15-Day Tour: Highlights of Vietnam

Xin Chao! Welcome to Vietnam!

Today you will be met by your private Maika Tour Guide who will be ready and waiting for you at Tan Son Nhat airport with a welcome sign. We’ll help you with your bags, show you to your private, air-conditioned transport, and whisk you off to your accommodation.

Today is all about resting and recovering after your flight so relax and get settled in. Alternatively, if you can’t wait to start exploring, we can show you around the local markets and the surrounding area.

Join us in the evening for a delicious welcome dinner and enjoy local specialities.
Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh.

Today You’ll Travel By: Private Car/Van • Some Walking if Desired.

Today’s Inclusions: 1 Night’s Accommodation with Breakfast, Private Transport, Bottled Water, Dinner, Tour Guide

Ho Chi Minh’s Highlights

Your tour guide will have a full day’s activities planned for you, which will be flexible to suit how your group is feeling.

In the morning, your private guide will pick you up and bring you to Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, which bursts with blooms from the beautiful Da Lat Mountains and from along the mighty Mekong — a guaranteed treat for the senses! After the hustle and bustle of the market, we’ll enjoy a moment of zen at Thien Hau Pagoda, the oldest temple in Vietnam, located in the heart of Chinatown. Having enjoyed the tranquillity of this ancient site, it’s back to the action! We’ll take a Cyclo Tour and see the Cho Lon Markets, famous for beautiful fabrics and fresh, exotic produce.

Next, we’ll hop back in the van and venture out to see the contrasting views of the city’s modern urbanisation placed right beside the old, traditional ‘stilt houses’. Then, it’s on to the War Remnants Museum where we’ll learn about Vietnam’s past struggles and resistance through two historic wars. For lunch, we’ll stop for a delicious bowl of Vietnam’s most famous dish, Pho, a tasty and nourishing broth with noodles and fresh herbs.

We’ll kick off the afternoon with a visit to the historical Reunification Palace, a beautiful, important, and perfectly preserved historical site. Visiting this palace is like going back in time and experiencing firsthand the important role it played during the Vietnamese War.

Heading back to the city centre, we’ll see the beautiful architecture left from French colonial times, including Notre Dame cathedral, the Opera House, and City Hall. To end on a high note, we’ll ascend to the famous Rex Hotel rooftop bar and drink in the views, as well as some cocktails!

Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Today You’ll Travel By: Private Car/Van • Cyclo • Walking.

Trip Inclusions: 1 Night’s Accommodation with Breakfast, Private Transport, Bottled Water, Tour Guide, Entrance Fees, Lunch

Explore Intricate Tunnel Networks

Today we will take you to experience one of Vietnam’s most famous attractions, the Cu Chi Tunnels! Our day starts with a hotel pickup after breakfast, then we’ll hit the road.
On the way to the tunnels, we’ll stopover at a vast rubber tree plantation and learn all about the rubber tapping process. Vietnam is one of the world’s top producers of natural rubber, making this a surprisingly informative little tour.

Shortly after, we’ll arrive at the tunnels where we will learn all about their important role in the Viet Cong resistance and how they were used as hiding spots, communication and supply routes, and even hospitals and living quarters. You’ll have the chance to go underground and experience the tunnels for yourself! This tour offers a fascinating and informative insight into the lives of the Viet Cong, with plenty to see and learn.
After the excitement of the tunnels, we’ll hop back in our van and enjoy the scenic drive back to HCMC. Your guide can either drop you back to your hotel, at a recommended lunch location, at another attraction if you want to continue sightseeing, or we can take you on an optional street food tour! Set your tastebuds alight and soak in the evening atmosphere of the capital city as we take you to try local delicacies at hand-picked, traditional eateries.

Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh.

Today You’ll Travel By: Private Car/Van • Walking

Today’s Inclusions: 1 Night’s Accommodation with Breakfast, Private Transport, Bottled Water, Tour Guide, Entrance Fees, Lunch

Sampans, Local Families, & Tradition

We’ll pick you up at your hotel after breakfast and make sure you’re comfortably seated in your private transport for the 2-hour journey to Cai Be Pier, located right beside the mighty Mekong River. When we arrive, our traditional sampan boat will be waiting to take us along serene canals and waterways that are lush with tropical vegetation and dotted with small villages. Sit back, relax, and take in the views as we cruise downstream.

Our dryland destination will be Tan Phong Island. We’ll make a quick stop at a local fruit orchard, where we’ll be treated to a traditional music performance by locals. Then we’ll hop on bikes and enjoy a cycling tour of this marvellous island. Along the way, we will visit native families and learn how they use the land to craft everything from delicate rice paper to the sturdy roofs of their homes. A local family will treat us to Mekong delicacies for lunch including freshly made spring rolls, fried pumpkin flower, and beautifully braised pork soaked in coconut juice.

After our special Mekong lunch, we’ll transfer back to our boat and delve deeper into the smaller canals of the delta. Here, we can get up close and be a part of the daily life of local people and farmers. We will see the handicraft of local merchants preparing delicious coconut candy, rice-wine, unique hand-crafted pottery, and bricks made from scratch. Then we’ll head to the Vinh Long Pier and market where you can see even more of the specialities the Mekong has to offer.

Finally, we will head to Can Tho to reach your accommodation. We’ll have the chance to relax and explore the vibrant nightlife and tasty cuisine of the night market in this spectacular town during your overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Can Tho.

Today You’ll Travel By: Private Car/Van • Machine Boat • Rowing Sampan • Bicycle • Walking

Today’s Inclusions: 1 Night’s Accommodation with Breakfast, Private Transport, Tour Guide, Entrance Fees, Lunch

Floating Markets and Local Coffee

Rise and shine! This morning we will board our private boat to head to Cai Rang, the biggest floating market in the whole of Asia. Sunrise is the best time to see the floating market – you’ll get to discover local produce as it’s sold from boat to boat, have the chance to buy products of your own, and even sip your morning coffee at one of the awesome floating coffee shops!

After the market, we will head back to the hotel for some well-deserved breakfast. Having checked out, we’ll head to My Tho to visit the breathtaking Vinh Trang pagoda. Here your guide will show you around the incredible five-acre site. They will explain the history of this beautiful Buddhist temple and show you the unique architecture and sculpture. After what promises to be an interesting and enjoyable day, we’ll head to Ho Chi Minh City and drop you to your accommodation.

If you’re in the mood for more fun and adventure, the ‘One Night in Saigon: Craft Beer and Cocktails Tour’ is the perfect way to spend a fun night in the city! Click here for more info.

Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh.

Today You’ll Travel By: Private Car/Van • Rowing Sampan • Walking

Today’s Inclusions: 1 Night’s Accommodation with Breakfast, Private Transport, Bottled Water, Tour Guide

Exploring Hoi An’s Charms

Your private guide and transport will pick you up at your hotel for a short domestic flight from HCMC to Da Nang, where local guides will be waiting upon your arrival. Private transport will take you to the ancient city of Hoi An, a UNESCO world heritage site. It will only take about 40 minutes to get to Hoi An, from there we’ll drop you off at your hotel and leave you to get settled in.

We’ll set a time for the walking tour of the peaceful Old Town which is pedestrianised and an absolute joy to walk around. It’s impossible to take more than a few steps without seeing ancient buildings and temples full of character from Hoi An’s colourful past; a former port city with a melting pot of influences and eras like China, Japan, and France. It truly is a beautiful and unique place, perfectly preserved and yet full of new life!
You’ll see many highlights on this walking tour including the Japanese covered bridge, the old merchant’s house, and the famous lanterned streets and markets. For lunch, we’ll be free to either sample local delicacies at a restaurant or try tasty street food as we wander through the ancient streets.

Come sunset, thousands of lamps and colourful lanterns will be lit all along Hoi An’s picturesque streets, buildings, and trees- even the river will be filled with floating lanterns. It truly is a sight to behold and makes for a magical experience and an unforgettable evening out.

Overnight stay in Hoi An.

Today You’ll Travel By: Aeroplane • Private Car/Van • Walking

Today’s Inclusions: 1 Night’s Accommodation with Breakfast, Private Transport, Bottled Water, Lunch, Tour Guide

Experience Local Life At Herbal Village

After a hearty breakfast, your guide will arrive at your hotel with first-rate bikes for today’s tour. We’ll get comfortable on our bikes and then set off through the streets for Tra Que Herbal Village, located about 3km from the Old Quarter. The route is easy to navigate and follows a nice flat path so you can take advantage of all the sights along the way.

The herbal village is famous for its fertile lowland soils which produce the fragrant herbs used in Vietnamese cooking including sweet basil, peppermint, and cilantro- all lovingly cultivated by hand. We’ll meet with locals and have the opportunity to get involved with the daily tasks essential to keeping this special place flourishing. Here you can take a selfie with a water buffalo, and even try your hand at the art of lantern-making. Phew!

Next up is a welcome coffee and lunch break. Cao Lau will be on the menu- a dish exclusive to Hoi An consisting of pork, noodles, and plenty of fresh herbs and greens from the very fields you’ll be standing in. After some rest and digestion, it’s time to get in the saddle again and head back towards the city. The tour will cover about 17 km over 4 hours, but of course, it is flexible to meet the needs of your group.

Overnight stay in Hoi An.

Today You’ll Travel By: Bicycle • Walking

Today’s Inclusions: 1 Night’s Accommodation with Breakfast, Private Transport, Bottled Water, Bicycle Tour with Guide, Lunch

Today You Choose The Adventure!

Today is a scheduled free day for you to do as you wish, whether that’s to chill out and put your feet up, souvenir shopping, or simply enjoy some alone time. Don’t worry though, if you’re keen to continue adventuring we have a range of fantastic optional activities for you!

Take part in a hands-on cooking class and market tour and have a go at making (and eating) a classic Vietnamese feast including crispy spring rolls, grilled sea bass in banana leaf, and bun cha pork patties. Dietary requirements can be accommodated.
If you’re feeling active we can take you hiking up the marble mountains, a group of limestone hills dotted with beautiful pagodas and caves housing Buddhist shrines and temples. The views from the top are worth the climb! Alternatively, experience the wonder of the ancient My Son Cham ruins, centuries-old Hindi temples built to honour the god Shiva. They are remarkably well preserved with many intricate carvings and complete structures still standing strong.

Overnight stay in Hoi An.

Today’s Inclusions: 1 Night’s Accommodation with Breakfast, Tour Guide, Transport to Activities

Ancient History & Beauty Await

After breakfast we’ll set off in our private transport for Hue; the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty Emperors and Vietnam’s capital city until 1945. Our route will take us through the Hai Van Pass, meaning ‘sea clouds’ so-called because of the majestic views of the sea and white sand beaches. There are some fantastic photo opportunities along this pass, so we’ll include plenty of photo stops to make sure you capture these stunning views. If we get peckish along the way, we can stop for an optional lunch, views included of course!

Once we arrive in Hue and get checked-in it’s time to hit the road, cyclo-style! We’ll head straight to the Citadel; a UNESCO World Heritage Site guarded by an ancient moat and thick stone walls. The vast Citadel encompasses the Imperial City, Forbidden Purple City, and the Royal Theatre, so stretch those legs and get ready for an afternoon full of culture, history, amazing architecture, and countless photo opportunities.
Afterwards, we’ll take you back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest and happily share some top recommendations for dinner in the city.

Overnight stay in Hue.

Today You’ll Travel By: Private Car/Van • Cyclo • Walking

Today’s Inclusions: 1 Night’s Accommodation with Breakfast, Private Car/Van, Bottled Water, Cyclo and Driver, Tour Guide

Tombs, Pagodas & Dragon Boats!

