14-Day Vietnam Expedition: North to South

Your day begins with a hotel pick-up in Hanoi's Old Quarter between 7:30 – 8:30 AM, followed by a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Halong Bay. En route, we’ll make a short refreshment stop in Hai Duong province.

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At around 12:00 PM, arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor, where you’ll receive a warm welcome aboard our cruise. As you enjoy a refreshing welcome drink, our crew will give you a quick safety briefing. Then, check in to your cozy cabin and get ready for the day’s adventures.

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Head to the dining area to enjoy a fresh seafood lunch (vegetarian options available), all while cruising past the dramatic limestone karsts and emerald waters that make Halong Bay a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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After lunch, explore a local Pearl Farm, where you can kayak through the peaceful floating village and immerse yourself in the bay’s culture. We’ll then head to Titop Island – a perfect spot to swim or climb to the summit for panoramic views of the bay.

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As the sun begins to set, return to the cruise to relax or join a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn to make traditional Vietnamese spring rolls with our chef. In the evening, enjoy a BBQ seafood dinner on board, followed by optional entertainment: play chess or cards, sing karaoke, or try night squid fishing.

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End your day with a peaceful overnight stay in your comfortable cabin on the cruise.

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Note: This itinerary applies to a 3-star cruise. Programs for 4 or 5-star cruises may differ slightly in schedule and services.

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Accommodation:

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Overnight on Ha long cruise

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Begin your day at dawn atop the sundeck, sipping hot tea or coffee as you watch the sun paint the bay in golden hues. Join an optional Tai Chi session to gently awaken your body and take in the fresh sea breeze.

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After breakfast, disembark to explore Sung Sot Cave, Ha Long’s largest and most spectacular cavern. Your guide will lead you through its vast chambers, unveiling impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.

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Return to the cruise for a leisurely lunch on board as we sail back toward Ha Long City pier. On the way, our shuttle stops in Hai Duong province to take a small rest.

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You’ll be back in Hanoi by approximately 4:00 – 4:30 PM, with memories of Ha Long’s magic to last a lifetime.

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Note: Itinerary can be changed upon the weather condition

Above is itinerary of 3 star cruise, itineraries of 4 or 5 star cruises will be different

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Accommodation:

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Hanoi Lakeside Premium Hotel - 3 star or similar

Hanoi Calista Hotel 4-star or similar

Le Jardin Hotel & Spa 5-star or similar

06:15 – 06:45 | Departure from Hanoi

Begin your journey with a comfortable sleeper bus pick-up from the Hanoi Old Quarter. Relax and enjoy the scenic ride to the cool highlands of Sapa.

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13:00 | Arrival in Sapa & Lunch

Arrive in Sapa, a charming mountain town known for its fresh air and ethnic diversity. Meet your local guide and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

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14:30 | Trekking to Cat Cat Village

Start a short trek to Cat Cat Village, home of the Black H’Mong ethnic minority.

Your visit includes:

A stop at Cat Cat Waterfall, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery

Exploration of a French-built hydroelectric station from the colonial period

Insight into the daily life and traditional crafts of the Black H’Mong people

A chance to enjoy a traditional cultural performance (if available)

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17:00 | Return to Sapa & Hotel Check-in

Return to Sapa town, check into your hotel, and relax after your trek.

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18:30 | Dinner

Enjoy a delightful dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant featuring regional cuisine.

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Evening | Free Time

Spend the evening at your leisure. You may wish to explore:

Sapa Stone Church

Sapa Night Market

Local cafés and street food

(Note: Guide and transportation are not provided during the evening.)

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Accommodation:

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Swan Hotel - 3-star or similar

Charm Hotel - 4-star or similar

Pao's Sapa Leisure - 5-star or similar

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07:00 – Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel and check out.

08:00 – Embark on a scenic 9-kilometer trek (approximately 3.5 hours) through the picturesque Muong Hoa Valley. Along the way, you will pass through:

• Y Linh Ho Village – a peaceful and remote area surrounded by dramatic mountains and terraced fields.
• Lao Chai Village – home to the Black H’Mong ethnic group, known for their rich culture and impressive rice terraces.
• Muong Hoa Stream – follow the stream as it winds through the valley, offering spectacular photo opportunities.
• Ta Van Village – where the friendly Dzay people live in harmony with nature.

12:00 – Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local home or restaurant in Ta Van Village.

13:00 – Return to Sapa town by car and take time to rest or explore the local shops and markets.

15:00 – Board the comfortable sleeper bus back to Hanoi.

21:30 – Arrive in Hanoi. End of tour.

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Accommodation:

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Hanoi Lakeside Premium Hotel - 3-star or similar

Hanoi Calista Hotel - 4-star or similar

Le Jardin Hotel & Spa - 5-star or similar

Today is a day to explore the charming Hanoi Old Quarter and take in a traditional water puppet show before boarding an overnight train to Da Nang. You'll have plenty of time to wander the narrow streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, where you'll find an array of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

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After that, we'll transfer you to Hanoi Train Station for your soft-sleeper train journey to Da Nang. The ride will take you along the picturesque Vietnamese coastline, offering breathtaking views of the country's natural beauty. You'll enjoy a comfortable night's sleep on board the train before arriving at Danang train station around 10:30 am the next day.

With this itinerary, you'll have the opportunity to experience both the lively energy of Hanoi and the stunning scenery of Vietnam's coastal regions. Get ready for an adventure you won't forget!

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Accommodation:

Night Train

After the train arrived on the next day, we will pick you up and take you to Hoi An Ancient town-where you can check in and start exploring the town. Hoi An has been known as a charming and historic trading center that was once known as “Faifo” to the earliest Western traders. It was also an important port for the Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and other merchant vessels from the Far East. 

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Accommodation:

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Lacasa Villa Hotel 3-star or similar

Lasenta Boutique Hotel 4-star or similar

Bellerive Hoi An Resort & Spa 5-star or similar

07:30 – 08:00 | Hotel Pick-up in Hoi An

Our guide will pick you up at your hotel in Hoi An and depart for My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

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09:30 | Explore My Son Sanctuary

Arrive at My Son and spend about 2 hours exploring the site:

Walk through the lush valley of ancient Champa ruins

Learn about the history and architecture of the sanctuary with our English-speaking gui

Enjoy a traditional Cham dance performance

Afterward, return to the minivan and head to a local family home.

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11:30 | Rice Paper Making Experience

Visit a local house where you’ll learn how to make traditional rice paper — and even enjoy your own handmade product.

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12:30 | Local Lunch & Boat Trip

Have lunch at another local home. Enjoy delicious Vietnamese dishes, sip cold herbal tea, and relax in a peaceful garden setting.

After lunch, board a boat for a scenic trip along the Thu Bon River, the largest river in Central Vietnam.

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13:30 | Return to Hoi An

Arrive back in Hoi An. You may rest at your hotel or enjoy some leisure time at a nearby coffee shop in the Old Town before your afternoon walking tour.

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AFTERNOON TOUR: HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN

14:30 | Walking Tour of Hoi An Ancient Town

Discover the rich heritage of this charming town with a guided visit to key attractions:

Phuc Kien Assembly Hall – known for ancestral worship and unique architecture

Phung Hung & Tan Ky Ancient Houses – well-preserved homes showcasing traditional Vietnamese architecture

Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House – enjoy cultural performances

Japanese Covered Bridge – a 400-year-old icon connecting ancient communities

Browse local handicraft shops and art galleries

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17:30 | Dinner with Hoi An Specialties

Enjoy a flavorful dinner featuring signature Hoi An dishes.

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18:00 | Lantern Boat Ride & Night Market Experience

Relax with a peaceful boat ride on the Hoai River, release flower lanterns, and make wishes for good fortune.

Then, enjoy your free time at the Hoi An Night Market, admiring the glowing lanterns and vibrant evening ambiance.

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18:30 | Return to Hotel

We’ll take you back to your hotel in Hoi An.

End of services.

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Accommodation:

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Lacasa Villa Hotel 3-star or similar

Lasenta Boutique Hotel 4-star or similar

Bellerive Hoi An Resort & Spa 5-star or similar

Hoi An is a popular tourist destination in Vietnam, offering a variety of activities to enjoy during your free day. Take a stroll through the charming old town and marvel at the preserved architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the colorful local market, where you can purchase souvenirs and try some delicious street food.

If you're in the mood for adventure, rent a bike or take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River. You can also explore nearby beaches such as An Bang or Cua Dai, enjoying water sports or simply relaxing on the sand.

For a cultural experience, visit local handicraft workshops and learn about traditional Vietnamese crafts such as lantern making, silk weaving, and pottery. At night, join a cooking class and learn how to make delicious Vietnamese dishes.

With so much to do in Hoi An, you'll never have a dull moment during your free day.

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Accommodation:

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Lacasa Villa Hotel 3-star or similar

Lasenta Boutique Hotel 4-star or similar

Bellerive Hoi An Resort & Spa 5-star or similar

After having breakfast at your hotel, you’re free until it’s time for your flight. You will fly   to Ho Chi Minh City and stay overnight at the most touristic area of Ho Chi Minh City you can either spend time relaxing or continue to explore the city.

