The Highlights of Vietnam

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, you will be welcomed by our driver/guide, who will be waiting for you with a name sign. Transfer to the city center for hotel check-in. Standard check-in time is 14:00.
The rest of the day is free at your leisure to relax after your flight, settle into the hotel, or take your first stroll through the charming streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Note: Depending on your arrival time, optional tours or activities can be arranged upon request.

Hanoi is a captivating city where French colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards, peaceful lakes, and centuries-old temples come together to create a unique cultural charm.
Today, enjoy a full-day guided tour to discover some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Start with a visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, offering fascinating insights into the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Continue to the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, founded in the 11th century.
In the afternoon, head toward West Lake and take a scenic drive along Thanh Nien Street to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Hanoi. Afterward, return to the heart of the city to explore Hoan Kiem Lake and cross the iconic red bridge to visit Ngoc Son Temple.
Next, sit back and enjoy a 1-hour cyclo ride through the historic 36 Guild Streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Ride past narrow lanes and traditional shophouses while taking in the lively rhythm of everyday life in the capital.
Cap off your day with a classic Water Puppet Show, a uniquely Vietnamese folk art form performed over water, bringing stories of rural village life and ancient legends to life.

• 09:00: Pick up at your hotel in Hanoi and start a 2.5-hour journey to Halong Bay via the expressway by private vehicle.
• 11:45: Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina and transfer by speedboat to the Indochine Grand Cruise. Welcome aboard with a refreshing welcome drink, meet the captain and crew, and attend a cruise briefing with safety instructions.
• 12:30: Set sail into the bay while lunch is served in the elegant dining room, with both indoor and outdoor seating available.
• Check in to your cabin, unpack, refresh, and take some time to relax.
• Continue cruising past Con Vit Islet, Thumb Islet, and Gia Luan Harbor in the Cat Ba area.
• Explore a natural lagoon in Lan Ha Bay, with time for kayaking, swimming, or simply relaxing on the deck and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
• Continue cruising toward the overnight anchorage.

Early Evening: Gather on the sundeck to watch the sunset and enjoy a Sunset Party with complimentary cocktails. You can relax by the seasonal swimming pool, try the mini-golf course, or work out at the fitness center while taking in the evening views.

• 18:00: Join a short Vietnamese cooking demonstration, where the chef will guide you through making traditional Vietnamese spring rolls and share some insights into Vietnamese culinary culture.
• 19:00: Enjoy a BBQ dinner featuring fresh seafood and local specialties, served poolside, weather permitting.
• After Dinner: Relax with a cocktail at the panoramic bar, enjoy the wine and cigar cellar, or choose from evening activities such as board games, a movie, squid fishing, or spa and massage services.

Accommodation: Overnight on cruise.

06:30: Start the morning with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Enjoy the peaceful early-morning atmosphere while gently stretching and energizing your body for the day ahead.

07:00 – 07:45: Savor a light breakfast as the cruise glides through the calm waters of the bay.

08:00: Take in the stunning scenery of Halong Bay as the cruise sails toward Dark & Bright Cave (Hang Sang & Toi), passing dramatic limestone islands and emerald waters along the way. Choose to explore the cave area by kayak or take a more relaxed trip on a traditional local rowing boat.

09:30: Return to the cruise and check out of your cabin.

10:00: Enjoy a final Vietnamese lunch on board while the cruise continues its journey back toward the marina.

12:00: Disembark from the cruise and transfer by speedboat back to Tuan Chau Marina. Meet your private driver and transfer back to Hanoi by private vehicle.

15:00: Arrive back at your hotel in Hanoi. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free at your leisure.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

After breakfast, transfer to Noi Bai Airport for a morning flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to Hoi An, a former trading port shaped over centuries by merchants from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
After checking in to your hotel, set out on a walking tour through the historic heart of Hoi An. Explore the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the Hoi An Museum of Trade Ceramics, the Tan Ky Ancient House, Chua Ong Pagoda, and the lively local market.
Continue on foot through the town’s narrow streets, lined with traditional yellow-walled houses, tiled-roof buildings, and historic assembly halls that reflect Hoi An’s rich multicultural heritage. Take your time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and discover the small craft shops, cozy cafés, and everyday scenes that give the ancient town its distinctive character.
The rest of the day is free at your leisure to explore the lantern-lit streets, browse the local shops, or enjoy Hoi An’s distinctive cuisine.

