Vietnam Explorer:
A 12 – Day Cultural & Scenic Adventure
Lantern-lit Hoi An to emerald Ha Long—Saigon to Hanoi with cuisine and history.
Vietnam Explorer:
A 12 – Day Cultural & Scenic Adventure
Lantern-lit streets to emerald seas—Saigon to Hanoi, flavor-forward and history-rich. This 12-day sweep hits Vietnam’s greatest hits without the rush: city buzz and street food in the south, palm-lined canals in the Mekong, island time on the south-central coast, lantern-glow in Hoi An, imperial echoes in Hue, café culture in Hanoi, and a night sailing between limestone towers in Ha Long Bay. We keep it smart and balanced with private transfers, well-timed starts, and guides who know how to dodge the crowds and point you toward the best bowls, brews, and viewpoints.
We open in Ho Chi Minh City—modern energy layered over French-era boulevards—then step into recent history at the Cu Chi Tunnels before drifting into delta life: narrow waterways, orchard tastings, and the dawn hustle of Cai Rang floating market. On the coast, Nha Trang brings clear water and a quick hop to nearby islets for swimming and, in season, snorkeling. Flying north lands you in Da Nang with optional Cham sculpture stops, followed by Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed lanes—merchant houses, assembly halls, and river light at dusk. It’s the perfect rhythm: big moments, easy pacing, and space to actually enjoy where you are.
From there, the Hai Van Pass delivers jungle-and-ocean views on the way to Hue, where the Nguyen Dynasty’s citadel and tombs tie the story together. In Hanoi, old-meets-new: cyclos through the Old Quarter, lake walks, and a classic water-puppet performance rooted in Red River traditions. The finale is an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay—limestone silhouettes, a grotto visit, maybe a sunset paddle, and quiet morning light on deck. Add foodie nights, countryside cycling, a lantern workshop, an extra night on quieter Lan Ha Bay, or a side trip to Ninh Binh or Pu Luong—this is the classic route, tuned to your style.
ITINERARY OUTLINE
Day 1 — Arrive Ho Chi Minh City
Meet & greet and quick, painless check-in. Stretch your legs on a short downtown walk—boulevards, café stops, and your first taste of Saigon’s energy. If you’ve got it in you, we’ll line up a casual, early dinner.
Day 2 — Cu Chi Tunnels & City Highlights
Head to Cu Chi with a specialist guide to unpack wartime ingenuity: narrow passages, concealed entrances, and a look at how life carried on underground. Back in the city, pick from the War Remnants Museum, a temple stop in Cholon (think incense coils and tilework), and time at Ben Thanh or Binh Tay Market for snacks and souvenirs. Optional rooftop sundowner.
Day 3 — Mekong Delta Day & Can Tho
Boat narrow canals framed by nipa palms; visit small family workshops (coconut candy, rice paper, or brick kilns depending on the area) and sample orchard fruit. Lunch local. Continue to Can Tho for a relaxed riverside evening.
Day 4 — Floating Market & Fly to Nha Trang
Early boat to Cai Rang as traders sling noodles and produce boat-to-boat—best seen at first light. Return to Saigon airport for a short hop to Nha Trang. Check in, breathe out; beach or pool for the evening.
Day 5 — Nha Trang Islands
Skim out to nearby islets (often Hon Mun Marine Park) for swimming and, in season, snorkeling. Simple seafood lunch on or near the beach. Back in town, add a spa session or sunset walk along the seafront. (Seas are calmest roughly Apr–Sep; we’ll tailor plans to conditions.)
Day 6 — Fly to Da Nang; Onward to Hoi An
Fly north. Time permitting, stop at Da Nang’s Cham Sculpture Museum (Sanskrit inscriptions, sandstone masterpieces) or Marble Mountain for pagodas and a cave viewpoint. Roll into Hoi An’s riverside rhythm by late afternoon.
Day 7 — Hoi An Ancient Town
UNESCO-listed lanes on foot: the Japanese Bridge, assembly halls, and merchant homes that track Hoi An’s trading-port past. Taste local specialties, then float the Thu Bon at dusk—lanterns, soft light, easy photos. Optional tailoring or lantern-making workshop.
Day 8 — Hai Van Pass to Hue
Coastal drive over the Hai Van Pass—ocean on one side, jungle on the other—with a pause at Lang Co Lagoon. Arrive in Hue and choose your vibe: Imperial Citadel stroll, riverside dining, or a quiet dinner cruise on the Perfume River.
Day 9 — Fly to Hanoi
Touch down in the capital and jump into the Old Quarter by cyclo. Lakeside strolls, French-Quarter facades, and a water puppet performance rooted in Red River rice-paddy traditions. Night market or egg coffee if you like.
Day 10 — To Ha Long Bay: Board Overnight Cruise
Drive to the bay and embark. Sail between limestone towers, stop at a grotto, and—weather permitting—kayak or take a bamboo-boat outing. Sunset on deck, dinner onboard, and optional squid fishing under the stars.
Day 11 — Ha Long to Hanoi
Morning cave visit and easy brunch as the boat turns for port. Drive back to Hanoi for a free final evening—bia hơi, bun cha, or a quiet wine bar in the French Quarter.
Day 12 — Depart
Private airport transfer. If time allows, add a focused city loop—Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, and a last wander through the Old Quarter’s craft streets.
Make It Yours (Optional Add-Ons)
Dial up the flavor with guided street-food nights in Saigon and Hanoi (from alleyway grills to chef’s tables), upgrade the beach scene near Hoi An or take a private island day off Nha Trang, or add countryside cycling and a lantern workshop in Hoi An. Coffee cupping or street-art walk in Saigon? Easy. Prefer quieter karsts? Swap Ha Long for a Lan Ha Bay route and add an extra night aboard. If you want more green and fewer crowds, detour to Ninh Binh’s river caves and viewpoint hikes, or Pu Luong for rice-terrace trekking and homestyle meals. Train lovers can trade a flight for a segment of the Reunification Express; spa time and slow mornings fit anywhere.
LJ TRAVEL TIP
Transfer assistance for your departure will be provided.
