About This Trip
Experience the highlights of Vietnam from south to north on this well-crafted tour. This 12-day itinerary is coupled with selected hotels, a private houseboat, and a boutique vessel. Start your journey in Ho Chi Minh City and visit top sights including the Reunification Palace and Saigon Central Post Office. Take a private overnight cruise deep into the rustic Mekong Delta region, then fly to Hoi An, explore the old town and enjoy a candlelit dinner on a private bamboo raft. Explore the old quarter of Hanoi by cyclo and uncover the mystery of the water puppet. Lan Ha Bay will be your last stop, enjoy the scenic karst wonderland on a luxury cruise.
Itinerary Summary
| DAY | PLACE | HIGHLIGHTS |
| 1 - 2 | Ho Chi Minh City |
Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Post Office |
| 3 - 4 | Mekong Delta |
Private Houseboat Cruise, Cai Rang Floating Market |
| 5 - 6 | Hoi An |
Ancient Town, Basket Boat Cruise, Bamboo Raft Dinner |
| 7 - 9 | Hanoi |
Old Quarter, Family Visit to a Water Puppetry Artist |
| 10 - 11 | Lan Ha Bay |
Optional: Kayaking, Cooking Demonstration, Night Squid Fishing |
| 12 | Hanoi | Departure |
Suggested Itinerary
Fly into Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam's dynamic metropolis, still called Saigon by the locals. Upon arrival, a warm welcome is awaiting you at the airport from your hospitable tour guide, followed by a private transfer to your downtown hotel - Park Hyatt Saigon. Beautifully furnished guest rooms, with top-notch facilities and warm hospitality, help to ensure you a pleasant stay.
You will have the rest of today at leisure, relaxing after a long flight or trying out Vietnamese cuisine.
Accommodation: Park Hyatt Saigon (Luxury 5-Star Hotel)
- Ho Chi Minh City
Today’s Highlights
- Explore old Saigon on a heritage walk
- Discover French colonial landmarks
- Enjoy an afternoon at leisure at your luxurious hotel
Your Day in Detail
This morning, your guide will lead you on a heritage walk around old Saigon, discovering historical landmarks and French colonial architecture. Highlights include the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Post Office.
Upon returning to your hotel, the afternoon is at your leisure. You may enjoy a refined lunch at Michelin Guide-recommended Restaurant Square One. Signature restaurant of Park Hyatt Saigon, pampering yourself with a treatment at Xuan Spa, or simply unwind by the hotel's swimming pool.
Accommodation: Park Hyatt Saigon (Luxury 5-Star Hotel)
- B
- Ho Chi Minh City
Today’s Highlights
- Mekong Delta Private Boat Cruise & Overnight Stay
- Discover villages, orchards, and riverside life
Your Day in Detail
Driving two hours southwest, you'll come to the riverine Cai Be for an overnight cruise deep into the rustic Mekong Delta region. A traditional Vietnamese houseboat, decked out with modern amenities, has been converted into a stylishly floating "hotel" for your exclusive use. While cruising leisurely down the narrow tree-lined waterways, enjoy the moving countryside scenery of tiny villages, rice fields, and fruit orchards. As you wish, get ashore to visit some temples, markets, and ancient houses. Lunch and Dinner will be served on board. Tonight, the boat will anchor to ensure you a restful sleep.
Accommodation: Song Xanh Sampan (Private Boat House)
- B L D
- Mekong Delta
Today’s Highlights
- Explore Cai Rang Floating Market at sunrise
- See local life on the Mekong River
Your Day in Detail
An exciting day unfolds as you set off to catch the famous Cai Rang Floating Market in full swing. Sit back, enjoy a refreshing breakfast, and admire the rising sun over the Can Tho River. Once reaching this vibrant wholesale market, you will find yourself surrounded by large cargo vessels and smaller sampans loaded with various seasonal goods such as fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts. If you like, weave in and out to watch the locals buying and selling up close and even join bargaining. This afternoon, take a brief flight from Can Tho to Da Nang.
