13-Day Vietnam Classic: Mekong Delta Rivers, Sapa Trekking & Halong Bay

Accommodation: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room) *or similar

Your day begins at the iconic Independence Palace (Reunification Palace), stepping back in time to the controversial conclusion of the Vietnam War. Explore the preserved rooms and the historic basement bunker, gaining a firsthand sense of this crucial moment in history.

Next, embark on a leisurely walking tour through the city’s stunning French colonial core. Admire the magnificent architecture of the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (built between 1863 and 1880) and the enchanting Central Post Office, a functional masterpiece designed by the legendary Gustave Eiffel. We then journey to the profoundly moving War Remnants Museum. The exhibits offer an unvarnished, all-sided view of the conflict, challenging perceptions and leaving a deep, reflective impact.

Your day culminates with a visit to the legendary Ben Thanh Market. This vibrant, historic hub is the perfect place to practice your bargaining skills, pick up unique souvenirs, and immerse yourself in the intoxicating aromas of Vietnamese street food—a truly authentic sensory explosion!

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal: B, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water, Hotel.

Accommodation: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room) *or similar Distance: 110km - 3h (Round Trip)

Today is a journey into both historical resilience and unique spirituality. First, we travel out of the city to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, an astounding underground city built by Viet Cong fighters. You'll have the thrilling, optional opportunity to crawl through a safe section of this narrow 250km tunnel network—an intimate encounter with the challenges faced during the war.

Optional Thrill: For those seeking extra excitement, you can try real gun firing at the Cu Chi shooting range (additional cost, payable locally). A truly unique and adrenaline-pumping experience.

Next, we witness the breathtaking spectacle of The Cao Dai Temple. Caodaism is a uniquely Vietnamese religion, a striking fusion of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Catholicism. We arrive in time to attend the vibrant midday mass, watching hundreds of followers in brilliantly colored robes perform their spiritual rituals—a mesmerizing and unforgettable cultural display! After a delicious local lunch, we return to the city.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal: B, L, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water, Hotel.

Accommodation: Ninh Kieu Riverside Hotel (Executive Superior City view) *or similar Distance: 175km - 4h

Leave the city behind and transfer deep into the lush, fertile landscape of the Mekong Delta. In Cai Be, we embark on a traditional boat trip through the intricate network of canals, surrounded by verdant orchards. Your senses will come alive as we visit craft workshops—witnessing the delicate process of making rice popcorn, sweet coconut caramel, and rice cakes.

Embrace the tranquility of the delta with a leisurely biking or walking tour along village paths, passing the serene Phu Chau Pagoda and greeting friendly locals. Lunch is a true Mekong feast: savor the famous local specialty, Elephant Ear Fish, served in an open-air restaurant. The afternoon highlight involves being gently rowed in a small sampan through shaded canals, stopping to taste sun-ripened, delicious tropical fruits right from the source. We then transfer you to Can Tho, the capital of the Delta, for a restful evening on the riverbank.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal: B, L, Boat (Cai Be), Transportation, Bike (Cai Be), Water, Hotel.

Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) *or similar

Wake up before dawn for the most essential Mekong experience: a boat trip to the Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most vibrant market in the Delta! Feel the bubbling energy, witness the unique commerce conducted from hundreds of colorful sampans, and observe locals expertly navigating their goods—a mesmerizing and truly authentic start to your day.

We continue our boat trip through quieter, smaller canals, visiting a lush fruit garden and the historic Binh Thuy Ancient House, famously featured in the movie The Lover. This serene house offers a beautiful glimpse into a privileged life from a bygone era.

In the afternoon, we transfer back to Saigon for your direct flight north (VN1206) to the ancient capital of Hanoi. Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, your Northern guide and driver will greet you and transfer you seamlessly to your hotel. Prepare to explore the elegance and history of the North!

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal: B, Boat (Cai Rang), Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water, Flight: VN1206 (VCA - HAN), Hotel.

Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) *or similar

Dive deep into Hanoi’s ancient heart, beginning at the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu), Vietnam's first national university (11th Century). Stroll through its tranquil courtyards, admiring the iconic Khue Van Cac pavilion and the World Heritage stone steles that honor centuries of exceptional scholars. This site is a powerful tribute to wisdom and education.

The afternoon contrasts history with politics. We visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex (outside viewing of the mausoleum), taking a leisurely walk through the gardens to see the humble Ho Chi Minh’s House on Stilts and the unique One-Pillar Pagoda. Later, we explore the stately French Quarter, a "little Paris" of wide, tree-lined boulevards and imposing government buildings.

The day culminates in the electric atmosphere of the Old Quarter’s 36 Streets, a vibrant living museum. End your Hanoi immersion with the enchanting Water Puppet Show, a unique art form where puppets dance on water, narrating Vietnamese folklore to the sound of traditional music.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal: B, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Leisure: Water Puppet Show, Water, Hotel.

Accommodation: Sapa Elegance Hotel (Deluxe Room) *or similar Distance: 320km - 6h

This morning, we begin our scenic, comfortable journey on the new highway, climbing into the clouds toward the breathtaking Northern highlands of Sapa. The drive itself is a visual feast, offering panoramic views of the changing landscape and the vast Red River valley.

