Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi (-)
Upon arrival in Hanoi, meet your guide and driver, then transfer to your hotel (check-in from 2:00 PM). In the afternoon, enjoy a 1-hour cyclo ride through the French Quarter and the Old Quarter (36 Guild Streets). Continue with a walking tour of Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, St. Joseph's Cathedral, and end the day with a traditional water puppet show. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi (B.L)
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. Drive to Ninh Binh for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a 2-hour sampan cruise in Tam Coc, passing spectacular limestone karsts, rice fields, caves and peaceful countryside. Return to Hanoi. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay Cruise (B.L.D)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Lan Ha Bay and board your 2-day/1-night cruise. Lunch featuring fresh seafood on board. In the afternoon, explore one of the bay's impressive caves (Surprise Cave or Trung Trang Cave, depending on the cruise itinerary), then continue cruising through the magnificent limestone islands. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 4: Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Hue (B.L)
Start the day with sunrise over the bay, followed by breakfast on board. Continue cruising and explore hidden lagoons and tranquil landscapes, including a visit by local rowing boat (depending on the cruise program). Brunch or early lunch on board before disembarkation. Transfer to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Hue.
Day 5: Hue Imperial City (B.L)
Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. After lunch, visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, Thuy Xuan Incense Village, and Dong Ba Market, Hue's largest traditional market. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Hue.
Day 6: Hue – Danang – Hoi An (B.L)
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Hoi An via the spectacular Hai Van Pass, enjoying panoramic coastal views with a stop at Lang Co Beach and its fishing village. After lunch, continue to Hoi An. In the afternoon, explore the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, including the Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese Assembly Hall, and Phung Hung Ancient House. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 7: Hoi An – Cam Thanh – Flight to Saigon (B.L)
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Cam Thanh Coconut Village, where you will enjoy a basket boat ride through the water coconut forest and try traditional crab fishing. Transfer to Danang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). After lunch, discover the city's highlights, including Dong Khoi Street, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the Central Post Office, Cholon (Chinatown), Thien Hau Temple, and Binh Tay Market. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Saigon.
Day 8: Saigon – My Tho – Ben Tre – Departure (B.L)
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to My Tho and Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a private boat cruise along the Mekong River, passing floating fish farms and the famous islands. Visit local workshops producing coconut candy and traditional rice products, take a horse-cart ride through the villages, taste honey tea, and enjoy a peaceful sampan ride along narrow canals. Lunch featuring Mekong specialties. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
