Classic Vietnam Holiday 14 Days: Hanoi to Saigon, Halong Bay & Mekong Cultural Discovery

Today, we unlock the historical and cultural layers of Hanoi. Our morning starts at the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu), Vietnam's first national university dating back to the 11th century. Feel a connection to centuries of scholarly tradition as you walk through the tranquil gardens, admiring the Khue Van Cac (Pavilion of the Constellation of Literature) and the revered stone steles of successful scholars.

Next, choose a museum that speaks to your interests—be it the depth of the National History Museum, the moving tales of Hoa Lo Prison, the vibrancy of the Museum of Ethnology, or the beauty of the Fine Art Museum.

In the afternoon, we explore the solemn and important Ho Chi Minh Complex. We visit the Presidential Palace and walk through the tranquil botanical gardens to Ho Chi Minh’s House on Stilts, gaining an intimate view into the simple life of the nation's revered leader. We also visit the unique One-Pillar Pagoda. Our day culminates with a leisurely walk around West Lake, visiting the ancient Quan Thanh Temple and the stunning Tran Quoc Pagoda, which dates back to the 6th century.

Finally, prepare for pure delight at the legendary Water Puppet Show—a unique art form where puppets dance magically on the water, telling stories of Vietnamese daily life and folklore, accompanied by traditional music.

• Included: Guide, Meal (B), Transportation, Entrance fees, Water Puppet Show, Water, Palago Boutique Hotel (Executive Room).

Prepare for a day of cinematic landscapes as we drive just two hours south to Ninh Binh, often hailed as "Halong Bay on land."

Our first stop is Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital. Here, you will feel the historical gravitas as you visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh, heroes who secured Vietnam’s independence a thousand years ago. Next, we journey to Bich Dong Pagoda . Cross the iconic stone bridge and ascend over 100 steps to the stunning Chua Trung (Cave Pagoda), rewarded with sweeping, tranquil views of the Red River Delta countryside below—a view that offers a true sense of conquest.

After a delightful local lunch, the main event awaits: a ninety-minute private sampan cruise through Tam Coc. Your local rower will guide you along the Ngo Dong River, passing through three mesmerizing caves. Be captivated by the sublime landscape of towering limestone karsts rising dramatically from golden rice fields, small temples, and peaceful communities. This intimate experience promises unforgettable beauty.

• Included: Guide, Meal (B, L), Transportation, Private Tam Coc Boat Trip, Entrance fees, Water, Palago Boutique Hotel (Executive Room).

Today, prepare for one of the world’s most spectacular sights! After a comfortable 2.5 to 3-hour transfer across the picturesque Red River Delta, you'll arrive at Tuan Chau Marina.

At 12:00, you'll board your luxury Mila Cruise ship. Savor a welcome drink and check into your elegant cabin before indulging in a delicious Vietnamese and international lunch. As you dine, the ship glides into the UNESCO World Heritage Site, passing iconic formations like the Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, and Fighting Cock Islet .

The afternoon is filled with adventure:

1. Pearl Farm Excursion: Experience the timeless beauty of the bay up close with an ideal kayaking session among the karsts.

2. Sung Sot Cave Exploration: Explore the Grotte des Surprising, the largest limestone cave in the area, marveling at its millennia-old stalactites and stalagmites.

As the sun begins to set over the jagged peaks, return to the sundeck for a refreshing Happy Hour (buy 2, get 1 free). Enjoy a deluxe dinner of traditional and fusion dishes, followed by an evening of relaxation, movies, or the fun activity of squid fishing under the starlit sky.

• Included: Shuttle Bus Transfer, English speaking guide (on board), Meal (B, L, D), Entrance fees, Kayaking, Squid fishing, Cooking Demonstration, Water, Mila Cruise (Deluxe Cabin).

Start your day feeling invigorated with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the bay's mist-shrouded islands. Enjoy a light breakfast before our final morning excursion.

We visit Titov Island , famous for its pristine sandy beaches and the opportunity to climb to the top for a truly unforgettable panoramic view of Halong Bay—the ultimate photo opportunity!

