VIETNAM IN A GLIMPSE

Part 1: Explore the backstreets of hanoi – 1.5 hours

Your journey begins where few tourists ever venture. Hop on a vietnam army legend jeep and ride through the hidden maze of backstreets, narrow alleys, and bustling local markets that pulse with the real rhythm of hanoi.

Witness the real hanoi behind the scenes, featuring the good, the bad, and the weird sides of the city, all at close range.

Immerse yourself in the living museum of hanoi, where local people live and work. Meet locals in their daily lives, from street vendors to artisans, from families to school students, or discover local markets, temples, playgrounds, and random cafés.

This is more than sightseeing: it’s about building genuine connections and experiencing the city with all your senses: touching, watching, hearing, tasting, smelling and feeling the city as it truly is.

Part 2: Hanoi city’s highlights – 1.5 hours

Shift gears to the heart of the capital as your jeep cruises through time, from ancient temples to french colonial boulevards and modern landmarks.

Drive through the old quarter and french quarter, absorbing the vibrant contrast of old-world charm and modern development.

Stop for photo and pass by the city’s iconic sites, including:

Ho chi minh mausoleum, presidential palace & Ba Dinh square

West lake, Truc Bach lake & Tran Quoc pagoda

B52 victory museum

French quarter

Long Bien bridge

Visit the famous hanoi train street, and watch the train pass by just inches away while sipping a cup of traditional vietnamese coffee.

Part 3: Hanoi food experiences – 1 hour

No hanoi adventure is complete without indulging in its legendary cuisine. We’ll take you to the hidden gem café, where you can savor authentic, healthy, and organic dishes. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.

Sample local favorites such as:

Hanoi fried spring rolls – a taste of hanoi

Fresh spring rolls (phở cuốn) – a delicacy of hanoi

Hanoi-style banh mi – vietnamese national dish

Five-colored mixed noodles – hanoi specialty

Green papaya salad – the most common salad in vietnam

Egg coffee – hanoi’s creamy, iconic specialty

Local moonshine (rice wine) – a traditional sip with a kick

Bia hoi – hanoi fresh beer, daily brewed fresh beer, highlighting hanoi’s modern creative twist on drinks

All food and drinks are healthy, organic, and truly authentic.

Back to hotel for own leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Meal: Dinner

08:00- 8:30 AM: Get picked up by our friendly guide and start to explore Hanoi City.

08.45: Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish IsLand in West Lake. It is the oldest pagoda in Ha Noi built in the 6th century.

09.30: Visit Ho Chi Minh complex, you have a chance to see the embalmed body of  Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969. Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where worships the Godess of Mercy – It is the most unique padoga in the world.

Notice:

– 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.

11:15: Visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam.

Special Note : we will visit Women Museum instead of Ethnology Museum (closed on Mondays).

12;45: Have lunch at our restaurant. You have an opportunity to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine

with 8 delicious dishes.

14:00-14:15 : Continue to visit Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11 century.

15:15: Leave for Hoa Lo Prison Museum which originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the “Hanoi Hilton”.

Last, let’s enjoy the traditional show: Water puppet before ending at your hotel.

17:15 -17:30: Tour ends. Back to hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

You will breakfast at your hotel and be picked up by a driver to depart for Sapa Town via the longest highway in Vietnam.

Arrive in Sapa, check in your room. Then our tour guide and local driver will pick you for lunch.

14:30: A short walking to the Gate of Cat Cat village which is home of Black H’mong ethnic people and is located near the bottom of a deep valley at the foot of

Fansipan Peak. Our local guide will show you the daily life activities of the locals, trekking down to the valley bottom to the waterfall where the French built a Hydraulic Power Station, short time for photo with bridge and the waterfall then you will trekking up hill to get back to Sapa with very beautiful scenery in the late afternoon. Driver pick up back to Sapa.

17:00: Back to Sapa Town. Have dinner and overnight at hotel with night activities.

Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

08:00: After breakfast in hotel, driver & tour guide take you to Cable Car Station and spend 20 minutes with cable car to enjoy the spectacular scenery.

09:00: Reaching the altitude of 2800 meters, you have a good time to see the view and take photos, visit pagoda the spiritual destinations and trek up to 600 steps you will reach the peak of Fansipan – the Roof of Indochina. (Spend about 1,5 hours for hiking and taking photos).

11:30: Coming back to Cable Car Station and return to Sapa town.

12:00: Lunch at local restaurant or in hotel.

Then let’s visit Silver water falls and the Heaven Gate

In the late after noon, head back to hotel. Free for relaxing. Dinner is served at a local restaurant.

Free to explore Sapa town in the evening.

Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Nestled in the heart of Sapa, Vietnam lies the magnificent Ham Rong Mountain (Dragon’s Jaw Mountain). Its name is derived from the shape of its peak which resembles the jaw of a dragon. It offers a unique opportunity to see the natural beauty of Vietnam, with stunning panoramic views of Sapa and its surrounding areas.

These vibrant gardens are a popular attraction, offering a picturesque backdrop for photos and a chance for tourists to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

The Orchid Garden: features an impressive collection of more than 200 species of colorful orchids.

The Peach-blossom Garden: Here, visitors can admire more than just the delicate and charming Japanese cherry blossoms. There are also old peach trees with expansive canopies, thick blossoms, and large roots.

The Central Flower Garden: has stunning flowers imported from Europe. Skilled artisans have carefully grown and arranged the flower here to form the word “Sapa”.

Back to hotel to check out then have lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, let’s hop on our bus and drive back to Hanoi.

Once reach the hotel in Hanoi, let’s make yourself at home to relax. Dinner is on your own.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast is served at your hotel.

08:00AM: Our tour expert picks you up at your hotel, we travel to Hoa Lu. Along the way, we may take some stop-over for photo and refreshment while enjoying rural stunning scenery on the way. Arrive in Hoa Lu which is the former capital of Vietnam (968 – 1009) under Dinh and Le dynasties. Visit Dinh temple, Le temple and surroundings.

Then, we transfer to Mua Cave, start climbing almost 500 stone steps to reach at the top of Mua cave. Feel the fresh air and admire a panoramic view of beautiful Tam Coc.

Have lunch at local restaurant with local food.

After lunch, take the amazing boat trip to visit Tam Coc which has 03 cross-water caves, and home to 600 kinds of flora and over 200 kinds of fauna, many of them in the Red Book of Vietnam. While rowing in Ngo Dong river in the quiet, fresh air of the highlands, with only the sound of birds and the oars stirring the clear water and surrounded by magnificent forested mountains upon which graze white goats, visitors enjoy a heaven on earth.

16:30: Leave Tam Coc boat and check in the hotel in Tam Coc area. After refreshing, let’s head out for dinner at a local restaurant.

Free on your own afterward.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast is served at your hotel the check out and board the bus to go to Halong City. You will be driven through the most mordern highwway in Vietnam – 10 and 5B.

Break for about 15 minutes at halfway.

12.15 – 13.00 From Tuan Chau wharf, Tuan Chau island of Ha Long city, we go to Calypso Cruise by small boat.

A warmly welcome drinks will be served upon arrival the cruise then has a short time for check in proceeds: get a brief introduction and safety guidelines then check in.

Have lunch while cruising in the magnificent Ha Long Bay, admiring the fascinating nature, then anchor at Lan Ha Bay area.

15.00 Join a guide to explore hidden parts of the bay, the area of Dark and Bright cave where to goes through the cave, under the mountain to a lake which is formed by a Karst – well like a dragon eye inside the mountain. This is a very beautiful sight that visitors like the most.  You share a sampan with other tourists with a local rower OR taking a kayak on your own.

Return to Calypso Cruises for changing swimming suits then join swimming time in the sea or at the swimming pool on sundeck.

17:00 Enjoy happy hours with various drinks on discounts, try swimming pool and charming the bay with our handsome bartenders. Sun set can be seen from the sundeck if it is a lucky day.

18:00 Take part in a cooking demonstration and food décor with our Chef.

19:00 Join dinner at Calypso Cruises restaurant.

20:30 – 22:00 Time of relaxation after a day on sundeck, leisure in room for watching films, sing karaoke in restaurant or go to tender for squid fishing with cruise staffs.

Accommodation: Overnight on a cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

06:00 – 6:30 Welcome a new day with amazing dawn on the Legendary Gulf of Tonkin. Refresh your body & soul by a Tai-chi lesson on sundeck.

06:30 – 7:30 Have a breakfast in the restaurant.

07:30 Then you take a bus route for about 20 minutes on Cat Ba Island from Gia Luan Pier to visit Trung Trang Grotto, a special place to save the significant of Karst in millions years. During the travel, you will be immersed in the wild fresh natural scenery of Cat Ba National Park.

08:45 – 9:00 Return to Calypso Cruises for shower.

09:30 Check out of your room.

09:30 – 10:30 An early lunch will be severd.

10:30 -10:45 After paid the bills, a small boat will take all of us to Tuan Chau wharf.

11:15 – 11:30 Calypso cruises end at Tuan Chau wharf and board back the shuttle bus to go back to Hanoi.

15:00: Arrive back in Hanoi Old Quarter where you will have some free time to relax and have own dinner till get picked up again to go to Hanoi Rail Way Station to board the train SE1 to go to Dong Hoi city.

Overnight on the train.

Accommodation: Overnight on a train

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Up on arrival, let’s have breakfast at a local restaurant then drive to Quang Tri province to visit the famous DMZ zone (During Vietnam war).

