18 days Absolute Vietnam Tour

Our guide will meet you at your hotel lobby at around 16.30 and then take you to Hoan Kiem Lake (The Lake of the Returned Sword) that shows the traditional architecture style of the Old Quarter.

Leaving Hoan Kiem Lake, tour guide will take you along the Hanoi streets and learn more about Hanoians by visiting an ancient house locate on 87 Ma May. Dating back to the 19th century, this very special house is a stunning example of the architecture style that once prevailed throughout Hanoi before the concrete egg-carton style took over. This is one of the few intact remains of an old-style home open to the public in Hanoi.

Our next stop is Bach Ma Temple, lying in the heart of the Old Quarter. It is said to be the oldest temple in the city. Nowadays, the temple still retains many of its original relics such as stone steles, altars, shrines and statues. Along with architectural and artistic merit, Bach Ma Temple is also a valuable resource for researching and studying about the history of Hanoi.

The trip will take you inside the alleys and explore the fascinating and confusing narrow streets of the Old Quarter where local markets are located. On the way, you will have a chance to enjoy some traditional tasty foods in the market. You can choose among three light dinner dishes, from the extremely popular “Phở” (Noodle soup), “Bún chả” (grilled pork with vermicelli) and lastly, our personal favorite “Bún Bò” (Beef soup).

To conclude our day, the guide will take you to Ta Hien street, one of the hot spots for beer. Sitting at a street corner in Hanoi old quarter with a beer glass, chatting with your freshly made friends while watching people pass by might be one the most memorable pages in your travel journal.

Our guide will pick you up at hotel at 8.00 & start a sightseeing today includes explore Vietnam’s charming capital. With its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and ancient oriental pagodas, start a Hanoi’s key sites: the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and stilt house), the Presidential Palace, the nearby One Pillar Pagoda; the Temple of Literature; West Lake including the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda; and one of the city’s museums (a choice between the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum). End the day’s explorations enjoy a traditional water puppet show. Then, free shopping at the Old Quarter before transfering to railway station to catch a night train to Lao Cai. Overnight in a shared 4 berths cabin with A/C. 

Arrive into Lao Cai early in the morning and transfer to Sapa hotel (approx 1hrs drive), enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. Sapa is an old hill station located 1,600m above the sea level with breathtaking scenery of mountain ranges and sweeping rice terraces. Sapa is known for its colourful markets, different minority villages and fine example of tribal architecture. Later today, 6km of walking down to the south east of Sapa along the side of Muong Hoa valley to Y Linh Ho village of the Black H’mong. A 2km-trekking down to Lao Chai village, through terraced rice fields to Ta Van village of the Dzay minority people. Lunch at a local family, it gives you a worth chance for you to learn about the local house architecture which is full of their daily life styles and exclusive custom. Enjoy the landscapes…on the way. Get back to Sapa by Car. 

OPTIONAL (Afternoon): Touch the Sky: A Journey to Fansipan Peak 
Distance: ~9 km | (~ 15-20 mins by car) 

OPTIONAL: Muong Hoa Mountain Train (if you don't want to transfer by car) - Surcharge is available at your request
A more unique option is the Muong Hoa Mountain Train, running directly from Sun Plaza in Sapa town center to the cable car station.
Distance: ~2 km
Duration: ~6 minutes
Highlights: Spectacular views of the Muong Hoa Valley and terraced rice fields.

Our guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer you to the cable car station — either by van/coach or via funicular through the scenic Muong Hoa Valley.

• Take the cable car ride to Fansipan Peak — the highest mountain in Indochina (3,143 meters above sea level). The cable car journey takes about 15 minutes, followed by a 600-step climb to reach the summit.

Alternatively, you may choose to take the funicular to the peak (extra fee: USD 5/pax).

From the top of Fansipan, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, the wild forest landscape, and the Muong Hoa Valley below.
If you choose to walk down, you can stop and visit several highlights along the way, including:

• Bao An Zen Monastery
• Bich Van Zen Monastery
• The massive copper Buddha statue and Guanyin statue

(Note: If taking the funicular down, a short staircase is still required.)
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant near the cable car station/ or at the center of Sapa Town.
Afterward, transfer back to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure.
 

A walk down to the South-west of Sapa (around 4 km) to visit Cat Cat village of the Black H’mong. Relax at the food of the stunning waterfall and the vestige of a hydroelectric power station that was constructed by the French during the colonial time in Vietnam. Enjoy picnic lunch by the side of the riverand then next 6 km to Sin Chaithe village located at the foot of Fansipan Mountain“the roof of Vietnam and Indochina”. From here you can enjoy huge stunning landscapes before climbing up on the way a car to return to Sapa. Free at leisure until transferred to Lao Cai station for overnight train to Hanoi.

The train arrives Hanoi station early morning, our driver will pick you up at station and transfer to hotel ( no check in), having a breakfast by your own account. Then waiting for our guide and shuttle bus pick you up at lobby of hotel at 8.00-8.20am and start journey east to Halong Bay, through picturesque rice-farming villages of the Red River Delta, where we see every day Vietnamese village life. On arrival, we board a beautiful traditional junk and spend a full day and night cruising the bay’s 3000 magnificent limestone islets. In the evening when the boat is anchored in the middle of the stunning lagoon, we enjoy a wonderful seafood meal and later there is opportunity for an evening swim from the side of the boat. Overnight on board

Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for breakfast then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of Halong. Have brunch on board the boat before returning to Halong pier to get back Hanoi,  transferred to railway station to catch a night train to Dong Hoi. Overnight on a shared 4 berths cabin with A/C.

Upon arrival Dong Hoi at early morning, our guide and drive pick you up at Dong Hoi train station, transfer to hotel to leave the luggage. Then, heading to Phong Nha - Arrive to Rescue Center. 
08:45 - 09:45: Experience the Wildlife Rescue Station
09:55 - 10:10: Transport to Botanical Garden
10:15 - 12:30: Trekking through the proper jungle
12:45 - 13:45: BBQ Lunch in Jungle and Resting
14:00- 16:30: Trekking through the jungle and back to the Botanical Garden.
16:30 - 17:00: Swimming at the beautiful natural pool
17:00- 17:15: See some wildlife animals at the Rehabilitation Centre
17:15 - 18:15: Transfer back hotel

Morning, explore the Phong Nha cave. This was the first cave in the area to be opened to the public and at the time was the largest known cave in Vietnam. Get on boat for a journey up the river and in to the cave. Have lunch at restaurant before departing to visit Paradise cave. Paradise cave is the longest dried cave in South East Asia with the length of 31,4km. You walk up the mountain with 524 steps to enjoy cool weather and the magnificent stalactite and stalagmite when visiting 1,2km inside cave. End of the tour, transfer to Hue city, upon arrival, check in hotel and overnight in Hue. 

After breakfast, 8.00 our guide picks you up at hotel for a full day sight-seeing the ancient capital of Vietnam. You will board on the boat for a cruise on the romantic Perfume River heading out for the countryside; stop to visit the charming Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda). Thien Mu Pagoda is considered the symbol of Hue, and of Buddhism in Vietnam. From here you will rejoin your car and visit King Minh Mang’s Tomb OR King Tu Duc’s Tomb. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to visit Hue Citadel and Dong Ba Market before taking the scenic route to Hoi An, a UNESCO world heritage site via Hai Van pass. Upon arrival Hoi An, check in hotel and free at your own for visiting a lovely old-style house, Japanese Bridge, a Chinese temple and the market. Spend the night in Hoi An. 

Today, free at leisure

OPTION 1: Hoi An - Cam Thanh Farmer - Buffalo Experience
08:30 – Meet your expert guide at your hotel and cycle along quiet countryside roads to the local fishing village of Cam Thanh. Along the way, stop at rice paddies and fish and shrimp farms.
Meet local farmers working in the fields and join them in traditional farming activities, including ploughing, preparing the soil, and planting young rice seedlings. You will also have the opportunity to ride a water buffalo and help feed it — a truly memorable experience.
Continue to a local fisherman’s home to taste homemade coconut jam and tea while meeting members of the family.
Explore the water coconut palm forest and learn about traditional fishing techniques. Share hands-on experiences with local fishermen as you catch fish and purple crabs using unique fishing nets, and paddle a traditional bamboo basket boat.
Learn more about the Vietnam–American War through interesting and authentic stories shared by locals.
Enjoy lunch at a local home, where you will learn how to make fresh rice milk and cook the traditional Hoi An pancake (Bánh Xèo).
13:00 – Return to your hotel and end of the program. Thank you for choosing our company.
Optional departure:
Guests may also choose an afternoon departure, starting at 14:00 and finishing at approximately 18:30.

