Best of Vietnam with a Mui Ne Beach Escape

Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, our driver will be waiting to greet you at the arrival hall exit

You’ll then enjoy a comfortable 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi, passing over the historic Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city’s unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic.

The rest of the day is free at your leisure. Lunch and dinner are free at your own arrangement to explore the local cuisine. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Note: Hotel check-in time is from 2:00 PM. Early check-in is subject to availability and may incur an additional charge.

 Start your day at the Temple of Litterature, founded in the 11th century under the Ly dynasty to honor Confucius and educate royal scholars. Stroll through its peaceful courtyards and gardens until you reach Khue Van Cac, the iconic pavilion that symbolizes Hanoi. Continue to the UNESCO-recognized stone steles, which record the names of Vietnam’s most outstanding graduates, before exploring Quoc Tu Giam, regarded as the country’s first national university.

Next, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), an engaging institution that offers deep insight into the cultures of Vietnam’s many ethnic groups. Its rich collection includes traditional costumes, agricultural tools, musical instruments, and life-size replicas of ethnic minority houses. A full visit typically takes about two hours.

For lunch, enjoy one of Hanoi’s most beloved dishes: cha ca, fragrant turmeric-marinated grilled fish served with fresh herbs, rice noodles, and a tangy dipping sauce — a true staple of the capital’s culinary heritage.

In the afternoon, continue with an exterior visit of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, then enjoy a relaxing walk through the nearby botanical gardens to see the simple House on Stilts, where Ho Chi Minh once lived and worked. Conclude this section of the tour at the unique One-Pillar Pagoda, one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks.

For a delightful gourmet pause, settle onto a small stool inside a traditional tube house and savor a cup of egg coffee - a creamy specialty born during the French colonial era. Made from whipped egg yolk and rich Vietnamese coffee, this iconic drink remains a local favorite.

End your day with a stroll through the atmospheric Old Quarter. Originating in the 15th century as a busy trading hub, its famed “36 streets” each once specialized in a particular craft or product. Today, the Old Quarter is a vibrant open-air museum of living history, with narrow alleyways, tube houses, small temples, bustling markets, and irresistible street food creating an unforgettable sensory experience.

Afterward, enjoy a unique water puppet show, a traditional art form that first appeared in the 11th century. In these performances, the daily life, culture, and beliefs of the Vietnamese people are beautifully depicted by puppets on water, accompanied by a traditional live music performance.

Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hanoi.

08:00 - 08:30: The shared shuttle driver will pick you up at your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter (or at a designated meeting point if your accommodation is outside). From there, you will depart for Halong Bay, enjoying a scenic drive through the Red River Delta. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours (with a comfort break en route if necessary).

Note: As this is a shared service, the driver will make multiple stops to collect other travelers before leaving Hanoi.

11:30 – 12:00: Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor.

12:00 – 12:30: Board a tender to transfer to the main vessel. Welcome aboard Sena Cruise! Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink as our Cruise Manager gives a safety briefing and a short introduction to the cruise program. Afterward, check into your cabin and settle in.

13:15 – 13:45: Lunch is served while Sena Cruise begins its journey into the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay - an extension of Ha Long Bay, known for its tranquility and fewer visitors. Along the way, admire iconic formations such as Finger Islet and Candle Islet, as well as countless limestone karsts and islands.

15:00: Explore the serene Dark and Bright Cave, renowned for its untouched natural beauty and poetic landscape. Take stunning photos of this romantic area or enjoy a relaxing bamboo boat ride. You may also swim in the calm, emerald waters—a perfect way to experience the hidden charm of Lan Ha Bay.

17:00: Return to the cruise. Join a sunset party on the deck—an ideal moment for photographers to capture the golden hour over the bay. Participate in a Vietnamese cooking class and learn how to make traditional spring rolls.
Our captain will anchor the boat in a peaceful area for the night.

19:00: Enjoy a delicious dinner in the onboard restaurant. Afterward, unwind with your choice of activities: Chat at the bar or enjoy a movie in the restaurant; Treat yourself to a spa session (*); Sip cocktails at the panoramic bar (*); Try your hand at squid fishing with our prepared rods and lighting.

