13-Day Vietnam Highlights and Phu Quoc Island Escape

From Vietnam's Cultural Charm to Its Idyllic Beaches

This tour is designed for those seeking a Vietnam holiday with leisurely beach days as well as all the first-time must-sees, making it an idea choice for a new year escape or a winter/spring break.

Commence your journey in the bustling economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City, go on a daytrip adventure to the scenic Mekong Delta. Spend some time relaxing on wonderful Phu Quoc Island, followed by an exploration of the enchanting countryside of Hoi An. Kayak in the hidden charm of Ha Long Bay, and conclude your trip in history-filled Hanoi. This 13-day itinerary will offer you an immersive and revitalizing Vietnam experience.

  • Days:13±
  • Best for: first-timers, families
  • Departure date: up to you
  • Sample price:US$2,339 each (2 per room)*
  • Flights:Vietnam domestic's included (international on request)

*The price is based on a private tour. The cost for a customized private SE Asia tour from US$200/person/day

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Vietnam Highlights Tour Map (Suggested Route)

Vietnam Highlights Tour Map

Tour Highlights

Relax and spend some free time on the wonderful beaches of Phu Quoc Island.

Phu Quoc Island

Explore Quang Phu Cau Incense Village and learn about its century-old traditions.

Quang Phu Cau Incense Village

Enjoy a relaxing overnight Orchid Cruise on Ha Long Bay.

Orchid Cruise

Cycle through the picturesque countryside to a local fishing village in Hoi An.

hoi an cycling

Delve deeper into Vietnamese culture through its food during an evening foodie walking tour.

Hoi an evening foodie walking tour

Set off on a traditional boat tour, including a sampan ride into the heart of the Mekong Delta.

a sampan ride into the heart of the Mekong Delta

Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration

Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to customize a wonderful Vietnam tour for you. This is to show you what's possible…

Day 1
Ho Chi Minh City Arrival

Upon arrival, your private tour guide and driver will greet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax or explore at your leisure. Your expert guide will be ready to give suggestions.

Day 2
The Cu Chi Tunnels and a Ho Chi Minh City Tour
  • In the morning, embark on a speedboat journey to the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels.
  • Within just 15 minutes of cruising, you'll witness the transition from city buildings to lush jungle along the riverbanks.
  • Once you arrive, explore the intricate network of underground passages, chambers, rooms, and booby traps, used by the Vietminh and Viet Cong.
  • In the afternoon, visit the must-sees of the city: Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, Central Post Office, and Reunification Palace,War Remnants Museum.
  • Experience Saigon's famed street coffee culture, while your guide provides a brief language lesson as well as insights into Saigonese daily life, before returning to your hotel.
the maya bay
Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 3
A Day Tour to Mekong Delta at Cai Be
  • After a 2-hour drive from Saigon to the small town of Cai Be, embark onto a traditional charming boat named Mekong Queen.
  • The first stop will be a visit to a local ancient house, which dates back to the 19th century.
  • Next, your boat will float through the central business district of the town, where you will have a close look at a floating market.
  • Cross the mighty Mekong river, and temporarily disembark from your cruise for quick visits to local families who make traditional and handicraft products.
  • Board a sampan for a serene ride through narrow canals on an island. Along the way, take a leisurely walk through a village's shady backroads with fruitful orchards.
  • Return to Saigon in the late afternoon.
Relax in the wonderful beach of phuket
The floating market in Cai Be
Day 4
Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc Island
  • After breakfast, you will take a private transfer to the airport and fly to Phu Quoc.
  • Upon arrival on Phu Quoc island, our private transfer will take you to your beautiful hotel by the beach.
the leaping gibbons in Khao Yai national park
Stay in your beautiful hotel by the beach
Day 5 - 6
Two Free Days by the Beautiful Beaches

You will have two unaccompanied days to spend at your leisure at the tropical beaches.

Day 7
Phu Quoc Island to Da Nang to Hoi An; Evening Foodie Tour
  • After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport in Phu Quoc for your onward flight.
  • Upon arrival in Da Nang, your private tour guide and driver will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An.
  • Learn more about Vietnamese culture through its food during an evening specialty-tasting tour. Walk around the ancient town and take a boat trip on the Hoai River for a dreamy night surrounded by colorful lanterns — hanging and floating ones.
Mae Fah Luang Garden and Royal Villa.
Take a boat trip on the Hoai River
Day 8
Hoi An Countryside Cycling and Fishing Life Experience
  • In the morning, cycle the narrow roads through the countryside near Hoi An, passing rice paddies, water buffaloes, bamboo bridges, and local farmers doing their daily work.
  • At a fishing village, experience the fisher-folk lifestyle. Cruise down Cua Dai River and try your hand at casting Vietnamese fishing nets.
  • Paddle a unique Vietnamese round-basket boat on tranquil coconut-tree-flanked waterways, just as the fisher folk do traditionally.
  • Enjoy a light seafood meal on another boat while soaking in the stunning views.
Paddle a unique Vietnamese round-basket boat
casting Vietnamese fishing nets
Day 9
Hoi An to Da Nang; Fly to Hanoi
  • Transfer to Danang for an onward flight to Hanoi. A private transfer with a tour guide is included in both cities.
  • Our guide will help you check-in to your hotel and suggest some options for your leisure time, which you can spend as you wish.
Witness monks descend for alms-giving at Doi Suthep
The night view of Hanoi
Day 10
Hanoi to Ha Long Bay and an Overnight Cruise
  • After breakfast, you will be transferred from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.
  • Board your Orchid Cruise boat at noon. This smaller craft is both more intimate and authentic than the usual group-tour boats.
  • Explore the Trung Trang Cave in Cat Ba Island. Swim in the emerald waters of Tra Bau in Lan Ha Bay.
  • Join in interesting activities on board, such as cooking demonstrations and squid fishing.
  • Taste exquisite drinks and savor delicious food on board while enjoying the spectacular views.
halong bay high-end cruise
Explore the Trung Trang Cave in Cat Ba Island
Day 11
Ha Long Bay to Hanoi; Hanoi City Tour
  • In the morning, kayak in the Ao Ech area to discover Ha Long's hidden charm — Lan Ha Bay.
  • After brunch, your cruise will dock, and we will transfer you to Hanoi.
  • Take a 1-hour cyclo ride in the Old Quarter of Hanoi to discover local lifestyles.
  • Enjoy a traditional Vietnam water puppet show in a local theatre.
halong bay high-end cruise
Kaya in Lan Ha Bay
halong bay high-end cruise
Take a cyclo ride in the old quarter of Hanoi
Day12
Explore Quang Phu Cau Incense Village near Hanoi
  • In the morning, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Quang Phu Cau.
  • Upon arrival in the village, you will have the chance to photograph people working amidst the colorful drying incense. Take your time to capture a variety of shots of the skilled artisans in action.
  • Then, explore deeper into the village to learn about the incense-making process, including chopping bamboo, dipping sticks in dye, and creating the incense paste.
  • Afterwards, visit a workshop run by experienced incense makers who have preserved this tradition for generations. The workshops and drying yards offer a fascinating glimpse into this century-old tradition and its integral role in the village's daily life.
halong bay high-end cruise
The Quang Phu Cau Incense Village
Day13
Hanoi Departure

Your private tour guide and driver will pick you up and take you to the airport. Have a safe flight home, and we hope to see you again soon!

Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours

Special experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.

the float house river kwai
Extend your tour to Dong Hoi for caving

For adventurers

the golden bridge of banna hill
Explore the Golden Bridge of Bana Hill

For those who like to photograph

Lantern-making in Hoi An
Lantern-making in Hoi An

For those who like hands-on activities

sukhothai historical park
See A O Show in Ho Chi Minh City

For culture fans

Hand-Picked Hotels

We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.

Chen sea resort & spa phu quoc
Chen sea resort & spa phu quoc
Liberty Central Saigon City Point
Liberty Central Saigon City Point
little oasis Hoi An Eco Friendly Hotel
Little Oasis Hoi An Eco Friendly Hotel
Silk Path Boutique Hanoi
Silk Path Boutique Hanoi

Tour Price:

13 days from
US$2,339 p/p(based on a private tour for 2 people)
  • The price is based on a private tour during the low season with 4-star hotel options.
  • The price varies based on program, travel date, number of people.
  • We could also price a tour including both 4-star and 5-star hotels for you.
  • The price for a child younger than 8 is approximately 80% of the adult's price.
  • We accept payments in multiple currencies (GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR...).

Price Includes:

  • Privately-driven air-conditioned vehicle with ample space (except where stated)
  • English-speaking local guide for the sightseeing
  • Attraction tickets and itinerary activities
  • Accommodation for all nights
  • Flights/trains between itinerary cities
  • Hotel breakfasts and itinerary lunches/dinners
  • 24/7 helpline while touring
  • Governmental taxes

Price Excludes:

  • International flights not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Overweight luggage more than 20 kg per person
  • Visa fee, if applicable
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Personal expenses

Tour code: ah-3

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