Overview

Step into a land where ancient traditions, vibrant cities, and breathtaking landscapes come together in perfect harmony. Vietnam Panorama is a 17-day journey designed to showcase the very best of the country — from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta to the misty mountains of Sapa and the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay.

Along the way, you’ll crawl through the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, drift along the coconut canals of the Mekong Delta, wander the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, stand atop the “Roof of Indochina” at Fansipan Peak, marvel at the thunderous Ban Gioc Waterfall, and sail between limestone karsts on an overnight Ha Long Bay cruise.

This is not just a tour — it’s a panoramic journey through Vietnam’s most iconic destinations, timeless villages, and unforgettable natural wonders. From south to north, coast to highlands, you will experience the full spectrum of Vietnam’s soul.

16 Nights 17 Days Available on request
Highlights
What makes this tour special

South Vietnam

  • Discover the underground world of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a symbol of resilience.

  • Cruise through the Mekong Delta, visiting islands, orchards, and coconut candy workshops.

  • Watch the sunset over Mui Ne’s Red Sand Dunes after exploring its Fairy Stream and Fishing Village.

Central Vietnam

  • Explore the mystical caves and temples of Marble Mountain.

  • Stroll the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO treasure.

  • Ride the cable car at Ba Na Hills and walk across the famous Golden Bridge.

Northern Highlands

  • Visit Hanoi’s craft villages: incense, conical hat, and lacquer art.

  • Explore Ninh Binh with Bai Dinh Pagoda, a sampan boat ride in Trang An, and the panoramic hike up Mua Cave.

  • Trek through Sapa’s Hmong villages and admire panoramic views from Ham Rong Mountain.

  • Ascend Fansipan Peak, the highest mountain in Indochina.

Northeast Vietnam

  • Journey through Cao Bang Geopark to the enchanting Angel Mountain.

  • Explore Tiger Cave and marvel at the mighty Ban Gioc Waterfall on the Vietnam–China border.

Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay

  • Embark on an overnight luxury cruise through Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay.

  • Kayak into hidden lagoons and caves, swim in emerald waters, and witness sunsets over the Gulf of Tonkin.

  • Join a sunrise Tai Chi class on deck and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese cooking class.

Cultural & Leisure Touches

  • Immerse yourself in Hoi An’s ancient charm and Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter.

  • Savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine, from home-cooked village lunches to fresh seafood on the bay.

  • Balance guided excursions with free time for shopping, strolling, and relaxation.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels Adventure

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll be swept into the rhythm of this dynamic metropolis before venturing out on your first cultural journey.
A scenic 1.5-hour drive through rice paddies and rustic hamlets leads you to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels—an underground labyrinth once used by the Viet Cong. Watch a historical documentary, crawl through the narrow passageways, and step into kitchens, hospitals, and meeting rooms hidden beneath the earth. Learn about ingenious wartime traps, and if you wish, test your aim with historic weapons at the nearby shooting range.
As you wander this peaceful rural setting, it’s hard to imagine the destruction it once endured. Return to Ho Chi Minh City by early evening, just in time to admire the city lights.

Day 2: Mekong Delta Exploration & Evening in Ho Chi Minh City

This morning, embark on a journey to the lush Mekong Delta, often called the “rice bowl of Vietnam.” Passing through fields of pineapples, rice paddies, and tropical orchards, you’ll arrive in My Tho to board a wooden motorboat. Glide past Dragon, Phoenix, and Turtle Islands, and stop at Unicorn Island to taste honey wine and tropical fruits while listening to traditional folk music.
Row along coconut canals shaded by palms, witness coconut candy being made by hand in Ben Tre, and enjoy a rustic Vietnamese lunch by the riverside.
Return to Ho Chi Minh by late afternoon. In the evening, wander through Ben Thanh Market before soaking in the electric nightlife of Bui Vien Walking Street (weekends only).

Day 3: Mui Ne Day Trip & Sunset Over the Dunes

Trade the bustle of the city for the seaside charm of Mui Ne, a coastal gem famous for its surreal landscapes. After a comfortable sleeper bus ride, begin at the whimsical Fairy Stream, where ankle-deep waters wind through cliffs of red, white, and orange sand. Next, visit a bustling fishing village, dotted with colorful round basket boats.
Continue to the vast White Sand Dunes, where you may ride ATVs or Jeeps across the sweeping desert terrain. As the sun begins to descend, head to the Red Sand Dunes, where golden light paints the horizon in fiery hues—a perfect spot for photographs and reflection.
Return to Ho Chi Minh in the evening, with memories of one of Vietnam’s most magical sunsets.

Day 4: Flight to Danang & Marble Mountain Discovery – Evening in Hoi An

Fly north to Danang, where your journey begins at the mystical Marble Mountains—a cluster of limestone hills with hidden pagodas, caves, and sweeping coastal views. By evening, transfer to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage town. Wander lantern-lit streets, admire its golden-hued architecture, and soak in the timeless charm that has enchanted travelers for centuries.

Day 5: Free Day at Ba Na Hills

Today is yours to discover Ba Na Hills, a mountaintop retreat renowned for the Golden Bridge held aloft by giant stone hands. Explore French-inspired gardens, fantasy architecture, and sweeping mountain views at your own pace.

Day 6: Flight to Hanoi & Traditional Village Tour

Arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam’s cultural heart, and step into a world of artistry and tradition. Visit three unique craft villages:

  • Incense Village – stroll through vibrant bundles of incense sticks, learning how artisans craft these fragrant offerings.

  • Conical Hat Village – try your hand at creating Vietnam’s iconic hat, a perfect souvenir.

  • Lacquer Village – explore a family workshop and learn the intricate art of lacquer painting.
    Enjoy a home-cooked lunch along the way, before returning to Hanoi. Optionally, stop at the famous Train Street for a thrilling glimpse of life beside the railway.

Day 7: Ninh Binh Wonders – Bai Dinh, Trang An & Mua Cave

A full-day adventure begins with a visit to the grand Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex, home to towering Buddhas and the longest corridor of Arhat statues in Asia.
After a delicious buffet lunch, board a traditional sampan boat in Trang An, gliding through caves and emerald rivers surrounded by limestone cliffs. The day concludes with a hike up Mua Cave Peak, where a panoramic view of rice fields and karst mountains awaits—a breathtaking reward.

Day 8: Journey to Sapa

Travel by bus to the misty highlands of Sapa, where terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages welcome you to Vietnam’s mountain paradise.

Day 9: Sapa Mountain Views & Ethnic Villages

Hike through the scenic Ham Rong Mountain area, passing plum orchards, cornfields, and trails that reveal sweeping views of the Hoang Lien Son Range and Fansipan Peak. Visit remote Hmong villages—Sa Seng, Hang Da, and Hau Chu Ngai—where daily life unfolds on rocky slopes. Share stories with locals and savor lunch in a traditional home before returning to Sapa town.

Day 10: Fansipan – The Roof of Indochina

Board the cable car to Fansipan Peak (3,143m), the highest point in Indochina. Marvel at cloud-kissed temples and panoramic views stretching into neighboring countries. This is Vietnam from the top of the world.

Day 11: Return to Hanoi

After breakfast, journey back to Hanoi and enjoy an evening of leisure in the Old Quarter.

Day 12: Hanoi → Angel Mountain & Scenic Drive to Cao Bang

Leave the bustle of Hanoi behind and set off northward on one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking road journeys. As the city melts into countryside, your path winds past endless rice fields, misty valleys, and jagged limestone peaks rising like sentinels from the earth.

Your first highlight is the enchanting Angel Mountain (Núi Thủng), also known as “Cyclops Mountain” for its striking round hole through the limestone karst. This natural wonder is surrounded by lush fields and tranquil villages, creating a landscape that feels like a forgotten paradise. Pause here for photos and to breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Continue through the winding roads of Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark, where time seems to stand still. Stop for a hearty Vietnamese lunch at a local homestay restaurant nestled among green hills—expect home-cooked specialties such as bamboo shoots, mountain herbs, and grilled pork.

In the late afternoon, arrive at your traditional homestay in Cao Bang, where friendly hosts welcome you with warm smiles. Enjoy a delicious family-style dinner made from fresh local ingredients. Afterward, you may stroll through the quiet village lanes or simply relax under the starlit mountain sky before retiring to your cozy room.

Day 13: Tiger Cave → Trúc Lâm Pagoda → Ban Gioc Waterfall

Wake to the sounds of roosters and a crisp mountain breeze before enjoying a simple yet delicious Vietnamese breakfast.

Your adventure begins at Tiger Cave (Ngườm Ngao), an ancient cavern known for its dramatic limestone formations. With far fewer visitors than Ha Long’s caves, this serene spot lets you wander through glittering stalactites shaped like tigers, lotuses, dragons, and mythical figures. The cool air and quiet atmosphere add to the sense of wonder.

Next, ascend a hillside to the serene Trúc Lâm Phật Tích Pagoda, a Buddhist temple with sweeping views of the surrounding karst mountains. From here, gaze across to your next destination: the mighty Ban Gioc Waterfall.

Arriving at Ban Gioc is a moment to remember. Spanning 300 meters across the Quây Sơn River on the Vietnam–China border, this is the largest waterfall in Asia. Watch as torrents of white water cascade down multiple tiers into turquoise pools, creating a misty spray that shimmers in the sunlight. For a closer experience, you can board a bamboo raft (small fee) that drifts gently toward the roaring falls, bringing you just meters from its thunderous beauty.

Enjoy a rustic riverside lunch before beginning your scenic journey back toward Hanoi. The road winds once again through verdant valleys and mountain passes, with photo stops along the way. By evening, return to Hanoi with memories of one of Vietnam’s most dramatic natural wonders.

Day 14: Hanoi → Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay Cruise

Today, trade mountains for the sea as you journey to Vietnam’s iconic Ha Long Bay. Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Wharf, board a tender boat that ferries you to your luxurious overnight cruise.

After a refreshing welcome drink and safety briefing, settle into your elegant cabin with sweeping views of emerald waters and limestone cliffs. Lunch is served as the cruise glides deeper into the bay, revealing thousands of karst islands rising from the sea like a mystical stone forest.

Afternoon Excursions (choose depending on the cruise program):

  • Dark & Bright Cave: Paddle a kayak or relax on a bamboo boat as you enter a hidden grotto, where towering cliffs part to reveal a tranquil lagoon.

  • Ba Trái Đào Lagoon: Swim in crystal-clear waters or float among islets draped in lush greenery.

As evening approaches, return to the ship to join a sunset party on deck. Sip cocktails or join a Vietnamese cooking class as the sky turns pink and gold. Dinner is a feast of fresh seafood and regional specialties, enjoyed as the boat anchors in a secluded bay.

Nightfall brings a choice of onboard activities: try squid fishing, watch a film under the stars, relax with music at the bar, or simply stargaze from your balcony as the quiet bay surrounds you.

Day 15: Sunrise Tai Chi → Lan Ha Bay Adventure → Return to Hanoi

Wake early to join a Tai Chi class on the sundeck, where soft movements harmonize with the rising sun over the Gulf of Tonkin. After a light breakfast, the day’s final excursion begins.

Morning Excursion Options:

  • Ao Ech Lagoon: Kayak through calm jade waters surrounded by towering limestone peaks, with time for a refreshing swim.

  • Quan Y Cave (Cat Ba Island): Step inside this historical cave, once used as a wartime hospital, and admire its vast chambers and fascinating rock formations.

Return to the ship for brunch as the cruise slowly sails back through Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long’s iconic seascape. Around noon, disembark at Tuan Chau Wharf, where a comfortable transfer returns you to Hanoi by late afternoon.

Evening at leisure in Hanoi, perfect for a relaxed dinner or a stroll through the lantern-lit Old Quarter.

Day 16: Free Day in Hanoi

Spend your final full day shopping for silk, handicrafts, and souvenirs in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, or visit iconic landmarks such as the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, or West Lake.

Day 17: Departure from Hanoi

Bid farewell to Vietnam as you transfer to the airport for your onward journey, carrying with you memories of a land rich in culture, history, and natural wonder.

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
  • 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)
  • 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, Sa Pa
  • Bus Ticket: Hanoi - 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