Discovery Trip of Authentic Vietnam: Hanoi to Phu Quoc

Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your personal driver and transferred to your hotel located in the heart of Hanoi. After check-in, you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax after your flight or begin exploring the charming Old Quarter on your own. This bustling area is known for its vibrant street life, colonial architecture, and delicious local street food — a perfect first taste of Vietnam.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a full-day guided tour to uncover the rich cultural and historical heritage of Vietnam’s capital. Begin with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, where you’ll learn about the life and legacy of Vietnam’s revered leader. Continue to the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of Hanoi with its unique lotus-inspired architecture, followed by the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and a peaceful haven dedicated to Confucius.

In the afternoon, explore the fascinating Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which offers deep insight into the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.

Later, enjoy a leisurely cyclo ride through the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a maze of narrow lanes brimming with shops, food vendors, and colonial charm. End your day with a delightful performance of the traditional water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form that dates back to the 11th century.

Overnight in Hanoi.

This morning, leave the hustle and bustle of Hanoi behind as you journey through scenic mountain roads toward the peaceful valley of Mai Chau — a region known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich ethnic culture. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to a traditional stilt house or charming eco-lodge nestled among rice paddies and lush hills.

After a local lunch, spend your afternoon walking or biking through the tranquil countryside. Pass by vibrant green rice fields, rustic villages, and friendly locals going about their daily routines. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the White Thai ethnic minority, learn about their customs, and observe or even try your hand at traditional weaving — a time-honored craft passed down through generations.

As the sun sets, enjoy a home-cooked dinner featuring regional specialties. Depending on availability and season, you may also enjoy a cultural dance performance by the local community.

Overnight in Mai Chau.

After breakfast, leave the peaceful valley of Mai Chau behind and head east toward Ninh Binh, a region famous for its dramatic limestone formations, peaceful rivers, and ancient temples. Often called “Halong Bay on land,” this area offers some of the most scenic countryside in northern Vietnam.

Upon arrival, visit Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam in the 10th century. Walk among the historic temples and learn about the Dinh and Le dynasties that once ruled the country from this very land.

In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride along the gentle waterways of either Tam Coc or Trang An. As you glide past towering karst cliffs and tranquil rice fields, your boat will pass through a series of low caves and natural tunnels — a peaceful and memorable way to take in the beauty of rural Vietnam.

After the boat trip, check in at your hotel and enjoy a restful evening in the quiet charm of Ninh Binh.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

After breakfast at your hotel, you leave Ninh Binh for Halong Bay. The journey is through the rich farmlands where you can observe everyday life of Vietnamese villagers. Arriving in Halong Bay in the late morning and you will board a traditional “junk” boat. You will begin a relaxing and unforgettable cruise around the breathtaking and unique limestone karsts and islets. A delicious fresh seafood lunch will be served as you cruise this spectacular bay, a UNESCO listed site.

Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night. As the sun sets over the bay, dinner is served with fresh seafood, salad, and fruit. You will spend the night in your private cabin aboard the junk in Halong Bay.

Notes: The program may differ slightly based on the junk cruise’s itinerary.

Overnight on cruise.

Begin your day with the serene practice of Tai Chi, a local custom that eases you into the morning. Join a ‘Local Specialist’ on the deck of the Junk boat amidst the exquisite natural surroundings. There’s time for an early morning swim at one of Halong Bay’s peaceful beaches, and for the more adventurous, take a kayak and paddle through the Dark and Bright Caves, admiring the glistening stone walls.

Return to the junk boat, check out of your cabin, and savor a sumptuous brunch buffet as you cruise back to port. Disembark around midday for your return journey to Hanoi, then our driver will transfer you from inner Hanoi city to the airport for your flight to Da Nang, then transfer to Hoi An.

Once you arrive in Hoian, settle into your accommodations and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of this ancient town. Explore its lantern-lit streets, savor local delicacies, and discover the unique blend of culture and heritage that makes Hoi An an unforgettable destination for travelers.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy a leisurely morning with a late breakfast and relaxation at your hotel. In the afternoon, our tour guide will lead you through the Ancient Quarter of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore notable attractions like Chua Ong Pagoda, Tan Ky Ancient House, Fujian Assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Next, visit the Precious Heritage Museum, housing Rehahn’s Precious Heritage Collection, which offers a captivating glimpse into Vietnam’s diverse ethnic tribes

The highlight of the day is the visit to the Reaching Out Tea House, run by mute and deaf individuals. Savor delightful cakes and Eastern-style tea. Discover the art of lantern-making at a craftsman’s house, where you’ll create your lantern with expert guidance.

Wrap up your day with a Hoi An street food tour, led by our guide. Wander through narrow alleyways to sample local delicacies and gain insight into how Hoi An locals enjoy their vibrant street food scene.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Today is yours to enjoy Hoi An at your own pace. After breakfast, you can choose to relax on the beach, unwind by your hotel’s pool, or continue exploring the town’s many charms. Hoi An is renowned for its talented tailors, so this could be the perfect opportunity to have custom-made clothing created just for you.

