21 Days Vietnam Excursion From South to North

Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel.

Check in and have free time at your leisure.

Included: Accommodation and airport pickup.

Start your 3 weeks in Vietnam with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, then set off on an engaging tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s key attractions. Begin with the Notre Dame Cathedral, an impressive neo-Romanesque structure erected by the French in the 19th century. Continue to the historic Central Post Office, a Gustave Eiffel creation, boasting detailed maps, ornate designs, and elegant arched windows. Afterward, visit the Reunification Palace, once the presidential palace of South Vietnam, now a poignant reminder of the nation’s complex history.

Independence Palace – Ho Chi Minh City

After lunch at a local eatery, your afternoon adventure leads you to the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels. This extensive network, stretching over 200km, was pivotal during the Vietnam War, serving as a subterranean city with trapdoors, living quarters, storage, weapon factories, hospitals, command posts, and kitchens. Discover the tunnels’ construction, explore their war relics, and understand the extreme conditions and innovative survival strategies used underground. Experience the tunnels’ narrow confines and try the simple food that sustained the guerrillas.

Cu Chi Tunnels

Conclude your day with a return to your Ho Chi Minh City hotel for a restful night.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Following a delightful breakfast at your hotel, our tour guide will meet you at 8:00 am to commence your excursion to My Tho, the charming capital of Tien Giang Province. Situated approximately 75 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho is nestled along the banks of the Mekong River. This scenic city is celebrated for its verdant orchards and fertile rice fields, which are significant contributors to the nation’s grain supply.

Vinh Trang Pagoda

Your My Tho adventure includes a visit to one or two of its islands, renowned for their artisanal crafts like coconut candy and beekeeping. A highlight of your trip will be the visit to the Vinh Trang Pagoda, the most ancient pagoda in the Mekong Delta. Accessible by a serene boat ride on the Mekong River, the pagoda is encircled by lush gardens and features exquisite architecture and impressive sculptures.

Upon completing your My Tho tour, you’ll journey back to Ho Chi Minh City. There, you’ll check into your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After breakfast at the hotel, you check out and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Da Nang, onward travel to Hoi An.

Check in at the hotel in Hoi An and the rest of the day is yours to discover this ancient town at your leisure.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang air ticket, Meals: breakfast.

Your exploration begins with a visit to a central temple in Hoi An, showcasing partially gilded statues and a blend of Chinese and Japanese architectural styles. You’ll also explore a pagoda dedicated to sailors and fishermen and a chapel with roots tracing back to the 1700s.

Japanese Covered Bridge

The journey continues at the Sa Huynh Museum, situated near the famous Japanese Covered Bridge. This museum displays artifacts from Hoi An’s earliest history, providing insights into its rich and intriguing past.

In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong Village on Cam Kim Island. Witness the exceptional craftsmanship of local woodworkers and shipbuilders, whose skills have been passed down through generations. This visit offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of this Vietnamese region.

The evening allows you to freely wander and discover the enchanting Hoi An Ancient Town at your own pace. The night is yours to soak in the town’s charm. Your stay in Hoi An continues overnight.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Your day begins at 8:00 am, after breakfast at the hotel, with a journey to My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated 50 km southwest of Hoi An. My Son, once the heart of the Cham civilization, now hosts an array of red brick towers and sanctuaries. It stands among Southeast Asia’s most significant archaeological sites, akin to Angkor in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar, Ayutthaya in Thailand, and Borobudur in Indonesia. These historical structures were erected between the 7th and 13th centuries.

My Son Sanctuary in Hoi An

Your exploration at My Son will take you through a verdant valley, where you’ll delve into the history and beliefs of the Cham people. Marvel at the detailed carvings and sculptures adorning the temples, gaining insights into their historical importance.

After your visit, you’ll head back to Hoi An around 1:00 pm for lunch on your own. The afternoon offers leisure time for shopping or self-guided exploration in Hoi An. The town is renowned for its exquisite lanterns, custom-tailored clothing, and unique handcrafted souvenirs, making it a perfect place to browse local shops and markets.

Your day concludes with an overnight stay in Hoi An, wrapping up this enriching experience.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees (if any), Meals: breakfast.

Following breakfast at your hotel, at 9:00 am, our driver will pick you up and escort you to Hue City. En route, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Cham Museum and Ngu Hanh Son Mountain in Da Nang, where you’ll need to purchase your entry tickets.

After these visits, your journey continues towards the breathtaking Hai Van Pass. Here, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Son Tra Peninsula from its summit. Enjoy a brief pause at Lang Co Beach for some relaxation before proceeding to Hue City, where you’ll arrive in the afternoon.

Lang Co beach

Upon reaching Hue, check into your hotel and then take advantage of some free time to discover the rich heritage of this imperial city. Your day concludes with an overnight stay in Hue, offering a perfect end to a day filled with exploration and scenic beauty.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel, followed by a scenic boat trip on the enchanting Perfume River. Your destination is the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s oldest and most venerated religious site. As you cruise along the river, enjoy the beautiful vistas and learn about the pagoda’s rich history and cultural importance from your guide. Afterward, visit the majestic mausoleums of Emperor Khai Dinh and Tu Duc, two of Hue’s most significant historical landmarks.

