Classic Vietnam Tour & Beyond in 18-day Itinerary

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.

This morning at 08:30 depart the hotel for the Temple of Literature. In 1076, Vietnam's first university Quoc Tu Giam, was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past.

Continue to picturesque West Lake and the sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda. From here transfer (or stroll along the lakeside) 700 meters to the nearby Taoist temple of Quan Thanh dedicated to Tran Vu, one of the principal deities in Taoism.

Then visit the fascinating Ethnology Museum (closed Mondays), which is both a research centre and a public museum exhibiting the ethnic groups of Vietnam. 

As an alternative to the Ethnology Museum, visit the highly acclaimed Vietnam Women’s Museum. The museum is located near Hoan Kiem Lake and offers wonderful insight into the lives of Vietnamese women.  Displays highlight Vietnam’s vast cultural diversity and educate on the significant role Vietnamese women play in Vietnamese society.  Learn historic and modern-day traditions centered around births, weddings, motherhood, spirituality and more.

Next, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure is one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. Close by is the mausoleum of the historic father figure of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, and the former presidents house on stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969. His former home illustrates the modesty of this Vietnamese revolutionary.  (Viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Jun - Aug)

At the end of the afternoon visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter also known as the “36 streets”. Take a walking tour through charming Hang Be Market and around Hoan Kiem Lake. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It is a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities.

Finish the day with a Water Puppet show. This is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history.  

Overnight in Hanoi.

8.30am leave from your hotel. Drive about 50km from Hanoi to visit Duong Lam ancient village in Son Tay province. Duong Lam, a purely agricultural village of the Northern Red River Delta. 

On arrival we take a walk on the village path to visit Mong Phu temple where is dedicated to national heroes, King Ngo Quyen and King Phung Hung temples.

Enjoy special Vietnamese lunch prepared by the host. While you are in the house you can also join the local people in producing local specialties such as soft green-lentil cake and rice cake filled with brown onion and enjoy these dishes (depend on the season of the year). 

Continue to visit Mia Pagoda – built in 15th century and admire 287 statues of all sizes before transferring back to your hotel in Hanoi.

On the way, if you are interested, stop to visit Tay Phuong pagoda built in the 8th century, the best example of old typical pagodas in the North of Vietnam, being special with 18 ancient Arhan statues.  

Make the final stop at Van Phuc silk village, the cradle of best silk in Vietnam once, learn about silk making process and shopping finest silk products in Van Phuc village.

Transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi

Leave Hanoi after breakfast for a 2-hour transfer to Hai Phong City with a 15-minutes stop on the way. Arrive at Got Pier towards noon then proceed with check-in formalities. Welcome aboard, followed by lunch while cruising towards the bay. Spend the afternoon enjoying some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or relaxing onboard with panoramic views of the karst limestone formation. Complete the evening with dinner served onboard.

Overnight on Lan Ha Bay.

The sun rises on Lan Ha Bay in the morning and breakfast is served (also brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruises slowly back towards port. It is time to say goodbye to the cruise team.

From there, our guide and driver will transfer you directly to Ninh Binh, which will take about 3 hours.

Arrive around noon, enjoy delicious lunch served at the bungalow’s restaurant with Vietnamese cuisine.

In the afternoon, we will board a sampan boat rowed by a local for about 1.5 hours.  Known as “Halong Bay on land”, the boat trip is a nice journey along the river with the peaceful scenery of limestone mountains, rice paddy if traveling during harvest season.

After that, visit a local family in Tam Coc. They are a traditional Vietnamese family with three generations living together. Here you will get the chance to see the house architecture and their daily life and their handicraft job of making traditional embroidery.

You have ample time to relax or stroll around the village before having dinner with Vietnamese cuisine while sharing the experience you have during the day with the host family, then stay overnight at the bungalow.

After breakfast at the Bungalow, take a bike to Mua Cave, which is one of the most alluring places to view in Ninh Binh.

Hiking up to the peak of Ngoa Long Mountain to take your amazing views of the Tam Coc, Ninh Binh area.

In the afternoon, you will continue the ride to explore the rice fields and limestone mountains with a unique route.

Continue the tour and board a small sampan to visit Thung Nham bird park, discover the most features of this area with more than 50.000 birds of 40 species flying to inhabit every day.

Departure to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, visit the temple of King Dinh. Under the introduction of our local guide, you will get to know more about the Vietnamese history.

Before the dust falls, cycling back to the host family for free time relax with afternoon tea break.

Overnight at the bungalow.

In the morning, transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve by road via a breath-taking mountain pass giving you a panoramic view of the whole valley. 

You arrive at your accommodation in time for a delicious lunch, followed by free time to explore the beautiful retreat, with its captivating panoramic views and tranquil setting. 

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to a suspension bridge over the Cham River, where you begin your walk and search of stunning water wheels. 

Get up close to each wheel and discover how water is moved from river to handmade bamboo aqueducts via simple constructions of all sizes. 

