Vietnam Discovery Package Tour: 17 Days

Vietnam Discovery package Tour Highlights at a Glance

DAY 1: Arrival in Hanoi – Welcome & Rest

Morning:

• Your private Impress Travel guide and driver will pick you up at Noi Bai International Airport.
• Direct transfer to the heart of the Old Quarter, check in to La Siesta Premium Hang Be Hotel.

Afternoon:

• Relaxation, rejuvenation, and acclimatization to the new time zone. We recommend an easy stroll along neighboring Hoan Kiem Lake to loosen your legs.

Evening:

• For a light, authentic local dish, have lunch at Pho Thin on Lo Duc Street – Hanoi’s signature beef noodle soup, slow-cooked for hours.
• Optional: Have a cup of egg coffee at an adjacent lakeside café.

DAY 2: Hanoi Heritage & Old Quarter Experience

Morning:

• Begin with an escorted visit to somber Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum and his stilt house.
• Take a stroll through the serene Presidential Palace courtyards.
• Visit the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, constructed in 1049.
• Cap off the morning with an in-depth cultural immersion at Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, established in 1076.

Afternoon:

• Visit Phuc Tan Restaurant to try crispy West Lake shrimp cakes, which are an authentic Hanoi specialty.
• Take a relaxing afternoon walking tour of Hoan Kiem Lake, then visit Ngoc Son Temple.
• Board a traditional cyclo for a 1-hour ride through the bustling alleys of the Old Quarter, ending at the vibrant Dong Xuan Market.

Evening:

• Have dinner at Cha Ca La Vong, where fish marinated in turmeric is grilled in front of you, a family recipe through many generations.
• Come back to La Siesta Premium Hang Be Hotel to rest overnight.

DAY 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh: Spiritual Peaks & Limestone Valleys

Morning:

• Take private car from Hanoi for a picturesque 2-hour ride to Ninh Binh, which is also referred to as “Halong Bay on land."
• Stop by at the magnificent Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex, where ancient statues are combined with new temples under the limestone cliffs.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Cuc Phuong Quan, where they serve their local specialty: goat meat with lemon leaves and crispy rice crust (com chay).
• Take an unforgettable Trang An ecological cruise aboard a sampan boat, drifting along through caves, temples, and mountains.

Evening:

• Stay at the eco-chic Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh, which lies among lotus ponds and rice fields.
• Dine in the resort’s farm-to-table themed restaurant with fresh, locally grown foods.

DAY 4: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay: The Legendary Cruise

Morning:

• Early morning private transfer to Halong Bay, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site (3.5 hours).
• Embark aboard the stylish Indochine Cruise, greeted with fresh juices and a safety induction.
• Sail along into emerald waters speckled with limestone karsts.

Afternoon:

• Savor an upscale lunch as the vessel sails through Fighting Cock Islet, Incense Burner Islet, and more.
• Discover the stunning Surprise Cave (Sung Sot Cave), which is among the largest in the bay.
• Climb to the viewing point in Titop Island or swim in its crescent beach.
• Come back to the cruise for a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the sundeck.

Evening:

• Indulge in a sunset seafood barbecue on board.
• Free time spent stargazing, squid fishing, or merely lounging on your balcony.

DAY 5: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Hue

Morning:

• Rise to the sound of Tai Chi practice on the deck with the sun rising over the bay.
• Early morning breakfast, then kayaking or bamboo boat through Luon Cave.
• Watch as the cruise ship makes port.
• Return private transfer to Hanoi Airport.

Afternoon:

• Take a flight from Hanoi to Hue, the old imperial capital.
• Transfer to the serene Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa upon arrival.

Evening:

• Dinner at Y Thao Garden Restaurant, which is in a classic wooden home and serves royal Nguyen dynasty-era cuisine.
• Rest beside lotus ponds and peaceful gardens, “welcome" in Hue parlance.

