TRANS-VIETNAM GRAND TOUR, CLASSIC TYPE

Grand Tour is one of our longest Vietnam tours, taking you on an unforgettable journey from Southern Vietnam to Northern Vietnam. This comprehensive Grand Tour of Vietnam combines the country’s major cities, historical sites, cultural highlights, spectacular landscapes, and local experiences along the way. The journey also includes the fascinating Mekong Delta in the south and the spectacular limestone scenery of Halong Bay in the north, giving you the opportunity to experience the remarkable diversity of Vietnam from south to north.

Booking code for Grand Tour: OV15

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City and arrival

Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, where you will be welcomed by your local guide and driver. Transfer to your hotel and check in. Depending on your arrival time, there may be an opportunity to take a short orientation tour of Ho Chi Minh City and get your first impression of this energetic southern Vietnamese city.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner before beginning your Grand Tour of Vietnam. This is the start of a long journey that will take you from the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City through the Mekong Delta and Central Vietnam before continuing north toward Hanoi and Halong Bay.

Overnight at your proposed hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City tour

After breakfast at the hotel, begin a full-day Ho Chi Minh City sightseeing tour to discover the city’s fascinating combination of Vietnamese history, French colonial architecture, traditional culture, and modern urban life.

Visit the Reunification Palace, formerly the residence of the President of South Vietnam until the end of April 1975. Continue to some of the city’s finest French colonial landmarks, including Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Central Post Office, before exploring Chinatown and visiting Thien Hau Pagoda and Quan Am Pagoda.

Continue sightseeing at the Emperor Jade Pagoda and the War Remnants Museum, where you can learn more about Vietnam’s complex modern history. End the city tour at Ben Thanh Market, one of the most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City, where an enormous variety of goods, food, clothing, souvenirs, and everyday products are available.

Dinner is on guests’ own account. Overnight at your proposed hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Tay Ninh – Cu Chi tunnels

After breakfast at the hotel, drive west from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh, the spiritual center of the Cao Dai religion in southern Vietnam. Upon arrival, visit the spectacular Cao Dai Holy See and attend the fascinating midday temple service. Followers dressed in colorful ceremonial robes gather in the impressive temple hall, creating a unique cultural experience that reflects the distinctive combination of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and other religious traditions found in Cao Dai.

On the return journey to Ho Chi Minh City, stop at the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground tunnel network constructed and used by Vietnamese fighters during the struggle for independence. The tunnels included living quarters, hospitals, storage areas, meeting rooms, and other facilities, functioning as an important military base during the Vietnam War.

Continue driving back to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy dinner at your own expense and spend another night at your proposed hotel in HCMC.

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be – Vinh Long

At 06:00, pick-up at your hotel and depart for Cai Be in the Mekong Delta. Along the way, stop for photographs around Tan An, with beautiful views across the flat rice fields and peaceful southern Vietnamese countryside.

Upon arrival in Cai Be, board a motorized boat to explore the waterways and experience the traditional life of the Mekong Delta. See local people exchanging goods, fresh fruit, and other commodities from their boats and along the river. Continue into the smaller canals and villages, where you can visit tropical orchards and fruit plantations and discover how local families make a living from the fertile delta.

Cruise toward Vinh Long through narrow canals and lush waterways, enjoying the peaceful scenery and authentic rural atmosphere of the Upper Mekong Delta. Along the way, visit small family-run businesses producing traditional local products, including coconut candy and crispy rice popcorn.

Continue to Binh Hoa Phuoc Village, often known as the “green pearl” of Vinh Long, where lush gardens and waterways create a tranquil natural setting. Enjoy lunch featuring fresh Mekong Delta river food in the heart of a tropical garden, followed by traditional southern Vietnamese folk music.

Take a relaxing walk through the bonsai garden before meeting your car or van in Vinh Long and returning to Ho Chi Minh City. Dinner is at your own expense. Overnight at your proposed hotel in HCMC.

Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City – Dalat

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Da Lat via National Highway 20. Enjoy the scenic drive through southern Vietnam as the landscape gradually changes from the lowland countryside to the cooler mountain environment of the Central Highlands.

Stop for photographs at La Nga Lake and the nearby floating village, where houses and daily life are closely connected to the water. Continue to Dambri Waterfall, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Da Lat and Central Highlands region.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue toward Da Lat. Along the way, visit tea and coffee plantations around Lien Khuong and enjoy the beautiful agricultural landscapes of the highlands.

Arrive in Da Lat and have some free time to relax and explore at leisure in the late afternoon. Dinner is at your own expense. Overnight at your proposed hotel in Da Lat.

Day 6: Dalat city tour

After breakfast, begin a sightseeing tour of Da Lat, one of Vietnam’s most atmospheric mountain cities. Visit Bao Dai’s Summer Palace, the former residence of Vietnam’s last emperor, before continuing to the beautiful Tuyen Lam Lake, surrounded by pine forests and rolling hills.

