13-Day Cultural Exploration & Beach Vacation in Vietnam

After breakfast, leave the bustle of Hanoi behind as you journey by shuttle to the serene shores of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where dramatic limestone islands rise from jade-green waters.

Board your elegant overnight cruise and set sail across the calm, glassy bay, passing more than 2,000 towering karsts wrapped in mist and legend. Settle into life on board with a freshly prepared seafood lunch as the boat glides deeper into the bay’s tranquil corners.

In the afternoon, drop anchor at a secluded cove, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters or kayak through hidden grottoes and quiet lagoons. Paddle beneath limestone arches and discover untouched beaches far from the tourist trail. Keep an eye out for iconic formations like Kissing Rock, featured on Vietnam’s 200,000 VND banknote.

Back onboard, join the ship’s chef for a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn to make Vietnamese classics like nem (crispy spring rolls). As the sun sets over the bay, enjoy a peaceful dinner on deck, followed by an optional round of squid fishing under the stars—a favorite local pastime.

Spend the night surrounded by nature’s stillness, rocked gently to sleep on the waters of this magical bay.

Wake to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay at sunrise, as the first light of day casts a golden glow over the emerald waters and misty limestone peaks. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on deck, surrounded by one of the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.

This peaceful morning is yours to savor. Relax and soak in the tranquil views, or opt for another round of kayaking or swimming, gliding past floating fishing villages and forest-draped islands.

As the cruise gently returns to port, sit down to an early lunch on board, reflecting on your unforgettable journey through this UNESCO-listed wonder.

Upon arrival at the harbor, you’ll transfer back to Hanoi, arriving in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is free to unwind at your hotel or explore more of the capital’s buzzing streets at your own pace.

After breakfast, catch a short flight south to Da Nang, where your private driver will greet you for a scenic transfer along Vietnam’s central coast to the charming heritage town of Hoi An.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a moment to settle in before setting out to explore this beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a bustling trading port in the 16th century, Hoi An offers a captivating blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and French influences.

Wander the cobbled streets lined with ochre-colored buildings, admire red-gold temples, traditional wooden shop-houses, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, an architectural gem that has stood for over 400 years.

As dusk falls, Hoi An transforms into a glowing fairytale, with colorful lanterns lighting up the Old Town. Stroll along the riverside, sample the town’s world-famous street food—like cao lau noodles and white rose dumplings—and soak in the magic of this historic riverside haven.

Spend two days at your own pace in Hoi An, a town made for slow travel and hidden discoveries. With motorized vehicles banned in much of the Old Town, it’s a dream to explore by foot or bicycle—meandering along peaceful alleys, past riverside cafés, ancient houses, and colorful shops.

Tailored fashion is a local specialty here, so why not treat yourself to a custom-made outfit? Skilled tailors can design and finish bespoke garments in as little as 24 hours. Between fittings, head to the beach for some sun and sea—An Bang and Cua Dai are both a short ride away and perfect for relaxing on soft, golden sand.

In the evenings, indulge in local specialties like com hen (sautéed clams), nem lui (grilled ground pork), and cao lau (Hoi An’s iconic noodle dish). The lantern-lit streets offer the perfect backdrop for dinner with a touch of magic.

Looking for more? Choose from a range of immersive optional experiences:

• Cycle through the countryside on a guided tour to Cam Thanh Fishing Village, where you’ll meet locals and paddle a round bamboo basket boat through the palm-fringed waterways.

• Join a Vietnamese cooking class, starting with a local market visit. Learn to prepare authentic dishes like green papaya salad, sizzling pancakes, or clay pot fish.

• Get hands-on at a lantern-making workshop, where you’ll craft your own colorful lantern while learning about this beloved Hoi An tradition.

Whether you’re unwinding or exploring, these two days promise the perfect mix of cultural charm, coastal calm, and family-friendly fun.

After breakfast, head to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City—Vietnam’s dynamic southern hub where old-world charm meets rapid modern growth.

Once you’ve checked into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Dive straight into the action with a visit to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for handicrafts, souvenirs, and sample delicious local street food like banh xeo (crispy pancakes) or hu tieu noodles.

History buffs may want to visit the War Remnants Museum, a powerful and thought-provoking stop that offers insight into Vietnam’s wartime past. Or, if you’re in need of a break, unwind with a traditional Vietnamese foot massage at one of the city’s countless spas.

As the sun sets, sip a refreshing drink atop the sleek Bitexco Financial Tower, where panoramic city views stretch as far as the eye can see. Whether you’re here for the energy, culture, or cuisine, Ho Chi Minh City delivers it all in full color.

This morning, journey into Vietnam’s recent past with a guided visit to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels—an immense underground network carved out during the Vietnam War. Located in the countryside just northwest of the city, this 155-mile (250 km) maze served as living quarters, supply routes, and hideouts for the Viet Cong.

As you explore the preserved tunnel system, your guide will share stories of resilience and strategy used during wartime. You’ll even have the chance to crawl through a portion of the tunnel yourself—an eye-opening experience that brings history to life in the most vivid way.

After returning to Ho Chi Minh City, dive deeper into its storied past with a visit to the Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War officially ended in 1975. Walk through its preserved war rooms, vintage furnishings, and rooftop helipad.

Next, take in the city’s colonial-era charm as you explore elegant landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, both designed by the French in the 19th century. End your tour at the lively Ben Thanh Market, a bustling hive of local energy where you can pick up souvenirs, handicrafts, or a bowl of steaming bun thit nuong (grilled pork noodles).

Today is a blend of powerful storytelling and cultural discovery, offering a deeper appreciation for Vietnam’s complex history and vibrant present.