Discovery Vietnam Itinerary from North to South In 14 Days

Arrive in Ha Noi and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight in Ha Noi.

Take a full day tour to explore Ha Noi’s illustrious history. In the morning, visit the imposing marble edifice housing the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum (CLOSED ON MONDAYS & FRIDAYS) before moving onto his wooden stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda. You will then explore the first university of Vietnam, the Temple of Literature, which is imbued with the profound philosophies of Confucianism. In the afternoon, visit the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ngoc Son Temple and an ancient Vietnamese “long house”. A one-hour cyclo tour of Ha Noi’s Old Quarter allows you to catch a glimpse of ancient Ha Noi and learn about traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Overnight in Ha Noi.

Depart Hanoi in the morning, leaving the rhythm of the city behind as you journey toward the serene valleys of Mai Chau. The drive unfolds through scenic mountain passes and lush countryside, setting the tone for a peaceful retreat into nature. Upon arrival in Mai Chau, check in to your luxury eco-lodge or Thai homestay, thoughtfully designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings. Enjoy a refined lunch featuring locally inspired cuisine, served in a tranquil setting overlooking the valley.

In the afternoon, travel to Xam Khoe Village, where a guided, unhurried walk leads you to Buoc Village, home to the Thai ethnic minority. Wander through quiet villages, rice fields, and traditional stilt houses, gaining a deeper appreciation of local traditions and a way of life shaped by nature. The walk is gentle and immersive, allowing time to observe, connect, and simply be present. On the return journey, pause to admire the sweeping views of the Van Mai Valley, where layers of mountains and fields stretch endlessly beneath the open sky. As evening falls, return to your eco-lodge for a beautifully prepared dinner, followed by time to relax and unwind in the peaceful atmosphere of the valley.

Overnight in Mai Chau.

Wake to the soft sounds of nature and enjoy a leisurely breakfast with views of the surrounding landscape. Afterwards, embark on a gentle cycling experience through the Mai Chau Valley, following quiet paths that wind past emerald rice paddies and traditional stilt houses. Along the way, stop for photographs, visit local families, and enjoy authentic moments of connection with the community. This slow-paced journey offers a deeper sense of place and a chance to absorb the calm, unspoiled beauty of the valley. Leave Mai Chau and depart for Pu Luong. Upon arrival, check in at your accommodation and enjoy lunch in Pu Luong.

In the afternoon, begin a guided walk along terraced rice fields to Uoi Village (approximately 6 km, 3 hours; difficulty level 1.5/5). The route offers an authentic introduction to the peaceful rural life of Pu Luong, home to the Thai ethnic minority, with opportunities to observe daily activities and traditional stilt houses set amid the natural landscape. After the walk, return by vehicle to your accommodation for rest and relaxation.

Overnight in Pu Luong.

Wake up to the fresh mountain air and enjoy the natural surroundings of Pu Luong. After breakfast, drive to the Cham Mountain Stream area for a short, easy walk along shaded paths, where traditional bamboo water wheels can be seen along the stream.

Following the visit, begin the return journey to Hanoi. En route, stop for lunch at a local restaurant (at guests’ own expense). Arrive in Hanoi in the late afternoon, concluding the program.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Drive through rice paddy fields to Ha Long Bay. You will board a junk for a cruise among the hundreds of islets of Ha Long Bay while enjoying lunch. Drop anchor in the late evening for an overnight stay among the dramatic limestone peaks rising out of the sea.

Overnight on a junk.

Spend the morning cruising through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay before returning to the wharf. Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Hue. On arrival, transfer to hotel.

Overnight in Hue.

Begin your day with a scenic dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest and most iconic pagoda in Hue. Continue to the Imperial Citadel, the former political and cultural center of the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam’s last royal dynasty. Explore the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum, home to a remarkable collection of royal artifacts and ornaments from the Nguyen era. Later, visit Dong Ba Market to experience the vibrant daily life of local residents.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring traditional Hue cuisine. In the afternoon, visit Khai Dinh King’s Tomb, famous for its distinctive blend of Eastern traditions and Western architectural influences. Continue to Tu Duc King’s Tomb, admired for its harmonious layout, elegant symmetry, and tranquil natural setting. Conclude the tour with a visit to a traditional conical hat and incense-making village, where you can learn about Hue’s long-standing handicraft heritage. Return to your hotel.

Overnight in Hue.

Drive along the coast and via mountain passes to Hoi An with a stop en route at the photogenic village of Lang Co Beach. Visit the Cham Museum in Da Nang which houses the world’s finest collection of Cham artworks before proceeding to Hoi An. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the town.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Start your day with a countryside adventure as our guide picks you up by US Military Jeep and takes you beyond the city to experience authentic rural life. Visit a traditional house displaying old farming tools, learn how rice flour and rice paper are made, and explore a village communal house surrounded by a banyan tree and ancient well. Meet friendly water buffaloes and try hands-on rice farming activities such as plowing, transplanting rice, and scooping water with a local farmer. The experience ends with a relaxing herbal foot soak followed by a rustic Vietnamese family-style meal “Cơm Gia Đình” at Bếp Quê, where you can also try making the traditional dish Tam Hữu.

Afternoon, you will be led on a walking tour to explore this World Heritage Site. Highlights include an ancient merchant house, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the vibrant riverside market.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, transfer to a hotel and the rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the city.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

In the morning, take a car transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Cai Be. Arrive at Cai Be Jetty at 10:00 am, where the crew welcomes you aboard the Cai Be Princess sampan with cold towels and a refreshing drink before setting off on a leisurely cruise through the Mekong Delta.

Relax as daily life unfolds along the riverbanks while enjoying tea and seasonal fruits. Visit a 19th-century ancient house and explore local cottage industries, including coconut candy and puffed rice making. The cruise ends at Le Longanier Restaurant, where lunch is served in a charming colonial-style villa set in a lush riverside garden. After lunch, continue cruising past Cai Be Church, through the Dong Phu Canal to Binh Hoa Phuoc and An Binh islands, known for their fruit orchards. Arrive at Vinh Long Pier around 4:00 pm, then transfer by car back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

A sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Sai Gon, includes the photo stops at the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office. Visit a local market in Chinatown and either the Thien Hau Temple or the Quan Am Pagoda. Observe Cao Dai mass at noon. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Free until transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your departure.