Your tailor-made tours specialist in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar & Laos
- Vietnam tour packages -

14-Day Vietnam Culture & Beach Break Holiday

Explore the main highlighted destinations in Vietnam while immersing in authentic experiences. Meet the locals, experience their daily lives and learn about ethnic history and culture. This includes an off-the-beaten cruise in Ha Long Bay enjoying the tranquility of a less touristy and more pristine bay. Dig deeper into Vietnamese vestiges, cuisine, and incredible sights before ending your holidays at the pearl island of Phu Quoc enjoying some of the best beaches of Vietnam

HIGHLIGHTS

Various activities on sites

  • City tour of Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh city and learn about its unique history
  • Joining the cooking class with one of the most famous chefs in Hanoi
  • Learning about the traditional arts & crafts in Hue and Hoi An
  • Beach Break on the pearl island of Phu Quoc with some of the best beaches of Vietnam

Unforgettable moments

  • Strolling around the small street of Hanoi whilst the sea of motorbikes running around
  • Admiring the sunset & sunrise over the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay
  • Admiring the life of local people living the ancient town of Hoi An
  • Crossing the “sea of cloud” Hai Van Pass and enjoying the panoramic view over the region

Nature exploration

  • The amazing nature of Ha Long Bay and surrounding area with plenty of water activities
  • The nature of central Vietnam when crossing the “sea of cloud” Hai Van Pass
  • The nature of Phu Quoc Island with some of the most authentic beaches

Culture experience

  • The busting culture of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city with the effect of western culture wave
  • The graving feeling of Hue, the ancient capital of the last dynasty of Vietnam
  • The pleasant culture of local people in Hoi An, the century-old town in central Vietnam

Map

Detailed schedule

Day 1 - Welcome to Hanoi

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, Sonasia’s guide & driver will pick you up and transfer directly to the hotel in the old quarter of Hanoi.

Vietnam's capital races to make up for time lost to the ravages of war and a government that as recently as the 1990s kept the outside world at bay. Its streets surge with scooters vying for right of way amid the din of constantly blaring horns, and all-around layers of history reveal periods of French and Chinese occupation – offering a glimpse into the resilience of ambitious, proud Hanoians.

Notes
  • Noi Bai airport - Hanoi (38km): 40min
  • Check out the Hanoi travel guide
icon [none]

Day 2 - Hanoi - Culture & History

This morning be picked up at 08:30 at the hotel for an off-the-beaten-track Hanoi city tour. Drive pass the historical Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Vietnam in 1945.

Driver drops off at Lenin Garden – a communal space for locals. Enjoy taking an easy walk through before strolling through areas where family generational sewing shops line the streets and people still practice the old ways. Admire the daily life of local people in the alley of Hanoi.

Proceed to the millenia-old Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a temple.

If interested, make a stop at the last courtyard where Vietnamese traditional instruments contribute to an oriental feel. For music lovers, there are opportunities to play some notes under the guidance of the artists.

Towards the end of the tour, embark on a walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Witness the ancient commercial street names, mirroring the crafts and businesses dating back over a thousand years. Then stop at a Hanoian’s home for tea break and listen to family stories that stretch over decades.

Later this afternoon, take part in a hands-on cooking class with the charming Ms Ai, a renowned local chef. Shop for ingredients at the neighbourhood wet market and step into the kitchen of Chef Ai’s family home.  

Prepare and dine on authentic North Vietnamese cuisine during this afternoon of culinary and cultural discovery. Learn all about the secrets behind North Vietnam’s most popular foods. Using Chef Ai‘s recipes, slice, dice and cook delicious dishes. Enjoy the self-made dinner with Chef Ai.

Overnight in Hanoi

icon [b/-/d]

Day 3 - Hanoi - Ha Long Bay

Pick up at your address in Hanoi at 8:30 by Van and drive to Halong.

Arrive at 12:00. At Halong port, our Crew welcomes you on Ha Long Cruise, enjoy welcome drink and check into your cabin. Lunch with seafood will be served right after.

