From Halong Bay to Phu Quoc Island in 18 Days

A day dedicated to exploring Hanoi's most remarkable cultural sites and historical monuments:

• The Temple of Literature, a symbol of feudal education and one of Hanoi's iconic landmarks.

Built 1000 years ago, this Confucian temple served as an institution where royal offspring and sons of mandarins received their education. It also hosted competitions for the country's most talented students, with the winners attaining the status of scholars and senior officials in Vietnamese feudal dynasties.

• Visit Ba Dinh Square, the location of the former palace of the Indochina governor, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and his residence.
• Explore the Ethnography Museum, home to a vast collection of 25,000 ancient and contemporary artifacts that provide insights into the history of local populations.
• In the evening, enjoy a water puppet show – a distinctive feature of the Vietnamese culture.

Colorful wooden puppets are skillfully manipulated by the artists using rods and bamboo shafts underwater. It is a unique and captivating art form unique to the Northern Vietnamese tradition.

Night in Hanoi.

Travel to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a 4-hour drive southwest of Hanoi, covering 1,700 hectares and boasting the largest karst forests in northern Vietnam. The area is inhabited by the Thais, who live in stilted houses and cultivate rice in the valleys and on mountain slopes.

Upon arrival at Tý’s house in Bản Lác village, you'll meet family members and explore the surrounding village. Pu Luong, a cultural and natural paradise, offers breathtaking rice fields and charming ethnic villages nestled at the base of majestic mountains.

In the evening, join in the dinner preparation and dine with fellow guests.

Experience a night in a stilted house.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your hosts and set out on a day of hiking through the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. You'll traverse hills, mountains, and lush tropical forests with diverse flora. Keep an eye out for encounters with local Thai workers, recognizable by their traditional long knives.

As you hike, you'll descend into valleys, passing rice fields, picturesque streams, bamboo waterwheels, and quaint villages like Long, Ươi, Lặn Trong, Lặn Ngoài. You'll also come across fish and duck farms, offering a glimpse into rural life.

By day's end, you'll reach Don village, where you'll check into a charming lodge. Enjoy some free time for relaxation, and spend the night in this serene setting within Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your hosts and embark on a day of hiking in the Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

Begin with a transfer to Hieu Waterfall, a small cascade originating from a karst mountain in the Pu Luong range. You'll follow the waterfall to a higher village and then traverse hills, tropical teak and bamboo forests, and Thai villages. Along the way, you'll encounter Thai people working in the forests and gardens.

As you climb stairs, the path gradually descends into valleys adorned with rice fields, waterways crossed by quaint wooden bridges, fish farms, and duck farms. This journey offers a deep exploration of beautiful rural landscapes and the authentic lives of the local population.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to Ninh Binh, a 3-hour drive away.

Enjoy boat trips on the Ngo Dong River to discover Tam Coc. This long river winds between rice fields, limestone karsts, and passes under three caves at the foot of the peaks. Local rowers will gently guide your boat through these magical landscapes.

Explore a vast landscaped area featuring limestone karst formations, rice fields, and rivers. Boat trips on the Ngo Dong River, winding through the karsts, will immerse you in the lush natural surroundings.

After disembarking, take a relaxing bike ride or ox cart journey through villages and karsts, allowing you to soak in the serene atmosphere of this rural region.

The program continues with a visit to Mount Mua, historically known for its dance performances for the Tran kings. Ascend 486 stone steps along a white staircase to reach the summit. This bell-shaped mountain offers a panoramic view of the Tam Coc region.

Overnight stay in Ninh Binh.

Depart for Halong Bay, one of the most mesmerizing landscapes in Asia. Upon arrival, board a traditional junk to embark on a magnificent cruise through Bai Tu Long, the northern part of Halong Bay. 

Our options include collective junks with 10 to 12 cabins, accommodating around twenty passengers, as well as the possibility of a private cruise on a small junk with one or a few cabins for an unforgettable experience. Please contact us for this option.

• Marvel at the picturesque islands and islets, each with its unique shape (sail, dog, rooster, incense, etc.).
• Explore the stunning caves of Halong Bay, including Thien Canh Son, which houses stalagmites and stalactites dating back thousands of years.
• Continue the cruise to Cap La, where you can enjoy a kayak ride and swim in the sublime waters of the bay, weather permitting.
• In the late afternoon, unwind on the upper deck of the junk.
• Lunch and dinner will be served on board.
• Enjoy a leisurely evening for personal relaxation, which may include card games or night fishing.

