18-Day Vietnam Tour: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa, Hoi An, Hue, Mekong & Phu Quoc

After breakfast, begin your guided exploration of Hanoi at Ba Dinh Square, outside the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where your guide will introduce important chapters of Vietnam's modern history. Continue to Tran Quoc Pagoda beside West Lake before visiting Hoa Lo Prison, whose preserved sections and exhibitions offer insight into the country's colonial and wartime past.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then continue into the Hanoi Old Quarter. Explore Dong Xuan Market, Hang Ma Street, Bach Ma Temple and the area around Long Bien Bridge, discovering the history and everyday character of the capital's historic neighborhoods.

Stop at a local café for a hands-on Vietnamese egg coffee experience, learning how this Hanoi specialty is prepared before tasting your own cup.

Later, continue toward Hoan Kiem Lake and spend some time around the historic center. In the evening, experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show.

Dinner is on your own.

Overnight in Hanoi

After breakfast, leave Hanoi for Ha Long Bay and arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor around midday. Board your overnight cruise, receive a welcome drink and safety briefing, and enjoy lunch as the vessel begins sailing among the bay's limestone islands and dramatic karst formations.

In the afternoon, visit Surprise Cave (Sung Sot Cave), one of Ha Long Bay's largest and most impressive caves. Return to the cruise afterward and relax while the boat continues toward its overnight anchorage.

Depending on the cruise program, you may also join an onboard fruit-and-vegetable carving demonstration.

Dinner is served on board. The rest of the evening is free for activities such as squid fishing, board games or optional massage services.

Overnight in Ha Long Bay

Cruise routes and activities may be adjusted according to weather, tides and local authority regulations.

Early risers can begin the morning with tea, coffee and pastries, followed by an optional Tai Chi session on the sundeck.

Continue by tender boat to Titov Island, where you may climb toward the viewpoint for panoramic views across Ha Long Bay or spend time relaxing and swimming at the beach.

Return to the cruise, freshen up and complete check-out procedures before enjoying the final meal on board while sailing back toward Tuan Chau Harbor.

After disembarkation, meet your driver and continue by road to Ninh Binh. After checking in, the remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore on your own.

Dinner is on your own.

Overnight in Ninh Binh

After breakfast, travel to Thung Nham, a peaceful natural area surrounded by limestone mountains, wetlands and green countryside. Board a small sampan for a relaxing journey through the waterways, enjoying the tranquil karst scenery and rural landscape.

After the boat trip, continue by bicycle through the Ninh Binh countryside, following quiet village roads past rice fields, limestone formations and local communities toward Bich Dong Pagoda.

Explore the historic pagoda complex built into the mountainside and learn about its Buddhist heritage and traditional architecture.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Hanoi by road in the afternoon.

Dinner is on your own before transferring to Hanoi Railway Station for your overnight train to Lao Cai.

Overnight on the train

Arrive at Lao Cai Railway Station at approximately 6:00 AM, where your driver and local guide will meet you for the mountain journey to Sapa.

Upon arrival, enjoy breakfast at your hotel and leave your luggage there while preparing for the day's sightseeing. Early access to your room is subject to hotel availability.

Begin with a visit to Cat Cat Village, a traditional Black H'Mong community near Sapa. Walk through the village with your guide, passing terraced fields, local homes and mountain landscapes while learning about H'Mong traditions and everyday life.

Head back to Sapa for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, transfer by vehicle to Y Linh Ho and begin a shorter guided trek through the beautiful Muong Hoa Valley toward Lao Chai Village. Walk among rice terraces, streams and mountain scenery before finishing near the Lao Chai Bridge area.

Meet your vehicle and return to Sapa for hotel check-in.

Dinner is on your own.

Overnight in Sapa

Activity level: Moderate. Comfortable trekking shoes with good grip, sun protection and a light waterproof jacket are recommended.

After breakfast, travel to the cable car station and begin your journey toward Fansipan Mountain, the highest mountain in Vietnam.

Ride the Fansipan cable car above the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and continue toward the summit area, where panoramic mountain views can be enjoyed when weather conditions are clear.

Descend to Sapa and enjoy lunch before boarding a comfortable express bus to Hanoi. The road journey normally takes approximately five to six hours, depending on traffic.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Dinner is on your own.

Overnight in Hanoi

After breakfast, meet your driver and transfer to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport, meet your local driver and guide and begin the journey toward Hoi An.

Before continuing south, visit the Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone and marble hills containing caves, Buddhist sanctuaries and viewpoints overlooking Da Nang and the surrounding coastline.

Explore the main sites with your guide before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.

Continue to Hoi An, check in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Dinner is on your own.

Overnight in Hoi An

After breakfast, meet your guide and begin a leisurely countryside cycling experience, following quiet village roads and rice fields toward a local vegetable village. Along the way, enjoy views of the rural landscape and observe everyday life in the countryside surrounding Hoi An.

At the village, learn about local farming traditions and ingredients before joining a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class. With guidance from your local host, prepare several traditional dishes and enjoy your creations for lunch.

After lunch, relax with a herbal foot bath before continuing toward the Bay Mau water coconut forest. Board a traditional basket boat and travel through the coconut waterways while learning about local fishing techniques and the area's river-based way of life.

Later in the afternoon, continue to Hoi An Ancient Town for a guided walking tour. Visit important landmarks including Quan Cong Temple, Fujian Assembly Hall, the Japanese Covered Bridge and Tan Ky Ancient House, while learning about Hoi An's history as an international trading port.