At 13:00, boat starts 3.5 hours cruising into Halong Bay to see the amazing karsts with different formations: Mat Qui (Monster’s face) islet, But Moc islet, Cap De islet, Trong (Drum) cave, Trinh Nu cave, to a Floating Fishing village to see this unique way of life and then explore Luon Cave (from 16:40 to 17:30).

There will be lots of time for swimming, sunbathing. Enjoy a great sunset dinner and relax under the starlit sky before retiring to the comfort of your cabin.

icon [b/l/d]

Day 4 - Ha Long Bay - Hanoi // Hue

Early risers can enjoy a morning view of Bay’s landscapes with a cup of tea, coffee, fresh fruits. Sitting on the upper deck, we can enjoy the breath – taking beauty of the rocky Islands rising from the crystal-clear waters of the Bay.

The quiet is almost eerie; we can hear birds singing, cicadas chirping ashore and the gentle lapping of the waves against our boat, the perfect soundtrack to accompany the fresh air and gentle breeze.

And then explore Sung Sot (Amazing) Cave (8:00 to 9:00), swim and relax at Titop Beach. At 9:24, boat start cruising back and brunch buffet will served from 10:30 to 11:30, check out procedure at 11:35. Arrive at harbor by 12:00 noon, and transfer directly to the airport to take the flight to Hue, the ancient capital of the last dynasty of Vietnam.

Arriving in Hue, transfer directly to your hotel in town.

Overnight in Hue

icon [b/-/-]

Day 5 - Hue - History & Culture

Traditional craft and Innovative paper art scene

Bamboo is engraved in Vietnamese culture and daily life, providing protection and representing resiliency. In the countryside, bamboo is used for everything- from daily used items to musical instruments to ornaments. Drive 20-min north of the Citadel to visit a lesser-known village Bao La where locals still keep the traditional craft from bamboo down generations.

Then head to a workshop in the city and meet with an artisan who has integrated bamboo with traditional handicrafts to create revolutionary new art in Vietnam, that’s so-called Truc Chi art. Truc means bamboo and Chi means paper.  Learn how the artisans use Truc Chi to create handicraft items with the cultural characteristics of Hue. 

Hue city tour and private artifact museum

In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Then, hop on a 15-min cyclo ride to Tran Dinh Son museum, the first private museum in Hue, right at a “nha ruong” - traditional Royal house, once belonged to the Mandarin of King Minh Mang to contemplate his grandson’s valued collection of daily used items.

Overnight in Hue

icon [b/l/-]

Day 6 - Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and then take a 14:30 transfer to Hue via Hai Van Pass. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the center of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday.

Hoi An city tour

A walking tour is the best way to see this marvelous town. Visit the former merchants’ homes, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colourful market. Take a walk through the ancient town, seeing remarkably well-preserved traditional houses that have withstood 200 years of weather and war.

The tour today is more than a visual impression. Hoi An people is well-known for skilled tailors and leather craftsmen.

Overnight in Hoi An 

icon [b/l/-]

Day 7 - Hoi An - Arts & Crafts

Paper mask & lantern making with artist

Begin with a walk through Hoi An Ancient Town to meet a paper mask artist at his workshop. His craft is steadily disappearing as newer forms of entertainment have gradually taken over. Learn how this artist contributes to the effort of preserving his craft for future generations.

Next, enjoy the process of making lanterns in the cozy atmosphere.  This hands-on experience offers a fun time together to gain knowledge and also get in touch with making a traditional Vietnamese lantern as a souvenir to bring home.

Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore hidden corners of the ancient town independently.

Overnight in Hoi An

icon [b/-/-]

Day 8 - Hoi An - Da Nang // Saigon

After breakfast, take a morning drive to Da Nang airport for a flight to Saigon. Meet with the driver upon arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Once known as the ‘Pearl of Indochina’, Saigon boasts an enormous architectural wealth, mirroring its colourful history. From the pagodas, museums and European architecture of the city’s recent past to the growing number of skyscrapers, Saigon is like a trip through time. On the way to the hotel, make a quick stop at the city historic landmark of Saigon Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral (outside visit)

This afternoon, meet with a respected cultural and history expert and enjoy a guided tour through the Pearl of Indochina. Start with the French colonial area with a visit to the Archbishop's Palace and its more than 200-year-old house of prayer.

