14-Day Coastal Getaway in Vietnam from Halong to Phu Quoc

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.

Departure for Ninh Binh – the land of limestone karsts, sugarloaf mountains, and rice fields flooded by rivers and lakes throughout the year.

Arrival in Ninh Xuan, visit to Mua Mountain. Climb a 486-step white stone staircase to the summit of this bell-shaped mountain, which offers a panoramic view of the Tam Coc region.

A limestone mountain located near the rivers and sugarloaf mountains of Tam Coc. In the past, it was renowned for its dance performances for the kings of the Tran Dynasty (13th-14th century).

Afterward, transfer to Tam Coc for a bike ride and leisurely exploration of this fabulous region.

Explore a vast landscape featuring sugarloaf-shaped rock formations, rice paddies, and rivers. Enjoy boat rides on the Ngo Dong River, winding through the sugarloaf peaks, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the lush surrounding nature.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip along the Ngo Dong River to explore the beauty of Tam Coc. This meandering river takes you through lush rice fields, past picturesque sugar loaf hills, and beneath the three enchanting caves nestled at the base of towering limestone peaks.

End your day with an overnight stay in Ninh Binh.

Departure for Halong – the most beautiful bay in Vietnam, one of the most magical landscapes in Asia. Boarding upon arrival aboard a traditional junk. Welcome by the crew then departure for a magnificent cruise on the bay. Visit Bai Tu Long (northern part of Halong Bay):

• Admire the picturesque islands and islets with various shapes (sail, dog, rooster, incense, etc.).
• Explore the splendid caves of Halong Bay, including Thien Canh Son, housing 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, relax on the upper deck of the junk.

Lunch and dinner on board the junk.

Enjoy a free evening for personal rest and relaxation, which can include card games or night fishing.

Spend the night on board.

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.

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.

• Visit Ben Thanh Market, an iconic symbol of the city.

• Explore the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, both architectural gems designed according to the plans of Gustave Eiffel.

• Discover the Headquarters of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, which was once the Central Town Hall and stands as one of the city's most beautiful colonial buildings.

• The Museum of Traditional Medicine of Vietnam, discovery of traditional Vietnamese medicine, more than 3000 years old.

Spend the night at your hotel.

Departure for the Mekong Delta, a half-land, half-aquatic territory in the far south of the country.

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.

Wake up early, greet the guests, then transfer to Can Tho, the capital of the delta, located on the right bank of the southern arm of the Mekong.

On arrival, board a boat for a trip on the Mekong. Visit the Cai Rang floating market, which looks like a lively show bringing together numerous boats loaded with fruits, vegetables... and all other types of goods. Discovery of the very original 'river trade' of the inhabitants of the Mekong region.

Disembark for a visit to the An Binh land market located opposite Cai Rang, an opportunity to make an interesting comparison between the floating market and the land market. Transfer to Phong Dien, visit an orchard, then bike ride through small hamlets along the So Dua River. In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City.

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Phu Quoc, the idyllic island paradise nestled in the southernmost reaches of the country, situated within the Gulf of Thailand.

Prepare for an overnight stay in the tranquil surroundings of Phu Quoc, where you can unwind and relish the serenity of this island haven.

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.

Your final day will depend on your flight schedule. You may fly to Ho Chi Minh City and then connect to your departure flight home.

End of our 2-week journey from Halong to Phu Quoc! Safe travels!