14-Day Vietnam Cultural and Natural Adventure with Ha Long and Phú Quốc

• A warm welcome awaits you as you arrive at Noi Bai International Airport. We'll take you to Hanoi city center in a comfortable vehicle, where you can check in to your hotel. After your long journey, today is all about relaxing and unwinding. Feel free to explore the city at your own pace, and if you need any assistance, our tour guide is always just a call away. 

Spend the night at your hotel in Hanoi.

• After breakfast, our guide will pick you up for a full-day exploration of Hanoi, the charming capital of Vietnam. We'll start our city tour with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which houses his mausoleum, lush gardens, a stilt house, and a museum dedicated to his life and legacy.
• Our first stop is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This is Vietnam's most significant monument, where the body of the nation's founder is preserved. Please note the mausoleum is open only from Tuesday to Thursday and on weekends between 08:00 and 11:00.
• Next, we head to the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts. This stilt house, completed on May 19th, 1958 stands as a symbol of his simple, modest lifestyle.
• Nearby, we'll visit the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. Designed to resemble a lotus blossom emerging from a square pond, the pagoda was built in 1049 by King Ly Thai Tong, inspired by a dream of the Goddess of Mercy sitting on a lotus and offering him a son. 
• Next, we’ll head to the Temple of Literature, famously known as Vietnam's first university. This beautiful temple offers a glimpse into the history of education in Vietnam, spanning over a thousand years. It’s a great spot to learn about how scholars were trained, from ancient times right up to more recent history.
• In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Vietnam Ethnology Museum, which showcases the rich diversity of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The museum has both indoor and outdoor exhibits, including replicas of traditional houses that highlight the unique architectural styles of different ethnic communities. Just a heads-up: the museum is closed on Mondays.

• Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before we set off on a 3-hour drive through the lush farmlands of the Red River Delta, heading to Ha Long City. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most stunning natural wonders. Located nearly 200 km from Hanoi, the bay is dotted with around 1,600 limestone islands, making it a must-see for visitors.
• Upon arrival in Ha Long, we’ll board a luxurious wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the bay’s emerald waters, winding around the striking limestone cliffs. This is your chance to fully soak in the breathtaking scenery of this World Heritage Site. While on board, enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared seafood lunch before we dive into some swimming and explore a few of the area’s impressive limestone caves. As the sun sets, we’ll drop anchor near a remote island, where you’ll have dinner on board and spend the night on the junk.

• Wake up to the peaceful beauty of Ha Long Bay and start your day with an early morning dip, taking in the joy and calm of watching the sunrise over the sea. 
• After breakfast, we’ll continue our journey around the bay, seeking out more hidden gems and secluded spots. The junk will stay close by, serving as a backup for anyone who needs it. Around midday, we’ll head back to the main harbor and then transfer to our vehicle for a 3-hour drive to Noi Bai Airport, where you’ll catch a flight to Hue.
• Upon arrival in Hue, pick up & transfer to hotel in Hue. Overnight at the hotel in Hue.

• Next, we’ll set off to explore some of Hue’s most iconic attractions, starting with a scenic boat trip along the Perfume River to visit the charming Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as the "Heavenly Lady Pagoda." Built in 1601, it is one of the best know religious and must-see sites in Hue. Both landscape and monuments here are always in harmony and bring a feeling of peace for travelers.
• After disembarking, we’ll visit the beautifully elaborate mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. Located along the banks of Huong River, this site is often regarded as the most picturesque of Hue’s historic landmarks. Designed by Emperor Tu Duc himself, the mausoleum is also the largest architectural masterpiece among the royal palaces and tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty.
• In the afternoon, we’ll continue our exploration by visiting the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. Constructed in the 19th century by the Nguyen Dynasty, the Citadel is Vietnam’s most significant historical and cultural monument. This impressive square structure spans 2 km and is surrounded by walls that enclose three distinct areas: the Citadel itself, the Yellow Imperial City, and the Forbidden Purple City.
• If time allows, we’ll go to Dong Ba Market, where you can shop for local specialities and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Hue. After a day filled with exploration, you’ll spend the night at your hotel in Hue.

• After enjoying breakfast, we’ll continue our journey south by road to Hoi An. The scenery along the way is absolutely beautiful, and we’ll make a stop at Lang Co Beach for some coffee and refreshments to take in the views.
• We'll wind our way up the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, taking in the stunning views of Lang Co Beach to the north and Danang City to the south. As we make our way down the other side, we'll head into Da Nang, where we’ll visit the Cham Museum, explore the famous China Beach, and check out the impressive Marble Mountains.
• In Hoi An, we’ll explore the charming town filled with ancient merchant houses, Phuc Kien Temple, and the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. Strolling through the vibrant riverside markets, you'll also visit workshops where artisans craft Hoi An's famous lanterns. Here, you can learn about the lantern-making process and even try your hand at creating your own, from designing the frame to gluing the cloth. It’s truly one of the most delightful experiences! After a wonderful day, you'll spend the night at your hotel in Hoi An.

