Vietnam Hidden Charm In 14 Days

• English-speaking guide & Private driver
• From Tan Son Nhat Airport – Hotel: 10km~45’ drive

Welcome at the airport by our driver and our English Speaking Guide, then transfer to the city center for check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest or to make a first discovery of the city of Saigon.

Welcome dinner in a good restaurant in Saigon and overnight at the hotel in the center of the city.

Your hotel room is officially available from 2 p.m.

• English-speaking guide & Private driver

After breakfast, you begin a wonderful day of discovery of Saigon (renamed Ho Chi Minh City) an active, bustling, rebellious, commercial, and casual city, it still remains the economic heart of the country. You begin the tour of beautiful colonial buildings such as Notre Dame Cathedral “view from the outside “, L he post office of HO CHI MINH, the municipal theater “View outside”. Then we visit the Reunification Palace, former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1 975.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit THE Museum of Traditional Medicine called “Fito” – one of the first private museums in Vietnam. There you find nearly 3,000 ancient objects relevant to traditional medicine of Vietnam, dating from the Stone Age to today, instruments used in the preparation and manufacturing of traditional medicines: knives, grinders, mortars and pestles, pots and jars.

Then, we head towards the typical Chinatown to discover another aspect of the city. You walk towards a street specializing in traditional herbal medicine for a closer look at the use of remedies and admire the work of apothecaries preparing magic potions that cure all ailments!

Continuation of the city tour with THE Thien Hau Temple which is dedicated to the worship of the Sea Goddess, the “Gra nd Market” of Binh Tay in the center of the Chinese district of Cholon.

Free dinner and overnight at the hotel in Saigon.

• English-speaking guide & Private driver
• Cu Chi – Saigon: 50 km ~ 1h drive

After breakfast at the hotel, you leave by private car to explore the Cu Chi tunnels, it is an immense network of 200 km of underground galleries and narrow tubes dug by hand by the Viet-Cong to take refuge and defend themselves against the “American war machine”. The visit to this tunnel system explains how the Vietnamese with their rudimentary weapons were able to fight against the modern weapons of the Americans.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Return to Saigon via a very pleasant country road. The rest of the day is completely free for your personal discovery.

Free dinner and overnight at your hotel in Saigon.

• English-speaking guide & Private driver
• Saigon – My Tho: 80 km ~ 2 hours drive
• Ben Tre – Can Tho: 120 km ~ 2h30 -3 hours drive

Breakfast at your hotel, then departure by car to My Tho in the Mekong Delta (the rice granary of Vietnam).

You stop on the road to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda – the national historical relic. The specific character of this pagoda is the combination of architecture from Western civilization and Asia.

Arrival at My Tho, boarding the boat for a beautiful stroll on the Tien River crossing four famous islets, each named after a sacred animal in Vietnamese culture: Long (the Dragon) – Lan (the Unicorn) – Quy (the Turtle) – Phung (the Phoenix). Along the river, you cross the fish cages to arrive on Unicorn Island where you visit the bee garden to discover the taste of honey directly from the honey boxes raised by locals. You also visit the orchid garden and taste chocolate made from cocoa beans. You also taste fruits and listen to folk music “Don Ca Tai Tu” – intangible cultural heritage of the world in the garden of Mr. Nam Chanh.

Back to the boat, you cross the canal and visit the artisanal coconut making workshop: you will see how people use all parts of the coconut and you will taste these sweets (specialty of Ben Tre). Pursuit, you do a Lambro ride “motorized vehicle”, winding under the cool shade of coconut trees on the village road to the garden restaurant where you have a good lunch with local dishes.

Then you perform the rowing boat ride between two rows of coconut trees which will take you through preserved and romantic landscapes.

The car then takes you for Can Tho crossing extensive landscapes of the Mekong Delta. Arrival in Can Tho late in the afternoon. Free dinner and overnight at the hotel in the town of Can Tho.

• English-speaking guide & Private driver
• Can Tho – Saigon: 170 km ~ 3h30’ drive
• Flight Saigon – Da Nang: 1h05’ by plane

After breakfast at the hotel, we take a private boat on the Mekong River in order to participate in the original Cai Rang floating market. It is one of the most typical markets in the southern regions of Vietnam.