Upon landing, meet your tour guide at Da Nang airport for a private transfer to Four Seasons Resort Hoi An. It is located near Ha My Beach and surround by lush gardens. This all-villa resort offers you both space and privacy. The resort features three pools, each with its own mood and character. You can relax at pool side or go towards to the beach and enjoy a sea view for the rest of today.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Hoi An (The Nam Hai) (Luxury 5-Star Resort)
- B
- Hoi An
Today’s Highlights
- Explore Hoi An Ancient Town
- Ride a basket boat on the Co Co River
- Enjoy a candlelit dinner on a private bamboo raft
Your Day in Detail
Spend a whole morning exploring Hoi An Ancient Town on a leisurely walking tour. Roam the pedestrian-only streets to absorb the incredibly photogenic townscape, highlighted by exceptionally preserved buildings in Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, or French styles. At noon, have lunch at highly rated Cargo Club for local delicacies and great views.
You are then free to relax for a few hours before cruising aboard a round basket boat on the Co Co River, followed by a distinctive candlelit dinner on a private bamboo raft at dusk.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Hoi An (The Nam Hai) (Luxury 5-Star Resort)
- B L D
- Hoi An
Enjoy a day of free day in Hoi An on your own. You may like to cycle into the surrounding countryside, partake in a cooking or lantern-making class, sunbathe on white sandy beaches, and stroll around the charming Ancient Town illuminated with colorful lights at night.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Hoi An (The Nam Hai) (Luxury 5-Star Resort)
- B
- Hoi An
Leave the laid-back Hoi An behind as you board a flight at Danang Airport towards Hanoi, the country's gorgeous capital.
You will be collected from the airport on arrival by your local guide and taken to your accommodation - Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Located in the heart of French Quarter, it is within walking distance to Hoan Kiem Lake, The hotel is renowned for its French colonial architecture and exceptional service. The remainder of today is free to settle into your hotel and relax in your surroundings.
Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (Luxury 5-Star Hotel)
- B
- Hanoi
Today’s Highlights
- Explore Hanoi's historic landmarks
- Ride a traditional cyclo through Hanoi's Old Quarter
- Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake
Your Day in Detail
Get acquainted with the city by visiting significant sites around the central Ba Dinh Square, including the solemn mausoleum and unique stilt house of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam. Don't miss the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, as your guide shares the fascinating stories behind each landmark.
This afternoon, hop aboard a traditional cyclo to explore the atmospheric Old Quarter for an insight into local life. Before returning to your luxury hotel, unwind with a leisurely walk around the enchanting Hoan Kiem Lake.
Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (Luxury 5-Star Hotel)
- B L
- Hanoi
Today’s Highlights
- Visit a water puppetry artisan's family
- Discover the tradition behind Vietnamese water puppetry
Your Day in Detail
This morning, pay a visit to an artisan's family that has preserved the unique folk art of water puppetry over generations. You will learn about the history of this ancient craft, how he preserves and promotes this tradition, and watch a delightful performance. After that, get back to your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (Luxury 5-Star Hotel)
- B L
- Hanoi
Today’s Highlights
- Set sail on a luxury cruise through Lan Ha Bay
- Enjoy kayaking, swimming, or a cooking demonstration
- Unwind with a sunset happy hour on board
Your Day in Detail
This morning, you will depart from Hanoi and take a road transfer for about 2.5 hours. You will be invited to board the Capella Cruise for a sightseeing cruise towards Lan Ha Bay, a quieter neighbor of Halong Bay. This elegant vessel features spacious suites, gourmet dining, and attentive service in modern comfort. You can enjoy a range of activities, including Kayaking, swimming, cooking demonstrations, and sunset happy hours while admiring the beautiful scenery of this UNESCO-listed bay.
Accommodation: Capella Cruise (Luxury 5-Star Cruise Ship)
- B L D
- Lan Ha bay
Today’s Highlights
- Start the morning with Tai Chi on deck
- Explore Dark & Bright Cave by bamboo boat
Your Day in Detail
Wake up to the gentle sound of the cruise and greet the sun with a morning Tai Chi exercise on the deck. After a light breakfast, set out to explore the enchanting Dark & Bright Cave by a traditional rowing bamboo boat. Once back to your ship, check out and enjoy the brunch before returning to the pier. Later, disembark and transfer back to Hanoi from Lan Ha Bay.
Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (Luxury 5-Star Hotel)
- B
- Hanoi
Depart from Hanoi and conclude your Vietnam tour today. Your guide and driver are on hand to collect you from the hotel to the airport in time for your international flight.
