23 Days 23 Nights Vietnam Discovery Itinerary: Explore North to South Highlights – UPDATED

RRIVAL ( AIRPORT PICK UP AND LEISURE )

 Authentic Local Experiences in Hanoi

1. Early Morning at Hoan Kiem LakeJoin locals doing tai chi, jogging, dancing, or playing shuttlecock around the lake. 

2. Eat Breakfast Like a LocalTry local breakfast spots crowded with Hanoians:

Phở bò  • Bún riêu • Bún thang  • Xôi xéo

 

3. Enjoy Old Hanoi Coffee CultureVisit traditional cafés hidden in alleys or in old houses:

• Cafe Giảng (egg coffee)
• Cafe Đinh (lake-view)
• Small alley cafés

‍ 4. Walk Through Local Fresh MarketsSee daily life in markets such as:

• Chợ Hang Da
• Chợ Ngoc Ha
• Chợ Cua Dong

5. Explore Small Alleys and Old Residential AreasStroll through typical Hanoi alley neighborhoods with tiny lanes, old apartments, and street vendors.
6. Try Local Snacks on the SidewalkNem chua rán  • Bánh gối • Bánh cuốn nóngEnjoy sidewalk-style dining like real locals. 
7. Visit a Traditional Music or Ca Trù ShowAn authentic cultural experience in ancient spaces like the Old Quarter. 
8. Ride a Bicycle Around West LakeJoin locals cycling or walking during early mornings and late afternoons. 
9. Visit Spiritual Sites Locals LoveLess touristy temples & pagodas:

 

• • Phủ Tây Hồ

 

• • Chùa Trấn Quốc ️

 

• • Đền Quán Thánh

 

10. Join a Cooking Class With a Local FamilyShop at a wet market, then cook local dishes in a Hanoi-style home kitchen.
11. Do a Motorbike Tour Like a True LocalZip through hidden alleys, local markets, cafés, and old neighborhoods on the back of a motorbike. 
12. Experience Hanoi’s “Real” NightlifeNot bars—local evening life:

 

• • Night markets

 

• Hoan Kiem walking street on weekends
• Sidewalk tea stalls (trà đá vỉa hè)

Morning

• 8:30 : Tran Quoc Pagoda - West Lake
• The bus/car and tour guide will pick you up from hotel in old quarter about 8 AM, driving to Tran Quoc Pagoda is located on an island east of West Lake (Tay Ho District), with 1500-year history, which is considered to be the oldest in Thang Long-Hanoi.
• It was the Buddhist center of Thang Long citadel in the Ly and Tran dynasties. With its historical and architectural values, Tran Quoc pagoda is famous for its sacred Buddha land, which attracts many Buddhists and visitors to Vietnam.

• 9:30 : Ho Chi Minh complex
• Visitor to Ho Chi Minh complex ( Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, the presidential palace, house on stilts the final resting place of Uncle Ho, where He lived and worked from 1954- 1969).
• 11:00 : Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
• This is the most recent yet probably the largest and undoubtedly the most interesting Museums in Ha Noi and Viet Nam. There are both indoors and outdoors section, while the in – housed exhibition is particularly informative,
• the outdoors display and activities make the museum stand out from the rest. There are a number of houses modeling after the traditional architecture of ethnic minorities, especially those who live in Northern and Central highlands.12:30 : Lunch Time

Afternoon

• 14:00 : The temple of literature ( The first university in Vietnam)
• Being an ancient school of Thang Long and the first university in Vietnam, Temple of Literature is acknowledged as an ancient historical-cultural heritage which gives tourists deeper understanding about Hanoi -  years of culture and tradition.

• 15:00 : Hoa Lo Prison
• It were built in 1899. The French kept mainly political prisoners here along with those awaiting sentencing at the nearby Court of Justice, also where American pilots who had been shot down and captured were kept as prisoners of war.
• The pilots called it, sarcastically, the “Hanoi Hilton.” John McCain was held here at various times during his five and a half years as a POW.
• 16:00 : Clients will choose 2 options : Cooking class or watch water puppet show in Thang Long theater . After that, drop of customers at hotel

At night

• Free to have your own dinner and free to explore Hanoi by nightOvernight in Ha Noi. 23-Day Vietnam travel Discovery Itinerary

HOA LU - TAM COC - MUA CAVE Morning

• 07:30 – 8:00: Get picked up by our friendly guide then depart for Ninh Binh province
• 09:15: Have a short break for 15 – 20 minutes to relax
• 10:30: Visit HoaLư ancient capital of Vietnam between 968 and 1010. You have a chance to learn about Vietnamese history in the feudal system under Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasty
• Here, we go cycling around the village for sightseeing & discovering the life of the local people
• 12:30: Have a buffet lunch in the restaurant with many local foods such as goat meat, fish, chicken, and fried rice…Vegetarian foods are always available in the buffet lunch