Return to the ship to check out and enjoy a final, leisurely brunch as the cruise ship sails back to Tuan Chau Marina. Upon disembarkation, our driver will seamlessly transfer you back to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport for your flight south to Da Nang.

Upon arrival, your local guide will provide a warm welcome and transfer you to Hoi An, your base for the next few days. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps stepping out to see the first lanterns light up the streets.

• Included: Meal (B, L), Transportation, Morning Tai Chi, Flight (HAN-DAD) via Vietnam Airlines, Water, Delicacy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe City View Room).

Today is dedicated to the magic of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most perfectly preserved South-East Asian trading ports from the 15th to 19th centuries.

Our exploration begins with a leisurely walk through the Old Town, where the blended cultures of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese traders are evident everywhere. We start at Cam Pho Communal House before reaching the city’s symbol: the iconic Chua Cau (Japanese Covered Bridge). This 400-year-old masterpiece, built to link the Japanese and Chinese quarters, has been meticulously preserved. We continue to Quan Thang Ancient House, admiring its authentic architecture crafted by the famous Kim Bong carpentry village. Our cultural dive is completed at the vibrant Fujian (Phuc Kien) Assembly Hall, a gathering place and religious site for the Chinese community.

In the afternoon, we trade the town for the green tranquility of Tra Que Farming Village. This village is famous for its aromatic herbs—mint and basil—whose special flavor enhances Vietnamese cuisine. Enjoy an insightful introduction to traditional cultivation methods. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience proximity to the local community, meet farmers, and take charming pictures amidst the vegetable fields.

• Included: Guide, Meal (B), Transportation, Entrance fees, Water, Delicacy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe City View Room).

Journey 40km from Hoi An to the spiritual heart of the ancient Champa Kingdom: My Son Sanctuary . Recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site, My Son was the most important intellectual and religious center for the Champa monarchs between the 7th and 13th centuries.

Your guide will bring history to life as you walk through the sacred valley, exploring the 70 ruined works of brick and stone. Feel the mystery and depth of this powerful civilization as you learn about their unique architecture and cultural values. To truly appreciate this culture, you will attend a traditional Champa dancing show before we return to Hoi An. The afternoon is yours to relax, perhaps visit the beach, or commission a bespoke outfit from a local tailor.

• Included: Guide, Meal (B, L), Transportation, Entrance fees, Water, Delicacy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe City View Room).

Today is an epic journey! We drive north to Hue, the former Imperial Capital, via the stunning coastal road.

Our first stop is Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum, home to the world's most extensive collection of Cham sculptures—an essential stop to understand the regional history. We then pause at My Khe Beach for photos, capturing views of the giant Goddess of Mercy statue at Linh Ung Pagoda.

The highlight of the drive is the legendary Hai Van Pass ("Ocean Cloud Pass"). We stop at the summit to capture breathtaking panoramic views where the mountains plunge into the turquoise South China Sea.

Arriving in Hue, we first visit the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the city's oldest and most spiritual sites, dating back to 1601. Its majestic octagon tower offers a spectacular view of the Perfume River.

Finally, we immerse ourselves in the history of the Hue Citadel. Inspired by Vauban fortifications, this site comprises the Capital City, the Imperial City, and the Forbidden City. Explore the Palace of Supreme Harmony and the Dynasty Temple area, feeling the sheer grandeur of Vietnam’s last monarchy.

• Included: Guide, Meal (B, L), Transportation, Entrance fees, Water, Rosaleen Boutique Hotel (Deluxe Double Room).

Our final morning in Hue begins with a visit to the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, a mesmerizing architectural masterpiece built to harmonize perfectly with the surrounding nature—a beautiful display of imperial philosophy.

Next, we enjoy a peaceful boat trip along the Perfume River to Thuy Bieu Village. Here, the air is fragrant from the famous divine grapefruit trees. Take a leisurely bike ride under the shade of the orchards, experiencing the slow, pleasant rhythm of rural life. We visit a traditional garden house and interact with villagers, achieving a wonderful closeness to local culture.

