On the Blue Dragon’s Path: Hanoi to Saigon   

15 Days   View Departure  
    
Ban Bang Mai Chau
Pu Luong
Pu Luong
Tam Coc
Tam Coc
Ninh Binh - Van Long embroidery
Hanoi - Ngoc Son Temple
Bun Cha
Halong Bay Kayaking
Halong Bay Landscape
Hue - Imperial City
Hue - Khai Dinh Tomb
Hoi An - Ancient town
Ben Tre
Saigon - Notre Dame Cathedral
Overview
pu-luong-2_2025-05-09_770.webp
  • Start/End: Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh city
  • Route: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Lan Ha Bay - Ninh Binh - Hue - Hoi An - My Son - Ho Chi Minh city - Ben Tre
  • Duration: 15 Days
  • Theme: Authentic, Culture and Heritage
  • Tour type: Group tour ( Max 12 Adults)
  • Tour schedule: Weekly departure
  • Tour guide in: Français
Highlight

Experience the very best of Vietnam on this immersive 15-day journey from north to south. Begin in Hanoi, the lively capital where rich history, timeless charm, and bustling street life blend seamlessly. Discover the diverse ethnic traditions of Mai Chau, wander through the breathtaking rice terraces of Pu Luong, and marvel at the dramatic limestone landscapes of Ninh Binh. Drift through the serene waters of Lan Ha Bay before boarding a local train southward. Along the way, explore the imperial grandeur of Hue and the enchanting heritage town of Hoi An. Then venture into the lush, winding waterways of the Mekong Delta before concluding your adventure in the vibrant heart of Ho Chi Minh City. This well-paced itinerary offers the perfect balance of culture, nature, and history—an unforgettable journey through Vietnam’s most captivating highlights.

    Itinerary
    Day by day itinerary Expand All
    • Arrival in Hanoi, pickup at airport, and transfer to hotel

      Welcome at Noi Bai Airport by professional driver at the pickup lobby then transfer 45 minutes to Hanoi center (The Old Quarter). Your drive crossing Red River and have an over view of city with typical houses architecture and world's most special traffic. Arrive at the city center, driver drops you off at your hotel.

      Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

      Included:
      Transportation
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Chalcedony Hotel(Deluxe City view Room)
      4 Nguyen Truong To street, Ba Dinh district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
      Video:
    • Visit a Muong village, journey through the scenic Thung Khe Pass, walk among Thai villages, and enjoy a traditional Thai music and dance performance.

      Meet tour guide and driver then depart to Mai Chau. On the way, visit a Muong village. Continue to Thung Khe pass where you can view magnificent panoramic views of the valley before arriving in Mai Chau town. Mai Chau is a beautiful valley located 145 km away from Hanoi. It is great place with harmonious landscapes, green mountain ranges, rice terraces and White Thai ethnic villages.

      Arrival in Mai Hich village, check in your accommodation then enjoy lunch cooked by the host. Later explore Mai Hich by walking along the trails and concrete roads. You will be seduced by the gorgeous landscapes as the villages, rice fields, mountains and streams are in perfect harmony with one another. Do not miss the opportunity to communicate with the friendly local people who are always willing to welcome you into their house to enjoy a cup of tea.

      Continue trekking, passing the rice field and small communities to Xam Khoe, a Thai villages that is still not touristic. Enjoy the harmony of nature's beauty and rich human culture. At the end, get a pick up by driver then transfer back to your accommodation.

      Included:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B, L, D
      Transportation
      Leisure: Ethnic dances show
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Mai Hich Homestay (Sharing homestay)
      Mai Hich commune, Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh , Vietnam
      Video:
    • Venture to Pu Luong, hike through lush forests, and admire breathtaking terraced rice fields.
      Included:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B, L, D
      Transportation
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Pu Luong Homestay (Sharing homestay)
      Ba Thuoc district, Thanh Hoa , Vietnam
      Video:
    • Enjoy a scenic walk, explore bamboo water wheels, and return to Hanoi.

      transfer to Chieng Lau, a beautiful rice field area with bamboo water wheels. Walk through the field to the village and encounter the locals to discover their life, culture and customs.

      Included:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B, L
      Boat: Chieng Lau bamboo rafting
      Transportation
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Chalcedony Hotel(Deluxe City view Room)
      4 Nguyen Truong To street, Ba Dinh district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
      Video:
    • Explore the Temple of Literature, the Museum of Ethnology, Ho Chi Minh’s complex, and the bustling Old Quarter.

      the Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city’s symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "stone steles” which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.

      the Ethnology Museum (closed every Monday) which offers a deep insight into Vietnamese culture through traditional costumes, tools, musical instruments and traditional houses of many ethnic groups. To fully explore this interesting museum, it takes you around two hours. 

      the French Quarter – it is a “little Paris” in Hanoi with tree-lined boulevards, government head offices and a big square. Visit (outside) Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum before having a leisurely walk in the botanical gardens to visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he used to live and work. Towards the unique One – pillar pagoda which is one of the city’s symbols. It takes us from 1 to 2 hours to explore this complex, depending on the number of traveler.

      a typical coffee which was introduced to Vietnam since the French Colonist time and then quickly became popular. It is as easy as ordering a cup of coffee wherever you travel in Hanoi. But chicken egg coffee is a special variation. It was created by Mr Giang who used to work as a bartender at the famous five stars Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel.

      It is made by filtering coffee before adding exactly the right amount of egg yolk, sweetened condensed milk, butter and cheese to make a perfect cup of egg coffee. Have a seat on a tiny chair in an ancient house with this unique coffee while interacting with local people. This will be an unforgettable experience in the Old quarter.

       

      the Hanoi Old Quarter which was built in the 15th century as a trading center in the capital city with 36 streets of different products. Despite the changes, the Old Quarter is always considered a live city museum. The unique tube houses, small alleys, temples, open door markets and street vendor foods come together in a beautiful harmony. Discovering the town by walking is the best way to stimulate all your senses.      

      Included:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B, L
      Transportation
      Entrance fees
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Chalcedony Hotel(Deluxe City view Room)
      4 Nguyen Truong To street, Ba Dinh district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
      Video:
    • Transfer to Ha Long City, cruise through Lan Ha Bay, explore Dark & Bright Cave, enjoy a bamboo boat ride, and take a refreshing swim.

      07:45 – 08:30: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter (for private transfers) or at our Shuttle Bus stop (for shared transfers). We'll head to Halong City.

      11:30 – 12:00: Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor. Transfer to the main boat by tender. Embark on Sena Cruise. Warmly welcome to Sena Cruise! While enjoying a welcome drink, our cruise manager will deliver a cruise briefing and safety introduction. After that, you will check in to your cabin.

      13:00 – 13:30: A fabulous lunch is served as Sena Cruise starts her sail into magnificent Lan Ha Bay – an extension of Halong Wonder, much quieter with fewer tourists. She will pass thousands of uniquely shaped limestone towers and islands.

      15:00: Visit the Dark and Bright Cave – famous for its pristine natural beauty and poetic, attractive seascape of Lan Ha Bay. Take photos of the romantic, lyrical local sights. This is the best time for tourists to enjoy bamboo boats or swimming, revealing the true beauty of the Limestone Mountains and the blue sky of Lan Ha Bay. Afterward, immerse in the emerald green water of Lan Ha Bay with exciting swimming activities.

      17:00: Return to Sena Cruise and relax on the cruise. Enjoy our sunset time and the “Happy Hour Deal” in all bars on the cruise. You will also have a chance to join our cooking class to challenge your skills in preparing the famous Vietnamese spring rolls. Before dinner, our experienced captain will choose the most tranquil area to anchor for overnight.

      19:00: Savor a deluxe dinner. After dinner, reward yourself with a large selection of cocktails at a panoramic bar or partake in onboard activities: squid fishing, karaoke. Stay overnight on the cruise.

      Included:
      English speaking guide (on board)
      Meal: B, L, D
      Boat: Halong bamboo boat
      Entrance fees
      Leisure: Squid fishing
      Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration
      Sena Cruise - 2D1N(Deluxe Balcony Cabin)
      3b Dang Thai Than street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
      Video:
    • Start your day with a Tai Chi session, explore Tra Bau by kayak or with a refreshing swim, then journey back to Hanoi.