Continue through the ages and encounter a local who specialises in the stretch of time that cover the Vietnam war right until today. Visit Gia Long Palace, built in 1885 combining classical Baroque architecture elements with European and Oriental influences.

Walk over to the city’s oldest colonial-era apartment, built in 1886, and see what the young creative Vietnamese are up to from their funky boutiques and coffee shops. Sit down at one of the stylish coffee shops and interact with a local resident who moved here in 1975. During the ride back, there is an optional visit to a restored opium factory. Considering the importance of the opium trade in the first half of the last century, this is another interesting view on Saigon’s history and the city’s power struggles.

Overnight in Saigon.

Notes

Hue – Hue’s Airport (20km): 40 minutes // Saigon’s airport – City (12Km) : 30 minutes

icon [b/-/-]

Day 9 - Saigon - Phu Quoc Island

You are free to stroll around the town for your own exploration before taking the flight to the pearl island of Phu Quoc, where you will spend the next 5 days to enjoy your Vietnam beach break.

Arriving on the island, check in your hotel.

Free for the rest of the day to enjoy the beach.

icon [b/-/-]

Day 10 - Phu Quoc Island - Leisure Day

Free day at leisure at your own relaxation or explore the island by yourselves. 

There are plenty of water activities on spots if you wish to spend your day. Just check with your hotel or contact us for further detail.

Overnight on Phu Quoc Island

icon [b/-/-]

Day 11 - Phu Quoc Island - Leisure Day

Free day at leisure at your own relaxation or explore the island by yourselves. 

There are plenty of water activities on spots if you wish to spend your day. Just check with your hotel or contact us for further detail.

Overnight on Phu Quoc Island

icon [b/-/-]

Day 12 - Phu Quoc Island - Leisure Day

Free day at leisure at your own relaxation or explore the island by yourselves. 

There are plenty of water activities on spots if you wish to spend your day. Just check with your hotel or contact us for further detail.

Overnight on Phu Quoc Island

icon [b/-/-]

Day 13 - Phu Quoc Island - Leisure Day

Free day at leisure at your own relaxation or explore the island by yourselves. 

There are plenty of water activities on spots if you wish to spend your day. Just check with your hotel or contact us for further detail.

Overnight on Phu Quoc Island

icon [b/-/-]

Day 14 - Phu Quoc Island // Saigon - Departure

Free before taking the flight back to Saigon to connect with another onward flight back home or to the next destination.

icon [b/-/-]
image
Does this tour inspire
you?
PERSONALIZE
SIMILAR TOUR PACKAGES
12-Day Vietnam Beach Escape Vacation 12-Day Vietnam Beach Escape Vacation

- Vietnam -

12-Day Vietnam Beach Escape Vacation
Wellness & Leisure / 12 days / fr. $1,392

Explore the two biggest cities of Vietnam: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city together with the vibrant Mekong River Delta. Meet the locals, experience their daily lives and learn about ethnic history... More

15-Day Central Vietnam Heritages & Hidden Beach Vacation 15-Day Central Vietnam Heritages & Hidden Beach Vacation

- Vietnam -

15-Day Central Vietnam Heritages & Hidden Beach Vacation
Wellness & Leisure / 14 days / fr. $1,950

Experience the central heritages of Vietnam from beach to beach along Vietnam’s spectacular central coast. Travel from Hue to Nha Trang, exploring through charming fishing villages and sleepi... More

Vietnam Classic Tour: The Essence of Vietnam in 11 days Vietnam Classic Tour: The Essence of Vietnam in 11 days

- Vietnam -

Vietnam Classic Tour: The Essence of Vietnam in 11 days
Must-see / 11 days / fr. $1,465

Discover Vietnam’s delightful mélange of culture and history on a compact, insightful journey. Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s historic monuments then glide across the waters of the M... More

Vietnam Family Holiday: 16-Day In-depth Exploration Tour Package Vietnam Family Holiday: 16-Day In-depth Exploration Tour Package

- Vietnam -

Vietnam Family Holiday: 16-Day In-depth Exploration Tour Package
Family Vacation / 16 days / fr. $1,739

Join us on an in-depth journey through magical Vietnam, traversing the country from north to south. Bike alongside the rice paddy fields of Mai Chau and explore the intricate network of waterways i... More

Family Itinerary through Vietnam in 2 Weeks Family Itinerary through Vietnam in 2 Weeks

- Vietnam -

Family Itinerary through Vietnam in 2 Weeks
Family Vacation / 14 days / fr. $2,590

Discovering the wonders of the diverse cities of Vietnam, meet with passionate craftsman who create joyful performances and traditional crafts. Suitable for children between 6 and 12 years old, thi... More

Vietnam Adventure Travel: 10-Day Explore the Untouched Corner of Sapa Vietnam Adventure Travel: 10-Day Explore the Untouched Corner of Sapa

- Vietnam -

Vietnam Adventure Travel: 10-Day Explore the Untouched Corner of Sapa
Trek & Hike / 10 days / fr. $1,099

Head to a remote corner of Vietnam for a trekking adventure filled with colourful cultures and remarkable landscapes. Spend a week on the trails, hiking away from Sapa to villages untouched by time... More

NOT READY YET?

We believe you have the right to arm yourselves with as much information as possible before making any decision.

Check below our detailed tips & guide for every places to visit in Vietnam, recommendation regarding the inclusion in each theme you prefer, and what you can do based on the time frame you have.

PLACES TO VISIT IN Vietnam
Hanoi
bee-white Hanoi

Ha Long Bay
bee-white Ha Long Bay

Sapa
bee-white Sapa

Hoi An
bee-white Hoi An

Hue
bee-white Hue

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
bee-white Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Vietnam PLANS BY TRAVEL THEME
Must-see
bee-white Must-see

Check out all the must-see places and things to do & see

Luxury Holiday
bee-white Luxury Holiday

Unique experience combined with top-notch services

Honeymoon Vacation
bee-white Honeymoon Vacation

Easy excursions combined with unique experience making the long-lasting romantic memories

Wellness & Leisure
bee-white Wellness & Leisure

Easy excursion combined with week-long beach break

Cruise
bee-white Cruise

The combination of some must-see experience and the cruise tour along the mighty rivers

Family Vacation
bee-white Family Vacation

The combination of fun and educational activities

Unseen
bee-white Unseen

Reveal off-the-beatentrack routes, least explored destinations, and unknown tribe groups

Cycling & Biking
bee-white Cycling & Biking

Explore every corners of the destination on two wheels

Trek & Hike
bee-white Trek & Hike

Explore the least visited destinations and unknown experience on foot

Vietnam PLANS BY TIME FRAME
white-icon About 1 week
yellow-icon About 1 week
white-icon About 2 weeks
yellow-icon About 2 weeks
white-icon About 3 weeks
yellow-icon About 3 weeks
white-icon About 4 weeks
yellow-icon About 4 weeks
image
Already got a plan? REQUEST A FREE QUOTE
Vietnam TRAVEL TIPS & GUIDE

Either are you wondering about best time to visit, visa policy, or how to get the cheapest flight, we have your back!

WHAT MORE? Choose the country you plan to visit, then search for your nationality below to see our special travel tips & advice for your country. CONTACT US if you cannot find yours.

