THE COLORS OF VIETNAM – A 12-DAY JOURNEY

Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be welcomed by our Viet Vision Travel guide at the airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Check in and relax.

In the afternoon, explore Cholon (Chinatown), one of the city's most vibrant Chinese-influenced areas and markets. Discover the local way of life, traditional architecture, and bustling streets before enjoying a welcome dinner at an elegant local restaurant.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Tour – Cu Chi Tunnels

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your city tour with a visit to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam. Continue to the War Remnants Museum, where a fascinating collection of photographs, artifacts, and exhibits provides insight into the history of the Second Indochina War.

Before lunch, stop at the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the historic Saigon Central Post Office, two of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Enjoy lunch at an elegant restaurant in the city center.

In the afternoon, leave Ho Chi Minh City for the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, also known as the “Iron Triangle” or “Iron Land.” Along the way, admire the changing scenery of the countryside, including rubber plantations and rice paddies.

Upon arrival, watch a short documentary introducing the construction and history of the tunnels before exploring the underground network. Some sections have been widened for visitors. You will also see various types of traps, the remains of an American tank, and bomb craters dating from the war.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Vinh Long – Mekong Delta Homestay

Morning: River Life & Local Handicrafts

Depart Ho Chi Minh City for Cai Be, the gateway to the lush Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, board a private boat and cruise along the peaceful waterways of the Tien River.

Instead of focusing only on busy tourist markets, today's experience takes you closer to the authentic spirit of the Mekong. Cruise past lush fruit orchards, traditional riverside houses, and peaceful villages while observing the daily life of local communities.

Stop at several family-run handicraft workshops to discover traditional techniques used to make rice paper, coconut candy, crispy rice snacks, and other local specialties.

Continue to a rustic craft village where you can observe the traditional production of rice paper and coconut-leaf roofing, skills that have been passed down through generations.

Afternoon: Canals, Cycling & Local Life

In the afternoon, board a small sampan boat and travel deeper into the quiet, palm-shaded canals. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you pass traditional wooden houses and witness the simple lifestyle of local families.

Upon arrival at your charming local homestay, check in and prepare for a relaxing cycling experience. Ride along narrow village paths through fruit orchards and peaceful countryside, meeting friendly locals and experiencing the everyday rhythm of life in the Mekong Delta.

Evening: Authentic Family Dinner

As the sun sets, join your host family in preparing a traditional Mekong-style dinner. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn how local dishes are prepared and experience genuine Vietnamese hospitality.

Enjoy a warm home-cooked meal together while sharing stories through smiles, gestures, and conversation. Relax with a cup of local tea or a glass of traditional rice wine.

Overnight at a local homestay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Vinh Long – Ho Chi Minh City – Fly to Da Nang – Hoi An

Start the day with breakfast and a leisurely walk around the village to enjoy the fresh morning air. Then board a boat to visit traditional brick kilns, where local craftsmen continue to transform clay into beautiful ceramic products.

Cruise along the floating fishing villages and observe how local people raise fish along the Mekong River. After disembarking, visit Vinh Long Market, a lively local market where you can photograph an impressive variety of fish, shrimp, crabs, tropical fruits, vegetables, and other regional products.

After the visit, transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City and continue to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your domestic flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, meet your local guide and transfer to the charming ancient town of Hoi An. Check in at your hotel and relax.

Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Hoi An Walking Tour

At around 8:30 AM, begin a walking tour through the atmospheric Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved architecture and unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European influences.

Visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, Museum of Trade Ceramics, Tan Ky Ancient House, the Cantonese Assembly Hall, traditional silk shops, and historic temples and pagodas featuring distinctive Chinese architecture.

The afternoon is free for you to explore Hoi An at your own pace. Browse the colorful markets, discover charming cafés and boutiques, shop for souvenirs, or simply relax by the river.

Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Hoi An – Da Nang – Fly to Hanoi – Dong Trieu

This morning, transfer from Hoi An to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Hanoi. The flight takes approximately one hour.

Upon arrival, meet your Hanoi guide and begin the journey to Dong Trieu, passing through the lush countryside and rice fields of the Red River Delta.

Along the way, visit a local Humanitarian Center, which provides support for children with disabilities in the area.

