Grand Vietnam Tour

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed by our driver and transferred to your hotel in Hanoi for check-in.
The rest of the day is free for you to relax after your flight or explore the nearby streets at your own pace.

Overnight in Hanoi.

The historic capital of Hanoi is known for its tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes, and traditional pagodas. Today, enjoy a full-day tour of Hanoi’s main highlights.
Start with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his Stilt House, the Presidential Palace, and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, before lunch at a carefully selected restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on a small island on West Lake. Then take a one-hour cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, passing its narrow streets, traditional shop houses, and lively local life.
End the day with a traditional Water Puppet Show, one of Vietnam’s most distinctive performing arts.

Overnight in Hanoi.

In the morning, depart Hanoi for a two-hour drive south to Ninh Binh Province. Arrive at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and early Le Dynasties (968–1010 AD). Visit the two historic temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, then climb approximately 200 steps to the top of Ma Yen Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Continue to Tam Coc, often referred to as “Halong Bay on Land,” and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, board a traditional sampan boat for a scenic trip along the Ngo Dong River, passing limestone karsts, rice paddies, and three natural cave grottoes.
Drive back to Hanoi in the late afternoon. Enjoy free time for dinner before transferring to Hanoi Railway Station for the overnight train to Lao Cai, the gateway to Sapa.
Overnight on the train in an air-conditioned 4-berth soft sleeper cabin.

The train arrives at Lao Cai Railway Station at approximately 6:00 AM. Meet your driver and take a 1.5-hour drive along the mountain road to Sapa.
Upon arrival, enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant, followed by some free time to relax or explore Sapa town at your own pace before hotel check-in.
In the afternoon, take a walking tour down the valley to Cat Cat Village, home to the Black H'Mong ethnic community. Walk through the village to see traditional wooden houses and observe local handicrafts, including brocade weaving and silver forging. Continue to the historic French-built hydropower station and enjoy views of the surrounding rice terraces and streams along the way.
Return to Sapa town in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Sapa.

In the morning, depart from your hotel for a short drive into the scenic Muong Hoa Valley. Begin your trek through Lao Chai Village, home to the Black H'Mong community, and continue to Ta Van Village, inhabited by the Giay ethnic community.
Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way or a local meal hosted by a family in the village.
In the afternoon, continue trekking to Giang Ta Chai Village, home to the Red Dao community. Along the route, pass a natural waterfall and cross a suspension bridge while enjoying views of the surrounding valley and rice terraces.
After the trek, walk up to the main road, where your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Sapa town.

Overnight in Sapa.

In the early morning, depart Sapa for Bac Ha, approximately a 2.5-hour drive. Held every Sunday, Bac Ha Market is one of the largest and most colourful highland markets in northern Vietnam. It brings together people from different ethnic communities, including the Flower Hmong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, and Nung.
The market offers a lively glimpse into highland life, with colourful stalls selling traditional clothing, handmade crafts, local produce, and livestock such as cattle, pigs, horses, and poultry. You will also find Bac Ha corn wine, a well-known specialty of the region.
One of the market's best-known specialties is Thang Co, traditionally prepared with horse meat, bones, and offal. Large pots are served hot with local herbs and often enjoyed with corn wine.
Beyond trading, Bac Ha Market is also an important social gathering for people from the surrounding mountain communities. After selling their goods, many local men gather to eat, chat, and share cups of corn wine, creating a lively atmosphere that is very much part of the market experience.
After exploring the market, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Ban Pho Village, home to the Flower Hmong community and well known for its traditional Bac Ha corn wine. Visit a local home to learn about the traditional process of fermenting locally grown corn with natural yeast before distilling it into the strong spirit for which the area is known.
In the afternoon, rejoin your private vehicle for the transfer back to Lao Cai Railway Station. Have dinner on your own before boarding the 21:30 overnight train to Hanoi.

Overnight on the train in an air-conditioned soft sleeper cabin.

Please note: This is a sample Halong Bay cruise itinerary. The program varies by cruise, and we will provide the detailed itinerary for your selected cruise upon confirmation.

