4 Weeks Vietnam: The Biggest Highlights

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, your driver will be waiting with a personalized sign at Terminal 2, Column 10. You'll be transferred to your hotel in the lively Old Quarter, where you can enjoy some free time to rest or explore the surroundings. In the evening, dive into the flavors of the capital on an immersive Hanoi street food tour. Wander through the 36 streets of the Old Quarter and sample local favorites like pho, bun cha, banh cuon, egg coffee, and more. This walking culinary journey offers an authentic taste of Vietnamese culture through its incredible cuisine.

Enjoy a relaxed day to explore Hanoi at your own pace. Visit historic landmarks like Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, or indulge in more street food delights. You’ll have a late checkout until 9:00 PM, giving you ample time before your overnight adventure begins. In the evening, a tour representative will escort you to the train station where you’ll board the Dream Train Express to Sapa. Settle into your cozy 4-berth sleeper cabin and prepare for the scenic rail journey to northern Vietnam.

Arrive early at Lao Cai station and transfer to Sapa town for breakfast and preparation. Your guided trek begins with a descent to Cat Cat Village, home to the Hmong people, and continues across the Muong Hoa River via a suspension bridge. Hike through serene bamboo forests, admire vast rice terraces, and enjoy lunch in a traditional Hmong family-run eatery in Y Linh Ho. The trek continues to Lao Chai and finally Ta Van Village, where you’ll spend the night in a local homestay. This immersive experience introduces you to the rich culture of the Giay and Hmong minorities.

Wake up surrounded by the tranquil scenery of Ta Van Village. After breakfast, begin a scenic hike toward Giang Ta Chai, a Red Dao village known for its dramatic waterfalls and lush landscape. Visit a local Red Dao home to gain insight into their traditions, then follow an alternate trail back across a hanging bridge. Enjoy lunch in the village before returning to Sapa town by car in the afternoon. The rest of the day is yours to unwind or explore Sapa at your own pace.

Take a morning bus through northern Vietnam’s stunning mountain scenery to Ha Giang, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Thon Tha Village, a peaceful Tay ethnic community surrounded by rice fields and forested hills. Settle into your local homestay and enjoy the slower pace of village life. If weather allows, you might take a walk to a nearby waterfall. In the evening, share a delicious traditional dinner with your host family and fellow travelers.

Journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Ha Giang Province, covering 155 km with frequent scenic stops. Ascend to the Heaven’s Gate at 1,500 meters for sweeping views, and admire the unique Twin Mountains of Quan Ba. After lunch in Yen Minh, continue through ethnic villages and dramatic valleys. Stop to explore the Vuong Palace, once home to a local Hmong king. Arrive in Dong Van by evening to check in and relax in this quiet, picturesque town.

After breakfast, visit the northernmost point of Vietnam near the Chinese border and the iconic Lung Cu Flag Tower. Then drive through the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, a UNESCO-listed site. Highlights include the majestic Ma Pi Leng Pass and the breathtaking Happiness Road—a 20-km route hand-built through the cliffs by locals. Pass through Meo Vac and marvel at northern Vietnam's dramatic karst landscapes before reaching Bao Lac for your overnight stay.

Today’s journey takes you deep into Vietnam’s northeast, traveling through winding roads and untouched scenery. Stop at Me Pia Pass, a twisting mountain route known for its hairpin curves and panoramic views, followed by a visit to Angel Eye Mountain—a unique natural wonder with a circular hole through its peak. Continue to Ban Gioc, a remote region near the Chinese border, where you’ll stay in a peaceful local homestay.

Start the day with a visit to the spectacular Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Asia’s largest and most beautiful, straddling the border of Vietnam and China. Explore the nearby Nguom Ngao Cave, a limestone cave filled with impressive stalactites. In the afternoon, travel through the mountains toward Ba Be National Park, a pristine area known for its lakes, forests, and ethnic minority villages.

Explore Ba Be National Park on foot, trekking through dense tropical forests, rice terraces, and small traditional villages. Encounter the unique biodiversity of the area and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this remote, natural haven. This day offers a closer look at daily rural life and Vietnam’s lush landscape.

Enjoy a peaceful morning cruising the calm waters of Ba Be Lake, surrounded by limestone cliffs and thick jungle. After your boat trip, have lunch and begin the journey back to Hanoi. Arrive in the evening and check in to your hotel in the Old Quarter.
Suggestion during free time: Take an evening stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake or explore Hanoi’s vibrant night market.

Depart Hanoi in the morning for the scenic drive to Cat Ba Island’s Cai Beo Port. Board your boutique cruise and settle in with a welcome drink. Enjoy a delicious lunch as you cruise into the calm, emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay—known for its fewer crowds and dramatic limestone formations. Spend the afternoon kayaking or relaxing on a secluded beach. In the evening, join a cooking demonstration before a fresh Vietnamese dinner onboard.

