Vietnam Sun & Sea Adventure – 18 Days

Duration

18 days

Tour Type

Private Tour

Transports

Overview Tour

If you are looking for a journey that combines exciting adventure with relaxing beach escapes, the Vietnam Sun & Sea Tour is the perfect choice. This 18 days itinerary takes you through Vietnam’s most iconic destinations, offering a wonderful balance of cultural discovery, breathtaking landscapes, and beautiful coastal experiences. Your journey begins in the thousand-year-old capital of Hanoi, where ancient temples, colonial architecture, and vibrant streets introduce you to Vietnam’s fascinating heritage. From here, travel to the misty mountains of Sapa, where you will trek through spectacular rice terraces and visit ethnic minority villages nestled in the Muong Hoa Valley. The adventure continues with a memorable overnight cruise in Halong Bay, one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. After exploring the limestone islands and emerald waters, you will journey south to discover the extraordinary caves of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its underground river systems. Central Vietnam offers a deep dive into history and culture with visits to Hue, the former imperial capital, and the charming lantern-lit streets of Hoi An. You will also enjoy a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class, learning how to prepare traditional dishes. The tour then moves to the beautiful coastal city of Nha Trang, where you can relax on sandy beaches and explore tropical islands. In the south, experience the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City, visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, and cruise through the scenic waterways of the Mekong Delta to discover the lively floating markets. Combining culture, nature, history, and relaxing beach time, this tour offers a complete and unforgettable journey through Vietnam.

Highlight

  • Discover the vibrant capital Hanoi with its ancient temples and historic Old Quarter
  • Experience overnight train journeys through Vietnam
  • Trek through spectacular rice terraces and ethnic villages in Sapa
  • Cruise among limestone islands in Halong Bay – UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Explore the magnificent caves of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park
  • Visit historic war sites in the DMZ area
  • Discover the imperial heritage of Hue Ancient Citadel
  • Drive along the spectacular Hai Van Pass coastal road
  • Explore the charming lantern streets of Hoi An Ancient Town
  • Join a Vietnamese cooking class with local chefs
  • Relax on the tropical beaches of Nha Trang
  • Visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City
  • Cruise through the Mekong Delta and visit the famous Cai Rang Floating Market

Brief Itinerary

Day 1 – Day 2: Hanoi

Day 3 – Day 4: Sapa

Day 5 – Day 6: Halong Bay

Day 7: Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park

Day 8 – Day 9: Hue

Day 10 – Day 11: Hoi An – Da Nang

Day 12 – Day 13: Nha Trang

Day 14 – Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta – Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City – Departure

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi – Welcome to Vietnam
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Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in the city center.

You will have time to relax after your long journey and recover from jet lag.

If time permits, you may enjoy an orientation walk around Hanoi. During this introduction to the city, you will learn about the legend and history of Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the Lake of the Restored Sword.

You will also explore the historic Old Quarter, famous for its narrow streets, traditional shops, and unique street names that reflect the old trading guilds of the city.

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour – Night Train to Sapa (B)
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Today you will visit some of the most important historical and cultural landmarks in Hanoi.

The tour includes:

  • The Ho Chi Minh Complex, considered the political center of Vietnam
  • The iconic One Pillar Pagoda
  • The Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university dedicated to Confucian learning

You will also visit one of the famous museums in Hanoi such as:

  • Museum of History
  • Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
  • Museum of Fine Arts

In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique performance representing rural life and folklore in northern Vietnam.

In the evening, you will have time for dinner before transferring to the railway station for the overnight train to Sapa.

Overnight on the train in a 4-soft-berth cabin with air conditioning.

Note: If you prefer a private 2-person cabin on the train, the extra charge is 60 USD per person for the round trip.

Vietnam Sun & Sea Adventure – 18 Days

Day 3: Sapa Villages (B/L)
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Arrive at Lao Cai Railway Station around 6:00 AM and transfer to Sapa town. Breakfast will be served at a local restaurant.

Today is dedicated to discovering the beautiful natural scenery of Sapa as well as the unique cultures of the local hill tribes.

From your hotel, begin trekking through hills and rice terraces with spectacular views of Fansipan Mountain and the scenic Muong Hoa Valley.

You will walk through rice terraces, bamboo forests, and streams to reach Lao Chai Village and Ta Van Village, home to ethnic minority groups such as the Hmong, Red Dao, and Giay people.

This journey offers excellent opportunities to take photographs of breathtaking landscapes and to meet friendly hill-tribe people while learning about their traditions and daily lives.

