21-Day Vietnam Itinerary Explore North to South Highlights

Day 1 · DAY 1: HA NOI ARRIVAL ( contact AUTHENTIC ADVENTURES TO BOOK for best price )

1. 1

   Hanoi

   5 hours

   Welcome to Vietnam! Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our dedicated team will be ready to provide a warm pick-up and ensure a smooth transfer to your selected accommodation in the heart of Hanoi. 21-Day Vietnam Itinerary

   Check into your hotel, where you'll find a blend of modern comforts and traditional Vietnamese hospitality awaiting you. Take some time to unwind, refresh, and prepare for an exciting exploration of the capital city.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2 · DAY 2: HA NOI CITY TOUR (B,L)

1. 1

   Chua Tran Quoc

   one hour Admission included

   08:30: Arrive Tran Quoc Pagoda – the oldest pagoda in Ha Noi built in the 6th century.

2. 2

   Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

   one hour Admission included

   09:00 – 9:15: Visit Ho Chi Minh complex, then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969. Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where worships the Goddess of Mercy – It is the most unique Padova in the world.

3. 3

   Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

   one hour Admission included

   11:00 : Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

   This is the most recent yet probably the largest and undoubtedly the most interesting Museums in Ha Noi and Viet Nam. There are both indoors and outdoors section, while the in – housed exhibition is particularly informative,

   the outdoors display and activities make the museum stand out from the rest. There are a number of houses modeling after the traditional architecture of ethnic minorities, especially those who live in Northern and Central highlands.

   12:30 : Lunch Time

4. 4

   Temple of Literature & National University

   one hour Admission included

   3:30 – 13:45: Continue visit Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11th century.

5. 5

   Hoan Kiem

   one hour

   15:45: Leave for Hoan Kiem Lake to visit Ngoc Son Temple, which honors General Tran Hung Dao who defeated the invader in 13th century.

Overnight in Ha Noi

Day 3 · DAY 3: HA NOI - HOA LU - TAM COC - MUA CAVE (B,L)

1. 1

   Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

   3 hours Admission included

   Morning

   07:30 – 8:00: Get picked up by our friendly guide then depart for Ninh Binh province

   09:15: Have a short break for 15 – 20 minutes to relax

   10:30: Visit Hoa Lư ancient capital of Vietnam between 968 and 1010. You have a chance to learn about Vietnamese history in the feudal system under Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasty

   Here, we go cycling around the village for sightseeing & discovering the life of the local people

   12:30: Have a buffet lunch in the restaurant with many local foods such as goat meat, fish, chicken, and fried rice…Vegetarian foods are always available in the buffet lunch

2. 2

   Tam Cốc-Bich Dộng

   2 hours Admission included

   Afternoon

   14:30: Visit Tam Coc by 1.5-hour bamboo boat. You will be surprised by the charming beauty here with paddy fields, river, water, cloud, sky, and a stunning cave system during the boat trip. All make a masterpiece that the Vietnamese people called “Ha Long Bay on land”

3. 3

   Mua Caves

   2 hours Admission included

   16:00: Get back to Limousine Bus then leave for Mua Cave (Dancing Cave). Walk up almost 500 steps, you can reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain & have an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from here17h00 : Check in Bungalow/Hotel then free time to relax (can use swimming pool in summer time)

   19:00 : Have dinner at bungalow/hotel then walk around Tam Coc for awalk

Overnight in Ninh Binh

Day 4 · BAI DINH – TRANG AN - HA NOI (B, L)

1. 1

   Bai Dinh Pagoda

   4 hours Admission included

   Morning

   8:00: Have breakfast at Hotel/ Bungalow then check out and be ready for the trip

   9:45 - 10:00 : Get picked up then transfer to Bai Dinh Pagoda

   10:30: Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda – the most famous & biggest Pagoda in southeast Asia with many records set such as 500 Stone - Arhat Statues, 36 ton-bronze Bell, 100 ton-Budhha Statues…

   12:30: Have lunch in the restaurant with a lot of local foods such as goat meat, fish, chicken fried rice…. Vegetarian foods are always available in the buffet lunch

2. 2

   Trang An Landscape Complex

   3 hours Admission included

   13:30: Visit TràngAn whichwas recognized by UNESCO as A World Heritage Site in 2014. TrangAn has a wonderful tunnel cave system so Kong’s Movie Group chose this place for the New Version of Kong in 2016 – “Skull Island”. With 2.5 hours for the boat trip, you will be persuaded by the beauty here.

