halong bay

Vietnamese heritage

The land of the dragon awaits you on this 14-day journey through the enchanting culture of Vietnam. Wander the streets of charming Hanoi, get off-the-beaten-path in quiet Ninh Binh, pamper yourself with stunning heritage beach breaks in Hoi An and Con Dao, and cruise dreamy Halong Bay in style.

 

Guide language

English

Destinations

Hanoi Halong Bay Da Nang Hoi An Hue Ho Chi Minh City Con Dao
Days 14
Type of tour Private
Hotel

Destinations

Itinerary

Day 1 : Welcome to Hanoi

Welcome to the land of dragons, Vietnam. Upon arrival to Noi Bai Airport, our driver will greet you and transfer you to the city center to the Metropole Hanoi. Just a hop, jump, and skip away from the magical Hoan Kiem Lake, this iconic fixture of Hanoi is an award-winning colonial and neoclassical accommodation with impeccable service, and a poolside bar.

Enjoy the day free at leisure to acquaint yourself with the capital, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the city center by discovering the beauty and historical significance of the area of Ngọc Sơn Temple and the “Turtle Tower” just outside the hotel.

The adventurous can dare to brave the labyrinth of streets dubbed the “Old Quarter”, famous to international guests and locals alike due to its chaotic but photogenic and charming nature. Visit the 36 streets by cyclo or foot as you meander past bamboo, silver, silk, gold, and fruit sellers.

Meals: No meals

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 2 : A day in the life of a Hanoian

Dive into the history of Hanoi by visiting the iconic One Pillar Pagodaand Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a monument and tribute to Ho Chi Minh, the “uncle” of modern Vietnam. The mausoleum is closed every October and November, as well as every Monday and Friday throughout the year.

Pass by Vietnam’s first university, Quoc Tu Giam, otherwise known as the Temple of Literature. The grounds offer a quiet oasis in the center of Hanoi and will show you an interesting glimpse into the cultural elite’s past, dating back from 1076.

After lunch, enjoy a gentle stroll between West and Truc Bach Lake to the Taoist temple of Quan Thanh and Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda, before stopping at The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. All displays are clearly labeled in English, French, and Vietnamese, with guides available at the main entrance for those who want to hear more in-depth information.  (Closed on Mondays)

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy your evening free to discover Hanoi on your own.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 3 : Get a taste of the Vietnamese countryside in Ninh Binh

Leave the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and journey 2 hours south to the charming countryside town of Ninh Binh. You may recognize some of the backdrop of the 2017 Hollywood blockbuster hit “Kong: Skull Island” as it was filmed here.

Start with an unusual row-boat ride in Van Long and enjoy the view of the romantic countryside as water buffalo graze, farmers work and children play. Lunch at a local restaurant before joining in optional afternoon activities such as a bicycle ride to Hang Mua, a picturesque mountainside spot with a cave and beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area, dotted with karst mountains and sparkling rice fields.

Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon, free to explore independently. Don’t forget to stop by one of many rooftop bars in the city to catch a different glimpse of the city.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 4 : Tour Halong Bay by air and sea

Head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay this morning on a 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi. Arrive to Tuan Chau Pier and get your first introduction to this land of fairytales and legends from a bird’s eye view during a 25-minute scenic seaplane tour. 

Then, check-in to your cabin on the luxury cruise liner, Au Co, to experience the bay in all her glory. Activities include cooking demonstrations and exploring the floating fishing village of Cua Van by kayak or bamboo boat.

At the end of the day, the boat will anchor while guests enjoy the cocktail happy hour and fresh seafood dinner.  Watch a film at the outdoor cinema or stargaze before retiring to your cabin for a restful sleep.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: The Au Co

Day 5 : Fall in love with Halong Bay and cycle on Cat Ba Island

It is a truly a good morning in Vietnam when you wake up in the middle of Halong Bay. Try Tai Chi on the sundeck as the sun rises or simply enjoy breakfast before cruising towards Lan Ha Bay to visit the biggest island in Halong, Cat Ba. Along the way, stop in Ho Ba Ham to swim and kayak in the jade waters or to sunbathe on the private sandy beaches.

After lunch, disembark in Cat Ba and cycle to a village only accessible from this specific boat launch, as no roads on the island lead from other towns to this quaint village nestled in the hills and jungle. Interact with locals and learn more about the daily life in the area before returning to the boat for the happy hour at the outdoor bar.