Upon arrival, we fuel up with a local lunch before setting off for an afternoon of authentic trekking in Sin Chai village, home to over 60 families of the Black H’mong people. This is an intimate experience, far removed from the tourist crowds. You will walk along paths surrounded by medicinal plant farms and magnificent rice terraces, discovering the fascinating history of the H’mong people who migrated here centuries ago. Visit a primary school and an authentic H’mong house to glimpse their preserved ancestral way of life before returning to Sapa town.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal: B, L, Transportation, Water, Hotel.

Accommodation: Sapa Elegance Hotel (Deluxe Room) *or similar

Prepare for the highlight of your Northern adventure—a full day of trekking through what are arguably the World’s most amazing rice terraces! We start at Y Linh Ho village, trekking downhill to meet friendly H’mong ladies who often greet you along the path. Choose your challenge: an adventurous uphill trek along buffalo paths for truly breathtaking, tourist-free panoramic views, or a leisurely stroll along the scenic Muong Hoa River.

We continue to Lao Chai village, where a small path winds through the fields, leading you to an intimate cultural encounter: meet a local craftswoman who is one of the last in her community to use the traditional beeswax technique to dye the Hmong indigo clothing. Finally, we arrive in Ta Van village, the charming, riverside home of the Dzay people, positioned perfectly against the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range. Interact with villagers who may invite you into their homes for a genuine connection. This day offers a profound sense of personal achievement and cultural immersion.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal: B, L, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water, Hotel.

Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) *or similar Distance: 320km - 6h

Your final morning in Sapa is dedicated to the unique Red Dao ethnic group. We trek from Ma Tra hamlet to Ta Phin village, a journey that takes you past superb valley views and through villages where the Red Dao—distinguishable by their striking red headscarves—maintain their centuries-old traditions. After a rewarding 3-hour trek, you will interact with the Red Dao, famous for their herbal remedies and exquisite embroidery.

After a final, delicious mountain lunch, we begin the comfortable, scenic drive back to Hanoi on the highway. Use this time to reflect on the breathtaking mountain landscapes and the unforgettable warmth of the minority cultures you have connected with. We arrive back in the capital in the late afternoon.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal: B, L, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water, Hotel.

Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) *or similar Distance: 100km - 2h (Round Trip)

Today, we journey to Ninh Binh, the awe-inspiring region often dubbed "Ha Long Bay on Land." Our exploration begins at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital, where you’ll visit the magnificent temples dedicated to the 10th-century Emperors Dinh and Le, symbolizing a thousand years of independence.

Next, you will discover the spiritual climb of Bich Dong Pagoda. Cross the beautiful stone bridge and ascend over 100 steps to the Cave Pagoda (Chua Trung), rewarding you with incredible, sweeping countryside views of the Red River Delta.

After lunch, the tranquil magic begins in Tam Coc. Board a private, traditional sampan boat for a relaxing ninety-minute cruise along the Ngo Dong River. Your local rower will guide you through vast rice fields, passing under three ancient caves, witnessing a stunning landscape where colossal limestone karsts shoot dramatically out of the paddy fields. This is a moment of pure awe and serenity. We return to Hanoi in the early evening.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal: B, L, Boat: Tam Coc, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water, Hotel.

Accommodation: Mila Cruise (Deluxe Cabin)

The day begins with a transfer from Hanoi, traversing the picturesque Red River Delta before arriving at Tuan Chau Marina. 12:00 PM: Step aboard the elegant Mila Cruise for your unforgettable overnight experience on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay.

Indulge in a deluxe Vietnamese and international lunch as the ship glides through the thousands of iconic limestone karsts. The afternoon is dedicated to exploration: kayak through hidden lagoons or explore the majestic Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave), Halong’s largest and most impressive geological wonder, filled with stunning stalactites. Later, you can visit a serene Pearl Farm.

17:45 PM: Join the Happy Hour on the sundeck for a moment of sheer awe as the sunset paints the Gulf of Tonkin in fiery colors. The evening features a delicious deluxe dinner and optional activities like a cooking demonstration or squid fishing under the stars.

Included: Shuttle Bus (Hanoi - Tuan Chau), Guide (on board), Meal: B, L, D, Entrance Fees, Leisure: Kayaking, Swimming, Squid Fishing, Cooking Class, Water, Cruise.

Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) *or similar

06:15 AM: Awaken your senses with an optional, calming Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the dramatic karsts—a truly spiritual start to the day.

07:30 AM: Visit Titov Island. For those who seek a final moment of conquest, climb to the top of the island for breathtaking, 360-degree panoramic views of the entire bay—a perfect photo opportunity to capture the maritime majesty. Alternatively, relax on the stunning sandy beach.

10:00 AM: Enjoy a leisurely brunch on board as the ship slowly sails back to the marina. Disembark at 11:30 AM and transfer back to Hanoi. The rest of your afternoon and evening are free to revisit your favorite spot in the Old Quarter or enjoy a final Vietnamese meal.

Included: Guide (on board), Meal: B, L, Entrance Fees, Leisure: Morning Tai Chi, Water, Hotel.

Accommodation: N/A Distance: 35km - 0.75h

Enjoy a final breakfast in the vibrant capital. At the appropriate time, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel lobby and ensure a smooth, comfortable transfer to Noi Bai Airport (HAN) for your onward flight. You depart with a suitcase full of vivid memories, having experienced the definitive cultural and scenic diversity of Vietnam from the Mekong to the mountains.

Included: Meal: B, Private Transportation, Water.