Afterward, join an intimate cooking class to learn Hue's culinary specialties before having lunch in the village. In the afternoon, we transfer to Hue airport for our flight south to the modern, electric energy of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Your guide and driver will greet you at Tan Son Nhat Airport and transfer you to your hotel. Prepare for the city that never sleeps!

• Included: Guide, Meal (B, L), Boat trip, Transportation, Entrance fees, Bike rental, Cooking class, Flight (HUI-SGN) via Vietnam Airlines, Water, Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room).

Today, we dive into the vibrant, modern energy of Saigon while exploring its profound history.

Our first stop is the symbolic Independence Palace , the former home and office of the South Vietnamese President, famous as the site where the controversial Vietnam War ended in 1975. You'll explore the preserved rooms and the fascinating bunker basement.

We continue with a beautiful leisurely walking tour past the iconic French colonial architectural landmarks: the majestic Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (built 1863-1880) and the stunning Saigon Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel.

In the afternoon, we pay a moving and essential visit to the War Remnants Museum. The powerful exhibits offer a multifaceted view of the Vietnam War, providing a deep, emotional context to the country’s modern resilience.

We conclude the day at Ben Thanh Market, the city's most famous marketplace since 1870. Immerse yourself in the sensory overload of colors, sounds, and smells—the perfect place to pick up souvenirs and sample incredible Vietnamese street food.

• Included: Guide, Meal (B), Transportation, Entrance fees, Water, Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room).

This is a day of powerful contrasts, blending historical intensity with unique spirituality.

We drive out to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the most striking places in Vietnam War history. Explore this extraordinary underground city—a 250km network of tunnels dug over 20 years with simple tools. You'll have the option to enter some of the wider, preserved sections, offering an intense and humbling understanding of the resilience of the Viet Cong.

• Option: For the adventurous, you can experience real gun firing at the Cu Chi shooting range (optional, paid on the spot).

After lunch, we journey to the incredibly unique Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh. Caodaism is a distinctly Vietnamese religion that harmoniously blends elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Catholicism. If timed correctly, you will have the privilege of attending the midday mass, a vibrant, colorful, and spiritually moving spectacle unlike anything you've ever seen—a true moment of cultural discovery.

• Included: Guide, Meal (B, L), Transportation, Entrance fees, Water, Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room).

Today, we leave the city behind and enter the serene, lush world of the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival in Cai Be, we embark on a boat trip to experience the local rhythm of life.

Our journey takes us along canals lined with abundant orchards. We will visit local craft workshops specializing in rice popcorn, coconut caramel, and rice cakes—a sensory delight! We then go biking or walking on peaceful village paths to discover the beautiful Phu Chau Pagoda, absorbing the quiet serenity.

Lunch is a highlight: we dine in an open-air restaurant and sample the famous local specialty, the Elephant Ear Fish. Finally, enjoy the true warmth of the Delta as you row a small rowboat through shaded fruit-tree canals, sampling the region's delicious fresh fruits.

In the late afternoon, we continue by car to Can Tho, the largest city in the Delta, to check into your riverside hotel.

• Included: Guide, Meal (B, L), Transportation, Cai Be Boat Trip, Bike rental, Water, Ninh Kieu Riverside Hotel (Executive Superior City view).

Wake up early for the enchanting sight of the Cai Rang Floating Market —the largest and most lively market in the Mekong Delta. Hundreds of sampans filled with goods like rice, fruit, and crafts gather here from the early morning. The vibrant colors and bustling atmosphere create an unforgettable sensory experience.

Leaving the market, we continue by boat through smaller canals to visit a lush tropical fruit garden. Here, you can truly appreciate the fertile bounty of the Mekong. Our final stop is the elegant Binh Thuy Ancient House, a historical treasure that famously served as a filming location for the movie "The Lover."

After a local lunch, we transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in the late afternoon. You'll have one last evening to enjoy Saigon's nightlife or simply relax and reflect on your incredible journey.

• Included: Guide, Meal (B, L), Transportation, Cai Rang Boat Trip, Entrance fees, Water, Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room).

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel and ensure a smooth, comfortable transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your onward flight. You depart with a heart full of memories, having traversed the entire length of Vietnam's captivating, classic route.

• Included: Meal (B), Transportation.