DAY 6: Hue – Imperial Majesty and River Tranquility

Morning:

• Start your day with a visit to the imposing Imperial Citadel, ancient seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, where temples, royal gates, and Forbidden Purple City weave tales of Vietnam’s imperial history.
• Proceed to the intricately constructed Khai Dinh Tomb, which reflects an interesting fusion of Eastern style with elements of French colonial.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at Les Jardins de La Carambole, an elegant French villa restaurant in the vicinity of the citadel.
• Take a serene dragon boat cruise down the Perfume River to the ancient Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most hallowed religious landmarks.

Evening:

• Dine at Ancient Hue Royal Dining, where imperial meals once enjoyed by emperors are presented to you in an exquisite garden house setting.
• Head back to Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa to retire for the night in peaceful surroundings amidst lush greenery.

DAY 7: Hue – Hai Van Pass – Hoi An Ancient Town

Morning:

• Leave Hue for a breathtaking ride along the stunning Hai Van Pass route, with panoramic views of mountains swathed in clouds and shimmering East Sea.
• Stop off at the Marble Mountains, where four marble and one limestone hills rise with ancient caves and Buddhist shrines.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Be Than Restaurant in Danang, where we enjoyed local delicacies such as pork rice paper rolls with fresh herbs.
• Arrive in Hoi An, by far one of the prettiest old towns in Southeast Asia, and check in to Lantana Riverside Boutique Hotel.

Evening:

• Have a riverside evening meal at Vy Da Xua, where you will be seated under lanterns along the Thu Bon River to enjoy traditional Hoi An dishes.
• Spend your evening at your hotel, resting for the wonders of culture tomorrow.

DAY 8: Hoi An – Culture, Craft & Cooking

Morning:

• Start your discovery of Hoi An Ancient Town with your visits to such iconic landmarks as Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House dating from 200 years ago, and Hoi An Pottery Museum.
• Walk through vibrant alleys where Japanese, Chinese, and European traders used to venture.

Afternoon:

• White Rose Restaurant is well known for its exquisite white rose dumplings with translucent rice flour and shrimp filling.
• Spend the afternoon at Tra Que Vegetable Village with an organic cooking class where you will pick herbs, learn traditional recipes, and cook your Vietnamese dish.

Evening:

• Spend your evenings free stroll down lit-up avenues, browse through bespoke clothier shops, or have an evening drink along riverbank.
• Come back to Lantana Riverside Hotel for an overnight stay of serenity.

DAY 9: Hoi An – Free Day or Cham Island Adventure

Morning:

 Choose your own experience today.

•  Option 1: Soak up the sun along with white sandy shores at An Bang Beach, basking in the relaxed atmosphere of coastal living.
•  Option 2: Go snorkeling, swim, and visit fishing villages hidden in dense jungles by boat to Cham Island.

Afternoon:

• Keep on doing your activity of choice relaxing in the sun on the beach or exploring Cu Lao Cham Marine Park’s underwater wonders.

Evening:

• Have dinner at The Fisherman’s An Bang, which is famous for serving organic seafood in an unpretentious setting overlooking the beach.
• Come back to Lantana Riverside Hotel at night.

DAY 10: Fly to Nha Trang – Vietnam’s Seaside Escape

Morning:

• Breakfast is followed by travel to Danang Airport for a short flight to Nha Trang.
• Arrive at and check in to the upscale Amiana Resort, which is an exclusive coastal haven with peaceful beachfront access and lush tropical surroundings.

Afternoon:

• Relax during the afternoon: laze by the infinity pool, take a leisurely walk along the beach, or indulge in pampering at the resort spa.
• Optional water sports or excursions can be taken by more adventurous tourists.

Evening:

• Dine at Gio Bien Restaurant, a local’s favourite with fresh seafood grilled directly over the sand.
• Relax at sea with an overnight stay at Amiana Resort.

DAY 11: Nha Trang – Island Hopping & Mud Bath Bliss

Morning:

• Prepare for another stunning day of your Vietnam Discovery package Tour as we depart by boat to venture out to discover Nha Trang Bay’s gems.
• First destination: Hon Mun Island’s colorful coral reefs, where snorkeling is available as an optional activity that presents an insight to a colorful underwater world.
• We continue to a floating fishing village, where communities have resided for generations in houses which rise and fall with water levels.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch freshly cooked in the floating village itself, a humble, rustic affair, but scrumptious.
• Back to the mainland for a truly rejuvenating experience at the Galina Mud Bath & Spa, where herbal jacuzzis and therapeutic mud pools restore body and mind.

Evening:

• Dinner tonight is at Ngon Gallery, which is an upscale restaurant that showcases regional Vietnamese cooking from north to south.
• Come back to Amiana Resort for an evening of oceanfront relaxation.

DAY 12: Fly to Dalat – The Mountain Escape Begins

Morning:

• Following breakfast, have a brief flight to Dalat, known as “City of Eternal Spring."
• On arrival, check in to the peaceful Ana Mandara Villas Dalat, which is a resort in French-colonial style, surrounded by pine-hilly terrain.

Afternoon:

• Discover the stunning Bao Dai Palace, the former residence of Vietnam’s last emperor.
• Then take an afternoon stroll along Xuan Huong Lake before doing a photo stop at the old Dalat Railway Station.

Evening:

• Dinner tonight is at Emai Dalat, where Italian flavors are paired with Vietnamese freshness: imagine handmade pasta with Dalat tomatoes and produce from the chef’s garden.
•  Return to your villa for a peaceful night under the stars.

DAY 13: Farms, Falls & Local Flavors in Dalat

Morning:

• We start with a trip to Datanla Falls, which is veiled in mist, with thrill seekers able to take an alpine coaster ride through the forest.
• Then off to a nearby strawberry farm to pick fresh strawberries, with a visit to scenic Me Linh Coffee Garden where you can enjoy a rich cup with hills of green to view.

Afternoon:

• Lunch is served at Biang Bistro, which is a popular restaurant known for innovative farm-to-table meals with combinations of local and Western methods.

Evening:

• Discover Dalat Night Market, which is a vibrant fusion of music, souvenirs, and street food.
• Do not forget to try a cup of hot soy milk from a street vendor- Dalat’s special soothing drink.
• Another overnight stay at Ana Mandara Villas Dalat.

DAY 14: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City – Welcome to the South

Morning:

• Take your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s southern urban center.
• Arrive at The Myst Dong Khoi, an upscale, artful hotel in downtown Ho Chi Minh City.

Afternoon:

• Relax and spend some free time walking along the historic Dong Khoi Street, which is flanked by French-inspired architecture as well as hip shops.

Evening:

• Dine at Quince Saigon, which is a sophisticated restaurant with distinctive flavors and international influences an upscale taste of contemporary Saigon.

DAY 15: HCMC Landmarks & Cu Chi Tunnels

Morning:

• Start with visits to landmarks: the Palace of Independence, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the imposing Saigon Central Post Office, a gem of French colonial architecture.
• Then head out to Vietnam’s Cu Chi Tunnels, where you will discover how Vietnamese combatants existed and traveled below ground during the conflict.

Afternoon:

• Lunch is at Hoi An Sense Restaurant, the rooftop restaurant with elegant interpretations of classic Vietnamese cuisine.

Evening:

• Back to The Myst Dong Khoi. Spare time to experience Saigon’s coffee culture or sign up for an optional evening street food tour.

DAY 16: Ben Tre – Gateway to the Mekong Delta

Morning:

• Travel south to Ben Tre, the Mekong Delta’s coconut capital.
• Take a sampan ride along peaceful coconut canals under arcing palm fronds.

Afternoon:

• Visit local workshops to watch how traditional coconut candy is produced and how bricks are handmade.
• Lunch at Lang Xua Restaurant, where grilled snakehead fish is served in traditional Mekong style.

