Tailor Made Tour Vietnam with Sapa & Ninh Binh 16 nights
Best Time To Go: October to April
Time Difference: GMT +7 hour
Flight Duration: 13 hours approx
Airports: Phnom Penh (PNH),
Siem Reap (SAI)
About this itinerary
This 17 night journey through Vietnam captures the country’s full charm, from the cultural pulse of Hanoi and the tranquil rice fields of Mai Chau to the emerald waters of Halong Bay.
You'll uncover imperial history in Hue, wander lantern-lit streets in Hoi An, and dive into the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City before unwinding on the tropical beaches of Phu Quoc.
Blending culture, scenery, and relaxation, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of discovery and downtime.
day 1-6 Hanoi & Sapa
Your Vietnamese adventure begins in Hanoi, where you will be met by a Tailored Journeys representative and transferred to the iconic Sofitel Legend Metropole. Perfectly positioned in the heart of the city, it provides an excellent introduction to Vietnam's elegant capital.
Spend time discovering Hanoi's fascinating blend of colonial heritage, ancient traditions and vibrant street life. Highlights include the Temple of Literature, the One Pillar Pagoda and the historic Old Quarter, whose maze of streets has been at the heart of Hanoi for over 2,000 years.
From Hanoi, venture north into the spectacular mountain landscapes of Sapa. Travelling through some of Vietnam's most breathtaking scenery, you will arrive amongst emerald rice terraces, dramatic mountain peaks and traditional hill tribe villages.
One of the highlights of your stay is a journey to the summit of Fansipan Mountain by cable car, offering extraordinary views across the Hoang Lien Mountain Range. You will also enjoy guided walks through the surrounding countryside, passing through villages including Cat Cat and Y Linh Ho, where colourful traditional dress and centuries-old customs remain an important part of daily life.
Returning to Hanoi, there is time to further explore the city's cultural treasures including Ba Dinh Square, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Taoist Quan Thanh Temple, one of the city's four sacred temples.
day 7 Halong Bay
Leave the city behind and journey to the magnificent waters of Halong Bay, one of Vietnam's most celebrated natural wonders.
Board your traditional junk boat and cruise amongst thousands of limestone islands rising dramatically from emerald waters. Many of these islands remain untouched and uninhabited, creating one of the most spectacular landscapes in Southeast Asia.
Freshly prepared seafood meals will be served onboard as you sail through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. As evening falls, relax on deck and perhaps try your hand at traditional night fishing whilst surrounded by the tranquillity of the bay.
Accommodation: Violet Heritage Line
day 8-9 Ninh Binh
Continue into the beautiful countryside of Ninh Binh, often referred to as "Halong Bay on Land" thanks to its dramatic limestone scenery.
This peaceful region offers a slower pace of life, where emerald rice fields stretch beneath towering karst mountains and winding rivers carve their way through the landscape.
Explore the waterways of Trang An or Tam Coc aboard a traditional sampan, drifting through cave systems and past spectacular scenery. Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, discover historic temples and climb to the famous Mua Cave viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views across the surrounding countryside.
There is also time to enjoy rural village life, cycling through quiet backroads and gaining a deeper appreciation for this beautiful part of Vietnam.
Accommodation: Emeralda Resort Ninh Bình
day 10-11 Hue
Continue south to Hue, Vietnam's former imperial capital and one of the country's most historically important cities.
Set on the banks of the Perfume River, Hue combines grand imperial architecture with a peaceful atmosphere. During your stay, discover the impressive Imperial Citadel and gain an insight into traditional Vietnamese culture through visits to a beautifully preserved garden house built according to the principles of geomancy.
You will also visit the elegant Tu Duc Mausoleum, widely considered one of the finest examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture, before continuing to Tu Hieu Pagoda, nestled within a tranquil pine forest and still home to an active community of monks.
Your stay at the beautiful Azerai La Residence, a former French colonial residence overlooking the Perfume River, provides the perfect base from which to explore the city.
Accommodation: Azerai La Residence Hue
day 12-14 Hoi An
Travel south via the spectacular Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam's most scenic coastal roads, before arriving in the enchanting town of Hoi An.
With its lantern-lit streets, riverside cafés and beautifully preserved architecture, Hoi An is undoubtedly one of Vietnam's most charming destinations. A fascinating blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese and French influences can be found throughout the UNESCO-listed Old Town.
Wander through atmospheric streets lined with traditional merchant houses, visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and discover centuries-old temples and community halls that reflect the town's rich trading heritage.
During your stay at the exceptional Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, there is also ample opportunity to relax and enjoy the beautiful beachfront setting. One evening, enjoy a peaceful cruise along the Thu Bon River as the setting sun casts a golden glow across the town's famous lanterns.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Nam Hai
day 15-17 Ho Chi Minh City
Your final destination is Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's dynamic southern metropolis where modern skyscrapers stand alongside colonial landmarks and bustling local markets.
Discover one of the country's most important historical sites with a visit to the remarkable Cu Chi Tunnels. Originally constructed during the French-Indochina War and significantly expanded during the Vietnam War, this vast underground network once housed living quarters, hospitals, command centres and supply routes.
As you explore sections of the tunnels, gain a fascinating insight into the ingenuity and resilience of those who lived and fought here. You will also have the opportunity to sample traditional wartime food and learn more about this pivotal chapter in Vietnam's history.
Your stay at the elegant Park Hyatt Saigon provides the perfect base from which to enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere and conclude your journey through Vietnam.
Accommodation: Park Hyatt Saigon
make an enquiry get in touch
Are you ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime? Let Tailored Journeys be your trusted partner in creating an unforgettable adventure, wherever that may be. Our team is here to assist you in planning every aspect of your trip, ensuring that it is as unique as you are. Don’t hesitate to enquire or call us today. Discover how our tailor made holidays can transform your travel dreams into reality!
speak with a destination expert plan your tailor made journey today
Tailored Journeys is about helping you explore the most fascinating and beautiful regions on earth, in style. Even if – especially if – you don’t know where to start, call us now to talk about creating your own tailor made journey – and let the dream begin.