Signature Journey

Discover the many faces of Vietnam on this carefully crafted 14-day Signature Journey. From the atmospheric streets of Hanoi and the spectacular mountain landscapes of Sapa to the limestone islands of Halong Bay, the imperial heritage of Hue, lantern-lit Hoi An, energetic Ho Chi Minh City and the peaceful waterways of the Mekong Delta, this journey combines Vietnam's iconic highlights with authentic local encounters.

Travel at a comfortable pace, stay in carefully selected boutique accommodation, taste regional cuisine, meet local communities and experience Vietnam beyond traditional sightseeing.

DETAILED ITINERARY

 

DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL - WELCOME TO VIETNAM

Arrive at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, where your local guide and private driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in the city centre.

After check-in, enjoy time to relax after your international journey.

Later in the afternoon, begin your introduction to Vietnam with a gentle orientation walk around the historic heart of Hanoi. Discover Hoan Kiem Lake, the atmospheric streets of the Old Quarter and some of the city's beautiful colonial architecture.

Stop at a traditional cafe to taste Hanoi's famous Egg Coffee, one of the capital's most distinctive culinary creations.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a carefully selected local restaurant featuring authentic Northern Vietnamese cuisine.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 2: HANOI HERITAGE, LOCAL LIFE AND STREET FOOD

After breakfast, spend the day discovering the fascinating history, culture and daily life of Vietnam's capital.

Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the exterior of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, his traditional stilt house and the historic Presidential Palace area.

Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda before visiting the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university and one of Hanoi's most elegant historic sites.

Later, explore the peaceful surroundings of West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in Hanoi.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the Old Quarter.

In the afternoon, experience the city at a slower pace with a traditional cyclo ride through the narrow streets and colonial boulevards.

Later, attend a traditional Water Puppet performance, an art form originating from the rice-growing communities of Northern Vietnam.

In the evening, join a guided street food walk through the Old Quarter. Taste a selection of Vietnamese favourites while learning about Hanoi's food culture and lively street life.

Return to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Street Food Dinner

DAY 3: HANOI - SAPA - MOUNTAIN VILLAGES

After breakfast, leave Hanoi and travel by comfortable private vehicle along the modern expressway toward Sapa.

The journey gradually changes from the busy Red River Delta to spectacular mountain scenery.

Arrive in Sapa around midday and enjoy lunch before checking into your hotel.

In the afternoon, begin exploring the surrounding countryside with a gentle walk toward one of the nearby ethnic minority villages.

Walk through terraced fields and mountain landscapes while your guide introduces you to the culture and traditions of the local H'mong community.

Visit a local family home where possible and learn about traditional farming, handicrafts and everyday life.

Return to Sapa in the late afternoon.

The evening is free to explore the town, browse the local market or relax at one of Sapa's mountain cafes.

Overnight in Sapa.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4: SAPA - RICE TERRACES AND ETHNIC VILLAGE EXPERIENCE

After breakfast, head into the beautiful Muong Hoa Valley for a full day exploring one of Northern Vietnam's most spectacular landscapes.

Depending on your fitness level, choose from an easy, moderate or more adventurous trekking route.

Walk through magnificent rice terraces, mountain villages and farmland while learning about the customs and traditions of the H'mong, Dao and Giay communities who live throughout the valley.

Enjoy lunch in a local village or family-run restaurant.

Spend time interacting with local residents and discovering traditional textile-making, farming techniques and village life.

After returning to Sapa, enjoy a traditional herbal foot bath inspired by Red Dao mountain traditions, a relaxing way to end the day.

Optional experience:

Take the cable car to Fansipan Peak, known as the Roof of Indochina. At 3,143 metres, Fansipan offers spectacular mountain views when weather conditions are favourable.

Overnight in Sapa.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5: SAPA - HANOI - HALONG BAY PREMIUM CRUISE

After an early breakfast, depart Sapa and travel toward Halong Bay.

On arrival around midday, board your premium overnight cruise and receive a welcome drink as the ship begins sailing into the extraordinary limestone landscape of the bay.

Enjoy lunch onboard while passing towering karst formations rising dramatically from the water.

During the afternoon, depending on your cruise program and weather conditions, explore one of the area's caves, lagoons or floating communities.

You may also have the opportunity to kayak through peaceful waterways surrounded by limestone cliffs.

Return to the cruise and relax on the sundeck.

As the sun begins to set, enjoy a sunset drink or cocktail while admiring one of Vietnam's most spectacular natural landscapes.

A Vietnamese cooking demonstration may be offered before dinner.

Enjoy dinner onboard and spend the evening relaxing under the stars.

Optional activities may include squid fishing.

Overnight onboard the cruise.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: HALONG BAY - HANOI - FLY TO HUE

Wake early and, if you wish, join a Tai Chi session on the upper deck as the sun rises over the bay.

Enjoy tea or coffee while admiring the peaceful morning landscape.

After breakfast, continue exploring Halong Bay with a visit to a cave, island or lagoon depending on the cruise route.

Return to the ship for brunch while cruising back toward the harbour.

Disembark around late morning and transfer to Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Hue.

Upon arrival in Hue, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel.

The evening is free to relax or explore the riverside area.

Overnight in Hue.

Meals: Breakfast or Brunch

DAY 7: HUE IMPERIAL HERITAGE AND LOCAL CRAFTS

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Hue, Vietnam's former imperial capital.

Visit the magnificent Imperial Citadel, once the political and cultural centre of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Walk through ancient gateways, courtyards, temples and royal residences while learning about Vietnam's imperial history.

