3 Weeks Vietnam: Best of North to South

Upon arrival in Hanoi, your driver will be waiting at Terminal 2, Column 10, to take you straight to your hotel in the Old Quarter. After check-in and some rest, your 3 week Vietnam tour kicks off with an evening street food tour. Led by a local guide, you’ll explore bustling markets, hidden food stalls, and family-run eateries, tasting iconic Hanoi dishes like phở, bún chả, bánh cuốn, and the city’s famous egg coffee. It’s a fun and flavorful way to dive straight into Vietnam’s culinary culture.

Enjoy a leisurely day to explore Hanoi at your own pace. Whether you want to stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit a museum, or shop for souvenirs, the day is yours. In the evening, get ready for an exciting overnight train journey to Sapa. Your guide will escort you to the train station, where you'll board the Dream Train Express for a comfortable ride through the night to Lao Cai.

Arrive in Sapa early and set out for a 15 km trek through stunning landscapes. Begin your journey with a visit to Y Linh Ho village, a traditional Hmong settlement, before heading through bamboo forests and terraced rice fields. After a traditional lunch in Lao Chai, continue your trek to the beautiful Ta Van Village, where you'll spend the night in a cozy homestay with local Giay and Hmong families. Experience the culture firsthand, and if you're lucky, join a cooking class with your host.

Start your day with a relaxing cup of tea or coffee, surrounded by the peaceful rice fields of Ta Van. After breakfast, trek up to the stunning Giang Ta Chai waterfalls, passing through Red Dao villages and learning about their culture. Enjoy lunch in a local Hmong-run restaurant before heading back to Sapa Town. From there, you’ll travel by limousine bus back to Hanoi.

Embark on a scenic cruise to the serene Lan Ha Bay. After check-in and a welcome drink, enjoy a delicious lunch while cruising through the stunning seascapes. You’ll have the chance to explore the bay by kayaking or relaxing on a secluded beach. The evening features a Vietnamese cooking demonstration followed by dinner on board, allowing you to unwind and enjoy the calm beauty of the bay.

Start the day with a peaceful Tai Chi session at dawn before heading to Viet Hai Village. Cycle or take an electric car through the lush surroundings and immerse yourself in local village life. Afterward, cruise back to the port and enjoy a leisurely lunch on board. Disembark and transfer to your hotel on Cat Ba Island for an afternoon of relaxation.

Spend a free day at leisure in Cat Ba, perhaps exploring the island or relaxing on its beaches. In the afternoon, you'll travel by bus to Ninh Binh, known for its breathtaking natural landscapes. Upon arrival, enjoy some downtime at your hotel, ready for the next exciting part of your journey.

Step into Vietnam’s royal past at Hoa Lu, the country’s ancient capital, before enjoying a peaceful boat ride through the majestic Trang An landscape—famous for its limestone caves and “Skull Island” film location. Cycle through scenic villages and finish with a rewarding climb to the top of Mua Cave for panoramic views of Tam Coc. After freshening up, board the overnight train to Dong Hoi, a true local travel experience.

Freshen up after arriving in Dong Hoi before heading to the spectacular Paradise Cave, famed for its dramatic formations. After lunch in a local village, cruise the Son River to reach Phong Nha Cave, a water cave with awe-inspiring natural sculptures like “The Lion” and “The Buddha.” A perfect day for lovers of nature and caves.

Travel from Phong Nha to Hue along the historic DMZ route, starting with the Vinh Moc Tunnels, where entire families lived underground during the war. Continue to the symbolic Hien Luong Bridge, then past former U.S. military sites and war memorials, including Khe Sanh Combat Base. It’s a moving journey through Vietnam’s wartime history.

Dive into the imperial past of Hue, starting with a peaceful boat ride to Thien Mu Pagoda. Step into history at the Imperial Citadel, once the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty. Wander through bustling Dong Ba Market before lunch. In the afternoon, explore the ornate tombs of emperors Minh Mang and Khai Dinh, followed by a cultural stop at a local incense and conical hat-making village.

Enjoy one of Vietnam’s most picturesque drives from Hue to Hoi An, with multiple scenic stops. Begin with the serene Lap An Lagoon and tranquil Lang Co Beach, then wind your way through the dramatic curves of Hai Van Pass. Pass through Danang to see My Khe Beach, Marble Mountains, and the artisan community at Non Nuoc Stonemason Village. Though this is a transfer day, the journey is packed with photo opportunities and iconic views.

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO site, invites you to stroll its lantern-lit streets, shop for tailor-made clothes, or relax at nearby An Bang Beach. The blend of French, Japanese, and Vietnamese influences makes every corner photo-worthy.

Cycle through quiet backroads, rice paddies, and local villages around Hoi An, including Cam Kim Island and Tra Que. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride and an optional basket boat experience in the coconut forests of Cam Thanh Village. A fun and relaxing way to see rural life up close.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Hoi An before your driver takes you to Danang Airport for your Vietnam Airlines flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, a private transfer will bring you to your centrally located hotel in Saigon. Spend the rest of the day at leisure—perhaps explore Ben Thanh Market or sip coffee at a rooftop café.

Leave the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City behind as you head south to the peaceful riversides of Can Tho. After lunch at your cozy homestay, take a boat ride along narrow canals and visit local sights like fruit orchards, a floating market, and a noodle workshop. In the afternoon, hop on a bicycle with a local guide and ride through scenic paths surrounded by authentic Delta life.

Begin early with a sunrise boat ride to Phong Dien Floating Market, where locals sell breakfast from their boats. Continue through lush waterways to visit Cai Rang, the Mekong's largest floating market. Stop at a local fruit orchard and a small rice noodle factory to see how regional specialties are made. Return to your homestay for a relaxing afternoon by the river. Optional massage available.

This morning, head to Rach Gia for a scenic high-speed ferry ride across the Gulf of Thailand to Phu Quoc—Vietnam’s largest island and a tropical escape. On arrival, a private transfer takes you to your beachside resort. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on white sands or taking a dip in the crystal-clear sea.

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore Phu Quoc your way. Whether you prefer relaxing on the beach, visiting fishing villages, snorkeling at nearby islets, or sampling local seafood, the island offers a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure.

Spend another relaxing day in Phu Quoc, where the pace is slow and the scenery stunning. You might choose to visit the island’s vibrant night market, wander through a pepper farm, or simply unwind at your resort by the sea.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Phu Quoc Airport for your domestic flight back to Ho Chi Minh City, where your journey concludes. Connect to your international flight with wonderful memories of Vietnam’s diverse landscapes, culture, and warmth.