
Code: GLT-VGHLL-15D
Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights
Route: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay – Sapa – Quang Binh – Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Long An – Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City
Tour Style: Culture, heritage, nature, soft adventure, caves, local life, river experience
Guide Language: English-speaking guide or other languages upon request
Suitable For: First-time visitors to Vietnam, private groups, cultural travelers, senior travelers with moderate mobility, families, B2B partners and tailor-made groups
This 15-day journey is designed for travelers who want to experience Vietnam from north to south through its most meaningful cultural, historical and natural landscapes.
The journey begins in Hanoi, Vietnam’s elegant capital, before continuing to the limestone scenery of Ninh Binh and the legendary seascape of Ha Long Bay. Guests then travel to Sapa, where mountain villages, ethnic communities and terraced valleys reveal the soul of Northern Vietnam.
In Central Vietnam, the tour explores the spectacular cave world of Phong Nha – Ke Bang, the imperial heritage of Hue, the coastal beauty of Da Nang, and the timeless charm of Hoi An Ancient Town.
The final chapter unfolds in Southern Vietnam, with the vibrant rhythm of Ho Chi Minh City, the ecological landscapes of Long An, and the river culture of Can Tho and the Mekong Delta.
This is not only a sightseeing tour. It is a complete Vietnam journey through mountains, rivers, caves, imperial cities, ancient towns, wetlands and local communities.
| Day | Destination | Main Experience | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Hanoi Arrival | Gentle city introduction, Old Quarter, Water Puppet Show | L, D |
| Day 2 | Hanoi – Ninh Binh | Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Bich Dong, optional Mua Cave | B, L |
| Day 3 | Ninh Binh – Ha Long – Hanoi – Train to Lao Cai | Ha Long Bay day cruise, overnight train | B, L, D |
| Day 4 | Lao Cai – Sapa | Ma Tra & Ta Phin villages | B, L |
| Day 5 | Sapa – Hanoi | Muong Hoa Valley, Lao Chai / Ta Van or Cat Cat easy option | B, L |
| Day 6 | Hanoi – Dong Hoi | Flight to Quang Binh, flexible day | B |
| Day 7 | Phong Nha | Paradise Cave & Phong Nha Cave | B, L |
| Day 8 | Dong Hoi – Hue | Khai Dinh Tomb, Thien Mu Pagoda, Imperial Citadel | B, L, D |
| Day 9 | Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An | Hai Van Pass, Linh Ung Pagoda, Marble Mountains | B, L |
| Day 10 | Hoi An | Ancient Town walking tour, optional local experience | B |
| Day 11 | Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City | Saigon city discovery | B, L |
| Day 12 | Ho Chi Minh City – Long An – Can Tho | Medicinal forest, wetland ecology, Mekong gateway | B, L |
| Day 13 | Can Tho | Cai Rang Floating Market, Binh Thuy House, Son Islet | B, L |
| Day 14 | Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City | Return to Saigon, free time, optional farewell dinner | B |
| Day 15 | Ho Chi Minh City Departure | Free time until airport transfer | B |
Meals included: 14 breakfasts, selected lunches and 3 special dinners.
Some dinners are intentionally left open so guests can explore local cuisine at their own pace.
Meals: Lunch, Welcome Dinner
Overnight: Hanoi
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, guests will be welcomed by the guide and driver, then transferred to Hanoi city center.
After a long international flight, the first day is designed with a gentle rhythm. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant before beginning the first discovery of Hanoi.
Depending on arrival time and guest condition, the afternoon city tour may include Tran Quoc Pagoda, the exterior area of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, the Temple of Literature, and a light walk around the Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem Lake.
If time allows, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show, an art form rooted in the wet-rice culture of Northern Vietnam.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Suggested accommodation: Peridot Gallery Classic Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Ninh Binh
After breakfast, check out and depart for Ninh Binh by private vehicle. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.
Upon arrival, visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the former capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Early Le dynasties. The temples of King Dinh and King Le reflect the early period of Vietnamese independence and royal history.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, enjoy a sampan boat ride in Tam Coc, cruising along the Ngo Dong River through limestone mountains, natural caves and peaceful rural scenery.
