Overview
Welcome to a journey that captures the soul of Vietnam, from its vibrant southern metropolis to the timeless charm of its northern bay. This immersive 14-day expedition is thoughtfully created for travellers who wish to experience the country’s most iconic landscapes, historical treasures, and culinary delights in a single, well-paced itinerary.
Your Around Vietnam 2 Weeks Tour bridges the gap between bustling urban energy and serene natural beauty across seven unforgettable destinations:
- Ho Chi Minh City: Your lively starting point, where modern skyscrapers stand beside colonial-era buildings, bustling markets, and war remnants that tell powerful stories of the past.
- Mekong Delta: Known as Vietnam’s “rice bowl,” this lush network of rivers and canals invites you to drift past stilt houses, sample tropical fruits, and witness traditional cottage industries up close.
- Da Nang: A coastal gem offering golden beaches, the famous Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands, and easy access to the enchanting lantern-lit streets of Hoi An.
- Hoi An & Hue: Step into Hoi An’s preserved ancient town, a UNESCO site glowing with silk lanterns. Then travel north to Hue, the former imperial capital, where royal citadels and tombs reveal Vietnam’s regal past.
- Hanoi: The elegant capital, where thousand-year-old pagodas, French-colonial architecture, and chaotic motorbike traffic create a wonderfully unique atmosphere.
- Halong Bay: Your grand finale – a cruise among emerald waters and limestone karsts, dotted with hidden caves and floating fishing villages.
From the fertile delta in the south to the misty bay in the north, this Around Vietnam 2 Weeks Tour delivers a rich, balanced taste of the nation’s landscape, history, and heartbeat.
Itinerary
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival

Morning: Our guide and vehicle will pick you up at Tan Son Nhat Airport. After check-in and baggage claim, you can easily find our guide in the waiting area with a sign in hand.
The vehicle will then take you to your hotel. Depending on your hotel choice, the journey may take approximately 15-20 minutes. Please note that standard hotel check-in time is usually 2 PM, and there may be a small additional fee for early check-in. Afterward, you can explore the city at your own pace. Try some local eateries on Google Maps. Saigon is a street food paradise; don't miss these hidden gems!
- Meals: NA
- Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh
Day 2: Saigon Half-Day City Tour By Local Motorbike
Morning: This half-day Ho Chi Minh City tour starts at either 8:00 - 8:30 AM (Morning Route) or 1:00 - 1:30 PM (Afternoon Route) - depending on your choice. The tour, conducted by motorbike – one of the most popular modes of transport chosen by locals – will take you to explore iconic landmarks of this vibrant city.

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office stand as iconic landmarks in Saigon, boasting stunning French colonial architecture characterized by intricate Gothic styling, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's rich historical heritage. Although this building is currently undergoing renovations, you can still take photos from the outside, but visiting the interior will be largely affected.

Take a look at Saigon Opera House, which stands as an architectural gem, boasting a striking façade adorned with ornate details reminiscent of the Belle Époque era, offering a glimpse into Vietnam's colonial history and cultural heritage.

Then, travel to Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Head Office, which was the city hall, and the beautiful Nguyen Hue Walking Street where you can take nice photos from the Apartment cafes here. Continue to visit some hidden gems of the city such as The venerable Thich Quang Duc monument, Ho Thi Ky flower market, Thien Hau Pagoda, and Cambodian market.
The next stop is Nguyen Thien Thuat Oldest Apartment - a famous street food area with considerable diversity in the style of cuisine and local culture. Take a short walk to explore the lifestyle of local people here.

At the end, we will drive you back to the hotel and pass by Nguyen Trai Street located in District 5 which is famous for hundreds of fashion shops along the street.
Afternoon: Return to your hotel. The rest of the day will be your free time to discover this bustling city by yourself.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 3: Mekong Delta - Tan Phong Island
Morning:

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then travel by car to Cai Be (Dong Thap Province). Here, you will have the opportunity to visit Com Candy Craft Village, where you can experience the life of a true local farmer. Activities such as touring the coconut candy factory and making candy yourself, visiting a honey farm, and tasting herbal tea with fresh honey will provide you with relaxing moments and help you understand more about the life and traditional culture of the local people. After that, the tour guide will bring you to Tan Phong Islet and experience garden tourism in a neighboring orchard to enjoy unique tropical fruits like durian, rambutan, longan, and more (seasonal) and try to pick them on your own.

Next, visitors come to a local house and listen to the live performance of "Don Ca Tai Tu" - a classic kind of Vietnamese folk music and enjoy a cup of tea and welcome fruit of the host.