Arriving at a local fisherman’s house, you have a short rest to gear up for the rafting adventure with Dinh and his team. Float along the calm river and enjoy the views, in between learning how to paddle and steer your handcrafted rafts. 

Arriving at scenic Tan Lap Bridge, you disembark to be transferred back to Pu Luong Retreat. 

Dinner at your own arrangement for more flexibility. 

Overnight in Pu Luong.

Breakfast at the retreat. We start early in the morning to descend into the beautiful valley facing the Retreat where you walk around tumbling rice terraces. 

Trek through small paths shrouded in vegetation to slowly reveal a picturesque village sitting at the base of a towering mountain. Your camera will not be able to sit still! 

Continuing to the base of the valley, you weave between roads and farmland, villages and wild fields, ponds and rivers, mountains and open land. Savour the ever-changing scenery as you trek to a beautiful spot to enjoy a simple picnic lunch. 

After enjoying delicious food, you have your free afternoon to explore the refreshing water to the nearby river, before moving to pick up point to be transferred back to the Retreat. 

Dinner at your own arrangement for more flexibility. 

Overnight in Pu Luong. 

Breakfast at the retreat.  You have the chance to get close to village life and interact with locals living in the hills above the Retreat. 

Glimpse at daily life, walk around working farmland and rice fields, and learn about making rice wine and weaving colorful textiles. 

Then you will be transferred back to Puluong Retreat for lunch. 

You have ample time to relax before transferring back to Hanoi to take the flight to Da Nang.

After the short flight, arrive at the central port city of Danang. On arrival in Danang transfer 40-minutes to Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years.  

Overnight in Hoi An.

Be enchanted by the historic wonders and sleepy charm of UNESCO-heritage Hoi An. Spend a half day with a local guide, exploring the ancient town. 

Explore former merchants’ homes, colorful communal halls, narrow lanes lined with traditional houses and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Leave the crowded venue behind and discover some untouched stories in the beautiful old town.

Meander down the small alley to discover an ancient house where the art of healing through martial art is passed down through generations. This healing method is the master’s invention, combined between Qigong, Tai Chi, and traditional Vietnamese martial art. Have a chance to learn some basic steps under the guidance of the master.

Before finishing the morning tour, visit a cozy home to taste a typical dessert of locals and relax before heading back to the hotel.

Afternoon is free at leisure.

Late afternoon, join the Vespa Tour Streets & Eats of Hoi An.

Starting out at our central Hoi An café, sample the delicious local street food delight that is Banh Can while watching the streets & stalls come to life and sipping a cocktail. 

After the first taster, head out on the Vespas to try the famous ‘White Rose’ dumplings in town. 

We then head to lantern lit An Hoi Islet and jump in a local boat for a slow ride alongside the ancient town to Cam Nam Island where we join the locals for a seafood starter overlooking the Thu Bon River as the sun sets on Hoi An and enjoy a few cold beers. 

A leisurely drive along the banks of the river and through the alleyways and streets takes us to a lively local restaurant where we cook a hot pot at the table and learn the art of wrap ‘n’ roll – Vietnamese style! 

A short ride through the busy streets and alleys takes us to our last port of call, and a recent addition to Hoi An’s vibrant dining scene, a modern Vietnamese restaurant in a new neighborhood, where we tuck into some awesome BBQ specialties, grilled DIY style at our table! 

As is customary, cold beers are consumed, and we finish with the delicious dessert of Banh Flan, a light version of crème caramel.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy this morning at leisure before leaving Hoi An for Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Its mesmerizing tombs and mausoleums of the last emperors of Vietnam reveal fascinating insights into the lives of the imperial families and their subjects. The ancient Citadel reflects the pomp and ceremony of the dynastic rulers as well as the scars of many years of turmoil, both ancient and modern. The Royal Citadel was severely damaged in the latter stages of the war but retains a sense of grace and majesty even today. 

Drive through Danang and visit the Cham Museum, which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world before climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds and dropping down to the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co.

Overnight in Hue.

This morning at 08:30 depart the hotel in Hue. Start at the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. 

From here take a cyclo through dai noi ‘Old City’ visit Tran Dinh Son private museum with a collection of everyday items that past Kings have used and learn how royal descendants are keeping the family’s traditions alive today. 

Continue to visit Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River; constructed in 1601, the 21-meter tall tower is the centerpiece of the pagoda and represents seven reincarnations of Buddha. 

In the grounds of the pagoda is the Austin car made famous when in 1963, a resident monk drove the vehicle to what was then Saigon to protest against the southern regime, the photo of his self-immortalization was captured and was one of the most well-known images of the war.

Lunch at a local restaurant for an authentic Hue style cuisine.

Continue to former emperor Minh Mang’s tomb located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds, inspired by the Chinese Confucianism, a harmonious design of balance and symmetry for the emperor’s resting place.

Journey on to Khai Dinh’s Tomb designed in traditional Vietnamese style with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue.