Upon arrival in Dong Trieu, you will be introduced to traditional Japanese-style bicycles before setting off on a leisurely cycling journey through peaceful village roads and rice fields. Visit local schools and the Dong Trieu pottery village, where you can learn about traditional ceramics and interact with local residents.

In the evening, experience authentic rural hospitality with a local family homestay.

Overnight at a local homestay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Dong Trieu – Halong Bay

After breakfast, say goodbye to your host family and depart for magnificent Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Arrive in Halong Bay around noon and board your cruise. You will be welcomed with a refreshing drink before checking into your cabin. A delicious seafood lunch will be served while the cruise begins sailing through the spectacular scenery of the bay.

In the afternoon, admire some of Halong Bay's most famous limestone formations, including Incense Burner Islet, Finger Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, and Stone Dog Islet.

Continue to the floating fishing village of Vung Vieng, where you can discover the unique lifestyle of local fishermen and enjoy a kayaking experience through the surrounding waters.

Later, continue cruising and enjoy time for swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking around Bright Cave and Dark Cave, depending on weather and tide conditions.

In the evening, enjoy dinner on board and participate in optional traditional activities.

Overnight on the cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Halong Bay – Hanoi

Wake up early and enjoy the sunrise over Halong Bay with a cup of tea or coffee and a light breakfast.

Relax on the sundeck while admiring the breathtaking scenery of limestone islands rising from the emerald waters.

After breakfast, spend approximately one hour exploring Surprise Cave, one of the largest and most impressive caves in Halong Bay. Check-out is normally between 10:00 and 10:30 AM.

Continue cruising back toward the harbor while enjoying lunch on board. Along the way, admire more fascinating limestone formations and panoramic views of the bay.

The cruise arrives at the harbor around noon. Your vehicle will then transfer you back to Hanoi, arriving in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Hanoi City Tour – Overnight Train to Sapa

Today, begin a full-day exploration of Hanoi from your hotel.

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the exterior of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his traditional Stilt House, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, originally built to honor Confucius and established in 1070 as Vietnam's first university. The site reflects the importance of education throughout Vietnamese history.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the fascinating Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, home to an extensive collection representing Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.

Afterward, take a scenic drive around Hanoi to experience the city's different neighborhoods and observe everyday local life. Return to the hotel for some time to relax before transferring to Hanoi Railway Station for your overnight train to Sapa.

Overnight on the train.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Note: The train usually departs Hanoi at around 8:30 PM and arrives at Lao Cai Station at approximately 6:30 AM the following morning.

Day 10: Sapa Trekking Tour

Arrive at Lao Cai Railway Station at around 6:30 AM. Meet your driver and transfer uphill to Sapa. Although the distance is only about 38 km, the journey takes approximately one hour due to the mountainous terrain.

Upon arrival in Sapa, check in at the hotel if an early room is available. After some time to rest and breakfast, begin your exploration of this beautiful mountain town.

Enjoy a scenic trek to Cat Cat Village, home to the H'Mong people. Follow mountain trails descending into the valleys below Sapa, passing terraced rice fields and traditional villages.

Along the way, meet local ethnic minority people and have opportunities to learn about their culture, traditions, and daily lives.

Return to Sapa after the trek and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Overnight in Sapa.
Trekking distance: Approximately 5 km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Sapa – Lao Chai – Ta Van – Overnight Train to Hanoi

After breakfast, begin another spectacular trekking adventure along buffalo trails and mountain paths through the ethnic villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van.

Home to the Black H'mong and Dzay communities, this route offers breathtaking views of the Muong Hoa Valley. As you descend into the valley, enjoy panoramic scenery of cascading rice terraces, traditional houses, mountain slopes, and scattered villages.

Take time to interact with local residents and experience the peaceful atmosphere of rural Sapa.

After the trek, return to Sapa before transferring by car to Lao Cai Railway Station. Your guide will assist you at the station before you board the overnight train back to Hanoi.

Overnight on the train.
Trekking distance: Approximately 10 km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Departure from Hanoi

Arrive at Hanoi Railway Station at approximately 4:30 AM. Transfer to your hotel for a short rest and breakfast.

Afterward, transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight.

Your 12-day Vietnam journey comes to an end. Thank you for traveling with us, and we wish you a pleasant journey home.

Meals: Breakfast