15-Day Private Tour - Vietnam Discovery & Phu Quoc Beach Escape

Day 1 · Hanoi (Welcome to Hanoi, enjoy a walking tour in the Old Quarter)

1. 1

   Old Quarter

   4 hours Admission included

   Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our guide and driver at the pickup lobby. You’ll then enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi, passing over the Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city’s unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic.

   Continue the day, tour guide will escort you walking around the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake to the Opera House, stopping at the statue of King Ly Thai To and Vietnamese Government Guest House, Sofitel Metropole Hanoi. Walk back to the Old town, visit some main streets before returning to your hotel.

   Option: If your flight arrives late or you are jet lag after long flight, the walking tour will be moved to the city tour day.

Overnight at Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel in a Deluxe City View.

Day 2 · Hanoi (Visiting the city's highlights, French Quarter, Ho Chi Minh complex, leisurely walk by the West Lake)

1. 1

   Temple of Literature & National University

   one hour Admission included

   9:00 AM: Get Pick up by tour guide to The Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city’s symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "stone steles” which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.

2. 2

   Hoa Lo Prison

   one hour Admission included

   Follow it with a visit to one of the city’s museums (choose among the National history museum, Hoa Lo, Museum of Ethnology and Fine art museum) before having a break for lunch or some drink (by your own budget).

3. 3

   Stop 3

   2 hours

   In the afternoon you visit The French Quarter – it is a “little Paris” in Hanoi with tree-lined boulevards, government head offices and a big square. Visit (outside) Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum before having a leisurely walk in the botanical gardens to visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he used to live and work. Towards the unique One – pillar pagoda which is one of the city’s symbols. It takes us from 1 to 2 hours to explore this complex, depending on the number of traveler.

4. 4

   Quan Thanh Temple

   one hour Admission included

   Continue to The Quan Thanh temple, one of the four most important temples in the city, dated back to the 11th century under Ly Thai To King, worshipping the Tran Vu gods, the principal deities in Taoism.

5. 5

   Chua Tran Quoc

   2 hours Admission included

   Take a leisurely walk on a romantic road crossing the West Lake with beautiful city views. Stop at the Tran Quoc pagoda which dates back to the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De Dynasty.

6. 6

   Thang Long Water Puppet

   50 min Admission included

   Finally Enjoying the water puppet shows that is the unique performances, first appeared in the 11th century. In these shows, the daily life, culture and belief of Vietnamese people are described by puppets on water. The show usually integrates a traditional music performance as well.

   Come back to hotel. End of the day

Overnight at a 3-star hotel - Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel.

Day 3 · Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hanoi (A full day to explore Ninh Binh at Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Bich Dong)

1. 1

   Hoa Lu Temple

   2 hours Admission included

   8:00 AM: Meet your tour guide and driver at hotel then transfer to Ninh Binh, the awesome site is enriched with historical, cultural, religion and geographic wonders. On the journey passing the Red River delta, stop as you wish for pictures.

   Travel to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam from the 10 to the 11 century. The citadel is surrounded by limestone mountains and rivers naturally protecting it and making for an amazing picturesque setting.

   On arrival at Hoa Lu, you will visit the temples dedicated toEmperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009) who played a vital role in gaining the country’s independence after it was ruled by China for a thousand years. Both temples were built in the 17th symbolizing a deep respect to the King’s contributions.

2. 2

   Bich Dong Pagoda

   one hour Admission included

   Keep your tour to Bich Dong pagoda, a typical pagoda in the countryside of the Red River Delta, built in the 15th century. On arrival, you will cross a stone bridge to Chua Ha, from which over 100 steps lead to Chua Trung – the cave pagoda with unique clay statues. You will then hike up to Chua Thuong. You not only have the chance to learn about Buddhism but also get to experience incredible countryside views.

3. 3

   Tam Cốc-Bich Dộng

   2 hours Admission included

   Enjoy lunch at local restaurant before transfer to Tam Coc which has been well-known as the “Halong Bay on land” and appeared in famous French movie “Indochina”. On arrival at the pier, you will take a private sampan boat for a ninety-minute cruise along Ngo Dong River. Pass through three caves and witness a stunning landscape interleaved by small communities, rice fields, cemetery and temples.

Overnight at Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel.

Day 4 · Hanoi - Halong Bay (Amazing sailing route, Pearl farm excursion, swimming and hiking at Titov Island, panoramic views)

1. 1

   Tuan Chau Island

   4 hours

   8:00 – 8:30 AM: If transport is included, our driver will pick you up from your hotel in the heart of Hanoi. From there, we’ll begin our journey to Halong City, enjoying a scenic drive through the picturesque Red River Delta. The trip takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with a convenient stop along the way for restrooms if needed.