Curl up on the sundeck and watch a movie under the stars after the BBQ dinner or retire to your cabin for a restful night’s sleep.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: The Au Co

Day 6 : Catch a flight to Da Nang and check into the Nam Hai

Wake up to your last morning in Halong Bay. Try Tai Chi on the sundeck as the sun rises and munch on a light breakfast, savoring the views as the boat gently glides through the incredible rock formations towards the dock. Your last activity of the cruise is a visit to Tien Ong Cave, an archaeological site full of ancient stalagmites and stalactites.

Disembark from the cruise and journey back to Hanoi by car, transferring to Noi Bai Airport for a short flight to the central region of the country, Da Nang Airport. Check-in to the Four Seasons Nam Hai found in a perfect location between Da Nang and a multitude of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, most notably, Hoi An and Hue. 

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: The Nam Hai (Four Seasons)

Day 7 : Explore the charming ancient town of Hoi An

Start your day with a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town. The very well-preserved town is filled with quirky shops, antique teahouses, and amazing restaurants. Enjoy views of the Thu Bon River and the many canals found in the city as you learn about the history of the town and admire the interesting mix of Vietnamese, French, Chinese, and Japanese architecture. Pause for a tea at the Reaching Out Tea house, a lovely old-fashioned tea house providing work for the hard of hearing, serving up delicious tea samplers and home-made snacks.

The rest of your day is free at leisure to discover the city on your own by foot or on bicycle. Hoi An is not only famous for its ambiance as it is for its tailors. Here tourists can get any manner of clothing made in 24 hours for a fraction of a price that it would cost back home. For those interested in tailoring, we can arrange a visit to one of the best tailors in the city to design your own outfits, bags, and shoes.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: The Nam Hai (Four Seasons)

Day 8 : Day at leisure in Hoi An

Wake up to the sunshine and sound of the waves crashing on the beach at your luxurious accommodation. Spend the day relaxing poolside, testing the immaculate spa menu, and working on your tan. Optional excursions include a half-day trip to the remnants of the Ancient Cham Kingdom, the My Son Ruins, a collection of ruined Hindu temples dedicated to the god Shiva, kayaking on the Thu Bon or Coco River, cycling through the countryside, creating beautiful dishes during a cooking class, or gazing at the many small art galleries scattered through the old town.

Don’t miss an evening in Hoi An, as the city comes alive with glowing lanterns and the smells of street food wafting along the alleys. Snack on Banh Bao Vac, a type of secret recipe dumpling, or delicious and crispy Vietnamese wontons.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: The Nam Hai (Four Seasons)

Day 9 : Journey back in time with a day-trip to imperial Hue

Gain an in-depth insight into the history of Vietnam by travelling 2.5 hours north to Hue along the incredible Hai Van Pass Ocean Road to view the grandeur of the emperors. Although the ancient citadel was badly damaged by the Vietnamese-American War, it is still possible to catch a glimpse of what used to exist here hundreds of years ago during your morning visit to the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City and the Emperor’s Private Residence.

Then, board a boat and journey down the poetic Perfume River to visit the beautiful landscaped tombs of Emperor Tu Duc and Emperor Ming Mang and the official symbol of Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda.

Return to your beachside oasis in the late afternoon, with an evening at leisure to shop, rest, and relax.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: The Nam Hai (Four Seasons)

Day 10 : Head to cosmopolitan Saigon and attend a ground-breaking A O Show.

Spend a leisurely morning at the resort before checking-in for an early afternoon flight to the cosmopolitan metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, fondly referred to as Saigon by locals. Enjoy some time in the late afternoon to peruse the many charming boutiques and shops on Dong Khoi Street before attending the contemporary and incredible A O Show, Saigon’s must-see cultural contemporary performance.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Des Art Saigon

Day 11 : Relax on the exclusive beaches of Six Senses Con Dao

Let us whisk you away to your final destination on this whirlwind Vietnamese tour with a morning flight to Con Dao, Vietnam’s ultimate luxury getaway in the remote Con Dao Archipelago. The long stretches of uninhabited beaches of Con Son Island offer excellent sunbathing and swimming opportunities as well as a truly exclusive travel experience.

Once you arrive to Con Dao Airport, our representative will pick you up and transfer you to Six Senses Con Dao. With its stunning beachfront location, unique cultural design, and warm hospitality, this resort is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Six Senses Con Dao

Day 12 : Day at leisure in Con Dao

Spend the day with your toes in the sand, feeling the warm sun on your face as you lounge by the gorgeous infinity pool or in the picture-perfect sea.

Optional activities include half-day tours to historical sites on the island, such as Con Dao Prison, the tomb of Vietnamese heroine Vo Thi Sau,  and the local museum, snorkeling and scuba diving in the surrounding area teeming with exotic marine life, rainforest trekking, or stand-up paddle boarding.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Six Senses Con Dao

Day 13 : Day at leisure in Con Dao

The day is free to appreciate the many services, on-site activities, and amenities of your luxurious accommodation. Lay on the beach, swim in the beautiful pool, try a cooking class, or indulge in world-class spa treatments.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Six Senses Con Dao

Day 14 : Time to say good-bye

Your day is free until your transfer to Con Dao Airport for a return flight to Ho Chi Minh City to catch your onward planned travel arrangements.

Meals: Breakfast

Best price guarantee

When you travel with Mundo Asia through any of our destinations, we're confident you'll return with memories that truly last a lifetime. That's why we are proud to promise you a best price guarantee with unbeatable prices for the highest quality and value. If you are able to find our exact program and product for a lower price on another website, we will refund you the price difference (terms and conditions apply).

Why book this tour

  • Pamper yourself with heritage stays at cultural properties like Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, Hoi An's Nam Hai, and Six Senses Con Dao Resort.
  • Cruise with The Au Co, a top cruise in Halong Bay
  • Hit all major highlights and cultural experiences throughout Vietnam in style
  • Premium value at affordable prices
  • 5% off total package when you book and pay deposit 60 days before arrival

Information

General information

Hotel

Important notes

Services included

  • Domestic flights: Hanoi - Da Nang, Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City - Con Dao, Con Dao - Ho Chi Minh City
  • Accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast
  • Tours as per itinerary with local English speaking guide
  • All transfers and transportation with air-conditioned vehicles
  • All boat trips as program
  • All entrance fees as program
  • Meals as indicated in the program

Services excluded

  • International airfares and airport taxes
  • Early check-in or late check-out
  • Personal expenses & tips
  • Meals other than mentioned in the program
  • Visa fees, travel insurances
  • Additional transfer required due to emergency situation
  • All services which are not mentioned in “services included”
General information

Services included

  • Domestic flights: Hanoi - Da Nang, Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City - Con Dao, Con Dao - Ho Chi Minh City
  • Accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast
  • Tours as per itinerary with local English speaking guide
  • All transfers and transportation with air-conditioned vehicles
  • All boat trips as program
  • All entrance fees as program
  • Meals as indicated in the program

Services excluded

  • International airfares and airport taxes
  • Early check-in or late check-out
  • Personal expenses & tips
  • Meals other than mentioned in the program
  • Visa fees, travel insurances
  • Additional transfer required due to emergency situation
  • All services which are not mentioned in “services included”
Hotel
Important notes

About this tour

  • This itinerary is a privately guided tour, designed just to show you what is possible
  • An airport arrival and departure transfer is included. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum of 15 days prior to travel
  • Please ensure your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining at the time of your departure and that the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets
  • This package requires a visa to Vietnam
  • Day 4’s scenic seaplane tour can be canceled due to adverse weather conditions such as high winds or limited visibility. If this is the case we will try to reschedule your scenic tour after the cruise. In case of total cancellation, Mundo Asia takes the responsibility to change to an alternative option you prefer
  • All overnight Halong Bay cruises must have permission to operate from the Management Board of Halong Bay. If your cruise is suddenly affected by poor weather conditions (monsoon, storms, high winds), Mundo Asia takes responsibility to change to an alternative option
  • This itinerary is fast-paced, covering the main highlights and cultural sights of Vietnam in two weeks. There is some driving involved, however we mostly fly to maximize your time in each destination. Be sure to book extra time in Hanoi before your trip or Ho Chi Minh City after your trip if you want more time to explore these cities.

 

How to book

It’s never been easier to book the holiday of your dreams! Just select the trip you are interested in and fill in the simple form and one of our travel designers will reply within 24 hours to start planning the trip of a lifetime. It is also possible to chat with us on Whatsapp or our hotline at +84 913 028 100 if you’d prefer to chat in person or in real-time.

If you see a package that is already perfect, just click “book now” and fill in the details to start your journey!

Easy payment

Mundo Asia prides itself on its easy payment methods including by credit card, Onepay, PayPal, bank transfer, and in some cases, cash. Please refer to our booking terms and conditions for more information.

Flexible cancellation policy

Worried about cancellation fees? The only payment required is a 30% deposit of the total fees once all services are confirmed after the planning stages. In addition, Mundo Asia has a flexible cancellation policy which you can learn more about in our booking terms and conditions for more information

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