Vietnam Serenity Journey – 20 Days

Discover Vietnam in the 3-week itinerary of cultural richness and stunning landscapes. From the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh to the historical treasures of Hue, and onward to the tranquil beauty of Yen Tu and the bustling capital, Hanoi, seize numerous opportunities to uncover the hidden gems of this captivating country. Conclude your journey by indulging in moments of peace and relaxation, harmonizing with the profound cultural and historical beauty that Vietnam has to offer.

General Information

Tour Route: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta – Hue – Hoi An – Danang – Yen Tu – Ha Long – Sapa – Hanoi
Duration: 20 Days/ 19 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
Start/ End: Ho Chi Minh City/ Hanoi
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh Arrival (D)

Welcome upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City by Viet Vision Travel’s local tour guide and driver, then transfer to the hotel. Relax after a long flight and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant in town.

Remarks: In case of your early flight to Ho Chi Minh City in the morning, you can join in a Saigon city tour after dark by Vespa to see a fascinating lifestyle and enjoy mouthwatering street foods. (Optional)
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Tour & Cu Chi Tunnel (B, L)

Cu Chi Tunnels, otherwise known as the “Iron Triangle” or “Iron Land” is around 70km far from Ho Chi Minh City. It takes us more than 1-hour driving through the pleasant countryside; rubber plantations and rice paddies. From here, you will have a short time to enjoy the introductory video of how the tunnels were constructed; and then explore the maze of the tunnels that are widened for visiting. You also see various mantraps and the remains of a US tank, as well as various bomb craters made by 500lb bombs, dropped by B52 bombers. you should also try to use real guns and bullets (your own paid – US$1/bullet).

After the Cu Chi Tunnels tour, travel back to Ho Chi Minh City for your half-day city tour. The highlights of this afternoon are the Reunification Palace (the former Presidential Place of the South Vietnam President in the past); the War Remnant Museum where you can see countless artifacts, photographs, and pictures documenting the second Indochina War; the Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office. Before going back to our hotel, spend a short time visiting the Ben Thanh market.

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

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Vinh Long (B, L)

This morning, journey south to the Mekong Delta to visit Cai Be Floating Market. Board our riverboat for a cruise along the endless waterways of the mighty Mekong Delta. Stop to visit brick pottery kilns and a floating fish farm. Afterward, reach a small restaurant serving the local delicacies of the river. Later, arrive at the lush orchards of a local house in which you will spend the night in a homestay with a local family. Overnight in Vinh Long.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City – Fly to Hue – Imperial Citadel (B, L)

This morning, we will have a short flight to Hue. On your arrival in Hue, we move to the hotel to put the luggage in here before visiting the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945, after exploring the ruins of this wonderful monument. We will then depart to the Hue Royal Fine Art Museum, which is housed within the former Dien Long An Royal Palace. Then, we spend time in An Dinh Palace before having lunch in the garden house. After lunch, we will finish our day with the local Dong Ba Market to see the daily life of local people. Return back to the hotel and spend the rest of the night here.

Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Hue – Thuy Bieu Village & Pha Tam Giang Lagoon (B, L)

After breakfast, take a short drive to Toa Kham wharf for a leisurely dragon boat trip along Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda – the religious symbol of Hue. Continue the trip to Thuy Bieu village – Hue’s Garden of Eden. Upon arrival, walk or cycle around the village with some stops to visit a local garden, and an old ancestral temple and communicate with the locals. Visit a traditional incense-making family to see the locals working strenuously with joy and enthusiasm.

Continue to experience a joss-paper-making family and hear their talk about the joss paper known as ghost money offering to the dead. Lastly, stop at a paper-painting family to see the countryside paintings of local artists. In the afternoon, relax your feet by immersing them in a rich mix of water and special herbs then visit Tam Giang Lagoon of pristine beauties and tranquility for a sunset review. Return to Hue City for an overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Hue – Hoi An – ½ Day Walking Tour with Street Foods (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel, we travel by vehicle to Hoi An along scenic highway 1A. Along the way, we will stop to contemplate the stunning views North, to Lang Co Beach and South to Danang city. On this way, we won’t have tour guide escort. We will arrive Hoi An in the afternoon and meeting our tour guide at this hotel. From here, we will have a walking tour in here to visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky’s old house, the Cantonese congregation, the silk street of Hoi An, and the temples, and pagodas of Chinese appearance. After the tour, we transfer back to hotel in Hoi An for relax or you can have free time in the old quarter.

