Vietnam Explorer

Xin Chao! Welcome to Vietnam!
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, our representative will greet you, holding a sign with your name. A short transfer will take you to your hotel located in the heart of the city. If time allows, take a stroll through the energetic streets of Ho Chi Minh City, where modern skyscrapers blend seamlessly with colonial architecture, bustling markets.
At 6:00 PM, you’ll have a group meeting with your tour guide and fellow travelers. Later, you can opt to join your travel companions for dinner and drinks at one of Saigon's lively street cafes.

Accommodation

• Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Meals included

No meal included on this day

Special notes

Hotel check-in is available from 2:00 PM. If you arrive earlier and wish to access your room sooner, you can arrange pre-trip accommodation when booking your trip or by notifying us in advance.
Today's group meeting is essential as you'll meet your tour guide and fellow travelers, receive necessary documentation, instructions, and a trip briefing. If you anticipate arriving late, please inform your travel agent or the hotel reception. Check with the hotel reception or look for a note in the lobby for details on the meeting location.

Leave the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City behind as you venture southward to the peaceful Mekong Delta, often called Vietnam's "rice basket." On the way, visit a colorful Cao Dai Temple, a unique religious site that combines elements of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity.
Upon arriving in Ben Tre, known for its abundant coconut palms, embark on a leisurely wooden boat cruise along the river. Observe the daily life along the riverbanks and take in the serene countryside scenery. Visit a traditional brick kiln and handicraft workshops where locals produce coconut candy, puffed rice, woven mats, and so on. Interact with the locals and learn about their crafts and lifestyles.
Continue your journey with an exciting motor cart ride through coconut groves, rice paddies, and vibrant vegetable gardens, offering an intimate glimpse into the region's timeless rural charm. Enjoy a delightful Mekong-style lunch, featuring specialties such as elephant ear fish, fresh prawns, and crispy banana flower cake.
After lunch, experience a tranquil sampan ride through narrow, meandering canals lined with lush water coconut palms, soaking in the beauty of the Delta's mangroves and waterways. Later, check in at your homestay, where you can unwind or participate in activities such as rowing a boat or catching shrimp in a creek. In the evening, join the host family in preparing a traditional dinner and enjoy a cozy, communal meal, sharing stories and experiencing rural life.

Included activities

• Mekong Delta discovery tour

Meals included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Accommodation

• Home stay in Ben Tre

Special notes

You only need to bring a day bag with essentials for your overnight stay in the Mekong, while the rest of your luggage can be securely stored at the hotel.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off on a cycling tour through the serene countryside. Pedal your way to a bustling local market, where you can observe daily trading activities and experience the vibrant atmosphere. Continue your journey to a broom-making workshop, where you’ll see skilled artisans crafting traditional brooms by hand, and then visit a soya sauce production site to learn about the intricate process of making this essential condiment.
Next, visit a local school to meet students and teachers, offering a glimpse into the educational life in the Delta. This enriching experience provides insight into the community's culture and values. After the morning activities, return to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to explore the city at your own pace, perhaps visiting a nearby café, shopping, or simply soaking in the local sights and sounds.
In the evening, you’ll be transferred to the train station for an overnight train journey to Nha Trang. Settle into your cabin and relax as the train carries you towards your next destination, ready for new adventures.

Included activities

• Mekong country cycling

Meals included

• Breakfast

Accommodation

• Overnight train

Special notes

There is day room for the group to take shower before you get to the station. The overnight train journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang takes approximately 8 hours. You'll stay in a shared cabin with four bunk beds, arranged in two levels, offering comfortable soft sleepers and air conditioning. Depending on the group's arrangement, you may share the cabin with passengers of different genders or those not part of the group.

Arrive in Nha Trang early in the morning and transfer to your hotel. Nha Trang, a coastal paradise, is renowned for its long sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and warm weather all year round. While its natural beauty offers the perfect setting for relaxation, the city also buzzes with energy, blending leisure with exciting activities.
Spend your free day unwinding on the beach, swimming in the turquoise sea, or indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment.
For those seeking more adventure, an optional boat tour of Nha Trang Bay and its surrounding islands is available.
As night falls, explore Nha Trang’s vibrant nightlife. Stroll along the beachfront promenade, enjoy fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant, or visit a rooftop bar for panoramic views of the city. For a more lively experience, check out live music venues, or beachfront clubs offering a mix of entertainment and relaxation.