We will stop to visit these places:

Horror Highway: May 1, 1972, will never be forgotten by people in Quang Tri and Thua Thien provinces not because it is International Labor Day, but because of the horrible carnage on Vietnam Highway 1, the Horror Highway. Thousands of civilians, mostly the elders, women, children, and scores of soldiers were killed by artillery and infantry weapons in hours of shooting.

Long Hung Church: one of the very few existing buildings remains in Quang Tri town during “Fire Summer” or Eastern Offensive in 1972. It is a National Relic in the town of Quang Tri Vietnam – BA5453.

Quang Tri Ancient Citadel: is seen as an eye-witness of fierce battles during the anti-American resistance war in 1972. During the 81-day fighting, the citadel was almost destroyed by thousands of tons of bombs released by the US army. Nowadays, the citadel becomes a place to mark immortal victories of the Vietnamese army and people and to educate youths about the nation’s revolutionary tradition and patriotism.

Dakrong Bridge: the bridge was considered the beginning of the Ho Chi Minh Trail network, and during many years of the Vietnam War, this access point was hotly contested. The Dakrong Bridge fell many times. Now it’s a grand suspension bridge, a proud thumbed nose as if to say, “You can’t knock down my bridge anymore.”

On the way, tourists also have chances to meet the Paco people – one of the very less populated tribes in central Vietnam.

Break in the middle for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we continue to visit other places in the itinerary, such as:

Ta Con Airport: now the Khe Sanh Combat Base Museum, contains a boneyard of several captured U.S. tanks and aircraft destroyed during the Battle of Khe Sanh. According to the official accounts provided by the museum, 197 U.S. planes were shot down or captured during the 170-day battle.

Hien Luong Bridge – Ben Hai River: The Geneva Agreements on Vietnam signed in 1954 divided Vietnam into North and South with the 17th Parallel where the Ben Hai River runs through the central province of Quang Tri as a borderline. Hien Luong Bridge, also known as the Peace Bridge, was built by the French in 1950, across the Ben Hai River. It is 178 m long but it took 21 years for Vietnamese people from the North and the South to be united.

Doc Mieu Base: One part of an elaborate electronic system (McNamara’s wall) intended to prevent infiltration across the DMZ. There’s basically nothing left of this old American base save a rusting tank and a sign. Apparently, this once formed the backbone of the “eagle eyes of America” electronic monitoring fence.

Vinh Moc Tunnels and Tunnels Museum: The most highlighted part of the DMZ Tour during the Vietnam War. The complex of the Vinh Moc tunnel is located deep in the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone and sheltered Vinh Linh county people from the intense bombing. The tunnels were a success in saving the villagers’ lives and providing them with the necessary living conditions to fight back against the American enemy.

After our visit to all of the memorial sites, we will drive to Hue city. Check in your hotel and relax at own leisure. Dinner is served at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

08:00 AM, our excellent tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel then start the journey with the Hue City  Tour.

We will begin with a private Hue dragon boat tour on the Perfume River. This ride will give you impressive views of the most iconic river in Hue City. Later, the boat arrives at the 400-year-old religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda. Its establishment was in 1601 by Lord Nguyen Hoang.

More interestingly, our local guide will explain to you the name of the Perfume River and tell you ancient stories and the love curse of this sacred pagoda. Some highlights of Thien Mu Pagoda are its Fengshui setting, Phuoc Duyen Tower, the great bell, the giant marble turtle, the three-door gate (Tam Quan Gate), the Dai Hung Temple, etc.

Following that, at 10:30 AM, we will transfer you to explore the complex of the Hue Imperial Citadel. This complex consists of the Hue Citadel, the Hue Royal City, and the Forbidden City. The third place was the former working and private residence of 13 emperors, concubines, and eunuchs.

Hue was the ancient capital of Vietnam, which was the center of culture and education in the 19th century of the Nguyen Dynasty. We will visit the highlight attractions in the citadel complex, such as Nine Holy Cannons, Noon Gate, Ngu Phung Palace, Thai Hoa Palace, Nguyen Royal Family Temple, Kien Trung Palace, Truong Sanh Residence, Hue Royal Theater, etc.

At noon, we will have a lovely lunch at a local food restaurant with 5 specialties and take a short break. After lunch, we continue the Hue City Tour full day by visiting the Hue royal tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty Emperors, such as:

The marvelous Khai Dinh Tomb. This amazing royal tomb is known as the most expensive and beautiful tomb in the tomb system of the Nguyen dynasty and all over the world. This is the only tomb where you know where the coffin of the Khai Dinh Emperor is.

Nowadays, the Royal Tomb of Khai Dinh is one of the new heritages in the world. Its fabulous and unique architecture and mosaic decorations will astonish you.

