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Overview

Hanoi - Ha Long - Hue - Hoi An - Siem Reap - Saigon
Hà Nội, Việt Nam
Duration: 14 days
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Travel Neutral
$0

About your trip

Journey from the historic streets of Hanoi to the stunning landscapes of Halong Bay, the imperial charm of Hue, and the romantic lanterns of Hoi An. Then, uncover the ancient wonders of Siem Reap before ending in the vibrant energy of Saigon. A perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty across two iconic countries. 

What's included

Transportation

Private car, mini bus, train... mentioned in itinerary

Domestic flights

Connecting flights

DAD-SAI, SAI-SGN

Meals mentioned

Activities mentioned

English speaking guide

Accomodation

3-4star loccal hotels

What's not included

Travel insurance

Vietnam visa

Cambodia visa

International flights

Tips

Drinks

Meals not mentioned

Day 1

Day 1 image

Welcome to Hanoi and Vietnam

 Welcome to Vietnam—and to the heart of it all, Hanoi! This vibrant, often poetic city has been the country’s capital for over 1,000 years, and every corner hums with echoes of the past. From ancient temples and storied lakes to French-colonial architecture and buzzing modern cafés, Hanoi is a city of contrasts and deep-rooted traditions. You’re about to embark on an unforgettable journey through a place where myths, history, and daily life blend seamlessly.

Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport by your friendly driver and taken straight to your stylish city hotel—your home base as you dive into Hanoi’s many layers. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the charm of the capital always feels fresh. Once settled in, enjoy a slow afternoon stroll around your hotel area. Maybe sip a cà phê sữa đá at a sidewalk café, or meander past leafy boulevards and lakeside pagodas. This is your first taste of Hanoi’s rhythm—unhurried yet full of life. Tomorrow promises temples, street food, and hidden alleyways, but for now, just breathe it in. You’ve arrived in a city that doesn’t rush to impress—but always leaves a mark.

 

Accommodation: Hanoi - La Sante Hotel or similar 

Transportation: Airport pick up

Meals: Welcome dinner

Day 2

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Hanoi local life

After breakfast, step into the rhythm of Hanoi and experience the city as it truly lives and breathes. Founded in the 11th century, Hanoi is one of Vietnam’s most captivating cities—where every winding street tells a story. Begin in the Old Quarter, a vibrant maze of narrow lanes packed with scooters, shopfronts, and street food vendors. Watch locals go about their daily routines, try a crispy bánh mì or a warm bowl of phở, and soak in the buzz of market life.

Make your way to Đồng Xuân Market, the city’s largest and oldest, with its French colonial facade hinting at Hanoi’s layered past. Then wander south into the elegant French Quarter, where tree-lined boulevards, stately villas, and grand government buildings speak to another chapter in the city's history. Here, past meets present in the most charming way.

Take a break with a cup of cà phê trứng—Hanoi’s signature egg coffee, whipped creamy and sweet—best enjoyed in a quiet café tucked inside a faded colonial building. It’s more than a drink; it’s a taste of Hanoi’s quirky, resilient soul. Today’s about slowing down and tuning in to the heartbeat of the capital.


Included activities:

Hanoi walking tour {Guided}

Accommodation:  Hanoi -  La Sante Hotel or similar  

Meals: Breakfast and Snacks

Day 3

Day 3 image

Hạ Long Bay

 Get ready to witness some of the most breathtaking views in all of Vietnam—and Southeast Asia. After breakfast at your Hanoi hotel, you’ll hit the road toward the legendary seascapes of Halong Bay. But you’re not heading where everyone else is. Instead, you’ll venture further, to the quieter, more secluded waters of Lan Ha Bay—a hidden gem that promises all the beauty with far fewer crowds.

Once aboard your comfortable cruise, the day is yours to simply take it all in. Towering limestone karsts rise dramatically from emerald waters, and as the boat glides between them, every turn reveals a new jaw-dropping vista. When sunset arrives, it’ll stop you in your tracks—golden light washing over ancient rock formations in a way no photo could ever quite do justice.

