A Wonderful Journey to Southeast Asia
Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam!
Known for its centuries-old architecture and rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences, Hanoi is the spirited capital city of Vietnam. It's also famous for its delectable cuisine, silk textiles, and bustling Old Quarter, where the narrow streets are roughly arranged by trade.
Upon landing at Noi Bai International Airport, retrieve your luggage and proceed to the arrival gate. Look out for our driver, who will be holding a sign with your name on it. If you have any trouble locating them, please don’t hesitate to message or call your Personal Travel Consultant for immediate assistance.
We will provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel located in the heart of Hanoi. After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring the vibrant city.
Begin your day with breakfast before heading out at 7:00 AM. Your first stop is the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you’ll explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Stilt House, and One Pillar Pagoda – a unique Buddhist temple built on a single stone pillar.
- Should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, temples, pagodas…
- Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays.
- Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed at least 2 months (15thJune -15thAugust) for the annual maintaining but still can take picture Mausoleum and visit around that area
Continue your cultural journey with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university and a symbol of Confucian heritage.
Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.
Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, offering fascinating insights into the cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. (on Mondays, this will be replaced with the Vietnamese Women’s Museum).
Next, visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, often referred to as the “Hanoi Hilton,” to learn about its dark but significant role in Vietnam’s colonial and war history.
Wrap up the day with a visit to Hanoi Train Street, a narrow alley where trains pass just inches away from homes and cafés — a uniquely Hanoi experience perfect for photos and a relaxing coffee.
16.30: You return to the hotel to shower and rest briefly to prepare for the Hanoi street food tour.
At 17:45, start your evening with a hotel pick-up and meet your local guide for a street food tour in Hanoi.
Dive into the vibrant market life, tasting famous dishes like Bun Cha and traditional Vietnamese spring rolls.
Stroll through the bustling streets and quiet alleys of the Old Quarter, experiencing Hanoi’s rich food traditions.
Sample grilled meats and vegetables at outdoor food stalls, and try a unique dessert of fresh fruit topped with condensed milk.
The tour wraps up at a hidden spot known for the best of Hanoi street foods, including the beloved Egg Coffee.
After savoring the local flavors and culture, choose to continue exploring on your own or get help returning to your hotel.
Breakfast at your hotel.
8h00: Get picked up by our friendly guide then depart for Ninh Binh province
09h15: Have a short break for 15 – 20 minutes to relax
10h30: Visit Hoa Lu ancient capital of Vietnam between 968 and 1010. You have a chance to learn about Vietnamese history in the feudal system under Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasty
11h45: Lunch at a local restaurant
13h00: Visit Trang An which was recognized by UNESCO as A World Heritage Site in 2014. Trang An has a wonderful tunnel cave system so Kong’s Movie Group chose this place for the New Version of Kong in 2016 – “Skull Island”. With 2 hours for the boat trip, you will be persuaded by the beauty here.
15h00: Get back to the car then leave for Mua Cave (Dancing Cave). Walk up almost 500 steps, you can reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain & have an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from here
16h30: Get on the car to return to Hanoi.
18h30: Arrive at the hotel in Hanoi, you are free to explore Hanoi at night.
Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
08h30 – 09h00: Our limousine will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi.
12.00: Arrival in our office at Halong International Cruise Port, you will have a bit time and wait for our captain to finish the registration. Transfer by tender to the cruise.
12.30: Embarkation on the cruise. Enjoy welcome drinks and spend a couple minutes listening to the tour guide’s briefing before discovering the boat.
13.00: Delicious Vietnamese lunch will be served while you’re leisurely cruising further into Bai Tu Long Bay.
15.00: Arrival in kayaking area – Cap La Island. Enjoy canoeing amongst the karst and breathtaking nature as well as swimming and relaxing on a natural beach. You can also explore the area by taking the tender boat. Towels and waterproof bags will be provided. The cruise will stop in the anchorage area.
17.00: Back to the boat and relax.
18.00: Sunset party with music and happy hour. The chef will join the party and demonstrate how to transform vegetables into flowers.
19.00: Sumptuous dinner onboard.
20.30: Free time to challenge yourself in Vietnamese puzzle games, or gathers your group/family for a board game; try your luck with squid fishing or simply has a cocktail and enjoy the quiet night on the bay.
06.00: Start your day with a Tai Chi session on sundeck or catch a morning view of the stunning bay’s landscape. Coffee will be available around 06:30
07.00: Breakfast will be served as a buffet, familiar to your stomach to fulfill your strength and ready for another day.
07.30: Explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave.
08.30: Return to the cruise. You should have enough time to pack your luggage and have a shower.
09.15: Check-out, Heavy luggage is placed in the corridor for easy pickup, and room key has been left in the door.