- B
Optional Activities
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Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge TourEscape the bustle of Da Nang for the cool climes and emerald vistas of Ba Na Hills. Your journey begins with an ascent by cable car, soaring over peaks into the heavens. At the summit, a spectacle of wonder awaits. The Golden Bridge stuns in the clouds, a vision in gold suspended between colossal stone hands. Then enjoy a delicious lunch while soaking in the jaw-dropping views.
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Cooking Class with Local Market Visiting (Hoi An)Start your morning exploring Hoi An's bustling market. With the help of your master chef, purchase fresh ingredients for an authentic cooking class. Then, head to a village for a two-hour culinary adventure. Learn to cook popular Vietnamese specialties like spring rolls and noodles. Savor the results of your labor, proud of your mastery of time-honored recipes passed down for generations.
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Saigon City Tour by Army JeepHop in the jeep for a memorable tour of Saigon's famous sights! We'll start downtown at City Hall, a popular spot with postcard-perfect views. Next, head to Jade Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist temple in the city center. Then it's on to the gorgeous French colonial Saigon Post Office and Independence Palace. After a break at the bustling Ben Thanh Market, we'll end our day at the War Remnants Museum.
What's Included in Your Private Tour
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A dedicated travel expert will work with you to design and arrange your itinerary based on your interests, travel style, schedule, and budget. Your trip can be adjusted as your plans take shape.
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Accommodation is selected based on location, quality, your preferences, and budget. Depending on the destination and itinerary, options may include international hotel chains, boutique hotels, and locally distinctive properties.
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Local guides are arranged in each destination, with strong language skills and in-depth local knowledge. Your guide will help you make the most of each destination while sharing local history, culture, and everyday life.
Guide arrangements may vary depending on your destination and itinerary. Please refer to your Tour Program for the specific guide arrangements for your trip.
If you have any special requirements for your guide, such as in-depth historical and cultural interpretation or expertise in a particular industry or subject, please let us know in advance so we can take your preferences into consideration when arranging your trip. -
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a dedicated driver, as specified in the itinerary
- Domestic trains as specified in the itinerary
- Domestic flights as specified in the itinerary
- International flights for selected multi-country tours, as specified in the itinerary.
Transportation arrangements can be adjusted to suit your itinerary and travel needs.
*As each trip is tailor-made, transportation arrangements may vary by itinerary and destination. The final arrangements will be detailed in your Tour Program.*International flights to and from your home country are normally not included in the initial Tour Program. If you would like, your travel expert can also help arrange these flights upon request.
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- Breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) as specified in the itinerary
- Additional meals can be arranged upon request
- Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request
FAQ About the Trip
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This itinerary combines stays at carefully selected luxury hotels and resorts, such as Park Hyatt Saigon, Four Seasons Resort Hoi An, and Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, or similar properties of the same standard. It also includes private transfers and guides, a private overnight houseboat in the Mekong Delta, and a luxury cruise in Lan Ha Bay, along with plenty of time to enjoy your hotels and the destinations at a relaxed pace.
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Beyond the main sights, this journey includes several more personal experiences, from a private overnight sampan through the Mekong Delta to a private candlelit dinner on a bamboo raft in Hoi An. In Hanoi, you’ll also visit a water puppetry artisan’s family, where you can learn about this traditional craft up close, talk with the artisan about how it is preserved and passed down, and even have a chance to try your hand at the craft.
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Yes. The itinerary combines sightseeing with plenty of time to enjoy your hotels and resorts at a more relaxed pace, including leisure time in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Hanoi. As a private, tailor-made journey, the pace can also be adjusted to your preferences, with extra time or destinations added along the way. If you’d like more time by the sea, for example, you could extend your trip with a beach stay in Con Dao or Phu Quoc.
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This tour is a great choice for travelers who want to experience several sides of Vietnam in one journey, from the energy of Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta to the heritage of Hoi An, the culture of Hanoi, and the scenery of Lan Ha Bay. It is especially appealing to travelers who value distinctive experiences alongside high-end hotels and private services, rather than focusing on sightseeing alone.
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Lan Ha Bay offers a quieter alternative to the more famous Halong Bay while offering the same striking limestone karst scenery.
Gallery
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Reunification Palace, Ho Chi Minh City
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Private Houseboat Cruise, Mekong Delta
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Cai Rang Floating Market
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Old Quarter, Hanoi
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Lan Ha Bay Luxury Cruise
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