You won’t just be floating and watching—you’ll also hop off the boat and into a kayak to explore a secret sea cave, paddling through still waters surrounded by nature at its most epic. Tonight, you’ll dine and sleep on board, gently rocked by the calm bay, completely immersed in one of the world’s most iconic landscapes. It’s not just a cruise—it’s a front-row seat to nature’s masterpiece.


Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Transportation:

Air-condition limousine shuttle bus from The Q Hotel to Ha Long Bay 


Accommodation: Verdure Lotus Cruise - https://verdurelotuscruises.com/

Day 4

Day 4 image

Sunrise on deck, and onward to Hue

 You’ll want to rise early today—trust us. There’s something magical about watching the morning mist lift over the limestone peaks of Lan Ha Bay from the deck of your floating home. For a peaceful start, join a tai chi session on the sundeck as the boat gently sways and the bay slowly comes to life. It’s a moment of calm you’ll carry with you.

Around midday, you’ll disembark from the cruise and begin your journey back to Hanoi, arriving by early afternoon. From there, it’s time to take to the skies with a short flight south to Huế.

Welcome to Huế, Vietnam’s former Imperial Capital and a city steeped in poetic beauty and dynastic history. Once the seat of the Nguyễn Emperors, Huế invites you into a world of royal palaces, peaceful pagodas, and tombs fit for kings. Walk the grounds of the Forbidden Purple City, once reserved for emperors and their retinues, and explore the stunning mausoleums scattered along the Perfume River—each one a tribute to power, legacy, and architectural grace. Here, Vietnam’s imperial past feels wonderfully close, wrapped in the stillness of old stone and the fragrance of frangipani trees.


 Meals included: Breakfast, Light Lunch 

Transportation:

Air condition limousine shuttle bus from Ha Long to Noi Bai Airport, 

Fly from Hanoi to Hue, 

private car from HUI Airport to Hue Hotel

Accommodation: Hue - Mandarin Villas - https://mandarinvilla.com/

Day 5

Day 5 image

Diving deep into Huế

After breakfast at your hotel, hop on the back of a motorbike and let our guide lead you through the soul of Huế. There's something about exploring this former imperial capital on two wheels—the breeze, the rhythm, the way the city slowly opens up to you.

First stop: the sprawling grounds of the Forbidden City, where emperors once ruled behind high stone walls and regal red gates. Built in the early 19th century by the Nguyễn Dynasty, this massive walled citadel stretches nearly 2.5 kilometers around and holds over 150 structures—palaces, temples, pavilions, and tranquil gardens, all laid out with the precision of a royal hierarchy. At the heart lies the Forbidden Purple City, once the most private of places, where only the emperor and his closest kin could step foot.

Then it’s on to Tu Duc’s Tomb—a lavish, almost melancholic monument. Beautiful, yes, but also a symbol of misplaced priorities. Tu Duc poured fortunes into this serene retreat while his empire crumbled, paving the way for colonial rule.

For lunch, we’ll trade history for stillness. At a peaceful Buddhist pagoda, you’ll share a simple, wholesome vegetarian meal with the monastics—a quiet moment of reflection amid centuries of stories.


Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Included activities: Tour Huế on the back of motorbike

 Accommodation: Hue - Mandarin Villas - https://mandarinvilla.com/ 

Day 6

Day 6 image

Traveling by train to Hoi An along an epic coastal route

 Today, you’ll hop aboard a local train and ride one of Southeast Asia’s most stunning rail routes—from Huế to Da Nang, winding along the coast and through lush green hills. It’s a slow, scenic three-hour journey where the magic lies not just outside the window, but often right beside you. Be open, be curious—you might end up sharing snacks with a fellow passenger or swapping stories with someone eager to chat about life in Central Vietnam.

Once you arrive in Da Nang, a short drive brings you to the charm of Hoi An. Settle into your hotel, a cozy haven tucked into this enchanting town. Consider treating yourself to a relaxing spa session—a perfect way to unwind after your journey—before heading out to explore Hoi An’s lantern-lit Old Quarter. With its winding alleys, tailor shops, temples, and riverside cafes, Hoi An feels like stepping into another world entirely. A city with its own pace, its own poetry, waiting just outside your door.