Overnight on board the junk.

Wake up at dawn to witness a spectacular moment: the first rays of sunlight painting the limestone karsts of the bay, followed by a serene Tai Chi session on the terrace.

Embark on a boat or kayak excursion to explore the fishing village of Vung Vieng, where you may have the opportunity to meet and interact with the local residents.

Enjoy lunch on the junk before disembarking and heading back to Hanoi.

In the evening, catch a flight to Hue, the historic imperial city located in the central part of Vietnam.

Overnight stay in Hue.

Begin your city tour of Hue, the last imperial capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945:

• Explore the Imperial City, the historic residence and workplace of the 13 Nguyen kings over 143 years.
• Visit the mausoleum of Minh Mang, famously known for fathering 142 children with 43 concubines.
• Discover Phu Mong village, recognized for its garden houses, an essential part of Hue's imperial heritage.
• Experience the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue's most beautiful and frequently visited pagodas. Alternatively, visit the serene Tu Hieu Pagoda, where the tombs of eunuchs from the Nguyen dynasty rest. Depending on the time, you may witness a monk's prayer session.
• Explore the Dong Ba market, the city's largest and oldest market, where you can find local specialties like conical hats and tunic dresses.

Enjoy your night at the hotel in Hue.

Commence a road journey to the enchanting town of Hoi An, situated approximately 150 km to the south of Hue. This scenic drive offers several captivating stops along the way:

• Discover the unspoiled, less-touristy Thuan An and Lang Co beaches, both boasting long stretches of golden sands. Additionally, you'll encounter vast lagoons where diverse types of fish farms support the local community.
• Traverse the Cloud Pass, renowned as the highest mountain pass in central Vietnam. This significant pass, nestled between Hue and Da Nang, serves as a natural climatic boundary that separates the northern and southern regions of the country. As you reach its summit, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the stunning bays of Lang Co and Da Nang, stretching as far as the eye can behold.
• Be captivated by picturesque roadside cemeteries affectionately known as "Ghost Towns." These cemeteries feature clusters of intricately carved tomb-castles, each showcasing distinct Asian architectural styles. From a distance, they resemble opulent cities.

Upon your afternoon arrival in Hoi An, you'll proceed to check in at your hotel, where you'll enjoy a comfortable overnight stay.

Day trip by bike to discover the countryside of Hoi An, a peaceful and green region located downstream of the Thu Bon River.

After breakfast, depart for the fish farming village of Van Lang and the coconut forest of Bay Mau, this region surrounded by multiple canals, mangrove forests, water coconut trees, still remaining very authentic. The route crossing rice fields, corn fields, market gardeners, friendly hamlets, craft factories, and also boat building workshops, wooden junks... will offer you beautiful photo stops, interesting visits, and encounters.

Arrival at the Van Lang village, welcomed by open and friendly boatmen, then depart for a ride in a round basket boat through rivers lined with coconut trees. Admiration of beautiful landscapes, relaxation, then try and learn about exceptional shrimp fishing techniques. Disembarkation, then installation with a local family, rest, and lunch with good dishes served by your hosts.

In the afternoon, continue to the Tra Que village, specialized in the cultivation of organic vegetables. Walk around the fields, meet the farmers, and then participate in agricultural activities: fertilizing the land, planting aromatic herbs… Say goodbye to the friendly farmers, then return by bike to your hotel.

Free evening, night at the hotel. 

Enjoy a full day at your leisure for independent exploration of Hoi An's charming old town. You have various options:

• Explore the historic Old Quarter, wander through its narrow streets, and discover its unique charm. You can also indulge in shopping for local products like lacquerware, handicrafts, and more.

• Consider getting tailor-made clothing at one of the renowned silk shops in town. Hoi An is famous for its skilled tailors, and you can have custom garments created to your liking.

• Embark on a delightful bike ride into the picturesque countryside surrounding Hoi An. Along the way, you'll encounter traditional villages specializing in various crafts such as vegetable farming, pottery, and carpentry.