Afternoon

• 15:30: Visit Tam Coc by 1.5-hour bamboo boat.  You will be surprised by the charming beauty here with paddy fields, river, water, cloud, sky, and a stunning cave system during the boat trip. All make a masterpiece that the Vietnamese people called “Ha Long Bay on land”
• 15:30:Get back to Limousine Bus then leave for Mua Cave (Dancing Cave). Walk up almost 500 steps, you can reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain & have an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from here
• 17h00 : Check in Bungalow/Hotel then free time to relax (can use swimming pool in summer time)

• 19:00 : Have dinner at bungalow/hotel then walk around Tam Coc for awalk 23-Day Vietnam travel Discovery Itinerary

BAI DINH POGODA - TRANG AN Morning

• 8:00: Have breakfast at Hotel/ Bungalow then check out and be ready for the trip
• 9:45 - 10:00 :Get picked up then transfer to BaiDinh Pagoda
• 10:30: Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda – the most famous & biggest Pagoda in southeast Asia with many records set such as 500 Stone - Arhat Statues, 36 ton-bronze Bell, 100 ton-Budhha Statues…

• 12:30: Have lunch in the restaurant with a lot of local foods such as goat meat, fish, chicken fried rice…. Vegetarian foods are always available in the buffet lunch

Afternoon

• 13:30: Visit TràngAn whichwas recognized by UNESCO as A World Heritage Site in 2014. TrangAn has a wonderful tunnel cave system so Kong’s Movie Group chose this place for the New Version of Kong in 2016 – “Skull Island”. With 2.5 hours for the boat trip, you will be persuaded by the beauty here.

• 14:30: Get on the CAR to transfer to Mai Chau valley
• 17:30: Get dropped off at mai Chau and check in and res

MAI CHAU VALLEY – FULL DAY TOUR Morning

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day in the fresh mountain air of Mai Châu.

Cycling Tour Through Mai Châu Valley

Enjoy a gentle bike ride through the peaceful countryside.

Along the way, you will visit:

• Lac & Pom Coong Villages – Traditional Thai ethnic villages with stilt houses and weaving artisans.
• Rice Fields & Bamboo Forests – Scenic landscapes perfect for photos.
• Local Workshops – See how locals weave brocade or make traditional handicrafts.
• Village Paths – Quiet, picturesque routes that show true rural life.

Afternoon Relax at the HotelTake a break, enjoy the tranquil surroundings, or explore the village at your own pace. Optional Visit: Chieu Cave (Hang Chiều)For those who enjoy light adventure, you can climb more than 1,200 stone steps to reach the cave.Inside, admire:

• Impressive limestone formations
• Panoramic views of Mai Châu Valley from the top

Evening Overnight at the HotelEnjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Mai Châu at night. You may also walk around the village to see local evening life or shop for handmade textiles.23-Day Vietnam travel Discovery Itinerary

MAI CHAU → PÙ LUÔNG NATURE RESERVE

Full Day Exploration with Timeline

Morning

• 08:00 –  Breakfast at the hotel

  Enjoy a fresh morning meal before departing.

• 09:00 –  Depart from Mai Chau to Pu Luong

  Scenic drive through mountains, valleys, and local ethnic areas.

• 10:30 –  Begin Trekking in Kho Muong Valley

  Explore: Thai ethnic villages. Terraced rice fields. Kho Muong Cave – part of one of the largest karst systems in the region.

Afternoon

• 13:00 –  Lunch at local lodge/restaurant
• 14:00 –  Continue Trekking to Villages
• Walk through bamboo forests, rice terraces, and hidden trails.
• 15:30 –  Visit Water Wheels & Cham River
• See traditional bamboo water wheels
• Optional: Bamboo rafting on the river
• 16:30 –  Visit Don Village, Bang Village, Chieng Chau…
• Discover peaceful stilt houses, weaving artisans, and mountain panoramas.

 Evening

• 18:00 –  Check-in at Pu Luong Resort
• Relax, enjoy the pool, take photos, or unwind in nature.
• 19:00 –  Dinner
• Free evening – Enjoy the quiet mountain atmosphere.

Morning

• 08:00 –  Breakfast at the resort

Enjoy the peaceful mountain morning before starting your final Pu Luong adventure.

• 09:00 –  Trekking to a New Local Village
• Walk through lush rice terraces, bamboo forests, and quiet village paths.
• Discover daily life of Thai ethnic communities and enjoy fresh mountain scenery.
• 10:30 –  Visit & Swim at Hieu Waterfall (Thác Hiêu)
• One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Pu Luong:
• Crystal-clear water
• Natural pools perfect for swimming
• Wooden bridges & small streams
• Guests can relax, swim, or take photos in this refreshing natural paradise.

