About this tour: 12 Days Through Vietnam’s Heartbeat
Discover the best of Vietnam in 12 Incredible Days, traveling from the charming streets of Hanoi to the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay. Wander through the ancient town of Hoi An, ride the cable car to the magical Bana Hills, and soak in the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way, immerse yourself in rich culture, taste authentic flavors, and witness landscapes that will stay in your heart forever.
Accommodation
All Hotels are located in City Center – One Night on Cruise
Group Size
Departure from 2 Pax
Meals
11 Breakfasts – 8 Lunches – 2 Dinners
Local Transport
All local transport during your tour, including transport to Halong Bay
Unmissable experiences
Fansipan Peak, Kayaking Halong Bay, Boat Trip in Hoi An – Mekong River
Adventure Leader
Local & Professinal Tour Guide
Full Itinerary
You arrive at Hanoi airport and transfer to the city centre. It’s the Old Quarter Area. It takes around 30-45 minutes driving-hour.
Check-in your hotel and be ready for Hanoi Street Foods Walking Tour today.
18:00 Meet your English-speaking local guide in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and start the street food walking tour. Stroll through bustling markets filled with fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and fragrant spices while learning about Vietnamese food culture, ingredients, and traditions.
18:20 Begin tasting northern specialties as we walk, including Bun Cha (Obama’s favorite Hanoi dish), Nom Bo Kho, Banh Cuon, and crispy fried spring rolls.
19:20 Enjoy grilled meat, vegetables, and bread at outdoor barbecue stalls alongside locals.
20:00 Savor a refreshing dessert of fresh fruit, crushed ice, and condensed milk in a hidden alley café.
20:30 Visit one of Hanoi’s best-kept secrets for Banh My Hanoi, Vietnamese rice wine, and the famous egg coffee (or a cold beer if you prefer).
21:30 Tour ends. You may continue exploring or have your guide assist with transport back to your hotel.
Tour Highlights:
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6–8 street food stops with 10 tastings
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1 bottled water
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1 local beer
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Egg coffee
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Local dessert
07:30 – Hotel Pickup in Hanoi
Meet your friendly guide and driver at your hotel. Begin your journey southward through the picturesque countryside of the Red River Delta (approx. 2-hour drive).
09:30 – Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Step back in time at the former capital of Vietnam, where you’ll learn about the Dinh and Le dynasties and visit two historic temples.
11:30 – Local Vietnamese Lunch
Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant with regional specialties like goat meat and burnt rice (cơm cháy).
13:30 – Trang An or Tam Coc Scenic Landscape Complex (Boat Trip)
Board a small sampan boat and glide through the serene waterways of Trang An. Pass through limestone caves, lush valleys, and ancient temples on this unforgettable UNESCO World Heritage experience.
16:30 – Depart for Hanoi
Relax on the drive back to Hanoi.
18:30 – Drop-off at Your Hotel
End of tour. Your guide will ensure you’re comfortably dropped off at your accommodation.
Stay Overnight in Hanoi
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or bring Breakfast box along with you.
About 6:30 – 6:45: Pick up at hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter or meeting point, get on bus and depart for Sapa Town. We drive on Hanoi – Lao Cai Express way, there are 2 rest stops.
13:30: Arrive at Sapa Town with colorful traditional costumes of H’mong, Dzao, and Tay ethnic people. And wait at the bus station for the tour guide and driver to pick you up to the hotel and have lunch.
14:30: Take a short walk to the gate of Cat Cat village, which is the home of Black H’mong ethnic people. Our local guide will show you the daily life activities of the locals, trek down to the valley bottom to the waterfall where the French built a Hydraulic Power Station; stop for photos with the bridge and waterfall; then you will walk up hill for the bus to pick you up to get back to Sapa in the afternoon. The trekking distance is about 2.5km and it lasts for 2 hours.
17:00: Come back to Sapa Town. Have dinner at local restaurant on your own then overnight at Sapa Town hotel.
08:00 Pick-up from your hotel in Sapa town.
08:30 Transfer to Muong Hoa Funicular or directly to Fansipan Cable Car Station.
09:00 Take a 25-minute Cable car ride to Fansipan Mountain.
09:20 Climb 600 steps or take funicular (3.5 USD/way) to reach Fansipan Peak (3,143m) – The roof of Indochina.
10:30 Explore temples and statues on the way down: Bao An Pagoda, Copper Buddha, Guanyin.
11:30 Return by cable car.
12:00 Lunch near cable car station.
13:30 Visit Silver Waterfall, a short climb leads to stunning views. Climb stairs about 15mins to the point of view, you’ll be impressed by the waterfall like a white dragon diving into the stream and the stunning scenery of the surrounding mountains.
14:30 Continue to Heaven Gate & Tram Ton Pass (2,047m) – the highest mountain pass in Vietnam.
15:30 Drive back to Sapa.
16:30 Drop-off at your hotel.
Stay overnight in Sapa
This Morning you are free for exploring Sapa Town then check-out hotel.
About 13:30 – 14:00: Relax and enjoy yourself, and if you want, take a shower in the hotel’s public bathroom.
14:30: Meet the Driver of Limousine Van at the hotel to get ready for Hanoi.
14:45: Get on the Limousine Van to go back to Hanoi with two rest stops.
20:00 – 20:30: Arrive Hanoi, and drop off at your hotel.
07:45 – 8:45 Pick up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. Please be ready 10 minutes before your appointment time. (Our bus may arrive late due to the traffic jam, we hope you sympathize for this inconvenience).
09:30 Stopover for refreshment at Thanh Mien, Hai Duong for about 25 minutes.
11:15 Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina, and get checked in at the waiting lounge.
12:00 Embark on cruises, enjoy the welcome drinks while being given a short briefing. Check in to your room and get ready for a tasty lunch.
12:30 Enjoy Vietnamese and international lunch and the picturesque scenery of the bay, pass by the most beautiful areas: Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, Three Coconuts Island.
14:30 Continue to explore Halong Bay by visiting Pearl Farm. This is also an ideal place for kayaking, get up and close to the timeless beauty of Ha Long Bay.
16:00 Visit Sung Sot Cave – a magnificent and largest limestone cave as its original name: Grotte des Surprising. The beautiful stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years are the reward after the steep climb on Bo Hon Island. Proper shoes are highly recommended when it’s wet.
