15 Days North-South Vietnam Discovery Tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh

Vietnam tours 15 days is a special cruise Vietnam built for you the opportunity to discover all the beauty of nature to the ethnic culture, from North to South, from the majestic mountains to the sea green, bustling cities to the rural tranquility of studying. Vietnam tours 15 days you will have the opportunity to explore the beauty of culture thousands of years of the capital Hanoi, a center of politics, culture and education, Vietnam’s leading economic, the ancient historical district, or the majestic beauty of Sapa, or magical Halong, imperial Hue City and ancient town of Hoi An, or come to the beautiful beaches in Nha Trang, especially as you get to explore the beauty of the city named Chairman Outdoor Chair, dropping with the cultural beauty of the wetlands in the Delta of the Mekong River is famous for the thousand canals interlaced with the flower garden left… All will give you a 15-day Vietnam discovery journey memorable.

Highlights:

  • Hanoi: Cruise
  • Sa Pa: Discover
  • Ha Long Bay: Experience
  • Hoi An: Stroll street in
  • Hue: Stroll street in
  • Danang: Stroll street in
  • Ho Chi Minh City: Stroll street in
  • Mekong Delta: Stroll street in

Brief Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
  • Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh-Hanoi
  • Day 3: Hanoi – Sapa
  • Day 4: Sapa Trekking Tour
  • Day 5: Sapa – Hanoi
  • Day 6: Hanoi – Halong Bay
  • Day 7: Halong Bay-Hoi An
  • Day 8: Hoi An Ancient Town
  • Day 9: Hoi An
  • Day 10: Hoi An – Hue
  • Day 11: Hue – Danang – Saigon
  • Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City
  • Day 13: Saigon-Can Tho
  • Day 14: Can Tho – Saigon
  • Day 15: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Hanoi

Sightseeing and Activities: Hanoi City
Accommodation: Hanoi
Meals: Dinner
Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to Hotel for check in. Then rest are at your leisure.
You will be free to explore Hanoi City by your own.

Day 2 Hanoi – the 100 Year Old City

Sightseeing and Activities:The Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Tortoise Tower, the Old Quarter, the One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, The Temple of Literature
Accommodation: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast

This morning see the Tran Quoc Pagoda. This 1,400 year old temple features ten tiers enclosed by gardens, including a bodhi tree grown from a cutting of the original Buddhist tree under which Buddha sat. Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake where you’ll see the Tortoise Tower perched on the water. Enjoy a half hour cyclo tour through Hanoi’s the Old Quarter. The cyclo is a historic mode of transportation in the cities of Vietnam where a cyclist leads you while you sit in a canopied seat affixed to the front. Next, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, situated on a pillar made of a single stone, in the midst of a lotus pond. This pagoda was built by a 9th century emperor who saw it in a dream and regarded this as divine inspiration to recreate the structure in his vision.

You’ll pass by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum before visiting the highlight of this day – The Temple of Literature. This ancient university was erected almost a millennium ago and has hosted many of the most prominent scholars through Vietnamese history. The site features many gardens, pools, buildings, and ancient trees where Vietnam’s best and brightest studied under the guidance of Confucius teachings.

Day 3 Hanoi – Sapa

Sightseeing and Activities:The Silver Waterfall, the “Heaven Gate” of Sapa, Hoang Lien Son mountain, Lai Chau Valley and imposing Fanxipan Mountain from a far
Accommodation: Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, drive to Sapa from Hanoi (about 5 hours), and you can stop for a break or take photos en route. After checking in the hotel and taking a rest at Sapa, you will visit the Silver Waterfall – the most beautiful waterfall in Sapa, and then enjoy the great view and feeling at the “Heaven Gate” of Sapa – the highest point of Hoang Lien Son mountain range where you can see majestic Lai Chau Valley and imposing Fanxipan Mountain.

Day 4 Sapa Trekking Tour

Sightseeing and Activities:The Lung Khau Nhin Market, Lao Chai and Ta Van Village of the Black H’mong and the Day people
Accommodation: Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, you will take a morning walking tour to Lung Khau Nhin Market where Red Dao, Black & Flower H’Mong, Tay and other ethnic minority people converge from the surrounding countryside to sell their silverware and handicrafts to buy provisions.