 

Meals included: Breakfast.

Transportation

Driving from Hue hotel to Hue Rw station

Train from Hue to Danang

Driving from Danang to Hoi An hotel


Included activities: explore Hoi An Old Quarter {local guide}

Accommodation: Hoi An - Amina Lantana - https://aminalantana.com/

Day 7

Day 7 image

Explore the countryside of Hoi An on bicycles

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting off on a cycling tour through the Hoi An countryside. Our friendly guide will pick you up and take you to our bike store, where you’ll be fitted with a bike and helmet before setting off on the backroads to Cẩm Kim Island.


Spend the morning pedaling through local farms, rivers, canals, and rural villages, getting a true taste of everyday life. Along the way, you’ll discover the art of weaving colorful straw sleeping mats, watch traditional wooden boats being crafted, and see farmers working alongside their buffalo in the rice fields.


One of today’s more unusual stops is at a local moonshine maker, who supplies the town’s grog shops with strong rice wine—definitely not for the fainthearted! We recommend simply enjoying the heady aroma of the distillation process while sipping on some local tea and learning about the family’s craft.


Around 11:30 AM, visit a noodle-making family, whose handmade noodles are a staple in Hoi An’s most delicious dishes. Get your hands dirty and try making Hoi An’s traditional noodles and Bánh Đập (smashing rice crackers). Then, sit down to enjoy a home-cooked lunch with your hosts.


After lunch, load your bike onto a private boat and cruise back to Hoi An, soaking in the peaceful riverside scenery on your way back to town.

 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch


Included activities: Hoi An countryside cycling tour {local guide}

Accommodation: Hoi An - Amina Lantana - https://aminalantana.com/

Day 8

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Fly to Siem Reap

 Transfer from your Hoi An hotel to Danang Airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest — your Cambodian adventure begins tomorrow!

 

Meals included: Breakfast.

Transportation

Driving from Hoi An hotel to Danang Airport

Fly from Da Nang to Siem Reap

Driving from Siem Reap Airport to Siem Reap hotel


Accommodation: Baitong Heritage Hotel or similar

Day 9

Day 9 image

Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Preah Dak village tour and monk blessing

Get up early (approx 4:30-5AM) for an eye-catching sunrise at Angkor Wat, you might be lucky to see the sunlight rays clear for a dawn display of color over the towers, making the view towards the temple stunning. 


Then you will have a refreshment breakfast box from hotel and coffee before jumping into the discover the temple during less visitors.


Angkor Wat built in 1113-1150. The structure is said to be one of the world’s largest religious monuments. It appears to have been both the state temple and mausoleum, dedicating to the god Vishnu, then for Buddhists. The temple is famous for bas-reliefs encircling the temple wall depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and the historical wars of the King. The central tower reaches a height of 65 meters where you may also climb up and enjoy a breathtaking view. Angkor Wat symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people and graces every Cambodia's flag.


Head back to hotel for refreshment, and the rest of balance morning is free at leisure.

Lunch is on your own account.


Afternoon, you take a shady walk-through walkway flanking by lofty trees to explore beautiful temple of Ta Prohm. It is overgrown by massive roots of huge trees and vines making the temple unique and famous for. The temple was also where Angelina Jolie's movie Lara Croft the Tomb Raider here because of its peaceful place with nature is taking it back-the most picturesque.

Then you visit Angkor Thom-the 'Great Royal City', a temple is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. Of all the temples visited today, Bayon temple is the centerpiece, with over 200 smiling carved faces and more than 50 gothic towers.

In the afternoon, receive a traditional blessing from a monk, a peaceful and reflective experience. You will have the opportunity to live the unique experience of learning more about the life of a Monk and Theravada Buddhism and a way of life that most people incorporate into their daily life. You will get to meet the Monks, experience a sacred water blessing for good luck and prosperity - a very special experience during your travels.
 

Meals included: Breakfast.

