10-Day Essential Vietnam: North, Central, South

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our driver will be there to greet you. He will assist you with your luggage and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

You have the rest of the day to relax after your journey. Overnight in your hotel in Hanoi.

Since your departure to Sapa is early in the morning, please let us know your dietary preferences in advance. We will prepare a suitable takeaway breakfast for you to enjoy at the rest stop along the way.

6.20: Support to pick up from the hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter, our staff will pick you up by a transit transfer to the bus station then get on a big bus and depart to Sapa.

9.30: Follow the highway to Lao Cai city and have the first rest stop.

11.00: Second rest stop in Lao Cai before heading to Sapa. 

13.00: Arrive at Sapa Town with colorful traditional costumes of H’mong, Dzao, and Tay ethnic people. And wait about 30 minutes at the bus station for the tour guide and driver to pick you up to the hotel.

• Welcome beverage and itinerary overview
• Enjoy the lunch with local Vietnamese dishes and check-in procedures.

14.30: A walk to the gate of Cat Cat village  which is the 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, trek down to the valley bottom to the waterfall where the French built a Hydraulic Power Station; stop for photos with the bridge and waterfall; then you will walk uphill for the bus to pick you up to get back to Sapa in the afternoon.

17.00: Come back to Sapa Town. Have dinner and overnight in a hotel with night activities.

Notes: 

• The transfer to Cat Cat Village is not included in the tour, so you will need to walk. If you prefer not to walk, please ask the tour guide to arrange a taxi for you at your own expense.

• Even though all transfers follow the expressway, the road to Sapa is still winding and unavoidable. You should be prepared for some ups and downs.

• The music show in Cat Cat village is closed on Tuesday afternoon, an alternative is arranged. 

• The trekking distance is about 2.5kms and it lasts for 2 hours.

• You can rent traditional minority costumes inside the village (not at the entrance).

• 8:00: After breakfast in the hotel, the driver takes you to Cable Car Station and spends 20 minutes with the cable car to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
  9:00: Reach 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 or use a climbing train then you will reach the peak of Fansipan – the Roof of Indochina.
  Notes: Fansipan Peak Funicular ticket (Do Quyen Funicular) is excluded.
  (Spend about 1,5 hours hiking and taking photos).
  11:30: Coming back to Cable Car Station and returning to Sapa town.
  12:00 – 13:00: Back to hotel , check out and have lunch, time at leisure on your own.
  13:30: Meet all group members at the hotel to get ready for the bus station back to Hanoi. Our staff will pick you up by a transit transfer to the bus station then get on a big bus and depart for Hanoi.
  20:00-20:30 Arrive at the bus station and get on a transit transfer to your hotel in Hanoi. Overnight at your hotel in Hanoi.
  The weather forecast is just for reference. Due to the mountainous terrain, the weather on top of Fansipan and in Sapa town may vary. Since the weather is beyond our control, we hope you can still enjoy your experience, no matter the conditions.

8:00 – 8:45 | Our tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter, then we’ll set off for Halong Bay via the Expressway for a smooth and comfortable journey.
10:30 | Take a 20-minute rest stop to stretch, grab a coffee, or use the restroom before continuing.
12:00 – 12:30 | Arrive at the harbor and board the day cruise.
Enjoy a buffet lunch as we embark on a 6-hour journey through the stunning landscapes of Halong Bay.
Admire the breathtaking scenery of limestone islands and islets, each with unique names inspired by their shapes.
14:00 | Discover the largest and most magnificent cave – Surprising Cave (Sung Sot Cave)in Halong Bay.
Marvel at the fascinating stalactites and stalagmites, shaped by nature over millions of years into forms resembling sea creatures.
15:00 | Paddle through the emerald waters of Luon Cave on a kayak or bamboo boat. Explore the serene lagoon, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
16:00 | Swim at the sandy beach of Titop Island, nestled beneath towering limestone formations. Climb to Titop Peak for a panoramic, postcard-perfect view of Halong Bay.
18:00 – 18:30 | Enjoy a sunset party on the cruise’s upper deck with tea, cakes, and music. Relax and soak in the last golden moments of the day in Halong Bay.
Then we get on the bus back to Hanoi by Expressway, have a short break for 20-30 minutes.
21:00 | Arrive back at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter after a comfortable ride.
Notes: Due to the geographical location, when cruises go further from the shore, the WiFi signal often becomes weak and unstable. However, this is a great opportunity to disconnect and fully enjoy the stunning scenery.
The program may be subject to slight adjustments based on weather conditions, tide levels, or regulations from the Halong Bay Administration, without prior notice.