Here are some of the famous Hoi An street foods that you should know and try:

• Cao Lau: A signature Hoi An dish, Cao Lau features chewy noodles, flavorful broth, and a mix of pork, herbs, and crispy rice crackers.
• Banh Mi Phuong: Visit Banh Mi Phuong, renowned for its delicious Vietnamese baguette sandwiches filled with a variety of savory ingredients, including grilled meats, pate, and fresh herbs.
• Quang Noodle (Mi Quang): Savor Mi Quang, a regional noodle dish with turmeric-infused noodles, topped with a variety of ingredients such as shrimp, pork, herbs, and peanuts.
• Hoi An Wonton (Hoanh Thanh): Try Hoanh Thanh, Hoi An-style wontons often served in a clear and flavorful broth with a mix of pork, shrimp, and herbs.
• Com Ga Hoi An (Hoi An Chicken Rice): Indulge in Hoi An Chicken Rice, where tender chicken is served on a bed of fragrant and seasoned rice, creating a delectable local delicacy.
• Banh Xeo Hoi An: Explore the crispy Banh Xeo pancakes filled with a combination of pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, often enjoyed with fresh herbs and dipping sauce.

Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Hoi An – Farming & Fishing Eco Tour (B, L)

Farming and Fishing Eco Tour is designed for visitors who want to experience all the Vietnamese farmers’ activities in Vietnam such as riding water buffalo tours, working in the vegetable fields, catching fish on the river, and casting nets in the sea. Outside of the hotel, this morning are awaiting bicycles and an expert guide, we start our tour by getting information, and guidelines then start biking along the path, over the rice field and catch Tra Que Organic herb village. From here, we will know well about how the local farmers grow veggies in an organic way. Keep biking or taking the bus to the pier where we boat along the river to the appointed place to join fish catching activity then the last destination is an island in Cua Dai Sea for relaxing and having our delicious lunch cooked from the fresh ingredients from Tra Que and Cua Dai. Back to the hotel in the early afternoon, we are free for the rest of the day.

Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Hoi An – Danang – Free Time at Beach (B)

This morning, transfer to Da Nang. After check-in hotel, we’ll delve into a unique adventure by taking a scenic cable car ride to Ba Na Hills. The highlight of this excursion is the awe-inspiring Golden Bridge, recently acclaimed as one of the most fascinating destinations globally. Perched among the picturesque landscape, the Golden Bridge offers panoramic views and an architectural marvel that captivates visitors from around the world. After this enchanting experience, the afternoon is yours to savor as you choose. You may opt for relaxation or immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of My Khe Beach, renowned for its pristine sands and inviting waters. Whether you prefer unwinding by the shore, taking a leisurely stroll, or perhaps engaging in water activities, My Khe Beach provides an idyllic setting for an afternoon of relaxation and revelry.

Overnight in Danang.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Danang – Free Time at Beach (B)

Today is free day without any further services.

Overnight in Danang
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Danang – Fly to Hanoi – Transfer to Yen Tu Legacy (B)

Today, depart to Danang International Airport to fly to Hanoi. After having breakfast, the shuttle will transport guests from Hanoi to Yen Tu. After approximately 3 hours of travel, guests will arrive at the Yen Tu Legacy resort to check in and relax.