Afterward, you will do a trekking tour (about 3 hours) to Lao Chai and Ta Van Village of the Black H’mong and the Day people. Enjoy the amazing scenery of the imposing mountain range, trek down the world’s most beautiful terraced rice fields, visit some local families on the way and learn the unique culture and life of these ethnic groups. Drive back to Sapa for overnight.

Day 5 Sapa – Hanoi

Sightseeing and Activities:The Ma Tra Village, the rice terraces to Ta Phin Village, the Red Dao minority
Accommodation: Halong Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, you will visit Ma Tra Village first and then trek through the rice terraces to Ta Phin Village of the Red Dao minority (about 3 hours).
After lunch in the village, drive back to Hanoi.

Day 6 Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise

Sightseeing and Activities:The Quang Ba Flower Market, Halong Bay Cruise, local fishing village, Sunset view of Ha Long Bay
Accommodation: Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Arrive in Hanoi in early morning, a visit to the morning flower market in Quang Ba Flower Market where you will find how the Vietnamese like flowers. After a light breakfast, we will drive Halong City for the Halong Bay Cruise. Upon arrival, you will board the cruise ship for a relaxing Halong Bay Cruise through the stunning Halong Bay. You could be absolute relax by lying down on the sun deck to enjoy the beautiful scenery and sun shine. A shore excursion will bring you to discover a beautiful cave, visit a local fishing village with opportunity to interact with local people. When the sun become a drop of burning gold that slid nearer the sea horizon, enjoy your dinner while enjoying a charming sun set.

Sample itinerary of 2 days Paradise Halong Bay Cruise FIRST DAY

Your heavenly journey across Halong Bay starts around noon on Tuan Chau Island at the doorstep of Vietnam’s most fascinating wonder. As the vessel sets sails, you will be greeted by Paradise Crew and Cruise Manager who will aim throughout your stay at providing you with the highest standards of service for a pure pleasure and utmost comfort onboard our luxury facilities in the stunning surroundings. Discover some of the treasures disseminated across the Bay of the Descending Dragon during the afternoon: fascinating caves, pristine beaches, picturesque floating villages, fantastic rock formations rising up out of emerald water.

While onboard, you can take advantage at leisure of our Spa, Beauty & Massage services; surrounded by a stunning setting in motion, you will attend our chef’s cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking. Defined to be one of the highlights of your Paradise stay, a highly refined, innovative and varied cuisine will be presented for Lunch and Dinner in the elegant dining-room, accompanied by a wide selection of wines and beverages from around the world.

Day 7 Halong Bay – Hoi An

Sightseeing and Activities:The Thai Chi lesson, limestone grotto, Halong Bay sailing across its 2000 islets, Hoi An Ancient Town
Accommodation: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Greeting by the morning sun rise from the sea horizon, you can join a Thai Chi lesson for some morning exercise before breakfast. Visit a limestone grotto in the morning and disembark around 11:00 am then transfer to airport for onward flight to Danang. Upon arriving Danang, you will be pick up and transfer to hotel in Hoian (about 30 minutes drive). Check in hotel and overnight in Hoian.

Sample itinerary of 2 days Paradise Halong Bay Cruise

SECOND DAY Early birds can attend a Tai Chi demonstration on the sundeck at the break of dawn. Start the day enjoying some Paradise delights with a colourful buffet breakfast. Continue exploring Halong Bay sailing across its 2000 islets and visiting some of its major highlights. Your Paradise Cruise will come to an end on Tuan Chau Island between 10.30am and 11.00am.

Day 8 Halong Bay – Hoi An

Sightseeing and Activities:the My Son Holy Land, Hoi An Ancient Town, the Museum of Trade Ceramics, theChua Ong Pagoda, the Old Tam Ky House, the Japanese Covered Bridge, Cooking Class
Accommodation: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning you’ll transfer to the My Son Holy Land. Tucked in the mountains up winding roads with serene views, lay the 4th century My Son Holy Land ruins. The surrounding mountains are strictly forbidden from living or development. The ruins lay in a beautiful surrounding mountainous landscape. You’ll enter the temples while your tour guide gives you the history and stories of the Cham and the site. Afterward, you’ll watch an Apsara show nearby the site, passed through the Cham tradition. The show features live music and colorful costumes.

