12 Days Vietnam Beach, Sunshine & Scenic Journey

Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is free, allowing time to recover from the flight or enjoy a gentle walk, café stop, or first drink overlooking the bustling streets.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: None

This morning, explore Hanoi by open-air Jeep, a fun and relaxed way to see the city. You pass the Ho Chi Minh Complex, Temple of Literature, and Hoa Lo Prison, while also driving through local neighborhoods and hidden streets that reveal daily life beyond the tourist routes.

The afternoon is free for rest or independent exploration. In the evening, join a guided street food tour in the Old Quarter, sampling local dishes while experiencing Hanoi’s lively nightlife and social atmosphere.

Meals: Breakfast, street food tasting (evening)
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

Leave Hanoi behind and travel into the green hills of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. The scenery shifts from city streets to rice terraces, villages, and forested valleys. After arrival, the afternoon is relaxed, ideal for enjoying the peaceful surroundings or a short walk near the lodge.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

Enjoy a calm morning in Pu Luong before continuing to Ninh Binh. Known for limestone mountains rising from flat rice fields, the region offers dramatic yet tranquil landscapes. The remainder of the day is unhurried, allowing time to settle in and enjoy the countryside atmosphere.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

Today focuses on the natural scenery of Ninh Binh, often called the inland version of Halong Bay. The landscape opens into wide rice fields, winding rivers, and dramatic limestone cliffs rising from the flat countryside.

You travel through calm waterways by small boat, passing caves, temples, and village life along the banks. The scenery changes slowly, creating a peaceful contrast to Vietnam’s busy cities. There is time to stop, take photos, and enjoy the quiet rhythm of the area.

The pace of the day stays comfortable. You explore without rushing and have space to absorb the atmosphere that makes Ninh Binh one of northern Vietnam’s most memorable landscapes.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

You travel to Halong Bay and board your cruise, leaving the mainland behind. As the boat glides into the bay, emerald waters and towering limestone islands surround you from every direction.

The afternoon is spent cruising through calm scenery. You may relax on the sundeck, enjoy light activities on board, or simply watch the landscape drift past. The pace feels unhurried, even within a full sightseeing day.

As evening arrives, the bay grows quiet and atmospheric. Soft light reflects on the water, creating a peaceful setting for dinner and an overnight stay among the limestone karsts.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

You wake up to peaceful views across Halong Bay as the cruise continues through the limestone scenery. After a relaxed morning on board, brunch is served before disembarkation.

You then transfer to Hanoi Airport and fly south to Da Nang. From there, a short road journey brings you to Hoi An, where the pace slows again.

The evening is free to enjoy the town at your own rhythm. Lantern-lit streets, riverside cafés, and laid-back bars create a warm and inviting atmosphere to end the day.

Meals: Brunch
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour through Hoi An’s Old Town. You pass historic merchant houses, Chinese assembly halls, small temples, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and lantern-lined streets that reflect the town’s trading past.

Later, join the Hoi An Red Bridge Cooking Class. The experience begins with a local market visit, followed by hands-on preparation of classic Vietnamese dishes in a friendly, social setting.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch (cooking class)
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

A full day at leisure at An Bang Beach. Spend time swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying beachfront cafés and casual bars. The day is entirely flexible, with no scheduled activities.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: Not required

This day is dedicated to beach time and warm coastal sunshine. You can slow the pace, relax on the sand, or enjoy the gentle sea breeze along the shoreline.

For those who prefer a bit more activity, nearby beach clubs, cafés, and seaside walks offer easy options without planning. The day follows a simple rhythm, making it a refreshing break between cultural visits.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: Not required

Transfer to Da Nang Airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City. After arrival and hotel check-in, the pace shifts to something more energetic.

In the evening, join a guided Vespa tour to experience the city after dark. Riding through lively streets, you sample local street food, enjoy drinks at popular spots, and see a different side of Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife. It is a fun and immersive way to connect with local culture and social life.

Meals: Breakfast, light food during Vespa tour
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

Enjoy a free morning for café time, shopping, or rest before your transfer to the airport for departure.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English-speaking guide