Vietnam Delights 15 Nights Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay

Overview

Join us on a wonderful trip to Vietnam. We will explore its most interesting places. This holiday is for those who love culture, history, and nature. We start in busy Ho Chi Minh City and travel to the beautiful mountains of Sa Pa. We then see the peaceful waters of Ha Long Bay. We stay in good quality hotels, three and four star. International flights are part of the package. You can enjoy street food in Hanoi, cruise Ha Long Bay, and walk through Hoi An's lantern lit streets. This journey will give you many lovely memories.

Best season: We think spring and autumn are the best times to visit Vietnam.

Gallery

Trip highlights

• Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City
• Discover the Mekong Delta's floating markets
• Wander the ancient streets of Hoi An
• Visit Hue's Imperial City and royal tombs
• Trek through Sa Pa's rice terraces and ethnic villages

Day by day itinerary

1. Day 1

   Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

   When you arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport, your driver and local guide will meet you. They will take you to your hotel. You can relax for the rest of the day.

2. Day 2

   Cu Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh City Tour

   We will drive two hours to the Cu Chi Tunnels. These tunnels were used during the French Indochina War. You will learn about their history and their key role in the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, we return to Ho Chi Minh City for a city tour. We visit famous spots like the Saigon Central Post Office and the War Remnants Museum.

3. Day 3

   Mekong Delta Cai Be, Vinh Long, and Can Tho

   We start early for Cai Be. We explore Tan Phong Islet, an orchard where you can try fresh fruits. You can also cycle and see local workshops. Enjoy a boat trip along the Mekong Delta's canals. We then go to Can Tho for the night.

4. Day 4

   Cai Rang Floating Market and Tra Su Cajuput Forest

   We begin our day at the Cai Rang Floating Market. Boats full of goods create a lively trading scene. After breakfast, we travel to Chau Doc. We explore the Tra Su Cajuput Forest, a rich wetland. You can glide through the water on a boat and see views from the observation tower.

5. Day 5

   Chau Doc Floating Village and Return to Ho Chi Minh City

   This morning we take a boat trip around Chau Doc Floating Village. We see stilt houses and fish farms. We visit Sa Dec, an old French trading post. After lunch, we drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.

6. Day 6

   Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An

   We fly to Da Nang and then transfer to Hoi An. In the late afternoon, we take a Thu Bon River sunset cruise. We admire the Coconut Forest and watch local fishing. Then we return to Hoi An.

7. Day 7

   Hoi An Ancient Town and Lantern Workshop

   We explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO site. We visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and other landmarks. We also cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village. In the afternoon, we join a lantern making workshop. You can make your own lantern to take home.

8. Day 8

   Hoi An to Hue via Hai Van Pass

   You have free time this morning. You can relax at An Bang Beach or explore Hoi An more. In the afternoon, we travel to Hue via the Hai Van Pass. We stop at Da Nang's Dragon Bridge for photos. In Hue, we visit Dong Ba Market before going to our hotel.

9. Day 9

   Hue's Imperial City and Countryside

   We discover the Imperial City, a grand fortress from the Nguyen Dynasty. We then take a cyclo ride through Hue's streets. We visit Thien Mu Pagoda. After this, we take a boat trip to Thuy Bieu Village. Here we cycle through gardens and try local foods. We explore Tu Duc's Tomb, a beautiful example of Vietnamese building. You can also visit Huong Thuy Incense Village before returning to our hotel.

10. Day 10

    Hue to Hanoi, Water Puppet Show and Street Food Tour

    We fly to Hanoi. Your guide will meet you and take you to your hotel. In the late afternoon, we enjoy a water puppet show. This is an old Vietnamese art form. In the evening, we go on a walking street food tour. We will try pho, banh cuon, and banh mi from local vendors.

11. Day 11

    Hanoi City Tour and Overnight Train to Sa Pa

    We visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace. We also see the One Pillar Pagoda and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. In the afternoon, we explore the Temple of Literature. After some free time, we board an overnight train to Sa Pa.

12. Day 12

    Sa Pa Trekking, Love Waterfall and Ethnic Villages

    We start our adventure with a trek to Love Waterfall. This is a stunning 100 meter high cascade. We continue hiking through Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van villages. We will see terraced rice fields and meet ethnic groups. We can learn about their daily lives and share a meal in a local home.

13. Day 13

    Sa Pa's Hill Tribe Market and Overnight Train to Hanoi

    We immerse ourselves in an authentic hill tribe market. Locals trade colourful goods and fresh produce here. After lunch, we take a boat trip along the Chay River to Tien Cave. In the evening, we transfer to Lao Cai station. We then board the overnight train back to Hanoi.

14. Day 14

    Hanoi to Ha Long Bay Cruise

    After a short rest in Hanoi, we set off for Ha Long Bay. This is a UNESCO natural wonder. We board a traditional cruise ship. We sail through amazing limestone rock formations and clear waters. We will enjoy fresh seafood meals, kayaking, and sunset views from the deck.

15. Day 15

    Ha Long Bay to Hanoi

    We wake up early to see the sunrise over Ha Long Bay. We continue our cruise. After leaving the ship, we return to Hanoi. You have the afternoon free for exploring or shopping in the Old Quarter.

16. Day 16

    Departure from Hanoi

    After breakfast, we transfer to Noi Bai Airport. This is for your flight home. This marks the end of your amazing trip through Vietnam.