Get on a small rowing boat through small canals to get to Mekong Ecolodge for checking in, and then you will have lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Spend your afternoon at your own pace, whether you choose to take a relaxing nap or wander through the Ecolodge's campus to explore the vibrant fruit and flower gardens, where you are welcome to pick and enjoy fresh fruits straight from the trees. Afterward, dive into a traditional local experience with a "ditch fishing hook" activity. Using classic fishing tools, you will try your hand at catching fish from the property's ditches before heading out to the garden to harvest fresh vegetables for the evening meal. After a quick shower to freshen up, you can join the homestay's local chef in the kitchen to help prepare a delicious dinner using your freshly caught fish and hand-picked produce. Finally, sit down to enjoy a fantastic, self-harvested dinner before settling in for a peaceful overnight stay at the homestay.

- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Mekong Eco-lodge
Day 4: Cycling tour in Tan Phong Island - Ho Chi Minh - Flight to Da Nang
Morning: Start your morning early to breathe in the crisp countryside air and listen to the peaceful waking sounds of the village. Take a leisurely stroll through the area to observe the local farmers as they begin their daily morning routines.
After returning to the homestay for a hearty breakfast, embark on an engaging cycling tour around Tan Phong Island. This ride offers a wonderful opportunity to visit traditional handicraft workshops and immerse yourself in the island's unique local culture.

Your first stops will introduce you to time-honored artisanal traditions. You will visit a local home to watch residents craft rice paper—a staple ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine—and then learn the intricate process of weaving a traditional banana hammock using durable banana rope.
The cultural exploration continues as you learn the art of weaving water hyacinth, where you can even try your hand at crafting a piece yourself. Afterward, you will get a fascinating look at how local materials are used to handcraft bamboo nail files.

Cycle back to the Ecolodge to participate in a hands-on cooking class led by local hosts. Here, you will learn to make jackfruit leaf cake, a celebrated specialty of Tan Phong Island, and enjoy tasting your own delicious creation.
Afternoon: In the afternoon, check out of the lodge and board the Tan Phong ferry alongside local residents to reach Hiep Duc. Your driver will be waiting at the port to pick you up and begin the journey toward the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Along the way, you will stop at a restaurant to enjoy lunch.
Upon arriving at the Da Nang airport, a comfortable transfer will take you directly to your hotel in Hoi An. The remainder of the day is entirely yours to enjoy at your own pace, whether you prefer to catch up on rest or head out to explore the magical, lantern-lit streets of Hoi An by night.

- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Day 5: Hoi An Walking Street Food Tour At Night
Morning: During the daytime, you are free to explore Hoi An on your way. You can leisurely walk through the pretty street of the ancient town, take some photos or drive to the nearby Cua Dai beach (about 2km away).

Note: If you visit Hoi An between the end of April and the end of May each year, this is the time when the rice fields here enter the harvest season. Cycling along the rice paddies will be an unforgettable experience and an activity not to be missed when visiting this place!
Evening: Your culinary adventure begins in the late afternoon, when our guide will pick you up from your hotel. You will be led through Hoi An's charming, narrow streets on a walking food tour, visiting a curated selection of local coffee shops, bustling restaurants, and hidden eateries to sample the town's most famous delicacies.

The first stop introduces you to the iconic Banh Mi, crafted by the legendary "Banh Mi Queen," offering a world-famous taste of perfectly balanced Vietnamese flavors. Next, you will savor Cao Lau, Hoi An’s signature dry noodle dish, which features rich textures and distinct layers of savory toppings all brought together in a single bowl.
As the journey continues, you will dive into the unique textures of Central Vietnamese street food. You will try Banh Beo, a traditional steamed rice cake that is delicately thin, round, and savory, followed by Banh Khot, a crispy, golden pancake made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, topped with rich quail eggs and fresh greens.

For the adventurous foodie, the tour offers a chance to try Balut. Though frequently listed among the world's most unusual foods because it features a developing duck embryo inside the shell, it is incredibly nutrient-rich and boasts a surprisingly deep, savory flavor that rewards those bold enough to take a bite.
To bring a perfect end to your flavorful night, you will sip on an authentic Vietnamese coffee. Brewed from premium local beans and sweetened with rich condensed milk, this classic drink provides a wonderful finale to your tour before you head back to your hotel for a restful night.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Day 6: Live Like a Local Farmer in Cam Thanh Village
Morning: Your farming adventure begins at 8:00 AM, when you will meet your tour guide at your hotel for a scenic bicycle ride to Cam Thanh Village, a picturesque rural destination nestled on the outskirts of Hoi An's old town. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by your local host family before diving straight into the traditional, hands-on process of wet rice cultivation.

