19 Days · 18 Nights · Culture, Scenery & Local Life Across Vietnam.
A nineteen-day private journey through Vietnam’s culture, scenery, and local life — Hanoi, Sapa’s rice terraces, a 1-night Ha Long Bay cruise, imperial Hue, lantern-lit Hoi An, Nha Trang’s beaches, Saigon, and an overnight Mekong Delta excursion to Cai Rang floating market.
Vietnam Discovery is a nineteen-day journey focused on culture, scenery, and local experiences — Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Saigon, and the Mekong Delta. Where the shorter journeys cover destinations, Vietnam Discovery goes deeper into each one — with local experiences, village stays, and time to understand the regions.
The addition of Sapa and extended time in the Mekong Delta give this journey a distinctly cultural dimension. Sapa’s Hmong villages and mountain scenery are the highlight of the northern section; the Mekong Delta’s floating markets and river life are the highlight of the southern section. Between them, Vietnam’s classic destinations — Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and Saigon — complete the journey.
Six reasons this deeper journey is right for travellers who want culture, scenery, and local life.
Sapa’s Hmong villages, rice terraces, and Fansipan — Vietnam’s most beautiful mountain scenery and ethnic minority culture.
Market visits, village stays, cooking classes, and local artisans — the journey goes deeper than the standard route into Vietnam’s living culture.
Two nights in the Mekong Delta — Cai Rang floating market, river villages, and a riverside lodge in Can Tho.
Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Saigon — the full classic route is included alongside the deeper cultural experiences.
Your own guide, your own transportation, and your own pace. No group departures, no fixed dates.
Extend with Ha Giang, add a beach extension in Phu Quoc, or upgrade hotels throughout.
Five regions across nineteen days — a continuous flow from north to south, with time to understand each stop.
A day-by-day itinerary focused on culture, scenery, and local life. Every day can be adjusted.
Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport where your private guide and driver are waiting. Transfer to Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi or similar. Afternoon at leisure. Evening welcome dinner at a restaurant specialising in northern Vietnamese cuisine.
Morning: private guided tour of the Temple of Literature (1070 AD), Vietnam’s first university. Continue to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda.
Afternoon: walking tour of the Old Quarter — the 36 craft streets and hidden temples. Evening: water puppet show, a 1,000-year-old Vietnamese art form.
Morning: private transfer to Sapa via the Noi Bai–Lao Cai expressway (approx. 5 hours). Check in to Topas Ecolodge or similar mountain retreat.
Afternoon: village walk around Sapa. Evening: dinner with a view of the rice terraces.
Full day: trekking through the Muong Hoa Valley to visit Hmong villages like Lao Chai and Ta Van. Afternoon: meeting with local artisans and a cooking class with a Hmong family. Evening: return to the lodge.
Morning: cable car to Fansipan — the highest peak in Indochina — and short walk at the summit. Afternoon: transfer to Bac Ha for the famous Sunday market (if visiting on a Sunday). Evening: return to Sapa or stay in Bac Ha.
Morning: transfer back to Hanoi (approx. 5 hours). Afternoon: arrive in Hanoi. Check in to Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Evening: at leisure.
Morning: private transfer to Ha Long Bay (approx. 3.5 hours). Board a private overnight cruise aboard a traditional wooden junk. Lunch on board as you cruise between the limestone islands.
Afternoon: kayaking among the karst formations, visit to a floating fishing village, and a cooking demonstration on board.
Morning: sunrise on the bay, tai chi on deck, and a cave visit. Brunch on board as you cruise back to port. Afternoon: private transfer to Hanoi. Evening: flight to Hue. Transfer to Azerai La Résidence Hue or similar.
Morning: private guided tour of the Hue Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. Continue to the royal tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.
Afternoon: Perfume River dragon boat cruise to Thien Mu Pagoda. Evening: private imperial cuisine dinner.
Morning: private transfer via the Hai Van Pass — one of Asia’s great coastal drives — with a stop at Lang Co Beach. Continue to the Marble Mountains near Da Nang.
Afternoon: arrive in Hoi An. Evening: stroll through the lantern-lit Ancient Town.
