The Essence of Vietnam

15 Days

From £1.900

START: Hanoi, Vietnam END: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Vietnam at its most unforgettable.

15 Days / 14 Nights

The balance was perfect: rugged mountains, cultural villages, cooking classes, beaches, and the Mekong Delta. Meeting Mr. Sau Tuong in Ben Tre was unforgettable — his story added depth and meaning to the journey.

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The mountains. The rivers. The culture. The people. The heart of Vietnam.

This 15‑day journey captures Vietnam’s true essence, from Ha Giang’s dramatic mountain passes and ethnic villages to Halong Bay’s iconic limestone giants. Explore lantern‑lit Hoi An, cycle through Tra Que’s farms, and walk the cloud-wrapped peaks of Ba Na Hills. Continue south to the Mekong Delta for authentic encounters with artisans, farmers, and war survivors. A seamless blend of adventure, culture, nature, and human connection.

Hanoi – Ha Giang – Halong Bay – Danang – Tra Que Village – Hoian – Bana Hills – Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta River (Ben Tre) – Cu Chi Tunnels – Ho Chi Minh

The itinerary can be flexible, based on your arrival flight schedule.

Prices displayed are based on a single person in a 4-star hotel. You can downgrade to 3* or upgrade to 5* hotel, or get discounts for couple or groups.

Our tour prices include accommodation in shared Twin/ Double/ Triple room with air-conditioning (AC) and private bathroom, meals as stated in the programme (B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner), transfers and tours with local English-speaking guides in private/ joining air-conditioned vehicles, all entrance fees as mentioned in the programme, 2 bottles of mineral water on bus per day, available on the vehicles.

Not included in the price:

Personal Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Optional Activities

Also, International Flights and Domestic Flights are not included. (For domestic flights, the fare is about £50 each)

Please check our page for flight deals. Book early to get the best discounts.

Itinerary

A 15‑day journey through Vietnam’s wild mountains, emerald bays, lantern-lit towns, and vibrant southern rivers — the country’s essence in one unforgettable story.

Day 1 : Hanoi - Arrival

All guests are warmly welcomed upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport by our local guide then transfer to check in the hotel (Standard check in time: 14:00 local time). Free for your own activities. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 2 : Hanoi – City Tour – Sleeper Bus to Ha Giang (B)

In the morning you will meet our local guide at hotel’s lobby and start to visit The One Pillar Pagoda, which was founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure is one of Vietnam’s smallest but most iconic temples.

Close by is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – the historic Father Figure of modern Vietnam, and the former President’s House on stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969. His former home illustrates the modesty of this Vietnamese revolutionary.

(The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed Mondays & Fridays and from Jun to Aug, you will view from the outside)

Then you will visit the renowned Temple of Literature. Dating back to 1076, this historic site was Vietnam’s very first university and served as an educational institution for the country’s royalty, mandarins, and elite members for an impressive seven centuries. Its beautifully landscaped gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a captivating window into Vietnam’s rich heritage.

The journey continues and you’ll enjoy a cyclo-tour through the streets of this fascinating city. You will come face to face with the daily lives and activities of Hanoi’s streets as you pass through the congested, but delightful, Old Quarter. Ride pass the fascinating streets, which still bear the names of the shops that could be found in them in the 15th to 18th centuries

Back to your hotel and relax

You will be picked up by a shuttle bus and transferred to the meeting point (around 07:30 – 08:00pm).

Get on the sleeper bus to Ha Giang (duration: 6 – 6.5 hours)

Day 3 : Ha Giang – Bac Sum Pass – Quan Ba Heaven Gate – Twin Mountain – Yen Minh – Tham Ma Road – H’mong King Palace – Dong Van Town (B/L/D) – (Join-in Tour)

Early morning, arrive your homestay and take a short rest.

08:30 AM: Start from your homestay in Ha Giang City. Meet your guide and motorbike drivers for a safety briefing before beginning the journey.

Travel through scenic mountain roads with a stop at Bac Sum Slope, then continue through the Dong Van Karst Geopark, enjoying views of terraced fields, limestone landscapes, and rural villages.

Visit Quan Ba Heaven Gate and the Twin Mountains.

Have lunch in Yen Minh Town, then continue to Dong Van, stopping at Tham Ma Slope and the Vuong Family Residence (H’Mong King Palace).

Arrive in Dong Van Town, check in at the homestay, and enjoy dinner.

Why book with us:

Sapa

Day 4 : Dong Van Town – Volunteer Youth Monument – Ma Pi Leng Pass – Overview of the Nho Que River – Meo Vac – Mau Due – Du Gia Village (B/L/D) – (Join‑in Tour)

After breakfast, depart Dong Van Town and ride along the spectacular Ma Pi Leng Pass on the Happiness Road, connecting Dong Van and Meo Vac.

Known as the most dramatic mountain pass in northern Vietnam, Ma Pi Leng offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and deep valleys at an altitude of nearly 2,000 meters.

Ride down the scenic Sky Path to admire the panoramic views of the Nho Que River, stopping along the way for photos at the best viewpoints.

Continue the journey through remote villages such as Lung Ho, Mau Due, and Meo Vac, gaining insight into local life in this mountainous region.

Enjoy lunch in Meo Vac Town.

In the afternoon, travel along mountain trails to Du Gia Village, home to several ethnic minority groups.

Arrive at a local homestay, enjoy dinner, and share a traditional evening with a Tay minority family.

Day 5 : Du Gia Village – Du Gia Waterfall – Lung Ho – Duong Thuong Valley – Thai An Road – Ha Giang City – Hanoi (B/L) – (Join‑in Tour)

After breakfast, explore the hidden Du Gia Waterfall before saying goodbye to your homestay hosts.

Continue the journey back toward Ha Giang, enjoying more stunning scenery along the way, including Duong Thuong Valley and Thai An Road.

Arrive back in Ha Giang in the afternoon.

Depart Ha Giang at 4:00 PM by limousine bus, arriving in Hanoi around 10:30 PM.

Our local driver will pick you up from meeting point and transfer to hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Cooking Class: Pho

Day 6 : Hanoi – Halong Bay Overnight Cruise (B/L/D)

Hanoi to Halong Bay (160 km): 3.00 hrs.

After breakfast, depart Hanoi for a scenic 3-hour drive to Halong Bay. Arrive at the jetty in Halong City around noon and complete the check-in formalities.

Board your cruise and enjoy a warm welcome, followed by lunch as the boat begins its journey into the bay. In the afternoon, take part in visits and activities according to the boat’s program, or simply relax and admire the stunning scenery.

As the day draws to a close, the boat anchors amidst the dramatic limestone karsts.

Dinner will be served on board.

Overnight on the cruise in Halong Bay.

Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda

Day 7 : Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi – Danang – Hoian (B/L or Brunch)

Halong Bay to Hanoi (160 km): 3.00 hrs.

Wake up to the fresh morning air in the heart of Halong Bay as the sun rises over the limestone peaks. Breakfast is served on board (or brunch on some cruises) while the vessel leisurely cruises back through the magnificent rock formations towards the port.

Disembark and transfer directly to Noi Bai Airport for your domestic flight to Danang.

Upon arrival at Danang Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our local guide and escorted to your hotel in Hoian for check-in.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8 : Hoi An – Cycling to Tra Que Village – Cooking Class – Hoi An (B/L)

After breakfast, set off on a delightful cycling trip to the charming Tra Que Vegetable Village.

Begin your morning alongside local farmers as they guide you through their daily routines preparing the soil, fertilizing with natural compost, sowing fresh seeds, and watering the vibrant garden beds.

Once the work is done, unwind with a refreshing herbal foot soak followed by a relaxing foot massage, the perfect way to rejuvenate after an authentic farming experience.

Continue with a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll be fully involved in every step of the cooking process. Each 3-hour session is designed to be interactive, social, and fun.

The class begins with a warm introduction and cooking demonstration by our chefs. Working in small groups of 3–5 people, you’ll prepare 3–4 traditional dishes. Our chefs will guide and assist you throughout the session.

At the end, sit down together to enjoy the dishes you’ve created. You’ll also receive recipes to recreate these authentic flavors at home.

Return to Hoi An town for a walking tour.

Stroll through the ancient town to discover merchant and community houses, places of worship, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and soak in the atmosphere of temples, markets, rice fields, and charming countryside scenes.

This experience offers wonderful photo opportunities and a chance to interact with friendly locals.

Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

Day 9 : Hoi An – Danang – Ba Na Hills – Danang – Hoian (B/L)

After breakfast at the hotel, our local guide will meet you at the lobby for transfer to Danang – the fourth largest city in Vietnam, the gateway to the central provinces and a seaport with nice beaches and resorts.

Today you will visit this mountainous theme park perched 1,500m high on a mountain, a hill resort inherited from the French – Ba Na Hills. The site was first developed by the French in the 1920s, who escaped the summer heat for its cool, mountain air.

Arrive at the cable car station at the foot of Ba Na Mountain. Enjoy the first leg cable car, which achieves two Guinness World records in 2009, the longest non-stop cable car (5,042m) and the highest non-stop cable car (1,292m).

Sitting in the cabin, in mid-air, looking upon the endless tree line of the forests, bring you with spectacular views of the lush jungle and fairly waterfalls along the way.

Experience the pristine ecological systems of the Ba Na Mountains, which will leave you with a sense of unforeseeable discovery.

You will visit the Le Jardin, old wineries, remains of French Villas and Ling Ung Pagoda with 27m high Buddha status.

We then leave Le Jardin for the second cable car station to visit the top of the mountain and see the remains of old villas.