Thien Mu Pagoda

Pause for lunch at a local eatery, where you’ll have the chance to indulge in authentic Vietnamese cuisine, experiencing the flavors and customs of local dining.

Your afternoon is dedicated to exploring Hue Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that exemplifies the Nguyen Dynasty’s opulence and sophistication. Uncover the intriguing history and architecture of the Purple Forbidden City, once the exclusive enclave of emperors and their families. Continue to Thuy Xuan, a village famous for its traditional incense-making, to observe this age-old craft and understand its cultural role in Vietnam. Conclude your day at Dong Ba market, Hue’s largest marketplace, bustling with souvenirs, handicrafts, and local delicacies.

Return to your hotel for a restful overnight stay, rejuvenating for another day of exciting explorations in Hue.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your free time until the flight schedule. Our driver will transfer you to the airport for a short flight to Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam.

Check in at the hotel in Hanoi and have time to discover this city at your leisure.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, Hue – Hanoi air ticket, Meals: breakfast.

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel, after which our amiable guide will meet you to start your exploration of Hanoi City. Your first destination is the historic Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. As Hanoi’s oldest pagoda, dating back to the 6th century, it offers a chance to appreciate its stunning architecture and delve into its historical and cultural significance.

Following this, you’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, where you can view the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh and stroll through the gardens to see the houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Next on the agenda is the One Pillar Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy and known for its unique design.

One pillar pagoda

Please note that Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. If your tour coincides with these days, we will arrange an alternative itinerary for you.

Your journey continues to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, offering insights into the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. If your tour is on a Monday, when the museum is closed, you’ll visit the Women’s Museum instead. Enjoy a delicious lunch at our selected restaurant, featuring some of the finest Vietnamese dishes.

After lunch, the tour takes you to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, established in the 11th century. It’s an ideal place to learn about Vietnam’s ancient education system.

The city tour concludes with a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison, known by American POWs during the Vietnam War as the “Hanoi Hilton.” Originally used by French colonists for political prisoners, it later held U.S. prisoners of war.

Tunnels in Hoa Lo Prison

After the tour, you’ll have some free time before being transferred to the Railway Station for your overnight train journey to Lao Cai. You’ll spend the night on the train, embarking on your next adventure.

Included: Transportation, Hanoi – Lao Cai train ticket, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Upon your early arrival at Lao Cai Station around 5:30 am, our driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. After enjoying breakfast, your tour will commence at 9:30 am. The journey begins with a descent along the main road into the stunning Muong Hoa Valley, offering spectacular views of the town and valley below. After traveling approximately 4km on the main road, we’ll venture off onto smaller trails through terraced rice fields to reach Y Linh Ho hamlet, home to the Black Hmong people.

Muong Hoa Valley

In Y Linh Ho village, we’ll follow a path along the river to Lao Chai village, or “old village” in the local language. Here, you’ll get an intimate look at local life as our guide shares insights into the culture of the inhabitants. Learn about their traditional house construction, clothing-making techniques, and ancient healing practices.

Lunch will be a delightful experience at a local eatery by the river, where you can relish local dishes amidst beautiful surroundings.

After that, continue to Ta Van village, inhabited by the Giay people. Our guide will introduce you to local families, offering a chance to learn about their distinct cultures and enjoy some green tea. You’ll notice the cultural differences between the Giay and other hill tribes, despite their geographical proximity.

As the late afternoon approaches, we’ll return to the main road for our pickup and transfer back to Sapa. The evening is yours to relax and enjoy the serene beauty of this charming town, with an overnight stay in Sapa.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Following a delightful breakfast at your hotel, you’ll set out on a trek from Sapa to Cat Cat Village, nestled at the base of Fansipan Mountain. This quaint yet lively village is a hub of traditional H’mong culture, where you can immerse yourself in their lifestyle. Witness firsthand the crafting of traditional clothing, the art of dyeing hemp, and the intricate process of weaving, predominantly done by the women of the village.

Once you’ve explored Cat Cat Village, the journey continues along the Muong Hoa Valley. Spanning about 3km, this path winds through picturesque rice terraces and past small homes, leading you to Sin Chai village. Sin Chai is a less frequented destination, offering a glimpse into authentic rural life with its traditional wooden homes made from the local Pumu tree.

Sin Chai village in Sapa

After you visit Sin Chai, transportation will be arranged to bring you back to Sapa. At 3:30 pm, our driver will be ready to escort you to the railway station for your overnight train journey back to Hanoi. Spend the night aboard the train.

Included: Transportation, Lao Cai – Hanoi train ticket, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Upon arriving at Hanoi Railway Station at 5:30 am, you will be picked up and transferred to a hotel for a brief rest and breakfast, lasting until 8:30 am. Your day then continues with a picturesque drive along one of Vietnam’s most stunning country roads towards the serene Bakhan Village, passing through Hoa Binh City. This journey offers a delightful opportunity to admire the natural beauty of the Vietnamese countryside.