Morning: private guided tour of Hoi An Ancient Town — the Japanese Covered Bridge, merchant houses, and assembly halls. Continue to Cam Thanh for a market tour and cooking class.
Afternoon: lantern-making workshop with a local artisan. Evening: dinner at a riverside restaurant.
Morning: optional excursion to My Son Sanctuary — the ancient Cham temple complex (UNESCO). Or a day at An Bang Beach.
Afternoon: free time in Hoi An. Evening: at leisure.
Morning: private transfer to Da Nang International Airport. Flight to Nha Trang. Transfer to a beachfront resort — Six Senses Ninh Van Bay or similar.
Afternoon: free time at the beach or pool.
Full day: private boat trip through Nha Trang Bay — island hopping, snorkelling, and a fresh seafood lunch on board. Afternoon: optional mud bath at I-Resort or Thap Ba.
Evening: dinner at a Nha Trang restaurant.
Morning: private transfer to Cam Ranh International Airport. Flight to Saigon. Transfer to Park Hyatt Saigon or similar.
Afternoon: guided tour of Saigon — Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Reunification Palace. Evening: dinner at a Saigon restaurant.
Morning: private excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels — the wartime tunnel network used by the Viet Cong.
Afternoon: return to Saigon. Visit the War Remnants Museum and the historic Dong Khoi Street. Evening: at leisure.
Morning: private transfer to Can Tho (approx. 3.5 hours). Check in to a riverside lodge. Afternoon: boat trip through the small canals and visits to a fruit orchard.
Evening: dinner at the lodge.
Morning: sunrise boat trip to Cai Rang floating market — Vietnam’s largest floating market. Continue to a family-owned rice noodle workshop and a cacao farm.
Afternoon: return to Saigon (approx. 3.5 hours). Evening: at leisure.
Morning: at leisure. Private transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight or international departure. Your guide assists with luggage and sees you off at the terminal.
Six experiences that define this journey — cultural, scenic, and locally-rooted.
Walk among emerald rice terraces to a Black Hmong village, meet local families, and share a meal with a Hmong family.
Kayak through hidden lagoons, watch the sunset from the deck, and fall asleep surrounded by limestone islands.
Walk through the Forbidden Purple City, see the royal tombs, and cruise the Perfume River by dragon boat to Thien Mu Pagoda.
Learn a traditional craft from local artisans and take home a colourful silk lantern as a souvenir.
Board a private boat, snorkel the coral reefs, and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on the water.
Board a small boat at dawn and weave through a floating market bursting with tropical fruit and local life.
A balanced pace — plenty of downtime and free evenings built in throughout.
18 nights across eight properties — including 1 night on a Ha Long Bay cruise and 1 night in the Mekong Delta.
Vietnam’s most storied hotel — a Hanoi landmark since 1901, with the Metropole Wing, Opera Wing, and legendary service.
A mountain sanctuary above Sapa’s rice terraces — infinity pool, spa, and complete highland quiet.
Traditional wooden junk with luxury cabins, private dining, and personalised service.
Colonial-era riverside property on the Perfume River, with gardens, spa, and easy access to the Imperial Citadel.
Riverside luxury in Hoi An — colonial-inspired design, a riverside pool, and easy access to the Ancient Town.
Private island sanctuary with water villas, direct snorkelling access, and the largest spa in Vietnam.
Saigon’s most elegant address — colonial-inspired rooms, a serene spa, and steps from the city’s finest dining.
Riverside lodge in Can Tho, gateway to Cai Rang floating market.
A private journey designed to take care of the logistics so you can focus on the experience.
Indicative pricing starts at $4,690 per person, based on two travellers sharing in low season. Final pricing depends on travel dates, the number of travellers, room configuration, hotel selection, and activities. Share your details and we will send a personalised proposal with a detailed costing — usually within 24 hours.
Every element of this journey can be adjusted, extended, or replaced. Here are the most popular changes travellers ask for.
Extend north to the Ha Giang plateau — dramatic mountain roads, remote villages, and some of Vietnam’s most spectacular scenery.
Finish the journey with three to five nights on the white-sand beaches of Phu Quoc Island — the perfect beach finale.
Continue the journey into Cambodia (Angkor, Phnom Penh) or Laos (Luang Prabang, the Mekong) as a multi-country adventure.