      06:00: Be an early bird for a photo hunt and join our Tai-chi session on the sundeck to refresh your body and mind.

      07:00: Have a light breakfast. Sena Cruises continues her sail, passing amazing karst towers. Tea, coffee, and a light breakfast are served with fresh air and peaceful surroundings.

      08:15: Explore Tra Bau Area. Join kayaking & swimming to explore the Tra Bau area – the famous filming location for Kong Skull Island (King Kong) in Quang Ninh in 2018.

      09:30: Return to the boat for check-out.

      10:00: Lunchtime. During the time, a well-prepared Set menu lunch is served. Sena Cruise slowly navigates emerald water and thousands of Karst Mountains towards the Harbor.

      11:30 – 12:00: Return to Tuan Chau Port and disembark. Our driver will meet you at the port and bring you back to Hanoi. You are expected to arrive in Hanoi at about 3 PM.

      Welcome by driver at the harbor then enjoy travel back to Hanoi. Have a rest at the middle of the way. Drop off at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter).

      Included:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B, L
      Entrance fees
      Leisure: Morning Tai Chi
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Chalcedony Hotel(Deluxe City view Room)
      4 Nguyen Truong To street, Ba Dinh district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
      Video:
    • Transfer to Ninh Binhh, hop on a scooter or bicycle to Thung La Temple, enjoy traditional music, join an embroidery workshop, and take part in a family cooking class.

      Meet your tour guide and driver at hotel then transfer to Ninh Binh, the awesome site is enriched with historical, cultural, religion and geographic wonders. On the journey passing the Red River delta, stop as you wish for pictures.

      take a 15km bike ride (optional) or walk through the villages. A journey along the dyke will offer you gorgeous landscapes of rice fields, a river and limestone mountains. There are several stops for you to take beautiful photos or encounter the locals then walk to discover Thung La temple, dating back to the 11th century.

      Included:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B, L, D
      Transportation
      Entrance fees
      Bike: Ninh Binh
      Leisure: Thung La temple music
      Cooking class: Nep House
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Nep House(Double Room)
      Lang Noi, Lang Van, Gia Lap, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh , Vietnam
      Video:
    • Discover Phat Diem Cathedral, enjoy a sampan boat ride in Tam Coc, visit the ancient Dinh and Le Temples, then transfer to Ninh Binh station for your overnight train to Hue.

      the Phat Diem cathedral which is well-known as the “Catholic capital” of Vietnam. The construction of the cathedral between 1875-1899 with a unique combination of traditional pagoda architecture and a western church made of stone and wood.

      On arrival, take a leisurely walk to visit the Jesus Christ on the middle islet and the impressive house-gate. Then continue to the grand Catholic Church named “Nha Tho Duc Me Man Coi” which was built with 6 rows of monolithic ironwood with 2 layers of tile roof. Located at the end of the courtyard, the completely stone church is the most incredible building in the complex.

      Leave the church, enjoy leisurely walk to Chinh Kim village and visit some of the work-shops knitting sedge products or try a cup of well-known rice wine liquor.

      Tam Coc which has been well-known as the “Halong Bay on land” and appeared in famous French movie “Indochina”. On arrival at the pier, you will take a private sampan boat for a ninety-minute cruise along Ngo Dong River. Pass through three caves and witness a stunning landscape interleaved by small communities, rice fields, cemetery and temples.

      Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam from the 10 to the 11 century. The citadel is surrounded by limestone mountains and rivers naturally protecting it and making for an amazing picturesque setting.

      On arrival at Hoa Lu, you will visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009) who played a vital role in gaining the country’s independence after it was ruled by China for a thousand years. Both temples were built in the 17th symbolizing a deep respect to the King’s contributions.

      Included:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B, L
      Boat: Tam Coc
      Transportation
      Entrance fees
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Train:SE19 (Ninh Binh - Hue) / 21:58 - 09:13 - Deluxe( 4 berths / cabin) / 04 tickets
      Video:
    • Discover Hue’s cultural treasures, including Tien Non, Thanh Tien, and Sinh villages, the serene Thien Mu Pagoda, and the historic Imperial Citadel.