Whether you spend your day soaking up the sun, shopping for handmade lanterns, or savoring local dishes at a riverside café, Hoi An’s relaxed atmosphere will surely leave a lasting impression.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, say goodbye to the charming town of Hoi An as you transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City — Vietnam’s dynamic southern metropolis.

Upon arrival, your driver will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or begin exploring at your own pace. You might stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, sample southern Vietnamese street food, or enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Start your day with a deep dive into the history and architecture of Ho Chi Minh City, where the echoes of colonial grandeur blend with the modern pulse of Vietnam’s economic powerhouse.

Begin your journey at the Reunification Palace, once the presidential home of South Vietnam and the iconic site of the war’s dramatic end in 1975. Continue to the elegant Notre Dame Cathedral, a striking red-brick church built by the French, and its next-door neighbor, the Central Post Office, designed by famed architect Gustave Eiffel — both treasures of 19th-century colonial design.

Your morning concludes at the War Remnants Museum, where powerful exhibits and images offer a sobering but essential insight into the Vietnam War and its lasting legacy.

In the afternoon, soak up the vibrant rhythm of the city’s daily life. Choose to explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where vendors sell everything from handicrafts and local snacks to coffee and textiles — a perfect place for souvenirs and people-watching. Alternatively, take a deeper cultural detour to Chinatown (Cho Lon), a maze of hidden temples, herb shops, and age-old markets that reflect the city’s rich Chinese heritage.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon with a fuller understanding of this complex, resilient, and ever-evolving metropolis.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, leave the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City behind as you head south toward the peaceful landscapes of the Mekong Delta — a vast, fertile region known as Vietnam’s “rice bowl” and home to a vibrant riverside culture shaped by the flow of water.

Upon arrival, board a boat and gently cruise along palm-fringed canals, where daily life unfolds on and beside the water. Watch as sampans glide past stilt houses, floating markets, and small river islands dotted with coconut palms and fruit trees.

Visit a local coconut workshop, where you can see how every part of the coconut is used — from candy to handicrafts — before continuing to a lush fruit orchard. Here, you’ll have the chance to taste freshly picked tropical fruits and enjoy a short performance of traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music, often accompanied by a simple smile and heartfelt hospitality.

A highlight of the day is a home-style lunch served at a peaceful riverside garden, featuring Mekong specialties made from fresh, local ingredients.

In the afternoon, relax on a small rowing boat as it winds through narrow canals, offering quiet moments and close-up views of river life. Then, return to the city in the late afternoon, filled with the serene charm and flavors of the delta.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your short flight to Phu Quoc Island — a tropical gem nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, known for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and laid-back island charm.

Upon arrival, your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your beachfront resort, where time seems to slow down and the rhythm of the waves becomes your new soundtrack.

The rest of the day is free for you to unwind at your own pace. You might take a gentle walk along the palm-fringed shoreline, sip a coconut under the shade, or simply relax by the pool and soak in the golden afternoon light.

This is your time to breathe, recharge, and ease into the serene beauty of Vietnam’s island paradise.

Overnight in Phu Quoc.

For the next few days, Phu Quoc is all yours — to relax, explore, and simply be. Let the turquoise waters and soft, white sands become your everyday view as you sink into the slower rhythm of island life.

Wake up to the sound of waves and enjoy a leisurely breakfast with ocean breezes. Spend your days lounging on the beach with a good book, swimming in the warm sea, or indulging in your resort’s spa and wellness amenities.

For those seeking gentle adventure, a variety of optional activities await:

• Snorkeling or scuba diving among coral reefs teeming with marine life
• Visiting local fishing villages for a glimpse into the daily life of islanders
• Exploring Phu Quoc National Park or scenic waterfalls hidden in the jungle
• A fun-filled day at Vinpearl Safari or VinWonders Theme Park
• Enjoying fresh seafood at the vibrant Duong Dong Night Market

Whether you fill your days with adventure or choose to do nothing at all, Phu Quoc will reward you with peace, beauty, and unforgettable moments.

Overnight in Phu Quoc.

Explore Phu Quoc on your preferences.

Explore Phu Quoc on your preferences.

Explore Phu Quoc on your preferences.

After a relaxed morning on the island, you’ll be transferred to Phu Quoc Airport for your flight back to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, your driver will greet you and escort you to your hotel for your final night in Vietnam.

This evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. You might take a last stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, toast your journey with cocktails at a rooftop bar, or treat yourself to a farewell dinner filled with Southern Vietnamese flavors.

It’s a perfect time to reflect on your incredible adventure — from ancient temples and lush rice fields to island sunsets and city skylines.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, depending on your flight time, enjoy a few quiet moments in the city before your driver transfers you to the airport for your international departure.

As you leave Vietnam behind, take with you not only photos and souvenirs, but also a heart full of memories — of vibrant cities, tranquil villages, breathtaking nature, and the warm smiles of the Vietnamese people.

We hope this journey has colored your world in the most beautiful ways. Until we meet again.