In the afternoon, guests are free to explore the unique architectural landscapes of the luxury resort designed by the world-renowned architect Bill Bensley. The design is inspired by the life of King Tran Nhan Tong from the 13th century. In the evening, participants will join the village night program – “Chợ Quê” (Countryside Market). Traditional craft villages will showcase their activities such as puppet shows, rope jumping, skillful performances, and traditional dishes. The evening will conclude with a lantern release, followed by returning to overnight accommodations.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Yen Tu – Free Time (B)

Today is free day. After having breakfast at the hotel, you are free to leisurely explore the attractions at Legacy Yen Tu or opt to join the footsteps of Emperor Tran (at your own expense). Discover the beauty of the Yen Tu mountains through the 360-degree cable car system with glass floors and delve into the culture and history of the Tran Dynasty, specifically the reign of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong in the 13th century.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Yen Tu – Transfer to Halong Bay Pier – Overnight on board (B, L, D)

Morning
07:45 – 08:30 The shuttle bus will pick you up from the hotel and we transfer to Halong Bay in 3-hours
11:45 – 12:00 Boarding our boat at Tuan Chau Port – enjoy welcome drink, receive cruise briefing and safety instructions.

Afternoon
13.15 – 14.00 After the welcome onboard, be served with lunch while cruising towards the bay. Massage service is available after lunch and throughout the cruise. Please book in advance with your Cruise Manager.
14.00 – 16.00 Cruise through Halong Bay, passing the most beautiful and quiet areas including Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, and Finger Islet.
16.00 Guests are transferred by tender to Titov Island. About one hour is spent on the island, allowing time to climb to the peak for a breathtaking 360 degree view of the Bay (there is also an expansive viewing deck half way up). After the climb, there is time left to relax on the beach and have a swim.
17.30 Depart and sail for about 30 minutes to anchor overnight.

Evening
18.30 – 19.00 Attend the Fruit and Vegetable Carving Lesson led by our Head Chef. During the lesson, the chef will conduct Fruit and Vegetable carving, showing the guests how we decorate and make some traditional Vietnamese food.
19.30 Dinner is served.
20.45 Evening activities. Board games like cards or Parcheesi are available, as well as massage service (massage service is available throughout the cruise). Also, everyone can try their luck at squid fishing on the boat with help from the crew.
23.00 End of Program for Day 1

Overnight on board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Walking Tour with Street Foods – Night Train to Lao Cai, Sapa (B, Br, D)

Morning
06.30 Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries served in the dining room.
06.45 Enjoy Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck (lasting for about 30 minutes).
07.45 – 09.00 Arrive at Surprise Cave – one of the most spectacular and largest grottoes of Halong Bay. The mouth of the grotto is reached by ascending about a hundred stone steps.
09.00 Upon returning to the boat, guests will have 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing. Please collect all of your belongings from the cabins and leave heavy luggage outside the cabins (staff will transfer directly to the pier).
09.30 Enjoy a full breakfast in the dining room. Bills are settled after breakfast. Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery as we approach the pier. We check out earlier than usual (at around 10 am), and put luggage outside the door so the crew team will carry them to the pier for us later. We also enjoy early lunch today before taking ten the er back to the pier where our awaiting driver and tour guide take us back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi in the afternoon, drop off at hotel where your guide is ready to assist you to have a street food tour. Walking down to the Hang Be street for visiting the local market, you will be guided by all the ingredients as well as the local people here.

Afterward, continue your trip to taste some kinds of local foods such as tofu, oil-fried pastry, rice pancake, sweet soup, pillow cake, stuff pancake with pork, and draught beer… and one of the best surprises is a stop at Dong Xuan wholesale market where many kinds of ingredients are sold. Last but not least is your happy ending at a hidden coffee in the Old Quarter enjoy its famous ‘egg coffee’ in pleasant surroundings overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. Then transfer to Hanoi train station to catch a night train to Sapa. Overnight on the train.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Lao Cai – Sapa Bac Ha Market (B, L)

In the early morning, arrive at Lao Cai Railways station. After having breakfast at a local restaurant, your adventure unfolds with a scenic drive to Bac Ha town, a gateway to indigenous traditions and the charming Bac Ha Market. Bac Ha Market, nestled in the heart of the town, is a sprawling spectacle of colors and diversity. Operating every Sunday, this market is the largest in the region, attracting a kaleidoscope of ethnic minorities such as Hmong, Phu La, Black Dzao, Tay, and Nung. Witness the lively exchange of homemade products, handicrafts, and local delicacies, creating a vibrant atmosphere unique to this gathering. Encounter ethnic communities not found elsewhere, adding an exclusive dimension to your cultural immersion.