Continue to Bich Dong Pagoda, one of Ninh Binh’s most beautiful cave pagodas.
Optional for active guests: Visit Mua Cave Viewpoint for panoramic views over Tam Coc. For guests who prefer a softer pace, extra relaxation time or a gentle countryside visit can be arranged.
Dinner is on guests’ own arrangement, allowing time to relax at the hotel or enjoy the local atmosphere.
Suggested accommodation: Scenic Mountain Ecolodge Ninh Binh or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Cruise Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Soft sleeper train
After breakfast, depart from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours.
Arrive at the marina and board a day cruise to explore the bay. Lunch will be served on board while cruising among limestone islands and emerald waters.
Depending on the cruise route and weather conditions, the program may include iconic islets, a cave visit, kayaking or a bamboo boat experience.
In the afternoon, return to the harbor and transfer back to Hanoi.
Dinner at a local restaurant in Hanoi. A short rest or shower arrangement near the railway station can be arranged before boarding the overnight train.
Transfer to the railway station and take the overnight train to Lao Cai.
Accommodation: Soft sleeper train, 2 guests per cabin
Signature upgrade: For a more premium and comfortable version, this day can be upgraded to an overnight Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay cruise, with the Sapa departure adjusted accordingly.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Sapa
Arrive at Lao Cai Railway Station in the morning. Meet the guide and driver, then transfer to Sapa for breakfast.
Begin a soft trekking experience through Ma Tra Village, home to the Black Hmong community. The walking route leads through rural paths, small valleys and cultivated fields, offering a gentle introduction to mountain life.
Continue toward Ta Phin Village, known for the Red Dao community, traditional brocade weaving and herbal bath culture. Guests will have time to explore the village, observe daily life and learn about local crafts.
Lunch will be arranged as a local meal or picnic lunch depending on the final program.
In the afternoon, return to Sapa town. Check in at the hotel and rest.
Dinner is on guests’ own arrangement. Optional Red Dao herbal bath can be arranged upon request.
Suggested accommodation: Eden Boutique Hotel Sapa or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hanoi
After breakfast, visit Muong Hoa Valley, one of the most beautiful landscapes in Sapa, famous for terraced rice fields, mountain views and ethnic villages.
Walk through Lao Chai Village of the Black Hmong community and continue toward Ta Van Village, home to the Giay and Hmong people.
This route offers a deeper and more scenic experience of Sapa’s mountain culture.
Easy alternative: For guests who prefer a shorter and easier walk, Cat Cat Village can be arranged instead.
Lunch in Sapa.
In the afternoon, transfer back to Hanoi by private vehicle or tourist bus, depending on the confirmed service standard.
Arrive in Hanoi in the evening. Dinner is on guests’ own arrangement.
Suggested accommodation: Peridot Gallery Classic Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Dong Hoi
Breakfast at the hotel. Free time until airport transfer.
Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for the flight to Dong Hoi, Quang Binh. Depending on the final quotation, airport transfer may be arranged with driver only or with guide assistance.
Upon arrival at Dong Hoi Airport, the local guide and driver welcome the group and transfer to the hotel for check-in and rest.
Meals will be arranged flexibly according to the actual flight schedule.
Suggested accommodation: Rex Hotel Quang Binh or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Dong Hoi
After breakfast, depart for Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and one of the most spectacular cave regions in Asia.
Visit Paradise Cave, famous for its grand chambers, wooden walkways and magnificent stalactite system. Often described as a heavenly palace underground, the cave offers a dramatic and unforgettable natural experience.
Lunch with local specialties.
In the afternoon, explore Phong Nha Cave by boat. The journey follows the Son River into the cave, revealing underground river scenery, limestone formations and the mysterious beauty of Vietnam’s cave kingdom.
Return to Dong Hoi in the late afternoon. Dinner is on guests’ own arrangement.
Suggested accommodation: Rex Hotel Quang Binh or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Hue Dinner
Overnight: Hue
After breakfast, check out and depart for Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital.