Enjoy a picnic lunch during the trek.

Return to your hotel in Sapa by car in the afternoon.

Overnight at hotel in Sapa.

Note: A full-day trekking program or a combination of short walks and car transfers can be arranged upon request.

Vietnam Sun & Sea Adventure – 18 Days

Day 4: Sapa Villages – Night Train Back to Hanoi (B)
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After breakfast, explore Sapa town and enjoy a short 2 km trek to Cat Cat Village, home to the Hmong ethnic minority.

Here you can learn about traditional handicrafts and experience the daily life of local villagers.

Return to Sapa town before noon.

In the afternoon, visit Ta Phin Village, where you will see traditional handicraft shops and explore the lifestyle of the Red Dao people.

Later, transfer to Lao Cai Railway Station to board the overnight train returning to Hanoi.

Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise (B/L/D)
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The train arrives in Hanoi around 5:30 AM. You will be met by our guide and transferred to a day-use hotel for several hours of rest and breakfast.

After breakfast, depart for Halong Bay, one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival, board a traditional wooden junk boat designed in the style of ancient Vietnamese royal vessels.

The cruise will take you through the famous limestone karst formations and hidden caves of Halong Bay.

Depending on the weather conditions, activities may include:

  • Swimming in the emerald waters
  • Fishing
  • Climbing a hill for panoramic views of the bay
  • Exploring sea caves by small sampan boat

All meals will be served on board, usually featuring fresh seafood.

Overnight on the cruise in Halong Bay.

Vietnam Sun & Sea Adventure – 18 Days

Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Night Train to Dong Hoi (B/L)
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Begin the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck or simply enjoy the beautiful sunrise over Halong Bay.

After breakfast, continue cruising and visit a nearby cave by rowing boat.

Return to the boat where breakfast will be served while sailing through the bay.

The cruise ends around noon and you will transfer back to Hanoi.

In the evening, transfer to the railway station for the overnight train to Dong Hoi.

Overnight on the train in a 4-soft-berth cabin with air conditioning.

Day 7: Dong Hoi – Phong Nha Cave – Ke Bang National Park (B/L)
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Arrive in Dong Hoi in the morning and transfer to a local restaurant for breakfast.

Then travel to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, famous for its spectacular cave systems.

Take a boat trip along the underground river to Phong Nha Cave, one of the longest underground rivers in the world.

Inside the cave, you will see magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.

After traveling by boat for about 700 meters, you will reach a dry passage where you can continue walking about 500 meters deeper into the cave to explore more impressive rock formations.

You will also have the opportunity to see the remains of Cham altars and ancient inscriptions inside the cave.

Overnight in Dong Hoi town.

Vietnam Sun & Sea Adventure – 18 Days

Day 8: Dong Hoi – DMZ – Hue (B/L)
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Depart early in the morning for Hue.

Along the way, visit several important historical sites from the Vietnam War, including:

  • Hien Luong Bridge
  • Ben Hai River
  • Vinh Moc Tunnels

Arrive in Hue around noon and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before checking into your hotel.

Free time in the afternoon.

Overnight in Hue.

Vietnam Sun & Sea Adventure – 18 Days

Day 9: Hue City Tour (B)
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Today explore the ancient imperial capital of Hue.

Visit the Imperial Citadel, a large complex of palaces and temples built by the Nguyen Dynasty in the early 19th century and recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Continue to the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum, which preserves artifacts related to Vietnam’s imperial past.

Then drive to the countryside to visit Emperor Tu Duc’s Tomb, one of the most beautiful royal tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty.

You will also visit a traditional Hue garden house, a unique cultural feature of the city.

Continue to Thuy Xuan Incense Village, where local artisans make traditional incense sticks and the famous Hue conical hats.

In the late afternoon, visit Thien Mu Pagoda and enjoy a relaxing boat trip along the scenic Perfume River.

Overnight in Hue.

Vietnam Sun & Sea Adventure – 18 Days

Day 10: Hue – Hoi An (B)
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After breakfast, depart Hue and drive along the scenic coastal road across the Hai Van Pass, one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Vietnam.

Stop at Lang Co Beach for a short break and photo opportunities.

Continue to Da Nang, where you will visit:

  • Cham Sculpture Museum
  • Dragon Bridge
  • Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son), where you can explore caves and enjoy panoramic views from the summit

Continue to Hoi An Ancient Town.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Vietnam Sun & Sea Adventure – 18 Days

Day 11: Hoi An – Cooking Class (B/L)
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After breakfast, join a Vietnamese cooking class at Red Bridge Cooking School.

Activities include:

  • Visiting the local market with the chef to buy fresh ingredients

  • Watching a cooking demonstration

  • Preparing traditional Vietnamese dishes yourself

Enjoy the lunch you have prepared.

In the afternoon, free time for shopping or relaxing at the beach.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Vietnam Sun & Sea Adventure – 18 Days

Day 12: Hoi An – Da Nang – Nha Trang (B)
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Transfer to Da Nang Airport for your domestic flight to Nha Trang.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Relax on the beautiful beaches of Nha Trang.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 13: Nha Trang Island Excursion (B/L)
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Enjoy a full-day island boat tour.

Start from your hotel and transfer to Cau Da Port.

Visit:

  • Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island

  • Mun Island, famous for snorkeling and colorful coral reefs

  • Mot Island or Tranh Beach Island for swimming and water activities

  • Mini Beach for relaxation

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on the island.

On the return journey, visit a local fishing village before heading back to shore.

Return to Nha Trang around 16:00.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Vietnam Sun & Sea Adventure – 18 Days

Day 14: Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City (B)
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Visit several famous landmarks in Nha Trang:

  • Cham Po Nagar Towers

  • Long Son Pagoda

  • Stone Church

Enjoy leisure time on the beach until transfer to Cam Ranh Airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels (B)
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In the morning, travel to Cu Chi District to visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network built during the Vietnam War.

After the excursion, return to Ho Chi Minh City.

In the afternoon visit:

  • War Remnants Museum

  • Reunification Palace

  • Notre Dame Cathedral

  • Ben Thanh Market

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam Sun & Sea Adventure – 18 Days

Day 16: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta – Can Tho (B/L)
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After breakfast, depart for My Tho in the Mekong Delta.

Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda before taking a boat ride along the Mekong River.

Activities include:

  • Visiting Tortoise Islet

  • Lunch in an orchard garden

  • Sampan boat ride through coconut canals

  • Enjoying tropical fruits and honey tea

Visit a local coconut candy workshop and explore fruit plantations.

Continue to Can Tho for overnight stay.

Vietnam Sun & Sea Adventure – 18 Days

Day 17: Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City (B)
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Wake early and take a boat trip to the famous Cai Rang Floating Market, where hundreds of boats trade fruits, vegetables, and local goods.

Visit nearby orchards and enjoy tropical fruits.

Late morning return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Free time in the evening to explore:

  • Ben Thanh Night Market

  • Bui Vien Walking Street

  • Modern shopping centers

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam Sun & Sea Adventure – 18 Days

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City – Departure (B)
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Breakfast at hotel.

Free time for shopping or optional sightseeing before transferring to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.

End of the 18-day Vietnam Sun & Sea Tour.

Inclusions

Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast (twin/double sharing)
Overnight cruise in Halong Bay (2 days / 1 night)
2 domestic flights: Danang – Nha Trang, Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City
Train tickets in shared 4-berth soft sleeper cabins with air conditioning
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B, L, D)
Air-conditioned transfers throughout the tour
Boat trips and excursions as mentioned in the program
Private English-speaking tour guides (other languages available upon request)
Entrance fees and permits
1 bottle of drinking water per person per touring day
Government taxes and service charges

Exclusions

International airfare to/from Vietnam
Vietnam visa fees
Travel insurance
Early check-in or late check-out at hotels
Beverages and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, shopping, etc.)
Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers

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

  • Best Time to Travel: The best months for this itinerary are March to May and September to November, when the weather is pleasant across most regions.
  • Packing Essentials: Bring comfortable walking shoes for trekking in Sapa, light clothing for warm coastal destinations, and a light jacket for cooler mountain evenings.
  • Local Currency: The official currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND). Cash is recommended for small purchases in markets and rural areas.
  • Food & Cuisine: Vietnam is famous for its fresh cuisine. During the tour you will enjoy local specialties such as pho, fresh seafood, spring rolls, and regional dishes.
  • Health & Safety: Vietnam is considered a safe destination for travelers. Always stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and follow the guide’s instructions during trekking and boat trips.
  • Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas. Always ask permission before photographing local people.
  • Transportation: This tour includes domestic flights, overnight trains, boat cruises, and road transfers, offering a diverse travel experience across the country.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for guides, drivers, and service staff.

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