09.45: Prepare a simple Vietnamese dish – fresh spring rolls – with a detailed explanation by the guide.
10.15: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese brunch on the boat.
10.45 – 11.30: Payment and debarkation. Return to the Port and wait for the shuttle bus.
12.00: Our bus will take you back to Hanoi.
14.30 – 15.00: Arrive in Hanoi, you can check in and rest or explore the city at your own pace.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
Enjoy your free time until our driver meets you at the hotel lobby for your transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang.
Upon arrival at the airport in Da Nang, our driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Da Nang for check-in. After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring the vibrant city.
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:00 AM: Our car and guide will meet you at your hotel and start the trip to Hue.
On the way, enjoy the scenic drive over Hai Van Pass, one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Vietnam, and take a short photo stop at Lang Co Beach.
Upon arrival in Hue, start your visit at the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the grand architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty, including the Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Forbidden Purple City, and The Mieu Temple Complex. Each structure holds historical significance, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s royal past.
For lunch, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, where you can taste some of Hue’s famous specialties, such as bun bo Hue, banh khoai, and fresh spring rolls.
In the afternoon, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, a historic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River. The serene atmosphere and beautiful setting make it one of Hue’s most iconic landmarks.
Continue to Khai Dinh Tomb, a unique blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles, adorned with intricate mosaic decorations. This tomb is known for its elaborate design and stunning artistry.
After the tour, return to Da Nang, where you will be dropped off at your hotel. The evening is free for you to relax or explore the city at your own pace.
After breakfast and hotel check-out, our car and guide will meet you at your hotel in Da Nang between 8:00 AM to begin the journey to Ba Na Hills, one of the region’s most iconic destinations.
At 9:00 AM, arrive at the Ba Na Hills cable car station, where you'll board one of the world’s most impressive cable car systems—holding multiple world records.
Your visit includes:
After exploring, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a restaurant on Ba Na Hills. Take a short break to relax and recharge.
In the afternoon, continue to:
In the late afternoon, descend by cable car and say farewell to the magical atmosphere of Ba Na Hills. Our vehicle will then take you directly to Hoi An. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Start your exploration of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved architecture and rich cultural heritage. Wander through the town’s picturesque streets, where traditional Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese influences are beautifully blended.
Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, an iconic symbol of Hoi An, then explore the Fujian Assembly Hall, a stunning temple dedicated to the sea goddess. Continue to the Tan Ky Ancient House, a well-preserved merchant house that showcases the town’s unique history and architectural style. Stroll along the bustling Riverside Market, where you can see local artisans at work, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee at a riverside coffee.
After a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, head to Bay Mau Coconut Forest for an exciting basketboat experience. Ride a traditional round bamboo boat through the lush water coconut groves, learn about local fishing techniques, and enjoy entertaining boat-spinning performances by skillful boatmen. You’ll also have the chance to try crab fishing, adding to the fun experience.
After sightseeing, return to the hotel to rest
Overnight in Hoi An.
Have breakfast at your hotel
Your local guide will meet you at your hotel at 08:30 and you’ll take a bicycle ride to the center of Hoi An to visit the colorful market. At the market, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with local sellers and learn about the fresh ingredients you’ll be using during your cooking lesson later in the day. This is a great chance to take some photos as well, so be sure to have your camera ready!
After visiting the market, you’ll take a ride to Tra Que vegetable village. You’ll enjoy a welcome drink and then walk through the vegetable gardens where local farmers work in their fields following the methods that have been in use for hundreds of years.
Next, you’ll have a cooking lesson with a chef to learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. After the lesson, you’ll have a chance to enjoy what you’ve cooked! At around 14:00, you’ll bid farewell to your host family before riding back to Hoi An and your hotel.
Breakfast at your hotel.
Enjoy a free day to relax and explore at your own pace.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Spend your remaining free time at your leisure until our driver meets you at the hotel lobby for your transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be greeted by our driver and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
After settling in, the rest of the day is free for you to unwind or start exploring the vibrant energy and charm of Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace.
Breakfast at your hotel.
8:00 AM Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars.
Have lunch at a local restaurant.
Departing for the Cu Chi Tunnels involves approximately one and a half hours of bus travel. Upon arrival, guests will receive a brief introduction followed by a video detailing the construction of the tunnels and how people survived the harsh wartime conditions. Visitors can then explore the tunnel complex, which includes living areas equipped with kitchens, bedrooms, and various martial facilities such as storage, weapon factories, field hospitals, and command centers. The tunnels feature hidden trap doors and dangerous traps designed for security during the war. There will be a break for relaxation, or for those interested, an opportunity to experience real shooting.
19:00: Return to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon.
