The Ultimate 18-Day Vietnam Highlights Tour: From Sapa's Tribes to the Mekong Delta

Today, discover Hanoi’s layered soul. We start at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university (11th century), where you can reflect on centuries of scholarship beneath the ancient trees. Next, choose your cultural immersion: the profound narratives at the Museum of Ethnology, the raw history of the Hoa Lo Prison ("Hanoi Hilton"), or the quiet contemplation of the Fine Arts Museum. The afternoon is dedicated to the revered Ho Chi Minh Complex, followed by a tranquil walk around the West Lake, culminating at the exquisite Tran Quoc Pagoda (6th century). We cap the day with the unique, centuries-old art of the Water Puppet Show—a captivating performance of Vietnamese folklore and daily life.

• Accommodation: Palago Boutique Hotel (Executive Room) or similar.

• Included: Breakfast (B), Guide, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water Puppet Show.

After breakfast, we embark on a scenic 6-hour drive on the new highway, witnessing the Red River Delta’s flat farmlands slowly transition to majestic, winding mountain roads. Arrive in Sapa Town, a gateway to the mountains, and enjoy a local lunch. In the afternoon, your authentic trekking experience begins! We venture off-road, hiking from the Ma Tra Hamlet towards the secluded Ta Phin Village. This moderate 3-hour trek leads you through superb rice terrace valleys where you'll encounter the Black Hmong and Red Dao ethnic groups. This intimate interaction allows you to witness their ancestral way of life, preserved high in the altitude and far from the modern world.

• Accommodation: Sapa Elegance Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar.

• Included: B, Lunch (L), Guide, Transportation, Entrance Fees.

Your senses will be awakened by the breathtaking views of the Muong Hoa Valley. We start with a scenic transfer and begin trekking from Y Linh Ho Village. Feel the exhilarating sense of conquest as you ascend buffalo paths, rewarded with panoramic valley vistas. For a gentler experience, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Muong Hoa River. The highlight is an intimate visit to a small hamlet to meet a H’mong grandmother, one of the last craftsmen using traditional beeswax to dye the unique indigo clothing. After lunch, we transfer to Bac Ha via a stunning route through Thanh Kim and Thanh Phu, passing rivers and hydropower lakes, preparing for the cultural kaleidoscope of the next morning.

• Accommodation: Thanh Mung Homestay (Double Room) or similar.

• Included: B, L, Dinner (D), Guide, Transportation, Entrance Fees.

Rise early to immerse yourself in one of the most vibrant ethnic gatherings in Asia: the Bac Ha Market (or another unique market depending on the day). This is more than a market; it's a social hub, a festival of colors where diverse ethnic groups, especially the vividly dressed Flower Hmong, trade livestock, goods, and stories. The lively atmosphere is a feast for the eyes! Afterward, enjoy a peaceful walk through the idyllic countryside, passing through cornfields and the famous plum gardens. We return to town for lunch before embarking on the 6-hour comfortable drive back to the bustling energy of Hanoi.

• Accommodation: Palago Boutique Hotel (Executive Room) or similar.

• Included: B, L, Guide, Transportation.

Today is a journey into history and natural grandeur. We drive to Ninh Binh, often referred to as the "Ha Long Bay on Land." Our first stop is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital, where you visit the solemn 17th-century temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le Emperors. Next, we hike the three tiers of Bich Dong Pagoda—crossing a stone bridge and exploring the unique cave pagoda—to be rewarded with incredible, sweeping views of the countryside. The afternoon is pure magic: a 90-minute private sampan cruise through the serene waters of Tam Coc. Your boat gently glides along the Ngo Dong River, passing through three cool, dark caves beneath towering karst formations, a breathtaking display of nature’s artistry.

• Accommodation: Palago Boutique Hotel (Executive Room) or similar.

• Included: B, L, Guide, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Boat Trip.

An early start takes you through the picturesque Red River Delta to Tuan Chau Marina. Board your luxury cruise ship for an unforgettable 2-day, 1-night journey into the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay. Enjoy a delectable Vietnamese and international lunch as you sail past iconic limestone islands like the Incense Burner and the Fighting Cock. The afternoon is packed with adventure: kayaking to discover hidden coves, followed by an exploration of the stunning natural beauty of Sung Sot Cave, the largest in the area. As evening descends, enjoy a cooking demonstration on deck, sip on cocktails during Happy Hour, and delight in a deluxe dinner before attempting some evening squid fishing under the stars.

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

• Included: B, L, D, Cruise Shuttle Bus (Hanoi-Tuan Chau), Onboard Guide, Entrance Fees, Activities.

Begin your final morning on the Bay with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the emerald waters. After breakfast, we visit Titov Island, where you can climb to the top for the ultimate panoramic photo opportunity of the entire bay. After checking out and enjoying brunch, you disembark and are transferred straight back to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport for a smooth, short flight to Da Nang. Upon landing, a local guide will meet you and transfer you to the timeless, atmospheric town of Hoi An.

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

• Included: B, L, Onboard Guide, Transportation, Flight VN181 (HAN-DAD), Airport Transfers, Entrance Fees.