Back to hotel at the end. Free at own leisure. Dinner is at own cost.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy your breakfast at hotel then check out.

08:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel in Hue center and transfer to Hoian Town. Visit on the way the places below:

Lap an lagoon –  a part of Tam Giang lagoon in Hue.

Lang Co beach – considered the most beautiful bay in the world.

Hai Van pass: enjoy the fresh air on the pass, but also conquer the winding roads with majestic views.

12:30 pm : Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Danang and continue to The Marble Mountain – a fairy land with dreamlike scenery, pagodas and grottoes.

16:00 pm : Visit Hoi An ancient town, the highlight of the tour. With the guide, you will explore Hoi An ancient town with the Japanese covered bridge,  Tan Ky ancient house, Phung Hung ancient house, Phuc Kien assembly hall,..

Check in your hotel. Free on your own. Dinner is Excluded.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy the tranquil of Hoian Town in the morning then let’s explore the outskirt of the town to Cam Thanh water coconut forest by a round boat trip. A picturesque destination known for its vibrant coconut groves, scenic boat tours, and rich cultural experiences. Nestled in the heart of Hoi An, this village offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and traditional way of life.

The Coconut Village is a must-visit brimming with the lush charm of coconut groves.

From tranquil boat rides along the river to exploring traditional crafts, Coconut Village Vietnam promises a memorable experience that captures the essence of this town’s cultural heritage.

Lunch is served in the village. In the afternoon, we continue to the famous Tra Que vegetable village. The village is a place that nature lovers find hard to ignore. By coming there, you can experience authentic village life and take part in some exciting activities. Besides, there are plenty of tasty foods for you to enjoy.

Not only is it a place that produces clean vegetables for Hoi An people, Tra Que Vegetable Village is also an ideal destination for tourists who love freshness and serenity. Therefore, paying a visit to this village is what you should do on your getaway with the ones you love!

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we are free till our driver pick you up then drive you to Danang airport to catch a flight to the Paradise Phu Quoc island.

Enjoy Hoian peaceful in the morning then fly to Phu Quoc. Once land in Phu Quoc, our local driver will transfer you to the hotel to relax. Lunch and dinner are on your own.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

Meal: Breakfast

Breakfast is served at the hotel. Spend your time to enjoy the paradise island with pristine beaches, stunning show at Sunset Town, bustling night markets…

Accommodation: Hotel in Phu Quoc

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend your last moment in the paradise island till our driver picks you up then transfer you back to Phu Quoc airport to take a flight to the most vibrant city in Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh.

Once land at Tan Son Nhat airport, our local guide and driver will welcome you then transfer you to the hotel is district 1 to check in. Rest of the day is at own leissure.

Optional to take a river dinner cruise trip to observe the city from a speacial angle (Extra cost).

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh city

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel.

Pick up at your hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. The trip to Cu Chi tunnels will take you an approximately one and a half-hour bus drive. Before exploring the tunnels, you will watch an introductory video about how the tunnels were made and how Vietnamese people survived in the harsh conditions of the wartime. Then, spend your time exploring the remaining areas and tunnel system which include special living areas.

with kitchens and bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for the security purpose during the war. Afterwards, special tea and cassava (guerrillas’ food during the war) will be served. Break time.

Have lunch at the local restaurant.

Continue to visit My Tho city. With boat trip on Tien River, you will be excited by the light breeze from the river and the natural beauty of four beautiful islands such as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise along the riverside.

Cruise through the small canal by sampan, treating yourself to the beauty of the countryside, and taking a short cycling around the village which will certainly be an unforgettable experience when participating in the Mekong Delta tour. Visit the coconut candy workshop, and enjoy seasonal delicious fruits & honey tea. Get a chance to listen to the Southern Vietnamese folk music which is performed by local people.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy your free time.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh city

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy your last breakfast of the trip then be picked up to visit Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification palace, which 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, and 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.

Have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue the city tour by discovering the city’s Western side. Ride to Cho Lon (Big Market) and Thien Hau Pagoda which is located in China Town.

Continue to Bach Dang harbor. After checking in the waterbus tickets, and stabilizing your seat, the boat will start to depart. During the trip, you will have a unique view of the most typical commercial buildings of the city including the Vinhomes Central Park urban area, the magnificent Landmark 81 tower, the Bitexco Financial Tower, the green peaceful District 2. A lot of stunning moments are waiting for you. Try to discover the soul of this land – Saigon River by water bus, maybe you will realize many miracles, a more accurate view of the land once called Paris of Indochina or the Pearl of the Far East.

18:00 pm: Transfer back your hotel and load your luggage to drive to Tan Son Nhat aiport to catch your onward flight.

Trip ends.

Accommodation: N/A

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch