15-Day Classic Vietnam Tour with Sapa

Experience Vietnam In-Depth at Your Own Pace

This itinerary is designed for people who want to experience Vietnam at their own pace. It features all the main attractions of the country and also the less touristy areas with some local life experiences.

Adventure into the very soul of Vietnam: enjoy a slow exploration in Hanoi, wander through a hill tribe market in Sapa, paddle a Vietnamese bamboo basket boat in Hoi An, discover the heart of the Mekong Delta, and end the trip in vibrant Ho Chi Minh. As you walk through the timeless charm of Vietnam, this trip promises to reward you with an unforgettable experience.

• Days:15±
• Best for: first-timers, adventurers
• Departure date: up to you
• Sample price: from US$3,379 each (2 per room)*
• Flights:Vietnam domestic’s included (international on request)

*The price is based on a private tour. The cost for a customized private SE Asia tour from US$200/person/day

Classic Vietnam Tour Map (Suggested Route)

Tour Highlights

Explore the classic hiking route along Sapa’s Muong Hoa Valley.

Meet different ethnic minorities in a local hill tribe market.

Cruise through Ha Long’s hidden charm — unspoiled Lan Ha Bay on a small-boat Mon Cheri Cruise.

Learn how to cook Vietnamese dishes in a local herb village.

Enjoy the mesmerizing sight of the sun setting over the peaceful river aboard a Hoi An river boat.

Have your first cup of morning coffee at a local boat shop in Cai Rang Floating Market in the Mekong Delta.

Scooter through Ho Chi Minh’s alleys to gain an authentic glimpse into daily life.

Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration

Your preferences design the real journey. We’re ready to customize a wonderful Vietnam tour for you. This is to show you what’s possible…

Day1

Hanoi Arrival

Your private tour guide will meet you upon arrival at Hanoi International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. There you will have free time to adjust to jetlag. You could just relax in your hotel, but your guide would give you expert advice if you wanted to start exploring Hanoi.

Day2

Hanoi City Highlights Tour and Overnight Train to Sapa

• Embark on a walking tour that ventures beyond the typical tourist itinerary in the Old Quarter. Then, take a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter to see the city from a different perspective. And head towards Long Bien Station and hop on a train ride to observe locals during their everyday commute.
• In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then experience a private water puppet show at a local’s house.
• Enjoy an hour of spa treatment and a refreshing shower at the spa center before boarding the evening train to Sapa.

A Cyclo Ride in the Old Quarter

The Suite of Chapa Express Overnight Train

Day3

Visit a Hill Tribe Market

• Upon arrival in Sapa, savor a refreshing local breakfast. Then, take a scenic one-hour drive to a bustling hill tribe market (available Tuesday to Sunday).
• Experience the vibrant market atmosphere, where different hill tribes gather from various towns and villages across Lao Cai province.
• Meet friendly hill tribe people and immerse yourself in their festive market activities.
• Explore a nearby ethnic village on foot and gain insights into their traditional way of life.
• Return to Sapa by lunchtime and check in at your hotel, then enjoy free time in the afternoon to unwind from the overnight train journey and morning market experience.

The Local Hill Tribe Women

Day4

Trekking through Idyllic Villages from Cat Cat to Ta Van

• This popular trekking route offers a chance to observe and learn about the lifestyles and traditions of two ethnic groups.
• After exploring Sapa’s market, trek to Cat Cat village, enjoying a waterfall and a hydroelectric station along the way. Afterward, hike through rice paddy terraces alongside a river for stunning scenery and relaxation.
• When you will reach Y Linh Ho village, inhabited by the Black Hmong minority, take a break near the river and soak in the peaceful ambiance. Then, head towards Muong Hoa valley, passing through Lao Chai village, inhabited by the Black Hmong, and then Ta Van village, home to the Giay minority.
• After concluding the hike, you will be transferred back to your hotel by car.

The Ta Van Village

Day5

Ascend Towering Mount Fansipan; Drive to Hanoi

• In the morning, you will be transferred to the cable car station for a trip up Mount Fansipan, the highest peak on the Indochina Peninsula at 3,143m (10,310 ft) above sea level.
• The one-way cable car ride will take approximately 20 minutes to reach the mountaintop station. From there, a walk on stone steps will take you to the summit, which takes around 40 minutes. Along the way, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Sapa Valley, Hoang Lien National Park, and the surrounding mountain areas below.
• After an enjoyable lunch at a local restaurant, you will return to Sapa by cable car.

The Mount Fansipan

Day6

Hanoi to Ha Long Bay for an Overnight Cruise

• After breakfast, you will be transferred from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.
• Board your Mon Cheri Cruise boat at noon. This smaller craft is both more intimate and authentic than the usual group-tour boats.
• Visiting the Tra Bau area, known for its unspoiled, poetic natural beauty and the captivating seascape of Lan Ha Bay, offers the perfect opportunity for kayaking and discovering the true beauty of the limestone islands.
• Join in interesting activities on board, such as cooking demonstrations and squid fishing.
• Taste exquisite drinks and savor delicious food on board while enjoying the spectacular views.

Kayak in the unspoiled area of Lan Ha Bay

Day7

Ha Long Bay to Hanoi and Fly to Hue

• In the morning, explore the impressive Trung Trang cave on Cat Ba Island. The limestone cave has thousands of stalactites in various shapes, offering geological values with a typical cave ecosystem.
• After brunch, your cruise will come to an end, and you will take a transfer to the airport in Hanoi for your onward flight.
• Upon arrival in Hue, your private tour guide and driver will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Explore Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island

Day8

Hue — From Emperors to Everyday Life (Citadel, Cyclo, and Countryside)

• Visit the UNESCO-heritage Imperial Citadel listening to the stories of majestic buildings and intriguing former emperors.
• Take a cyclo ride to explore peaceful gardens and local architecture before reaching the Tran Dinh Son Museum, showcasing past royalty’s daily lives. Before lunch, stop at Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic landmark of Hue.
• Escape the city to explore Hue’s countryside, visiting Emperor Minh Mang’s tomb amidst serene forests and Khai Dinh’s tomb with its unique European-Vietnamese blend.
• Continuing your exploration, delve into the private life of Vietnam’s last emperor at An Dinh Palace, a French-styled residence recently restored after war damage.
• Before returning to your hotel, take some time to browse the colorful stalls at Dong Ba Market.

The Imperial Citadel

Day9

Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass; Evening Sunset Boat Tour

• We’ll drive you for around 3 hours to Hoi An. You will pass idyllic countryside and beautiful seaside on the way.
• In the late afternoon, depart by car for a boat trip to the Thu Bon estuary mouth, meeting local fishermen preparing for their fishing trip.
• Under the guidance of a local fisherman, try your hand at fishing, immersing yourself in the experience of this traditional livelihood.
• Learn the art of paddling Vietnamese round basket boats in the serene waterways, flanked by picturesque coconut palms.
• Afterward, return to the river boat and enjoy the mesmerizing sight of the sun setting over the peaceful river. As you take in the romantic atmosphere, indulge in a Hoi An specialty — grilled seafood cooked right on the boat.

A Vietnamese Round Basket Boat Ride

Cast Vietnamese Fishing Nets

Day10

Hoi An’s Charm — Ancient Town and Cooking

• Escape Hoi An’s bustle for a morning at a Tra Que herb village farm. Explore the gardens, discover local produce, and learn about Tra Que’s history.
• Engage in farm work alongside the local farmers, lending a hand according to the season. Treat yourself to an invigorating herbal foot massage that will rejuvenate your tired muscles.
• Join a local family to prepare a delectable lunch. Uncover the secrets behind Hoi An’s famous traditional dishes, using fresh vegetables and herbs straight from the garden.
• In the afternoon, explore Hoi An’s ancient town on a walking tour. Stroll past merchant houses reflecting Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese influences. See the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and explore the bustling market.

Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Tour

Day11

Hoi An to Da Nang to Can Tho

• Get up late and have breakfast at an easy pace.
• Your private guide and driver will transfer you from Hoi An to Da Nang for your onward flight to Can Tho.
• Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will greet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel.

Day12

Cai Rang Floating Markt, Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City

• Get up early to see the bustling Cai Rang floating market in the Mekong Delta.
• Drive to delta town Cai Be, take a ride on a Mekong Queen boat to experience the Delta scenery, including a once-bustling floating market that is now smaller.
• Have a leisurely sampan ride on picturesque canals.
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City after sightseeing in Cai Be.

The Cai Rang Float Market in Can Tho

A Sampan Ride in Cai Be

Day13

Ho Chi Minh City Discovery by Vantage Vaspa

• Begin your day with an early visit to the famous Bird Lovers Club. Immerse yourself in local life while enjoying a cup of delicious Vietnamese coffee.
• Next, make a stop at the monument of Thich Quang Duc. Continue your journey with a quick visit to the colorful Ho Thi Ky flower market.
• Roll through Chinatown to reach to the Nhi Phu Temple, built in the late 17th century by Chinese immigrants from Fukkien Province.
• Visit two landmarks — the Post Office and the Cathedral of Notre Dame.
• Lastly, enjoy a short history lesson outside the striking Independence Palace, before concluding the tour and heading back to your hotel.

Ho Chi Minh City Tour by Vantage Vaspa

Day14

Cu Chi Tunnels Exploration

• In the morning, embark on a speedboat journey to the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels. Within just 15 minutes of cruising, you’ll witness the transition from city buildings to lush jungle along the river banks.
• Once you arrive, explore the intricate network of underground passages, chambers, rooms, and booby traps, used by the Vietminh and Viet Cong.
• The afternoon is yours to do with as you please. You can go shopping, take a break, or simply relax and unwind before your journey home the next day.

Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels

Day15

Ho Chi Minh City Departure

Your private tour guide will pick you up with a private vehicle and take you to the airport. Have a safe flight home, and we hope to see you again soon!

Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours

Special experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.

Extend your tour to Dong Hoi for cavingFor adventurers

Explore the Golden Bridge of Bana HillFor those who like to photograph

Lantern-making in Hoi AnFor those who like hands-on activities

See A O Show in Ho Chi Minh CityFor culture fans

Hand-Picked Hotels

We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we’ll find your ideal hotel.

Silk Path Grand Resort Sapa

Liberty Central Saigon City Point

Little Oasis Hoi An Eco Friendly Hotel

Silk Path Boutique Hanoi

Silk Path Grand Hue