Start your day with Tai Chi on the sundeck before cruising to Viet Hai Village. Explore the peaceful island community by bicycle or electric car, passing through verdant jungle and farmland. After returning to the boat for brunch, check out and disembark at Cai Beo Port. From there, take a taxi on your own to your homestay in Cat Ba town.
Suggestion during free time: Relax on Cat Co Beach or visit Cannon Fort for sunset views.

Enjoy a leisurely morning on Cat Ba Island. At 13:30, board a bus for the scenic transfer to Ninh Binh—a region known for its dramatic limestone landscapes, rivers, and ancient temples. Upon arrival, check in to your resort and relax for the evening.
Suggestion during free time: Take a short walk or bike ride to admire the peaceful rural scenery around Tam Coc.

Today is all about slowing down and soaking in the peaceful countryside of Ninh Binh. Borrow a bicycle from your homestay and explore nearby rice fields, pagodas, and villages at your own pace. For those wanting a deeper dive into the region, an optional group tour is available to explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, cruise through the stunning caves of Trang An, and hike up Mua Cave for panoramic views (USD 45/person).

Enjoy a leisurely morning and afternoon in Ninh Binh. With a late check-out available until 8:00 PM, you have extra time to relax or further explore the tranquil countryside. In the evening, your transfer takes you to the train station for an overnight journey to Dong Hoi aboard the Lotus Train Express. The sleeper cabin is air-conditioned and cozy, offering a unique local travel experience—even if you're in for a bit of a bumpy ride.

Arrive early in Dong Hoi and head straight to Phong Nha to freshen up before your cave expedition begins. The day starts with Paradise Cave, an awe-inspiring dry cave known for its vast chambers and impressive stalactites. After a local lunch, cruise down the Son River and enter Phong Nha Cave by boat. Explore its mystical rock formations like the “Royal Court” and “Buddha,” carved naturally over thousands of years. A full day of natural wonders in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park ends as you return to your hotel.

Travel from Phong Nha to Hue with meaningful stops along the way. In Quang Tri, visit the extraordinary Vinh Moc Tunnels, an underground village that sheltered civilians during the Vietnam War. Continue to the Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River—symbols of Vietnam’s painful separation. Also visit La Vang Holy Land, an important Catholic pilgrimage site surrounded by spiritual history. Arrive in Hue by evening.

Spend the day immersed in the imperial charm of Hue. Start with a peaceful dragon boat cruise to Thien Mu Pagoda, then explore the vast Imperial Citadel. Stroll through bustling Dong Ba Market before visiting the ornate tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh. End your cultural tour by learning about traditional crafts at a village known for making conical hats and incense.

Today’s transfer from Hue to Hoi An doubles as a sightseeing journey. Travel past the calm waters of Lap An Lagoon, the tropical beauty of Lang Co Beach, and the dramatic curves of Hai Van Pass. Stop at My Khe Beach in Da Nang, explore the marble caves and pagodas of Marble Mountain, and visit the Non Nuoc stone carving village before arriving in charming Hoi An.

Enjoy a free day in the delightful town of Hoi An. Wander through lantern-lit streets, visit ancient houses, or relax at a riverside café. You might also explore nearby beaches or have custom clothing made at one of the town’s famous tailor shops.

Hop on a bicycle for a half-day journey through Hoi An’s countryside. Pedal through Cam Kim Island's quiet villages, watch traditional boat building, and pass duck farms and rice fields. Take a boat ride through the lush Bay Mau coconut forest with an optional basket boat experience. The tour wraps up as you cycle back into town via peaceful rural lanes.

Uncover the mysteries of the Cham Kingdom at the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander among centuries-old temple ruins before learning how to make traditional rice paper with locals. After lunch, cruise up the Thu Bon River back to Hoi An, soaking in the riverside beauty.

Catch a flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel before an enchanting evening begins. Board a Saigon River dinner cruise featuring a delicious buffet, live music, and illuminated city views—a memorable welcome to southern Vietnam.

In the afternoon, join a guided city tour that captures the spirit of Saigon. Visit the historic Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, then learn about Vietnam’s turbulent past at the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. End the tour at Jade Emperor Pagoda and a bustling local market.

Travel south to Can Tho in the heart of the Mekong Delta. After lunch at a peaceful ecolodge, bike through local villages and ferry across rivers. Meet a local blacksmith, learn how to make traditional “Banh Hoi Mat Vong” noodles, and taste homemade banana cake—all while immersing in authentic delta life.

Rise early for a boat trip to Cai Rang, the Mekong Delta’s largest floating market. Enjoy breakfast and coffee on the river, then visit a rice noodle workshop and an optional cocoa garden. Paddle through coconut-fringed canals and experience local hospitality. Afternoon is free for relaxation at your ecolodge.

Today marks the end of your Vietnam journey. A private transfer takes you from your Can Tho homestay to Ho Chi Minh City Airport. Please allow 3.5 hours for the journey, and make sure to be at the terminal at least one hour before domestic or two hours before international departures.