      Arrive at Hue railway station in the morning where our tour guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel to drop off your luggage. Then, enjoy a discovery of the mystical Hue city.  

      Transfer to the Huong River (or Perfume River) to embark a Royal boat trip to the villages in the East of the city. This is an opportunity to discover the local life on the both sides of this poetic river. Upon arrival in Tien Non village, disembark for a bike ride in the countryside through three villages: Tien Non, Thanh Tien and Sinh village. During the trip, you will be immersed into the daily rhythm of life in the villages.

      In Tien Non village, meet the villagers working on the fields and vegetable gardens. Then, visit a family worship house in the village. Next, reach Thanh Tien village, an artificial paper flower village dating back 400 years. Besides the rural works, they make paper flowers for the New Year festival to offer their ancestors the best wishes. Visit Mr. Hieu’s family, one of the well-known artisans in the village to learn how to make paper flowers under his instruction. Keep going to Sinh village, a cradle of 400 year folklore prints in Hue. Meet Mr. Phuoc who will explain the techniques of traditional prints. You will find beautiful souvenirs on this trip. Later, take the boat back to the city.

      visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Hue, dating back to 1601. This is the spiritual highlight of the city and well known for its majestic octagon tower and beautiful view of the Perfume River.  

      visit the most important sites in city - Hue Citadel, the only vestige symbol for what was once the imperial city of Vietnam. It is inspired by the fortification of Vauban. The city is composed of three parts: Kinh Thanh (the Capital city), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial city) and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). The most beautiful sites in Hue are concentrated in this area including the flag tower, the South gate, the palace of supreme Harmony, the Dynasty temple area and the settlement area.

      Included:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B, L
      Boat: Sinh - Tien Non
      Transportation
      Entrance fees
      Bike: Hue
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Rosaleen Boutique Hotel(Deluxe Double Room)
      36 Chu Van An street, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
      Video:
    • Visit Khai Dinh Tomb, travel the scenic Hai Van Pass to Hoi An, stop at the Cham Sculpture Museum in Da Nang, and explore the enchanting ancient town of Hoi An.

      Khai Dinh King's tomb, built in 11 years (1920 – 1931) on Chau Tru hill. Khai Dinh King's tomb is distinguished from other emperor's tombs by the mixture of oriental and western styles. A hundred-step climb will take you to the worship palace at the top. You will discover the amazing decoration with delightful porcelain fragments, a giant painting on the ceiling and a small royal objects museum next door. Finally, the descent offers a panoramic view to the tomb and surrounding area.

      Hoi An via Mandarin Road and Sea Cloud pass (Hai Van Pass). Stop on top of the pass to enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean and Da Nang city. Once you arrive in Da Nang, stop to visit the Cham Museum which preserves the most important Cham culture collections in the world. Then, walk on My Khe beach where you can enjoy the view of giant Goodness of Mercy statues in the Linh Ung Pagoda. Take photos of fishermen by the beach then continue driving along the coastline to Hoi An ancient town. 

      Hoi An used to be one of the most typical South-East Asian trading ports dating from the 15th to the 19th century and the Old Town is still well-preserved. The exchanged cultures is displayed on many historic buildings, religion, daily business and enriched by the authentic lifestyle of local inhabitants.

      Cam Pho - one of the oldest communal houses in Hoi An. It was built in the shape of Chinese character means the country for worshipping and trading business and cultural exchange between locality and Chinese, Japanese traders.

      the Hoi An city’s symbol - the Chua Cau or the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 17th century to allow the Japanese quarter to be accessible from the Chinese neighborhoods. The bridge’s original style has been carefully preserved for the last 400 years.

      Quan Thang ancient house - one of the most authentic old houses in Hoi An with the lively and fine architecture and sculptures were made by craftsmen of famous Kim Bong carpentry village in the oriental style. The house offers a good look of Hoi An family's daily life. 

      Phuc Kien or Fujian Assembly Hall, built since 17th century, is the gathering place for residents, traders and visitors from a specific area in China called Fujian. It is also a religious site to honor the deity Thien Hau. Spend a visit, you will admire the colorful fountains in the courtyard, the ornate gates surrounding the property and the beautiful carved dragons in the main room.