OPTION 2: Countryside & Handicraft Villages by Bike and Boat – Half-Day Tour
Morning Tour: 07:30 – 11:30 or Afternoon Tour: 13:30 – 17:30
Start with a bike ride through rice paddies and quiet villages, heading to the harbor. From here, embark on a boat trip along the Thu Bon River to discover Hoi An’s traditional handicraft villages.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Visit this famous village known for its centuries-old pottery traditions. Explore the temple, museum, and join a hands-on pottery-making workshop.
Kim Bong Carpentry Village: Hear the rhythmic sounds of chiseling and drilling as you walk through this community where woodworking skills have been passed down for generations.
Tra Nhieu Mat-Weaving Village: Learn how locals weave traditional sleeping mats and listen to stories about village life, fishing traditions, and resilience during wartime.
Stop at a local restaurant for lunch (or early dinner for afternoon tours), where you’ll enjoy authentic countryside flavors.
Cycle back to your hotel. Tour ends.

OPTION 3: Tra Que Village – Bay Mau Coconut Forest
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Distance (cycling): ~ 4.5 - 5km | Duration: Full day
08:30 AM – Cycle (~15–20 mins) from your hotel to Tra Que Village. Visit herb gardens, meet local farmers, and join light gardening activities using organic methods.
10:00 AM – Ride through rice fields and quiet roads to Van Lang Fisherman Village & Bay Mau Coconut Forest. Visit a local family, enjoy green tea, and row a basket boat through the palm-lined waterways. Learn traditional fishing techniques.
1:00 PM – Herbal foot soak, then join a hands-on cooking class with the host. Enjoy lunch with local dishes: Tam Huu, Banh Xeo, grilled fish, and more.
2:30 PM – Relax before returning to your hotel by ~4:00 PM.
Note: Non-cyclists can join by car/electric buggy (extra charge).

OPTION 4: Coconut Forest - Hoi An Walking Tour - Tailor Streets
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
8:30 AM – Pick-up from your hotel. Transfer to Bay Mau Coconut Forest (Cam Thanh Village), known for its peaceful canals and lush nipa palm groves.
Enjoy a basket boat ride through the waterways, guided by local fishermen. Learn traditional fishing techniques and have fun with basket boat "spinning" performances.
10:00 AM – Head to Hoi An Ancient Town. Begin your walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Old Quarter:

- Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge
- Explore the Fujian Assembly Hall
- Wander through narrow alleys, tailor shops, art galleries & local markets

12:30 PM – Lunch at a local restaurant, featuring Hoi An specialties: Cao Lau, Mi Quang, Banh Mi, etc.

Afternoon & Evening: Free at Leisure
Suggested activities:
- Walk along the lantern-lit streets of the Ancient Town
- Take a Thu Bon River boat ride at sunset
- Visit the vibrant Night Market
- Dine at a riverside restaurant
- Watch a traditional show like Ký Ức Hội An

OPTION 5: Lantern Making & Be a Farmer at Tra Que Village – Half-Day Tour from Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast 
Distance: ~3 km (~10-15mins by cycling)
08:00 – 08:30 (Flexible for private tour): Your guide will meet you at your hotel and provide bicycles for the trip. Begin cycling through rice paddies and shrimp farms on the way to Tra Que.

Tra Que Vegetable Village
Arrive at the peaceful Tra Que vegetable village. Stroll through the lush gardens and experience daily farming life. Join the locals in traditional activities such as digging, sowing, planting, and harvesting with centuries-old tools. Refresh yourself with E Water, a Tra Que specialty made from medicinal herbs, and enjoy becoming a farmer for the morning.
Lantern Making Workshop
Continue cycling past rice fields and quiet villages to reach a local lantern-making workshop. Skilled craftsmen will demonstrate how to create colorful lanterns, and under their guidance you will craft your own lantern — a perfect souvenir to bring home.
Return to Hoi An
After the workshop, cycle back to your hotel. The tour ends around 13:30.