Under the friendly guidance of your hosts, you will get a real taste of authentic farm life by trying your hand at plowing and raking the fields with a water buffalo. You will also learn the delicate arts of transplanting rice seedlings, flood farming, and the traditional methods of grinding and pounding the harvested grain. For the truly adventurous, you can even try riding on the back of a water buffalo—a perfect opportunity for some unforgettable, unique photographs.
After working up an appetite on the farm, you will head over to a nearby fishing village to experience the daily life of local fishermen and try your luck at casting traditional fishing nets. Your morning culminates in a lively basket boat excursion, paddling deep into the heart of Cam Thanh's lush, vibrant water coconut jungle.

To wrap up this immersive cultural day, you will be treated to a delicious, home-cooked lunch featuring authentic regional flavors at a local house. Afterward, you will conclude the tour and return to your accommodation with fantastic memories of the countryside.
Afternoon: Return to the hotel and take your much-needed rest after an active day.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Day 7: Hoi An - Road Transfer to Hue
Morning: Have breakfast and prepare for a long day transferring from Hoi An to Hue at 8:00 AM. The vehicle will take you to Hue after approximately 3 hours of travel.

Afternoon: Arrive at your hotel in Hue. Check in and relax. You are free to explore and discover Hue city at night.

- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Day 8: Hue - Discover Thuy Bieu Eco Village & Join Traditional Cooking Class
Morning: Your journey begins at Toa Kham Wharf, where you will step aboard a traditional dragon boat. This scenic cruise offers a unique perspective of Hue's slow-paced, serene lifestyle as you drift gently along the iconic Perfume River.

The boat will make its first stop at Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most ancient and revered shrines in the city. Here, you can explore the striking, seven-story brick pagoda, which stands tall amidst lush, manicured gardens and a profoundly tranquil atmosphere.
After your visit, you will step back onto the dragon boat and head toward the Hue Ecolodge. Upon arrival, a friendly local guide will warmly greet you and lead the way into the picturesque Thuy Bieu Eco-village.

Famous for its absolute serenity, verdant fruit orchards, and beautifully preserved ancient houses, this eco-village offers a deeply rejuvenating experience for relaxation lovers. You will have plenty of time to fully immerse yourself in the landscape by taking a peaceful stroll or cycling around the beautiful village lanes.
Along the way, you will have the chance to visit local artisan families to gain insight into their traditional lifestyle. You will get an up-close look at how they make their living by witnessing the intricate processes of handmade incense-making and delicate paper painting.
To wrap up your immersive day, you will participate in a hands-on cooking class at Hue Ecolodge. Under the guidance of an expert eco-chef, you will learn to prepare authentic Hue delicacies, including traditional Vietnamese spring rolls and crispy Banh Khoai. Afterward, you can sit back, savor the delicious dishes you have just created, and receive helpful feedback and tips from the chef to sharpen your culinary skills.

Afternoon: Ending the tour, enjoy your wonderful time soaking foot in hot water from boiling medical herbs and enjoy excellent massage by blind people.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Day 9: Hue - Free Day in Hue to Relax & Explore at Your Own Pace
Have breakfast at your hotel. You have the whole day to explore Hue yourself.

- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Day 10: Hue - Flight to Hanoi + Street Food Walking Tour
Morning: Spend your remaining time soaking in the charms of Hue at your own pace before our driver arrives to transfer you to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon landing at Noi Bai International Airport, a private car will be waiting to comfortably transport you directly to your hotel in the capital city for check-in. Once you arrive, you will have plenty of time to unpack, unwind, and rest up before heading out for an exciting, flavor-filled street food tour later this evening.
Evening:

This evening, you will immerse yourself in the capital's vibrant culinary culture with an exciting street food walking tour. Your journey begins with a stroll through the sparkling, atmospheric streets of the Hanoi Old Quarter, where you can sample iconic, comforting noodle dishes such as Pho Bo (Vietnamese beef noodle soup), Bun Thang (a delicate chicken and egg noodle soup), or Bun Cha (savory grilled pork served with fresh rice noodles).
As you continue wandering through the lively alleys, you will stop to taste freshly made Banh Cuon (delicately steamed rice rolls) and the world-renowned Banh Mi. Along the way, you will also have the chance to sample popular local street snacks, including the savory and tangy Nom Bo Kho (dried beef salad) and the crispy, flavorful Nem Chua Ran (fried fermented pork rolls).
To perfectly round off your exploration of Hanoi's legendary food scene, you will indulge in a rich cup of Ca Phe Trung (egg coffee), a famous local specialty born right in the heart of the city. After a satisfying, flavor-filled evening, you will return to your hotel to relax and unwind for the night.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 11: Hanoi Half-Day City Tour By Motorbike
Morning: Your Hanoi adventure begins at 8:00 AM, when you will meet your tour guide at your hotel to kick off an exciting motorbike tour of the capital's most famous landmarks. Your ride starts with a cruise across the historic Long Bien Bridge and the neighboring Chuong Duong Bridge, followed by a stop to savor iconic Trang Tien ice cream. From there, you will pass by the elegant Hanoi Opera House, a stunning architectural masterpiece that continues to host premier art performances today.