Conquer the Peak of Chua Mountain at the height of 1,487m. View the whole Da Nang city under the cluster of white clouds.

Leave Peak of Chua Mountain, visit the trail of Dreaming Stream, Rainbow Waterfall, Suspension Bridge, Golden Valley, and ruined Opera House, stroll through the Golden Bridge amid the foggy hills of the mountain, enjoy the gorgeous view of Da Nang city.

Buffet lunch at a local restaurant.

Return to the cable car station and get back to Danang.

Then you will transfer back to your hotel and overnight in Hoian.

Vientiane Patuxay - Laos

Day 10 : Hoi An – Free & Easy (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax or explore Hoi An at your own pace.

You may stroll through the Ancient Town, visit local cafés and shops, or enjoy the beach.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 11 : Hoi An – Free & Easy (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax or explore Hoi An at your own pace.

You may stroll through the Ancient Town, visit local cafés and shops, or enjoy the beach.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 12 : Hoian – Danang – Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Transfer to Da Nang Airport for your departure flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

All guests are warmly welcomed upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport by our local guide then transfer to visit Independence Palace (Reunification Palace), and the War Remnants Museum.

Afterwards, stroll through the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City: the Old Saigon Post Office, and the Notre Dame Cathedral, inaugurated in 1880 and which became the spiritual and cultural crucible of the French presence in the Orient as was the Post office designed by Gustav Eiffel and resembling a grand railway station.

Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Luang Prabang - Laos

Day 13 : Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre (Mekong Delta) – Ho Chi Minh (B/L)

Start your day with an unforgettable journey to Ben Tre, the heart of the Mekong Delta, famous for its lush rice fields and serene landscapes.

Around 10:00 AM – Arrive at the meeting point and take a short walk through a local village to enjoy the landscape of local houses and gardens. Upon reaching the local pier board your day cruiser.

Enjoy the river views as you cruise through the smaller tributaries of Ben Tre province (cruise time approx. 30 minutes).

Dock at “Bao Island” and disembark your cruise to visit the Coconut Garden and drink fresh coconut at here. Return to your cruise and head down the river to another visit – a local coconut processing operation.

From here, you will start a bicycle trip around Huu Dinh village (approx. 4 kilometres).

Then you will stop at a brick-making factory, where the locals still use centuries-old traditional methods to make the bricks by hand.

After your visit, cruises will transfer you to the other side of the river to take a rowing sampan.

Our team will paddle you through the maze of small canals to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquillity of Ben Tre province.

After about 15 minutes, we will arrive at Mrs Huong’s local house. Her family lives on fishing, shrimp trapping and farming. Enjoy the tropical fruits and honey tea in her garden before getting on a tri-motor cycle (Xe Loi).

Enjoy the narrow village roads that navigate through the lush greenery and coconut palm trees.

After finishing the Xe Loi ride, return to your day cruiser as we will take you to Mango home restaurant to enjoy your 5-course lunch.

After your lunch, freshen up before switching to a bicycle and riding 500m, (approx. 4 minutes or 7-10 minutes’ walk) on village roads past green gardens and local houses.

First is Mr. Ba Tài’s house to learn the fascinating process of rice wine making.

Lastly, a memorable visit to Mr. Sau Tuong, a former Vietcong soldier who survived two years fighting the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh. Today, he and his wife live on making rice paper which is the most famous specialty of My Long village. Have a chat with him and enjoy the crispy rice paper made by his wife and see how it is made.

15:30 – After the visit, walking to the main road where your car will be ready to take you back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 14 : Ho Chi Minh – Half Day Cu Chi Tunnels by Speedboat (Join‑in Tour) (B/L)

7:00 am: Early in the morning, our guide will meet you at your hotel’s lobby and bring you by car to our speedboat at Bach Dang pier.

7:20 am: You will depart Saigon by speedboat. Within 15 minutes, the banks of the river change from city sprawl to lush jungle. A light breakfast of sandwiches or pastries, fresh tropical fruits and Vietnamese iced coffee (Ca phe sua da) is served, as your guide explains rural traditions and aspects of riverbank life.

8:50 am: You will arrive at the Cu Chi Tunnels site before the majority of larger bus tours arrive. Watch a brief introductory ‘propaganda’ video to the Cu Chi area.

9:00 am: Explore the tunnel site, which includes weapon and booby trap exhibitions, navigating an authentic Viet Cong tunnel, visiting different underground bunkers (kitchens, meeting rooms, ammunition rooms, etc.), a firing range and much more.

Try the local cassava root that sustained Viet Cong fighters for years.

11:00 am: Enjoy a delicious traditional Vietnamese lunch by the river, consisting of authentic fried spring rolls, chicken and beef dishes and soup.

11:30 am: Say goodbye to Cu Chi Tunnel and return to Ho Chi Minh City.

01:00 pm: Arrive back at Bach Dang’s pier and back to the hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.