Tourist Visa Policy
bee-white Tourist Visa Policy
Best Time to Visit
bee-white Best Time to Visit
Budget & Currency
bee-white Budget & Currency
Getting Flight There
bee-white Getting Flight There
Packing List
bee-white Packing List
Internet & Phone
bee-white Internet & Phone
Local Etiquette
bee-white Local Etiquette
Getting Around
bee-white Getting Around
Safety & Precautions
bee-white Safety & Precautions
Buying & Bargaining
bee-white Buying & Bargaining
Tipping Customs
bee-white Tipping Customs
Travel Insurance
bee-white Travel Insurance
Vaccinations
bee-white Vaccinations
Useful addresses
bee-white Useful addresses
Vietnam BLOG ARTICLES

Taking a cruise on the fascinating Mekong River offers a unique and memorable travel experience. The Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in Asia, flows through several countries, including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Each destination along the river offers its own distinct cultural, historical, and natural attractions. In this article, we will go over what you can expect when cruising the Mekong River. 

...more

Before being awarded a one-star rating by Michelin Guide for the first time, four Vietnamese restaurants - one in HCMC and three in Hanoi - were honored by international media and received applause from foreign diners.

...more

"Should I visit Thailand or Vietnam?" is some of the most frequently asked questions that we have from our travelers

Well, Vietnam and Thailand are the most popular holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. They are similar in climate and food, though obviously different in culture, lifestyle and travel experience.

Below we list 13 major differences between the two countries, to give you a quick overview and help you decide which to visit first. These are based on our own travel experiences, investigations, and partnerships with local operators.

...more

How long to spend in Vietnam may seem like a ridiculous question to address, but if you have plenty of time and aren’t sure how much to dedicate, this blog will definitely help you out.

You can find here and there that you should spend 10 days, 2 weeks, 20 days, or 1 month to best explore Vietnam. So what is the best Vietnam tour duration for you?

Well, as long as you like! From 10 days to a month, there are various ways you can travel across Vietnam and uncover its secrets. Advising an ideal trip length for Vietnam is a bit of a complex challenge, as it depends on several factors such as the places you wish to visit, the activities you plan to join, or if you want to combine Vietnam with its neighbor countries. 

Stay tuned! We are going to sort all these things out including the step-by-step guide to create the best itinerary in Vietnam.

...more

Vietnam would scrap the Covid-19 testing requirement for all arrivals starting Sunday, May 15th 2022, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed.

In a document issued Friday, the Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Health to closely follow the coronavirus situation and provide proper guidance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should direct Vietnamese authorities outside the country to inform people who wish to enter Vietnam to follow appropriate disease prevention measures, he said.

The latest decision has been made as the number of Covid-19 infections and deaths drops both in Vietnam and around the world. Several countries have been taking steps to relax coronavirus restrictions, including scrapping testing before entry.

Current policies issued by the health ministry require entrants to have negative results from PCR tests done within the previous 72 hours, or a negative result from a rapid test done within the last 24 hours.

Those who don’t have a negative test result must refrain from making contact with others during the first 24 hours after entry. They will be able to move freely once they test negative after arrival.

Children under two don’t need to be tested.

Vietnam stopped requiring medical declarations from those arriving from abroad starting April 27, and for domestic travel starting April 30.

...more

The “Colorful Hanoi” hot air balloon festival is one of the attractive activities within the framework of the program “Hanoi tourism welcomes 2022” taking place from March 25-27, 2022.

...more
CHECK OUT OTHER DESTINATIONS
Thailand
bee-white Thailand
Friendly and food-obsessed, hedonistic and historic, cultured and curious, Thailand tempts visitors with a smile as golden as the country's glittering temples and tropical beaches.
Cambodia
bee-white Cambodia
There's a magic about this charming yet confounding kingdom that casts a spell on visitors. In Cambodia, ancient and modern worlds collide to create an authentic adventure.
Myanmar
bee-white Myanmar
It's a new era for this extraordinary and complex land, where the landscape is scattered with gilded pagodas and the traditional ways of Asia endure.
Laos
bee-white Laos
Vivid nature, voluptuous landscapes and a vibrant culture collide with a painful past and optimistic future to make Laos an enigmatic experience for the adventurous.
loading
back top