Overview
Three Capitals. One Journey. One Vietnamese Story.
Journey through three defining chapters of Vietnam’s past and present: from the ancient kingdom at Hoa Lu and the imperial majesty of Hue to the vibrant modern capital of Hanoi—the soul of the nation.
This 16-day journey follows that story across UNESCO World Heritage sites, spectacular natural landscapes, ancient civilizations, royal traditions, historic trading ports, vibrant cities, and living river cultures, offering a rich and deeply connected portrait of Vietnam from north to south.
Detailed Itinerary
Overview:
Arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital. After hotel check-in and time to relax, begin your first encounter with the city’s historic heart, where tree-lined boulevards, colonial architecture, ancient guild streets, and everyday Vietnamese life come together.
Key Highlights:
- Orientation walk around Hoan Kiem Lake
- Visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral and the Hanoi Opera House
- Explore the atmospheric 36 Guild Streets of the Old Quarter
- Experience traditional northern Vietnamese drip coffee
- Evening stroll through Hanoi’s vibrant historic center
Included Meals: Dinner (Welcome Northern Cuisine)
Overnight: Hanoi
Overview:
Explore Hanoi’s political, architectural, educational, and culinary heritage, from the ancient imperial citadel to the French colonial quarter and the atmospheric streets of the Old Quarter.
Key Highlights:
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
- Visit Ba Dinh Square, the Presidential Palace area, and the National Assembly complex
- Scenic visit around West Lake
- Walk through the historic grounds of the Temple of Literature
- Discover the history of Hoa Lo Prison
- Evening street-food experience through the Old Quarter
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Hanoi
Overview:
Leave Hanoi behind for the spectacular limestone landscapes of Ninh Binh, where towering karst formations rise above rice fields, waterways, and ancient villages.
Key Highlights:
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Trang An Landscape Complex by traditional rowboat
- Cruise through limestone valleys, caves, and emerald waterways
- Climb Mua Cave for panoramic views over the karst landscape
- Discover Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Early Le dynasties
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Eco-lodge / Hotel in Ninh Binh
Overview:
Travel from Ninh Binh to the Gulf of Tonkin and board a luxury overnight cruise into Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage property celebrated for its spectacular marine-invaded limestone karst landscape. As the vessel moves among hundreds of towering limestone islands and islets, the landscape unfolds as a living geological masterpiece shaped by millions of years of erosion, sea-level change, and tropical karst formation.
Key Highlights:
- Board a luxury overnight cruise at Tuan Chau International Marina
- Sail deep into the UNESCO World Heritage seascape among towering limestone karsts, forested islands, and secluded coves
- Explore Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) on Bo Hon Island, one of the largest and most spectacular caves in Ha Long Bay, with vast chambers filled with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites
- Cruise or kayak around Luon Cave, a remarkable marine passage through a limestone mountain into a tranquil enclosed lagoon
- Visit Ti Top Island, with its crescent-shaped sandy beach and panoramic viewpoint overlooking the surrounding karst islands
- Enjoy time for swimming or kayaking in the emerald waters of the bay, subject to weather and cruise conditions
- Watch the sunset from the sundeck as the limestone towers turn golden in the evening light
- Enjoy a refined dinner and overnight aboard the cruise amid the UNESCO-listed seascape
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Onboard)
Overnight: Luxury Cruise Vessel — Ha Long Bay
Overview:
Wake to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay and enjoy a final morning among its extraordinary limestone formations before disembarking. The morning experience provides a different perspective on the UNESCO landscape, as mist, sunlight, and calm waters reveal the intricate relationship between the sea and the ancient karst towers.
Key Highlights:
- Early-morning Tai Chi on the sundeck surrounded by the World Heritage seascape
- Enjoy a final scenic cruise through the limestone islands and islets
- Continue exploring the bay’s distinctive karst formations and marine landscapes
- Brunch onboard before disembarkation
- Return to the mainland and continue south toward Quang Binh
- Transition from Vietnam’s spectacular marine karst heritage to its extraordinary underground karst landscapes
- Arrive in Dong Hoi / Phong Nha for the next chapter of the journey
Included Meals: Breakfast, Brunch (Onboard), Dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Dong Hoi / Phong Nha OR Overnight Sleeper Train, depending on final transport arrangement
Overview:
Explore the spectacular underground landscapes of Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage property renowned for its extraordinary cave systems, karst formations, underground rivers, and geological history.
Key Highlights:
- Boat journey along the Son River
- Enter Phong Nha Cave, one of Vietnam’s most celebrated river caves
- Admire vast chambers, stalactites, and stalagmites
- Explore the spectacular illuminated chambers of Paradise Cave
- Experience the surrounding limestone mountains and tropical landscapes
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Jungle Lodge / Hotel in Phong Nha or Dong Hoi
Overview:
Enjoy a relaxed morning amid the natural landscapes of Phong Nha before continuing south toward Hue, passing through the historic landscapes of central Vietnam and the former Demilitarized Zone.
Key Highlights:
- Relaxed nature walk or countryside experience around Phong Nha
- Scenic journey south by private vehicle or daytime train
- Pass through landscapes associated with the former DMZ
- Arrival in Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital
- Evening introduction to Hue’s distinctive culinary traditions
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Hue Regional Specialties)
Overnight: Hue
Overview:
Step into the world of Vietnam’s Nguyen emperors and explore Hue’s extraordinary royal heritage, architecture, gardens, and river traditions.
