Best of Vietnam Tour 16 days

 Morning: Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the city center (Old Quarter) for hotel check-in. Take some time to unpack, relax, and settle into your new surroundings before the adventure begins.

Afternoon: Dive deep into Ha Noi’s rich cultural heritage. Visit the Temple of Literature (Viet Nam's first university) to admire its historic architecture and peaceful gardens. Then, take an electric car or cyclo ride through the bustling Old Quarter to witness daily life, explore vibrant street markets, and discover traditional local crafts.

Evening: Savor local culinary masterpieces like Bun cha (grilled pork with rice noodles) or Cha ca La Vong (turmeric fish with dill) for an authentic taste of Vietnamese flavors. Attend a traditional water puppet show to experience a unique and entertaining cultural performance, or enjoy a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian street to mingle with locals and enjoy the lively weekend atmosphere.

 Morning: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square to pay tribute to Vietnam’s historic leader and view the impressive architecture.

Next, see the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique landmark built on a single stone pillar, and explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long to discover ancient artifacts and fascinating history. After that, explore Hanoi's rich culinary world for lunch. Our delicious suggestions include: Bun cha (savory grilled pork with fresh vermicelli noodles), Garlic-fried duck served with vermicelli or Cha ca La Vong (famous turmeric fish cooked with fresh dill)

Still wondering where to start on your Hanoi street food adventure? Try A21's Tour's Hanoi street food walking tour!

Afternoon & Evening: Conclude the afternoon by catching a breathtaking sunset at West Lake and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Afterward, visit Quan Thanh Temple, one of the city's oldest and most sacred ancient temples. Finally, discover Hanoi's vibrant nightlife by visiting Ta Hien beer street. Here, you can try local draft beer—a popular specialty deeply rooted in Hanoi's social culture—while mingling with the lively crowds.

 Morning: After enjoying a tasty breakfast, a luxury limousine will take you to Halong Bay for a 2.5-hour highway drive. This comfortable ride allows you to admire the scenic countryside views along the way.

Afternoon: Check in to your 4 to 5-star luxury cruise. Embark on a breathtaking voyage through this World Natural Wonder to marvel at thousands of limestone islands rising from the emerald water. Enjoy kayaking at Luon Cave to explore hidden lagoons up close, and swim at Ti Top Island (or Ba Trai Dao beach if following the Lan Ha Bay route) for a refreshing dip and stunning panoramic views of the bay.

 Morning: Start your day with a revitalizing Tai Chi session on deck to boost your energy, followed by check-out. Enjoy a light brunch on board as the cruise sails back to the pier, offering a final chance to admire the picturesque limestone peaks. Your private transfer will be waiting to take you directly to Ninh Binh on a convenient 3-hour drive.

Afternoon: Arrive in Ninh Binh and check in to your hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon at your leisure to explore the serene landscapes on your own or relax at the resort. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

 Morning: Board a traditional hand-rowed sampan boat at Trang An Landscape Complex (a UNESCO site) or Tam Coc, gliding through majestic water caves and towering limestone karsts to admire the spectacular scenery. Afterward, indulge in a local lunch featuring Ninh Binh’s renowned goat meat specialties for a unique culinary experience.

Afternoon: Hike up Ngoa Long Mountain at Mua Cave to capture stunning panoramic views of the lush rice paddies and winding river below. Next, visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital to learn about the historically significant Dinh and Early Le dynasties.

Evening: Transfer to the railway station for an overnight sleeper train ride to Dong Hoi to prepare for your next adventure.

 Morning: Arrive at Dong Hoi station in the early morning. Your guide and driver will pick you up for breakfast before heading into Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. Cruise down the Son River into the heart of the mountains to explore Phong Nha Cave, where you can admire impressive rock formations, or discover the magnificent stalactites and stalagmites of Paradise Cave—often described as an "underground royal palace."

Afternoon: Check in to your hotel located near the Dong Hoi coastline. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the sandy beach or exploring the city's vibrant streets and local markets at your own pace.

 Morning: Following breakfast, your private vehicle will pick you up for a scenic 3 to 4-hour drive to Lang Co. En route, pause to visit the historic Vinh Moc Tunnels and the 17th Parallel (Hien Luong Bridge - Ben Hai River) to gain a deeper insight into Vietnam's heroic wartime history. This remarkable stop allows you to explore an underground network where entire communities lived during the conflict, offering a fascinating and emotional glimpse into past resilience.

Afternoon: Arrive at the picturesque Lang Co Bay. Check in to your resort, relax, and hit the beach to unwind by the calm, turquoise waters. Do not miss out on tasting local lagoon seafood delicacies, including fresh grilled oysters, mud crabs, and grilled prawns for an exceptional dining experience. This coastal area is famous for its exceptionally fresh catch, which is caught daily by local fishermen.

 Morning: Enjoy a peaceful, slow-paced morning swimming and catching the sunrise over Lang Co Bay. After that, check out of the resort. Your driver will take you over the spectacular Hai Van Pass—dubbed "The Most Grandiose Gateway on Earth"—where you can pause to admire the magnificent mountains and capture breathtaking photographs. This route offers panoramic views of Central Vietnam's coastline as you head straight into Da Nang.

Afternoon: Check in to your Da Nang hotel. Spend a free afternoon discovering the energetic city and relaxing on My Khe Beach to enjoy its soft sand, warm waters, and a variety of exciting water sports.

Evening: Relax at your leisure. If it is the weekend, you can watch the Dragon Bridge breathe fire and water during its spectacular light show, or feast on fresh seafood while enjoying the lively atmosphere along the vibrant Vo Nguyen Giap coastal street.

