14 days in Vietnam from the North
- sm1607
- Sep 4, 2024
- 12 min read

This 14-day tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through the diverse and captivating landscapes of Vietnam. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay, the lush greenery of Sapa, the historic sites of Hue, and the vibrant city life of Ho Chi Minh, each day is filled with unique experiences and cultural insights. Let's dive into the detailed itinerary of this immersive tour.
Day 1: Welcome to Vietnam - Arrival in Hanoi
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our driver will greet you at the pickup lobby. Following a 40-minute journey, you will be taken to your hotel in Hanoi city center for check-in.
Please note that the standard hotel check-in time is 14:00 and check-out time is 12:00.
Upon reaching Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport, our guide and driver will be there to welcome you and escort you to your city center hotel.
Day 2: Ha Noi - Sapa - Y Linh Ho - Lao Chai - Ta Van
Breakfast, Lunch/Dinner
6:00 – 6:30: Departure from the hotel in the old quarter or bus station, board the sleeping bus for the journey to Sapa.
7:30 – 11:45: Travel along the Highway to Lao Cai city with a comfort stop.
11:45 – 13.15: Travel by bus on the mountain road towards Sapa Town. Along the way, enjoy the scenic views of the valley with terraced fields.
13:15 - 13:30: Arrival at Sapa Town, where you will be greeted by the colorful traditional costumes of H’Mong, Dzao, Tay ethnic People.
- Welcome drink and briefing on the itinerary
- Lunch featuring local Vietnamese dishes
14:15: Take a short drive to Y Linh Ho, then trek through the rice terraces and along Muong Hoa Stream to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai, offering a spectacular view of Hoang Lien Son Mountain. Continue to Ta Van village, home to the Dzay Ethnic People, arriving in the late afternoon.
Trekking distance covers about 9 km and lasts approximately 3.5 hours
17:45: Check in at the homestay; get acquainted with the Dzay People's family. Experience mountain life during sunset, possibly participating in cooking local dishes with the family and enjoying a peaceful dinner.
In the evening, you can visit a local bar with music to socialize with other tourists before spending the night at the homestay.
Day 3: Medium Trek from Ta Van Village to Giang Ta Chai
Breakfast, Lunch/Dinner
8:00: Start the day with a family-prepared breakfast before embarking on an exciting new trekking adventure.
8:45: Continue your journey to the rice paddies for a picturesque photo session of the stunning landscapes, trek through the bamboo forest, and pause to enjoy a panoramic view of Giang Ta Chai village, the residence of the red Dzao People.
11:00: Cross the Giang Ta Chai Bridge and head back to Sapa Town by bus.
The trek covers a distance of approximately 4 kilometers and lasts for 2 hours.
12:00 – 14:00: Upon arrival at the hotel, enjoy a welcome drink, savor a delicious Vietnamese lunch, and complete the check-in procedures.
14:30: Take a brief stroll to the entrance of Cat Cat village, home to the Black H’mong ethnic group, situated at the base of Fansipan Peak in a deep valley. Your local guide will introduce you to the daily life of the villagers, lead you down to the valley floor to see the waterfall where a Hydraulic Power Station was constructed by the French, and pause for photos at the bridge and waterfall before ascending for the bus ride back to Sapa in the afternoon.
16:30: Return to Sapa Town, enjoy dinner, and spend the night at the hotel with evening activities.
Day 4: Freely Explore Sapa Town Then Get on Bus Back to Ha Noi
Breakfast and Lunch
7:30 – 12:00: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and have free time to explore Sapa town on your own. Check out (You also have the option to take the cable car to the top of Fansipan at your own cost).
12:30 – 13:00: Lunchtime, leisure time on your own.
13:30: Gather with all group members at the hotel to prepare for departure to Hanoi.
14:00: Board the bus for the return journey to Hanoi with two rest stops.
20:30 – 21:00: Arrival and drop-off at your hotel in Hanoi.
Day 5: Ha Noi - Ha Long Bay
Breakfast, Lunch/Dinner
08:00 – 08:30: Transfer pickup time
11:30 – 12:00: Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor
12:00: Board the main boat via tender. Begin your journey on Le Journey Cruises
Welcome aboard Le Journey Cruises! While savoring a welcome drink, our cruise manager will provide a briefing and safety instructions. Following that, you will be escorted to your cabin for check-in.
13:00: Indulge in a Delicious Lunch
Enjoy a delightful lunch as Le Journey Cruises – Luxury Cruises sets sail into the stunning Ha Long Bay – an extension of the renowned Ha Long Wonder, known for its tranquility and fewer visitors. You will pass by iconic landmarks such as Finger Island, Candle Island, and numerous uniquely shaped limestone formations.
15:30: Visit Tra Bau Floating Village
Option 1: Swim at Ba Trai Dao Island
Option 2: Embark on a small boat to explore the fishing village of "Tra Bau" and partake in a kayaking adventure to discover the Tra Bau area – a popular filming site for Kong Skull Island (King Kong) in Quang Ninh in 2018.
17:00- 18:00: Sunset Celebration, Happy Hour, and Cooking Class
Return to Le Journey Cruises and unwind on the cruise. Witness the enchanting sunset over Lan Ha Bay. There is a certain magic to sunsets, not just the colors but the ambiance, the feeling, and the temperature. Experience our "Sunset Party" and "Happy Hour Deals."
The cooking demonstration is an engaging onboard activity that allows guests to not only taste exquisite cuisine but also gain insights into Vietnamese culinary traditions. The Cruise Chef will demonstrate and assist you in preparing Vietnamese traditional dishes like fresh or dried spring rolls and/or demonstrate vegetable and fruit carving techniques.
19:00: Delight in a Gourmet Dinner
Relish delectable local dishes expertly prepared and served by our exceptional onboard culinary team, while enjoying the breathtaking night views of Lan Ha Bay.
21:00 – 23:00: SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
Engage in overnight activities onboard such as squid fishing, partake in our fantastic bar offerings, enjoy movies & karaoke, indulge in spa treatments, or simply unwind in your cabin.
Day 6: Ha Long Bay - Ha Noi
Breakfast and Lunch
06:00 - 7:00: In the morning aboard Le Journey Cruises, enjoy a light breakfast
As Le Journey Cruises sails past stunning karst towers, guests are served tea, coffee, and a light breakfast in the refreshing and serene surroundings.
08:00: Discover Lan Ha Bay – Ha Long Bay
Explore the renowned Dark and Bright caves in Lan Ha Bay, known for their pristine natural beauty and captivating seascape. Capture the romantic and picturesque local scenery with your camera. This is the perfect time for tourists to partake in Bamboo Boating or Kayaking, offering a unique way to experience the beauty of the Limestone Mountains and the azure sky of Lan Ha Bay.
09:00: Return to the boat for check-out
10:00: Brunch and Leisure Time
Enjoy a well-prepared lunch as Our Cruises leisurely sails through the emerald waters and past countless Karst Mountains towards the Harbor.
11:00 – 11:30: Return to Tuan Chau Harbor - Hanoi
15:30: Upon reaching Hanoi, our guide will lead you on a culinary tour. Following the food tour, you will be escorted back to the hotel for check-in.
Day 7: Ha Noi - Hoa Lu - Trang An - Mua Cave
Breakfast and Lunch/Dinner
07:30 – 8:00: Your tour guide and driver will collect you from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter for the journey to Ninh Binh.
09:15: There will be a brief 15 - 20 minute stop for you to stretch your legs, use the facilities, or grab a quick snack.
10:30: Explore Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1010. Visit the Temple of Dinh King and Le King to delve into Vietnamese history during the Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasties.
11:15 – 11:45: Participate in a 30-minute cycling activity to experience the local way of life. Alternatively, relax at the restaurant and admire the views of the lake, waterfall, and valleys.
12:00: Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local specialties at the private area of our Trang An Heritage Garden. Vegetarian options are also available.
13:15 – 13:30:
Option 1: Visit Tam Coc, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land,” and take a 1.5-hour boat ride to explore the area. Cruise along the Ngo Dong River, passing through picturesque paddy fields, limestone karst formations, and stunning caves like Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba.
Option 2: Explore Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. Embark on a 1.5-hour boat ride to admire the beauty of this location, known for its intricate tunnel cave system and featured in the 2016 film "Kong: Skull Island."
15:30: Visit Mua Cave and climb 500 steps to the peak of Ngoa Long Mountain for a breathtaking view of the city and Tam Coc below.
16:30 – 17:00: Return journey to Hanoi.
19:00 – 19:30: Arrive back at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter.
Day 8: Ha Noi - My Son Sanctuary, Champa Culture, Unique Architecture; Boat Trip on the River
Breakfast, lunch
4:00 AM: The car will be picked up at the hotel and breakfast will be served on the flight to Da Nang.
6:00 AM: Board a flight to Da Nang.
7:00 AM: Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a tour guide and driver at the airport. Spend half a day exploring the sacred valley of the Champa Kingdom. My Son, located 40km from Hoi An Town, was a significant intellectual and religious center of the Champa Kingdom, possibly serving as a burial site for Cham monarchs.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, My Son features 70 architectural ruins constructed of bricks and stones between the 7th and 13th centuries. Your tour guide will provide insights into the cultural, historical, and architectural significance of each structure as you leisurely explore the site. The tour also includes a traditional Champa dancing show before departing the sanctuary.
Following this, you will cross the Cua Dai estuary, where the river meets the sea, and continue along the Cua Dai river to the Bay Mau nipa (water coconut palm forest) grove, offering a glimpse into the daily life of local fishermen.
Embark on a bamboo basket boat excursion into the water coconut palm forest with local fishermen. Discover the enchanting water palm coconut paradise, engage in fishing activities, including catching fish and purple crabs using unique fishing nets, and create souvenirs from palm leaves.
Board a bus to proceed to Da Nang city.
Day 9: Da Nang City Tour
Breakfast, Lunch/Dinner
Da Nang boasts a variety of fascinating attractions such as Son Tra Peninsula, Linh Ung – Lady Buddha, Ba Na Hills, and The Museum of Cham Sculpture...
Our skilled and amiable driver will collect you from your hotel in Da Nang city center to commence the full-day Da Nang city tour. During this excursion, you will explore:
Linh Ung Pagoda – also known as Linh Ung Tu, situated at Bai But Son Tra Peninsula in Son Tra District, Da Nang. It is a serene, peaceful, and spiritually enriching spot with stunning panoramic views of Danang city. Visitors to Linh Ung Pagoda will have the opportunity to behold the city's panorama.
Marble Mountain – a cluster of five marble and limestone hills symbolizing the five elements: Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth. Marble Mountains represent a natural wonder of Da Nang city, blending ecological beauty with spiritual and cultural significance. At the base of Marble Mountains lies a traditional marble fine art village with a history of over 300 years. Here, you can appreciate the skill, creativity, and exquisite works of the craftsmen.
The Museum of Cham Sculpture – home to the world's largest collection of Cham sculpture and artwork, a source of pride for the people of Da Nang. This museum preserves ancient monuments and cultural heritage from the past. Visitors to the Cham museum will be struck by its Gothic architecture, as sunlight streams into every corner, providing a captivating experience.
My Khe Beach – one of the most stunning beaches in Da Nang City, featuring clear blue skies, soft white sand, a gentle slope, clear and warm water year-round, and picturesque coconut tree-lined areas. My Khe Beach offers a range of recreational activities for tourists, such as volleyball, fishing, windsurfing, water-skiing, parachute jumping, sunbathing, diving, yacht racing, and more.
Han Market – a pivotal trading hub in Da Nang City. Renowned for its diverse array of goods, including fabrics, clothing, footwear, fresh fruits, and flowers, as well as the special fish sauce essential for local dishes. If you seek souvenirs before departing, Han Market is an ideal destination.
Day 10: Da Nang - Hue City Tour
Breakfast and Lunch
At 8:00 AM: Our driver will collect you from your accommodation in Da Nang and drive you to Hue city (approximately 102 km north of Da Nang, 130 km from Hoi An).
During the journey from Da Nang to Hue, the car will make stops at some scenic spots, including:
Hai Van Pass - a picturesque 21 km mountain pass on National Route 1A in Vietnam, serving as the natural boundary between Thua Thien - Hue Province and Danang City.
Lang Co Beach - Offering over 10 km of white sandy beach and crystal blue waters, Lang Co Beach is an ideal destination for relaxation, swimming, and photography.
From Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Beach presents a stunning landscape that captivates travelers journeying between Da Nang and Hue.
11:00: Arrival in Hue. Upon arrival, the car will pick up the tour guide who will accompany you throughout the day. The guide will greet you and lead you to visit a renowned royal tomb in Hue city, Khai Dinh Tomb - a fusion of Western and Eastern architectural styles.
12:30: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling authentic local cuisine.
13:30: Proceed to explore one of Hue city's most iconic landmarks, the Citadel. Situated on the northern banks of the picturesque Perfume River, the Citadel spans over 500 hectares and encompasses the Citadel and the Forbidden City, collectively known as the Citadel. This historic site served as the administrative and political hub of the Nguyen dynasty, housing the royal family and showcasing unique art, architecture, and gardens.
15:00: Following the Citadel visit, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most beautiful and renowned pagodas in Hue. Nestled along the enchanting Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda stands as the oldest pagoda in the city.
16:30 Concluding the tour in Hue, the car will transport you back to your hotel in Hue.
Day 11: Hue - Ho Chi Minh City
Breakfast
At 10:30 AM, you check in at the airport for your flight, which departs at 13:10. Upon arrival, our driver will greet you at the pickup lobby and escort you to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta
Breakfast, Lunch
8:00 AM: Your tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel to transfer you to Ben Tre, a picturesque region located in the Mekong Delta River, renowned for its production of coconut candy. Upon arrival at Hung Vuong pier, embark on a boat journey along the Ben Tre River to immerse yourself in the local daily life.
Continue the boat excursion along a canal to Nhon Thanh Village, where you will have the chance to sample fresh fruits.
Explore the villages by bicycle (or Tuk tuk) along a charming path, soaking in the scenic vistas of coconut groves, rice paddies, and vegetable fields. Enjoy a lunch featuring elephant ear fish in the village, followed by a brief stroll to gain deeper insights into local life. Conclude the day with a boat ride along a tranquil canal shaded by lush palm trees.
In the late afternoon, return to Saigon.
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi Tunnel - City Tour
Breakfast and Lunch
7:30 AM: Departure from Fly High Travel Viet Nam to pick you up at your hotel. The mini van/car will arrive at Cu Chi. Along the way, we will stop at the Handicraft Village where you can explore traditional Vietnamese art paintings that are intricately and vibrantly drawn.
We may make stops for refreshments and restroom breaks.
9:00 AM: It will take us about an hour to reach Ben Dinh, a network system within the Cu Chi tunnels.
Upon entering, a brief propaganda video about the Vietnam War and the strategic use of the tunnels against G.Is will be shown.
We will tour the area and follow our guide to explore the Ben Dinh tunnel. The guide will share insights into the underground life and survival techniques of the inhabitants.
Next, you will realistically experience crawling through the tunnels and try boiled tapioca, the staple food of the people living there. Take a break and engage in intriguing discussions about the historical war events.
12:00 PM: Lunchtime! Enjoy lunch at the Ben Dinh restaurant.
2:30 PM: We will proceed to two iconic landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. The Central Post Office, built between 1886 and 1891, showcases a blend of French colonial and Eastern architectural styles. Inside, you will find two painted maps: “Telegraphic lines of Southern Việt Nam and Cambodia 1892” and “Sài Gòn and its surroundings 1892”.
Not far away is the Notre Dame Cathedral, established in 1863 and fully completed in 1880, featuring a mix of Roman and Gothic architectural styles, with a cathedral, two 58-meter bell towers, and an adjacent park. While the interior is under renovation, the exterior view is stunning and worth admiring.
4:00 PM: Continuing our journey, we will visit the War Remnants Museum, a must-visit attraction in Ho Chi Minh City for tourists. Originally known as the “Exhibition House for U.S. and Puppet Crimes” in 1975, it was later renamed to "Exhibition House for Crimes of War and Aggression" before adopting its current name, “War Remnants Museum”, which exhibits, preserves, and commemorates the atrocities and consequences of the war. This marks the final stop of our trip.
Day 14: Transferring to Airport for Flights to Next Destinations
A private driver will collect you from the hotel lobby and take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport, either the international or domestic terminal as per your preference, in approximately 35 minutes. Thank you for visiting our city.
Please note: International flights require you to arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure, while domestic flights require 2 hours.
FLY HIGH VIETNAM TRAVEL WISHING YOU A JOYFUL AND MEMORABLE JOURNEY!




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