Vietnam Panorama 14 Days: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City Grand Tour

Today is a full day to immerse yourself in the thousand-year-old culture and history of Hanoi.

• Morning: Start with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university. Stroll through its serene gardens and admire the "stone steles," which bear the names of past scholars.

• Mid-day: Continue to the Ethnology Museum (closed on Mondays) to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups through their traditional costumes, tools, and homes.

• Afternoon: Explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Mausoleum (viewed from the outside), the Presidential Palace, and the humble stilt house where "Uncle Ho" lived and worked. Conclude with a visit to the unique One-Pillar Pagoda. Afterwards, wander through Hanoi's Old Quarter on foot, a vibrant living museum of narrow streets, tube houses, and bustling local life.

• Evening: Enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a unique form of folk art that depicts Vietnamese daily life and beliefs through puppets on water.

• Included: English-speaking guide, lunch, transportation, entrance fees, water puppet show.

Leave Hanoi behind and journey to the serene, less-traveled Lan Ha Bay.

• Morning: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a scenic drive to Tuan Chau Harbor.

• Noon: Board the Sena Cruise. After a welcome drink and safety briefing, check into your cabin. A delicious lunch will be served as the ship sails into the stunning Lan Ha Bay.

• Afternoon: Explore the tranquil Dark and Bright Cave by bamboo boat or enjoy a refreshing swim in the emerald waters. This is a perfect moment for incredible photos.

• Evening: Join a sunset party on the sundeck and learn to make traditional Vietnamese spring rolls during a hands-on cooking class. After a gourmet dinner, you can relax at the bar, watch a movie, or try your hand at squid fishing. Spend the night on board surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the bay.

• Included: Shuttle bus, English-speaking guide on board, all meals (B, L, D), cruise, entrance fees, cooking class, squid fishing.

Start your day with peaceful activities before heading back to the city.

• Early Morning: Greet the sunrise with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, a perfect way to rejuvenate your mind and body.

• Morning: After a light breakfast, experience the quiet charm of Tra Bau by kayaking or swimming in the calm, clear waters.

• Late Morning: Return to the boat and check out of your cabin. An early light lunch will be served as the cruise sails back to the harbor. Our driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Hanoi.

• Included: Shuttle bus, English-speaking guide on board, all meals (B, L), kayaking, Tai Chi.

Escape the city for the peaceful valley of Mai Chau, a haven of rural tranquility.

• Morning: Depart for Mai Chau. Along the way, visit a Muong village and stop at Thung Khe Pass for a stunning panoramic view of the valley below.

• Mid-day: Arrive at Mai Hich village and enjoy a home-cooked lunch prepared by your local host.

• Afternoon: Go on a gentle trek through the villages and rice fields of the White Thai ethnic group. You'll pass through Mai Hich and the less-touristy Xam Khoe, with a chance to interact with friendly locals.

• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Thai music and dance performance, offering a genuine cultural experience.

• Included: English-speaking guide, all meals (B, L, D), transportation, ethnic dance show.

Continue your journey through the lush landscapes of Northern Vietnam.

• Morning: Drive to Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

• Mid-day: Start a scenic walk from Ban Don village, following peaceful trails through breathtaking rice terraces to Chom Lan village. Feel the harmony of nature and local life.

• Afternoon: Transfer to Ninh Binh, a picturesque 3-hour drive that winds through rural landscapes and peaceful villages, providing a true glimpse into the Vietnamese countryside.

• Included: English-speaking guide, all meals (B, L, D), transportation.

A day to explore Ninh Binh actively and creatively.

• Morning: Choose between a bicycle ride (or scooter/car) along the stunning dike road, offering views of rice fields, rivers, and limestone mountains. Visit the ancient Thung La Temple, a spiritual site, and enjoy a traditional music performance.

• Afternoon: Participate in a hands-on embroidery course at a local village. A local craftswoman will guide you, giving you a chance to practice this traditional art form.

• Evening: Immerse yourself in Vietnamese cuisine with a fun and personal cooking class at Nep’s House. Learn to prepare authentic dishes and enjoy the delicious meal you created together.

