Experience the essence of Vietnam on this immersive 7-day journey, where every stop tells a story. Begin in Hanoi, the country’s thousand-year-old capital, where layers of history mix with buzzing street food alleys. Sail through the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay, a quieter gem within the famed Halong Bay. Step into imperial grandeur in Hue, before wandering Hoi An’s lantern-lit lanes and riverside charm. In Saigon, dive into the country’s modern energy, rich history, and bold flavors. Then, slow down in the Mekong Delta, drifting along peaceful waterways and connecting with local life. This thoughtfully crafted itinerary is a vibrant blend of culture, landscapes, and culinary delights—offering not just a trip, but a deeper connection to Vietnam’s heart and soul. 

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.

Highlights:

Hanoi streetfood

Hanoi street food is a full-on sensory adventure—fragrant, fiery, and fabulously chaotic. Grab a tiny plastic stool, squeeze in with the locals, and slurp up a steaming bowl of phở at sunrise. Wander alleys where sizzling pans promise bánh xèo and the smoky scent of grilled pork lures you into a bún chả joint. Egg coffee? Born right here during a milk shortage. Every dish has a story, often passed down generations. It’s not just food—it’s how Hanoi eats, connects, and lives. Just follow the locals and trust your nose. That’s the real map 

Accommodation: The Q or similar

Transport: 

 airport pick up = USD25 per person

Meals: streetfood dinner

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: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transportation:

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

Accommodation: Verdure Cruise

Wake up to the soft glow of sunrise over Ha Long Bay—a quiet, almost otherworldly moment that lingers long after the mist lifts. Greet the morning with a Tai Chi session on the deck, moving slowly as the bay stirs to life around you. After breakfast, step ashore for a short exploration of Cat Ba Island, where jungle-cloaked limestone peaks rise dramatically from the sea, and hidden trails hint at untold stories.

Then it's time to bid farewell to the bay’s dreamlike beauty. Return to the mainland and transfer to the airport for your short flight south to Da Nang. From there, it’s a scenic drive along the coastline to Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most enchanting towns.

Hoi An greets you like an old friend—lanterns sway gently above ochre-colored streets, riverside cafes spill over with the scent of fresh herbs and grilled seafood, and tailors beckon from wooden shophouses. This ancient trading port, once bustling with merchants from Japan, China, and Europe, now moves to a slower rhythm. It’s a place made for wandering, for losing track of time among colorful alleyways, hidden temples, and the golden glow of dusk along the Thu Bồn River.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportation:

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

Fly from HAN to DaD

Accommodation: Lantana Riverside or similar

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and choose your own pace for the morning ahead. For those feeling active, hop on a bicycle for an optional countryside cycling adventure. Your friendly guide will get you set up with a bike and helmet before leading you along quiet backroads to Cẩm Kim Island, where life moves to the rhythm of the river.

Pedal past rice paddies, water buffalo, and traditional craftspeople weaving mats and carving boats by hand. The ride is gentle, scenic, and a wonderful window into local life.

By mid-morning, meet a local family known for their handmade noodles. Watch how they craft mì Quảng and bánh đập, then try your hand at making—and smashing—the crispy rice crackers yourself. Stay for a delicious home-cooked lunch with your generous hosts.

After lunch, trade your bike for a boat and cruise down the Thu Bồn River back to town. In the late afternoon, you’ll visit the private studio of one of Vietnam’s leading contemporary artists. Learn the indigo-dyeing art of shibori in a hands-on workshop and create your own piece of wearable art—a beautiful memory of a day well spent in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast, 

Optional activities:

Cycling Cam Kim and return by boat {GUIDED} 

Feature Activity:

Indigo dyeing at a artist private studio {INSTRUCTOR LED} 

Prepare for a special and intimate experience with one of Vietnam’s most celebrated contemporary artists, Le Thuy (www.lethuy.asia). Le Thuy’s private studio offers more than just a chance to learn art; it’s an invitation to step inside the creative world of an internationally acclaimed artist whose works can be found in prestigious museums and galleries in Spain, France, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong.  Le Thuy will guide you through the hands-on workshop, explaining the careful process of folding, binding, and dyeing, with each step unveiling more about the subtle art of indigo. You’ll learn how to manipulate the fabric in unique ways to create beautiful patterns, all while soaking in the artist’s insights on her personal journey and her creative philosophy. As you work, you'll feel connected not just to the materials, but to the broader cultural landscape of Vietnam.  By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with your very own indigo-dyed creation—a truly personalized souvenir. More than just a piece of fabric, it’s a tangible connection to the tradition, creativity, and passion of one of Vietnam’s leading contemporary artists. 

Accommodation:

lantana Riverside Hotel (or similar)

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a relaxed morning and perhaps a final stroll through the quiet charm of Hoi An before transferring to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Saigon—Vietnam’s most dynamic and fast-paced city. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the energy shift. Saigon is a city that moves quickly, buzzing with motorbikes, color, and contrasts at every turn.

Check into your hotel and take some time to settle in. Later in the afternoon, set out with your guide for a walking orientation through the heart of the city. You’ll explore historic landmarks and bustling neighborhoods, getting a sense of Saigon’s layered personality—from French colonial architecture to modern skyscrapers and vibrant local life.

Enjoy the free evening exploring on your own or join an optional streetfood tour on the back of vintage Vespas.

Optional activity:

Egg coffee making experience in Hoi An  {INSTRUCTOR LED)

Hop on a vintage Vespa for Scootfood’s moveable street food feast (GUIDED)

Transport:

Driving from Hoi An to DAD

Fly from DaD to SGN

Driving from Tan Son Nhat airport to Saigon hotel

Accomodation: Bach Suites Saigon or similar

Wake up to a delicious breakfast of European and Vietnamese-inspired baked goods and warm plates before heading south into the heart of the Mekong Delta, where you’ll be immersed in Southern Vietnam’s version of the island life in the stunning province of Bến Tre. The Mekong River has nine different branches (the Vietnamese once called it Cửu Long, or Nine Dragons). 

And you’ll be island hopping your way through the delta today during a small-boat tour, including a stop at an artisan workshop and lunch with a local farmer family. You’ll see the Mekong Delta at water level, too, entering the narrow canals aboard a traditional boat called a sampan to immerse in the river’s unique nature. 

Later, return to Saigon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accomodation: Bach Suites Saigon

Transportation: Driving from Saigon hotel to Mekong Delta and return

Your unforgettable adventure through Vietnam, comes to an end today as you head to Saigon airport to travel onward. We hope your visit to Vietnam has been memorable–and just a taste of all that this incredible and hospitably country has to offer.

Transportation: 

Optional airport transfer for departure = USD25 per person

Meals: Breakfast