Enjoy the peaceful scenery around the lake and, if desired, try an elephant ride around the area. Continue to the unusual Hang Nga Crazy House, one of Da Lat’s most famous architectural attractions, before visiting the romantic Valley of Love.

Have lunch at a local restaurant before driving toward Langbian Mountain, one of the most prominent natural landmarks around Da Lat. Visit a traditional Lat ethnic village and learn more about the culture and daily life of the local highland communities.

Return to Da Lat in the afternoon. Enjoy dinner at your own expense and spend another night at your proposed hotel in Da Lat.

Day 7: Dalat – Mui Ne

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Prenn Waterfall, one of the well-known natural attractions around Da Lat. Enjoy the fresh mountain atmosphere and beautiful scenery before departing for Mui Ne, traveling from the cool Central Highlands toward the warmer coastal region of southern Vietnam.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant along the way before continuing to Mui Ne. Upon arrival, check in at your resort and enjoy some free time to relax. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, with the opportunity to enjoy swimming at the resort’s private beach and unwind after the journey.

Dinner is at your own expense. Overnight at your proposed resort in Mui Ne.

Day 8: Mui Ne

Take-away breakfast is arranged for an early start. At approximately 05:00, your Russian Jeep will pick you up from the resort for an exciting morning excursion to the famous Mui Ne White Sand Dunes and Red Sand Dunes. Arrive in time to admire the spectacular sunrise over the sand dunes, when the changing light creates beautiful colors across the desert-like landscape.

Ride through the dunes by Russian Jeep and enjoy the feeling of crossing a vast desert landscape. For those looking for more adventure, there is also an opportunity to try sandboarding, sliding from the top of the dunes toward the bottom on a wooden board.

Continue to a traditional Mui Ne fishing village, where you can see local fishermen returning with their catch and experience the lively atmosphere of this important coastal community. Enjoy the opportunity to taste fresh seafood caught by local fishermen before continuing the morning excursion.

On the way back to the resort, stop at the fascinating Fairy Stream, a small natural waterway surrounded by colorful sandy cliffs and unusual rock formations. Take some memorable photographs before returning to the resort.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Mui Ne. Dinner is at your own expense. Overnight at your proposed resort.

Day 9: Mui Ne – Nha Trang

After breakfast at the resort, depart from Mui Ne to Nha Trang, continuing the journey along the beautiful south-central coast of Vietnam. Enjoy the changing scenery as the road passes through coastal countryside, fishing communities, and dry landscapes before reaching the lively seaside city of Nha Trang.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant along the way before continuing to Nha Trang. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Relax at the hotel, explore the city independently, or take some time to enjoy the famous Nha Trang beach and its lively coastal atmosphere.

Dinner is at your own expense. Overnight at your proposed hotel in Nha Trang.

Day 10: Nha Trang and its offshore islands

After breakfast at the hotel, take a morning boat trip from Nha Trang to explore some of the beautiful offshore islands in Nha Trang Bay. Cruise across the clear waters and enjoy the scenery of the coastline and surrounding islands.

Visit Hon Mun Island, one of the most famous islands in Nha Trang Bay, known for its clear water and attractive marine environment. Continue to the Tri Nguyen Aquarium, where you can see a variety of marine species from the waters around Vietnam.

Continue the island excursion and enjoy lunch on Hon Tam Island. After lunch, spend some free time swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the warm waters and tropical surroundings.

In the afternoon, take the boat back to Nha Trang. Enjoy the evening at leisure in this vibrant coastal city.

Dinner is at your own expense. Overnight at your proposed hotel in Nha Trang.

Day 11: Nha Trang – Danang – Hoi An

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time in Nha Trang until your transfer to Cam Ranh Airport for your flight to Da Nang. Board flight VN 336 (12:05 – 13:20) and enjoy the short flight along Vietnam’s central coastline.

Upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport, you will be met and transferred to Hoi An Ancient Town, one of Vietnam’s most atmospheric and best-preserved historic destinations. Check in at your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Take a relaxing walk through the old town, explore the riverside, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this UNESCO-listed destination.

Dinner is at your own expense. Overnight at your proposed hotel in Hoi An.

Day 12: Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An

After breakfast at the hotel, start early with a visit to the lively Hoi An morning market, where local residents shop for fresh produce, seafood, and everyday goods. Continue with a walking tour through the atmospheric streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, exploring its historic architecture and distinctive blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European influences.

Visit the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, the Hoi An Museum of Trade Ceramics, the historic Tan Ky Old House, and the Cantonese Assembly Hall. Continue along the traditional silk streets and visit several historic temples and pagodas with distinctive Chinese architectural features.

In the afternoon, drive to My Son Holy Land, the remarkable archaeological site of the ancient Cham civilization. Explore the atmospheric temple ruins, surrounded by green hills and forest, and learn about the history and religious traditions of the Champa Kingdom.

Return to Hoi An in the late afternoon. Enjoy dinner at your own expense and spend another night at your proposed hotel.

Day 13: Hoi An – Hue

After breakfast at the hotel, depart from Hoi An to Hue via Da Nang, traveling along one of central Vietnam’s most scenic routes. Stop at Marble Mountain to explore its caves, pagodas, and spectacular views before continuing to the Cham Museum in Da Nang, home to an important collection of Cham sculptures and artifacts.

Continue north toward the spectacular Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most famous coastal mountain roads. Stop for photographs and enjoy panoramic views over the mountains, coastline, and surrounding countryside before continuing to Lang Co Beach.

Have lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. In the afternoon, visit Dong Ba Market, followed by the Imperial Citadel, the historic seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. Explore the impressive remains of the Purple Forbidden City within the citadel complex.

In the evening, enjoy a special dinner cruise on the Perfume River, accompanied by a traditional Hue folk music performance. The evening boat trip offers a relaxing way to experience the atmosphere of Vietnam’s former imperial capital.

Overnight at your proposed hotel in Hue.

Day 14: Hue – Hanoi

This Grand Tour skips several destinations in central Vietnam because of the limited duration of the itinerary. If you would like to travel overland from Hue to Hanoi, we recommend adding approximately three additional days to explore the central coast and northern Vietnam at a more relaxed pace.

After breakfast at the hotel, take a scenic Perfume River cruise to visit several important royal and cultural landmarks around Hue. Visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, surrounded by gardens, lakes, and peaceful wooded landscapes. Continue to the historic Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most recognizable landmarks, before visiting the Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, another impressive royal tomb set among gardens, lakes, and traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to Phu Bai Airport for your flight to Hanoi. Board flight VN 244 (14:55 – 16:10) and fly north to the capital.

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy the evening at leisure and have dinner at your own expense. Overnight at your proposed hotel in Hanoi.

Day 15: Hanoi city tour

After breakfast at the hotel, begin a full-day Hanoi city tour exploring some of the capital’s most important historical and cultural landmarks. Start with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s House on Stilts, and the famous One Pillar Pagoda.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and one of Hanoi’s most important historical sites. Explore the traditional courtyards, gardens, and ancient architecture before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue sightseeing around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in the lake. Continue to Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Hanoi, and Quan Thanh Temple, a historic Taoist temple near West Lake.

Later, enjoy a traditional cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, traveling through the atmospheric streets from Hang Dau toward Hang Gai and experiencing the lively streets and historic character of central Hanoi from a different perspective.

Dinner is at your own expense. Overnight at your proposed hotel in Hanoi.

Day 16: Ha Noi – Ha Long

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Hanoi for Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage destination. Upon arrival at Halong Bay, board the Huong Hai Junk and complete the check-in procedures before enjoying lunch on board.

After lunch, begin your Halong Bay cruise through a spectacular landscape of limestone islands and towering karst formations rising from the emerald-green sea. Visit Thien Cung Cave and Dau Go Cave, two of the bay’s most impressive natural grottoes, before cruising around Tuan Chau Island, Dog Island, Sail Island, and Ti Top Beach.

Take time to enjoy the scenery from the deck, relax with a drink, and watch the beautiful Halong Bay sunset over the limestone islands. An optional kayaking excursion can also be arranged for travelers who would like to explore the quieter waterways and karst formations from the water.

Enjoy dinner on board the junk and spend the night on the boat, surrounded by the spectacular scenery of Halong Bay.

Day 17: Ha Long – Ha Noi

Wake up on board and enjoy breakfast while taking in the peaceful morning scenery of Halong Bay. Continue the cruise through the bay and pass several distinctive limestone formations and islands, including Man’s Head Island, Tortoise Island, Toad Island, and Bai Tho Mountain.

Enjoy the final views of the spectacular karst landscape before returning to the wharf. Have lunch on board before disembarking at Halong Bay.

After leaving the boat, board the coach for the journey back to Hanoi. Arrive in the capital in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to relax or explore the city independently.

Dinner is at your own expense. Overnight at your proposed hotel in Hanoi.

Day 18: Hanoi – Departure. End of Grand Tour.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time in Hanoi for last-minute shopping, sightseeing, or simply relaxing before your international departure.

At the appropriate time, transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight.

This marks the end of our fantastic 18-day Grand Tour of Vietnam, a comprehensive journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi combining Vietnam’s major cities, historical landmarks, cultural attractions, mountain landscapes, coastal destinations, the Mekong Delta, and spectacular Halong Bay.

Contact us at [email protected] if you need more details, additional options, or advice about this Grand Tour of Vietnam.

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