Vietnam Itinerary 18 Days: Halong Bay Cruise, Hue Imperial City, Hoi An & Mekong Delta

Arrival:

• Upon landing in Hanoi, your private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel near the Old Quarter
• Enjoy a comfortable ride into the city, offering your first glimpse of Vietnam’s vibrant capital

Afternoon:

• Check in at your hotel and take time to rest after your flight
• The Hanoi Old Quarter is known for its narrow streets, colonial architecture, and lively local life

Evening:

• Free time to explore at your own pace
  • Take a walk through the Old Quarter
  • Try local street food or relax at a café

Accommodation: Overnight in Hanoi

Morning (08:00):

• Your guide and driver will pick you up by shared limousine for a scenic journey to Ninh Binh
• Travel through the Red River Delta, with opportunities to admire and photograph rural landscapes

Late Morning:

• Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the political center of Vietnam during the 10th–11th centuries
  • Surrounded by limestone mountains and rivers, creating a naturally fortified setting
  • Explore temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh, key figures in Vietnam’s independence

Afternoon:

• Enjoy a local lunch at a traditional restaurant
• Continue to Tam Coc, known as “Halong Bay on land” for its dramatic limestone scenery
  • Take a 90-minute sampan boat ride along the Ngo Dong River
  • Pass through rice fields and natural caves carved into limestone mountains
• Visit Mua Cave
  • Climb approximately 500 stone steps to reach a panoramic viewpoint
  • Enjoy breathtaking views over Tam Coc and the surrounding countryside

Late Afternoon / Evening:

• Return to Hanoi, with the rest of the day free for relaxation or personal exploration

Accommodation: Overnight in Hanoi Old Town

Morning:

• After an early breakfast, check out from your hotel in Hanoi
• Depart by comfortable limousine bus for a scenic journey to Sapa, located in the northern highlands

On the way:

• Enjoy a 6-hour drive through changing landscapes, from lowland plains to mountainous terrain
• Admire winding roads, terraced fields, and picturesque valleys along the route

Afternoon:

• Arrive in Sapa, a charming mountain town known for its cool climate and ethnic minority cultures
• Check in at your accommodation and take time to rest

Evening:

• Free time to explore Sapa at your own pace
  • Walk around the town center
  • Visit local markets or cafés
  • Enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and rice terraces

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight in Sapa

Morning (09:30):

• After breakfast, meet your local guide and begin a 12 km trekking journey through the breathtaking mountain landscapes of Sapa

During the trek:

• Walk through Y Linh Ho Village, home to the Black Hmong ethnic group, known for their traditional lifestyle and colorful culture
• Continue along scenic paths surrounded by terraced rice fields, offering stunning views of the Muong Hoa Valley

Midday:

• Arrive at Lao Chai Village
  • Enjoy a local lunch by the riverside, surrounded by peaceful natural scenery
  • Learn about daily life and farming practices of local communities

Afternoon:

• Continue trekking to Ta Van Village, home to the Dzay ethnic group
  • Experience authentic rural life and traditional customs
  • Interact with local families and gain insight into their culture and daily routines
• Evening:
• Check in at a local homestay in Ta Van
• Enjoy a home-cooked dinner and relax in a peaceful village setting

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight in Ta Van (Homestay)

Morning:

• Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your homestay in Ta Van
• Begin your trekking journey toward Giang Ta Chai Village

During the trek:

• Walk through a peaceful bamboo forest, offering a cool and shaded path
• Visit a scenic waterfall, a refreshing highlight along the route
• Cross a traditional rattan bridge, surrounded by lush natural landscapes
• Late Morning / Midday:
• Continue to Su Pan Village, where you will conclude your trekking experience
• Enjoy a local lunch, reflecting the flavors of the mountainous region

Afternoon:

• Transfer back to Sapa town by vehicle
• Board a limousine bus for your return journey to Hanoi

Evening:

• Arrive in Hanoi and check in at your hotel
• Free time to rest after an active trekking experience

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight in Hanoi

Morning:

• After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Hanoi
• Your driver will pick you up for a scenic journey across the Red River Delta toward Halong Bay
• Enjoy views of rural villages, rice fields, and daily local life along the way