Move to five-star properties with larger suites, private pools, and more extensive facilities.
Extend beach time at Nha Trang — three, four, or five nights instead of two.
Add extra nights, remove activities, and give yourself more free time at each destination.
Add extra days in Sapa, Hoi An, or the Mekong Delta for a slower, deeper journey.
Fully private Ha Long Bay cruises, private riverboats in the Mekong, and standalone villas at select resorts.
Add specialist photography guides in Sapa, Hoi An, and the Mekong Delta for golden-hour shoots.
“Vietnam Discovery is our journey for travellers who want to understand the country, not just visit it. The Sapa trek and the Mekong Delta floating market are the two highlights most travellers remember — but so are the quieter moments: the tea with a Hmong family, the canal boat at dusk, the lantern workshop in Hoi An. Nineteen days gives you time to slow down and let Vietnam sink in.”
Genuine testimonials from travellers who took Vietnam Discovery.
“Nineteen days was exactly right. Sapa was the highlight — the trek through the rice terraces, the Hmong villages, and the quiet lodge above the valley. The Mekong Delta overnight was also a highlight — the floating market at sunrise is something we will never forget.”
“We wanted culture and scenery, not just a checklist of destinations. Vietnam Discovery delivered. Our guide was brilliant, the hotels were beautiful, and the pace was perfect — busy days balanced with beach time and free evenings.”
You’ll arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. Your private guide and driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a name board, and will transfer you directly to your hotel.
You’ll depart from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Saigon. A private transfer and a personal send-off are included on Day 19. Extensions to Phu Quoc or neighbouring countries can be arranged.
Most nationalities require a visa for Vietnam. We can provide a visa approval letter to support an e-visa application, and our team will guide you through the process once your tour is confirmed.
Vietnam’s climate varies dramatically from north to south. March–May and September–November offer the most comfortable conditions across this itinerary. Sapa is best in spring and autumn.
Vietnam Discovery includes moderate trekking in Sapa, walking through villages, and short boat trips. Moderate fitness is sufficient. The trek can be shortened or adapted for different fitness levels.
Vietnam is a safe, welcoming destination. We recommend travel insurance that covers medical care, trip cancellation, and any adventure activities you plan to take part in.
Light layers for the north, swimwear for Ha Long Bay and Nha Trang, comfortable walking shoes, sun hat, and a light rain jacket for the shoulder months.
Three domestic flights are included: Hanoi–Hue, Da Nang–Nha Trang, and Nha Trang–Saigon. All other travel is by private air-conditioned vehicle with your own driver.
Yes. Nineteen days covers Vietnam’s culture, scenery, and classic destinations in depth — Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Saigon, and the Mekong Delta.
March–May and September–November are the best months for this journey. Sapa is at its best in spring and autumn; the central and southern regions are warm year-round.
Yes. Vietnam Discovery is a private journey — your own guide, your own transportation, and your own pace. No group departures, no fixed dates.
Vietnam Discovery includes moderate trekking in Sapa, a Fansipan cable car ride, and walking through villages. Moderate fitness is sufficient for most travellers.
Sapa is a 3-night stay — Days 3 to 6. You will trek in the Muong Hoa Valley, visit Hmong villages, ride the Fansipan cable car, and (if visiting on a Sunday) explore the Bac Ha market.
Yes. You board the cruise on Day 7 and disembark on Day 8. The overnight cruise includes kayaking, a cooking demonstration, and dinner on board.
Three internal flights: Hanoi to Hue, Da Nang to Nha Trang, and Nha Trang to Saigon. All domestic flights are included in the tour price.
Yes. Vietnam Discovery can be extended with additional nights in any destination, a stay on Phu Quoc Island, or a Laos or Cambodia extension.
International flights, Vietnam visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, meals not specified in the itinerary, optional activities, and tips are not included. Domestic flights and airport transfers within Vietnam are included.
If this tour is close but not quite right, these other Classic Vietnam journeys may suit you better.
Tell us about your travel style — the pace you prefer, the experiences you’re dreaming of, the properties you want to stay at — and we’ll craft a version of this journey that fits perfectly.
