Highlights of Vietnam and Mekong River Cruise

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, your driver and tour guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of Hanoi for check-in.
Enjoy some free time to relax after your flight or begin exploring the charming streets of Hanoi at your own pace. In the evening, attend a traditional Water Puppet Show—a unique Northern Vietnamese art form deeply rooted in folklore, offering an enchanting introduction to the country's rich cultural heritage.

Overnight in Hanoi.

09:00: Meet your tour guide and driver at your hotel for a short drive to Bat Trang Ceramic Village, located about 10 km from the city center. Set along the Red River, this centuries-old village is renowned for its traditional pottery and generations of skilled craftsmanship.
Stroll through the narrow village lanes to see local artisans shaping and decorating ceramics, and visit traditional workshops and showrooms to discover how these beautiful pieces are made. You will also have the chance to try your hand at creating your own pottery souvenir to take home.
For lunch, enjoy a traditional Bat Trang feast at the home of artisan cook Pham Hang. With a long-standing family tradition of preparing ceremonial Vietnamese feasts, Pham Hang introduces you to a selection of distinctive dishes from Northern Vietnam, prepared according to time-honored recipes and traditional cooking methods. More than just a meal, this is a chance to experience an important part of Northern Vietnamese culinary heritage in a warm and traditional village setting.
After lunch, return to Hanoi and continue your exploration with an iconic cyclo ride through the bustling Old Quarter. Weave through historic streets lined with French-colonial architecture and traditional shophouses, taking in the timeless charm and everyday rhythm of Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

09:00: After breakfast, depart Hanoi for Halong Bay with a scenic drive of approximately 2.5 hours to Tuan Chau International Port.
11:30 – 11:45: Arrive at the Indochine Lounge at Tuan Chau International Port for check-in and registration.
11:45 – 12:00: Embark on the Indochine Premium Cruise, enjoy a welcome drink, and attend a safety briefing before the cruise sets sail.
13:15 – 14:00: Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch in the restaurant while cruising through Halong Bay, with scenic views of its iconic limestone islands and karst formations.
14:00: Continue cruising through the bay, passing some of Halong Bay’s famous landmarks, including Incense Burner Islet and Fighting Cocks Islet.
14:30: Luon Cave Adventure – Choose between a traditional sampan boat rowed by local boatmen or a two-person kayak to explore the tranquil waters and limestone scenery around Luon Cave.
16:00: Discover Surprise Cave – Take a guided walk through one of Halong Bay’s largest and most impressive caves, with approximately 45 minutes to explore its fascinating chambers and formations.
17:30: Sunset Leisure Time – As the cruise anchors for the night, relax on the sundeck, take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, or enjoy a round of mini-golf while the changing light settles over the bay.
18:30 – 19:00: Culinary Experience – Join a cooking class or fruit and vegetable carving lesson led by the cruise’s Head Chef.
19:30: Dinner – Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by the onboard culinary team.
20:30: Evening Leisure & Entertainment – Relax with onboard games, try squid fishing, or simply unwind beneath the night sky.

Overnight on board in Halong Bay.

06:00: Start your morning with a light continental breakfast, accompanied by freshly brewed coffee, tea and freshly baked pastries as the bay slowly comes to life.
06:30: Tai Chi on Deck – Join a 30-minute Tai Chi session on the sundeck or Sky Lounge, weather permitting, and enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere surrounded by the limestone scenery of Halong Bay.
07:45 – 09:00: Explore Titov Island – Choose between a refreshing swim in the clear waters or a climb to the island’s viewpoint for panoramic views across Halong Bay.
09:00: Prepare for Departure – Return to the boat for a quick refresh and finish packing. Leave your heavy luggage outside your cabin for collection and transfer.
09:30: Check-out & Brunch – Settle your bill at reception on Deck 1, then enjoy a leisurely brunch as the cruise makes its way back toward the pier.
11:00: Arrival at Tuan Chau Port – Disembark and relax at the pier while waiting for your return transportation.
Around 15:00: Arrive back in Hanoi and enjoy some free time to relax, explore the city or have dinner before your overnight train to Lao Cai, departing at approximately 21:00.

Overnight on the train to Lao Cai.

Upon arrival at Lao Cai Station at approximately 05:30 AM, your guide and driver will pick you up for a scenic one-hour drive to Sapa. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or a local restaurant upon arrival.
In the afternoon, embark on a walking tour to Cat Cat Village, home to the Black Hmong ethnic minority. As you walk down into the valley, pass through the mountain landscape and encounter local people going about their daily lives. Along the way, gain a glimpse into their traditional culture, customs and way of life.

Overnight in Sapa.