Transfer back to hotel after the tour, rest of the day is at leisure. In the afternoon, you’ll continue to visit Hoi An Ancient Town. This town features the 16th century Hoi An port town in its preserved state. You’ll start the day visiting the Museum of Trade Ceramics. This museum houses art and pottery dating from the 1,500s to the 1,700s. Then you’ll briefly visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, a temple from the 17th century which features China’s influence in the region.

You’ll continue through the Ancient Town as the streets take on a magic of their own with old lanterns, French-style houses, intricately carved wooden doors and more. You’ll take a stroll through the Old Tam Ky House to see it’s imperial styles meshed with French overtures. Continue on to stroll along the river and see traditional boats and locals on bicycles passing by. You’ll then approach the Japanese Covered Bridge. This bridge has connected the Chinese and Japanese sides of town over the waterway for centuries. The old wooden structure has shown amazing resilience for more than 400 years. At dusk, enjoy walking along the riverside as colorful lanterns light up the town.

Finish today with a Cooking Class to learn to cook some Vietnamese cuisine, dinner will be what you cooked by yourselves, good luck and bon appétit!

Day 9 Hoi An—Relax on the Beach!

Sightseeing and Activities:the Cua Dai beach, An Bang Beach, Cham Island beach and Danang beach
Accommodation: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hoian is also famous for its beautiful sandy beach. Today you will relax to just enjoy sun shine and the beach. Besides the charm of the ancient town, Hoi An is also an enticing beach destination. Although the water is not as blue as Nha Trang, the sand is not as soft as Phu Quoc, Hoi An’s beach is calm, quiet and alluring in its own way. Hoi An’s resorts and hotels are also gentle like its people: you will get to experience a whole new style of beach holiday by stay here. If you have time, make sure you take a day trip to Cham island, for its unspoiled landscape that can find no match in the rest of Vietnam. There are several beaches near Hoi An such as Cua Dai beach, An Bang Beach, Cham Island beach and Danang beach is just 20 minutes away.

If you want some fun activities today, we highly recommend you to join a fishing tour to experience being a local fishman, or go diving in Cham Island

Day 10 Hoi An – Hue

Sightseeing and Activities: the beaches of Danang, fishing village,
Accommodation: Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Your guide will assist with check out. Then take a scenic ride along the mountain coasts of Vietnam (4 hours). Start by riding along the beaches of Danang where you’ll see hundreds of traditional fishing boats scattered along the water with beautiful mountains lining the horizon. As you approach the steep and narrow ascent you’ll find the scenery surreal. Along the way, there is a stretch of road which overlooks a beautiful bay with a small fishing village, perfect for a Facebook photo.

Continue your climb to a summit where the clouds meet you. In Chinese, the summit is referred to as “Where the Clouds Meet the Ocean”. Onward through mountains, valleys, countryside, and shorelines you’ll find numerous breathtaking scenes, great places to stop for photos. As you enter Hue, you’ll be impressed by the many imperial signs and impressive houses and buildings.
Check in to your hotel in Hue

Day 11 Hue – Danang – Saigon

Sightseeing and Activities:thePerfume River, the Tomb of Minh Mang, Tu Doc complex, the Khai Dinh Tomb, the Imperial Hue Citadel, Dong Ba Market
Accommodation: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning start with a visit to the Perfume River, renowned for its natural scenery and numerous flowers which envelop it’s shores. Along the river, you’ll view Vietnamese daily life up close. Take a boat ride along the river to the Tomb of Minh Mang, featuring gardens, many steps, and beautiful decorations. Continue on visit Tu Doc, a complex with the private royal residence and a tomb which also houses the body of one of the wealthiest emperors in Vietnam. Legend has it that his body is buried with vast treasures in an inconspicuous place, which archaeologists have tried but failed to find. Visit the Khai Dinh Tomb, a more modern ornately decorated tomb.

Enjoy lunch at family-owned garden restaurant at the royal residence. The imperial styled houses near the Royal Citadel feature beautiful gardens, intricate furnishings, and detailed ornaments at every turn. Each dish highlights different aspects of Hue’s traditional food which was enjoyed by the royalty. The brilliant food presentation will be sure to leave you with a lasting memory.

