Beauty of Vietnam

When

Oct-Dec

Price

From $2,536 pp excl. flights

How long

10 nights ideal length

Ideal For

Adventure & Outdoor

Art & Culture

Overview

Discover the best of Vietnam in a journey that blends culture, history, and natural beauty. Begin in Hanoi with a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter and a traditional water puppet show. Travel north to Sapa, where terraced rice fields, buffalo trails, and vibrant ethnic markets await. Head south to Ho Chi Minh City to explore the energy of Cholon and the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. In central Vietnam, wander through the peaceful, time-warped town of Hoi An. Then, cruise Ha Long Bay in style aboard a luxury junk, surrounded by stunning limestone karsts. With elegant dining and immersive experiences throughout, this is Vietnam at its most captivating.add overview of tour

Highlights

  • Experience the charm of Hanoi’s Old Quarter followed by a traditional cultural performance.
  • Explore terraced rice fields, buffalo trails, and colorful ethnic markets in Vietnam’s northern highlands.
  • Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Cholon (Chinatown) and delve into the wartime history of the Cu Chi Tunnels.
  • Stroll through a peaceful, well-preserved town that offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s past.
  • Sail among dramatic limestone karsts aboard a stylish junk boat, with opportunities for fine dining and relaxation.

Itinerary Summary

Day
Place
Day 1

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam*


Day 2

Hanoi Full Day City Tour


Day 3

Explore Cat Cat Village and more


Day 4

Bac Ha Market and Trung Do Village


Day 5

Cruise along Ha Long's Descending Dragon Bay


Day 6

Sunrise on Ha Long Bay


Day 7

Explore Hoi An


Day 8

Historic Ho Chi Minh City


Day 9

Cu Chi Tunnels and more


Day 10

Good Bye Vietnam


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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, where your private driver and English-speaking guide will welcome you for a seamless transfer—approximately 45 minutes—to your destination. Please ensure your visa is pre-arranged or that your visa-on-arrival letter is accessible in your carry-on. Proceed to the customs desk with your documents for visa processing; fast track service is available upon request.
Hanoi, Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital, captivates with its rich cultural heritage, elegant French colonial architecture, leafy boulevards, and tranquil lakes—offering an enchanting introduction to Asia’s most storied cities.

Day 2

Hanoi

Hanoi Full-Day City Tour

Begin your exploration of Hanoi with a captivating tour highlighting the city’s rich history and cultural charm. Start at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you visit the grand Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed Mondays, Fridays, and October–November), the elegant French-colonial Presidential Palace, and the simple House on Stilts reflecting Ho Chi Minh’s humble lifestyle. Nearby, admire the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple resembling a lotus blossom. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucian scholars. In the afternoon, deepen your knowledge by visiting one of Hanoi’s museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts or Museum of Ethnology. Then stroll the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple at its heart. Experience the vibrant Old Quarter on a one-hour cyclo ride, weaving through historic streets. Conclude your day with a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Opera Theatre, offering a magical finish to your cultural journey in Hanoi.

Day 3

Hanoi

Explore Cat Cat Village and more

Begin your day as your private guide and driver meet you in the hotel lobby for a comfortable transfer to Sapa via Vietnam’s longest expressway, a swift four to five-hour journey that outpaces traditional train routes. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel or unwind in the elegant lounge while enjoying breakfast. Your Sapa adventure begins with a scenic drive through lush hills to Cat Cat Village, home to the Hmong ethnic group, where you’ll witness centuries-old crafts like brocade weaving and silver and bronze smithing. Next, visit the breathtaking Silver Waterfall, especially spectacular in the rainy season, set against Hoang Lien National Park’s backdrop. Along the route, your guide will highlight the region’s rich flora, including plum and peach trees in bloom. Conclude your morning at Heaven’s Gate, where panoramic views of Fansipan Mountain—the “roof of Indochina,” towering at 3,143 meters—await. This carefully crafted itinerary offers a graceful introduction to Sapa’s stunning nature and rich culture.

Day 4

Sapa

Bac Ha Market and Trung Do Village

Depart Sapa early this morning for a scenic 2.5-hour journey by private vehicle through winding mountain landscapes to the renowned Bac Ha Market. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the region’s largest outdoor market, where local ethnic minorities convene to trade a fascinating array of handicrafts, traditional wares, and livestock.

In the afternoon, continue by car to Trung Do Village, home to the Tay ethnic minority. Enjoy a leisurely buffalo-cart ride through the tranquil village, offering you a glimpse into the gracious, peaceful rhythms of daily life. Then, embark on a serene boat cruise along the Chay River, admiring the majestic mountain scenery that unfolds along the banks.

Disembark for a refreshing cup of tea before your comfortable return journey by car to Hanoi, concluding your day of rich cultural discovery and picturesque landscapes.

Day 5

Hanoi

Cruise along Ha Long's Descending Dragon Bay

In the morning, embark on a scenic 3-hour transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, with an optional stop to admire the captivating local landscape. Arrive in Ha Long City by 11:30 AM and board your private junk for the start of an extraordinary journey across Ha Long Bay—a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site known as "Descending Dragon Bay.” This natural wonder, formed over 500 million years, boasts nearly 2,000 limestone karst islands and islets scattered across 1,553 square kilometers.
After a sumptuous lunch onboard, enjoy a guided trek to a nearby summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the bay dotted with golden sails. Alternatively, choose to swim at a tranquil beach or relax on the sundeck basking in the sun. Later, visit a traditional fishing village where you may interact with locals who have lived here for three generations. Weather permitting, an optional kayaking excursion offers an intimate exploration of the serene waters.
Return to the junk for an elegant dinner as you savor the sunset over the bay’s spectacular seascape. Your night will be spent aboard this luxurious vessel, immersed in the enchanting ambiance of Ha Long Bay.
This carefully curated experience blends natural grandeur with cultural charm, offering an elite and graceful introduction to one of Asia’s most breathtaking destinations.