Overnight onboard in Lan Ha Bay.

(*) Additional charges apply for some services—please book with the cruise team directly.

Important Notes:

- The itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions. Wi-Fi is available in the bar/restaurant area, but internet access may be limited due to the geography of Halong Bay. Thank you for your understanding.

- There is a shared English-speaking guide on board.

06:00: Start your day early with a sunrise photo opportunity and join our Tai Chi session on the sundeck to rejuvenate your body and mind.

07:00: The Sena Cruise sails through more majestic karst formations. Enjoy tea, coffee, and a light breakfast in the fresh morning air.

08:15: Experience kayaking and swimming in the peaceful waters of Tra Bau, one of the filming locations for Kong: Skull Island (2018). Discover hidden corners and soak up the serene atmosphere.

09:30: Return to the boat and check out of your cabin.

10:00: While enjoying a set-menu early light lunch, Sena Cruise gently sails back toward the harbor, passing by a panorama of limestone cliffs.

11:30 – 11:45: Arrive at the harbor, disembark, and farewell to the crew.

The cruise shuttle bus driver meets you at the Cruise Waiting Lounge and transfers you back to Hanoi. You will be dropped off at your previous hotel in the Old Quarter (room not included), where your private driver will pick you up for the onward transfer to Noi Bai Airport.

Upon your arrival at Da Nang airport, our local driver will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation in Hoi An, a journey of approximately 1 hour. 

Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hoi An.

Our guide and driver pick you up from your hotel in Hoi An for a short transfer to Cam Thanh village. Known for its tranquil waterways and centuries-old nipa palm mangroves, Cam Thanh offers a peaceful glimpse into the daily life of Hoi An’s fishing communities. Upon arrival, you board a traditional bamboo basket boat for a gentle ride through the shaded nipa palm canals while trying your hand at local-style crab fishing - a simple yet enjoyable experience close to nature.

After the boat trip, we return to Hoi An to explore its key highlights. We begin at the Museum of Antiquities, a compact yet rich collection of Cham artefacts and ceramics that reflects Hoi An’s layered cultural history. From here, we walk to the 17th-century Japanese Covered Bridge, the town’s iconic wooden structure symbolising centuries of cultural exchange. Our visit continues at Quan Thang ancient house, one of the best-preserved merchant residences, admired for its refined woodcarvings. The tour concludes at the lively local market, a colourful riverside hub that offers an authentic glimpse into everyday life and local flavours.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in town.

You have a free afternoon to relax or explore the surroundings at your own pace. Optional activities include joining a local cooking class, cycling through rural villages, or enjoying a peaceful boat trip on the river. Hoi An is also an excellent place to have clothes tailor-made.

Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hoi An.

Depart for Hue, stopping in Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum, home to one of the world’s most significant collections of Cham sculpture and cultural artefacts. Continue your journey along the scenic coastline toward Hue, pausing at the top of the Hai Van Pass to take in sweeping ocean views and the dramatic landscapes that frame this historic mountain route.

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we'll explore the Imperial Citadel, the last remaining symbol of what was once Vietnam’s imperial capital. Inspired by Vauban-style fortifications, the complex is divided into three distinct sections: Kinh Thanh (the Capital City), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial City), and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). Within these walls lie many of Hue’s most remarkable landmarks, including the Flag Tower, the imposing South Gate, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the temples dedicated to past dynasties, and the former royal residential quarters.

Before the day comes to a close, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Dong Ba Market. As you wander its lively aisles, you’ll encounter colourful produce stalls, aromatic spice vendors, traditional conical hats, and local snacks prepared fresh before your eyes. It’s an ideal place to meet friendly shopkeepers, observe the rhythm of everyday commerce, and gain an authentic insight into daily life in Hue. 

Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hue.

Your guide and private driver will pick you up from your hotel to continue exploring Hue with a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the city’s oldest spiritual landmarks, founded in 1601. Its iconic octagonal tower and sweeping views over the Perfume River make it an essential stop for understanding the soul of Hue.

