- 4.9/5 713 Latest reviews
- Destination: Vietnam
- Duration: 13 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
The Essential Vietnam with Sapa Adventure is a 13-day private tour designed to showcase Vietnam’s most iconic highlights — from the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City and the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta to the ancient heritage of Hoi An and the majestic rice terraces of Sapa. Enjoy authentic cultural encounters with ethnic minority communities, scenic trekking in the northern highlands, and a relaxing overnight cruise in Halong Bay. This journey is perfect for travelers seeking a blend of classic sightseeing, soft adventure, and immersive local experiences across Vietnam from south to north.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 2
Ho Chi Minh City
Cu Chi Tunnels, Reunification Palace
3
My Tho
Mekong Cruise Tour
4
Can Tho
Cai Rang Floating Market
5 - 6
Hoi An
Ancient Town Exploration, Lantern Making, My Son Sanctuary
7
Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Old Quarter Food Tour
8 - 10
Sapa
Mountainous Trekking Tour, Visit Ethnic Villages
10
My Son – Hoi An
My Son Sanctuary, Hoi An Ancient Town
11–14
Ho Chi Minh City
City tour, Mekong Delta excursion
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive in Vietnam’s buzzing southern capital, where skyscrapers meet ancient pagodas. Meet your private guide at the airport and enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel. If time allows, explore lively streets filled with street food stalls and motorbikes — your first taste of Vietnam’s charm.
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 2 – Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon City Heritage
Travel into Vietnam’s wartime past as you crawl through sections of the Cu Chi Tunnels used by soldiers during the Vietnam War. Back in the city, admire French architecture — the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office — before discovering Saigon’s modern life at Ben Thanh Market and walking along vibrant Dong Khoi Street.
Highlight: Taste fresh tropical fruits and iconic Vietnamese coffee like a true local.
- B , L
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 3 – Authentic Mekong Delta Cruise
Escape into lush countryside where life moves at river speed. Cruise through narrow canals shaded by palm trees, visit a coconut workshop, taste honey tea at a bee farm, and relax with a farm-to-table lunch beside the river. Continue to Can Tho, known for its peaceful river scenery.
Bonus Experience: Shop fresh produce directly from farmers at a lively fruit market.
- B , L
- Can Tho
- Day 4 – Cai Rang Floating Market → Fly to Hoi An
Wake early for the delta’s most exciting event — vendors selling fruits and goods right from their boats! Learn to make traditional rice noodles before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for a short flight to Da Nang. Transfer to Hoi An and enjoy an evening stroll in its romantic lantern-streets.
Photo Opportunity: The iconic night reflection on Thu Bon River.
- B , L
- Hoi An
- Day 5 – Hoi An Ancient Town & Lantern Art
Explore Hoi An’s rich merchant history through atmospheric houses, colorful temples, and the wooden Japanese Bridge. Meet local artisans and create your own beautiful lantern to take home — a symbol of luck and happiness.
Free Time Ideas: Tailor-made clothing, cycling to Cua Dai Beach, or river boat ride at sunset.
- B , L
- Hoi An
- Day 6 – My Son Sanctuary - Hanoi Capital
Discover My Son, once the spiritual heart of the Champa Kingdom — a valley of ancient brick towers surrounded by jungle. Afterward, fly to Hanoi. The evening is yours to explore the Old Quarter’s night markets or watch a traditional water puppet show.
- B , L
- Hanoi
- Day 7 – Hanoi Highlights & Local Food Adventure
Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex including Mausoleum, Stilt House, and One Pillar Pagoda. Delve into ethnic culture at the Museum of Ethnology. In the evening, join a guided food tour through narrow alleys — sip egg coffee and taste specialties locals love.
Cultural Touch: Hear stories behind Vietnam’s famous dishes as you dine.
- B , L
- Sapa
- Day 8 – Scenic Mountain Drive to Sapa + Village Walk
Head north with breathtaking landscapes along winding mountain passes. Arrive in Sapa and explore Ta Giang Phinh — a peaceful valley home to the Hmong community. Learn about their traditional clothing, farming, and daily life.
Relaxing Night: Cozy mountain atmosphere and cool fresh air.