Key Highlights:
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Complex of Hue Monuments
- Walk through the Imperial City, Citadel, and Forbidden Purple City
- Cruise along the Perfume River
- Discover Hue’s royal architectural traditions
- Taste traditional Hue specialties and royal-style savory rice cakes
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Hue
Overview:
Journey from imperial Hue to the ancient trading port of Hoi An along one of Vietnam’s most spectacular mountain-and-sea routes.
Key Highlights:
- Scenic drive across the legendary Hai Van Pass
- Panoramic views over Lang Co Bay, Lang Co Beach, and Da Nang Bay
- Visit the dramatic Marble Mountains
- Continue along the Central Coast
- Arrive in the lantern-lit Hoi An Ancient Town
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Hoi An
Overview:
Discover Hoi An’s remarkable legacy as an international trading port, where Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European influences have shaped one of Southeast Asia’s best-preserved historic towns.
Key Highlights:
- Guided walking tour through the UNESCO World Heritage Hoi An Ancient Town
- Discover historic merchant houses and traditional assembly halls
- Visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge
- Explore local artisan and tailor workshops
- Learn about Hoi An’s traditional crafts and trading heritage
- Evening lantern boat ride along the Hoai River
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Hoi An
Overview:
Experience a more intimate side of Hoi An through its rural landscapes, traditional farming practices, local cuisine, and relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Key Highlights:
- Bicycle through Tra Que Vegetable Village
- Discover traditional organic farming methods
- Participate in a hands-on Vietnamese cooking experience
- Meet local farmers and experience village life
- Relax at An Bang Beach
- Enjoy a leisurely Central Coast evening
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Hoi An
Overview:
Complete your Central Vietnam experience with a full-day exploration of the region’s layered heritage and spectacular coastal landscapes. Depending on interests, guests may choose between the ancient Cham sanctuary of My Son or the mountain-top landscapes of Ba Na Hills, before continuing to the natural beauty and modern energy of Da Nang.
Key Highlights:
- Option A — My Son Sanctuary: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of My Son, the sacred center of the ancient Champa Kingdom and one of Vietnam’s important archaeological sites.
- Option B — Ba Na Hills: Ride one of the world’s longest cable-car systems into the Ba Na Mountains and experience panoramic mountain scenery and the iconic Golden Bridge.
- Visit the scenic Son Tra Peninsula, known for its forested mountains, dramatic coastline, and panoramic views over Da Nang Bay.
- Explore the highlights of Da Nang, including the Han River waterfront and modern coastal cityscape.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Da Nang
Overview:
Transfer to Da Nang International Airport for a short flight south to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s dynamic economic center. Spend the afternoon exploring the city’s most significant historical and architectural landmarks.
Key Highlights:
- Flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City
- Explore the Saigon Central Post Office
- Visit the Reunification Palace
- Discover the War Remnants Museum
- Evening exploration of central Ho Chi Minh City
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Overview:
Travel beyond the city to explore one of the most extraordinary military engineering systems of the 20th century before returning to the energy and sophistication of modern Ho Chi Minh City.
Key Highlights:
- Explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels
- Walk through preserved sections of the underground network
- Discover underground living quarters, command areas, and engineering systems
- Learn about the tunnels’ role during the Vietnam War
- Return to Ho Chi Minh City for afternoon leisure
- Enjoy panoramic city views from a rooftop lounge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Overview:
Journey into the Mekong Delta for a day of waterways, tropical orchards, village communities, and traditional crafts, discovering a slower rhythm of life shaped by the Mekong River.
Key Highlights:
- Cruise through coconut-palm waterways
- Travel by small sampan through narrow village canals
- Visit family-run workshops producing coconut candy and traditional handicrafts
- Ride through rural villages and tropical fruit orchards
- Meet local communities and experience everyday Delta life
- Return to Ho Chi Minh City for a farewell dinner
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Local Delta Specialties), Dinner (Farewell Dinner in HCMC)
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Overview:
Enjoy a relaxed final morning in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City before your private transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your international departure.
Key Highlights:
- Leisure time in central District 1
- Last-minute shopping for Vietnamese handicrafts and souvenirs
- Relaxed café experience
- Private airport transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Highlights
- Northern Heritage & Limestone Landscapes: Discover the historic charm of Hanoi, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the spectacular karst landscapes and waterways of Trang An, and an overnight luxury cruise among the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay.
- World-Class Caves & Natural Wonders: Journey into the subterranean landscapes of Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, home to some of the world’s most spectacular cave systems, including Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave.
- Imperial Vietnam: Explore the monumental Imperial City of Hue, royal architecture and traditions of the Nguyen Dynasty, and the culinary heritage of the former imperial capital.
- Central Vietnam’s Heritage Core: Travel across the dramatic Hai Van Pass, explore the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An, discover traditional crafts and rural farming life, and enjoy the beaches and cosmopolitan character of Da Nang.
- Cham Heritage & Coastal Landscapes: Encounter the ancient Cham civilization at My Son Sanctuary or choose the spectacular mountain-and-sea experience of Ba Na Hills, followed by the natural beauty of Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang’s coastline.
- Southern Vitality & Living River Culture: Experience the historic heart of Ho Chi Minh City, explore the extraordinary underground engineering of the Cu Chi Tunnels, and travel into the coconut-palm waterways and village communities of the Mekong Delta.
A Journey to Remember
Bon Voyage!
May your journey through Vietnam leave you with beautiful memories, meaningful encounters, and stories to carry home.