   16:00: Get on the bus to return to Hanoi

   18:30: Get dropped off at Hotel in Hanoi

Overnight in Ha Noi

Day 5 · HANOI - SAPA BY BUS WITH A SHORT TREK CAT CAT VILLAGE (L, D)

1. 1

   Sapa

   5 hours

   6.00-6:20: Pick up at hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter, get on a big bus and depart for Sapa Town.

   9.30: Follow the highway to Lao Cai city and have the first rest stop.

   11.00: Second rest stop at Lao Cai city before heading to Sapa.

   13.00: Arrive at Sapa Town with colorful traditional costumes of H’mong, Dzao, and Tay ethnic people. The guide will pick you up to have lunch with local Vietnamese dishes.

   The trekking distance is about 3,5km and it lasts for 2 hours

2. 2

   Cat Cat village

   4 hours Admission included

   14.30: A short walk to the gate of Cat Cat village, which is the home of Black H’mong ethnic people and is located near the bottom of a deep valley at the foot of Fansipan Peak. Our local guide will show you the daily life activities of the locals, trek down to the valley bottom to the waterfall where the French built a Hydraulic Power Station; stop for photos with the bridge and waterfall; then you will walk up hill for the bus to pick you up to get back to Sapa in the afternoon

   16.30: Come back to Sapa Town. Have dinner and overnight in a hotel with night activities.

Overnight in Sapa

Day 6 · LONG TREK SA PA - Y LINH HO - LAO CHAI - TA VAN VILLAGE (B, L,D)

1. 1

   Y Linh Ho

   5 hours Admission included

   7:00-8:30: Have breakfast at the hotel in SaPa town, check out the hotel and start a new day with a more interesting trek.

   8.30-8.45: Trek through the rice terraces and along Muong Hoa Stream to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai to see the spectacular landscape of Hoang Lien Son Mountain.

   The trekking distance is about 12 km and it lasts for 4 hours

2. 2

   Ta Van Village

   2 hours Admission included

   12.00 – 13.30: Have lunch with delicious Vietnamese dishes made by the family. In the late afternoon, you arrive at Ta Van Village - home of the Dzay ethnic group.

   14.30: Check in the bungalow; get to know the family of Dzay People. Spend time enjoying the mountain life on Sunset. You may attend cooking local dishes with the family and enjoy dinner in peace.

   In the evening, you can join the local bar nearby with music and socialize with other tourists, then overnight at the bungalow in Ta Van Village.

Overnight in Sapa

Day 7 · TA VAN - GIANG TA CHAI - SAPA - HA NOI (B, L)

1. 1

   Giang Ta Chai Village

   2 hours Admission included

   7.00: You can join our cooking class and learn how to make some Vietnamese foods like Pho (Phở), Nem Cuốn, etc,...

   8.00: Have breakfast prepared by the family and start a new day with a more interesting trek.

   8.45: Keep walking to the rice paddies where you have a nice photo session of the amazing surrounding landscapes; a trek through the bamboo forest; a stop to have a panorama view of Giang Ta Chai village – home of the red Dzao people.

2. 2

   Giang Ta Chai Village

   5 hours Admission included

   The trekking distance is about 3 km and it lasts for 3.5 hours

   11.00: Trek through the Giang Ta Chai Bridge to the main road, the bus picks you up to come back to Sapa Town.

   13.30 - 14.45: Relax and enjoy yourself, and if you want, take a shower in the hotel's public bathroom.

   14.45 - 15.00: Meet all the group members at the hotel to get ready for Hanoi.

   15.30: Get on the bus to go back to Hanoi with two rest stops.

