21-Day Vietnam Highlights: Heritage, Culture & Island Escapes

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi – the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam!

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, your local guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Check in and enjoy some time to relax after your journey.

In the evening, enjoy dinner featuring delicious local specialties. After dinner, you are free to explore the Old Quarter or relax at your hotel.

🛌 Accommodation

• Hotel in Hanoi.

🍽️ Meals

• Dinner

Day 2: Hanoi – Free Time – Cyclo Ride, Water Puppet Show & Street Food Walking Tour

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to explore Hanoi at your own pace. You may relax at the hotel, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, explore the Old Quarter, or experience the local lifestyle independently.

In the afternoon, begin your Hanoi adventure with a traditional cyclo ride. Sit back and enjoy a leisurely ride through the historic Old Quarter, passing charming streets, colonial architecture, and bustling local neighborhoods.

Continue with a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a unique folk art originating from the Red River Delta. Watch colorful puppets perform on the water accompanied by traditional Vietnamese music.

In the evening, join a Hanoi street food walking tour with a local guide. Explore the lively streets and taste famous local specialties such as pho, bun cha, banh cuon, spring rolls, and other delicious Vietnamese street foods.

🛌 Accommodation

• Hotel in Hanoi.

🍽️ Meals

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 3: Hanoi – Duong Lam Ancient Village – Classic Jeep Countryside Tour

After breakfast, leave Hanoi and travel to Duong Lam Ancient Village, one of the best-preserved traditional villages in Northern Vietnam.

Explore peaceful village lanes, ancient gates, communal houses, and traditional laterite houses. Learn about the architecture, customs, and everyday life of local people passed down through generations.

In the afternoon, enjoy a classic Jeep countryside tour through the surrounding rural areas. Ride along small village roads, rice fields, and local communities while discovering an authentic side of Vietnamese countryside life.

After the tour, return to Hanoi and relax at your hotel.

🛌 Accommodation

• Hotel in Hanoi.

🍽️ Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 4: Hanoi – Bat Trang Ceramic Village – Traditional Vietnamese Feast

After breakfast, depart for Bat Trang Ceramic Village, one of Vietnam’s most famous and historic traditional craft villages.

Discover the long history of Vietnamese pottery, visit local workshops, and learn how traditional ceramic products are made. You will also have the opportunity to try making pottery yourself, creating a small handmade souvenir to take home.

Continue exploring local ceramic shops and markets, where a wide variety of beautifully crafted products are displayed.

Enjoy a special lunch featuring a traditional Vietnamese feast inspired by old-style Vietnamese dining culture, offering an authentic experience of local cuisine and hospitality.

In the afternoon, continue exploring Bat Trang before returning to Hanoi.

🛌 Accommodation

• Hotel in Hanoi.

🍽️ Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 5: Hanoi – City Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin a full-day exploration of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks.

Visit Ba Dinh Square, an important historical site in Vietnam. See the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from the outside and continue to the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda.

Next, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, and discover the country’s long-standing traditions of education and culture.

In the afternoon, continue to Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Enjoy free time to shop, take photos, and explore the narrow streets traditionally associated with different local trades.

Evening is free for dinner and relaxation.

🛌 Accommodation

• Hotel in Hanoi.

🍽️ Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 6: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight Cruise

After breakfast, check out and depart from Hanoi for Halong Bay.

Upon arrival at the harbor, complete the boarding procedures and begin your cruise through one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural landscapes.

After check-in, enjoy lunch on board while cruising past dramatic limestone islands and emerald waters.

In the afternoon, participate in activities according to the cruise itinerary, such as kayaking, cave exploration, swimming, or relaxing on the sundeck.

In the evening, enjoy dinner on board and admire the peaceful scenery of Halong Bay under the night sky.

🛌 Accommodation

• Overnight cruise in Halong Bay.

🍽️ Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 7: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Hue

Wake up surrounded by the spectacular scenery of Halong Bay and enjoy optional morning activities according to the cruise program.

After breakfast, continue cruising through the bay before checking out.

Enjoy lunch on board before returning to the harbor. Upon disembarkation, your driver will transfer you back to Hanoi.

From Hanoi, take a domestic flight to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.

Upon arrival in Hue, your guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. The evening is free to relax or explore Hue’s local cuisine.

🛌 Accommodation

• Hotel in Hue.

🍽️ Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 8: Hue – Discover the Imperial Lifestyle | Group Tour

After breakfast, join a group tour exploring the history and culture of Hue.

Visit the Imperial City of Hue, the former political and cultural center of the Nguyen Dynasty. Explore its magnificent palaces, gates, courtyards, and royal buildings while learning about the lives of Vietnam’s emperors and royal family.

Continue to one of Hue’s most impressive royal tombs. Admire the unique architecture, surrounding landscapes, and stories associated with the Nguyen emperors.

You will also have the opportunity to taste some of Hue’s famous specialties and discover the culinary traditions once associated with the imperial court.

After the tour, return to your hotel and relax.

🛌 Accommodation

• Hotel in Hue.