      Included:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B, L
      Transportation
      Entrance fees
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Delicacy Hotel & Spa(Deluxe City View Room)
      116 Hung Vuong, Hoi An, Quang Nam , Vietnam
      Video:
    • Discover the ancient My Son Sanctuary, delve into Champa culture, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your leisure.

      Spend a half day for an excursion to the sacred valley of the Champa Kingdom. Located 40km from Hoi An Town, My Son was once the most important intellectual and religious center of the kingdom of Champa and may also have served as a burial place for Cham monarchs.

      Recognized as a World Culture Heritage site by UNESCO, the site preserves the 70 ruined architecture works of bricks and stones built between the 7th and 13th century. Your tour guide will explain to you all the cultural, historical and architecture values as you leisurely visit each relic. Tour also enrich with an attending to the traditional Champa dancing show before leaving the sanctuary.

      Included:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B, L
      Transportation
      Entrance fees
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Delicacy Hotel & Spa(Deluxe City View Room)
      116 Hung Vuong, Hoi An, Quang Nam , Vietnam
      Video:
    • Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City and explore its highlights, including the Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, and Binh Tay Market.

      The driver will welcome you at the pickup lobby of Tan Son Nhat Airport and then travel about 30 minutes from the airport to your hotel (in the Ho Chi Minh City center)

      Have an overview of city and come to the hotel, check in and rest.

      Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

      the Independence Palace, once used as the home - office of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Our visit includes the North Vietnamese tank which effectively attacked the palace in 1975 to bring the controversial Vietnam War to an end and the five-story palace with its rooms have been preserved in their late 1960s, 1970s style and a bunker basement.

      the top visited in Ho Chi Minh – the War Remnant museum. The exhibits offer you all-sided views of the Vietnam War that might bring a big surprise than you are probably used to hearing and seeing.

      Pick up by car then short drive to have a visit to Binh Tay Market, located in Saigon’s Chinatown area with hundreds of stalls, the biggest market in city actually contributes a hub for many of Saigon’s demands including clothing, souvenir and food items. There is also a food court where visitors can sample local delicacies and street food.

      Included:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B, L
      Transportation
      Entrance fees
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Flight :Flight (DAD - SGN) - (Direct) / - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 04 tickets
      Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
      233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
      Video:
    • Transfer to Ben Tre, boat trip to visit a brick factory, coconut and mat workshops, then explore villages by motor cart or bicycle.
      Included:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B, L
      Boat: Ben Tre
      Transportation
      Bike: Ben Tre
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
      233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
      Video:
    • Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your return flight.

      Private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby for about 30 minutes to Tan Son Nhat airport (international or domestic hall according to your request). Thanks for the visit to our city.

      Note: International flights require you to be at the airport 3 hours and domestic is 2 hours before departure time.

      In the rush hour (07:00 – 08:30 AM and 16:30 – 18:30 PM), it takes around 1 hour from city center to Tan Son Nhat airport.

      Included:
      Meal: B
      Transportation
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Video:
    Extensions
    Why not treat yourself to a relaxing beach break or a cultural discovery?
    Inclusions
    • English speaking tour guide following itinerary
    • All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary
    • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
    • Cruise: Sena Cruise - 2D1N
    • Boat: Chieng Lau bamboo rafting, Halong bamboo boat, Tam Coc, Sinh - Tien Non, Ben Tre
    • Transportation
    • Train: SE19 (Ninh Binh - Hue)
    • Flight Ticket: Flight DAD - SGN (Vietnam Airlines - Economy)
    • Meal: Breakfast: 14, Lunch: 13, Dinner: 04
    • Bike: Ninh Binh, Hue, Ben Tre
    • Leisure: Ethnic dances show, Squid fishing, Morning Tai Chi, Thung La temple music
    • Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration, Nep House
    • Service charges and Taxes
    Exclusions
    • International flight from/to your country
    • Travel insurance
    • Personal expenses
    • Tipping and Gratuities
    • Other not mentioned in the program
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