Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City → City Tour & Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City → Ben Tre → Can Tho
Day 4: Can Tho → Ho Chi Minh City → Hue
Day 5: Hue
Day 6: Hue → Danang → Hoi An
Day 7: Hoi An → Tra Que Village & Cooking Experience
Day 8: Hoi An → Hanoi
Day 9: Hanoi
Day 10: Hanoi → Ninh Binh
Day 11: Ninh Binh → Bai Tu Long Bay
Day 12: Bai Tu Long Bay → Hanoi → Luang Prabang
Day 13: Luang Prabang → Royal Heritage → Mount Phousi
Day 14: Luang Prabang → Long Lao Village & Kuang Si Waterfall
Day 15: Luang Prabang → Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City | Welcome to Vietnam
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s dynamic southern metropolis. Upon arrival at the airport, meet your private guide and driver and transfer to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short orientation walk around the historic center, including the Saigon Central Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral and Dong Khoi Street.
Suggested experience
Explore Cholon by cyclo and discover local life around Binh Tay Market
- Travel style: City discovery / Colonial heritage
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: English-speaking guide
- Meals: No meals included
- Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City | City Tour & Cu Chi Tunnels
Travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War. Explore the tunnels and learn about the history and daily life connected with this remarkable site.
Return to the city and visit the FITO Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine, followed by Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City’s historic Chinatown. Continue to Thien Hau Temple, one of the area’s most important Chinese temples.
Optional: Evening street food tour.
- Travel style: History / Culture / City life
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English-speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight: Ho Chi Minh city
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City → Ben Tre → Can Tho | Mekong Delta
After breakfast, depart for Ben Tre, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Take a local boat along the river to observe daily life, coconut processing and traditional riverside activities.
Continue through smaller canals to Nhon Thanh Village, where you can visit a local handicraft workshop, taste tropical fruit and honey tea, and experience a traditional local ride.
Enjoy lunch featuring the Mekong Delta specialty elephant ear fish, then take a small rowing boat through narrow canals before continuing to Can Tho.
Suggested experience
Try fresh tropical fruit and coconut products with a local family
- Travel style: Mekong Delta / Local life / River journey / Rural landscapes
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English-speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Overnight: Can Tho
Day 4: Can Tho | Floating Market → Ho Chi Minh city → Hue
Start early with a boat trip to Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the Mekong Delta’s most atmospheric morning markets.
Continue through smaller waterways and visit a local rice-processing or noodle-making workshop before returning to Can Tho.
After lunch, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City and take a domestic flight to Hue.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Suggested experience
Visit a local floating fish farm and learn about life along the Mekong
- Travel style: Floating market / Nature / Local life / Wildlife
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English-speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Overnight: Hue
Day 5: Hue → Imperial Heritage & Local Culture
Today is dedicated to the imperial heritage of Hue.
Visit the Imperial Citadel, the former political and cultural centre of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Explore its historic gates, palaces, courtyards and royal architecture.
After lunch, continue to one of Hue’s impressive royal tombs, such as Khai Dinh Tomb or Tu Duc Tomb, depending on your preference.
Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s best-known religious landmarks overlooking the Perfume River.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Optional evening experience
Enjoy a traditional Hue royal-inspired dinner or an evening boat ride on the Perfume River.
- Travel style: Imperial heritage / Culture / Local traditions
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle / Flight
- Local guide: Local English-speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Overnight: Hue
Day 6: Hue → Hoi An via Hai Van Pass
After breakfast, leave Hue by private vehicle.
Travel south through the beautiful countryside toward Lang Co Beach.
Continue along the spectacular Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most scenic coastal mountain roads.
Stop at viewpoints for photographs before continuing to Da Nang.
Depending on your interests, visit the Marble Mountains before continuing to Hoi An.
Check into your hotel and relax.
In the afternoon, explore Hoi An Ancient Town, with its historic streets, Chinese temples, traditional houses and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge.
In the evening, take your first walk through Hoi An Ancient Town, when lanterns illuminate the historic streets.