   11:00: Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina and check in at the waiting lounge.

   12:00: Board the cruise ship, enjoy welcome drinks, and receive a short briefing. Check into your room and prepare for lunch.

   12:30: Indulge in a Vietnamese and international lunch while taking in the scenic beauty of the bay, passing by iconic landmarks such as the Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, and Three Coconuts Island.

2. 2

   Hạ Long Bay

   9 hours

   14:30: Explore Halong Bay further by visiting the Pearl Farm. This is an ideal opportunity for kayaking and experiencing the timeless beauty of Ha Long Bay up close.

   16:00: Explore Sung Sot Cave, also known as the Grotte des Surprising, the largest limestone cave in the area. Marvel at the stunning stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. (Proper footwear is highly recommended, especially in wet conditions.)

   17:45: Return to the boat and enjoy the bar’s Happy Hour (buy 2, get 1 free).

   (Option: Massage service available. Please book directly with the Cruise Manager.)

   19:30: Delight in a deluxe dinner featuring traditional and fusion dishes prepared by our talented chefs.

   21:00: After dinner, unwind at the bar and spa, participate in squid fishing, watch a movie in your cabin, play cards or chess, or simply relax on the sundeck.

   23:00: Overnight on board.

Overnight at a 3-star cruise - Mila Cruise.

Day 5 · Halong Bay - Hoi An

1. 1

   Stop 1

   5 hours

   06:15: Start your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck to awaken your senses, followed by breakfast in the restaurant.

   06:30: Enjoy breakfast with coffee, tea, and pastries.

   07:30: Visit Titov Island, known for its stunning sandy beaches and panoramic views of the bay from the top of the limestone island. (Proper footwear is recommended, especially when wet.)

   09:30: Return to the cruise ship. Check out and settle your bill at the reception.

   10:00: Enjoy brunch while cruising back to Tuan Chau Marina. Relax on the sundeck or in the restaurant.

   11:30: Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina and bid farewell to the crew.

2. 2

   Da Nang

   4 hours

   Our driver will greet you at the Cruise Waiting Lounge and transfer you to Hanoi. The journey takes approximately 2.5-3 hours, with a restroom stop available along the way (optional).

   Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Noi Bai Airport. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes.

   Upon your arrival at Da Nang Airport, our local guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation in Da Nang, a journey of approximately 30 minutes. Once you reach your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy at your leisure.

Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Danang, named Delicay Hotel & Spa.

Day 6 · Hoi An (Full day to visit Hoi An city tour)

1. 1

   Cam Pho

   one hour

   9:00 AM: Pick up from hotel for Hoi An excursion. Hoi An used to be one of the most typical South-East Asian trading ports dating from the 15th to the 19th century and the Old Town is still well-preserved. The exchanged cultures is displayed on many historic buildings, religion, daily business and enriched by the authentic lifestyle of local inhabitants.

   First stop is Cam Pho - one of the oldest communal houses in Hoi An. It was built in the shape of Chinese character means the country for worshipping and trading business and cultural exchange between locality and Chinese, Japanese traders.

2. 2

   Japanese Covered Bridge

   one hour Admission included

   Leisurely walk to The Hoi An city’s symbol - the Chua Cau or the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 17th century to allow the Japanese quarter to be accessible from the Chinese neighborhoods. The bridge’s original style has been carefully preserved for the last 400 years.

3. 3

   Quan Thang Ancient House

   2 hours Admission included

   Continue walking through the town, immersing into local life and stop at Quan Thang ancient house - one of the most authentic old houses in Hoi An with the lively and fine architecture and sculptures were made by craftsmen of famous Kim Bong carpentry village in the oriental style. The house offers a good look of Hoi An family's daily life.

4. 4

   Fukian Assembly Hall

   2 hours Admission included

   Enrich your tour by visit Phuc Kien or Fujian Assembly Hall, built since 17th century, is the gathering place for residents, traders and visitors from a specific area in China called Fujian. It is also a religious site to honor the deity Thien Hau. Spend a visit, you will admire the colorful fountains in the courtyard, the ornate gates surrounding the property and the beautiful carved dragons in the main room.

5. 5

   Tra Que Vegetable Village

   2 hours Admission included

   In the afternoon drive Tra Que farming village is famous for its aromatic herbs, mint and basil. Their leaves are smaller than normal ones and have a special flavor. Enjoy an interesting introduction to the village’s history, the vegetable cultivation and the usage of vegetables as traditional Vietnamese medicine. It is also a good opportunity to meet and take pictures with local people.