• 12:00 –  Lunch at a local restaurant near the waterfall
• Enjoy traditional local dishes in a peaceful setting surrounded by nature.

 Afternoon

• 13:30 –  Depart for Hanoi
• Scenic drive back through mountains and countryside.
• 17:30–18:00 –  Arrival in Hanoi

Drop-off at your hotel.

Morning

• 6:15: Wake up early, join the Tai Chi session on sundeck area, enjoy the fresh atmosphere and watch the sunrise in Lan Ha Bay.
• 7:00 – 7:45: Have breakfast. Admit morning view of bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.
• 08:00: Stroke the stunning views of the Bay and it’s dramatic limestone islets
• Visit the famous Tra Bau, it’s time for freely kayak and explore the landscape, or swim...
  

  09:00: Back to your cabin, relax and check carefully all the luggage before leaving your cabin.

• 09:30: Check-out and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay for room service. Complete check out procedure and enjoy your brunch at cruise.10:30: Enjoy the brunch at restaurant.
• 11:45: Travel by tender boat back to Tuan Chau International Marina where you then board the bus for your return journey to Hanoi.
• Transfer to Noi Bai airport for boarding the flight to DA NANG. Overnight in DA NANG
• Note: Timeline is just approximate

• Today you will be free to relax.  Free Exploration in Da Nang
• Spend some time relaxing on My Khe Beach. This beautiful, sandy beach is perfect for a morning swim or a leisurely walk.
•  Wander through Han Market, a bustling market where you can shop for souvenirs, local produce, and traditional Vietnamese snacks.
• Experience the vibrant nightlife of Da Nang. Visit a rooftop bar or a riverside café to unwind and enjoy the city's night scene.
•  If it's the weekend, head back to Dragon Bridge to witness the fire and water show (usually at 9 PM).
• Enjoy your day exploring Da Nang!

• 07:30 Pick you up at Da Nang and depart to Hue city (about 102 km to the North of Da Nang).
• Starting the trip by spectacular natural scenes of Hai Van mountain pass which is one of the world's top ten most beautiful coastal roads in Viet Nam. After finish the Pass, you will stop at Lap An lagoon with breathtaking beauty of lagoon’s
• basin and water surface may capture every visitor’s heart at first sight.
• 10:30: You will visit the Khai Dinh tomb, the final resting place of a Nguyen Emperor. Admire the tomb's unique architectural design and learn more about the many myths and legends that surround this controversial emperor.

• 12:00: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a Local Specialty Restaurant serving Hue style dishes.
• 13:00: You will continue visiting Hue imperial city – the palace of 13 Nguyen Kings and travel into the past to learn more about the last dynasty of Viet Nam via the stories of our friendly tour guide. Wander through this vast complex containing the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City, and the Emperor's private residence, and learn more about
• Vietnam's last dynasty, the Nguyen dynasty. You will also discover other architectural masterpieces such as temples, pavilions, gardens, and the gates to the Imperial City.
• Departing to Thien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery, and admire its iconic 7-story pagoda, the unofficial symbol of the city. Located on the bank of the poetic Perfume River together with its typical traditional architecture of Hue pagodas.
• 15:30:. Return Da Nang city
• 17:30-18:00 End of services at your hotel.

• Today you will be free to relax.  Free Exploration in Hoi An
• Have breakfast with cao lầu or Bánh Mì Phượng.
• Explore the Ancient Town: Japanese Covered Bridge, Tấn Ký Old House, Fujian Assembly Hall.
• Enjoy coffee at Faifo Coffee or Roving Chillhouse.
• Experience a basket boat ride at Bay Mau Coconut Forest.
• Lunch at Cơm Gà Bà Buội or Bếp Tre Hội An.
• Relax at a café or take a short rest.
• Visit An Bang or Cua Dai Beach.
• Try a lantern-making workshop or a cooking class.
• Dinner with Bánh Xèo Giếng Bá Lễ or White Rose Dumplings.
• Stroll through the Ancient Town, release lanterns on the Hoai River.
• End the day with a cocktail at Mót Hội An or Mango Mango.