Next, you discover the tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, an architectural masterpiece that blends imperial design with serene natural scenery. Planned during his reign (1820–1840) and completed by Emperor Thieu Tri, the complex was built through the collective craftsmanship of thousands of workers and artisans.

You then head to Thuy Bieu village, a peaceful village along the Perfume River, famed for its fragrant pomelo orchards. Here, you may opt for a gentle bicycle ride through leafy lanes, stopping at ancestral temples, traditional garden houses over a century old, and small vegetable plots tended by local farmers.

The experience continues at Mrs. Loan’s charming garden house, where you join a hands-on cooking class to learn several Hue specialties, from delicate vegetable carving to Nem, fig salad, and savory stuffed pancakes.

Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring the dishes you’ve prepared.

After the meal, transfer to Hue Airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh city, our local driver will greet you at the pickup area and transfer you to your hotel in the city.

Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Welcome by your guide and private driver at your hotel to begin the city tour with a visit to the Independence Palace, the former seat of the South Vietnamese government. You will discover its official rooms preserved in the style of the late 60s and 70s, its impressive underground bunker, as well as the historic tank that marked the end of the war in 1975.

Then, begin a pleasant walking tour in the heart of the city center to admire and learn about the history of the finest architectural masterpieces from the colonial era:

Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral: Built between 1863 and 1880, it is a superb emblem of French colonial influence, as well as a highly photogenic spot in the city.

Saigon Central Post Office: Located right next door, this magnificent building was designed by Gustave Eiffel's workshop. You will step inside to admire its splendid iron frame and historical maps on the wall.

Saigon Opera House: An elegant building inspired by the architecture of the Opéra Garnier in Paris, now a major cultural hub of the city.

The City Hall: Located at the end of Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, this spectacular monument evokes the architecture of Paris City Hall with its illuminated sculpted facade.

Next, visit the Ben Thanh Market, the most famous and bustling market in the center of Saigon, where you can shop for souvenirs or local goods.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will head towards the western part of the city for a rich cultural immersion:

The Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (FITO): A fascinating visit to a beautiful traditional wooden house. This unique museum preserves thousands of artifacts, ancient books, and tools used for preparing ancestral remedies.

Thien Hau Pagoda: Located in the heart of Cholon, this temple dedicated to the protective goddess of sailors impresses with its huge incense spirals hanging from the ceiling and rich ceramic sculptures.

Terminate the afternoon at the largest market of Binh Tay (Cholon). Known for its Chinese-influenced architecture and central clock tower, it is a bustling wholesale hub where you can find everything from spices to fabrics.

Transfer back to your hotel. The rest of the evening is free at your leisure. Dinner at your own expense. Overnight stay in Saigon.

Tour guide and driver welcome you at your hotel for your transfer to Ben Tre, a beautiful region in the Mekong Delta River, famous for making coconut candy. Arrive at Hung Vuong pier, take a boat trip on Ben Tre River to discover the daily local life. Continue your boat trip on a canal to Nhon Thanh Village. This will be an opportunity to taste the fresh fruits.

Take a bike ride (or Tuk tuk) on a small path through the villages and enjoy views of the coconut ranges, rice fields and vegetable gardens. A lunch of elephant ear fish is served in the village. A short walk will help you to discover the local life in depth. This is followed by a boat ride on the small canal shaded by the wild palm trees.

Transfer back to Saigon in the late afternoon.

Dinner is on your own expense (not included). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City center and transfer you to Mui Ne. The journey takes approximately 4 hours via the national highway.

Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Lunch and dinner are at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Mui Ne.

Today, you have the entire day free to relax or explore the surrounding area at your own pace. Optional activities are available, such as snorkeling, city discovery, or enjoying a boat trip. Feel free to contact us for more details and availability!

Lunch and dinner are at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Mui Ne.

Today, you have the entire day free to relax or explore the surrounding area at your own pace. Optional activities are available, such as snorkeling, city discovery, or enjoying a boat trip. Feel free to contact us for more details and availability!

Lunch and dinner are at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Mui Ne.

Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport.