magnificent ruined temples built between the 7th and 13th centuries. Your guide will illuminate the profound cultural, historical, and architectural values of this site, fostering a deep connection to history. Your visit is enriched by attending a beautiful traditional Champa dancing show before we return to the coast, leaving your afternoon free to relax, perhaps on the beach, after your spiritual excursion.

• Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe City View Room) or similar.

• Meals: B, L

• Included: Private English-speaking Guide, Transport, Entrance Fees.

Experience: A day of epic transition begins! We travel north to Hue via the famous Hai Van Pass (Ocean Cloud Pass). This scenic drive is a visual conquest of the Central Coast. Before the ascent, we stop in Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum, home to the world’s most important collection of Cham sculpture, offering context for yesterday’s My Son visit.

The drive over Hai Van Pass offers breathtaking views where the mountains plunge dramatically into the sea—be ready with your camera! Upon arrival in Hue, we first visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, an ancient spiritual highlight with its majestic octagon tower overlooking the Perfume River. We then check into the city and dedicate the late afternoon to the magnificent Hue Citadel, immersing ourselves in the solemn grandeur of Vietnam's former Imperial City.

• Accommodation: Rosaleen Boutique Hotel (Deluxe Double Room) or similar.

• Meals: B, L

• Included: Private English-speaking Guide, Transport, Entrance Fees.

Experience: Today beautifully blends royal awe with genuine village connection. We start at the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, an architectural masterpiece where the imperial structure blends perfectly with nature. Next, we enjoy a poetic boat trip on the Perfume River to Thuy Bieu Village, known for its fragrant grapefruit trees.

Here, we experience an incredible cultural immersion: a gentle bike ride or walk under the shade of fruit trees, a visit to a local temple, and the chance to interact with friendly villagers. The ultimate highlight is a hands-on cooking class focusing on Hue’s famous specialties, culminating in a delicious village lunch. In the late afternoon, we transfer to the airport for a short, dramatic flight north, where Hanoi awaits to usher you into the final, stunning leg of your journey.

• Accommodation: La Nueva Boutique Hotel (Premium Room) or similar.

• Meals: B, L

• Included: Private English-speaking Guide, Transport, Flight (HUI-HAN), Boat Trip, Bike Rental, Cooking Class.

Experience: Your exploration of the capital begins with scholarly history at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university. We deepen our cultural understanding by visiting your choice of one of the city's key museums (History, Hoa Lo, Ethnology, or Fine Art).

The afternoon is dedicated to Hanoi’s most elegant landmarks: a visit to the French Quarter and the sacred Ho Chi Minh Complex (outside view of the mausoleum, plus the Presidential Palace and the unique One-Pillar Pagoda). We enjoy a leisurely walk around the romantic West Lake, visiting the 6th-century Tran Quoc Pagoda. The day culminates with a sensory walk through the Old Quarter's 36 Streets, followed by the unique, 11th-century spectacle of a Water Puppet Show—a captivating end to your Hanoi immersion.

• Accommodation: La Nueva Boutique Hotel (Premium Room) or similar.

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Included: Private English-speaking Guide, Transport, Entrance Fees, Water Puppet Show.

Experience: We depart for a stunning authentic adventure to Mai Chau, a beautiful valley far from the tourist crowds. The journey is an immediate reward, featuring a stop at Thung Khe Pass to capture magnificent, panoramic views of the surrounding valley. We also visit a Muong village along the way, engaging with the local culture.

Upon arrival, we check into your accommodation before immediately plunging into a deep cultural immersion. Take a scenic bike ride (or walk) through the surrounding rice fields, exploring the Lac, Na Phon, and Poong Com villages of the White Thai ethnic minority. Witness their rural labor, observe traditional weaving, and enjoy direct, friendly encounters with locals—feeling the true warmth of local communities.

• Accommodation: Mai Chau Valley View Hotel (Deluxe Valley View) or similar.

• Meals: B, L

• Included: Private English-speaking Guide, Transport, Bike Rental.

Experience: Start the day with a peaceful breakfast before heading to the incredibly tranquil Mai Hich Village. We continue our closeness to nature with a gentle walk or cycle (6km or 12km) along stunning trails, seduced by the harmonious landscapes of villages, rice fields, mountains, and streams. This is your chance to communicate with the friendly local people and enjoy a cup of tea in their home. After lunch, we transfer to Ninh Binh, the gateway to the legendary karst landscape, ready for the next day's great conquest.

• Accommodation: Lalita Boutique Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar.

• Meals: B, L

• Included: Private English-speaking Guide, Transport, Bike Rental.

Experience: Today is the ultimate conquest of nature in the Red River Delta. We arrive at Tam Coc, affectionately known as the "Halong Bay on Land." Board a private sampan boat for an intimate, ninety-minute cruise along the Ngo Dong River. Your oarsman will expertly navigate you through three mysterious caves, revealing a stunning, interconnected landscape of rice fields, temples, and dramatic limestone peaks—a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Afterward, hike the ancient stone bridge and steps of Bich Dong Pagoda to reach the cave pagoda and the upper shrine, where you are rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the countryside. We conclude our historical day at Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital, visiting the 17th-century temples dedicated to the revered Dinh and Le Emperors. Finally, we enjoy a scenic transfer back to Hanoi, ready for the final leg of our Legendary Journey.

• Accommodation: La Nueva Boutique Hotel (Premium Room) or similar.

• Meals: B, L

• Included: Private English-speaking Guide, Transport, Boat Trip, Entrance Fees.

Experience: Your final destination is the globally renowned Halong Bay. A comfortable morning transfer brings you to Tuan Chau Marina, where you board the luxurious Mila Cruise. Enjoy a warm welcome before settling into your cabin. A delicious Vietnamese and international lunch is served as you sail into the UNESCO World Heritage Site, passing iconic islets.

The afternoon is pure closeness to nature and awe. We visit a local Pearl Farm and enjoy tranquil kayaking amidst the towering limestone karsts. We then explore the gigantic Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave), marveling at its spectacular stalactites. The day concludes with Happy Hour on the sundeck, followed by a deluxe dinner, and the chance to try night squid fishing under the magnificent starry sky of the bay.

• Accommodation: Mila Cruise - 2D1N (Deluxe Cabin) or similar.

• Meals: B, L, D

• Included: Shuttle Bus Transfer, English-speaking Guide (on board), Entrance Fees, Kayaking.

Experience: Begin your final full day with a revitalizing Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the bay. After breakfast, we make our final conquest—a trip to Titov Island. Climb the steps to the summit for a truly unforgettable, panoramic view of the entire bay—the perfect photo opportunity to capture the vastness of your journey.

We return to the cruise ship for a final sumptuous brunch while leisurely sailing back to Tuan Chau Marina. Upon disembarking, your driver provides a comfortable transfer back to Hanoi, where you have one final evening to explore the city or simply relax, reflecting on the spectacular 15 days of culture, history, and natural wonder you’ve conquered.

• Accommodation: La Nueva Boutique Hotel (Premium Room) or similar.

• Meals: B, L

• Included: Private Transport, English-speaking Guide (on board).

Experience: Enjoy a final Vietnamese breakfast. Your private driver will provide a seamless and timely transfer from your hotel to Noi Bai Airport for your onward international flight, concluding your extraordinary Vietnam Legendary Journey.

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Included: Private Transportation.