Upon arrival, visit Khai Dinh Tomb, one of the most distinctive royal tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty. The tomb combines Vietnamese tradition with European architectural influences, reflecting a unique chapter of Hue’s royal history.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, the iconic riverside pagoda overlooking the Perfume River.
Continue to the Imperial Citadel, once the political and ceremonial center of the Nguyen Dynasty. The visit offers insight into royal life, Vietnamese court culture and the historical role of Hue.
Dinner with Hue specialties at a local restaurant.
Optional upgrade: Hue royal-style dinner or refined tasting menu.
Suggested accommodation: Saigon Morin Hotel Hue or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hoi An
After breakfast, check out and travel to Da Nang.
Depending on weather and road conditions, enjoy a scenic drive through the Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful coastal mountain roads.
Visit Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula, known for its impressive Lady Buddha statue and panoramic views of the sea and city.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone and marble hills with caves, pagodas and viewpoints.
Continue to Hoi An and check in at the hotel.
Dinner is on guests’ own arrangement, allowing them to enjoy Hoi An’s charming food scene and lantern-lit streets.
Suggested accommodation: Hadana Boutique Resort Hotel Hoi An or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hoi An
After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
For more than 400 years, Hoi An was an important trading port where Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese and European influences met. Today, the town is loved for its yellow ancient houses, riverside streets, lanterns, temples, assembly halls and warm local atmosphere.
Suggested visits include the Japanese Covered Bridge area, an old merchant house, a Chinese assembly hall, Hoi An local market and a traditional handicraft workshop.
The afternoon is flexible. Guests may choose one optional experience:
Lunch and dinner are on guests’ own arrangement unless an optional experience with meal is selected.
Suggested accommodation: Hadana Boutique Resort Hotel Hoi An or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, free time until check-out and transfer to Da Nang Airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the local guide and driver welcome the group.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, begin a city discovery of Ho Chi Minh City. Suggested visits include the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, Reunification Palace, and Chinatown / Cho Lon.
Check in at the hotel.
Dinner is on guests’ own arrangement, allowing them to explore Saigon’s vibrant food scene.
Suggested accommodation: Adora Art Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Can Tho
After breakfast, depart for Long An, approximately two hours from Ho Chi Minh City.
Visit the Research, Conservation and Development Center for Medicinal Plants in Dong Thap Muoi. This unique ecological site features Melaleuca forest, wetland landscapes and a rich collection of medicinal plants.
The experience is designed as a gentle nature and wellness discovery, including a guided walk through the medicinal plant forest, introduction to local herbs and wetland ecology, and optional kayaking or boat experience subject to weather, water level and safety conditions.
A herbal foot bath may be arranged if hygiene and operational standards are suitable.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, continue to Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta and an important gateway to river life in Southern Vietnam.
Check in at the hotel. Dinner is on guests’ own arrangement.
Suggested accommodation: Wink Hotel Can Tho or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Local Lunch
Overnight: Can Tho
Early morning, visit Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the largest and most famous floating markets in the Mekong Delta. The market is not only a trading place but also a cultural symbol of river life in Southern Vietnam.
Return for breakfast or enjoy a local breakfast experience depending on the final arrangement.
Continue to Binh Thuy Ancient House, a well-preserved historic house reflecting a blend of Vietnamese and French architectural influences.
Visit Son Islet, a community-based tourism area where guests can experience local life along the river.
Suggested experiences include visiting floating fish farms, walking through fruit gardens, watching the “flying snakehead fish” demonstration, joining a local cake-making activity, tasting traditional Southern sweets and seasonal fruits, and meeting local families.
Lunch will be arranged as a local restaurant meal or home-style Mekong meal.
Dinner is on guests’ own arrangement. Guests may explore Ninh Kieu Wharf, the night market or riverside cafés.
Suggested accommodation: Wink Hotel Can Tho or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, check out and return to Ho Chi Minh City by private vehicle.
The afternoon is free for rest, shopping or personal discovery. Guests may explore Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, local cafés or arrange optional activities.
Lunch and dinner are on guests’ own arrangement.
Optional upgrade: Farewell dinner in Ho Chi Minh City.
Suggested accommodation: Adora Art Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Not included
Breakfast at the hotel.
Enjoy free time at leisure until the scheduled transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for the departure flight.
Depending on the flight schedule, guests may relax at the hotel, enjoy personal time, or arrange their own shopping and activities before leaving Vietnam.
Please note that standard hotel check-out time is usually before 12:00. Late check-out or a day-use room can be arranged upon request with surcharge and subject to hotel availability.
Transfer to the airport.
End of services.
The following experiences can be added depending on travel style, budget, season and guest interest:
Final hotel confirmation is subject to room availability at the time of booking. Equivalent hotels may be arranged if the listed hotels are unavailable.
Some dinners are left open intentionally, allowing guests to explore local cuisine at their own pace. Golden Life Travel can arrange recommended restaurants, food tours, group dinners or special dining experiences upon request.
This approach keeps the journey more flexible, reduces unnecessary fixed costs and gives guests more freedom to enjoy Vietnam’s local food culture.
This itinerary is designed with a balance of guided sightseeing, scenic travel, local experiences and free time. Activities can be adjusted according to guest age, fitness level, weather conditions and travel style.
Walking, trekking, cycling, kayaking, cave visits and boat activities are subject to weather, local safety conditions and guest physical condition.
Travel insurance is not included unless clearly mentioned in the quotation.
Golden Life Travel strongly recommends that all guests purchase comprehensive international travel insurance in their country of residence before departure. This helps ensure better coverage, direct claim support and easier access to assistance according to the guest’s local insurance regulations.
The policy should ideally cover medical expenses, emergency medical treatment, personal accident, trip cancellation or interruption, travel delays, baggage loss or damage, emergency evacuation and cruise/weather disruption where applicable.
Guests are responsible for reviewing their insurance terms, coverage limits and exclusions before travel.
To confirm the booking, a deposit is required.
Cancellation charges are calculated based on the date Golden Life Travel receives the written cancellation request.
Non-refundable services may include domestic flights, train tickets, cruise bookings, peak-season hotels, special permits, special activities, visa services and any supplier non-refundable items.
Refunds, if applicable, will be processed after Golden Life Travel receives refunds from relevant suppliers.
Price is based on twin/double sharing room and a private group arrangement. Final quotation depends on group size, travel dates, hotel availability, domestic flight fares, train cabin availability and service level.
For private groups, FIT travelers, B2B partners or customized arrangements, Golden Life Travel will provide a detailed quotation upon request.
This package is designed for guests who want a complete Vietnam journey with good value, comfortable services and well-organized local experiences.
Suggested standard includes:
Best for: budget-conscious groups, first-time visitors, B2B partners who need a competitive price but still want a polished Vietnam itinerary.
Positioning line:
A cost-conscious but elegant Vietnam journey, designed with comfort, culture and smart local arrangements.
This is the recommended package for most international groups. It offers better comfort, smoother pacing and more memorable local experiences.
Suggested standard includes:
Best for: private groups, senior travelers, cultural travelers, small groups, guests who value comfort and deeper experiences.
Positioning line:
A refined Vietnam journey with stronger comfort, better dining and a more balanced travel rhythm.
This package is designed for high-value guests who prefer privacy, curated experiences and more comfortable arrangements throughout the journey.
Suggested standard includes:
Best for: premium FIT guests, VIP families, luxury cultural travelers, incentive groups and special-interest groups.
Positioning line:
A tailor-made Vietnam heritage journey with elevated comfort, curated experiences and personal service.
This sample itinerary is based on a private group arrangement with twin/double sharing room. Final price depends on group size, travel dates, hotel category, domestic flights, train cabin availability, cruise selection and service level.
Golden Life Travel offers three service levels: Smart Value, Signature Experience and Premium Tailor-Made.
Children prices are subject to age, rooming arrangement, hotel policy, train cabin arrangement, cruise policy, airline rules and supplier conditions at the time of booking.
Final child pricing will be confirmed at the quotation stage based on the child’s age, rooming request, travel date and supplier conditions.