OPTION 6: Countryside & Handicraft Villages by Bike and Boat – Half-Day Tour
Morning Tour: 07:30 – 11:30 or Afternoon Tour: 13:30 – 17:30
Start with a bike ride through rice paddies and quiet villages, heading to the harbor. From here, embark on a boat trip along the Thu Bon River to discover Hoi An’s traditional handicraft villages.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Visit this famous village known for its centuries-old pottery traditions. Explore the temple, museum, and join a hands-on pottery-making workshop.
Kim Bong Carpentry Village: Hear the rhythmic sounds of chiseling and drilling as you walk through this community where woodworking skills have been passed down for generations.
Tra Nhieu Mat-Weaving Village: Learn how locals weave traditional sleeping mats and listen to stories about village life, fishing traditions, and resilience during wartime.
Stop at a local restaurant for lunch (or early dinner for afternoon tours), where you’ll enjoy authentic countryside flavors.
Cycle back to your hotel. Tour ends.

7:20 AM – Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. For private tours, pick-up time can be adjusted upon request.
8:00 AM – Meet your guide and depart for Ba Na Hills (~30 km, ~1 hour drive from Da Nang).

Upon arrival, take the Ba Na Hills cable car, one of the longest and highest in the world, reaching the summit in 15–20 minutes. During the ride, enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and forested valleys below.
At the top, visit the key highlights:

• The Golden Bridge, held up by giant stone hands – an iconic photo spot
• The romantic Le Jardin d’Amour (nine themed flower gardens)
• The historic French Wine Cellar (optional with extra fee)
• The peaceful Linh Ung Pagoda

Continue exploring the French Village, including:

• Campanile Bell Tower, Nine Floor Goddess Shrine, and Tombstone Temple
• Linh Phong Monastery, Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple, and Tru Vu Tea House
• Watch the colorful Carnival Performance at Du Dome Square

12:00 PM – Enjoy a buffet lunch at a mountaintop restaurant.
1:00–3:00 PM – Free time to explore or join games at Fantasy Park (indoor amusement area).
3:30 PM – Take the cable car down (15–20 minutes) and meet your guide at the base station.
4:30 PM – Transfer back to Da Nang. On the way, stop by the Han Market, where locals shop for fresh produce, dried goods, and souvenirs. A perfect spot to observe daily life and experience the local vibe. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Da Nang/ Hoi An

Free day until we take an afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh. Enjoy the free evening on your own plan. 

Breakfast at hotel, meet our guide at 8.00 & start visiting to the most attractive places in Ho Chi Minh City including Reunification Palace - a special national relic for its historical and architectural values of Vietnam, and the War Remnants Museum. Next, we will explore a little bit about Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office – the French building in Ho Chi Minh City.

Have a lunch at local restaurant before leaving the city for a tour to Cu Chi Tunnels - a man-made maze with the length of almost 250 kilometers. Also, the tunnels were used to serve as communication routes, storage facilities, hospitals and living quarters for Vietnamese fighters in the long period of war. If you are interested in, you can go into the tunnels to discover the harsh living conditions of those whose were used to live there. 

After that, taste the typical boiled tapioca and hot tea before you come back to Saigon.

After breakfast our guide and driver will pick you up to visit one of the must visited regions of the Mekong delta, we visit Cai be floating market, cruising among the local barges stuffed-full of fruits and vegetables. Visit some local workshops then enjoy a delicious lunch served at a local house in the cool shade of An Binh Island’s orchards. In the afternoon, take a traditional rowboat and venture deeper into the countryside, floating through narrow canals to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Stop at a nursery garden to discover how farmers along the delta produce their world famous fruits and vegetables. The cruise ends around in Vinh Long. Continue by car to Can Tho City. Overnight in Can Tho.

Cruising along the small picturesque tributaries by rowing boat, we will see the Cai Rang floating market. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and the daily activities along the Mekong canals, visit a rice husking mill. Disembark at Ninh Kieu quay, then transfer back to Ho Chi Minh. Overnight in HCMC.

Our driver will pick you up at lobby of hotel and transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for flight back home. Tour ends.