A Wonderful Journey to Southeast Asia
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam!
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the dynamic and bustling economic hub of Vietnam. With a unique blend of French colonial architecture, historical landmarks, and modern skyscrapers, this vibrant metropolis offers an exciting mix of culture, history, and cosmopolitan energy.
Upon landing at Tan Son Nhat 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 in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring the city's lively streets, famous landmarks, and diverse culinary scene.
Have breakfast at your hotel.
8:00: Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, was built on the site 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 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 both the Indochina wars.
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. You can rest and freely explore Saigon at night.
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 the 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.
Overnight at Saigon.
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 Hoi An for check-in. After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring the vibrant city.
Breakfast at your hotel.
At 8:00 AM, our car and guide will pick you up at your hotel to begin the journey to Ba Na Hills, one of the region’s most iconic destinations.
At 9:30 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 back to your hotel in Hoi An for some rest and relaxation.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Breakfast at the hotel.
At 8:30 am: depart for Hoi An Ancient Town, a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant cultural scene. 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.
Return to hotel to rest.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Breakfast at hotel.
Enjoy a free day to relax and explore at your own pace.
Overnight in Hoi An.
After breakfast at your hotel and check-out, depart for Hue at 9:00 AM.
On the way, stop to visit Marble Mountain, a cluster of five marble and limestone hills named after the five elements. Explore the caves and pagodas before continuing the journey.
After the visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Da Nang.
Then, continue traveling to Hue, enjoying scenic views along the Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful coastal roads.
Upon arrival in Hue, check in to your hotel and take some time to rest.
The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Hue at your leisure.
Overnight in Hue.
Breakfast at the hotel
08:00 am: Our car and tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in Hue city center and take you to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest and most iconic religious sites in Hue. Perched on a hill overlooking the river, this seven-story pagoda has become a symbol of the city and offers a glimpse into the spiritual life of the region.
Continue your journey with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the political center of the Nguyen Dynasty. Stroll through the grand gates and walkways as your guide brings to life the history of Vietnam’s last royal family. You'll explore the Forbidden Purple City, palaces, temples, and halls, each echoing stories of regal splendor and wartime resilience.
At around 11:00 AM, head to Dong Ba Market, the busiest traditional market in Hue. Here, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant local atmosphere, observe daily trading activities, and browse through stalls selling everything from fresh produce to local handicrafts and street food.
At 12:15 PM, enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, featuring regional specialties unique to Hue’s royal cuisine.
In the afternoon, visit Minh Mang Tomb, admired for its harmonious architecture and natural setting. Then head to Thuy Xuan Incense Village, where colorful incense sticks are handmade using age-old techniques. Take time to observe the process and enjoy the fragrant atmosphere.
At approximately 16:00, return to your hotel in Hue city center. The evening is at your leisure to rest or further explore the peaceful charm of Hue.
Overnight in Hue.
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 Ha Noi.
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our 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.
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.
17:00: Return to your hotel
Overnight in Hanoi.
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 shuttle bus 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 gather your group/family for a board game; try your luck with squid fishing or simply have 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 Vientiane.
Upon arrival at Wattay International Airport, our 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.
After breakfast, explore the peaceful charm of Vientiane, one of Southeast Asia’s most relaxed capitals. The tour includes visits to the city’s most iconic landmarks:
You’ll also have time to browse local markets filled with traditional Lao handicrafts.
Overnight in Vientiane.
After breakfast, visit the unique Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khuan), home to over 200 religious statues blending Buddhist and Hindu imagery. Highlights include a 40-meter reclining Buddha, three-headed elephant Erawan, and a towering pumpkin-shaped structure you can climb for panoramic views.
After lunch by the Mekong River, depart for Vang Vieng. The drive takes you through scenic countryside to this laid-back town nestled among towering limestone cliffs and set along the Nam Song River.
Overnight in Vang Vieng.
(Distance: 180 km / approx. 3–4 hrs)
Depart Vang Vieng after breakfast and drive through the scenic highlands toward Phonsavan, enjoying beautiful mountain landscapes along the way. Stop at Phou Khoun for lunch and take in the panoramic views from the observation point.
En route, visit Tham Pha Cave in Muang Sui, where hundreds of Buddha statues were once hidden during invasions. Nearby, admire the peaceful beauty of Nong Tang Lake.
Arrive in Phonsavan, capital of Xieng Khuang Province, known for its mysterious Plain of Jars and its turbulent war history. Despite its past, the area remains rich in natural beauty and cultural intrigue.
Overnight in Phonsavan.
(Distance: 225 km / approx. 6–7 hrs)
After breakfast, spend the day exploring the mysterious Plain of Jars, one of Laos’ most important archaeological sites. Visit Site I (over 300 jars) and Site II, scattered across scenic hillsides. The origins and purpose of these ancient stone jars remain a mystery to this day.
Continue to Muang Khoun, the former royal capital of the Xieng Khuang region. Explore its war-scarred landmarks including:
Overnight in Phonsavan.
Depart Phonsavan for the scenic drive to Luang Prabang, passing through beautiful highland landscapes. En route, stop at a traditional Hmong village to learn about the culture of this ethnic minority known for their rich heritage and mountain farming traditions.
Arrive in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its timeless charm, colonial architecture, and tranquil riverside setting. Once the royal capital of Laos, it remains one of the country’s cultural gems.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
(Distance: 300 km / approx. 8–9 hrs)
After breakfast, explore Luang Prabang the local way—by tuk tuk, Southeast Asia’s signature open-air three-wheeler. Depart your hotel at 8:30 AM to begin a full day of discovery in this charming UNESCO World Heritage town.
Start with a visit to the Morning Market, where locals shop for fresh produce, herbs, and unusual jungle delicacies. Your guide will introduce you to seasonal fruits and snacks, giving insight into daily Lao life.
A short walk takes you to Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, one of Luang Prabang’s most beautifully adorned temples with intricate gold reliefs. Nearby is the Royal Palace Museum (Hor Kham), the former royal residence, which showcases royal artifacts and Lao history. Within the grounds, visit Hor Phra Bang, a chapel housing a revered Buddha image.
Hop back in the tuk tuk to Wat Visoun, one of the city’s oldest temples, known for its unique “Watermelon Stupa.” Continue along the Nam Khan River to Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang’s most iconic temple, famous for its elegant rooflines and mosaic art.
Conclude the tour with a climb up Mount Phousi, rising 150 meters above the city. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the rivers, surrounding mountains, and temple-dotted cityscape—an ideal spot for sunset.
Return to your hotel by tuk tuk.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Enjoy your final morning in the peaceful city of Luang Prabang. After breakfast at the hotel, you will have some free time to relax or explore the surrounding area on your own.
Depending on your flight schedule, our driver will transfer you to Luang Prabang International Airport for your departure flight.
End of your 23-day adventure through Vietnam and Laos. Thank you for joining us — safe travels and see you next time!