Meals included

No meal included on this day

Accommodation

• Hotel in Nha Trang

Enjoy another day soaking up the sun on Nha Trang’s beautiful beaches. Swim in the clear waters, relax on the soft sands, or indulge in a beachfront spa treatment. If you're looking to explore more, consider visiting Long Son Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple known for its towering white Buddha statue and panoramic city views. Stroll through Dam Market, the city's bustling marketplace, where you can shop for souvenirs and sample local delicacies. Discover marine life at the National Oceanographic Museum, explore the ancient Po Nagar Cham Towers, or unwind in the mineral-rich waters of Thap Ba Hot Springs.
In the evening, you'll be transferred to the train station for an overnight journey to Da Nang, the gateway to the charming town of Hoi An.

Meals included

• Breakfast

Accommodation

• Overnight train

Optional activities

• Mud bath: US$ 15

Special notes

Check-out time is at 12:00 PM. After checking out, you can leave your luggage at the hotel storage and enjoy some leisure time. The train journey to Da Nang takes approximately 11 hours.

Arrive in Da Nang late in the morning, where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An. This charming riverside town, nestled along the Thu Bon River, was a prominent trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries. Hoi An is renowned for its unique blend of Japanese, Chinese, and European architectural styles, featuring yellow-painted buildings, quaint streets, and a rich cultural tapestry that makes it one of Vietnam's most captivating destinations.
Once you’ve checked in, enjoy an afternoon walking tour of the ancient town. Wander through its bustling streets and visit key attractions like Hoi An Market, the historic Tan Ky Ancient House, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and the Hoi An Museum.
Along the way, marvel at the colorful lanterns, browse local shops for distinctive crafts such as ceramics, woodwork, and tailored clothing, or savor traditional dishes like Cao Lau noodles and White Rose dumplings.
The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Hoi An, stroll along the lantern-lit riverbanks, set floating lanterns adrift, take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River, or simply revel in the lively streets adorned with glowing lanterns and the melody of local music.

Included activities

• Hoin An ancient town walking tour

Meals included

No meal included on this day

Accommodation

• Hotel in Hoi An

Today, you have the freedom to explore Hoi An at your leisure and uncover its many hidden treasures. Meander through its serene alleys, where ancient, moss-covered walls whisper stories of the past. For a tranquil escape, settle on a lantern-lit balcony with a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee or a local beer, and soak in the town's charm as the world moves around you.
If you're up for some adventure, take a bicycle ride through the picturesque countryside, where lush rice fields and coconut groves create a stunning backdrop. Alternatively, take a scenic boat ride along the Thu Bon River to appreciate the peaceful beauty of the waterways.
If you're a foodie, consider joining a Vietnamese cooking class to learn the art of preparing authentic dishes, allowing you to savor the region's rich culinary traditions in a hands-on way.

Meal included

• Breakfast

Accommodation

• Hotel in Hoi An

Optional activities

• Cooking class: US$ 30

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then spend a free morning further exploring the charming streets of Hoi An.
Later, transfer to Da Nang train station for an unforgettable overnight journey to Hanoi. More than just transportation, this ride is like a sightseeing tour from your window. As the train winds its way north, be captivated by breathtaking views of Vietnam’s ever-changing landscapes. Gaze out at the dramatic Hai Van Pass, where mist-shrouded mountains plunge into the sparkling sea, then watch as the scenery shifts to lush countryside, emerald rice paddies, and charming villages. As night falls, settle into your sleeper cabin, lulled by the soothing rhythm of the train. Wake up refreshed, ready to explore Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant and historic capital.

Meals included

• Breakfast

Accommodation

• Overnight train

Special notes

The overnight train journey from Da Nang to Hanoi takes approximately 16 hours - a long ride, but a comfortable and exciting experience. The train has a dining car serving meals, but you may want to bring some food from Hoi An for more variety. Snack and drink will be available from trolleys that pass through the cabins sometimes, but for a fresh hot coffee or cold beer, head to the dining car/bar, where you can enjoy a drink and chat with fellow travelers. While the journey is generally safe, it's best to keep your valuables with you at all times for security.