In the afternoon, press on to see the Imperial Hue Citadel – the old capital of Vietnam. This Citadel has a moat and wall perimeter 10 km long. View its vast gardens and structural relics. Walk through the outer perimeter of the city to see many of the national treasures and buildings inside. Venture further in to enter the Purple Forbidden City, which was off limits to the general public. Only royalty and the highest officials in the Vietnamese government were allowed to enter. Last stop of the day is the Dong Ba Market where you can purchase local fruits and foods.

Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City

Sightseeing and Activities:the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Reunification Palace, The Notre Dame Cathedral, theOld Saigon Post Office, Binh Tay Market, the Emperor Jade Pagoda,
Accommodation: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning , your guide and friver will escort you to the Cu Chi Tunnels. An immense network of connecting underground tunnels used during the war, you’ll explore the complex and see the ingenious traps, bomb holes, and narrow tunnels between underground bunkers.

In the afternoon, you’ll come back to Ho Chi Minh City to visit the Reunification Palace, which was the home to the President of South Vietnam during the War, and the place of the end of the war during the fall of Saigon. The Notre Dame Cathedral constructed by French colonists during their settlement. Across the road is the Old Saigon Post Office a neoclassical architectural building which is considered one of the main tourist attractions in the city.

The next stop is Cholon , the Chinatown of Saigon, a thickly settled district rife with tea-houses and pagodas, and the famous Binh Tay Market.To finish the tour, you’ll visit the Emperor Jade Pagoda, also know as the Tortoise pagoda. This figurine-filled site of worship is considered by many to be Saigon’s finest. When we finish the tour, you will be escorted back to hotel and rest of the day is leisure time for you.

Day 13 Saigon- Can Tho

Sightseeing and Activities:the Mekong River, Mekong Delta, Vinh Trang Pagoda, An Khanh village,
Accommodation: Can Tho
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today you will discover the Mekong River and villages at the Mekong Delta region, essential to Vietnamese life Your private guide and car will take you to the remote My Tho. This burgeoning capital rests in the Mekong Delta and is surrounded by beautiful countryside known as the “rice basket of Vietnam”. First you’ll visit Vinh Trang Pagoda which is decorated with mosaics made from broken pottery. Overlooked by a tall white Buddha, it is set amongst lovely gardens packed with flowers, shrubs, lotus pools and tombs and ornate gates which provide entry. Next, you’ll take a boat ride along the river to view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages. You’ll stop at the Tortoise Island where you’ll enjoy lunch in the orchard.

After lunch you’ll visit An Khanh, a small village that specializes in fruit orchards and coconut sweets. If time permits, you can take a short cycling trip through the island. Then enjoy seasonal fruit, honey tea, and delicious coconut candies all to the sound of “Southern Vietnamese folk music”, performed by locals.

Day 14 Can Tho – Saigon

Sightseeing and Activities: Cai Rang Floating Market, Mekong River, Mekong Delta,
Accommodation: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Rise early in the morning for breakfast at your hotel where your private guide and driver will meet you to escort you to the pier of Can Tho for an adventure on the river. Your motor boat and captain will greet you and help you on board. You’ll be taken to Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest floating market in Can Tho where local farmers bring their bulk produce for sale. The trip there will see the banks with various flowers scattered throughout.

When you arrive at the market, you’ll see boats with colorful fruits and vegetables local to the region being traded in bulk. After this, you’ll venture up narrow canals to find a local fruit farm hidden in the natural landscape of the creek. You’ll have the chance to see local fruits such as mango, limes, jack fruit, durian and more being grown. Then you’ll have the chance to sit and enjoy fresh cut fruit before returning to town by boat.

After the tour, relax at hotel for short time and check out, then you will be driven back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 15 Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

Sightseeing and Activities:Depature
Accommodation: Home
Meals: Breakfast

Departure from Ho Chi Minh City.
Today transfer to Ho Chi Minh City airport for your international flight back home.
Service ends.

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Service Included:

  • Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary;
  • Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
  • Private English-speaking tour guide and vehicle for transfers & sightseeing;
  • Service charge & government taxes;
  • Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
  • Two bottles of mineral water each day;

Service Excluded:

  • Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
  • Chinese visa fees;
  • Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
  • Single room supplement;
  • Tips to guides and drivers;
  • Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff.
  • Personal travel accident insurance;
  • All optional programs;
  • Domestic air tickets fares with airport tax and fuel extra fee based on economy class mentioned in the program.