Today is free at leisure to enjoy Hoi An at your own pace.
Relax on the sandy shores of An Bang Beach, rent a bicycle and ride through the peaceful countryside, or have custom-made clothes tailored by one of Hoi An’s renowned tailors, many of whom are known for their efficient service.

Optional Activities (upon request):

• Eco-Cooking Class: Take a bamboo basket boat ride through the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, visit a local market with a chef, and learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes using fresh local ingredients.
• My Son Sanctuary Excursion: Take a half-day morning trip to explore the ancient Cham ruins set in a lush valley. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the ancient Champa Kingdom.
• Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge Day Trip: Visit the famous Golden Bridge, held aloft by giant stone hands, and enjoy panoramic mountain views from Ba Na Hills.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, transfer to Da Nang International Airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s dynamic economic hub. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel in the city center.
In the afternoon, embark on a guided city tour to explore some of Ho Chi Minh City’s most historic landmarks. Visit the Reunification Palace, formerly the Presidential Palace, a landmark closely connected with key moments in Vietnam’s modern history. Continue to the nearby French colonial landmarks, including the Saigon Central Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon (exterior view due to ongoing restoration).
Continue to Ben Thanh Market, one of the city’s best-known markets, where you can browse stalls selling local food, handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs. Alternatively, if you prefer to explore Vietnam’s modern history in greater depth, visit the War Remnants Museum.
The evening is free at your leisure to explore Saigon’s vibrant streets, enjoy Vietnamese cuisine, or simply relax at your hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, leave the energy of Ho Chi Minh City behind and travel south to My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Take a private boat through a network of narrow canals surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and coconut palms, heading deeper into the peaceful countryside.

Continue to a local orchard to learn about tropical fruit cultivation and taste fresh seasonal fruits grown in the delta. Enjoy lunch at a carefully selected restaurant in the heart of the Mekong Delta, featuring regional specialties.

In the afternoon, visit Dong Tam Snake Farm, one of the region’s long-established wildlife and research centers, before continuing to Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the most distinctive Buddhist temples in the area, renowned for its unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Khmer, and European architectural influences.

Later, continue your journey to Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta and an important center of trade and river life. Check in to your hotel and spend a relaxing evening exploring Ninh Kieu Wharf or Can Tho Night Market.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Early in the morning, wake up to the gentle sounds of the Mekong and take a boat trip to Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest floating market in the Mekong Delta. As the morning unfolds, watch local boats gather along the river, trading fresh produce, tropical fruits, and everyday goods in the lively rhythm of river life.

Take your time to experience the market from the water and see how the Mekong remains an important part of daily life in the region. After visiting the market, cruise back through the smaller waterways to your hotel, with a chance to enjoy some fresh tropical fruit along the way.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island and a popular destination for its beaches, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere.

Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure to relax by the beach or enjoy the resort facilities.

Overnight in Phu Quoc Island.

Enjoy three full days at leisure on Phu Quoc Island, with plenty of time to slow down, relax by the beach, and make the most of your resort. Take a swim, enjoy a spa treatment, or simply find a quiet spot by the sea and let the days unfold at your own pace.

For those who prefer to explore, optional excursions can be arranged upon request. Discover the island’s countryside and fishing villages by private car or jeep, explore its southern islands by boat, or enjoy a snorkeling and diving trip in the clear waters around the An Thoi Archipelago.

Whether you choose to spend your days by the beach or venture out to discover more of Phu Quoc, these three days are yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Overnight in Phu Quoc.

Enjoy your final morning in Phu Quoc at your own pace. Take time to relax by the beach, savor breakfast at your resort.
At the appointed time, meet your driver and transfer to Phu Quoc International Airport for your short flight back to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the city center.
The rest of the day is free at your leisure to relax, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy your final evening exploring Saigon’s vibrant culinary scene.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Shopping Malls in Ho Chi Minh City

Spa & Massages in Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market

Start your day with a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before preparing for your journey home. Depending on your flight schedule, you may spend some free time taking a leisurely morning stroll through the vibrant streets of Saigon, enjoying a traditional Vietnamese iced coffee, or picking up a few unique souvenirs for family and friends.
At the scheduled time, meet your driver for your transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.

Thank you for traveling with WaytoVietnam. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home, and we hope to welcome you back to Vietnam for another memorable adventure in the future.