Here are the landmarks and tourist attractions that we would like to recommend:

• Independence Palace (ticket 40,000VND/person)

• Nguyen Hue walking road

• Ben Thanh market

• General Post office

• Notre Dame Cathedral

• City Hall

• Municipal Theater

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Accommodation:

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Elios Hotel 3-star or similar

The Odys Boutique Hotel 4-star or similar

Windsor Plaza Hotel 5-star or similar

­8:00 AM – Our friendly tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for an exciting day trip to the Mekong Delta.

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After a 2-hour scenic drive, we’ll arrive at the port and begin a leisurely boat cruise along the Tien River, where you’ll explore four charming islets named after mythical animals in Asian folklore: Dragon, Kirin, Tortoise, and Phoenix.

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Visit a Local Bee Farm

Enjoy a refreshing cup of honey tea with lemon—famous for its health benefits—and sample a colorful variety of tropical fruits, a specialty of the Delta. For the adventurous, there’s even a chance to take photos with pythons!

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Discover Traditional Coconut Candy

We’ll stop by a handmade coconut candy workshop, where you’ll see how these delicious local treats are crafted and get a chance to try them fresh.

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Experience “Đờn Ca Tài Tử” – Soul of the Delta

While relaxing on the boat, you’ll enjoy a live performance of Đờn Ca Tài Tử, a traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music genre recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. It’s a unique cultural moment you won’t forget.

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Bamboo Rowboat Ride & Horse-Drawn Carriage

Continue your adventure by rowing through a picturesque mangrove palm canal. Then, step back in time with a horse-drawn carriage ride through a peaceful village, just as locals did in the 19th century.

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Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda

End your journey with a visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda—the largest and most famous Buddhist temple in Southern Vietnam. Admire its unique architecture that beautifully blends Asian and Western influences. This historical site is located in My Tho Town.

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Tour Ends – Return to Ho Chi Minh City

After an enriching day of discovery and cultural immersion, we’ll take you back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

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Accommodation:

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Elios Hotel 3-star or similar

The Odys Boutique Hotel 4-star or similar

Windsor Plaza Hotel 5-star or similar

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Pick-up & Departure

Our guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you on a scenic 60 km (approximately 1.5-hour) drive to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, a remarkable underground system used during the Vietnam War.

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Introduction Documentary

Upon arrival, you'll watch a short documentary film that provides historical context and insights into how the tunnels were built and used during wartime.

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Explore the Underground Network

Begin your adventure by exploring the carefully constructed underground areas that include kitchens, bedrooms, storage spaces, weapons workshops, field hospitals, and command centers—essential elements that supported daily life below ground.

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Discover an Underground Town

Step into a recreated underground town and witness firsthand the living conditions of the Vietnamese guerrilla fighters.

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Hidden Trapdoors and Survival Tactics

Learn about the ingenious handmade traps, secret trapdoors, and other defense mechanisms that turned this tunnel system into an impenetrable fortress during wartime.

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Visit a Rice Paper Workshop

Stop by a local rice paper workshop and observe the traditional techniques still used today to produce this essential part of Vietnamese cuisine.

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Taste the Warrior’s Meal

Enjoy a tasting of guerrilla-style wartime food: boiled tapioca and hot tea—simple but symbolic of resilience and survival.

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Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Conclude your immersive journey into history and head back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

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Accommodation:

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Elios Hotel 3-star or similar

The Odys Boutique Hotel 4-star or similar

Windsor Plaza Hotel 5-star or similar

Ho Chi Minh City offers a wide range of activities for tourists to enjoy during their free day. Take a stroll around the city and witness the blend of modern skyscrapers and French colonial architecture. Visit historical landmarks such as the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace to learn more about the country's history.

If you're in the mood for shopping, head to Ben Thanh Market, one of the oldest markets in the city, where you can find souvenirs, clothing, and local delicacies. For a cultural experience, visit the temples and pagodas scattered throughout the city, such as the Jade Emperor Pagoda or Notre Dame Cathedral.

No matter what you choose to do on your free day in Ho Chi Minh City, there is something for everyone to enjoy and explore in this vibrant city.

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Accommodation:

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Elios Hotel 3-star or similar

The Odys Boutique Hotel 4-star or similar

Windsor Plaza Hotel 5-star or similar

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and spend the rest of the time to explore or shopping for souvenirs in HCM city before departing for the airport for your international flight home or your next destination. We hope that you have had an amazing time in Vietnam with us and have created unforgettable memories. Thank you for choosing Bestour for your journey and we look forward to embarking on new adventures with you in the future!