   21.30- 21.45: Arrive Hanoi, and go back to your hotel

Overnight in Ha Noi

Day 8 · HA LONG BAY - LAN HA BAY - TRA DAU (B,L,D)

1. 1

   Hạ Long Bay

   4 hours

   Arrive to the train station in Ha Noi, pick up and transfer to a mini hotel for take a short rest and having breakfast.

   7.45am – 8.15am: Pick up at your hotel in Ha Noi by bus. After that we leave Hanoi for a 3.5 hour to reach Ha Long

   11:30: Upon arriving at Tuan Chau port, you will board a transfer boat that will take you to the cruise. Once onboard, you can enjoy a welcome drink and check-in to your accommodation.

   12:30: Enjoy a delicious lunch and embark on a special and unique cruise that takes you through two breathtaking areas of Ha Long - Lan Ha Bay.

2. 2

   Lan Ha Bay

   4 hours Admission included

   14:30: The boat will take you on a scenic journey through the Gia Luan area, Thoi Quyt island, Ke Ga, and Finger - some of the most beautiful islands located in the southeast of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay..

   16:00: You will have the opportunity to kayak and swim in the picturesque and enchanting Tra Bau Fishing Village area. Here, you can paddle your kayak to catch Snail Da and Ha Da while surrounded by the breathtaking limestone mountains of Lan Ha Bay.

   17:00: After kayaking and swimming in the Tra Bau Fishing Village area, you will return to the Cruise to take part in two activities: the Sunset Party and relaxing in the Jacuzzi pool. During this time, guests can enjoy a relaxing moment while sipping a cup of traditional Vietnamese tea or coffee, indulging in fresh fruit on the Sundeck, and watching the gentle and peaceful sunset.

   19:30: Enjoy a delectable dinner and then have free time to unwind. You can relax, go squid fishing, or watch a movie at the restaurant.

Overnight in Cruise

Day 9 · HA LONG BAY - HA NOI - DA NANG (B,L)

1. 1

   Lan Ha Bay

   6 hours Admission included

   6:15: Wake up early, join the Tai Chi session on sundeck area, enjoy the fresh atmosphere and watch the sunrise in Lan Ha Bay.

   7:00 – 7:45: Have breakfast. Admit morning view of bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.

   08:00: Stroke the stunning views of the Bay and it’s dramatic limestone islets

   Visit the famous Tra Bau, it’s time for freely kayak and explore the landscape, or swim...

   09:00: Back to your cabin, relax and check carefully all the luggage before leaving your cabin.

   09:30: Check-out and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay for room service. Complete check out procedure and enjoy your brunch at cruise.

   10:30: Enjoy the brunch at restaurant.

   11:45: Travel by tender boat back to Tuan Chau International Marina where you then board the bus for your return journey to Hanoi.

2. 2

   Da Nang

   3 hours

   Transfer to Noi Bai airport for boarding the flight to DA NANG. Overnight in DA NANG

OVERNIGHT IN DA NANG

Day 10 · DA NANG FREE DAY (B,L)

1. 1

   Da Nang

   8 hours

   Today you will be free to relax. Free Exploration in Da Nang

   Spend some time relaxing on My Khe Beach. This beautiful, sandy beach is perfect for a morning swim or a leisurely walk.

   Wander through Han Market, a bustling market where you can shop for souvenirs, local produce, and traditional Vietnamese snacks.

   Experience the vibrant nightlife of Da Nang. Visit a rooftop bar or a riverside café to unwind and enjoy the city's night scene.

   If it's the weekend, head back to Dragon Bridge to witness the fire and water show (usually at 9 PM).

   Enjoy your day exploring Da Nang!

OVERNIGHT IN DA NANG

Day 11 · HUE CITY TOUR FULL DAY (B,L)

1. 1

   Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)

   3 hours Admission included

   Morning

   7:00 Depart from Da Nang in the early morning, setting out on a scenic journey to the historical city of Hue.

   Begin your exploration with a visit to the iconic Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the grandeur of the ancient citadel, adorned with intricate architecture, ornate gates, and historic relics. Dive into the rich history as you wander through the Forbidden Purple City, once the private quarters of the royal family.