Today will be a full-day tour so we can see all the best Hue has to offer, starting with Thanh Toan Bridge. This hidden gem, located off the tourist track in a small village, is characterised by a rare, squared timber arch, ancient ceramics, and calligraphy inscriptions. It may have been built centuries ago but its unique beauty is still apparent. We’ll also visit some locals including the inspiring Ms Thuy, who specialises in making Vietnam’s world-famous conical hats.

Next up is the tomb of King Tu Duc, the most popular and impressive of all the royal mausoleums. It houses courtyards, pavilions, temples, and chambers. Your tour guide will tell you all about its fascinating history and the king’s life of imperial luxury, from his 104 wives to the unfortunate ending for his 200 burial servants.

Just before lunch, we’ll visit Bunker Hill which overlooks the Perfume River and boasts amazing panoramic views. The Hill served as a great military vantage point by providing secret observation posts for the surrounding territory. Many bunkers still remain so you’ll have the chance to get up close and investigate them.

We’ll have lunch and recharge our batteries at a serene nunnery pagoda and then head off for our next destination: Tiger Arena, an ancient colosseum where tigers and elephants fought to the death in the name of royal entertainment.

The final leg of our tour today takes us to the iconic seven-storey Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of Hue city. From here we’ll board a classic dragon boat and cruise down the Perfume River towards the city, where you’ll be picked up and transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Hue.

Today You’ll Travel By: Private Car/Van • Dragon Boat on Perfume River.

Today’s Inclusions: 1 Night’s Accommodation with Breakfast, All Transport, Bottled Water, Tour Guide, Lunch

Travel Back in Time in Hanoi

After a tasty breakfast and hotel checkout, we’ll head to Phu Bai airport for a short 60-minute flight to Hanoi. As you touch down in the capital city, the northern team will be ready and waiting to greet you. You’ll be privately transported to your accommodation to get settled in and we’ll leave you with some fantastic lunch suggestions.

In the afternoon, we’ll kick things off with a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter. You’ll meander through narrow, winding streets where merchants and artists once gathered to sell goods in times gone by. There are plenty of fantastic photo opportunities here, as well as the chance to experience this unique glimpse of Hanoi’s past.

We’ll then see Hoan Kiem Lake, which acts as a peaceful central point for locals who come here to practice tai chi, exercise, meditate, and even dance – wherever you look people are enjoying the space, moving their bodies, and socialising. The lake also holds an ancient legend about an emperor, a magic sword, and a golden turtle! Your guide can share the whole story with you while you explore this must-see location and take in its peaceful yet active vibe.

We’ll crown the evening with a trip to Thang Long theatre to see the famous water puppets show. This delightful art form dates back to the 11th century and is accompanied by live music and traditional singing.

Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Today You’ll Travel By: Aeroplane • Private Car/Van • Walking • Cyclo

Today’s Inclusions: 1 Night’s Accommodation with Breakfast, Flight, Private Pick-up and Drop-off, Tour Guides, Cyclo Tour

Explore Hanoi’s Culture

After breakfast, we’ll pick you up and head to the magnificent Ho Chi Minh Complex; the final resting place of the Vietnamese revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh. We’ll visit the Mausoleum, the Presidential Residence, and the One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples.

Our next stop will be Huu Tiep Lake where a B52 bomber was famously shot down and is still partially visible to this day. Next, we’ll continue our journey of discovery by visiting the Temple of Literature, one of the oldest (built in 1070) and most important monuments in Hanoi. It hosts the Imperial Academy, the first university of Vietnam, and is dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius who famously said, “wherever you go, go with all your heart” and so we shall, for lunch! No doubt we’ll have built up a good appetite after our busy morning, so we’ll head to a local restaurant specialising in Hanoi cuisine to rest and refuel.

