Overview

Step into a world of timeless traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and living history on this 20-day grand journey through Vietnam. From the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, from the towering peaks of Sapa to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, this itinerary offers the perfect blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation.

You’ll explore Vietnam’s hidden treasures—the underground tunnels of Cu Chi, the tranquil waterways of the Mekong Delta, the golden dunes of Mui Ne, the misty peaks of Ha Giang, and the mighty Ban Gioc Waterfall near the Chinese border. Along the way, you’ll meet local artisans, share meals in traditional homes, and uncover the beauty of Vietnam’s diverse ethnic cultures.

This isn’t just a trip—it’s a carefully crafted voyage of discovery, weaving together the soul, spirit, and natural splendor of Vietnam.

19 Nights 20 Days Available on request
Highlights
What makes this tour special

Southern Vietnam

  • Crawl through the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, relics of wartime ingenuity.

  • Cruise the lush Mekong Delta, sampling honey wine, coconut candy, and tropical fruits.

  • Walk barefoot through the magical Fairy Stream and watch the sun set over the Red Sand Dunes of Mui Ne.

Central Vietnam

  • Climb the mystical Marble Mountains in Danang.

  • Wander the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An Ancient Town by night.

  • Ride the iconic cable car to Ba Na Hills and marvel at the Golden Bridge.

Northern Vietnam

  • Explore craft villages near Hanoi: incense making, conical hats, and lacquer art.

  • Discover Bai Dinh Pagoda, row a sampan boat through Trang An, and hike to the panoramic Mua Cave Peak.

  • Conquer the legendary Ha Giang Loop—Heaven’s Gate, Ma Pi Leng Pass, and Lung Cu, the northernmost point of Vietnam.

  • Trek through Sapa’s mountain villages, admire Fansipan, the “Roof of Indochina.”

  • Visit the awe-inspiring Ban Gioc Waterfall and tranquil Tiger Cave in Cao Bang.

  • Cruise the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay, with kayaking, sunset views, and an overnight stay on a luxury boat.

Authentic Experiences

  • Stay with ethnic minority families in Du Gia and Dong Van.

  • Share a home-cooked meal in a craft village.

  • Take an overnight train through northern Vietnam.

  • Wake up to Tai Chi at sunrise on the deck of a Ha Long Bay cruise.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City – Afternoon Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant heart of southern Vietnam. After settling in, embark on a journey back in time with an afternoon visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 60 kilometers from the city.

As your vehicle glides past emerald rice paddies and peaceful villages, imagine the contrast of what once was a battlefield. Upon arrival, watch a short documentary that transports you into the past, unveiling the incredible network of underground passages used by the Viet Cong during the war.

Crawl through sections of the tunnels to experience the hidden world of kitchens, living quarters, and makeshift hospitals. Discover ingenious traps and survival strategies crafted by the resourceful soldiers. For those curious, there’s even an opportunity to try your hand at safely firing historic war guns.

By evening, return to bustling Ho Chi Minh City, arriving around 7:00 PM—just in time to soak up the city lights.

Day 2: The Lush Waterways of the Mekong Delta – Evening Market Strolls

After breakfast, journey southwards to the enchanting Mekong Delta. The drive itself is a delight, revealing lush fields, pineapple plantations, and small hamlets where life unfolds slowly.

In My Tho, board a traditional motorboat and cruise past Dragon, Phoenix, Turtle, and Unicorn Islands. On Unicorn Island, taste local honey and rice wines, then drift along tranquil coconut canals in a hand-rowed sampan, where water palms arch overhead like a green cathedral.

At Ben Tre, visit a coconut candy workshop and observe villagers handcrafting sweet delights. A riverside Vietnamese feast awaits before you enjoy seasonal tropical fruits with a performance of traditional folk music.

By late afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City. In the evening, immerse yourself in local life—explore Ben Thanh Market (closing at 8 PM), and if it’s the weekend, walk along Bui Vien Street, the city’s lively pedestrian zone of lights, music, and street food.

Day 3: Day Trip to Mui Ne – Fairy Streams, Sand Dunes, and Sunset

This morning, set off for the coastal gem of Mui Ne by comfortable sleeper bus (approx. 2h45m). Upon arrival, your adventure begins at the Fairy Stream. Barefoot, wade through ankle-deep water flanked by striking red and white sandstone formations—a natural wonder sculpted by wind and rain.

Continue to the Fishing Village, where fleets of colorful boats line the bay and fishermen bring in the daily catch. The highlight awaits at the White Sand Dunes, a surreal desert landscape where you can ride quad bikes or jeeps for an adrenaline rush.

As the day softens, head to the Red Sand Dunes, where the fiery hues of the sand merge with the golden light of the setting sun. Capture unforgettable photos as the horizon glows with shades of amber and crimson. After a local dinner, return to Ho Chi Minh City by evening, arriving around 10 PM.

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh to Danang – Marble Mountains and Hoi An Evening Charm

Fly to Danang, then visit the mystical Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone and marble hills home to caves, pagodas, and panoramic viewpoints. Later, transfer to Hoi An, the lantern-lit ancient town where you can stroll by the riverside, admire wooden merchant houses, and enjoy a magical evening ambiance.

Day 5: Ba Na Hills at Your Own Pace

Spend the day at Ba Na Hills, famed for its cable car ride over rolling misty mountains and the iconic Golden Bridge, seemingly held by giant stone hands. Explore French-style gardens, fantasy parks, and sweeping mountain views at leisure.

Day 6: Danang to Hanoi – Villages & Traditions

Fly north to Hanoi, where culture and craftsmanship await. Visit an incense-making village, a conical hat village, and a lacquer art workshop. Not only will you observe, but you’ll also try hands-on activities—painting a conical hat or crafting lacquer art. A warm, home-cooked lunch with a local family adds a personal touch. End the day with an optional visit to Hanoi’s Train Street, where cafés hug the railway tracks.

Day 7: Bai Dinh – Trang An – Mua Cave Adventure

Travel to Ninh Binh, home to Vietnam’s most spectacular landscapes. Explore the Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex, the largest Buddhist site in the country, with towering bronze Buddhas and serene courtyards.

After a buffet lunch, glide by sampan boat through Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” passing caves and towering limestone karsts. Finally, hike up Mua Cave Peak for panoramic views of the valley—a breathtaking reward. Return to Hanoi by evening.

Day 8: Hanoi to Ha Giang – Gateway to the Highlands

Take a comfortable bus ride north from Hanoi into the untamed mountains of Ha Giang. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax, preparing for the adventure ahead through Vietnam’s most spectacular landscapes.

Day 9: Ha Giang to Du Gia – The Happiness Road

Begin your journey along the fabled “Happiness Road.” Climb the Quan Ba Mountain Pass with its panoramic vistas, and stop at Heaven’s Gate overlooking the whimsical Fairy Hills. Enter the UNESCO-listed Dong Van Karst Plateau, with its surreal limestone formations. After lunch near Tam Son, continue deeper into the mountains, arriving in the charming village of Du Gia, where you’ll stay with an ethnic minority family. Dinner is a warm homestay feast.

Day 10: Du Gia to Dong Van – The Roof of Vietnam

Bid farewell to your hosts and head north. Drive past Meo Vac and ascend the Ma Pi Leng Pass, often hailed as Vietnam’s most breathtaking mountain road, with cliffs plunging into the jade-green Nho Que River. Depending on weather, continue to Lung Cu, Vietnam’s northernmost point, marked by its iconic Flag Tower. Overnight in the mountain town of Dong Van, rich with history and Hmong culture.

Day 11: Dong Van to Ha Giang – Palaces & Pine Forests

After breakfast, explore the century-old Palace of Vuong Chinh Duc, once the seat of the Hmong King. Journey south through the Highland of Stone, then stop for lunch in Yen Minh. Continue past pine forests, sweeping rice terraces, and the Song La River Valley, before returning to Ha Giang City in the late afternoon.

Day 12: Ha Giang to Sapa – Across the Northern Frontier

Travel west from Ha Giang to Sapa, a town nestled in the Hoang Lien Son mountains. Arrive in the evening, check into your hotel, and breathe in the cool alpine air.

Day 13: Sapa – Villages & Ham Rong Mountain

Start your trek at Ham Rong Mountain, climbing past orchards of peach, plum, and corn to admire the breathtaking view of Fansipan Peak—the highest in Indochina. Explore traditional Black Hmong villages such as Sa Seng, Hang Da, and Hau Chu Ngai, where daily life unfolds against a backdrop of terraced rice fields. Enjoy a village lunch before returning to Sapa.

Day 14: Sapa – Fansipan Peak & Overnight Train to Hanoi

Ride the cable car to Fansipan Summit (3,143m) for panoramic views over clouds and mountain ranges. After descending, enjoy your final evening in Sapa before boarding the overnight train back to Hanoi.

Day 15: Hanoi to Cao Bang – Angel Mountain & Local Homestay

Depart Hanoi for Cao Bang Province, stopping at local villages and admiring the unique Angel Mountain formation. Enjoy a countryside lunch, then continue through winding mountain roads to a cozy homestay, where you’ll be welcomed with a traditional dinner.

Day 16: Ban Gioc Waterfall & Tiger Cave

Explore the cool chambers of Tiger Cave, spotting whimsical rock formations. Climb to Truc Lam Pagoda for sweeping views, then head to the mighty Ban Gioc Waterfall, cascading on the Vietnam–China border. A short raft ride brings you close to the thundering waters. After lunch, return to Hanoi by evening.

Day 17: Ha Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay Cruise

Depart for Ha Long Bay and board your elegant cruise ship. Sail past limestone islands, enjoy a Vietnamese lunch, and kayak into hidden lagoons like Dark & Bright Cave or Ba Trai Dao Lagoon. At sunset, relax with a cooking class, a swim in the pool, or simply admire the glow over the Gulf of Tonkin. After dinner, join evening activities like squid fishing or stargazing.

Day 18: Lan Ha Bay – Return to Hanoi

Start the day with Tai Chi at sunrise on the deck, followed by a light breakfast. Choose between kayaking in Ao Ech or visiting Quan Y Cave on Cat Ba Island. After brunch on board, cruise back to Tuan Chau Wharf, then return to Hanoi in the afternoon.

Day 19: A Free Day in Hanoi

A day to relax, shop, and wander Hanoi at your own rhythm—explore the Old Quarter, savor street food, or sip Vietnamese coffee at a rooftop café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.

Day 20: Departure from Hanoi

Bid farewell to Vietnam, carrying with you not just souvenirs, but unforgettable memories of a land filled with history, breathtaking landscapes, and heartwarming people.

Hotel Details: 3/4/5- Star with a View Room or similar

  • Ho Chi Minh: Bay Hotel or similar
  • Da Nang: Le Sands Oceanfront or similar
  • Hanoi: Lavender Central or similar
  • Ha Giang: Phoenix Hotel or similar
  • Da Giu: Homestay 
  • Dong Van: Homestay
  • Sa Pa: Sapa Jade Hill Resort & Spa or similar
  • Cao Bang: Homestay
  • La Han Bay & Ha Long Bay cruise with balcony or similar

Tourist: Evisa

  • Passport Photo Copy with front and back
  • Photo with white background, 35mm*45mm, 80% face coverage, and taken in the last 3 months
  • Pancard

Processing Time: 

  • Visa type: Single entry
  • Processing time: 5-7 working days
  • Stay duration: 30 days per entry
  • Visa validity: Depends on the embassy

NOTE: Visa fees are subject to change. The package cost is based on a minimum of 2 adults travelling together. Rates vary at the time of booking; the given rate is an estimate.

Inclusions/Exclusions

What is included in the tour

  • Accommodation in a 3 or 4 or 5-star hotel on a double sharing basis
  • Daily Breakfast
  • From Ho Chi Minh City: Cu Chi Tunnels Tour 
    • Air-conditioned transportation
    • Experienced English-speaking tour guide
    • Entry tickets
    • 1 bottle of water and tapioca
    • Pickup & drop off from central hotels in District 1 (not offered from TanDinh & Dakao)
  • From Ho Chi Minh: Mekong Delta, My Tho & Ben Tre Day Trip 
    • Pickup from hotels located in Districts 1, 3, 4
    • Drop-off in District 1
    • Transportation by air-conditioned minivan or tourist bus (optional)
    • Experienced English-speaking guide
    • Visit the Vinh Trang ancient Pagoda
    • Ride on motorboat and rowing boat
    • Tuk tuk or electric car ride through the village
    • Cycling around coconut garden
    • Vietnamese lunch set menu (vegan food available)
    • Wheat cake, mineral water, and wet tissues
    • Tasting of tropical fruits (4 seasons)
    • Honey tea, coconut candy
    • Try Bánh Khọt (Vietnamese mini savory pancakes) with a local chef
    • Traditional music performance
    • All entry fees
  • From Ho Chi Minh To Mui Ne Best Day Trip | Sunset Tour 
    • A Comfortable Jeep
    • English-speaking tour guide
    • Local Dinner
    • Water, Juices, Coconut, Soft Drinks
    • Free photo taken and Editing from Johnny Tours Team
    • Round-trip sleeper bus from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne and back.
  • Hanoi - Bai Dinh - Trang An - Mua Cave - Hanoi
    • Limousine Bus during the trip
    • Professional English-speaking guide
    • Boat in Trang An
    • Entrance fees
    • Electric car ride to Bai Dinh Pagoda entrance (Option Bai Dinh)
    • Cycling activity (Option Hoa Lu)
    • Buffet lunch at restaurant
    • Mineral water on the bus
    • Free usage of conical hat/rain-coat (if rainy)
  • From Hanoi: 3-day Ha Giang Loop - Small group
    • Roundtrip transfer from Hanoi to Ha Giang by Cabin VIP bus and pickup/Drop off to Hanoi
    • Motorbike rental & fuel
    • English-speaking tour guide
    • Nho Que river boat trip
    • 2 nights of accommodation
    • 3 breakfasts and 3 lunches
    • 2 dinners
    • Entrance fees
    • Helmet and protection
  • Sapa: Sapa Mountain View And Villages Trek
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off (only the hotels in Sapa center)
    • Village entry fee
    • English-speaking guide (local guide)
    • Lunch at village
    • 1.5 litre of water per person per day
    • Visit to Hmong House
    • Transportation back to Sapa from last village
    • Raincoat per person
    • A hat, small backpack, and trekking stick
  • From Hanoi: Ban Gioc Waterfall & Angel Mountain 2-Day Tour 
    • Round-trip local transportation from Hanoi
    • Comfortable Car for traveling in Cao Bang Global Geo-Park
    • English-speaking driver-guide
    • 1-night standard homestay accommodation
    • 4 meals (1 breakfast, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner)
    • Entrance fees and electric car from the parking lot to the waterfall
  • Hanoi: 2-Day Lan Ha & Halong Bay 5 Stars Cruise with Balcony 
    • 2-day cruise
    • Guide
    • Welcome drinks
    • 2 bottles of water in each cabin
    • Cold towels
    • Entry fees and sightseeing fees
    • 1-night accommodation in a junior suite, air-conditioned ensuite cabin with private balcony.
    • All meals
    • Tea break in sunset bar
    • Swim stops
    • Kayak tours
    • Cooking class
    • Nighttime squid fishing
  • Private Full-Day Tour with All 3 Villages 
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off at your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter area by comfortable bus
    • English-speaking tour guide
    • Home-cooked lunch 
    • 1 conical hat per person
    • 1 water bottle per person
    • All entrance fees
  • Fansipan Ticket
  • Marble Mountain and Hoi An only round-trip transfers from the hotel
  • Bana Hills entry ticket with cable car and lunch with round trip transfers from the hotel
  • E-Visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Private Transfer from Airport/Bus Station/ Train Station - Hotel - Bus Station/Train Station/Airport in Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, Hanoi, Ha Giang, Sa Pa
  • Bus Ticket: Hanoi - Ha Giang - Sa Pa
  • Train Ticket: Sa Pa - Hanoi

What is NOT included in the tour

  • All international and domestic flights, airport taxes, cancellation, and rescheduling charges
  • Entrances Fees
  • Guided Tours
  • Early check-in or late check-out (if any)
  • Meals that are not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Optional tours or excursions or guided tours
  • Compulsory tipping
  • Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusion list
  • 5% TCS and 5% GST