• Included: English-speaking guide, all meals (B, L, D), transportation, entrance fees, bike/scooter rental, cooking class.

Discover more of Ninh Binh's historical and natural wonders before a classic rail experience.

• Morning: Visit Phat Diem Cathedral, a unique architectural masterpiece blending Western church design with traditional Vietnamese pagoda style.

• Mid-day: Take a tranquil sampan boat ride through Tam Coc, often called "Halong Bay on land." You'll glide through three caves, surrounded by rice fields and majestic limestone karsts.

• Afternoon: Explore Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam. Visit the ancient temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh and Emperor Le, who played a vital role in the country's independence.

• Evening: Transfer to Ninh Binh station to board an overnight train to Hue, an exciting and classic way to travel through the country.

• Included: English-speaking guide, 2 meals (B, L), transportation, entrance fees, boat, overnight train ticket (4-berth deluxe cabin).

Arrive in the former imperial capital of Vietnam, full of history and poetry.

• Morning: Arrive at Hue railway station, where our guide and driver will welcome you. Take a royal boat trip on the poetic Perfume River to explore traditional villages.

• Mid-day: Go on a bike ride through the countryside villages of Tien Non, Thanh Tien, and Sinh. You’ll have the chance to learn how to make traditional paper flowers and ancient folk prints from local artisans.

• Afternoon: Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's oldest and most iconic pagoda, with its beautiful view of the river.

• Evening: Explore the Hue Citadel, a magnificent fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City, and the various palaces and temples within its walls.

• Included: English-speaking guide, transportation, entrance fees, boat, bike rental.

Travel from Hue to Hoi An along one of the most scenic routes in Vietnam.

• Morning: Begin the day with a visit to Khai Dinh King's Tomb, a stunning blend of Oriental and Western architecture.

• Mid-day: Drive to Hoi An via the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, offering panoramic views of the ocean and Da Nang city.

• Afternoon: Stop in Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum, home to a vast collection of Cham sculptures. Continue to Hoi An and explore its charming Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through its lantern-lit streets, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Quan Thang Ancient House, and the Fujian Assembly Hall, all of which tell the story of this historic trading port.

• Included: English-speaking guide, 2 meals (B, L), transportation, entrance fees.

Discover the spiritual heart of the ancient Champa Kingdom.

• Morning: Take an excursion to My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a cluster of ruined Hindu temples built between the 4th and 13th centuries. Your guide will explain the history and architecture of this impressive site, and you'll enjoy a traditional Cham dancing show.

• Afternoon: The rest of the day is at your leisure. You can choose to relax at your hotel, explore Hoi An at your own pace, or join optional activities like a cooking class, a cycling tour, or a boat trip (optional fees apply).

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, transportation, entrance fees.

Fly south from Da Nang to the dynamic metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City.

• Morning: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hoi An and transfer you to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

• Mid-day: Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, our local driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

• Afternoon: Begin your city tour with the Independence Palace, the former home and office of the President of South Vietnam.

• Evening: Visit the War Remnants Museum, which offers a powerful and sobering look at the Vietnam War. Then, take a short drive to Binh Tay Market in Chinatown to experience the bustling hub of local commerce and street food.

• Included: English-speaking guide, 2 meals (B, L), domestic flight ticket, transportation, entrance fees.

Experience the peaceful, water-based life of the Mekong Delta.

• Morning: Our guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to Ben Tre in the heart of the Mekong Delta.

• Mid-day: Take a boat trip on the Chet Say River. You'll stop at a traditional brick factory and a coconut shell charcoal workshop. Visit a local coconut processing workshop to see how coconut candy is made and enjoy a taste.

• Afternoon: Take a short walk to a mat weaving workshop. Then, explore the quiet village lanes by motor cart or bicycle, getting a closer look at the daily lives of local farmers. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a riverside restaurant before taking a traditional rowing boat back to the pier.

• Evening: Transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City, full of memories of the tranquil delta.

• Included: English-speaking guide, 2 meals (B, L), transportation, boat/bike ride.

Your incredible journey through Vietnam comes to an end today.

• Morning: After breakfast, our driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your departure flight.

• Included: Breakfast, airport transfer.