   After the excursion, travel back to city, free to explore town or leisure on beach.

Overnight at a 3-star hotel named Delicacy Hotel & Spa.

Day 7 · Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An (Exploring My Son Sanctuary, Champa culture, unique architecture.)

1. 1

   My Son Sanctuary

   6 hours Admission included

   8:00 AM: Pick up by tour guide and driver from your hotel. Spend a half day for an excursion to the sacred valley of the Champa Kingdom. Located 40km from Hoi An Town, My Son was once the most important intellectual and religious center of the kingdom of Champa and may also have served as a burial place for Cham monarchs.

   Recognized as a World Culture Heritage site by UNESCO, the site preserves the 70 ruined architecture works of bricks and stones built between the 7th and 13th century. Your tour guide will explain to you all the cultural, historical and architecture values as you leisurely visit each relic. Tour also enrich with an attending to the traditional Champa dancing show before leaving the sanctuary.

   After the excursion, travel back to city.

Overnight at a 3-star hotel named Delicacy Hotel & Spa.

Day 8 · Hoi An - Hue (Travelling to Hue, visiting Cham sculpture museum, Hai Van Pass, Thien Mu Pagoda and Hue citadel)

1. 1

   Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture

   one hour Admission included

   8:00 AM: Pick up from hotel then Travel to Hue by passing Da Nang along the sea road. Once you arrive in Da Nang, stop to visit the Cham Museum which preserves the most important Cham culture collections in the world.

2. 2

   My Khe Beach

   one hour Admission included

   Then, walk to My Khe beach where you can enjoy the view of giant Goodness of Mercy statues in the Linh Ung Pagoda. Take photos of fishermen by the beach then continue driving along the coastline to Hue ancient capital.

3. 3

   Hai Van Pass

   Passing by

   Make a stop at top of the Hai Van pass to enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean.

4. 4

   Thien Mu Pagoda

   one hour Admission included

   Arrival in Hue, enjoy lunch then Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Hue, dating back to 1601. This is the spiritual highlight of the city and well known for its majestic octagon tower and beautiful view of the Perfume River.

5. 5

   Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)

   2 hours Admission included

   Keep your tour Visit the most important sites in city - Hue Citadel, the only vestige symbol for what was once the imperial city of Vietnam. It is inspired by the fortification of Vauban. The city is composed of three parts: Kinh Thanh (the Capital city), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial city) and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). The most beautiful sites in Hue are concentrated in this area including the flag tower, the South gate, the palace of supreme Harmony, the Dynasty temple area and the settlement area.

   End of the day, check in hotel and enjoy stay in ancient capital.

Overnight at Rosaleen Boutique Hotel (3-star hotel).

Day 9 · Hue - Ho Chi Minh City (Explore Hue, Boat trip Huong river, Ming Mang's tomb, Thuy Bieu village, flying to HCM city.)

1. 1

   Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang

   one hour Admission included

   Transfer from hotel to visit The Emperor Minh Mang's tomb, an architectural masterpiece that harmoniously highlights the nature and imperial religious works. The tomb was planned during Minh Mang’s reign (1820–40) but built by his successor, Thieu Tri with the effort of ten thousand workers and artisans.

2. 2

   Perfume River

   one hour Admission included

   Continue your trip, Take a boat along Huong River (or Perfume River) to Thuy Bieu Village, admire the picturesque landscapes on both sides.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   4 hours

   fter 1 hour, we arrive to Thuy Bieu, well-known for its divine grapefruit trees where you can take a bike around the village under the shade of the grapefruit trees and enjoy their pleasant perfume aroma and the harvested straw. The peaceful atmosphere is in every corner of the village. Then, visit a temple dedicated to the village protector, a traditional garden house built several centuries ago. This is a wonderful opportunity to stop for great photos and interact with the villagers working in the gardens and vegetable fields which should not be missed.

   Join in cooking class with Hue's specialties selected then have lunch in village then transfer back to city in the afternoon.

   Take flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, our local guide and driver will warmly welcome you at the pickup area. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel in the city.

Overnight at Elios Hotel, a 3-star hotel.

Day 10 · Ho Chi Minh City (Full day tour to visit Independence palace, Walking tour, War Remnant museum, Ben Thanh market)

1. 1

   The Independence Palace

   one hour Admission included

   9:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel to The Independence Palace, once used as the home - office of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Our visit includes the North Vietnamese tank which effectively attacked the palace in 1975 to bring the controversial Vietnam War to an end and the five-story palace with its rooms have been preserved in their late 1960s, 1970s style and a bunker basement.