You sail among local boats which transport a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables regions. This image makes the market more lively, lively and friendly.

We leave the market and continue the ride by boat to the local fruit orchard. You have the opportunity to taste the fresh fruit. Then you visit making rice noodles (Hu Tieu) – a specialty well appreciated in the Cai Rang floating market.

Departure and lunch in a local restaurant. Return to Saigon city, transfer directly to Saigon airport to pick up domestic flight to Da Nang.

On your arrival in Da Nang, welcome by our driver then he will take you to the city center of Hoi An (30 km ~ 45’ drive) to settle into the hotel. Free dinner and overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.

Breakfast at the hotel. Start your day with a walk in the heart of the old town of Hoi An.

You walk through narrow streets occupied on both sides by pretty antique houses, testimonies of a flourishing period of the country’s foreign trade a few hundred years ago. With its architectural and historical values, Hoi An, known in the past under its name “Faifo”, ​​was listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1999. During this walk, you visit the most beautiful remains of Hoi An such as the Japanese bridge, the Chinese temple, the old house as well as the crafts district…

Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon we will take you to a lantern making workshop in the ancient district of Hoi An. You can make a lantern yourself.

The rest of the day is completely free for your personal discovery of this ancient port city. Free dinner and overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.

**** Hoi An is a charming town with original architecture of houses, temples, bridges, communal houses; the way of life of the inhabitants and its varied gastronomy. Illuminated by thousands of lanterns, Hoi An is magnificent in the evening. During free time, you can stroll through the small streets or go for a bike ride (the hotel’s free bike) around town or in bucolic villages, have dresses made to measure, taste typical dishes or release paper lanterns on the river in the evening,…

• English-speaking guide & Private driver
• Transfer by bike to the villages ~ 10km
• Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An: 120 km ~ 3h30’ drive

Breakfast at your hotel then we we ride our bikes in the Vietnamese countryside, far from the noise of the city, transport and tourist trails.

From village to village, you will cross immense rice fields taking winding and peaceful paths, towards the Van Lang fishing village and the Bay Mau water coconut forest.

About 7 hectares, surrounded by a mangrove forest, canals, and houses covered in coconut leaves. During the Vietnam War it was the shelter for local people and soldiers and nowadays this place is famous for providing the most seafood products.

Along the way, you stop at several key locations: the local Ba Le market, rice fields, cemeteries, schools…

Arriving at the village, you will be warmly welcomed at Mr. Han’s where you will meet his family spanning 3 generations, you will also have the opportunity to taste green tea and stroll through the village. Later, the fishermen will take you to discover their traditional fishing techniques and their coconut forests through a “Thung chai” cruise – (Basket boat).

Back to Mr. Han for a relaxing moment with a foot massage with medicinal herbs. It is a traditional therapeutic practice. With this moment of relaxation, you will witness preparing lunch with his family which will include for example: crispy pancakes, Hoi An spring rolls, Tam huu (Pork – Shrimp – Herbs tied with chives), grilled fish in a banana leaf, etc. Subsequently, you can taste the dishes you have prepared.

After relaxing in the shade of the water coconut trees, you will take your bike back to Hoi An.

Then transfer to Hue in the afternoon passing through pretty landscapes along the central coast of Vietnam. Several stops along the way on the Cloud Pass to have a beautiful view towards Lang Co beach, one of the most beautiful peninsulas of Vietnam and around Lap An lagoon along the way.

Arrival in Hue in the evening, free dinner and overnight at your hotel in downtown Hue.

• English-speaking guide & Private driver

Hue was the capital of Vietnam between 1802 and 1945 and this chapter was one of the most eventful in the country. The city’s preserved architectural and historical heritage deserves your full attention.

Breakfast at your hotel, today you visit the Majestic Imperial City where 13 Emperors of the Nguyen dynasty lived between 1802 and 1945.

