Day 1, Arrival in Hanoi: First Glimpse of Vietnam’s Soul

As your plane touches down at Noi Bai International Airport, the warm air carries a hint of something exciting fragrant street food, echoing temple bells, and the hum of a city alive with history. A friendly representative greets you with a smile and escorts you to your hotel, where you can settle in after 14:00. For those eager to dive right in, an optional half-day city tour offers your first taste of Hanoi’s treasures. Savor a delicious Vietnamese lunch before exploring Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple, gracefully perched on West Lake. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, where tranquil courtyards whisper stories from the 11th century. Finally, step inside the historic Hoa Lo Prison, once dubbed “Hell on Earth,” to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s resilience. By late afternoon, return to your hotel to rest or perhaps wander the Old Quarter under the soft glow of evening lights and overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2, Hanoi Sapa Cat Cat Village

In the morning, leave the bustle of Hanoi behind and journey toward the misty mountains of northern Vietnam. As the road winds upward, rice terraces and mountain peaks gradually replace the city skyline, welcoming you to Sapa’s cool, fresh air. By midday, enjoy a warm welcome and a flavorful Vietnamese lunch before setting out to explore Cat Cat Village, home to the Black H’mong ethnic people. Wander along narrow paths lined with wooden houses, watch locals weaving intricate fabrics, and descend into a lush valley where a sparkling waterfall tumbles beside a French-built hydropower station. Pause for photos at the scenic bridge before making your way back to Sapa in the afternoon. In the evening, savor a hearty dinner and perhaps stroll through the lively night market before retiring to your hotel for a restful overnight stay in Sapa.

Day 3, Sapa Fansipan – Return to Hanoi

In the morning, after breakfast at your hotel, take a cable car ride to Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina. Enjoy spectacular mountain scenery along the way and explore the spiritual sites at the summit. For the more adventurous, trek up the 600 steps to reach the peak, capturing panoramic views and memorable photos. By midday, return to your hotel for a shower, a relaxing lunch, and some leisure time to enjoy at your own pace. In the afternoon, gather with your group and board the bus back to Hanoi, with comfort breaks along the way. In the evening, arrive in Hanoi and let the driver transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy a restful overnight stay in Hanoi.

Day 4, Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Tam Coc – Return to Hanoi

In the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, set off for Ninh Binh province, approximately 120 km from Hanoi. Upon arrival, enjoy a short break before beginning a scenic cycling tour to Hoa Lu, the first capital of Vietnam. Explore the temples of King Dinh and King Le, marveling at their impressive 17th-century architecture. For those who prefer, there is an option to transfer by bus instead of cycling. By midday, continue cycling through the village to experience the daily life of local people before returning to a restaurant for a panoramic lunch overlooking the mountains and rivers of Ninh Binh. In the afternoon, embark on a serene 1.5-hour boat ride along the river in Tam Coc, where picturesque rice fields, dramatic caves, and stunning landscapes create what locals call the “Halong Bay on land.” Later, board the bus to return to Hanoi. In the evening, arrive back at your hotel and enjoy a restful overnight stay in Hanoi.

Day 5, Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Cruise

In the morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out, then transfer to Tuan Chau Wharf to board La Pandora Cruise. Enjoy welcome drinks and a fresh seafood lunch while passing scenic islands such as Duck Island and Finger Island. In the afternoon, relax on deck or swim and kayak at Frog Pond. Join a spring roll-making class and watch the sunset with fruits and wine, taking in the stunning views of Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner on board, followed by games, fishing, or drinks at the outdoor bar, soaking in the serene beauty of the bay before spending the night on the cruise.

Day 6, Ha Long Bay – Danang

Start the morning with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, enjoying the sunrise over Lan Ha Bay. Have breakfast on board before exploring Bright Cave and Dark Cave by small boat. Return to La Pandora Cruise for an early lunch and bid farewell to the crew. Disembark at Tuan Chau Wharf and transfer back to Hanoi, then catch an evening flight to Danang. Overnight in Danang.