- Travel style: Scenic drive / Heritage / Photography
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English-speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Overnight: Hoi An
Day 7: Hoi An → Tra Que Village & Cooking Experience
After breakfast, cycle through the countryside to Tra Que Vegetable Village, a peaceful farming community known for its organic herbs and vegetables.
Meet local farmers and learn about traditional cultivation methods before enjoying a relaxing herbal experience.
Continue to a local family home for a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class and prepare several traditional dishes before enjoying lunch together.
Return to Hoi An in the afternoon.
Optional: Cam Thanh Experience
Visit the coconut-waterway area and experience a traditional basket boat.
- Travel style: Cycling / Rural life / Cooking / Local Experience
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English-speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Overnight: Hoi An
Day 8: Hoi An → Hanoi | Colonial Heritage & Old Quarter
After breakfast, transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Hanoi.
Upon arrival, begin exploring the historic heart of the capital by cyclo or on foot. Discover the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet performance, one of Vietnam’s distinctive performing arts.
- Travel style: Ancient heritage / Rural Cambodia / Scenic landscapes
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English-speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight: Phnom Penh
Day 9: Discover Hanoi: History, Culture & Local Life
After breakfast, begin your private Hanoi city tour.
Start with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the exterior of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace area and the traditional One Pillar Pagoda.
Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university and one of Hanoi’s most important historical sites.
After lunch, explore the atmospheric Old Quarter.
Walk through the maze of historic streets and discover traditional shops, local markets and small cafés.
Continue to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple before returning to your hotel.
Suggested experience
In the evening, you can enjoy a guided Hanoi street-food tour, tasting local specialties such as: Pho, Bun cha, Banh mi, Vietnamese coffee, Local desserts.
- Travel style: Culture / Food / Walking
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English-speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Overnight: Hanoi
Day 10: Hanoi → Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Trang An & Mua Cave
After breakfast, leave Hanoi and travel south to Ninh Binh, approximately 2–2.5 hours by private vehicle.
Your first stop is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and early Le dynasties.
Continue to a local restaurant for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat journey through Trang An, often described as one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural landscapes.
The traditional rowing boat takes you through limestone karsts, caves, rivers and peaceful valleys.
Later, visit Mua Cave and climb the steps to the viewpoint overlooking the dramatic landscape of Tam Coc.
Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
- Travel style: Nature / Culture / Boat trip
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English-speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Overnight: Ninh Binh
Day 11: Ninh Binh → Halong Bay: Overnight Cruise
Enjoy breakfast before travelling to Ha Long Bay.
Arrive at the cruise port around midday and board your overnight cruise.
After lunch, the cruise begins sailing among Ha Long Bay’s spectacular limestone islands and emerald waters.
Depending on the cruise itinerary, activities may include:
- Kayaking or bamboo boat
- Cave exploration
- Swimming
- Sunset on the sundeck
- Vietnamese cooking demonstration
Enjoy dinner on board while surrounded by the scenery of the bay.
- Travel style: Nature / Relaxation / Cruise
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English-speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Overnight: Cruise Cabin
Day 12: Ha Long Bay → Hanoi → Luang Prang
Wake early to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Ha Long Bay.
Depending on your cruise program, you may join a Tai Chi session, explore another cave or simply relax on the sundeck.
After brunch, disembark and meet your private driver.
Transfer to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Luang Prabang, Laos.
Upon arrival, your local driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
The evening is free to explore Luang Prabang at your own pace.
- Travel style: Cruise / Nature / Cross-border Travel
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle / Flight
- Local guide: Local English-speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Overnight: Luang Prabang
Day 13: Luang Prabang | Royal Heritage & Mount Phousi
Explore Luang Prabang, the former royal capital and one of Southeast Asia’s most atmospheric heritage towns.
Visit the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Visoun, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong.
Continue through the historic centre and visit local craft shops before climbing Mount Phousi for panoramic views over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River.
Optional: In the evening, explore the Luang Prabang Night Market.
- Travel style: Cultural heritage / History / Buddist / Local Life
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English-speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Overnight: Luang Prabang
Day 14: Luang Prabang → Long Lao Village & Kuang Si Waterfall
Travel to Long Lao Village, where you can experience rural life and meet local communities.