Arrive in Hanoi early in the morning and transfer to your hotel. After freshening up, embark on a half-day city tour to explore some of the historical and cultural highlights of Vietnam’s capital. The tour includes a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, where you can see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and Uncle Ho’s humble stilt house, reflecting his simple lifestyle. Nearby, the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique wooden structure built on a single stone pillar, stands as a symbol of purity and enlightenment.
Also, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first National University, founded in 1076. This well-preserved complex honors Confucian scholars and the value of education, featuring tranquil courtyards, ancient pavilions, and nearly 100 stone stelae mounted on turtle statues, each inscribed with the names of successful royal exam candidates.
After checking in to your hotel, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. You can explore the bustling Old Quarter, known for its lively markets and charming narrow streets, or relax by Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple. For a deeper cultural experience, consider attending a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre or joining a local food tour to sample Hanoi’s famous street cuisine.

Included activites

• Hanoi sightseeing

Meals included

No meal included on this day

Accommodation

• Hotel in Hanoi

Optional activities

• Water puppet show: US$ 4

After breakfast, set out for Ninh Binh, a region famed for its ancient capital of Hoa Lu, picturesque countryside, and dramatic karst landscapes rising from lush rice paddies. Upon arrival in Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, explore the historical temples dedicated to the Dinh and Early Le dynasties. Built on the remnants of ancient palaces, these temples offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s royal heritage and architectural splendor. For a breathtaking panoramic view, take a short hike to the mountaintop, where the King’s grave rests, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding landscapes.
After visiting Hoa Lu, hop on a bicycle and enjoy a leisurely ride through the charming countryside. Pedal along peaceful village roads, past golden rice fields, limestone peaks, and quaint local homes. Feel the refreshing breeze as you weave through scenic paths, greeting friendly locals along the way and soaking in the tranquility of rural Vietnam.
Following a delicious local lunch, embark on a serene two-hour boat ride along the Ngo Dong River. Glide past verdant rice paddies, towering karst mountains, and hidden caves, witnessing locals farming and fishing with time-honored techniques.
Return to the quay and drive back to Hanoi, where the rest of the day is yours to unwind at your leisure.

Included activities

• Visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
• Country cycling
• Rowing boat trip and cave exploration in Tam Coc

Meals included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Accommodation

• Hotel in Hanoi

After breakfast, depart for Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Upon arrival, board your boat for a scenic cruise through the emerald waters of the bay, where towering limestone islands and lush green islets rise from the sea. As you sail, take in the stunning landscapes and explore some of the bay’s mysterious caves and grottoes, home to impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
A delicious seafood lunch will be served on board, featuring fresh, local ingredients, perfectly complementing the breathtaking surroundings.
Later, you can choose to paddle kayak to get closer to the towering cliffs, take a rowing boat through natural tunnels and lagoons, or simply relax on the boat and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the bay. After the cruise, return to the harbor and drive back to Hanoi, arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon.
In the evening, enjoy some free time to explore Hanoi. As tonight is your last evening, why not join your fellow travelers for a farewell outing? It’s the perfect opportunity to share memories, try local delicacies, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the city one last time.

Included activities

• Halong Bay cruise
• Kayaking/boat rowing

Meals included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Accommodation

• Hotel in Hanoi

Today marks the conclusion of your journey. Take the morning to relax and enjoy the final moments in Hanoi. This is the perfect time for last-minute shopping.
Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you again! /p>

Included meals

• Breakfast

Special notes

Check-out time is 11:00 AM. If your departure flight is later and you'd like to keep the room longer, please inform us in advance so we can help to arrange it for you. Alternatively, you can store your luggage at the hotel and use the public facilities available.
If you’re planning to stay longer, we can assist with post-trip accommodations and arrange activities to enhance your experience.
In case you are interested in exploring more of the region? Browse our tour list for options, including set departure dates, to combine with your current itinerary.