2. 2

   Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

   1 min Admission included

   Continue by a leisurely waking tour. Heading to The Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, originally built between 1863 and 1880, evidently reflects the French colonist influences. It’s a picturesque spot in the city.

3. 3

   Saigon Central Post Office

   one hour Admission included

   Toward to Nguyen Hue walking street, you take a few walks to the unmissable city's famous landmark. The Saigon Central Post Office is a stunning building, designed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel. It is an actually working post office with beautiful indoor decorations.

4. 4

   War Remnants Museum

   one hour Admission included

   Have a break for lunch or drink (on your own account) then in the afternoon go to The top visited in Ho Chi Minh – the War Remnant museum. The exhibits offer you all-sided views of the Vietnam War that might bring a big surprise than you are probably used to hearing and seeing.

5. 5

   Ben Thanh Market

   one hour Admission included

   End of the day, visit The most famous market in the city, Ben Thanh Market, which has been opened since 1870. The market not only supplies the daily needs of local people but also excellent place to pick up inexpensive souvenirs and enjoy Vietnam’s local street foods.

   Come back to your hotel. Free to discover city or just relax.

Overnight at a 3-star named Elios Hotel.

Day 11 · HCM City - Cai Be (Visit Cai Be, enjoy a boat trip and biking, return to Saigon by afternoon.)

1. 1

   Cai Be

   6 hours

   After breakfast at the hotel, meet our tour guide and driver for your transfer to Cai Be. Visit Cao Dai temple on route. On arrival, experience the rhythm of life on the legendary Mekong River by visiting the canals lined with orchards.

   Visit craft workshops of rice popcorn, coconut caramel and rice cake…Go biking or walking on the village paths to discover the ancient and beautiful Phu Chau pagoda where the serenity reigns and meet the local people. Enjoy lunch in an open air restaurant where you can taste a famous local specialty, the elephant ear fish. Finally, enjoy tasty seasonal fruits while rowing a small rowboat in the canals, shaded by the fruit trees.

   Back to Saigon in the late afternoon

Overnight at Elios Hotel, a 3-star hotel.

Day 12 · HCM City - Cu Chi tunnel - Phu Quoc island (Visiting Cu Chi tunnels, historical land, flying to Phu Quoc Island)

1. 1

   Cu Chi Tunnels

   2 min Admission included

   Pick up from hotel then drive to the suburban of Ho Chi Minh to visit the most striking place in the history of the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels.

   Cu Chi is a real underground city made up of a large network of tunnels covering an area of over 250km long where the Viet Cong conducted the war of resistance against American troops. All of the tunnels were dug over a period of twenty years using only pickaxes and shovels. The tour includes special entering some part of tunnels.

2. 2

   Phu Quoc Island

   4 hours

   Option:

   At the Cu Chi shooting range, guests can enhance their experience by trying real gun firing. This service allows visitors to test their aim with a variety of firearms under supervision. It’s a thrilling option for those seeking a bit of adventure. This is an optional service not included in the tour price, and guests will need to pay on the spot.

   Travel back to Saigon to take flight to Phu Quoc. Upon your arrival at Phu Quoc airport, you will be warmly greeted by our local driver, who will then transfer you to your hotel. Once you arrive at the hotel, you will check in* and have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy at your leisure.

   Notes: Hotel check-in starts at 14:00. Early check-in is subject to availability and may incur additional charges.

Overnight at Sea Star Phu Quoc Resort (3 stars)

Day 13 · Phu Quoc Island (Free & Easy)

1. 1

   Phu Quoc Island

   one day

   Today, you have the entire day free to relax or explore the surrounding area at your own pace. Optional activities are available, such as snorkeling, sightseeing, or enjoying a boat trip. Feel free to contact us for more details and availability!

Overnight at Sea Star Phu Quoc Resort (3 stars)

Day 14 · Phu Quoc Island (Free & Easy)

1. 1

   Phu Quoc Island

   one day

   Today, you have the entire day free to relax or explore the surrounding area at your own pace. Optional activities are available, such as snorkeling, sightseeing, or enjoying a boat trip. Feel free to contact us for more details and availability!

Overnight at Sea Star Phu Quoc Resort (3 stars).

Day 15 · Phu Quoc Island - Ho Chi Minh City (Flying back to Ho Chi Minh city and wait for your flight home)

1. 1

   Stop 1

   10 hours Admission included

   Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your free time at leisure until it's time to transfer to Phu Quoc airport for your onward flight.

   Notes: Hotel check-out is before 12:00 PM. Late check-out is subject to availability and may incur additional charges.

   Take the back to Tan Son Nhat airport (Ho Chi Minh city). End of services.