• Enjoy a leisurely day cycling through the scenic and peaceful countryside of Vietnam, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. After leaving town, you’ll find yourself pedaling through picturesque villages surrounded by lush rice fields on quiet roads. Your journey will take you to Van Lang Fisherman Village and the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, a 7-hectare mangrove area filled with canals and houses adorned with water coconut leaves.
• You can wander through the village at your leisure before hopping onto a basket boat. With the help of skilled locals, you'll learn traditional fishing techniques as you navigate the water coconut forest.
• After lunch, you’ll have some free time to relax before we head back to your hotel. 

In the afternoon, you have free time to explore the town. Overnight at a hotel in Hoian.

• To reach the summit of Ba Na Hills, you’ll take a stunning cable car ride from the base, offering incredible views of the forest, trees, and waterfalls below. Once you arrive at the top, explore the Old French Villas, situated at an elevation of 1,138 meters, and admire their unique architecture. Then, hop on the mountain climbing train to visit the Flower Garden, where you’ll find an array of beautiful blooms.
• Next, you’ll continue to see the ancient tree, a scenic stream, the Great Buddha Statue, and Wine Tunnel. Don’t miss the chance to check out the Golden Bridge.
• After lunch at a restaurant, you’ll have some free time to explore the hill, relax, or enjoy the rides at the Fantasy Theme Amusement Park, including a 3D movie experience (fees are at your own expense). 

An overnight stay at your hotel in Hoi An.

• In the early morning, we’ll transfer you to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Saigon. Once you arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport, you’ll be picked up and taken to your hotel for check-in and some time to rest. 
• In the afternoon, we’ll embark on a half-day city tour to explore the famous sites of this vibrant city. Our first stop is the Reunification Palace, a unique building that served as the presidential residence for South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. As you enter, you'll not only appreciate its architectural beauty but also enjoy the refreshing atmosphere created by the surrounding trees and greenery.
• Next, we’ll visit some stunning French colonial structures, including the Old Saigon Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most iconic architectural landmarks in the city, showcasing the influence of European design. Its bright red brick exterior, beautiful stained glass panels, and intricately carved tiles make it an impressive sight that attracts many visitors. You’ll have time to admire both the exterior and interior of this magnificent cathedral.
• After exploring the Jade Emperor Pagoda, we’ll head to the lively Ben Thanh Market, renowned as a top spot for authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Inside the market, you'll find numerous vendors and food stalls offering a delightful selection of freshly made dishes. It’s a great place to sample local flavors! In addition to food, the market features a variety of goods for daily use, along with an array of eye-catching local handicrafts and souvenirs. 

You’ll spend the night at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

• In the morning, we’ll depart from Ho Chi Minh City and head to Ben Tre, often referred to as “the rice bowl of Vietnam.” 
• Upon arrival at Ham Luong Pier, we’ll cruise along the Ben Tre River, taking in the vibrant activities on the water, such as fishing and transportation. You’ll also have the chance to observe traditional brick-making methods that involve printing and baking. We’ll visit one of the many coconut processing workshops along the canal before venturing into the narrower natural creeks to reach a local village.
• Here, you can take a leisurely walk to a family workshop that creates traditional sleep mats while enjoying some fresh fruits and tea. For a more immersive experience, hop on a motor cart (xe lôi) or a bike to ride along shady paths, passing through green rice fields and vegetable gardens. 
• In the afternoon, we’ll take a relaxing ride on a sampan along the tranquil canals before returning to Ham Luong Pier by boat. Afterwards, we’ll continue our journey to Can Tho City, where you’ll spend the night.

• Awakening early to the sounds of the Delta coming to life, we’ll enjoy breakfast before embarking on a boat cruise along the sparkling streams of the mighty Mekong River, heading to the Cai Rang floating market. One of the highlights of visiting the Mekong Delta is experiencing the Cai Rang Floating Market, where you can see an array of fruits and specialities unique to the region. Here, you’ll have the chance to buy garden tools or even savor traditional Vietnamese breakfast dishes like rice noodle “Phở.”
• In the afternoon, we’ll transfer to Rach Gia, where you’ll catch a speedboat to Phu Quoc Island. Upon arrival, a private car (without a guide) will be waiting to take you to your hotel for check-in. You’ll spend the night on beautiful Phu Quoc Island.

• You’ll have the rest of the day to relax on the beach or consider taking a short excursion to explore Phu Quoc. You can indulge in delicious seafood, go fishing, or try diving and snorkeling to discover the stunning underwater world (additional costs apply). The coral reefs are pristine, and the small islands scattered around Phu Quoc are home to a rich variety of marine biodiversity.

• You’ll have the rest of the day to relax on the beach or consider taking a short excursion to explore Phu Quoc. You can indulge in delicious seafood, go fishing, or try diving and snorkeling to discover the stunning underwater world (additional costs apply). The coral reefs are pristine, and the small islands scattered around Phu Quoc are home to a rich variety of marine biodiversity.

• After breakfast, you’ll have some free time to enjoy Saigon before being transferred (without a guide) to the airport for your flight back home. We recommend scheduling your international flight for the late afternoon to ensure a smooth connection. Thank you for choosing us; we hope you had a wonderful journey!