Evening:

• Come back to Ho Chi Minh City. Toast your last night with a farewell dinner at Cuc Gach Quan, a villa-turned-restaurant with a retro atmosphere serving nostalgic Saigonese cuisine.

DAY 17: Farewell & Airport Transfer

Morning:

• Have a final breakfast at The Myst Dong Khoi.
• Private transfer to Tan Son Nhat International airport for onward flight.

Tour Includes & Excludes

What’s Included in the Vietnam Discovery package Tour

• 16 nights’ accommodation at specified 4-star hotels and resorts (double/twin sharing)
• Domestic routes: Hanoi – Hue, Danang – Nha Trang, Nha Trang – Dalat, Dalat – Ho Chi Minh City
• Private transfers and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• 1-day cruise to Halong Bay on a full board
• Breakfast every morning and 22 local meals are indicated in the schedule
• English-speaking guided tours by experienced guides
• All entrance charges and activity tickets
• Cultural activities: cyclo ride, cooking lessons, river cruises, boat excursions, spa, and visits to markets
• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Bottled water during transfers

What’s Not Included

• International airfare
• Visa charges and e-visa facilities
• travel insurance
• Personal costs (laundry, minibar, drinks, tips, etc
• Optional excursions or activities that aren’t listed
• Single room supplement (if requested)

Useful Travel Tips & FAQs for Your 17-Day Vietnam Tour

Best Time to Join the Vietnam Discovery package Tour

Three zones of climate are characteristic of Vietnam, and our Vietnam Discovery Package Tour covers all three.

• Ideal months: February to April and October to early December
• There are moderate temperatures, less rain, and greenery from Hanoi to the Mekong Delta during these months.
• Note: Northern destinations such as Sapa or Ninh Binh become cool in winter months (Dec–Jan), while central coast regions have dry, clear skies in spring and autumn.

Visa & E-Visa for Vietnam

Most nationalities can get a Vietnam e-visa online.

• Apply through the official Vietnam Immigration Portal: evisa.xuatnhapcanh
• Single entry valid for 30 days.
• Documents required: passport with 6+ months validity, digital passport photo, credit card for payments
• Tip for pros: Print two, one to bring with you, one as backup

If you book our Vietnam Package Tour, we are more than happy to help with your visa application process.

What to Pack for a North-to-South Journey

The Vietnam Discovery package Tour sees you progress from cool mountains to sun-kissed coastlines, hence layering is essential!

• Must-haves:
  
  • Breathable clothing for Hoi An, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City
  • A sweater or lightweight jacket for Dalat and Ninh Binh (it may get chilly in the evenings)
  • Well-fitting walking shoes and sandalsSwimwears for Halong Bay and Nha Trang
  • Modest attire (covering shoulders and knees) for temples and pagodas

Don’t leave home without sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a refillable water bottle for your green adventure.

Staying Connected in Vietnam

Remaining in touch throughout your Vietnam Discovery package Tour is straightforward and cost-effective.

• 4G data SIM cards can be bought at the airport or in any local city
• Top Service providers: Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone
• Price: approximately $7-10 USD for a data plan of 15–30GB
• Most restaurants, hotels, and even buses have free Wi-Fi.

We suggest purchasing a SIM card on Day 1 in Hanoi, so that you can share your travel experiences in an instant!

Conclusion

With each pagoda, every bowl of pho, every serpentine mountain road and river turn, the Vietnam Discovery package Tour is not just a vacation but a living narrative to be written by you. If you are a culture fanatic, nature enthusiast, or food enthusiast, few Vietnam Package Tours provide such rich, unhurried, personal access to this remarkable country.

So, are you ready to turn your dream journey into reality?

Contact Impress Travel today to reserve your seat or customize your private adventure:

Hanoi Head Office

• 125 Hoang Ngan, Hanoi
• Tel: (+84) 912 379 189
• Email: hanoi@impresstravel.com

Saigon Office

• 155 Ben Van Don, Rivergate, 4 District, HCM
• Tel: (+84)961675566
• Email: saigon@impresstravel.com