This comprehensive 15-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and authentic experiences. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil beaches of Phu Quoc, this journey will give you a deep insight into the heart and soul of Vietnam.
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi and be welcomed by a French-speaking guide. Transfer to your hotel in the city center. Your room will be available from 2 PM. The rest of the day is free for you to rest or explore the city on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Hanoi – Cooking Class and Sightseeing
Today is dedicated to discovering Vietnamese cuisine. The day begins with a trip to the local market to select fresh ingredients for your cooking class. You will then meet a local chef who will guide you through the preparation of traditional dishes. Enjoy lunch featuring the dishes you’ve prepared. Afterward, visit the fascinating Ethnology Museum, showcasing traditional costumes, tools, musical instruments, and typical houses from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups (closed on Mondays). Take a walking tour through the narrow alleys of the Old Quarter to experience the local life of Hanoi. Overnight at the hotel.
Note:
Transfer time and distance by car: 1 hour / 40 km.
Road condition: good.
Visit duration: 2 hours.
Cooking class duration: 3-4 hours.
Walking time: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Day 3: Hanoi – Mai Chau
Drive through the mountainous terrain to the Mai Chau valley, home to the White Thai people. The journey will introduce you to the diverse ethnic groups of the region, such as Thai, Muong, Dzao, and Hmong. Along the way, observe terraced rice fields and traditional stilt houses. Lunch will be served at Mr. Cuong’s home, followed by a bike ride through Mai Chau’s picturesque countryside. Explore remote villages such as Chieng Sai, Cha, Cha Long, Na Tang, and Tong Dau, where people continue to live as they did 100 years ago. Dinner and overnight stay at a local homestay, with a traditional dance and music performance. Enjoy a tasting of “Can” rice wine.
Note:
Transfer time by car: 3 hours 30 minutes / 150 km.
Cycling time: 2 hours / 15 km on an easy trail.
Day 4: Mai Chau – Tam Coc
After breakfast at the homestay, drive to Ninh Binh, the former capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, also known as “Halong Bay on Land.” Visit two temples in Hoa Lu, dedicated to Kings Dinh and Le. In Tam Coc, embark on a memorable 2-hour boat ride through stunning natural scenery, passing through three caves. The day ends with a visit to the Bich Dong Pagoda, perched on the side of a karst mountain. Overnight at the hotel.
Note:
Transfer time and distance by car: 4 hours / 160 km.
Road condition: good.
Boat ride duration: 2 hours.
Visit duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Day 5: Tam Coc – Lan Ha Bay
Drive to Cat Ba Island, located near Halong Bay. After crossing rice fields and passing through Hai Phong, embark on a cruise aboard the Perla Dawn Sails. Enjoy a welcome drink and a briefing on the cruise. A gourmet meal is served as you sail through the picturesque Lan Ha Bay. Visit Bright Cave by bamboo boat, a large cave surrounded by lush vegetation and crystal-clear waters. You can also take a swim in these tranquil waters. Afterward, return to the Perla Dawn Sails for a light snack on the upper deck, perfect for capturing beautiful photos as the sun sets. Enjoy dinner on a floating farm, accompanied by live music in a romantic setting.
Day 6: Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Danang – Hoi An
Start the day with a Tai Chi session or a photo shoot. Paddle through the calm waters of the bay in a kayak, and visit a fish farm to learn about the local fishermen’s lifestyle. Afterward, return to the ship for a culinary demonstration and a buffet meal. Transfer back to Hanoi for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, transfer to Hoi An for an overnight stay at the hotel.
Transfer time and distance by car: 3 hours / 200 km.
Transfer time and distance from Danang to Hoi An: 45 minutes – 1 hour / 30 km.
Note: The itinerary may be subject to changes without prior notice due to weather conditions.
Day 7: Hoi An
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a half-day bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Cross the Thu Bon River using local transportation, including ferries and boats. Visit traditional craft villages producing bricks, wooden boats, bamboo mats, and round boats. Along the way, interact with local people in less touristy areas. In the afternoon, take a boat trip to the Cam Thanh village, the “capital of coconuts,” and learn how to catch crabs with the help of a fisherman. Return to Hoi An in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Free Day in Hoi An
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Hoi An or relax at your own pace. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Hoi An – Danang – Flight to Saigon
After free time in the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Upon arrival, explore the city, visiting the Saigon River, the old colonial quarter, Ton Duc Thang Avenue, and Nguyen Hue Avenue. Visit the Fito Museum, the Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10: Saigon – Ben Tre – Can Tho
Head to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. Take a short boat ride through small canals to see the daily life of the locals—fishing, transporting goods by boat, and more. Visit a coconut candy factory and a brick kiln. Enjoy a tuk-tuk ride through the lush countryside, and continue with a boat trip through narrow waterways lined with palm trees. In the afternoon, explore the fruit orchards by bike before transferring to Can Tho. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11: Can Tho – Rach Gia – Flight to Phu Quoc
Early morning boat trip to the Cai Rang floating market, the largest and most vibrant in the Mekong Delta. The market is a colorful spectacle with sampans filled with rice, fruits, and local products. Continue to Rach Gia for a boat ride to Phu Quoc Island. Arrive in the late afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Transfer time and distance by car: 3 hours / 120 km.
Fast boat duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.
Boat ride at the market: 1–1 hour 30 minutes.
Day 12: Free Day in Phu Quoc
Spend the day at leisure, enjoying the beach and the island’s beauty. No guide or transportation is provided. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13: Free Day in Phu Quoc
Another day to relax and enjoy Phu Quoc’s beaches. No guide or transportation is provided. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 14: Phu Quoc – Flight to Saigon
Enjoy free time until your transfer to Phu Quoc Airport for the flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15: Departure from Saigon
Free time until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Please note that the hotel room will be available until noon.
Why Choose This Tour?
Family-Friendly Adventures: Tailored experiences like cooking classes, bike rides, and fishing lessons.
Cultural Immersion: Connect with locals in homestays and visit traditional craft villages.
Diverse Scenery: From bustling cities to tranquil bays, lush countryside, and serene beaches.
Inclusions
- Accommodation in comfortable hotels and homestays.
- Daily breakfast and meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Guided tours with English-speaking guides.
- Private transportation in air-conditioned vehicles.
- Boat trips, domestic flights, and entrance fees to attractions.
Exclusions
- International flights to and from Vietnam.
- Visa fees for Vietnam.
- Travel insurance (mandatory).
- Personal expenses, including drinks, tips, and optional activities.