Included Activities: Temple tour, tranditional monk blessing

Accommodation: Baitong Heritage Hotel or similar

Day 10

Day 10 image

Banteay Srey temple & sunset at Tonle Sap lake

After breakfast at your hotel, embark to visit the intricately carved Banteay Srei Temple, often called the "Jewel of Khmer Art" for its pink sandstone and fine details. 

Banteay Srei, often called the “Citadel of Women”, is a small yet stunning pink sandstone temple located about 30 km from Angkor Wat. Renowned for its exquisite and intricate carvings, this 10th-century temple is considered one of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. Unlike the grand scale of other Angkor temples, Banteay Srei charms visitors with its delicate beauty and story-rich reliefs, especially those depicting Hindu mythology.


Mid-afternoon, head to Tonle Sap Lake about 1.5hours drive, passing along the local village where you can see how rural life is. Upon arrival at the lake inlet, get on a private wooden boat from Kampong Phluk’s pier to visit the floating village on Tonle Sap lake. It is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia, connects to the Mekong river. The Lake plays as of central importance role for Cambodia's food provision.

On board a cruise slowly through the canal of the village, you will be thrilled at the scenic beauty of a unique and authentic Cambodian village on the lake. A short stop and ride on a rowboat through an impressive flooded forest where you can enjoy paddling beneath shady trees makes you feel breathtaking with its romantic atmosphere. (Note: Kampong Phluk may fully flood between Sep-Nov alternative floating village at Chong Kneas can be arranged instead during low water level.)

Dinner is your own account.

Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.


Included Activities:

●  Banteay Srei Temple 

● Siem Reap – Boat excursion including rowboat and local snack on board

Included meals: Breakfast, snack on board

Accomodation: Siem Reap -  Baitong Heritage Hotel or similar 

Day 11

Day 11 image

Fly to Saigon (Hochiminh city)

 After breakfast at hotel, the day is free at leisure until appointed time with guide for transfer to Siem Reap airport for your departure.


Transportation

Airport transfer from Siem Reap hotel to Siem reap Airport

Fly from SAI to SGN

Airport pick up at Tan Son Nhat Airport and driving to Saigon hotel

Accomodation: Saigon - Chez Mimosa or similar - https://chezmimosa.com/

Day 12

Day 12 image

Saigon - Walking Tour of the City

 Get ready for an action-packed day exploring the many sides of Saigon. Start at the historic Presidential Palace, where the layers of Vietnam’s complex past come vividly to life. Then dive into the bustle of Ben Thanh Market—an explosion of color, scents, and local flavor—where you can wander through stalls piled high with everything from spices to souvenirs.

Marvel at the elegant French colonial architecture of Notre-Dame Cathedral and the beautifully preserved Old Post Office. For a different perspective, head to the War Remnants Museum—a raw, sometimes confronting reminder of the past, with plenty of thought-provoking exhibits.

Wrap up your city tour with a stroll down Dong Khoi Street, where the energy of modern Saigon pulses through stylish boutiques, cafes, and leafy boulevards.

Tonight is a free evening to catch up on last minute souvenirs or consider gathering for a final dinner—a time to swap stories, laugh over shared moments, and toast to the unforgettable journey you’ve just had.


Accommodation:  Chez Mimosa Saigon (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, snack

included Activities:

Saigon city walking tour {guided}

Day 13

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A Day at Your Leisure

 Enjoy a free day at your own pace. If you're up for more exploration, you can opt for a day trip to the Mekong Delta or the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve for a peaceful escape from the city.

 

Accommodation:  Chez Mimosa Saigon (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Optional Activities:

Mekong daytrip - Nam Bộ tour in Bến Tre

Cần Giờ daytrip

Day 14

Day 14 image

Departure

Bid farewell to Vietnam as your journey concludes. Transfer to the airport for your departure. Take with you memories of a lifetime from this remarkable voyage. Safe travels and thank you for choosing this adventure! 


Included transportation:

Airport transfer

Meal included:

Breakfast at your hotel.

About your organizer

Travel Neutral Collective is about the love of traveling, of respecting people and tradition and the reverence for nature. Travel Neutral Collective is about leaving things better than when you found it, about walking with a light heart and leaving no baggage, about treading softly and humbly through the wonders of life.

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