- B , L
- Sapa
- Day 9 – Full-Day Trekking in Sapa
Your guide leads you through some of Vietnam’s most photogenic scenery: waterfall streams, lush rice terraces, and remote minority villages. Engage with friendly locals and enjoy endless panoramic views.
Optional: Traditional herbal foot bath — a relaxing treat after trekking.
- B , L
- Sapa
- Day 10 – Free Morning in Sapa - Hanoi Return
Enjoy a slow morning: visit Silver Waterfall, Heaven Gate viewpoint or take the famous Fansipan cable car — the highest peak in Indochina. Drive back to Hanoi and enjoy the capital at night.
Recommended: Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and watch local nightlife vibes.
- B , L
- Hanoi
- Day 11 – Halong Bay Overnight Cruise
Journey to Halong Bay for a luxurious cruise across emerald waters dotted with limestone pillars. Go kayaking into hidden lagoons, learn to cook Vietnamese spring rolls, or relax with sunset cocktails on deck.
Moment to Remember: A quiet night on the bay under a starry sky.
- B , L , D
- Halong Bay
- Day 12 – Cave Exploration & Return to Hanoi
Wake up to a golden sunrise and join a Tai Chi session surrounded by nature. Explore a dramatic cave filled with crystal formations. Enjoy brunch on board before returning to Hanoi for your final evening.
Optional: Enjoy a farewell dinner with authentic northern flavors.
- B
- Hanoi
- Day 13 – Farewell Vietnam
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Take with you wonderful memories of culture, adventure, cuisine, and new friendships.
- B
Trip Highlights
Hoi An Cooking Class
Shop fresh ingredients at the market, then cook authentic Vietnamese dishes with a local chef.
Hoi An Sunset Lantern Boat
Cruise rivers at twilight, release lanterns, and admire Hoi An’s magical evening glow.
Water Puppetry Experience
Visit a local puppeteer’s home and learn the art of Vietnam’s traditional water puppetry.
Accommodation Options
The hotels listed below have been carefully selected based on customer feedback. You can either choose the ones you'd like to stay in or allow our travel experts to recommend options tailored to your specific requirements.
Ho Chi Minh City 2 Nights
- 5.0
Top Choice
Lotte Hotel Saigon
Address: 2A - 4A Ton Duc Thang St, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam
- 4.0
Harmony Saigon Hotel & Spa
Address: 32A-34 Bui Thi Xuan St- Ben Thanh Ward, Dist.1, HCMC, Vietnam
- 4.0
Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel
Address: 17 Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1, TP.HCMC, Vietnam
- 5.0
Sofitel Saigon Plaza
Address: 17 Le Duan Boulevard, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Can Tho 1 Night
- 5.0
Top Choice
Victoria Can Tho Resort
Address: Cai Khe Ward, Cai Khe, Can Tho, Vietnam
Hoi An 2 Nights
- 5.0
Top Choice
Lasenta Boutique Hotel Hoi An
Address: 57 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
- 4.0
Allegro Hoi An – Little Luxury Hotel & Spa
Address: 86 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoi An, Quang Nam, Vietnam
- 4.0
Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel & Spa
Address: 91 Hung Vuong Street, Hoi An, Vietnam
- 5.0
Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa
Address: Lac Long Quan Street, Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
Hanoi 4 Nights
- 5.0
Top Choice
InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
Address: 5 Tu Hoa street Tay Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam
- 4.0
The Lapis Hotel
Address: 21 Tran Hung Dao Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam
- 4.0
La Siesta Premium Hang Be
Address: No 27 Hang Be St, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam
- 5.0
The Oriental Jade Hotel
Address: 92 & 94 Hang Trong street, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam
Sapa 2 Nights
- 5.0
Top Choice
Aliana Boutique Sapa hotel & Spa
Address: No. 30 Hoang Lien Street, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
- 5.0
Top Choice
Silk Path Grand Sapa Resort & Spa
Address: Doi Quan 6, Group 10, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
Halong Bay 1 Night
- 5.0
Top Choice
Orchid Trendy Cruise
Address: 32, Anh Dao St, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
- 4.0
Athena Luxury Cruise
Address: 49 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hon Gai Wharf, Halong City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
- 4.0
Athena Royal Cruise
Address: 49 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hon Gai Wharf, Halong city, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
- 5.0
Paradise Elegance
Address: Tuan Chau Island, Halong, Quang Ninh, Vietnam
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