Continue to the peaceful Thien Mu Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River.

Enjoy a boat cruise along the Perfume River before lunch.

In the afternoon, visit one of Hue's traditional incense-making villages where colourful bundles of incense line the roadside.

Learn how incense has been handmade for generations and meet local artisans.

Continue to a traditional garden house or local craft workshop for a glimpse into Hue's refined cultural heritage.

Optional evening experience:

Enjoy a Royal-style dinner inspired by the cuisine of the former imperial court.

Overnight in Hue.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8: HUE - HAI VAN PASS - DANANG - HOI AN

After breakfast, depart Hue and travel south toward Hoi An.

The journey follows one of Vietnam's most scenic coastal roads.

Stop at beautiful Lang Co Bay before crossing the spectacular Hai Van Pass, where mountains meet the sea.

Weather permitting, enjoy panoramic views across the coastline and surrounding countryside.

Continue to Danang and visit the Marble Mountains, a collection of limestone hills containing pagodas, caves and viewpoints.

Afterwards, continue to Hoi An.

Check into your hotel and enjoy some time at leisure.

In the late afternoon or early evening, take your first walk through Hoi An's enchanting old streets.

As lanterns begin illuminating the historic houses and riverside, experience the romantic atmosphere that has made Hoi An one of Vietnam's most beloved destinations.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9: HOI AN COUNTRYSIDE, BASKET BOATS AND LANTERN EXPERIENCE

After breakfast, travel into the peaceful countryside surrounding Hoi An.

Visit the Cam Thanh Coconut Forest, an area of waterways lined with water coconut palms.

Board a traditional round basket boat and paddle through the narrow canals with local boatmen.

Learn about local fishing techniques and life in the riverside communities.

Continue to a local village or farm where you can experience the slower rhythm of rural Vietnam.

Enjoy lunch featuring regional dishes.

In the afternoon, return to Hoi An Ancient Town.

Join a lantern-making workshop with a local artisan and create your own traditional Vietnamese lantern to take home as a souvenir.

Later, explore Hoi An on foot, including the Japanese Covered Bridge area, historic merchant houses, Chinese assembly halls and colourful local markets.

The evening is free.

You may enjoy dinner beside the river, visit the night market or take an optional lantern boat ride.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10: HOI AN - DANANG - FLY TO HO CHI MINH CITY

Enjoy breakfast before transferring to Danang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer into the vibrant centre of Vietnam's largest city.

After lunch, begin a guided introduction to Ho Chi Minh City.

Visit the Reunification Palace, followed by the historic Central Post Office and the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral.

Continue to the War Remnants Museum for an insight into Vietnam's modern history.

Walk through some of the city's lively central streets and visit Ben Thanh Market or another local market depending on timing.

Finish the afternoon with a drink at a rooftop venue or local cafe while observing the city's energetic skyline.

The evening is at leisure.

Optional:

Join an evening Vespa or scooter street food experience to discover local neighbourhoods and Vietnamese cuisine after dark.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11: CU CHI TUNNELS AND SOUTHERN COUNTRYSIDE

After breakfast, leave the city and travel through the countryside toward the famous Cu Chi Tunnels.

Explore sections of this remarkable underground network that played an important role during the Vietnam War.

Your guide will explain how the tunnels were constructed and how local communities lived and operated underground during wartime.

Visitors who wish may enter selected widened sections of the tunnel system.

After the visit, continue through the surrounding countryside.

Depending on local conditions and routing, stop at a village, rubber plantation or local farm to experience another side of rural Southern Vietnam.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.

The evening is free for shopping, dining or independent exploration.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12: HO CHI MINH CITY - MEKONG DELTA - CAN THO

After breakfast, depart Ho Chi Minh City and travel into the fertile Mekong Delta.

As you leave the city behind, the scenery changes to rice fields, fruit orchards, waterways and small rural communities.

Board a local boat and cruise along the Mekong River before transferring to a smaller sampan to explore narrow canals shaded by tropical vegetation.

Visit family-run workshops producing traditional regional products such as coconut candy, rice paper or other local specialties.

Walk through a tropical fruit orchard and learn about agriculture in the Delta.

Enjoy a home-style lunch hosted by a local family or at a countryside restaurant.

Where possible, take a gentle bicycle ride through quiet village lanes, passing gardens, small houses and farms.

Continue to Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta.

Check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

In the evening, take a stroll along the lively Ninh Kieu waterfront.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13: CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET - HO CHI MINH CITY

Rise early this morning and transfer to the pier.

Board a local boat and cruise along the river toward Cai Rang Floating Market.

Although the market has evolved over the years, it remains an interesting glimpse into the traditional trading culture of the Mekong Delta.

Observe boats carrying tropical fruit, vegetables and regional produce while your guide explains the changing way of life along the river.

Continue cruising through smaller waterways and observe riverside homes, gardens and local activity.

Return to Can Tho for breakfast or brunch and check out of the hotel.

Travel back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel.

The rest of the afternoon and evening are free.

This is a perfect opportunity for last-minute shopping, a spa treatment or a farewell dinner at one of the city's excellent restaurants.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14: HO CHI MINH CITY - DEPARTURE

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Depending on your flight schedule, the morning is free to relax, shop or explore independently.

At the appropriate time, meet your driver and transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.

Your Vietnam Signature Journey comes to an end with unforgettable memories of the country's extraordinary landscapes, fascinating heritage, vibrant cuisine and warm local hospitality.

Meals: Breakfast