The overnight train arrives at Hanoi Railway Station early in the morning, around 5:00 AM. Meet your driver and transfer to a hotel for breakfast and a short rest before continuing your journey.

At around 8:30–9:00 AM, depart Hanoi for Halong Bay, a scenic 2.5- to 3-hour drive via the highway. Upon arrival at the harbor, board your overnight cruise and settle into your cabin before enjoying lunch on board as the vessel sets sail through the bay.

In the afternoon, explore the bay's impressive limestone islands and natural caves, or take part in activities such as kayaking and swimming, depending on your selected cruise program. You can also relax on the sundeck and enjoy the views as the cruise sails through the bay.

Enjoy dinner on board and spend the evening at leisure, with optional activities offered by the cruise.

Overnight on the cruise in Halong Bay.

Start the day with a refreshing Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck or simply enjoy the peaceful morning views over Halong Bay. A light breakfast, coffee, and tea are served as the cruise continues through the bay's stunning karst landscape.
In the morning, the cruise may navigate through quieter areas of the bay, with time for further exploration, swimming, or visiting a floating village or cave, depending on your selected cruise program. After checking out of your cabin, enjoy brunch or lunch on board as the cruise makes its way back to the harbor.
Around midday, disembark at the main harbor, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Hanoi via the highway. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore Hanoi at your own pace.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your morning flight from Hanoi to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.
Upon arrival, begin exploring Hue by cyclo, a relaxed way to see the city. Visit the Imperial Citadel, the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, followed by a visit to Dong Ba Market, Hue’s largest traditional market.
In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat trip along the Perfume River and visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most well-known landmarks. Continue along the river toward the countryside before returning to Hue.

Overnight in Hue.

Enjoy a free morning in Hue to relax or explore the city at your own pace.
In the afternoon, depart Hue for Hoi An by private vehicle. Along the way, stop at Lang Co, a scenic coastal area known for its long sandy beach and fishing village. Continue to Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most scenic mountain roads, offering views over the coastline and surrounding mountains.
Proceed to Hoi An and arrive in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Spend the day exploring Hoi An, starting with a walking tour through the quiet streets of Hoi An Ancient Town. Visit Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200-year-old Tan Ky Ancient House, and the Japanese Covered Bridge—landmarks that reflect Hoi An's blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural influences. Lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant.

In the afternoon, head into the surrounding countryside on a bicycle ride along quiet village paths, passing rice paddies and rural landscapes. Continue to the Thu Bon River to meet local fishermen and learn how traditional fishing nets are cast. Then step into a traditional Vietnamese bamboo basket boat for a leisurely ride through the coconut-lined waterways.
Cycle back to town in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is free to explore Hoi An at your own pace. Wander through the lantern-lit streets, sample local street food, or visit one of the town's famous tailor shops for custom-made clothing.

Hoi An Ancient Town

Tailor Shops in Hoi An

Japanese Covered Bridge

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Da Nang International Airport for your morning flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival at Cam Ranh International Airport, meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel in Nha Trang.
The remainder of the day is free to relax and enjoy the beach, take a stroll along the coastal promenade, or explore the city on your own.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

After breakfast, transfer to Cau Da Port and board a speedboat or traditional wooden boat for a full-day excursion around the islands of Nha Trang Bay, known for its clear waters and diverse marine life.
Head to Hon Mun Island or Coral Reef Bay, where you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the boat and enjoy the coastal scenery. Continue to a nearby floating fishing village to see how local families raise lobster and sea fish in floating net cages. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch featuring local specialties at an island restaurant or on board.