Breakfast at your hotel.
8:00 AM Leaving the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, start your trip to My Tho Wharf in Tien Giang Province. Boarding the boat and cruising down the river around the floating fish farm and fish market harbor. Visit one of fishing pens and have a looks fishing boats parking here after catching in the sea and bustle of fishing dock.
Crossing the large Mekong River to the other side in Ben Tre. Have a look four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands. Continue on small canal winding through coconut jungle and palm trees, mangrove trees growing up wildly along the waterway. Change riding a hand-rowed sampan through canal and treat yourself in the beauty of the countryside,
Step ashore and get in the local houses to see bee farms made by farmers and enjoy some fruits, honey tea and listen to local music show as well.
Hop on moto cart on village paths and discover tranquil coconut country. Stop at coconut candy workshop, enjoy some sweets by the way.
Have lunch at a local riverside restaurant with local Vietnam food.
Crossing back large Mekong River to pier in My Tho.
17:00 PM: Return to Ho Chi Minh City.
Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
Enjoy your free time until our driver meets you at the hotel lobby for your transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok.
Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, our guide and driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel for check-in. After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring the vibrant city.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Start your day with a hearty American breakfast at your hotel. At 8:00 AM, your guide will pick you up for a full-day cultural exploration of Bangkok.
Begin at Pak Khlong Talad, Thailand’s largest flower market. Stroll through vibrant stalls of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Try local snacks, watch artisans create flower garlands, and even try your hand at making one and decorating lotus flowers—just as locals do before visiting temples.
Continue on foot to Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s oldest temples, home to the majestic 45-meter Reclining Buddha and the original school of traditional Thai massage. If timing allows, you may witness the serene morning monk chanting.
Next, visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)—a spiritual landmark housing Thailand’s most sacred Buddha image, carved from jade.
From there, walk to the pier for a long-tail boat ride through the canals of Thonburi, catching glimpses of local life. Stop at the striking Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), once a royal temple of King Rama II.
Then enjoy a Tuk Tuk ride to Chinatown, exploring Yaowarat Road and the lively Talad Kao Market, filled with herbs, spices, fresh produce, and traditional Chinese goods.
Wrap up your tour with a drop-off at your choice of:
Important Notes for the Bangkok Tour
After breakfast, your tour begins at 8:00 AM, heading 76 km north of Bangkok to Ayutthaya, Thailand’s former capital for over four centuries. Founded in 1350, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its impressive ruins, ancient temples, and rich cultural legacy.
Start with a visit to the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a former royal residence blending Thai and European styles.
Then, explore Ayutthaya’s most iconic landmarks:
The tour also includes a scenic boat ride, offering views of riverside ruins. (Boat route subject to river conditions)
Return to your hotel in Bangkok.
Start your day with an American breakfast at the hotel.
After check-out, enjoy a private transfer with an English-speaking guide to Suvarnabhumi Airport for your domestic flight to Chiang Mai.
Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, meet your guide for a private transfer to your hotel and settle in for a relaxing evening.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
After breakfast, depart at 08:00 AM for a full-day private tour of Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest peak. Enjoy scenic drives past lush landscapes and terraced rice fields.
Visit the King and Queen’s twin pagodas, built by the Royal Thai Air Force to honor their 60th birthdays, and take in stunning panoramic mountain views.
Continue to a Karen hill tribe village and explore a hill tribe market, then stop at the impressive Wachiratharn Waterfall.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided nature trek (choose one trail option):
Return to your hotel in Chiang Mai.
After breakfast, depart around 6:30 – 7:00 AM for the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, located 1.5 hours south of Chiang Mai.
08:30 – Arrive at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Begin with an introduction to the sanctuary’s mission and the elephants’ history. Change into traditional Karen clothing and prepare herbal medicine for the elephants.
09:00 – Meet the elephants up close. Feed, interact, and learn about their behavior in a natural and ethical environment. Enjoy opportunities to take memorable photos.
09:45 – Join the elephants for a fun mud spa session.
10:30 – Walk with the elephants to a nearby river and help bathe them.
11:30 – Enjoy a traditional Thai lunch, then say goodbye to your gentle giant friends.
12:00 – Depart the sanctuary and return to Chiang Mai (approx. 1.5-hour drive).
In the afternoon, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most revered hilltop temple. Climb the 306-step staircase flanked by mythical Nagas to reach the golden chedi, said to enshrine relics of the Buddha. On clear days, enjoy breathtaking views over Chiang Mai from the temple grounds.
Return to your hotel.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel.
At the appropriate time, enjoy a private transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport for your onward flight.
This marks the end of your 21-day journey through Vietnam and Thailand. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey ahead. Thank you for traveling with us!
