15 Days Of Culture, Nature & Heritage In Vietnam

This morning begins with a journey into the soul of the city - the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the lotus-inspired One Pillar Pagoda, the former leader’s stilt house, and his grand Mausoleum. Continue to tranquil West Lake, where the ancient Tran Quoc Pagoda rises gracefully above the water.

Walk through history at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, shaded by ancient trees and stone pavilions.

Late afternoon, immerse yourself in the charm of the Old Quarter during a 1-hour cyclo ride, gliding through narrow alleys pulsing with life.

As the sun sets, visit Hanoi Cathedral, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Dong Xuan Market before embarking on a flavorful street food adventure along Ta Hien – Luong Ngoc Quyen – Hang Giay – Dao Duy Tu. Try Hanoi’s iconic dishes such as Cha Ca Thang Long or Bun Cha, ending with a creamy Egg Coffee on Nguyen Huu Huan Street.

Stay: Hanoi

Recommendation: La Siesta hotel, Grand Peridot hotel, Capella hotel

Transfer to Sapa by private vehicle. After check-in, take time to unwind amid mountain air and calm valleys.

In the afternoon, ascend Fansipan Mountain, the “Roof of Indochina,” via the world-record cable car system. At 3,143m, the summit offers panoramic vistas of rolling ranges, lush valleys, and drifting clouds - a moment to capture unforgettable photographs. Return to Sapa for relaxation.

Stay: Sapa

Recommendation: Laxsik Eco Lodge, Silk Path Hotel, Hotel de la Coupole Sapa - MGallery Collection, Topas Eco Lodge

Set out on one of the most breathtaking treks in Northern Vietnam. Begin downhill along Cau May Street, with misty rice terraces revealing themselves as the morning light spreads.

Follow mountain trails to Lao Chai, home of the Black Hmong, then continue through expansive terraced fields to Ta Van Village of the Giay people.

Walk beside the Muong Hoa River, cross a suspension bridge, and discover ancient rock carvings depicting humans and stilt houses—silent stories etched by previous civilizations.

Lunch is served at a local home.

Afterward, trek through a bamboo forest to reach Giang Ta Chai, a Red Dao village near a refreshing waterfall. Rest before meeting your driver for a scenic return to Sapa.

Stay: Sapa

Recommendation: Laxsik Eco Lodge, Silk Path Hotel, Hotel de la Coupole Sapa - MGallery Collection, Topas Eco Lodge

Visit the shimmering Silver Waterfall before ascending to Heaven Gate and Tram Ton Pass, Vietnam’s highest mountain pass at 2,047m. From here, admire sweeping views over the Hoang Lien Son Range, where clouds swirl endlessly and the weather shifts dramatically between the two sides of the mountain.

Stop at O Quy Ho on the way down to photograph lush farms cultivating vegetables, flowers, and medicinal plants. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Stay: Sapa

Recommendation: Laxsik Eco Lodge, Silk Path Hotel, Hotel de la Coupole Sapa - MGallery Collection, Topas Eco Lodge

Depart Sapa for the vibrant Bac Ha Market—a weekly Sunday gathering of Hmong, Black Dao, Phu La, Tay, and Nung ethnic communities. Their colorful costumes and unique handicrafts create a lively cultural mosaic.

Continue to Trung Do Village, home of the Tay people, characterized by stilt houses at the base of mountains. Visit a traditional home before cruising the serene Chay River, framed by limestone cliffs and peaceful villages.

End the cruise at Bao Nhai Bridge and return to Hanoi.

Stay: Hanoi boutique hotel

Recommendation: La Siesta hotel, Grand Peridot hotel, Capella hotel

Travel to Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on land.” Begin at Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s 10th-century capital, home to temples honoring Kings Dinh and Le.

Then, embark on a serene sampan journey through the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting limestone mountains, jade rivers, and a network of grottoes. Explore up to 11 caves featuring dramatic stalactites - scenery so cinematic it was chosen for the film Kong: Skull Island.