Mai Chau

At 10:30 am, enjoy a short tea or coffee break amidst your travels. By noon, you’ll arrive at Bakhan Village Restaurant for lunch, followed by checking into your room.

The afternoon adventure begins around 3:00 pm with a leisurely walk through the Muong Village of Khan Ha and up the West hill of the village. This walk provides a spectacular view of the valley and a chance to intimately experience the local culture and way of life.

Dinner is scheduled for 7:00 pm at Bakhan Restaurant, where you can indulge in the region’s culinary specialties. From 8:00 to 9:00 pm, if available, immerse yourself in the local culture with a traditional dance performance by the villagers.

Your stay for the night will be at the Bakhan Village Resort, renowned as the finest resort in Mai Chau, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Begin your day at 9:00 am with an exhilarating trek along the East Mountain route in Mai Chau. This trek, suitable for various fitness levels, immerses you in the region’s natural splendor and offers breathtaking views of the valley.

At 11:00 am, return to the resort for some relaxation before checking out. Then, at noon, indulge in a delightful lunch at the resort, a perfect way to refuel before your departure.

After lunch, you’ll leave Mai Chau and commence your journey back to Hanoi. By 5:00 pm, you’ll arrive in the Hanoi Old Quarter, where you’ll have free time to relax at the hotel or explore this fascinating area at your own pace.

Your day concludes with an overnight stay in Hanoi, offering the chance to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife and rich cultural attractions.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Following a delightful breakfast at your hotel, our mini-van or bus will arrive to collect you between 8:30 am and 9:00 am, marking the start of your journey to Halong City. The 3.5-hour drive offers a glimpse into the serene countryside and rice paddy life of the region. Upon reaching the port, you’ll embark on an authentic Chinese Junk boat, setting sail on an extraordinary cruise through the breathtaking Halong Bay, recognized as a World Heritage Site. Aboard the boat, you’ll be treated to a lunch featuring a selection of the freshest seafood.

Ha Long Bay

The cruise itinerary includes a visit to Sung Sot Cave, followed by a chance to swim in the tranquil, emerald waters of Halong Bay. As the boat cruises deeper into a peaceful area of the bay, we’ll anchor for the night. Here, you can enjoy dinner and unwind as the sun sets over the bay.

The evening offers freedom to swim in the glowing phosphorescent water, retire to your cabin, or even sleep under the stars on the top deck, enveloped by the enchanting atmosphere of Halong. Your night will be spent on the boat, immersed in the stunning natural beauty of the bay.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, entrance and sightseeing fees, English-speaking guide on boat, Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Get up early to experience a stunning sunrise over the ocean, taking in the fresh sea air. As you enjoy breakfast on the boat, we’ll continue our leisurely cruise amidst the thousands of breathtaking islands dotting Halong Bay. This serene morning offers a perfect chance for photography enthusiasts to capture the awe-inspiring scenery. Our journey includes a visit to a floating fishing village, where you’ll hear captivating tales about the daily lives of the local fishermen.

Vung Vieng floating village

As we make our way back to Halong City pier, lunch will be served on the boat, allowing you to savor the views a little longer. Upon arrival at the pier, we’ll commence our return trip to Hanoi. You can expect to reach Hanoi between 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm.

After checking into your hotel, you’ll have free time to explore the intriguing Hanoi Old Quarter at your leisure. This is an excellent opportunity to taste some of the city’s renowned street food or shop for unique souvenirs. Your day concludes with an overnight stay in Hanoi, capping off a memorable journey.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide on boat, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will take you to the airport for a flight to Phu Quoc.

Check in at the hotel in Phu Quoc and have free time to unwind on its pristine beach.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, Hanoi – Phu Quoc air ticket, Meals: breakfast.

Begin your day with a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, featuring a variety of local and international dishes. Your first destination is the Phu Quoc Prison Museum, a significant historical site that sheds light on the island’s turbulent history during the Vietnam War. Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Dinh Cau Night Market, a lively hub where you can indulge in delicious food, shop for souvenirs, and find unique handmade crafts.

Continue your exploration with a visit to the Suoi Tranh Waterfall, a picturesque natural wonder ideal for a refreshing swim and enjoying the tranquil surroundings. Then, experience the pristine beauty of Sao Beach, renowned as one of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches, with its crystal-clear waters, soft white sands, and gently swaying palm trees.

Bai Sao beach

As the day winds down, witness a breathtaking sunset at Dinh Cau Rock, a favored tourist spot known for its stunning panoramic views and excellent photo opportunities.

Conclude your day with a 5:00 pm return to the hotel, where you can check in and enjoy some leisure time overnight on the enchanting Phu Quoc Island.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

You will have this day free to discover Phu Quoc Beach at your leisure.

Phu Quoc Beach

Included: Accommodation and breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy another free day in Phu Quoc and get ready for a long flight back home.

Included: Accommodation and breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will transfer you to the airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City, followed by your departure flight back home.

End of 3 weeks in Vietnam with beautiful memories.

Included: Breakfast at the hotel, airport drop-off, Phu Quoc – Ho Chi Minh City air ticket.