Midday:

• Arrive at the harbor and board your cruise ship
• Be welcomed onboard and begin your journey through Halong Bay, famous for its limestone karsts and emerald waters
• Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch while cruising past dramatic rock formations and grottoes

Afternoon:

• Participate in exciting activities depending on the cruise itinerary:
  • Kayaking through limestone formations
  • Swimming in calm, scenic waters
  • Exploring hidden caves and grottoes
• Evening:
• Return to the cruise for an early dinner
• Optional evening activities such as squid fishing, relaxing on the sundeck, or enjoying the peaceful night scenery

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on Cruise

• Note:
  In case of adverse weather conditions where the cruise cannot depart or stay overnight at sea, the Halong Bay program may be adjusted or canceled. Alternative arrangements or a refund will be provided depending on the situation.

Early Morning:

• Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over Halong Bay, a peaceful and unforgettable moment
• Join a refreshing Tai Chi session on the sundeck, surrounded by stunning limestone scenery

Morning:

• Enjoy breakfast in the dining room while the cruise continues through the bay
• Visit a beautiful limestone cave, featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years

Late Morning:

• Return to the cruise for check-out
• Enjoy a relaxing brunch onboard as the boat sails back to the harbor

Afternoon:

• Disembark and meet your driver for the transfer back to Hanoi
• Check in at your hotel and enjoy free time to rest or explore the city

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Accommodation: Overnight in Hanoi

Morning:

• Enjoy your final moments in Hanoi at leisure
• Your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Da Nang

Midday / Afternoon:

• Arrive in Da Nang, a coastal gateway to Central Vietnam
• Meet your driver and transfer to Hoi An, a charming ancient town known for its preserved heritage

Afternoon & Evening:

• Check in at your hotel and relax
• Free time to explore Hoi An Old Town
  • Wander through lantern-lit streets
  • Visit riverside cafés and local shops
  • Experience the peaceful atmosphere of this UNESCO-listed town

Accommodation: Overnight in Hoi An

You have a free day in Hoi An to spend however you like. Rent a bicycle from your hotel and cycle around town toward the riverside or beach. Take a swim in the warm, calm waters and relax at beachside cafes with fresh fruit drinks, or sign up for an optional eco-tour if that appeals to you.

Overnight in Hoi An

Morning:

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Hoi An
• Begin your journey to Hue by private car transfer
• On the way:
• The scenic Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most iconic coastal roads
  • Admire breathtaking views where mountains meet the sea
  • Stop at panoramic viewpoints for photos of the coastline and lush landscapes

Afternoon:

• Arrive in Hue, the former imperial capital known for its rich history and cultural heritage
• Check in at your hotel and take time to relax

Evening:

• Free time to explore Hue at your own pace
  • Stroll along the Perfume River
  • Discover local cuisine or visit nearby attractions

Accommodation: Overnight in Hue

Morning (08:00 – 08:30):

• Meet your guide and begin a full-day exploration of Hue’s imperial heritage
• Take a boat trip on the Perfume River, a poetic waterway central to Hue’s identity
• Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic 7-story pagoda and one of the oldest religious sites in Central Vietnam

Late Morning:

• Explore the Imperial Citadel, the former political and cultural center of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945)
• Visit the Royal Antiques Museum, showcasing artifacts, costumes, and treasures from Vietnam’s last royal dynasty

Midday:

• Stop at Dong Ba Market, Hue’s busiest traditional market, offering a glimpse into local daily life
• Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant

Afternoon:

• Visit Khai Dinh Tomb, known for its unique blend of Vietnamese and European architecture, with intricate mosaics and elaborate design
• Continue to Minh Mang Tomb, a harmonious complex reflecting Confucian philosophy and traditional royal aesthetics
• Pass by local villages famous for making conical hats and incense sticks, offering insight into traditional craftsmanship

Late Afternoon (16:00 – 17:00):

• Return to your hotel and relax

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight in Hue

Morning:

• Enjoy your final moments in Hue before departure
• Your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Midday / Afternoon:

• Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport
• Meet your driver and transfer to your hotel in the city center

Afternoon & Evening:

• Check in and relax after your journey
• Free time to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace
  • Discover local cafés, markets, or nearby attractions
  • Experience the vibrant energy of Vietnam’s largest city

Accommodation: Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning (07:30):

• Depart from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for a scenic drive to Cai Be, located in the heart of the Mekong Delta

Late Morning:

• Board a boat to explore the Cai Be Floating Market area on the Tien River
  • Observe local trading activities and river life
  • Visit traditional villages with ancient houses and learn about indigenous culture
  • Stop at a family workshop producing coconut candy and rice popcorn
  • Enjoy a live performance of Southern Vietnamese folk music

Midday:

• Continue your journey by paddling through small shaded canals, surrounded by lush vegetation
• Arrive at Tan Phong Island
  • Enjoy a local lunch while learning how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes

Afternoon:

• Cycle through village paths, meeting local residents and experiencing rural life
• Visit Ba Kiet’s ancient house, a well-preserved example of traditional Southern architecture
• Return by boat to Cai Be
• Late Afternoon / Evening:
• Transfer to Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta
• Check in at your hotel and relax

Accommodation: Overnight in Can Tho

Morning:

• After breakfast, meet your guide and begin a boat trip along the Bassac River (Lower Mekong tributary)
• Visit the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most active floating market in the region
  • Witness boats trading fruits, vegetables, and local goods
  • Experience authentic river life that defines the Mekong Delta

Late Morning:

• Continue cruising through smaller canals, observing daily activities along the riverbanks

Afternoon:

• Transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City by road
• Check in at your hotel and take time to rest

Evening:

• Free time to relax or explore the city at your own pace

Accommodation: Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning:

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
• Free time at leisure before departure

Midday:

• Your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Phu Quoc Island

Afternoon:

• Arrive in Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island known for its pristine beaches and tropical scenery
• Meet your driver and transfer to your hotel or resort

Evening:

• Check in and relax after your journey
• Free time to enjoy the island atmosphere
  • Walk along the beach
  • Watch the sunset over the ocean

Accommodation: Overnight in Phu Quoc

Morning:

• Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your resort in Phu Quoc
• Start your day at your own pace on this tropical island
• Suggested activities:
• Explore Phu Quoc’s beaches, known for their soft white sand and crystal-clear waters
• Visit famous spots such as Sao Beach or quieter hidden coves along the coastline

Afternoon:

• Optional water activities:
  • Snorkeling to discover coral reefs and marine life
  • Scuba diving for a deeper underwater experience
  • Light activities such as swimming or kayaking
• Alternative options:
• Relax by the pool or beachside with tropical drinks
• Visit local attractions like pearl farms, pepper plantations, or night markets

Evening:

• Free time to enjoy the peaceful island atmosphere
• Watch the sunset or dine at a seaside restaurant

Accommodation: Overnight in Phu Quoc

Morning:

• Wake up to the tranquil atmosphere of Phu Quoc Island
• Enjoy breakfast at your resort and take in your final full day in paradise

Day at leisure:

• Spend your time relaxing on Phu Quoc’s pristine beaches, famous for their powdery white sand and turquoise waters
• Revisit your favorite beach spots or discover new hidden corners along the island

Suggested experiences:

• Swim in calm, crystal-clear waters or simply unwind under swaying palm trees
• Enjoy fresh seafood and tropical drinks at beachfront restaurants
• Take a gentle walk along the shoreline or capture memorable photos of the island scenery

Afternoon & Evening:

• Make the most of your remaining hours with total relaxation or light exploration
• Enjoy a final sunset on the island—one of the most memorable highlights of Phu Quoc

Accommodation: Overnight in Phu Quoc

Morning:

• Enjoy a final breakfast at your resort in Phu Quoc
• Take in your last moments on the island before departure

Late Morning:

• Complete hotel check-out procedures
• Optional visit to local markets to purchase souvenirs, handicrafts, or local specialties for friends and family

Departure:

• Your private driver will transfer you to Phu Quoc International Airport
• Board your flight home or continue your onward journey

End of Service:

• Your Vietnam Itinerary 18 Days comes to an end with unforgettable memories of culture, nature, and relaxation