Perfume of Vietnam 12 Days

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International airport, you will be picked up by our driver and guide, then transfer to hotel in central city of Hanoi (capital of Vietnam), a blend of the modern with the mystery and charm of past centuries, Hanoi offers an air of elegance and harmony with nature. Upon arrival, check in hotel (Rooms are available from 14:00 and if you want an early-check-in, an extra charge will be charged) and take your free time to explore Hanoi on your own way.

Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B/L/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your exploration of Hanoi, Vietnam’s charming capital where ancient traditions blend harmoniously with modern life. Start with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake (Restored Sword Lake), considered the cultural heart of the city, followed by Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university founded in 1076 and a symbol of the country’s long-standing academic tradition.

Continue to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside), one of the country’s most important historical landmarks. Then drive to West Lake, the largest lake in Hanoi, to discover Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the city, and Quan Thanh Temple, a historic Taoist temple dedicated to Tran Vu.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. 

In the afternoon, visit the fascinating Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed every Monday), showcasing the diverse cultures and traditions of Vietnam’s ethnic groups. In case your visit falls on a Monday, the program can alternatively include the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, offering meaningful insights into the role of women in Vietnamese history and society. Later, enjoy a traditional cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, followed by a unique water puppet show, a traditional art form originating from Northern Vietnam

Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi – Mai Chau (B/L/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Mai Chau, a peaceful valley surrounded by dramatic mountains, lush rice paddies, and traditional ethnic villages in Northern Vietnam. Along the way, enjoy scenic stops to admire the breathtaking landscapes and capture beautiful photos while encountering friendly local communities.

Upon arrival in Mai Chau, enjoy lunch at a traditional stilt house of the White Thai ethnic people, where you can experience authentic local hospitality and cuisine. In the afternoon, choose between a relaxing hiking or cycling tour through the villages to discover the daily life, traditional houses, handicrafts, and peaceful countryside scenery of the Thai community.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional cultural performance featuring local music and dance, along with a tasting of Ruou Can, a traditional local rice wine. Dinner and overnight at a traditional stilt house in Mai Chau. 

Day 4: Mai Chau – Ninh Binh (B/L/D)

After breakfast at the homestay, depart for Ninh Binh, a region renowned for its breathtaking limestone landscapes and peaceful countryside scenery. Along the way, stop at Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s first national park and an important nature reserve known for its rich biodiversity. Enjoy a short hike through the forest to discover its unique flora and fauna, ancient trees, and hidden caves. You will also visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, dedicated to protecting rare species native to Vietnam.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, continue to Van Long Nature Reserve, the largest wetland reserve in Northern Vietnam. Enjoy a peaceful sampan boat ride through tranquil waterways surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains, natural caves, and untouched landscapes, where you can fully appreciate the serenity of the area.

After the excursion, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before transferring to your hotel. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Day 5: Ninh Binh – Ha Long - Overnight on boat (B/L/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, via the new and beautiful road through stretches of rice fields of the Red River. Arrive in Halong around noon. Immediate boarding for a cruise aboard a shared junk, to discover one of the most sumptuous bays in the world. 

Then, have lunch on board, while your junk sails further into the bay, amidst the extraordinary karst landscapes. In the afternoon, you can go kayaking or rowing boating. Then, return to the ship and free time while the cruise continues to the anchorage point for the night.

Dinner on board. (Several activities are offered in the evening depending on the weather) Overnight on board the junk.

Note: We reserve the right to change the itinerary and schedule of cruises depending on weather conditions and safety instructions.

Day 6: Ha Long - Hanoi - Danang - Hoi An (B/L/D)

We recommend waking up at dawn to enjoy the calm and magical atmosphere of Ha Long Bay. Weather permitting, your effort will be well rewarded with a beautiful sunrise.

Introduction to tai chi before breakfast on board.

Continue the cruise to discover the most beautiful and quiet corners of Ha Long Bay. Then, visit the Great Surprise Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in Halong. Back on board for a demonstration of Vietnamese cuisine. You will have the opportunity to learn how to make some typical Vietnamese dishes such as Nem Cuon or challenge yourself to cut fruits and vegetables.

Lunch on board while the junk makes its way to the pier.

Disembarkation, then drive back to Hanoi. Arrival and free time before transfer to Hanoi airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, be welcomed and picked up by our driver then head out to Hoi An which was recognized by UNESCO as being World Cultural Heritage in 1999. Hoi An used to serve as an active port of trade with the Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Chinese people during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.

Day 7: Hoi An (B/L/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your exploration of Hoi An Ancient Town, a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site once known as a thriving international trading port. Enjoy a walking tour through its lantern-lined streets and visit iconic landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An dating back to the 17th century, Tan Ky Old House, a beautifully preserved merchant residence reflecting a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architecture, as well as the Hoi An Museum and the lively local market.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat cruise along the Thu Bon River toward Cua Dai Estuary, where the river meets the sea. Afterwards, enjoy free time to relax at An Bang Beach, one of Central Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches, known for its soft white sand and peaceful atmosphere.

After the excursion, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and return to your hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8: Hoi An – Da Nang – Hue (B/L/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, via one of Central Vietnam’s most scenic coastal routes. Along the way, stop at Non Nuoc Beach to admire its beautiful coastal scenery before visiting the famous Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone hills known for their caves, pagodas, and panoramic views.

Continue to Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Cham sculptures and artifacts, offering fascinating insights into the ancient Champa civilization. Then, stop at the breathtaking Hai Van Passfor stunning panoramic views and memorable photo opportunities overlooking the coastline.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Arrive in Hue in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace or discover the historic surroundings of the Imperial City.

Afterwards, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before transferring to your hotel. Overnight in Hue

Day 9: Hue City Tour – Saigon (B/L/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your discovery of Hue with a relaxing boat trip along the Perfume River, offering a peaceful glimpse into the city’s poetic charm. Your first stop is Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s most iconic religious landmark overlooking the river. Continue to visit the majestic Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, renowned for its harmonious architecture and tranquil natural setting.

Next, visit Thuy Xuan Incense Village, where you can observe local artisans crafting traditional incense and conical hats using techniques passed down through generations.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the historic Imperial Citadel (Forbidden City), the former royal residence of the Nguyen Dynasty that still reflects the grandeur of Vietnam’s imperial past. Afterwards, visit Dong Ba Market, Hue’s largest traditional market, perfect for experiencing local daily life and shopping for regional specialties.

Later, transfer to Phu Bai International Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in the city center.

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 10: Saigon – My Tho – Tra Vinh (B/L/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the Mekong Delta, a vast fertile region formed by the nine branches of the Mekong River and often referred to as Vietnam’s “rice bowl” thanks to its rich agricultural lands and vibrant waterways. This journey offers a fascinating glimpse into the unique river-based lifestyle of local communities.

Upon arrival in My Tho, embark on a scenic boat trip along the Mekong River to discover daily life on the water, where you may see floating houses, floating schools, local boats, and bustling river activities that reflect the authentic charm of the delta.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties. In the afternoon, return to My Tho Pier and continue your journey to Tra Vinh, a peaceful province known for its Khmer cultural heritage, coconut plantations, and tranquil countryside landscapes. Upon arrival, check in at Tra Vinh Lodge, a charming retreat surrounded by nature.

Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a private bungalow with a peaceful lake view. Overnight in Tra Vinh.

Day 11: Tra Vinh – Saigon (B/L)

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your morning with a relaxing cycling tour through the peaceful countryside of Tra Vinh to visit a vibrant local market. This is a wonderful opportunity to interact with friendly locals and discover fresh regional products such as tropical fruits, rice, seafood, handicrafts, and other daily essentials sold by local vendors.

After exploring the market, return to Tra Vinh Lodge and take part in a hands-on cooking class, where you will learn how to prepare some traditional dishes from the Mekong Delta using fresh local ingredients. Enjoy the dishes you have prepared during lunch at Tra Vinh Lodge’s restaurant.

In the afternoon, depart for Ho Chi Minh City and transfer back to your hotel upon arrival. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 12: Saigon – Departure (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a final sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh City and discover some of its most iconic landmarks. Visit the historic Saigon Central Post Office, a beautifully preserved example of French colonial architecture, followed by the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon (outside visit), known for its striking red-brick façade.

Continue to Reunification Palace, a significant historical site that marked the end of the Vietnam War. Then head to Chinatown (Cho Lon) to experience its lively atmosphere, with visits to the centuries-old Thien Hau Pagoda and the bustling Binh Tay Market, where locals trade a wide variety of goods.

After the tour, transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.