Continue on a scenic trek through farms, bamboo forests and jungle paths before reaching the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfalls.
Enjoy time to relax by the waterfalls and, conditions permitting, swim in the turquoise pools.
Return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon.
- Travel style: Countryside / Trekking / Local Experience
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English-speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
- Overnight: Luang Prabang
Day 15: Luang Prabang → Pak Ou Cave → Departure
Breakfast at the hotel and take a traditional boat along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha images.
Visit Tham Ting and Tham Phoum before continuing to Ban Xang Hai, a traditional village known for local handicrafts and traditional production.
Return to Luang Prabang and enjoy some free time before your private transfer to the Luang Prabang International airport for your onward flight.
End of your Vietnam & Laos Highlights – 15 days.
- Travel style: Mekong River / Culture Heritage / Local Village / Departure
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: English-speaking local guide during visit, no guide for aiport unless requested
- Meals: Breakfast
What’s Included
- Accommodation as selected
- Daily breakfast
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Private air-conditioned transportation
- English-speaking local guides
- Domestic/regional flights required by the itinerary
- Overnight cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay
- Local boats and rowing boats as specified
- Bicycle and cycling activities as specified
- Entrance fees to included attractions
- Cooking class and local experiences
- Trekking experience in Long Lao
- Airport transfers
- Drinking water during touring days
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Vietnam and Laos visa fees, where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Drinks outside included meals
- Tips and gratuities
- Early check-in or late check-out
- Any services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
Christopher & Amanda Wright (USA) –
Ultimate Vietnam & Laos Adventure in 15 Days!
Traveling 15 days from Ho Chi Minh City all the way to Luang Prabang was an unforgettable experience. This multi-country itinerary covers everything—from the lush canals of Ben Tre and Can Tho in the South, through the heritage cities of Hue, Danang, and Hoi An, up to Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and the tranquil Bai Tu Long Bay, finishing in peaceful Luang Prabang. Having a private tour just for our party made every transition smooth and stress-free. Highly recommended!
Matthew & Sarah (New Zealand) –
Unforgettable 15 Days for Our Family!
We booked this 15-day trip for our family, and it was the holiday of a lifetime. The itinerary hits all the right highlights without feeling overly packed. Being able to select our hotel class and adjust minor details made budgeting very easy. Seeing the limestone karst landscapes in Ninh Binh and Bai Tu Long Bay followed by the spiritual beauty of Laos created memories we will cherish forever.
Victoria Palmer (UK) –
A Deeply Enriching Cultural Experience
As avid culture lovers, this Classic & Cultural Tour exceeded our expectations. The diversity of experiences was remarkable—exploring the bustling Mekong Delta, walking through the ancient streets of Hoi An, discovering the history of Hue and Hanoi, and concluding in the serene Buddhist atmosphere of Luang Prabang. The guides were deeply knowledgeable and shared rich insights into both Vietnamese and Lao traditions.
Ethan Davies & Friends (Australia) –
An Incredible Journey Through Two Stunning Countries!
Our group of four booked this 15-day, 14-night private tour and it was worth every cent. Cruising Bai Tu Long Bay was a tranquil alternative to Halong, and watching the alms-giving ceremony in Luang Prabang was magical. Private transport and local guides in each city made everything feel seamless and comfortable.
Susan Baker (Canada) –
Perfectly Paced, Private & Stress-Free Holiday
Combining Vietnam and Laos into a two-week trip could easily feel overwhelming, but having a private tour made all the difference. We had full flexibility to set our own daily pace without being rushed by a big tour group. Every detail—from hotel check-ins to domestic transfers—was handled with utmost care. The peaceful cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay and the charm of Luang Prabang were the highlights of our trip!
Florian Schneider (Germany) –
Excellent Reverse Route from Luang Prabang to Saigon
We chose to take the route in reverse, starting in Luang Prabang and working our way down to Ho Chi Minh City to fit our international flight schedule. The team adapted the itinerary seamlessly! Ending our adventure with the vibrant life and floating markets of Can Tho and Ben Tre was fantastic. A beautifully customized, 5-star multi-country experience from start to finish!