Inclusions: Lunch and Dinner

Day 6

Hanoi

Sunrise on Ha Long Bay

Begin your day at sunrise with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Enjoy tea and coffee as your cruise continues through the striking islets of Ha Long Bay. Check out at 09:30 and savor a buffet brunch while the vessel returns to shore. Disembark at 11:00AM for your transfer back to Hanoi.
Arrive at Hanoi International Airport, check in, and board your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An for check-in.

Day 7

Hanoi

Explore Hoi An

Begin your day in Hoi An with a fascinating introduction to the town’s renowned lantern-making craft, guided by a local artisan who shares its rich history and significance. Experience the vibrant colors and delicate shapes of traditional lanterns, and try crafting one yourself. Following this, enjoy a guided walking tour through Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, wandering atmospheric streets and alongside gentle waterways. Visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of cultural harmony for over four centuries. Explore the Museum of Trade Ceramics within a beautifully preserved 19th-century wooden house, then uncover the heritage of the Tan Ky House, a merchant residence blending Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Continue to the Ong Temple, dedicated to the legendary general Guan Yu. Experience the lively Hoi An Market’s colorful stalls before embarking on a serene Thu Bon River cruise. Disembark at Kim Bong and Thanh Ha Villages to see master carpenters and potters maintaining centuries-old crafts. Conclude your day back at your hotel with leisure time, perhaps visiting the famed tailoring shops for bespoke garments.

Day 8

Hanoi

Historic Ho Chi Minh City

Begin your day with a transfer from your hotel to Da Nang Airport for a roughly 1.5-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, your private driver and English-speaking guide will escort you on a short 30-minute transfer to the city center. Your tour begins at the War Remnants Museum, a profound and sobering site chronicling the Vietnam War’s legacy. The museum features extensive exhibits including military machinery, weapons, photographs, and poignant documentation revealing both French and American conflicts as well as their devastating effects on the Vietnamese people. Renowned for its candid and powerful narrative, it offers insight into the harsh realities of war. Next, visit the Reunification Palace, the former presidential residence of South Vietnam until 1975, celebrated for its modernist architecture and historical significance marking the war’s end. This itinerary provides a thoughtful and respectful introduction to Ho Chi Minh City’s pivotal historical landmarks.

Day 9

Ho Chi Minh

Cu Chi Tunnels and more

Begin your day with a comfortable transfer, accompanied by your private guide, about 75km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels. This hand-dug, 120km network sheltered the Viet Cong during both French and American conflicts, featuring multi-level passages that housed everything from clinics and kitchens to meeting rooms and ammunition stores. Ingenious emergency exits and fortified construction allowed the tunnels to survive heavy bombing and lengthy sieges, offering a vivid look at guerrilla resilience. After your engrossing exploration, return to the city by midday for a well-earned rest. In the afternoon, visit the splendid Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, a neo-Romanesque masterpiece built with French-imported bricks and radiant stained glass. Next, admire the Saigon Central Post Office, a colonial gem designed by Gustave Eiffel with ornate facades and elegant interiors. Conclude your tour in Cho Lon’s vibrant Chinatown, exploring the atmospheric Jade Emperor Temple, alive with incense, carvings, and ongoing traditions—a true immersion in Vietnam’s rich history and culture.

Day 10

Ho Chi Minh

Good Bye Vietnam

Your driver will meet you for a seamless transfer for your flight to the local airport

More Information

Custom Curated

  • Select from an exceptional collection of accommodations, ranging from world-class five-star hotels to charming and distinctive boutique stays.
  • Curate your journey with a thoughtfully balanced mix of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, authentic local encounters, and rare, invitation-only experiences.
  • Embrace the freedom of a fully flexible itinerary—travel when you want, how you want, with no rigid dates or schedules.
  • Whether marking a milestone or pursuing a deeply personal adventure, we collaborate closely with you to craft a truly once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.

Included

  • A tailor-made itinerary thoughtfully designed around your interests, pace, and preferred travel dates
  • Round-the-clock, in-destination support from our trusted local team
  • Accommodations, guided tours, and transfers for all scheduled experiences, unless otherwise noted in your personalized itinerary
  • A private driver for all tours and transfer where applicable, your guide may also serve as your driver, as advised by your Destination Expert
  • Expert-led private or small-group tours that bring your destination to life; your final itinerary will outline the exact format
  • A warm welcome on arrival, whether at the airport or your accommodation, by one of our local representatives, as confirmed by your Destination Expert
  • Daily breakfast at your hotel, along with any additional meals detailed in your itinerary
  • One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers

Not Included

  • Travel insurance, available for purchase once your tour is confirmed
  • Visa fees, unless otherwise specified in your itinerary
  • Gratuities for guides, drivers, and service providers
  • Meals and beverages not listed in your itinerary, including lunches, dinners, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Charges for excess baggage or any luggage not included in your ticketed fare
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, phone usage, SIM cards, or in-room dining
  • Early check-in or late check-out at hotels, unless specifically noted in your itinerary
  • Additional sightseeing, activities, and experiences not included in your confirmed itinerary
  • Optional enhance Optional enhancements such as upgraded rooms or flights, or local camera and video permit fees
  • Passport application fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes where applicable

Safeguard Your Journey

  • We strongly recommend travel protection to safeguard your plans. From missed connections and delayed luggage to unexpected medical emergencies, it offers peace of mind and coverage for the unexpected.
  • Regardless of where you choose to purchase it, we encourage securing a travel protection plan before your departure to help protect your investment and your experience.

10 days starting from $2,536 per person

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