The journey continues to the heart of the city with a visit to the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, a signature Hanoi destination located just steps away from the Ly Thai To Monument, which honors the king who founded the ancient capital of Thang Long. Next, you will delve into Vietnam's poignant history at the Hoa Lo Prison Museum (Maison Centrale), gaining deep insight into the struggles and resilience of Vietnamese revolutionaries during the French colonial era.

From the historic center, your motorbike will take you toward West Lake, the city's largest freshwater lake and its vital "green lungs." Nestled on a small island along the lakeshore, you will explore Tran Quoc Pagoda, celebrated as the oldest Buddhist temple in Vietnam. Afterward, you will ride to Huu Tiep Lake to view the famous B52 crash site—a striking historical monument marking the resilience of Vietnamese soldiers during the war—before exploring a bustling nearby local market to observe the vibrant rhythms of daily Hanoian life.
Your sightseeing wraps up at the historic Ba Dinh Square, where you can admire the grand exterior of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnam's most revered leader. To conclude this unforgettable exploration, your guide will take you to a local restaurant to relax and enjoy a delicious, authentic Vietnamese meal before returning you safely to your hotel.

Important Notes:
-
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: This itinerary views the mausoleum from the outside. Please note that the site is closed on Mondays and Fridays, as well as for annual maintenance from June through August.
-
Flexibility: The itinerary is subject to minor adjustments on the day of travel based on local weather and traffic conditions to ensure the best possible experience.
Afternoon: Get back to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to relax or discover more through our recommended optional tours.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 12: Cruise through the Natural Wonder of Halong Bay - Overnight Onboard
Morning:

Wake up to enjoy breakfast at the hotel before our driver picks you up at 08:00 and departs for Halong.
Arrive at the port and get ready to board the cruise at around 11:30 - 12:00 for your voyage to explore the majestic Halong Bay. After checking in, lunch will be served while the boat is sailing among the magnificent limestone islands.
Afternoon:

In the afternoon, your journey continues as you follow the cruise's tailored itinerary, which features a variety of exciting activities that may include scenic sightseeing, kayaking through hidden lagoons, or swimming in the refreshing waters of the bay. You will return to the vessel around 5:30 PM, just in time to unwind during a lively sunset party. Here, you can take advantage of a "buy-one-get-one-free" cocktail happy hour while admiring the gorgeous sunset dipping below the horizon, or opt to join an engaging onboard cooking demonstration. As night falls, a delicious dinner will be served in the dining room, after which you are free to enjoy a variety of nightlife activities, including squid fishing off the deck, karaoke, or relaxing with selection of board games.
Note: The exact sequence of activities and detailed daily schedule will be provided upon boarding, as itineraries vary slightly depending on your specific cruise line.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Cruise in Halong Bay
Day 13: Morning in Halong Bay - Return to Hanoi
Morning:

Greet the morning early with a gentle Tai Chi session on the sun deck as the sun rises over the bay, or choose to sleep in and rest until breakfast is served. Afterward, you will dive back into the cruise schedule to explore more of Halong Bay's wonders, which may include venturing into a magnificent limestone cave, enjoying a traditional bamboo rowing boat trip, or taking a final refreshing swim in the cool water.
You will then return to the vessel to pack your bags and complete the check-out process. As the cruise glides smoothly back toward the harbor, a delicious farewell brunch will be served in the dining room, allowing you to savor the stunning scenery one last time. Between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, you will disembark the ship, say goodbye to the crew, and meet your driver for a comfortable transfer back to Hanoi.
Afternoon:

Back to your hotel and relax for a while. The night in Hanoi is all yours; you can explore the city by night freely on your own. You might consider joining a night tour to see a very different Hanoi from its daytime hustle and bustle. We suggest a night tour of the Temple of Literature or the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.
- Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 14: Farewell Vietnam - Departure from Hanoi
Enjoy your last time in Hanoi before our driver meets you at the hotel and takes you to the airport for the departure flight.
Goodbye and see you again!
Note: The hotel check-out time is 12:00. A late check-out can be arranged with a surcharge.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: NA
Reviews
Please login to write a review