In the afternoon, return to the mainland and explore some of Nha Trang's cultural landmarks. Visit Long Son Pagoda, a Buddhist temple founded in the late 19th century and known for its large white Buddha statue on Trai Thuy Hill. Continue to the Po Nagar Cham Towers, a historic Cham temple complex dating from the 8th to 13th centuries, overlooking the Cai River and the surrounding fishing area.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. The evening is free to stroll along the seaside promenade, sample local street food, or relax at a beachfront venue.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

After breakfast, check out and depart Nha Trang for Mui Ne by private vehicle. The journey takes approximately 4.5 hours, with stops along the way to explore some of Mui Ne's best-known coastal attractions.
On the way, visit the Red Sand Dunes, where you can walk across the gently rolling sands and enjoy views of the surrounding coastal landscape. You will have free time for lunch at your own expense before continuing the journey.
Continue to the Mui Ne fishing village, where colourful fishing boats gather close to the shore and local fishermen bring in their daily catch. Take some time to explore the waterfront and see a more traditional side of life along the coast.
Continue to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free to relax by the beach or enjoy the facilities at your hotel.

Overnight in Mui Ne.

Enjoy full days at leisure at your beach resort. Relax by the pool, spend time on the beach, or explore Mui Ne at your own pace.
For those looking for more activities, optional experiences include a visit to Fairy Stream (Suoi Tien), a jeep excursion into the countryside, or water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing, for which Mui Ne is well known.
You can also simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Mui Ne, take a walk along the coast, or sample fresh seafood at one of the area's restaurants.

Overnight in Mui Ne.

After breakfast, check out of your resort and meet your driver for a private transfer from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City via the expressway, taking approximately 2.5–3 hours.
Upon arrival in the city center, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Relax at the hotel, take a stroll along Saigon's lively streets, or explore the local markets at your own pace.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

In the morning, depart Ho Chi Minh City for a 1.5-hour drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the war. Learn about the history of the complex, view the remaining living quarters, command centers, and trapdoors, and have the opportunity to crawl through a section of the restored tunnels to experience the conditions of underground life.
Return to the city center for lunch at a authentic Vietnamese restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes.
In the afternoon, discover Saigon’s historic landmarks, starting with the Reunification Palace, the former presidential residence and a key site in modern Vietnamese history. Continue to the Central Post Office and the nearby Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon, both fine examples of French colonial architecture.
The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free for you to explore Ben Thanh Market, stroll through the city center, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

In the morning, depart Ho Chi Minh City for a 2-hour drive to My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival at the pier, board a private boat to cross the Mekong River, then transfer to a hand-rowed sampan to explore the narrow, palm-fringed canals.
Visit traditional local home workshops to see how coconut candy is handcrafted and observe the art of mat weaving, an age-old craft still practiced in the Delta. Continue by local motorized cart, known as a tuk-tuk or xe loi, along quiet village paths shaded by fruit trees and coconut palms.
Enjoy lunch featuring regional specialties, including crispy elephant ear fish, served at a peaceful local garden restaurant surrounded by tropical fruit trees.
In the afternoon, visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the Mekong Delta’s best-known Buddhist temples, renowned for its harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and European architectural influences and its tranquil gardens.
Afterward, rejoin your private vehicle and continue deeper into the Mekong Delta to Can Tho, the region's largest city and an important center of river life and trade.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Early in the morning, board a motorized boat for a scenic cruise along the Can Tho River to Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most vibrant floating market in the Mekong Delta. The best time to visit is between 5:30 and 7:00 AM, when the market is at its busiest and local boats gather to trade fresh produce.
Observe the unique trading tradition as local vendors display wholesale produce such as pineapples, watermelons, and seasonal fruits on their boats, with samples of their goods traditionally hung from bamboo poles known as cay beo.
Weave through the lively boat traffic, sample fresh tropical fruits on board, and see how daily life unfolds along the river. Continue cruising through quieter canals to visit a traditional noodle-making workshop, where you can learn how local rice noodles (hu tieu) are made by hand.
Return to the hotel for breakfast and check-out. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Can Tho before rejoining your private vehicle for the drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy your final morning in Ho Chi Minh City at your leisure. Take some time to relax at your hotel, do some last-minute shopping, or enjoy a final Vietnamese coffee before your departure.  
At the appropriate time, meet your driver for a private transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.  
Thank you for traveling with WaytoVietnam Travel. We hope you have enjoyed your journey through Vietnam and look forward to welcoming you back one day to discover even more of our beautiful country.