16 Day Best of Vietnam Tour – Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa and Halong Bay

Duration

16 Days

Tour Type

Private Tour

Transports

Overview Tour

Vietnam is a country of extraordinary contrasts where modern cities, ancient traditions, stunning mountains, and world-famous natural landscapes come together to create unforgettable travel experiences. The 16 Day Best of Vietnam Tour is designed to help travelers discover the most iconic destinations from the vibrant south to the spectacular north. This journey begins in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest and most energetic metropolis. Here you will explore historical landmarks and the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used during the Vietnam War. The adventure continues to the fertile Mekong Delta, where rivers, floating markets, orchards, and traditional villages reveal the authentic rural lifestyle of southern Vietnam. The tour then travels to Central Vietnam, where the charming Hoi An Ancient Town and the historic imperial capital of Hue showcase Vietnam’s cultural heritage. Along the way, you will cross the spectacular Hai Van Pass, one of the most scenic coastal roads in the country. From the central region, the journey continues to Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam. Here you will explore ancient temples, vibrant markets, and the famous Old Quarter. The tour also includes a scenic trip to Ninh Binh, known as “Halong Bay on land,” where limestone mountains rise dramatically from rice fields and peaceful rivers. One of the most memorable experiences is visiting the mountain town of Sapa, home to colorful ethnic minority cultures and breathtaking terraced rice fields. The journey concludes with an unforgettable overnight cruise through Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands. This comprehensive itinerary offers the perfect combination of culture, nature, history, and authentic local experiences across Vietnam.

Highlight

  • Ho Chi Minh City exploration and Cu Chi Tunnels visit
  • Mekong Delta boat trip and rural village experience
  • Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary
  • Scenic Hai Van Pass and Hue Imperial heritage
  • Hanoi city exploration and Old Quarter cyclo ride
  • Ninh Binh boat tour in Trang An
  • Sapa trekking through ethnic minority villages
  • Halong Bay overnight cruise experience

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2: Mekong Delta Exploration
Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels Tour
Day 4: Flight to Da Nang – Transfer to Hoi An
Day 5: My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Villages
Day 6: Free Day in Hoi An
Day 7: Hoi An to Hue via Hai Van Pass
Day 8: Flight from Hue to Hanoi
Day 9: Free Day in Hanoi
Day 10: Ninh Binh Tour – Night Train to Sapa
Day 11: Sapa Village Exploration
Day 12: Free Day in Sapa
Day 13: Sapa to Hanoi by Sleeping Bus
Day 14: Halong Bay Cruise
Day 15: Halong Bay – Return to Hanoi
Day 16: Hanoi Departure

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival
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Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be welcomed by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center.

After checking in, the rest of the day is free for you to relax after your long flight or explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta
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After breakfast, depart for the Mekong Delta, one of the most fertile and picturesque regions of Vietnam.

Upon arrival in My Tho, take a relaxing boat trip along the Mekong River, passing stilt houses, fishing boats, and lush riverbanks.

Visit local handicraft workshops and observe the daily lives of local residents. Continue with a traditional sampan boat ride through narrow canals shaded by palm trees.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

16 Day Best of Vietnam Tour – Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa and Halong Bay

Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels Tour
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In the morning, travel to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels located about 60 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City.

Explore the underground network of tunnels that served as living quarters, kitchens, hospitals, and weapon storage during the Vietnam War.

Learn about the ingenious trap systems and survival techniques used by Vietnamese soldiers.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

16 Day Best of Vietnam Tour – Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa and Halong Bay

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City – Flight to Da Nang – Hoi An
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After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the charming ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its lantern-lit streets and historic architecture.

Enjoy free time to explore the ancient town.

Overnight in Hoi An.

16 Day Best of Vietnam Tour – Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa and Halong Bay

Day 5: My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Villages
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Travel to My Son Sanctuary, the former religious center of the Champa Kingdom. Explore ancient temple towers hidden in a peaceful valley surrounded by mountains and forests.

Return to Hoi An for lunch.

In the afternoon, explore rural villages along the Thu Bon River. Visit local markets, traditional farms, and small villages where locals produce rice crackers and other traditional foods.

Overnight in Hoi An.

16 Day Best of Vietnam Tour – Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa and Halong Bay

Day 6: Free Day in Hoi An
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Today you have free time to explore Hoi An at your own pace.

You may walk through the ancient streets, visit local markets, shop for tailor-made clothing, or relax at nearby beaches.

Overnight in Hoi An.

16 Day Best of Vietnam Tour – Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa and Halong Bay

Day 7: Hoi An – Hue via Hai Van Pass
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Travel from Hoi An to Hue via the famous Hai Van Pass, one of the most scenic coastal mountain roads in Vietnam.

Enjoy panoramic views of Lang Co Beach and the surrounding mountains.

Upon arrival in Hue, visit the Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc.

Overnight in Hue.

16 Day Best of Vietnam Tour – Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa and Halong Bay

Day 8: Hue – Flight to Hanoi
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After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the city center. In the evening, enjoy a cyclo tour around the Old Quarter followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

16 Day Best of Vietnam Tour – Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa and Halong Bay

Day 9: Free Day in Hanoi
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Today is free for you to explore Hanoi at your own pace. You may visit museums, explore the Old Quarter, or join optional activities such as street food tours or scooter tours.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 10: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Night Train to Sapa
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Travel to Ninh Binh and visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest pagoda complex in Southeast Asia.

After lunch, take a scenic boat ride through the limestone caves and rivers of Trang An.

Return to Hanoi in the evening and transfer to the train station for the overnight train to Sapa.

Overnight on the train.

16 Day Best of Vietnam Tour – Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa and Halong Bay

Day 11: Sapa Village Exploration
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Arrive at Lao Cai station and transfer to Sapa town.

Visit Lao Chai and Ta Van villages, home to Hmong and Dzay ethnic minority groups. Walk through rice terraces and traditional villages while learning about local culture.

In the afternoon, visit Ta Phin village where the Red Dao ethnic group lives.

Overnight in Sapa.

16 Day Best of Vietnam Tour – Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa and Halong Bay

Day 12: Free Day in Sapa
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Enjoy free time to explore Sapa town or join optional activities such as visiting Fansipan Mountain by cable car, trekking to Cat Cat village, or hiking to Ham Rong Mountain.

Overnight in Sapa.

Day 13: Sapa – Hanoi
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Enjoy free time in the morning before taking a sleeping bus back to Hanoi.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy free time.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 14: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise
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Depart from Hanoi to Halong Bay and board a luxury cruise.

Enjoy lunch while sailing through the breathtaking limestone islands of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.

In the afternoon, participate in activities such as kayaking or swimming in the emerald waters.

Dinner and overnight on the cruise.

16 Day Best of Vietnam Tour – Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa and Halong Bay

Day 15: Halong Bay – Hanoi
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Start the day with breakfast on board while cruising through the bay.

Continue exploring the bay before returning to the harbor around noon.

Transfer back to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 16: Hanoi Departure
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Enjoy free time until your driver transfers you to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight.

End of the tour.

Inclusions

Enjoy free time until your driver transfers you to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight. End of the tour.
Domestic flights within Vietnam
Domestic flights within Vietnam
Accommodation as selected
Night train to Sapa
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary

Exclusions

Vietnam visa
Early check-in and late check-out
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Drinks and personal expenses
Bank transfer fees

For Children

👶 Children under 5 years old: Free of charge when sharing bed with parents.
👶 Children from 5 to 8 years old: Charged 75 percent of the adult price.
👶 Children from 9 years old and above: Charged as adults.

Price

Price
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Travel Tips

  • Bring comfortable walking shoes for city tours and trekking in Sapa.
  • Pack light clothing suitable for tropical weather.
  • A light jacket is recommended for cooler mountain areas like Sapa.
  • Always carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for outdoor activities.
  • Respect local customs when visiting temples and ethnic minority villages.

Explore Other Options

28 days

8 Day

146 $

2 Days 1 Night