   After a morning immersed in Hue's imperial legacy, savor a delightful Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, offering regional specialties.

2. 2

   Tomb of Khai Dinh

   2 hours Admission included

   Conclude your day trip with a visit of The Tomb of Khải Định, officially Ứng Mausoleum is a tomb built for Khải Định, the twelfth Emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty of Vietnam. It features a blend of Vietnamese architecture with Western styles. The tomb was completed in 1931 after 11 years of construction

3. 3

   Thien Mu Pagoda

   one hour Admission included

   Afternoon

   13:00 Continue your journey to the serene Thien Mu Pagoda, an emblematic seven-story pagoda perched on the banks of the Perfume River. Explore its tranquil grounds, learn about its storied past, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

4. 4

   Da Nang

   3 hours

   As the sun begins to set, return to Da Nang, reflecting on the cultural treasures and historical splendors uncovered during your immersive day in Hue.

OVERNIGHT IN DA NANG

Day 12 · HOI AN (VISIT MY SON SANCTUARY) (B,L)

1. 1

   My Son Sanctuary

   4 hours Admission included

   Vietnam travel package, begin your day with a delightful morning breakfast at the hotel. Our journey commences with a visit to the captivating My Son Sanctuary, a distinguished UNESCO World Heritage site that unfolds the rich tapestry of Vietnam's cultural heritage.

2. 2

   Hoi An Ancient Town

   4 hours Admission included

   As the day progresses into the afternoon, immerse yourself in the charming ambiance of Hoi An town on a leisurely walking tour. Explore the vibrant Hoi An’s Colorful Local Market, where the hues of local life come to life in a bustling display. Venture into the Old House of Tan Ky, a historical gem steeped in stories and traditions.

   Continue the cultural odyssey at the Fu Jian Assembly Hall, an architectural marvel that stands as a testament to the town's heritage. Conclude your journey across time at the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, an enduring symbol of Hoi An's cultural fusion.

   Embark on this travel experience, where each step unveils the tales of the past, and every moment is adorned with the grace of Hoi An's unique charm.

Overnight in Hoian

Day 13 · HOI AN FREE DAY (B)

1. 1

   Hoi An Ancient Town

   8 hours Admission included

   Freetime in Hoian

Overnight in HoiAn

Day 14 · HOI AN - BANA HILLS - DA NANG (B,L)

1. 1

   Ba Na Hills SunWorld

   4 hours Admission included

   Breakfast at hotel. Then take excursion to: Bana Hills

   Embark on a 35-kilometer journey to Ba Na and elevate your experience with a breathtaking Cable Car ride, boasting 5 world records, leading you to the enchanting Ba Na Hills station. Pause at the captivating By Night station to explore Vong Nguyet hills, Linh Ung pagoda, and the charming Old Villas reminiscent of French architecture.

   Ascend further on the cable car to reach the summit of Nui Chua Mountain, the pinnacle of Ba Na range. Revel in panoramic views as you discover Nghinh Phong top, Le Nim Villas, and the serene Orchid Garden. The cable car journey itself is a mesmerizing experience, offering glimpses of the picturesque landscapes below.

   As your morning adventure unfolds, indulge in a scrumptious lunch at the club restaurant, savoring not just culinary delights but also the stunning vistas surrounding you. Bana Hills promises a perfect blend of natural beauty and architectural wonders,

2. 2

   Hoi An

   5 hours

   Embark on an exhilarating adventure as you immerse yourself in the boundless fun of Fantasy Park, the third-largest indoor games zone in Vietnam. Unleash your inner thrill-seeker with a plethora of captivating games, including mind-bending 4-5D films, the adrenaline-pumping skiver, the pulse-quickening Death Race, and the enchanting Dinosaur Park.

   As the day transforms into night, indulge in a delectable dinner that captures the essence of Da Nang's culinary delights. With a satisfied palate, retire for the night in the heart of Hoi An and ready to embrace the wonders of tomorrow's adventures.