• Morning
• Breakfast at hotel. Then take excursion to: Bana Hills
• Embark on a 35-kilometer journey to Ba Na and elevate your experience with a breathtaking Cable Car ride, boasting 5 world records, leading you to the enchanting Ba Na Hills station. Pause at the captivating By Night station to explore Vong Nguyet hills, Linh Ung pagoda, and the charming Old Villas reminiscent of French architecture.
• Ascend further on the cable car to reach the summit of Nui Chua Mountain, the pinnacle of Ba Na range. Revel in panoramic views as you discover Nghinh Phong top, Le Nim Villas, and the serene Orchid Garden. The cable car journey itself is a mesmerizing experience, offering glimpses of the picturesque landscapes below.
• As your morning adventure unfolds, indulge in a scrumptious lunch at the club restaurant, savoring not just culinary delights but also the stunning vistas surrounding you. Bana Hills promises a perfect blend of natural beauty and architectural wonders, making your visit an unforgettable travel experience.

Afternoon

• Embark on an exhilarating adventure as you immerse yourself in the boundless fun of Fantasy Park, the third-largest indoor games zone in Vietnam. Unleash your inner thrill-seeker with a plethora of captivating games, including mind-bending 4-5D films, the adrenaline-pumping skiver, the pulse-quickening Death Race, and the enchanting Dinosaur Park.
• As the day transforms into night, indulge in a delectable dinner that captures the essence of Da Nang's culinary delights. With a satisfied palate, retire for the night in the heart of Hoi An and ready to embrace the wonders of tomorrow's adventures.EXCLUDED :The wax museum● Debay wine cellar, Alpine coaster ( customer by own tickets at counter if want to visit and play )

• Morning, enjoy breakfast at hotel. Spend your time at leisure in Da Nang until we trasnfer you to airport for flight to Nha Trang.
• Upon arrival in Nha Trang, transfer to hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is your leisure time to explore the city on your own.

OVERNIGHT IN NHA TRANG

Today you will be free to relax. You may choose to snorkel or dive among the coral reefs in crystal blue waters, hike nature trails, cool off in your private plunge pool, indulge in spa treatments or just relax on the white sand beach and admire the unspoiled mountain and sea views before retiring for the evening. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Morning, enjoy breakfast at hotel. Spend your time at leisure in Nha Trang until we trasnfer you to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh, transfer to hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is your leisure time to explore the city on your own.

• Morning
• 08:00 – 08: 30 AM: Pick up at your hotel and start the city tour included:
• Independence Palace (the Reunification Palace) was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace.
• War Remnants Museum which has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars.
• Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times
• Jade Emperor Pagoda with the peaceful atmosphere &o many stories behind each detail of the pagoda.
• 12:30 AM: Lunchtime with a famous Phở restaurant (Vietnamese noodle soup).

Afternoon

02:00 PM: Depart around 1,5 hours through the pleasant countryside before arriving at Cu Chi Tunnels – the historic site where Vietnamese soldiers used as a shelter during wartime. This fantastic network stretches over 250 km and is the shelter of Vietnamese soldiers during the wars

  There is a shooting range where you can try to fire automatic or semi-automatic weapons for a fee (this fee is not included) 06:00 – 07:00 PM: Be dropped off at your hotel. Dinner on your own account. Overnight at the hotel

Authentic Local Experiences in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)  1. Explore Saigon’s Local Street Food Join a street food tour or visit local spots to try:Bánh mì  • Phở  • Bún thịt nướng  • Cà phê sữa đá   2. Experience Vietnam’s Coffee Culture Visit hidden local cafés in small alleys: Cà phê bệt (picnic-style coffee on the grass) Old apartment cafés Local specialty coffee roasters  3. Walk Through Local Wet Markets Discover real daily life at: Bến Thành Market  (local side aisles) Ba Chieu Market  Tân Định Market   4. Motorbike Tour Like a Local Sit on the back of a motorbike and explore neighborhoods, markets, temples, and street food stalls the local way.  5. Visit Local Neighborhoods Wander around: Chinatown (Chợ Lớn)  Old Saigon apartment blocks Narrow alleyways full of local life   6. Join a Cooking Class Visit a local market with a chef, buy fresh ingredients, and learn to cook Vietnamese dishes at home 7. Early Morning Activities Experience Saigon in the morning: Locals doing tai chi in the park  Morning wet markets Street breakfast vendors selling noodles & sticky rice  8. Small Boat Trip in District 7 or Thu Duc A calm, less touristy riverside experience showing another side of Saigon.  9. Explore Temples & Pagodas Local favorites: Ba Thien Hau Temple Emperor Jade Pagoda Khanh Anh Monastery  10. Enjoy Local Nightlife Not just bars — try local evening activities: Night markets  Local dessert shops (chè, kem…)  Saigon river strolls  11. Visit Local Art Spaces Small, creative, local-focused galleries & workshops: Factory Contemporary Arts Center  Local handicraft workshops

Goodbye Vietnam (B) After breakfast, enjoy some free time until our team transfers you to the airport for your departure flight. This concludes your journey through Vietnam. Thank you for traveling with us — we hope to welcome you back again in the future. Safe travels and goodbye Vietnam