Dive into the preserved charm of Hoi An Ancient Town (UNESCO World Heritage). Your walking tour reveals the town’s fascinating history as a 15th-19th century trading port. We visit the iconic, 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the vibrant Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and the ancient Quan Thang house to gain a glimpse into family life. In the afternoon, we head to the fragrant Tra Que farming village. Here, you’ll get a hands-on experience learning about aromatic herbs, often used in traditional Vietnamese medicine, and taking beautiful photos with the friendly local farmers. The rest of the day is yours to explore the town’s countless tailor shops or enjoy the nearby beach.

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

• Included: B, Guide, Transportation, Entrance Fees.

Spend a half-day traveling into the sacred valley of the Champa Kingdom at My Son Sanctuary (UNESCO World Heritage). Located just 40km from Hoi An, this site preserves the ruins of 70 unique brick and stone temples built between the 7th and 13th centuries. Your guide will bring the history and architecture of this mysterious civilization to life as you wander through the remnants. The visit is enhanced by a captivating traditional Champa dancing show, connecting you to the ancient culture before returning to Hoi An in the early afternoon.

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

• Included: B, L, Guide, Transportation, Entrance Fees.

Enjoy a complete day of leisure! Hoi An offers endless possibilities. You might choose to rent a bicycle and cycle through the rice paddies, relax on An Bang Beach, get fitted for a bespoke suit or dress, or indulge in a relaxing spa treatment. This is your day to recharge and enjoy the gentle pace of Central Vietnam.

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

• Included: B.

An epic day of travel awaits as we journey to Hue, the former Imperial Capital. We first stop in Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum, housing the most important collection of Cham culture in the world. Then, prepare for the highlight: driving over the majestic Hai Van Pass ("Sea Cloud Pass"). Featured in Top Gear, this mountain road offers breathtaking, sweeping views of the coastline, linking Da Nang and Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, after lunch, we visit the serene Thien Mu Pagoda, famous for its elegant octagonal tower. We conclude by exploring the vast Hue Citadel (UNESCO), walking the walls of the former Forbidden City and immersing ourselves in the final chapter of Vietnam's dynastic history.

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

• Included: B, L, Guide, Transportation, Entrance Fees.

We start the day at the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, an architectural masterpiece renowned for its harmonious integration with nature and stunning symmetry. Next, we board a dragon boat for a peaceful cruise along the Perfume River to the tranquil Thuy Bieu Village. Here, you trade the boat for a bicycle, cycling under the shade of grapefruit trees (famous for their pleasant aroma). We visit a traditional garden house and participate in a local cooking class to learn the secrets of Hue's famous culinary specialties, which we then enjoy for lunch. In the afternoon, we transfer to Hue airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the dynamic, ever-changing metropolis of the South.

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

• Included: B, L, Guide, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Boat Trip, Bike Rental, Cooking Class, Flight VN1375 (HUI-SGN).

Your full-day Saigon tour begins at the symbolic Independence Palace, witnessing the spot where the Vietnam War officially ended in 1975. We take a leisurely walking tour through the elegant colonial heart of District 1, passing the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and the magnificent Central Post Office (designed by Gustave Eiffel). After lunch, we prepare for the deeply moving visit to the War Remnants Museum, which offers an essential, multi-sided view of the Vietnam War. We conclude the day at the bustling Ben Thanh Market, the perfect place to practice your bargaining skills and sample delicious Vietnamese street food.

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

• Included: B, Guide, Transportation, Entrance Fees.

Today is a journey of historical and cultural extremes. We first travel to the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast, 250km underground city dug by hand. You'll gain a visceral understanding of the Viet Cong’s ingenuity and human resilience as you crawl through preserved sections and explore the hidden traps and living areas. In the afternoon, we continue to the magnificent Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh. You’ll witness a midday mass at the spiritual center of Caodaism, a truly unique Vietnamese religion that fuses elements of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Catholicism into an astonishing, kaleidoscopic ritual and architectural spectacle.

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

• Included: B, L, Guide, Transportation, Entrance Fees.

Bid farewell to Saigon as we travel south to the lush, agrarian world of the Mekong Delta. Our immersion begins in Cai Be, where we board a boat to explore the small canals, lined with orchards. We visit craft workshops (rice popcorn, coconut caramel) for a sensory taste of local production. Take a relaxing bike ride or walk through the peaceful village paths, visiting the ancient Phu Chau Pagoda. After a lunch of local specialties (try the famous Elephant Ear Fish!), we transition to a small rowboat, gliding peacefully beneath the fruit trees. Later, we drive to Can Tho, the capital of the Delta, ready for the buzzing floating market tomorrow.

• Accommodation: Ninh Kieu Riverside Hotel (Executive Superior River view) or similar.

• Included: B, L, Guide, Transportation, Boat Trip, Bike Rental.

An early morning start is essential to experience the vibrant pulse of the Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most lively market in the Delta. Witness the spectacle as hundreds of sampans filled with fruits, rice, and goods converge—the unique system of displaying samples on tall poles is an unforgettable sight. After the market, we navigate smaller canals, visit a local fruit garden, and stop at the elegant Binh Thuy Ancient House, famous as a filming location for The Lover. We return to Can Tho, then transfer back to Saigon in the late afternoon, concluding your grand tour of the South.

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

• Included: B, L, Guide, Transportation, Boat Trip, Entrance Fees.

After a final breakfast at your hotel, your driver will meet you for a smooth, private transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN). Depart with incredible memories of Vietnam, from the misty peaks of Sapa to the tranquil waters of the Mekong.

• Included: B, Transportation.