17:45 Back to the boat, enjoy the bar’s Happy Hour (buy 02 get 01)
19:30 Deluxe dinner is served. Enjoy our traditional and fusion dishes prepared by our talented chefs.
21:00 After dinner it’s your time to enjoy at bar and spa, squid fishing or watch a movie in the cabin, play cards, chess or relax on the sundeck.
23:00 Overnight on board.
06:15 Seeing the bay in the morning is a wonderful experience, awaken all your senses with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck while gathering vitamin sea to refresh yourself before enjoying breakfast.
06:30 Coffee, tea and pastries for breakfast are served in the restaurant.
07:30 Visit Titov Island. Titov is a small limestone island with one of the best sandy beaches in Ha Long Bay. You can immerse yourself in emerald water and hike to the top for stunning panoramic views of the bay or try Kayaking experience.
09:30 Back to the cruise ship. Check out and settle your bill at the reception.
10:00 Have brunch while cruising back. Relax on the sundeck or in the restaurant.
11:30 Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina, it’s time to say best wishes and end your trip with us.
14:30 Back to your drop-off point in Hanoi. Depends on your flight Hanoi – Danang, our driver will meet at your hotel then transfer to the Airport. When you arrive Danang, our driver will transfer to your hotel in Hoi An.Conclude your journey today with a leisurely evening time in Hoi An Town —perfect for shopping, café-hopping, or simply soaking in the atmosphere.
Stay overnight in Hoi An Town.
Breakfast at hotel. Lunch on your own.
About 12:00 – 12:15 Pick-up from your hotel.
13:00 – Cam Thanh Coconut Village Experience
Begin your adventure at Cam Thanh Coconut Village, where you’ll step into the shoes of a Vietnamese fisherman. Learn traditional net-casting techniques and ride a Vietnamese bamboo basket boat through peaceful palm-lined waterways once used during the war. Participate in fun, safe, hands-on activities suitable for all ages, gaining authentic cultural insight into the local lifestyle.
14:30 – Explore Hoi An Ancient Town
Head to the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit its iconic landmarks:
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Phuc Kien Assembly Hall – Marvel at the intricate architecture and learn about ancestor worship and local traditions.
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Tan Ky or Phung Hung Ancient House – Discover the history of Hoi An’s prosperous merchant families.
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Japanese Covered Bridge – Explore this 400-year-old symbol of Hoi An, rich with carvings and cultural significance.
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Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House – Enjoy a traditional art performance reflecting local folklore.
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Handicraft Shops & Art Galleries – Browse local crafts, silk, and souvenirs while exploring the town’s charming alleys.
17:30 – Dinner
Enjoy a delightful Hoi An specialty dinner at a local restaurant, featuring traditional dishes unique to the region.
18:00 – Hoai River Lantern Boat Ride
Experience the magic of Hoi An at night with a peaceful boat ride on the Hoai River. Light and release your own flower lantern, making a wish for luck and happiness. Soak in the glowing atmosphere of lantern-lit streets and reflections on the water.
18:30 You will be transferred back to your hotel in Hoi An
Stay overnight in Hoi An.
Take a break from the itinerary and enjoy a relaxing day exploring the timeless charm of Hoi An at your own pace. Wander through the lantern-lit streets of the Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where history whispers from every yellow-walled house and centuries-old temple.
In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam’s dynamic southern hub.
Check-in hotel and overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
On 8:00, our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in the city center to begin your exploration of Ho Chi Minh City.
Start with a visit to the Independence Palace (Reunification Palace), an iconic landmark built on the site of the former Norodom Palace and designed by renowned architect Ngô Viết Thụ.
Next, admire the elegant architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, both striking remnants of French colonial influence.
Conclude the morning at the War Remnants Museum, home to powerful exhibits from the Indochina and Vietnam Wars.
After lunch, we head to the Cu Chi Tunnels (1.5-hour drive). Upon arrival, watch a short video about the tunnel’s history, then explore the underground network with your guide—featuring living quarters, kitchens, traps, and command centers.
Enjoy a taste of cassava and tea, the traditional guerrilla meal. Optional: try shooting at the nearby range.
After the tour, return to Ho Chi Minh City and transfer back to your hotel.
Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Breakfast at hotel.
08:30 AM – Depart from your hotel for My Tho, the capital of Tien Giang Province.
10:00 AM – Arrive in My Tho and take a boat ride to Unicorn Island. Discover local riverside life, enjoy seasonal tropical fruits and coconut candies, and listen to traditional folk music performed by local artists.
11:30 AM – Ride a hand-rowed sampan through narrow canals, visit a coconut candy workshop, and take a horse-drawn carriage ride along peaceful village roads.
12:30 PM – Enjoy a traditional Mekong Delta lunch featuring specialties such as Tai Tuong (Elephant Ear Fish), spring rolls, and fresh shrimp.
14:00 PM – Take a short bicycle ride around the village to experience authentic rural life.
15:00 PM – Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful temple blending Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese architecture.
16:30 PM – Return to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive back at your hotel.
Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Enjoy some free time in the morning to relax or shop at your leisure before checking out of the hotel at 12:00. Afterwards, our driver will transfer you to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your departure flight.
This marks the end of your Flavor of Vietnam adventure with Vietnam Wonder Travel. We extend our heartfelt thanks for joining us on this incredible journey to explore the wonders of Vietnam. Farewell, and we hope to welcome you back soon. Should you desire more exploration of our country, consider our Vietnam tours, which offer a wide range of choices to suit your preferences.
Must-Do Experiences