8:00 – 8:45 | Our tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter, then we’ll set off for Halong Bay via the Expressway for a smooth and comfortable journey.
10:30 | Take a 20-minute rest stop to stretch, grab a coffee, or use the restroom before continuing.
12:00 – 12:30 | Arrive at the harbor and board the day cruise.
Enjoy a buffet lunch as we embark on a 6-hour journey through the stunning landscapes of Halong Bay.
Admire the breathtaking scenery of limestone islands and islets, each with unique names inspired by their shapes.
14:00 | Discover the largest and most magnificent cave – Surprising Cave (Sung Sot Cave)in Halong Bay.
Marvel at the fascinating stalactites and stalagmites, shaped by nature over millions of years into forms resembling sea creatures.
15:00 | Paddle through the emerald waters of Luon Cave on a kayak or bamboo boat. Explore the serene lagoon, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
16:00 | Swim at the sandy beach of Titop Island, nestled beneath towering limestone formations. Climb to Titop Peak for a panoramic, postcard-perfect view of Halong Bay.
18:00 – 18:30 | Enjoy a sunset party on the cruise’s upper deck with tea, cakes, and music. Relax and soak in the last golden moments of the day in Halong Bay.
Then we get on the bus back to Hanoi by Expressway, have a short break for 20-30 minutes.
21:00 | Arrive back at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter after a comfortable ride.
Notes: Due to the geographical location, when cruises go further from the shore, the WiFi signal often becomes weak and unstable. However, this is a great opportunity to disconnect and fully enjoy the stunning scenery.
The program may be subject to slight adjustments based on weather conditions, tide levels, or regulations from the Halong Bay Administration, without prior notice.

8:00 AM – Pick-up
The driver and tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in Da Nang.

Visit Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain) – Standing 693 meters above sea level, this scenic national park offers panoramic views of the sea and coastline. Known as “Monkey Mountain” by American troops, it’s a perfect start to the day.

Then, visit Linh Ung Pagoda – Home to the tallest statue of the Goddess of Mercy in Southeast Asia. The 67-meter-tall Lady Buddha stands on a lotus-shaped platform and contains 21 miniature Buddha sculptures.

Next, explore the Marble Mountains and Am Phu Cave – Admire sacred pagodas, ancient temples, and stunning natural caves. Learn about Buddhism, Hinduism, and their cultural differences.

Continue to Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village – Watch artisans create intricate marble artworks and browse for beautiful souvenirs.

Enjoy lunch (11:30 AM – 12:00 PM) – Taste a local dish at a Vietnamese restaurant before heading to Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle.

Visit Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle (1:00 PM) – Experience the peaceful, green scenery of the coconut forest. Try basket boat rowing, cast net, and round net fishing with local fishermen.

Then, explore Hoi An Ancient Town (2:15 PM) – Visit Phuc Kien Pagoda, Phung Hung Ancient House, the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Hoi An Museum, and the Central Market. Walk through the charming old streets and see the mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese influences.

Have dinner – Enjoy a set menu of Hoi An’s special local dishes.

Continue with a lantern boat ride (6:00 – 6:30 PM) – Cruise along the Hoai River, release flower lanterns to wish for good luck, and enjoy the magical lantern-lit atmosphere.

Finally, return to your hotel – Arrive in Hoi An around 6:30 – 7:00 PM or in Da Nang around 7:30 – 8:00 PM. End of services.

7:30 AM: Meet your guide at the hotel and head to Ba Na Hills, often referred to as the “Second Da Lat” due to its cool climate.
9:30 AM: Take the world’s most modern cable car to reach the Golden Hand Bridge. Visit the France Wine Cellar, Linh Ung Pagoda, and Dream Stream Cable Car Station.
12:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant, followed by time to explore Fantasy Park and King Peak at 1,487 meters above sea level.
4:00 PM: Take the cable car back down, then return to your hotel for the night.
 Notes: Wax Museum entry is not included.

Free time to discover Da Nang city.

Depending on your flight departure, our driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh city.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Domestic Airport, our driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh city for check-in.

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

07:30 – 08:00 Leaving the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and starting your trip to depart for My Tho, the town lies on the left side of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which dates back to the late 19th century. Then  boarding the sampan and cruising down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands.

Stop over at Unicorn Island, go walking around the country lane and see orchards, enjoy tropical fruits, folk song music which is performed by the local people. Visit the fruit plantation.

Ride a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and treat yourself in the beauty of the countryside, visit the family business, visit honey-bee farm, enjoy honey tea and coconut candy workshop.

Have lunch at a local restaurant. Break time.

In the afternoon, time for cycling around the Tan Thach village, meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong delta. Hammocks are relaxing and enjoy cool breeze for those who can’t join the cycling trip. Return to Ho Chi Minh City around 17:30. 

Have dinner on your own and stay overnight in Da Nang.

07:30 – 08:00 Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, which 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 the 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.

Have lunch at a local restaurant.

Departing for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by an introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time.

Then, spend your time exploring the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the specially constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, 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 security purposes during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.

Break time for relaxing or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun.

19:00-19:30 Return to Ho Chi Minh.

**The Notre Dame Cathedral has been restored, so the guests just visit outside.

Enjoy a relaxed, free day in Ho Chi Minh. Use this time for last-minute shopping, explore more of the city, or simply unwind in the lively atmosphere.

Based on your flight time, you’ll be transferred to Tan Son Nhat international airport for your onward journey.

Goodbye Vietnam! We hope you’ve enjoyed your journey and look forward to welcoming you again in the future!

1. Airport Transfer
A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included if you arrive on Day 1 of the tour, or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. Please provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.

2. Single Supplement
A single supplement is available upon request at an additional cost. This excludes the overnight sleeper bus and Halong Bay cruise. On the cruise, you may book a private cabin (subject to availability), but the boat itself will still be shared with other travellers. Please confirm with us in advance if you wish to secure a single supplement.

3. The Order of the Tour
The sequence of activities between Hanoi, Sapa, and Halong Bay may be adjusted to ensure the best possible experience. In all cases, inclusions and service quality remain unchanged.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what’s included – pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.