At the end of the sightseeing tour, return to your hotel. The evening is free at leisure, allowing you to explore Hoi An independently, enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice or simply relax.

Dinner is on your own.

Overnight in Hoi An

After breakfast, leave Hoi An with your guide and driver and travel toward Da Nang.

Visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture, home to an important collection of sculptures and artifacts associated with the ancient Champa civilization.

Continue north along the scenic coastal road and cross the famous Hai Van Pass, stopping at a suitable viewpoint to admire the mountains, coastline and surrounding scenery.

Continue to Hue and enjoy lunch en route or upon arrival.

In the afternoon, take a relaxing Perfume River boat trip to Thien Mu Pagoda. After exploring the pagoda, continue by vehicle to the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, known for its harmonious combination of traditional architecture, gardens, lakes and natural surroundings.

Continue back to your hotel afterward.

Dinner is on your own.

Overnight in Hue

After breakfast, begin your guided exploration of the Hue Imperial Citadel, the political and ceremonial center of the Nguyen Dynasty. Walk through historic gates, courtyards and former royal areas while learning about imperial life and Vietnam's last ruling dynasty.

Continue to Khai Dinh Tomb, one of Hue's most distinctive royal mausoleums, known for its elaborate decoration and blend of Vietnamese and foreign architectural influences.

Pause for a local lunch at a nearby restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit Thuy Xuan Incense Village, where colorful bundles of incense line family-run workshops. Learn about traditional incense-making techniques and observe local artisans at work.

Finish the day's sightseeing at Dong Ba Market, one of Hue's best-known local markets.

Dinner is on your own.

Overnight in Hue

After breakfast, meet your driver and transfer to Hue Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, historically known as Saigon.

Upon arrival, meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel in the city center. Check in when your room is available and enjoy some free time to rest.

Lunch is on your own.

In the late afternoon, meet your local guide and experienced motorbike riders for a Ho Chi Minh City motorbike street food tour.

Travel as a passenger through lively local neighborhoods away from the main sightseeing routes, stopping at selected street-food stalls and small local eateries to sample Vietnamese specialties while gaining insight into Saigon's food culture and everyday life.

The food tastings during the tour serve as your dinner. Helmets are provided, and you will return to your hotel after the experience.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Depart Ho Chi Minh City in the morning and travel south to Ben Tre, where you board a local boat to explore one of the quieter waterways of the Mekong Delta.

Cruise along the river while observing everyday activities before stopping at small workshops to learn about traditional brick making, coconut processing and handwoven sleeping mats.

Continue through the countryside by local motor cart or bicycle, passing village homes, gardens and tropical vegetation beneath coconut palms.

Enjoy a home-style lunch with a local family, gaining a closer insight into rural Mekong life.

After lunch, take a small rowing boat through narrow canals back toward the pier before continuing by road to Can Tho.

After checking in, the evening is free for you to relax or explore on your own.

Dinner is on your own.

Overnight in Can Tho

Start early for a boat trip to Cai Rang Floating Market, when activity on the waterways is typically at its liveliest.

Breakfast will be arranged according to the hotel's operating hours and the morning departure schedule.

Cruise among the trading boats before visiting a family-run rice noodle workshop to learn how traditional noodles are produced. Continue to a fruit garden for another glimpse into Mekong Delta agriculture and rural life.

Later, transfer to Can Tho Airport for your flight to Phu Quoc Island.

Meet your driver on arrival and transfer to your hotel.Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, with lunch and dinner on your own.

Overnight in Phu Quoc

Flight schedules between Can Tho and Phu Quoc are subject to airline operation and may require adjustments to the timing of today's program.

After breakfast, meet your guide and transfer to southern Phu Quoc for your marine excursion.

Board either a private speedboat or premium small-group boat, depending on the selected tour arrangement, and begin exploring the An Thoi Archipelago.

Cruise among tropical islands and stop at suitable snorkeling sites selected according to the day's weather, sea conditions and underwater visibility.

Using the provided snorkeling equipment and life jacket, explore the shallow waters before continuing to another island or beach area for swimming and relaxation.

Enjoy lunch during the excursion, either on board or at a local island restaurant depending on the selected boat service.

Return to Phu Quoc in the afternoon and transfer back to your hotel. Take the evening to relax or explore on your own.

Dinner is on your own.

Overnight in Phu Quoc

Activity intensity: Easy to moderate. Basic swimming ability is helpful but not essential when using a life jacket.

The exact islands and snorkeling stops may be adjusted according to weather, sea conditions and visibility.

Enjoy a completely free day in Phu Quoc, with no scheduled guide or sightseeing activities.

After several days of cultural exploration and the previous day's island excursion, today is reserved for relaxation, allowing you to enjoy the island entirely at your own pace.

Spend time on the beach, swim in the sea, relax by the hotel pool or independently arrange optional spa or water-based activities. You may also explore local restaurants, cafés or other parts of the island if you wish.

Overnight in Phu Quoc

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and some final free time on Phu Quoc Island before meeting your driver for the transfer to the airport.

Board your return flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel in the city center.

The remainder of the day is free for relaxation, last-minute shopping, independent sightseeing or simply enjoying your final evening in Vietnam.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Ho Chi Minh City for relaxation or last-minute shopping, depending on your international flight schedule.

At the appropriate time, meet your driver at the hotel and transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.

End of your 18-day Vietnam journey.