 Morning: Enjoy a relaxing morning at the resort to recharge your energy, or take an excursion to the Son Tra Peninsula to visit Linh Ung Pagoda. This sacred site is home to the iconic, colossal Lady Buddha statue, which stands proudly against the mountain. From here, you can also admire magnificent, panoramic views of Da Nang's vast ocean and the surrounding lush greenery. 

Afterward, visitors returns and checked out. The vehicle will take you to Hoi An. This pleasant short trip takes you past scenic coastal landscapes as you transition from the modern city to a peaceful destination.

Afternoon: Check in to your hotel in Hoi An and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the town freely. You can wander through the ancient, beautifully preserved streets to admire the distinctive yellow houses, colorful lanterns, and historical buildings at your own pace, soaking in the charming atmosphere.

 Morning: Take a guided walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, visiting landmark sites like the Fujian Assembly Hall, Phung Hung Ancient House, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. This immersive stroll allows you to discover the town's unique architectural blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese influences while learning about its fascinating history as a major trading port.

Afternoon: Head over to An Bang Beach to enjoy the sun, sand, and gentle sea breeze. It is the perfect spot to unwind on the pristine shoreline, take a refreshing swim in the ocean, or relax at a beachfront café while taking in the peaceful coastal scenery.

Evening: Experience the magical atmosphere of Hoi An at night with a boat ride on the Hoai River to release floating paper lanterns for good fortune. Dinner features local favorites like Hoi An chicken rice, Cao lau, or My Quang to provide a delicious conclusion to your day.

 Morning: Rent a bicycle and cycle around Cam Thanh village. This journey will allow you to immerse yourself in the beautiful, tranquil atmosphere of the vast rice fields and breathe in the fresh country air while observing traditional farming methods. Passing through picturesque paths, you can interact with friendly locals and experience the slow-paced charm of rural life up close.

Afternoon: Explore the Bay Mau coconut forest with a scenic basket boat ride, which glides through lush green waterways. Enjoy thrilling basket boat dances and races performed by talented locals, and create charming souvenirs from coconut leaves with their guidance. Don't forget to try a refreshing bowl of water coconut sweet soup dessert—this unique treat is sure to be a hidden gem if you have a sweet tooth, providing a delightful taste of local flavors.

 

Morning: Have breakfast and gear up for a scenic coastal road trip heading south to Quy Nhon (approx. 4 to 5-hour drive). This memorable journey offers spectacular views of the dramatic coastline, passing by tranquil fishing villages, magnificent green hills, and vast stretches of the sparkling ocean, making the drive an adventure in itself.

Afternoon: Arrive in Quy Nhon, check in to your hotel, and explore the city at your leisure. You can take a peaceful walk along the pristine beach, visit local historic sites, or simply unwind and enjoy the relaxed, unhurried atmosphere of this beautiful coastal city.

Evening: For dinner, treat yourself to local street food specialties like Banh xeo tom nhay (jumping shrimp pancakes) or Quy Nhon fish cake noodles to experience the region's authentic flavors. These unique dishes offer a delightful combination of fresh seafood and traditional spices that food enthusiasts will love.

 

Morning: Cross the Thi Nai Bridge (one of Vietnam's longest sea-crossing bridges) to the Phuong Mai Peninsula. Explore Eo Gio, a wild, rocky cliffside path known as one of the best sunset-viewing spots in Vietnam, where you can admire magnificent, wind-swept landscapes and crashing ocean waves.

Continue to Ky Co Beach, a pristine paradise with crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sands tucked under dramatic cliffs. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling at Coral Beach to discover a fascinating underwater world filled with vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs.

Afternoon: Visit Ghenh Rang - Tien Sa, pay respects at the tomb of the celebrated poet Han Mac Tu, and walk along Queen's Beach. This unique shoreline is famous for its giant, smooth egg-shaped stones, offering a spectacular spot to relax, capture stunning photographs, and listen to the peaceful sound of the waves.

 Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the resort before boarding your transfer to Ho Chi Minh City. The drive takes approximately 9 to 10 hours via the national highway and expressways, offering a scenic look at the changing landscapes from the quiet central coast to the bustling southern plains. This journey provides an excellent opportunity to relax, read, or watch the lively countryside pass by from the comfort of your private vehicle.

Afternoon: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, check in to your central hotel, and spend the afternoon diving into the city’s vibrant energy at your own pace. You can take a leisurely walk around the historic streets, discover nearby cafes, or simply absorb the energetic atmosphere of Vietnam's largest economic hub as it transitions from day to night.

 Relax at your leisure or join a highlights city tour to explore Saigon’s iconic architecture and history. This captivating excursion takes you through the city's defining moments, beginning with the Notre-Dame Cathedral to admire its historic red-brick facade and the Central Post Office to view its impressive vaulted ceilings and classic French design.

Note: This location is currently under renovation and access may be restricted. However, you can still take photos from the outside.

You may step back into the 1960s at the Independence Palace (Reunification Palace), where you can explore grand reception rooms and secret underground bunkers that played a critical role in modern history - or conclude your tour with a visit to the deeply moving War Remnants Museum, which offers a poignant and eye-opening look at wartime history through striking photographic exhibits. This comprehensive tour provides a profound understanding of the city's resilient spirit and rich cultural evolution.

 Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel. This morning is yours to spend at leisure for last-minute souvenir shopping or café hopping before your departure flight. You can wander through the lively local markets to purchase unique handicrafts, traditional Vietnamese coffee, or clothing items to take home as a memorable keepsake. Alternatively, take a moment to unwind at a trendy rooftop café, soaking in the city's vibrant atmosphere one last time.