• Weather permitting, unwind on the exquisite Eastern Sea beaches, including Cua Dai and An Bang, renowned as Vietnam's most beautiful. Bask in the sun and embrace the refreshing sea breeze for a truly revitalizing experience.

After a day of exploration and relaxation, return to your hotel for the night. 

After a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the capital of the south (formerly Saigon), you'll begin your exploration of the city's center, often referred to as "colonial Saigon." Here are the details:

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in the country, with a population of around 10 million. It serves as a gateway to various regions, including the Mekong Delta, the coastline, and the southern highlands.

• A visit to Ben Thanh Market, an iconic symbol of the city bustling with local life and commerce.
• A stop at Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, both masterpieces designed according to the plans of Gustave Eiffel, showcasing the city's rich architectural heritage.
• A tour of the Headquarters of the Popular Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, the former Central Town Hall, widely regarded as the most beautiful colonial building in the city.
• A visit to the War Remnants Museum, which provides insights into the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War. The museum showcases compelling visuals depicting the futility and devastating effects of the conflicts.

As the sightseeing tour concludes, you will be dropped off at your hotel, giving you the freedom to explore the city at night.

Depart for the Mekong Delta, a unique region that combines both land and water, situated in the southernmost part of Vietnam.

The Mekong River, originating in the immense Himalayan range, traverses five upstream countries in Southeast Asia (China, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos) before finally flowing into the Pacific Ocean within Vietnamese territory. This river has sculpted a vast and fertile delta in the southern region of the country, famously known as the "Mekong Delta."

Arrival at Ben Tre, the large town located in the heart of the northern arms of the river. Boat trip on the rivers to reach Mo Cay, a small rural region with little tourism, well known for its coconut trade and the manufacturing of coconut products: coconut, coconut thread, activated coconut carbon, etc.

Bike ride or Xe loi (motorized cycle) on the green island abundantly covered with coconut plantations. The route, away from mass tourism, takes you along small paths, under the shade of coconut trees, which offer a particularly poetic landscape. Stop at farms to observe the manufacture of sweets and coconut brooms.

Continue with a trip in a small rowing boat through the arroyos surrounded by water palm trees, to immerse yourself in the daily life of the delta. Visit to Mr. Van's traditional house, tasting of local specialties made by his wife: coconut jam, tea with honey and pollen... and great encounters with the local population.

Afternoon, transfer to Vinh Long and arrive at the island of An Binh (“peace”) located in the middle of the Mekong. Installation at Mme Thuy’s, a peaceful guest house with a beautiful garden. Free time to relax in a very calm and relaxing environment.

In the evening, participate in the preparation of the meal then have dinner with your creations.

Night at Madame Thuy’s.

Rise early, extend warm greetings to your hosts, and embark on the journey to Can Tho, the capital of the Mekong Delta, situated along the southern bank of the Mekong's main branch. Upon arrival, you'll step aboard a boat to explore the Mekong River. This adventure includes a visit to the bustling Cai Rang floating market, a lively spectacle where numerous boats are laden with an array of fruits, vegetables, and more.

After disembarking, you'll make your way to the airport for a flight to Phu Quoc, the paradise island tucked away in the southernmost reaches of the country, within the Gulf of Thailand.

You'll spend the night in the captivating environs of Phu Quoc, where relaxation and serenity await.

Enjoy two leisurely days with complete freedom to explore and unwind on the captivating island of Phu Quoc, often referred to as a "paradise for relaxation and well-being" by enthusiasts of pristine sandy beaches.

You can spend your time relaxing on the serene, unspoiled beaches, nestled in the shade of towering trees along the Gulf of Thailand. Take leisurely strolls along the coastline, immersing yourself in the island's stunning natural beauty. Alternatively, embark on invigorating hikes through the untouched jungles of Phu Quoc National Park.

As the sun sets, retire to your comfortable hotel for a peaceful night's rest, rejuvenated by your idyllic days on this island paradise.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may board a flight to Ho Chi Minh City as you prepare for your departure flight.

This marks the conclusion of our comprehensive 18 days Vietnam itinerary with a beach extension, featuring must-see destinations and culminating with the serene beauty of Phu Quoc beach. We hope you've enjoyed this unforgettable journey through Vietnam. Safe travels and farewell!