There are many colorful ethnic markets around Sapa, each held on specific days of the week. Depending on your travel schedule, we will arrange a visit to the most suitable local market.
In the morning, enjoy a private transfer to the market, a lively gathering place for different ethnic minority communities such as the Flower H’mong, Nung and Giay. Here, local people come together to trade traditional goods, handicrafts, fresh produce and livestock. Along the way, admire the breathtaking mountain scenery, winding rivers and picturesque terraced rice fields stretching across the valleys near the Chinese border.
After enjoying lunch and exploring the market, transfer to Lao Cai to board a shared limousine bus for the journey back to Hanoi.
Around 19:30: Arrive in Hanoi and check in to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your driver for a comfortable private transfer to Noi Bai International Airport to board your domestic flight to Da Nang.
Upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport, your guide and driver will welcome you and take you on a scenic 30-minute drive to the charming UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An.
In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely walking tour and a traditional cyclo ride through Hoi An Ancient Town. Discover its signature yellow-walled heritage houses with tiled roofs, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, ornate Chinese Assembly Halls, and colorful local markets.
Spend your evening at leisure, strolling along the romantic, silk-lantern-lit streets and dining at one of the picturesque riverside restaurants overlooking the Thu Bon River.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, the day is yours to explore Hoi An at your own pace.
You can unwind on the golden sands of An Bang Beach, soak up the sunshine and swim in the clear blue waters. If you prefer a taste of local life, take a gentle bicycle ride through the peaceful countryside to Tra Que Vegetable Village, join a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class, or have custom-made clothing created by one of Hoi An’s renowned tailors.
Alternatively, simply relax at a cozy riverside café, sip traditional Vietnamese coffee and watch the slow-paced life along the Thu Bon River.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a private transfer to Da Nang International Airport for your short flight to Nha Trang.
Nha Trang is a well-known beach destination on Vietnam’s south-central coast, with around seven kilometers of sandy beach stretching along the city. Upon arrival at Cam Ranh Airport, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel for check-in.
The afternoon is free for you to enjoy Nha Trang as you wish. Spend some time on the beach, take a walk along the seafront, or stop for a drink at the Sailing Club and watch the sun go down over the bay. You can also explore the city on your own or simply relax at your hotel.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

After breakfast at your resort, the day is yours to relax and enjoy Nha Trang at your own pace.
You can spend time on the golden sandy beaches, swim in the sea, or enjoy a spa treatment at your resort. If you would like to explore the waters around Nha Trang, optional island-hopping boat trips, snorkeling, and scuba diving around Hon Mun Island offer a chance to see the area's coral reefs and marine life.
For a taste of local culture, you may visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers or Long Son Pagoda, or try a therapeutic hot mineral mud bath, a popular way to relax in Nha Trang. In the evening, head out for fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant or sample some of the city's local street food.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

After breakfast, enjoy your free time to relax and make the most of your final morning in Nha Trang.
At the appointed time, check out of your resort and meet your driver for a private transfer to Cam Ranh International Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, your guide and driver will welcome you and take you to your hotel in the heart of the city. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

08:00 – Your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel to begin a city tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit key landmarks including the historic Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market. Stop at a traditional lacquerware workshop to see local artisans at work.
12:00 – Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the city.
In the afternoon, depart for the Cu Chi Tunnels, located approximately 65 km (about a 1.5-hour drive) northwest of Saigon. Explore the extensive underground tunnel network built and used by Viet Cong forces during the war. Along the way, enjoy views of the countryside and observe traditional rural activities such as rice farming and rice paper production.
17:00 – Return to Ho Chi Minh City and drop off at your hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

In the morning, meet your driver at your hotel in Saigon for a transfer to Can Tho or Cai Be. Board your traditional wooden river cruise vessel around noon. After a refreshing welcome drink, receive an introduction to the onboard facilities and check into your cozy cabin. As lunch is served, the boat begins cruising along the river. Sit back and admire the scenery and daily life along the Mekong River.
In the afternoon, disembark for a guided, leisurely stroll through a nearby village, surrounded by lush fruit orchards or rice fields. Meet friendly locals and taste fresh seasonal fruits and local produce.
Return on board to enjoy a drink at the bar or relax on the sundeck as the sun sets over the Mekong Delta. The cruise boat will anchor for the night, and the day concludes with dinner served on board.

Overnight on board in the Mekong Delta.

Wake up to the gentle rhythm of the river as the cruise vessel sets out at around 06:30 for a sunrise cruise. Guests can observe local life along the waterways, including people drying tropical fruits and working at traditional boat-building yards, while enjoying an early breakfast.
After breakfast, board a sampan boat to visit Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the Mekong Delta’s busiest floating markets. On even-numbered dates, the cruise explores the smaller waterways around Cai Be, by sampan or on foot. Guests can see the abundance of tropical fruits and vegetables, meet local vendors, and observe the lively trading activity on the water.
The excursion may also include visits to local candy and cake-making workshops, as well as small canals where traditional houses, fruit orchards, and boat-building yards line the waterways. Guests can explore the surrounding area on foot or by bicycle, depending on the cruise program.
The cruise then resumes its journey as lunch is served. In the afternoon, enjoy another shore excursion to one of the villages along the river before returning to the vessel.

Overnight on board in the Mekong Delta.

Enjoy breakfast on board during an early morning cruise through the peaceful waterways of the Mekong Delta. In Can Tho, guests will visit the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market, while in Cai Be, the delta can be explored on foot or by a small sampan, depending on the cruise program. These morning excursions offer opportunities to see local life along the riverbanks and capture everyday scenes of the Mekong Delta.   
Take another sampan trip into the lush countryside, passing fertile fields and green tropical vegetation along the smaller waterways.   
Disembark at the pier around 11:00 – 11:30 AM and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, relax during the private vehicle transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City, with views of the countryside along the way.   

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, spend your remaining time relaxing, doing some last-minute souvenir shopping, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City.
At the designated time, your driver will meet you at the hotel for a private transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.
Thank you for choosing WaytoVietnam Travel for your journey through Vietnam. We hope you take home many wonderful memories of your time in Vietnam, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Safe travels home!