A delectable lunch awaits you at a local restaurant, providing a taste of the region’s culinary delights. Afterward, the journey continues as you transfer to Sapa in the afternoon, where the picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage unfold before your eyes.

Overnight in Sapa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 15: Sapa – Village Tour (B, L)

After the train arrives at 6 am, our guide will pick you up at Lao Cai Station and we will transfer to Sapa in around 1 hour. When you arrive in Sapa, we will eat breakfast here before starting our trip. After breakfast, we transfer to Cat Cat Village. After a couple of minutes, you follow the steps going downhill to Cat Cat village. You will stop by a waterfall and a hydroelectric station for a while before continuing the trek on a dirt trail through rice paddy terraces. You also will enjoy spectacular scenery while walking along a narrow river. You eventually arrive in Y Linh Ho village of the Black Hmong minority, where you can take a rest while you are served lunch near the river. After lunch, you head toward Muong Hoa Valley. You will pass through the Lao Chai village of the Black Hmong minority and then the Tavan village of the Giay minority by following a very popular trekking route. You will return to Sapa from Tavan by car.

Approx: 0.5-hour driving / 5 hours walking / 1-hour lunch.
Overnight in Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 16: Sapa – Shared Limousine to Hanoi (B)

Today, you will be free until the shared limousine picks you up at the hotel in Sapa and transfer you back to Hanoi in 6 hours.

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast

Day 17: Hanoi – City Tour with Jeep and Water Puppet Show (B, L)

Today, we explore the capital city of Hanoi right after breakfast. Meeting time with the private tour guide is at 8.00 am or 8.30 am depending on our schedule, then we take a short drive to Ba Dinh Square to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, outside of the new National Assembly House, the Presidental Palace, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh’s House on stilt and his goldfish pond. Later, we stop at the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam and now is a temple. We spend almost one hour in the place before walking to the K.O.T.O restaurant nearby for our lunch. This is a nice restaurant with its Australian Vietnamese owner, who is very kind-hearted. He collects many poor young boys and girls or street boys in Vietnam and trains them as a waiter and waitresses then send them to hotels, resorts, or restaurants all over Vietnam. The restaurant staff can contact customers in English well and they are very friendly.

In the afternoon, we ride pillion behind jeep driver and tour outside of Hanoi with the city gate, the over 100-year-old Long Bien bridge, the Westlake area, Tay Ho Temple, Van Nien pagoda, and new Hanoi city. This half-day jeep tour gives the family another experience in Hanoi and modern life. The jeep driver will drop us in front of the theater where will we enjoy an hour Water Puppet show. After the show, we will go back to the hotel with a tour guide and then have free time for dinner and overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 18: Hanoi – Duong Lam Ancient Town (B, L)

Today is your leisure day to explore Hanoi or you can join in an interesting countryside journey to experience the peaceful and rustic Vietnamese rural area. After breakfast, leave Hanoi and head to Duong Lam ancient village, a typical long-standing agricultural village in the northern Red River Delta. It is also the only place in Vietnam of being the birthplace of two Vietnamese kings and being recognized by UNESCO for its huge efforts in preserving local culture and heritage.

Take a leisurely cycling tour along Duong Lam’s narrow alleyways to see rural local life and ancient Vietnamese architecture dating back over 4 centuries. Visit Mong Phu Temple whose original village entrance gate remains and observe the villagers’ daily life. Enjoy a home-hosted lunch served in a 300-year-old house while chatting with friendly and hospitable owners. Later, continue biking to Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen temples and the 600-year-old Mia Pagoda which is famous for its 287 ancient statues. End your day by visiting the old Catholic Church before returning to Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 19: Hanoi – Free Time (B)

Today is free day. This is your leisure to explore the 1000-year-old capital on your own style.
Some additional recommendations for you to explore in Hanoi that are not yet included in your itinerary:

• Train Street Cafe
• Hoa Lo Prison
• St. Joseph’s Cathedral
• Dong Xuan Market
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast

Day 20: Hanoi – Departure (B)

After breakfast, you will be free until your driver arrives to take you to Noi Bai Airport for your departure flight. Tour ends. See you again in the next Vietnam vacation package!
Meals: Breakfast