Overnight in Hue.

Transfer to Hue Airport after breakfast for the short flight to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals.

Meet with a local guide and set off on a half day tour in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Start with a visit to the city’s most iconic building: Reunification Hall. Formerly called the Presidential Palace, images of the building were seen around the world on 30 April 1975 when tanks stormed the gates as Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese. Hear the echoes of time while walking through this historic downtown site.

Then take a stroll to Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial quarter, walking past scenes of everyday life on the way. Admire the beautiful architecture of the Opera House, City Hall, the old Saigon Post Office, hear about the glory days of French Indochina and how that era continues to influence aspects of modern Vietnamese culture. 

Step inside the War Remnants Museum for an insightful, yet somber, look into Vietnam’s military history. See exhibitions displaying imagery from the French and American wars, learning more about the country’s struggle for independence.

Then step off the tourist trail for one last visit on this Ho Chi Minh City tour at a Vietnamese coffee shop, sit down and taste the coffee like locals. After this insightful visit, return to the hotel.

This early evening, discover the AO Show in Ho Chi Minh City, a modern cultural show with a Vietnamese twist. 

Take a walk with the guide from the hotel to The Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, also known as the Saigon Opera House. Built in 1898 by the French architect Ferret Eugene, and restored in 1998 on the tri-centenary of the founding of Saigon, this landmark building has witnessed countless important events in the city’s turbulent history and is now certified as a ‘National Relic’.

Enjoy the show held in this beautiful colonial building, which is performed by a group of enthusiastic local artists and dancers. The hour long ‘AO show’ embraces different elements of performance art with a Vietnamese touch. This is an unforgettable show displaying the finest Vietnamese heritage and culture through contemporary choreography and traditional music. Be amazed by the stunning blend of acrobatic acts, contemporary dance and cirque approach. The evening ends with a stroll back to the hotel accompanied by the guide. (Note that surcharge will apply if vehicle transfer is needed).

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, departure for My Tho, where you will enjoy a boat cruise as well as rowing sampans (rowboats) up the river.

After lunch, we will leave My Tho for Chau Doc. 

Along the way we will stop for a visit at the Crocodile Farm where we will have the chance learn about crocodile incubation and other interesting facts about crocodiles and their hatchlings. We will then check into a hotel before visiting Sam Mountain and the Cave Pagoda. 

We will stay overnight in Chau Doc. 

We will begin with a morning boat trip to visit the Floating Fish Farm, the Floating Village and the Cham Weaving Village. After experiencing the floating village and floating fish farm, we will leave Chau Doc for Can Tho. There, we will check-in at a hotel before having dinner at a nice restaurant. We will spend the night in Can Tho. 

05:00 AM, our guide & car driver will pick you up from your hotel & transfer to the boat for embarking.

Arrive to Cai Rang floating market – a must-see in Can Tho. Your guide will explain things about the history of the market, the local river life. Enjoy the tour with the freshest pineapple on the floating boat and say GOOD MORNING VIETNAM! GOOD MORNING MEKONG!

Explore small canals and your guide will share a lot of information about the region and local life.

Visit the friendly family’s traditional noodle house. You will be impressed by the colorful noodles, and how fascinating the noodles are made by local. The family will serve you the yummy noodle pizza made by the owner’s wife…

The 2,800-hectare forest is an ideal destination for nature lovers. Explore and weave in the untouched wetland of Mekong delta by boat gives the best experience the wildlife and nature.

Arrive to the forest & wetland conservation. The tour guide then helps you with boat ticket. Take an amazing light trekking in the nature for watching native birds. Enjoy the wonderful boat trip in the nature, see and pose a lot of native birds (seasonal), beautiful wild canals along the boat trip. Then, get to the 25-meter observation tower to enjoy the fascinating view over the wetland forest and the stunning rice fields. (about one hour in the forest).

Visit a famous old giant ficus microcarpa tree - a great place for VC to camouflage and hide means of warfare and trained guerrilla. Your guide will absolutely explain more interesting war sides in Mekong region.

After that, transfer to Ben Tre, which is about 3 hours away.

Arrive there around the sunset, transfer to your hotel.

Free for your own exploration or relax by the hotel pool.

Overnight in Ben Tre

Enjoy breakfast while breathing in the fresh air of rural surroundings.

Then, transfer by ferry to take a short cycle around the small village to experience a tailor-made countryside loop to Oc Islet.

Travel along quiet roads and rural laneways, passing fields and farms with lush green coconut forest in the backdrop. Stop often for photos or to observe scenes of daily life.

During the ride, visit small local handicraft village where guests learn all about coconut specialty. Watch as skilled workers make coconut stemmed baskets and coconut coated buttons.

Have the chance to interact with a workshop owner on different braiding techniques. Stop at a fish farm, to learn more about two species of catfish raised in freshwater ponds. These catfish are the two main species of fish production in Vietnam.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City and arrive around the late afternoon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

You are free to stroll around the town for your own exploration before taking the departure flight