🍽️ Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 9: Hue – Hoi An – Street Food Walking Tour

After breakfast, check out and depart from Hue to Hoi An.

Along the way, enjoy beautiful landscapes of Central Vietnam, including mountains, countryside, and scenic coastal roads.

Upon arrival in Hoi An, check in at your hotel and enjoy some time to relax.

In the late afternoon or evening, join a Hoi An street food walking tour. Follow your local guide through the charming ancient streets and taste local specialties such as cao lau, mi Quang, banh xeo, Hoi An banh mi, and other delicious street foods.

As night falls, Hoi An comes alive with colorful lanterns. Enjoy free time to explore the Ancient Town, shop for souvenirs, and soak up its romantic atmosphere.

🛌 Accommodation

• Hotel in Hoi An.

🍽️ Meals

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 10: Hoi An – Free Time

Today is a completely free day in Hoi An.

Explore the Ancient Town at your own pace, visit historic houses and traditional assembly halls, browse the local market, or simply relax at your hotel.

You may also choose to cycle through the surrounding villages, relax at An Bang Beach, enjoy local coffee, or discover more of Hoi An’s culinary delights.

In the evening, enjoy the magical atmosphere of the lantern-lit Ancient Town.

🛌 Accommodation

• Hotel in Hoi An.

🍽️ Meals

• Breakfast

Day 11: Hoi An – Da Nang – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City – Saigon Evening Vespa Tour

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Da Nang for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to your hotel. Check in and enjoy some time to relax.

In the evening, begin your group Saigon Evening Vespa Tour, one of the most exciting ways to discover Ho Chi Minh City after dark.

Ride through the lively streets on the back of a local Vespa with an experienced driver. Explore local neighborhoods, experience the vibrant nightlife, and taste some of Saigon’s most popular local dishes.

Enjoy the city lights, lively atmosphere, and authentic local experiences as you discover Saigon from a different perspective.

🛌 Accommodation

• Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

🍽️ Meals

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City – Group City Tour

After breakfast, join a group city tour of Ho Chi Minh City.

Visit some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, and Saigon Central Post Office.

Continue to Ben Thanh Market, one of the city’s most iconic markets. Explore the lively stalls, discover local products, and experience everyday life in the heart of Saigon.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city, shop, or relax at a local café.

🛌 Accommodation

• Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

🍽️ Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City – Vinh Long – Can Tho

After breakfast, leave Ho Chi Minh City and begin your journey into the Mekong Delta.

Arrive in Vinh Long and board a local boat to explore the smaller waterways and riverside countryside. Discover the daily life of local communities, visit tropical fruit orchards, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Mekong region.

Visit local handicraft workshops and taste seasonal tropical fruits.

After lunch, continue to Can Tho. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax.

In the evening, you may explore Ninh Kieu Wharf and sample local Mekong Delta cuisine.

🛌 Accommodation

• Hotel in Can Tho.

🍽️ Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 14: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Ho Chi Minh City

Wake up early for a memorable visit to Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the most iconic attractions of the Mekong Delta.

Take a morning boat ride to the floating market and experience the lively atmosphere as local vendors trade fruits, vegetables, and other products directly from their boats.

Enjoy the unique experience of having breakfast on the river before returning to the hotel.

After breakfast, check out and depart for Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax.

🛌 Accommodation

• Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

🍽️ Meals

• Breakfast

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City – Flight to Phu Quoc

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Phu Quoc – Vietnam’s famous “Pearl Island.”

Upon arrival in Phu Quoc, your driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel or resort.

Check in and begin your relaxing island escape.

The rest of the day is completely free. Relax by the beach or swimming pool, enjoy the resort facilities, or explore the surrounding area at your own pace.

🛌 Accommodation

• Hotel/Resort in Phu Quoc.

🍽️ Meals

• Breakfast

Days 16–20: Phu Quoc – Free Time

Enjoy five relaxing days in Phu Quoc with no fixed itinerary.

Spend your days however you wish. Relax on beautiful beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, soak up the sunshine, or enjoy the facilities and services at your resort.

For those looking for more adventure, optional activities may include island hopping, snorkeling, visiting fishing villages, enjoying fresh seafood, or watching the sunset over the sea.

This is the perfect opportunity to unwind after an unforgettable journey across Vietnam.

🛌 Accommodation

• Hotel/Resort in Phu Quoc.

🍽️ Meals

• Breakfast

Day 21: Phu Quoc – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City – Departure

After breakfast, enjoy some free time until your driver transfers you to Phu Quoc International Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, continue with your connecting flight home.

Your 21-day, 20-night Vietnam journey comes to an end, taking you from the historic streets of Hanoi and the breathtaking landscapes of Halong Bay to the imperial heritage of Hue, the charming Ancient Town of Hoi An, the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, the peaceful waterways of the Mekong Delta, and the beautiful beaches of Phu Quoc.

Thank you for traveling with us. We wish you a safe flight home and hope you take away wonderful memories of Vietnam!

🍽️ Meals

• Breakfast