Our afternoon will start off with a trip to Hoa Lo Prison Museum, originally built by the French for political prisoners and later used to hold American POWs – it was during this period that it earned its famous “Hanoi Hilton” nickname. Here, we’ll get a glimpse into life in the prison over the years, the only difference being that we can walk out the exit afterwards! As our day of culture draws to a close, we’ll finish things off with a visit to the Museum of Ethnology where delightful and informative exhibits (inside and outside) illustrate Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities.

Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Today You’ll Travel By: Private Car/Van • Walking

Today’s Inclusions: 1 Night’s Accommodation with Breakfast • Tour Guides • City Tour • Admissions • Lunch

Cruise Through Stunning Halong Bay

The wonderful and experienced team from Bhaya Classic Cruises(opens in a new tab) will be taking excellent care of you today. Starting with a morning pickup, you’ll embark on a comfortable, scenic drive through the Red River Delta to Halong Bay which takes about 3.5 hours. Of course, we’ll make a refreshment stop along the way in a traditional, little town called Sao Do.

We’ll arrive at the passenger port at about midday and, once aboard, you will receive a safety and itinerary briefing. Then, with a welcome drink in hand, wave goodbye to the shore for the next 24 hours as we set sail for Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature!

Lunch will be served on deck as we cruise towards the southwest of the bay, allowing you to gaze up in awe at the mysterious and ancient limestone islands jutting out from the emerald green water surrounding you. Our afternoon will include a visit to the fascinating Tien Ong Cave where we’ll descend into a mysterious underground world full of stalactites, caverns, grottos, and vast limestone formations – all delicately lit with safe walkways to make sure you get the best views while protecting this unique environment. As we make our way back up towards the daylight, what better activity than a dip in the emerald-green waters of Halong Bay!

When you’re finished swimming, freshen up for the evening and join us for Sunset Happy Hour at the bar where you can enjoy some drinks, mix, and mingle with other guests and even win some fun prizes in the ‘Masterchef Competition’!

As our boat anchors for the night, a delicious set menu dinner will be served, carefully chosen, and prepared to cater for all tastes. Relax and enjoy your meal as you unwind after a busy day of exploring and adventuring.

In the evening feel free to either retire to your cabin and catch some z’s or join us on deck to catch some squid —a fun night fishing activity!

Overnight stay in Halong Bay.

Today You’ll Travel By: Comfortable Shuttle Bus • Bhaya Classic Cruise Boat • Walking

Today’s Inclusions: Overnight Stay on Cruise Boat, Lunch & Dinner, Entrance Fees

Experience The Magic of Cua Van

Ease yourself into the day with a sunrise tai chi lesson that comes with complimentary tea and coffee — a fantastic way to rejuvenate body and mind while greeting the golden dawn in the bay. Afterwards, a light breakfast will be served while we weigh anchor and set sail for Cua Van Floating Village, proudly featured in the Huffington Post’s ‘11 Insanely Beautiful Small Towns Around the World(opens in a new tab)’. From here we can either kayak or take a traditional rowboat and head out to discover local life on the water.

You’ll probably have built up quite an appetite after all that rowing so we’ll also be serving a tasty brunch and a chance to rest before we check out and head back to dry land, where we disembark at Tuan Chau International Passenger Port.

The final leg of today’s adventure takes us to Hanoi in a comfortable shuttle bus. Don’t worry, we’ll make a refreshment stop at Dong Trieu Ceramics Village before dropping you off at your next accommodation!

Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Today You’ll Travel By: Comfortable Shuttle Bus • Bhaya Classic Cruise Boat

Today’s Inclusions: Kayaking or Row Boat Excursion, Breakfast & Brunch, Transport Back to Hanoi, Hotel Drop-off

Departure Day

Tạm biệt! Goodbye! Sadly, today is departure day. After checking out of your hotel, your trusty guide will be there to help you with your bags and make sure you arrive at the airport on time. Whether you’re heading home or onto the next leg of your adventure, we’ll wish you the best of luck and have no doubt that you’ll leave with great memories thanks to your fantastic Maika Tour!

Today You’ll Travel By: Private Car/Van

Trip Inclusions: Private Guide, Private Airport Transfers