14-Day Vietnam Local Experience I Village Visits & Iconic Sights

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Welcome to Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh Arrival⌄

   Upon your arrival in Vietnam, Our personnel will hold your signboard name and awaiting at the meeting point.

   You'll land at Tan Son Nhat International Airport and head to your hotel in District 1. Check-in happens from 2:00 PM onward, so there's time to grab lunch or rest after your flight. The afternoon and evening are yours to settle in and explore the neighborhood at whatever pace feels right.

   Overnight: 3-Star Hotels: Acnos Hotel Saigon or Similar 4-Star Hotels: La Passion Hotel Saigon or Similar

2. 2Saigon City & Cu Chi Tunnels⌄

   Morning, we explore the Re-Unification Palace, which was the home and workplace of the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, and played a pivotal role in the war's end.

   Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of French colonial architecture, and learn about its unique history. Continue your tour at the War Remnants Museum, which provides a thought-provoking look into the harsh realities of the Vietnam War.

   Afternoon, we leave the city and drive 60km to Cu Chi, where you can delve into the intricate system of tunnels and explore the Cu Chi Tunnel, an impressive feat of engineering that played a significant role in the Vietnam War. Afterwards, enjoy tea, cassava (guerrilla's food during the war). Once the tour is complete, we will make our way back to the city.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

   Overnight: 3-Star Hotels: Acnos Hotel Saigon or Similar 4-Star Hotels: La Passion Hotel Saigon or Similar

3. 3Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta - Can Tho⌄

   After breakfast, you'll travel from Saigon toward the Mekong Delta with your guide and driver heading to Cai Be.

   Once there, A boat takes you along the river through canals lined with fruit orc•Enjoy scenic views of the countryside along the way. •River Experience: Board a private boat to cruise along the Mekong River and its smaller canals, passing through lush fruit orchards and observing authentic riverside life. •Cultural Visits: Stop at local craft workshops to see traditional production methods, and visit Phu Chau Pagoda, a peaceful spiritual site reflecting local beliefs. Continue with a village walk to interact with residents and experience daily life. Lunch: Enjoy a local specialty lunch featuring the famous “elephant ear fish”, a highlight of Mekong cuisine. hards where you'll see how locals actually live. You'll stop at craft workshops and Phu Chau Pagoda, plus take a village tour. Lunch features the famous elephant ear fish. Later in the afternoon, you'll row through shaded canals and pick seasonal fruits along the way.

   Afternoon: Experience a relaxing hand-rowed sampan ride through narrow, shaded canals surrounded by water coconut trees. Along the way, taste seasonal tropical fruits freshly picked from the orchards. Transfer: Continue your journey to Can Tho, the cultural hub of the Mekong Delta.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

   Overnight: 3-Star Hotels: Wink Hotel Can Tho or Similar 4-Star Hotels: TTC Hotel Can Tho or Similar

4. 4Can Tho - Cai Rang Floating Villages - Fly to Da Nang⌄

   Morning (08:00): After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the pier and board a motorboat to visit the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the largest and most authentic markets in the Mekong Delta. + Market Experience: Witness the bustling trading activities on the river, where boats are filled with fruits and local goods. Enjoy a bowl of Hu Tieu (rice noodle soup) while soaking in the lively atmosphere, along with the distinctive scent of tropical fruits like durian. + Late Morning: Return to the mainland and head to Ninh Kieu Pier, a well-known riverside landmark, for lunch and a short rest.

   Transfer & Flight: Proceed to Can Tho Airport for your domestic flight (approx. 1.5 hours) to Da Nang. *** All other flights are not included. ** The cost of internal airfares is paid separately upon arrival to Vietnam Asia Travel as a local payment. The airfare fees are separated from the main tour cost because the prices of internal airfare can vary based on a number of factors, such as travel period, availability of flights, and fuel taxes. We keep it as a local payment to benefit our travelers by keeping tour costs lower and providing more flexibility during the booking process, and ensuring that travelers have a smooth and stress-free experience while on their trip.

   Arrival & Transfer: Upon arrival, transfer by private vehicle to Hoi An, a charming ancient town known for its peaceful ambiance and heritage architecture. Afternoon / Evening: Check in at your hotel and enjoy free time to relax or explore the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: 3-Star Hotel: Rose Garden Hotel or Similar 4-Star Hotel: Delicacy Hotel or Similar

5. 5Coconut Jungle - Basket Boat - Flower Lantern Release⌄

   3h00: Our Minivan and a tour guide pick you up at the hotel lobby •Hoi An Ancient Town: The tour of Hoi An includes exploring the bustling Hoi An Market, the colorful Chinese Assembly Hall, ancient houses like Phung Hung and Tan Ky, the Museum, the 400-year-old Japanese Bridge, as well as handicraft shops and charming local neighborhoods. Especially, you will enjoy art shows at Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House. •Dinner: Have dinner at a local restaurant with special food

   Have dinner at a local restaurant with special food Boat Ride: Enjoy your time with the boat ride and release the flower lantern to pray for the lucks to you and your family. 19h30: Our guide will take you back to your hotel in Hoi An. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring Hoi An at your own pace

   Meals: Breakfast · Dinner

   Overnight: 3-Star Hotel: Rose Garden Hotel or Similar 4-Star Hotel: Delicacy Hotel & Spa or Similar

6. 6My Son Sanctuary Morning Tour - Evening Hoi An Foodie Tour⌄

   8:00 am: Our guide will pick you up at your hotel and depart for My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. At My Son, spend about 2 hours exploring the sanctuary with a local English-speaking guide, gaining insights into the history and culture of the ancient Champa civilization. Stroll among centuries-old temples, admire their unique architecture, and enjoy a captivating traditional Champa dance performance (Apsara Dance). Return to the minivan and travel to a local house to learn how to make rice paper. You will have the chance to enjoy your own handmade product afterward. Return to the van for lunch at another local house. Relax with cold herbal tea, delicious local food, and fresh air. Take a boat trip to Hoi An, enjoying the cool breeze on board and beautiful river scenery along the Thu Bon River, the largest river in Central Vietnam. 14h00 pm: Arrive in Hoi An and drop-off at your hotel

   Enjoy an evening in Hoi An exploring hidden gems and local flavors. Visit a nearby farming village to experience daily life, then return to town for a street food journey featuring dishes like white rose dumplings, banh beo, my quang, pancakes, BBQ pork rolls, and banh mi. End with Vietnamese coffee before exploring Hoi An by night or returning to your hotel.

   Meals: Breakfast · Dinner

   Overnight: 3-Star Hotel: Rose Garden Hotel or Similar 4-Star Hotel: Delicacy Hotel & Spa or Similar

7. 7Hoi An - Hue⌄

   Morning: After breakfast, depart from Hoi An and begin a scenic journey to Hue, traveling along one of Vietnam’s most beautiful coastal routes. Hai Van Pass: Cross the famous Hai Van Pass, known for its breathtaking mountain and ocean views—perfect for memorable photo stops.

   En Route Stops: Enjoy several highlights along the way: Marble Mountains: A cluster of limestone hills with caves, temples, and panoramic viewpoints. My Khe Beach: A long stretch of white sand, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. Lang Co Beach: A peaceful coastal village with crystal-clear waters and scenic surroundings. Lap An Lagoon: A tranquil lagoon offering stunning reflections of mountains and sky. Arrival in Hue: Reach Hue in the afternoon, check in at your hotel, and enjoy time at leisure to rest or explore.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: 3-Star Hotel: Thanh Lich Hotel or Similar 4-Star Hotel: Thanh Lich Royal Hotel or Similar

8. 8Hue Countryside - Thuy Bieu Eco Village - Cooking & Foot Massage⌄

   In the morning, 8h00AmThe guide and driver pick up after your breakfast. Thien Mu Pagoda is Hue’s most iconic pagoda, beautifully located along the Perfume River and strongly linked to the Nguyen Dynasty

   Visit Thuy Bieu Village, a peaceful eco-village known for its garden houses and pomelo orchards. Enjoy a welcome drink at a local home before cycling through the countryside to discover village life and visit traditional workshops such as incense-making, joss-paper crafting, and paper painting. Return to a local house for a relaxing foot massage, followed by a hands-on cooking class where you will learn to prepare Hue specialties, including fig salad with shrimp and pork, Banh Ram It, and Banh Khoai. Savor the dishes you have prepared for lunch, relax, and then transfer back to your hotel.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

   Overnight: 3-Star Hotel: Thanh Lich Hotel or Similar 4-Star Hotel: Thanh Lich Royal Hotel or Similar

9. 9Hue - Flight to Hanoi⌄

   Transfer to Hue Airport for a short domestic flight to Hanoi. *** All other flights are not included. ** The cost of internal airfares is paid separately upon arrival to Vietnam Asia Travel as a local payment. The airfare fees are separated from the main tour cost because the prices of internal airfare can vary based on a number of factors, such as travel period, availability of flights, and fuel taxes. We keep it as a local payment to benefit our travelers by keeping tour costs lower and providing more flexibility during the booking process, and ensuring that travelers have a smooth and stress-free experience while on their trip.

   Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the Old Quarter Check-in and settle into your accommodation Free time to explore Hanoi Old Quarter: wander through narrow streets, visit local shops, or enjoy cafés

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: 3-Star Hotel: La Passion Classic Hotel or Similar 4-Star Hotel: Hanoi Authentic Hotel or Similar

10. 10Hanoi - Travel to Ninh Binh⌄

    In the morning, 8h00Am. your guide picks you up and departs south to Ninh Binh province as part of your Vietnam tours 14 days journey. + Ninh Binh is known for its dramatic limestone landscapes, peaceful rivers, and rich historical significance. + Late in the morning, visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, where you will learn about Vietnam’s early feudal dynasties. + Hoa Lu Ancient Capital was the political center of Vietnam in the 10th–11th centuries, surrounded by stunning karst mountains and historical temples. + At midday, enjoy a cycling experience around the local village followed by lunch at a 5-star restaurant serving regional specialties. +Ninh Binh villages offer a peaceful countryside atmosphere with rice fields, traditional houses, and authentic rural life.

    In the early afternoon, take a 1.5-hour bamboo boat ride in Tam Coc, gliding through limestone mountains and river caves. Tam Coc is often called “Halong Bay on land,” famous for its scenic karst formations and tranquil waterways. Later in the afternoon, climb nearly 500 steps up Mua Cave for a panoramic view of the entire area.

    Mua Cave viewpoint is one of the most iconic spots in Ninh Binh, offering breathtaking views over rice fields and the Ngo Dong River. In the evening, return to Hanoi.

    Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

    Overnight: 3-Star Hotel: La Passion Classic Hotel or Similar 4-Star Hotel: Hanoi Authentic Hoetl or Similar

11. 11Hanoi - Travel Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay⌄

    8h00Am After your breakfast at the hotel. Pick up & depart from Hanoi by car, heading toward Hai Phong, arriving around midday Board your cruise and enjoy a welcome drink while checking into your cabin Begin cruising through the stunning landscapes of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay where is less touristy, surrounded by limestone karsts and emerald waters Afternoon activities include kayaking or swimming at Ba Trai Dao Beach, known for its clear water and scenic beauty Relax onboard with happy hour and take in the sunset views Enjoy a delicious dinner on the cruise, followed by free time to unwind or join onboard activities

    Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

    Overnight: + 3-Star Cruise: Amanda Cruise or Similar + 4-Star Cruise: Le Journey Elegance Cruise or Similar

12. 12Halong Bay - Back Hanoi⌄

    Start your morning with an optional Tai Chi session on the sundeck or relax with a cup of tea while enjoying the peaceful bay views Take a rowboat or sampan ride to explore hidden caves and remote islands within the bay Return to the cruise for a light brunch as the boat continues its journey back Check out of your cabin before disembarkation

    + Transfer back to Hanoi by car (approximately 3 hours) +15h00 Arrival in Hanoi to recheck in with the rest of the day at leisure

    Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

    Overnight: 3-Star Hotel: La Passion Classic Hotel or Similar 4-Star Hotel: Hanoi Authentic Hotel or Similar

13. 13Hanoi Incense Village - Water Puppet Show⌄

    8h00 Am: The guide pick you up to visit the Incense Village Discover the traditional art of incense making with a visit to a local incense village. Meet skilled artisans and learn about the centuries-old process of crafting colorful incense sticks by hand. Stroll through the village, observe daily life, and capture memorable photos of vibrant incense displays. Enjoy a hands-on experience creating your own incense sticks while gaining insight into this important cultural tradition. After exploring the village and interacting with local craftsmen, return to your hotel with a deeper appreciation of Vietnam’s heritage and craftsmanship. + After the tour, 13h00 return to the hotel

    20h00: You will enjoy the water puppet perform show.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: 3-Star Hotel: La Passion Classic Hotel or Similar 4-Star Hotel: Hanoi Authentic Hotel or Similar

14. 14Time to say goodbye - Hanoi Departure⌄

    Meet your driver at the hotel lobby for transfer to Noi Bai International Airport (approx. 45 minutes) Please inform in advance whether your flight departs from the domestic or international terminal Recommended arrival time at the airport: International flights: at least 3 hours before departure Domestic flights: at least 2 hours before departure

    Meals: Breakfast