Check into your hotel and relax amid the peaceful mountain backdrop.

Stay: Boutique hotel in Ninh Binh

Recommendation: Emeralda Ninh Binh, Tam Coc Garden Resort, Emeralda Tam Coc, Emeralda Tam Coc, Nham Village

Climb nearly 500 steps up to Mua Cave Peak, where sweeping views of Tam Coc’s rice fields and limestone towers await - misty, majestic, unforgettable.

Enjoy a boat trip through Tam Coc’s Three Grottos, drifting through emerald fields and towering karsts.

Later, cycle to Bich Dong Pagoda, a peaceful complex of cave temples nestled among limestone mountains, exuding ancient charm.

Stay: Boutique hotel in Ninh Binh

Recommendation: Emeralda Ninh Binh, Tam Coc Garden Resort, Emeralda Tam Coc, Emeralda Tam Coc, Nham Village

Drive to the mythical Ha Long Bay, where over a thousand limestone islets rise dramatically from emerald waters.

Board your cruise and begin exploring this UNESCO treasure:
- Visit one of the bay’s most beautiful caves
- Swim at a secluded beach or hike for a panoramic viewpoint

Return to your junk boat for sunset, dinner, and a peaceful night aboard.

Stay: Luxury Halong Cruise

Recommendation: Peony cruise, Orchid cruise, Elite of the sea

Start the morning with tea, coffee, and a gentle Tai Chi session. Visit Luon Cave by sampan or kayak -keep an eye out for playful monkeys.

After brunch, disembark and return to Hanoi for your flight to Da Nang. Transfer to Hoi An, the lantern-lit ancient town.

Stay: Hoi An boutique hotel

Recommendation: LIttle Oasis, La Siesta Hoi An, Anantara Hoi An, Allegro, Moire Hoi An, Vignette Collection by IHG, Namia Retreat

Ride through the peaceful countryside of Hoi An on a vintage Vespa, exploring rice paddies, local workshops, mat weaving, boat building, riverbanks, fish farms, and even a bamboo bridge. Taste Banh Dap, chat with locals, and enjoy coffee amid rustic landscapes.

In the afternoon, explore Hoi An Ancient Town: the Japanese Bridge, Chinese Assembly Halls, artisan pagodas, and lantern workshops. Spend the evening wandering, shopping, or relaxing by the riverside.

Stay: Hoi An boutique hotel

Recommendation: LIttle Oasis, La Siesta Hoi An, Anantara Hoi An, Allegro, Moire Hoi An, Vignette Collection by IHG, Namia Retreat

Ascend to Ba Na Hills, famed for its cool climate and European-style architecture. Stroll through the charming French Village and cross the iconic Golden Bridge, held aloft by giant stone hands in the clouds.

Continue to Da Nang Beach, Han Market, and Marble Mountain before returning to Hoi An.

Stay: Hoi An boutique hotel

Recommendation: LIttle Oasis, La Siesta Hoi An, Anantara Hoi An, Allegro, Moire Hoi An, Vignette Collection by IHG, Namia Retreat

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and travel directly to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels - an underground labyrinth used during wartime. Learn about life beneath the surface as you explore tunnels, kitchens, workshops, and command centers. Return to Saigon afterward.

Stay: Ho Chi Minh City boutique hotel

Recommendation: La Siesta Premium, Fusion Original Saigon Centre, Reveire Sai Gon, Hilton, Park Hyatt, Mia Sai Gon

Drive to the Mekong Delta and embark from Cai Be Jetty. Glide along bustling waterways, observing scenes of daily river life. Explore islands, visit an ancient 19th-century house, and stop by cottage industries producing coconut candy and puffed rice.

Enjoy lunch in a serene colonial-style villa surrounded by fruit gardens.

In the afternoon, walk to Ba Bon Bridge to meet your driver for the return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Stay: Ho Chi Minh City boutique hotel

Recommendation: La Siesta Premium, Fusion Original Saigon Centre, Reveire Sai Gon, Hilton, Park Hyatt, Mia Sai Gon