Halong Bay Kayaking

Explore Sapa Villages
Home to groups like the H’mong and Giay, villages like Lao Chai and Ta Van showcase traditional life, unique customs, and beautiful mountain scenery.

Hoi An Ancient Town
An UNESCO World Heritage site known for its lantern-lit streets, ancient houses, and rich cultural blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences
Travelers’ Reviews

Romantic Journey Through Vietnam
Our 12 days in Vietnam were simply unforgettable! From cruising Halong Bay to exploring Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets, every moment was magical. Vietnam Wonder Travel took care of every detail, and Thomas & Terry made sure we felt special the whole way. Highly recommended for couples looking for romance and adventure!

Best Solo Adventure Ever!
I joined the 12 Days Vietnam Wonders tour alone and ended up leaving with so many friends! The itinerary was perfectly balanced between cultural experiences, scenic landscapes, and relaxation. Thomas and Terry’s professionalism and warmth made me feel right at home in a country I’d never visited before. Truly the trip of a lifetime.

Perfect Family Holiday
We traveled with our two kids, and this tour was perfect for families. Halong Bay was magical, the street food in Hanoi was delicious, and Hoi An was just stunning. Vietnam Wonder Travel made everything so smooth. Thank you for an amazing holiday!
Tour Details
- Hotel accommodation in shared twin or shared double room with daily breakfast.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- Tours and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles.
- English speaking local guide
- All entrance fees as indicated in itinerary
- Sharing Luxury Van to Sapa
- Cable Car Round Trip to Fansipan Peak
- Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary
- Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle Boat Trip
- Return Shuttle Bus to Halong Bay
- Cruise in Halong Bay
- Kayaking in Halong Bay
- Boat Trip in Mekong Delta
- Cold water and towel during tours
- International or Domestic Air tickets
- Other meal, drink, Tip to guide and driver, personal expenses
- Supplement for French, Spanish, Italian and German speaking guide
- Visa on Arrival to Vietnam
- From 10% Deposit
- Low deposit, flexible payments
- Cancelling Free *
- All hotels are well located in city center. All rooms are clean with friendly staff
- Hotel changes or room upgrades are possible with cost difference if any
- Regular hotel check-in time at 14:00pm and check-out time at 12:00pm