   Overnight in HOI AN

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 15 · DA NANG - NHA TRANG (B)

1. 1

   Nha Trang

   8 hours

   Morning, enjoy breakfast at hotel. Spend your time at leisure in Da Nang until we trasnfer you to airport for flight to Nha Trang.

   Upon arrival in Nha Trang, transfer to hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is your leisure time to explore the city on your own.

   OVERNIGHT IN NHA TRANG

OVERNIGHT IN NHA TRANG

Day 16 · NHA TRANG (B)

1. 1

   Nha Trang

   8 hours

   Today you will be free to relax. You may choose to snorkel or dive among the coral reefs in crystal blue waters, hike nature trails, cool off in your private plunge pool, indulge in spa treatments or just relax on the white sand beach and admire the unspoiled mountain and sea views before retiring for the evening.

   Overnight in Nha Trang.

OVERNIGHT IN NHA TRANG

Day 17 · NHA TRANG - HO CHI MINH (B)

1. 1

   Nha Trang

   5 hours

   Morning, enjoy breakfast at hotel. Spend your time at leisure in Nha Trang until we trasnfer you to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh.

   Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh, transfer to hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is your leisure time to explore the city on your own.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Day 18 · HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR - CU CHI TUNNELS (B,L)

1. 1

   Ho Chi Minh City

   6 hours

   08:00 – 08: 30 AM: Pick up at your hotel and start the city tour included:

   Independence Palace (the Reunification Palace) was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace.

   War Remnants Museum which has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars.

   Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times

   Jade Emperor Pagoda with the peaceful atmosphere &o many stories behind each detail of the pagoda.

   12:30 AM: Lunchtime with a famous Phở restaurant (Vietnamese noodle soup).

2. 2

   Cu Chi Tunnels

   2 hours Admission included

   02:00 PM: Depart around 1,5 hours through the pleasant countryside before arriving at Cu Chi Tunnels – the historic site where Vietnamese soldiers used as a shelter during wartime. This fantastic network stretches over 250 km and is the shelter of Vietnamese soldiers during the wars.

   There is a shooting range where you can try to fire automatic or semi-automatic weapons for a fee (this fee is not included)

   06:00 – 07:00 PM: Be dropped off at your hotel. Dinner on your own account. Overnight at the hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Day 19 · HO CHI MINH - MEKONG DELTA (B,L)

1. 1

   Mekong Delta

   4 hours

   8:00 Begin your day with an exploration of the Mekong Delta, a region renowned for its lush landscapes and intricate waterways.

   • Visit My Tho, where you'll embark on a boat journey along the Mekong River. Immerse yourself in the delta's vibrant culture as you cruise past floating markets, traditional villages, and verdant orchards.

   Continue your Mekong Delta adventure with a visit to Ben Tre, known for its coconut groves. Take a boat ride along narrow canals, surrounded by swaying coconut palms. Visit local workshops to witness traditional methods of producing coconut candies, rice paper, and other regional specialties.

2. 2

   Ben Tre

   5 hours

   13:30 After an enriching day in My Tho and Ben Tre, make your way to Can Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta. Check into your accommodation and unwind after a day filled with exploration.

   • Evening at leisure in Can Tho, providing an opportunity to stroll along the riverfront or savor local delicacies at one of the charming restaurants.
   • Overnight in Can Tho, anticipating the unique experiences the Mekong Delta has in store for you the following day. Vietnam travel package

OVERNIGT IN CAN THO

Day 20 · MEKONG DELTA - HO CHI MINH(B,L)

1. 1

   Cai Rang Floating Market

   6 hours Admission included

   Breakfast time

   Around 6.30am, we pick you up to visit the Cai Rang floating market which is wholesale market of fruit and vegetable at its busiest at this time of the day. Keep cruising through the small channels system and visit a rice noodle making village. Experience the “Monkey Bridge” in the Delta.

   Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. We then head to Ho Chi Minh

   Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

OVERNIGHT IN HCM

Day 21 · DEPARTURE (B)

1. 1

   Ho Chi Minh City

   4 hours

   Enjoy breakfast at hotel.

   Spend your leisure time in the city until we transfer you to the airport for departure flight.