It is the only existing Imperial city still visible today in Vietnam, time has passed, but it retains its beauty of original Vietnamese-Chinese architecture. You visit sumptuous monuments of the complex including: the Porte du Midi, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the Eastern and Western pavilions, the Reading Pavilion, the Royal Theater, the private palaces of the Queen Mother, the Palace of Longevity, the Tea and Boat pavilions, the Pavilion of Benevolence, the Gate of Virtue…

Then you visit the pretty Heavenly Lady Pagoda perched at the top of the hill which dominates the Perfume River. 

Lunch in a good local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you head towards the Imperial Mausoleum of Minh Mang – a sumptuous tomb surrounded by frangipani trees and pine trees built to plans drawn up by the emperor himself. Then you visit the Khai Dinh mausoleum.

At the end of the afternoon, you take a beautiful walk to visit the Dong Ba market where you will find products testifying to the skill of the women of Hue, such as their talent for making the famous conical hats!

Free dinner and overnight at the hotel in the heart of Hue city.

• English-speaking guide & Private driver
• Flight from Hue – Hanoi: 1h15’ by plane

Breakfast at your hotel then departure to Hue airport to pick up domestic flight to Hanoi. Arrival in Hanoi, you are welcomed by our driver who takes you to the city center and check-in at the hotel.

A Special Welcome by HORIZON VIETNAM TRAVEL

Upon arrival at our office, you will be greeted by the enchanting melodies of traditional Vietnamese musical instruments. Their gentle sounds will transport you into the rich and captivating world of Vietnamese culture, creating a memorable and emotional first impression.

You will then take part in our traditional tea ceremony. More than simply tasting tea, this experience reflects the Vietnamese art of sharing and cultural refinement. Every gesture, from selecting the tea leaves to serving the tea, carries a deeper meaning. It is a moment to celebrate friendship, social harmony, and a close connection with nature, inspired by Buddhist and Confucian traditions that value balance and serenity.

Next, you will have the opportunity to join a singing bowl meditation session. Focus on your breathing and inner self while leaving behind worries and tensions. In the silence, the soothing sound and vibrations of the singing bowl create a deeply relaxing atmosphere, bringing peace and mindfulness.

To complete your welcome experience, enjoy an exceptional massage session, either a full-body massage or a foot massage. The gentle and professional techniques help stimulate blood circulation, relieve fatigue, and ease muscle tension accumulated during your journey. It is the perfect way to unwind after a long flight.

Welcome lunch at a typical Vietnamese restaurant.

In the afternoon, begin your discovery of Hanoi with a walking tour through the city’s historic districts. Stroll through the former French colonial quarter, known for its elegant architecture, and explore the bustling Old Quarter of 36 Guild Streets, where a vibrant mix of vehicles, local shops, traditions, and daily life creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.

Dinner at your leisure.

Overnight at your hotel in the heart of the Vietnamese capital.

• English-speaking guide & Private driver

Breakfast at the hotel, then you begin your immersion in the city of Hanoi. We start the day with a visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Inaugurated by Jacques Chirac in 1995, this is a remarkable museum whose design focuses on presenting the customs and traditions, productive and leisure activities of the 54 ethnic groups living throughout Vietnam. You will discover numerous artifacts and reconstructions that offer a clear and authentic understanding of their history and ways of life: houses, clothing, tools, and festive traditions.

The museum also features a large outdoor area displaying full-scale, highly authentic models of traditional houses from various ethnic minorities across the country. Cooperation between Vietnamese scholars and French museology specialists has greatly contributed to the museum’s success.

Next, we head to the western part of the city to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on the shore of West Lake. It is known as one of the oldest and most beautiful pagodas in Vietnam.

Lunch at a good local restaurant.

The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the Temple of Literature in Hanoi—a symbol of Vietnam’s feudal education system and a living testament to the Vietnamese passion for learning. Afterwards, enjoy a short walk to visit Ngoc Son Temple (“Jade Mountain”) on the shore of the Lake of the Restored Sword, an opportunity to admire the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake at dusk. Finally, you will pass by St. Joseph’s Cathedral of Hanoi, built by the French.

Theatrical evening: Attend a traditional water puppet show, a popular performing art over a thousand years old and emblematic of the Red River Delta.

Dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

• English-speaking guide & Private driver
• Hanoi – Ninh Binh: 100 km ~ 2 hours drive

Breakfast at the hotel, departure by private vehicle for Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam under the Dinh dynasty (968-980) and at the beginning of the earlier Le dynasty (980-1009). Here we visit the two temples of these kings which date from the 10th century. They retain all their beauty. We can admire the finesse of their art: sculptures, engravings on wood and stone were created by Vietnamese artists dating from the 17th century.

Lunch in a good local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you board a rowing boat for a beautiful stroll on the Ngo Dong river. Along the water, in the middle of the rice fields, you admire the extraordinary landscapes of numerous limestone peaks with twisted shapes covered with lush vegetation. This is why this place is nicknamed Ha Long Bay on land. You go up the watercourse to the three beautiful caves (Tam Coc).

You then perform a nice bike ride and visit the Bich Dong Pagoda (Jade Pagoda). In front of the pagoda courtyard, you have a superb view of Ha Long Bay on land. Free dinner and night at the hotel.

• English-speaking guide (does not board) & Private driver
• English-speaking guide on board
• Ninh Binh – Ha Long: 180 km – approx. 4 hours’ drive

Breakfast at the hotel, then departure by road across the vast rice-growing plains of the Red River Delta, the granary of northern Vietnam. Arrival at Tuan Chau Harbor, where the junk anchors far from the tourist zones, in calm waters surrounded by magnificent islets. You board the Sena cruise.

Welcome aboard the Sena Junk with a welcome drink. Our cruise manager greets you, explains the itinerary of the cruise, and presents the safety regulations. After that, you settle into your cabin.

A delicious lunch is served while the junk begins its cruise through the magnificent Lan Ha Bay, a quieter and less crowded area. It passes by the famous “Finger” islets, “Candle Islet,” and thousands of limestone islands and islets with unique shapes.

We will visit the Bright Cave and the Dark Cave, famous for their unspoiled natural beauty and the poetic, enchanting seascape of Lan Ha Bay. Here, you will have time to take photos of the romantic and lyrical scenery. This is also the best moment to enjoy a bamboo boat ride or go swimming-an exciting activity to discover the true beauty of the limestone mountains and the blue sky of Lan Ha Bay.

You then return to the junk to swim in the emerald-green waters of Lan Ha Bay and enjoy exciting swimming activities. Take part in a Sunset Party with fruits and snacks-an ideal moment for photography lovers to capture the stunning sunset over Lan Ha Bay. Afterwards, join a cooking demonstration on how to prepare Vietnamese spring rolls, a traditional Vietnamese dish.

Before dinner, our experienced captain will choose the most tranquil area to anchor for the night. Enjoy dinner on the upper deck. After dinner, enjoy your free time to chat at the bar or relax with a spa treatment. Overnight on board the cruise.

• English-speaking guide (does not board) & Private driver
• English-speaking guide on board
• Ha Long – Hanoi: 150km ~ 3h30’ drive

We we advise you waking up at dawn to contemplate the sunrise which offers a picturesque view of Lan Ha Bay. Start a good day on Lan Ha Bay with a Tai Chi class on the upper deck or by taking photos.

After a morning bath, you have breakfast on board the junk.

You disembark at the village of Viet Hai and then take a bike ride (or electric car: the cost of this car is your responsibility). It is a small village in the middle of the jungle of Cat Ba National Park. which is home to remarkable biodiversity. Lots of contact with locals. With the help of our guide, you will be able to better understand their daily life.

Return to the boat to swim or admire the beautiful landscapes of the bay. Light lunch is served on board the junk as the junk returns to the dock.

Disembarkation and return to Hanoi passing through the grandiose landscapes of rice fields of the Red River Delta. Arrival in Hanoi late afternoon, check-in at your hotel. Free dinner and overnight at the hotel in the city center.

• English-speaking guide & Private driver

After breakfast, the rest of the day is free to rest or go for a walk. Personal discovery of the city of Hanoi and as well as for make your last purchases until transfer to Noi Bai airport for the international departure flight.