Day 7, Danang – Hoi An Exploration

In the morning, explore the Son Tra Peninsula, also known as Monkey Mountain, and visit Linh Ung Pagoda with its impressive 67-meter-tall Goddess of Mercy statue. Continue to the Marble Mountains and Am Phu Cave, then admire local craftsmanship at the Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village. After lunch, discover the Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle with basket boat rowing and net fishing experiences. In the afternoon, explore Hoi An Ancient Town, visiting landmarks like Phuc Kien Pagoda, Japanese Bridge, and Phung Hung Ancient House. End the day with a scenic boat ride on the Hoai River, releasing flower lanterns, followed by a stroll through the vibrant night market. Return to your hotel in Danang for the night.

Day 8, Da Nang – Ba Na Hills Adventure

After breakfast, take a cable car ride up to Ba Na Hills, enjoying panoramic views of Danang and Quang Nam. Visit the iconic Golden Bridge, Dream Stream Cable Car Station, Linh Ung Pagoda, and Le Jardin D’Amour with its nine themed gardens. Continue to the French Village, exploring its charming streets, statues, and attractions, including the Slide Tube ride and Carnival performances. Enjoy a buffet lunch before heading to Sun World’s attractions like Helios Waterfall, Time Gate, Moon Kingdom, Fairy Forest, Dinosaur Park, and Fantasy Park, with plenty of rides and interactive experiences. Return to your hotel in Danang for the night.

Day 9, Ho Chi Minh City – Cho Lon & Saigon River Cruise

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, check in at your hotel and enjoy some free time. In the afternoon, visit Cho Lon (the Big Market) and Thien Hau Pagoda in Chinatown. Then, embark on a scenic Saigon River waterbus ride, admiring the city skyline, including Landmark 81, Bitexco Tower, and the peaceful District 2. Experience the charm and vibrant life of Saigon from the river before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 10, Mekong Delta – My Tho & Tien River Cruise

After breakfast, travel through scenic rice fields to My Tho in the Mekong Delta. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, then cruise the Tien River to see the four islands: Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise. Explore local villages, enjoy seasonal fruits with honey tea, and experience traditional Southern Vietnamese music. Ride a hand-rowed sampan along the Tan Thach canal, visit a coconut candy workshop, and take in the lush riverside scenery. After lunch, return to Ho Chi Minh City by motorboat and bus, taking home unforgettable memories of rural Vietnam. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 11, Departure – Siem Reap

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 12, Exploring Angkor – Siem Reap

After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day exploring the wonders of Angkor. Begin at the serene West Gate of Angkor Thom, then continue to the ancient capital’s South Gate and the iconic Bayon Temple, famous for its 54 towers adorned with over 200 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Visit Baphuon Temple, Phimeanakas Temple, and the Elephant Terrace, followed by Preah Palilay Temple tucked in the forest where monks perform rituals. Explore Ta Prohm, known from Tomb Raider, where nature has overtaken the ruins, and finish at the majestic Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its intricate bas-reliefs. Optional sunrise or sunset tours by Air Angkor Balloon offer breathtaking panoramic views of the temples, surrounding rice fields, and Tonle Sap Lake. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 13, Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

After breakfast at the hotel, depart from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, a journey of approximately 315 km taking around six hours. Along the way, stop twice to visit the famous dried spider stalls in Skun District before continuing to the capital. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax for the evening. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 14, Phnom Penh – Past & Present

After breakfast, visit the Royal Palace with its colorful Khmer-style architecture and the Silver Pagoda, home to dazzling Buddha statues. Explore the National Museum, housing over 5,000 art objects in sandstone, bronze, silver, and wood. Lunch is on your own. In the afternoon, learn about Cambodia’s recent history at the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and the ‘Killing Fields’ memorial. On the way back, see Wat Phnom, the National Library, Hotel Le Royal, and the Central Market. Return to the hotel for overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 15, Phnom Penh – Farewell for Now

After breakfast, it’s time to check out and prepare for your departure. As you leave Phnom Penh, carry with you not just souvenirs, but a tapestry of unforgettable moments the smiles of local faces, the rich colors of ancient temples, the serene river landscapes, and the laughter shared along the way. This journey through Cambodia has touched your heart, leaving memories that will linger long after the flight, reminding you of the warmth, wonder, and magic of this remarkable country.