From the Tonkin Bays to Khmer Cities — 15 Days

Dedicate a full day to the historic landmarks of the capital. Begin at the venerable Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 under the Ly Dynasty in homage to Confucius, whose courtyards, reflecting pools, and stone turtle stelae embody Vietnam's scholar traditions. Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake, followed by the Ba Dinh memorial precinct housing Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum exterior and Stilt House.

In the afternoon, explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where tribal costumes, textiles, and outdoor vernacular architecture depict the lives of the country's 54 ethnic groups. Conclude the day with an enchanting traditional water puppetry performance born in the flooded plains of the Red River Delta.

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Depart early heading south to Ninh Binh province, renowned as 'Halong Bay on land'. Stop at Hoa Lu, Vietnam's first feudal capital in the 10th century, exploring ancient shrines dedicated to the founding Dinh and Le monarchs, set within a grand natural cirque of limestone peaks.

Continue with an unforgettable rowboat journey in Tam Coc: gliding along the Ngo Dong River amidst emerald rice fields, the small wooden boat drifts beneath three spectacular natural caverns hollowed through the cliffs. A bicycle ride along rural paths to the troglodyte pagoda of Bich Dong completes this bucolic day.

Driving time: approximately 2 hours for 100 km. Overnight at hotel in Ninh Binh.

Travel across the agricultural delta towards the Gulf of Tonkin to reach legendary Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage natural wonder. Board a traditional wooden junk and set sail among thousands of limestone sugarloaves rising from emerald waters while a delicious seafood lunch is served on deck.

The afternoon balances contemplation and adventure: explore a grand limestone cave filled with stalactites, kayak through sheltered lagoons, and swim in quiet coves if weather permits. Sunset illuminates the bay before a refined dinner and nighttime squid fishing on the deck.

Driving time: approximately 3 hours for 170 km. Overnight on board the junk in private ensuite cabin.

Dawn light casts a magical glow over the peaceful waters of the bay. Early risers can participate in an introductory tai chi session on the upper deck facing the limestone peaks. After a rowing boat visit to a floating fishing village, enjoy brunch on board as the junk cruises back to port.

Disembark in late morning and transfer directly to Hanoi Airport for your scheduled domestic flight to Hue, the imperial capital of Vietnam's last dynastic rulers. Met upon landing by your local guide and transfer to your charming hotel.

Travel time: 2.5 hours drive plus domestic flight (1 hr 15 min). Overnight at hotel in Hue.

Dedicated to exploring UNESCO World Heritage imperial treasures. Begin at the grand Imperial Citadel of Hue, built in the early 19th century: the Noon Gate, the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the The Mieu dynastic temple, and the evocative ruins of the Purple Forbidden City.

Board a traditional dragon boat on the Perfume River to visit venerable Thien Mu Pagoda and its iconic seven-story octagonal tower. In the afternoon, explore the landscaped Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, with pine forests, wooden pavilions, and lily ponds, followed by a visit to an incense-making artisan workshop.

Overnight at hotel in Hue.

Drive south along the coastal road across the mountain ridge separating north and south. Pause alongside Lang Co Lagoon, a picturesque fishing village with turquoise waters, before climbing the scenic hairpin bends of the Hai Van Pass (Ocean Cloud Pass) with sweeping ocean views over Da Nang Bay.

Arrive in the UNESCO-listed ancient port of Hoi An. After settling in, take a walking tour through pedestrian lanes of yellow-painted merchant homes: the centuries-old Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese assembly halls, and timber residences. At nightfall, the town illuminates with thousands of colorful silk lanterns.

Driving time: approximately 3.5 hours for 140 km. Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

A full day at leisure to savor Hoi An's timeless charms at your own pace. Wander pedestrian cobblestone lanes, browse local tailors, or relax at a riverside café.

As night descends, the town transforms into a fairy tale illuminated by hundreds of floating silk lanterns on the Thu Bon River. Take time to enjoy an artisan tea inside an antique timber merchant home.

Throughout this exceptional day, you enjoy authentic human connections and serene pauses in preserved settings, discovering the poetic beauty and generous spirit of Vietnam.

Morning transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam's vibrant southern economic powerhouse. Greeted upon arrival by your local French-speaking guide and transferred downtown.

Explore Saigon's grand colonial landmarks: historic Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), red-brick Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Municipal Opera House, and the Central Post Office designed by Gustave Eiffel. Conclude with a lively walk through Ben Thanh Market.

Flight time: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Drive south into the aquatic maze of the Mekong Delta. In Ben Tre, kingdom of coconut palms, board a traditional wooden boat to cruise along river waterways. Go ashore for a bicycle or motorized cart ride through village trails, visiting artisan workshops that craft coconut milk candy and weave reed mats.

Board small hand-rowed sampans to glide through quiet, palm-shaded arroyos. In late afternoon, continue to Can Tho, the regional capital of the delta, checking in to your riverside hotel.

Driving time: approximately 3 hours for 130 km. Overnight at hotel in Can Tho.

At daybreak, set sail to Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest wholesale river market in the delta. Hundreds of wooden boats laden with tropical fruits and vegetables trade on the water, with each vendor displaying produce from a tall bamboo pole.

After a fruit tasting in an orchard, continue west to the border city of Chau Doc, a fascinating multicultural crossroad of Vietnamese, Khmer, Cham, and Chinese cultures. Visit the shrine of Ba Chua Xu on Sam Mountain and watch the sunset over border rice fields.

Driving time: approximately 3 hours for 120 km. Overnight at hotel in Chau Doc.

Early morning transfer to the Chau Doc pier and embark on a comfortable scheduled express boat for an international river cruise up the mighty Mekong into Cambodia. Pass fishing villages and stilt homes while the crew handles border immigration formalities at Vinh Xuong / Kaam Samnor.

Arrive in late morning at Phnom Penh, capital of the Khmer kingdom. Greeted warmly by your Cambodian French-speaking guide, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, paved with over five thousand silver tiles and sheltering the Emerald Buddha.

Riverboat journey: approximately 5 hours. Overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh.

Complete your exploration of Phnom Penh with a visit to the National Museum of Cambodia, an elegant terracotta building housing the finest collection of Angkorian sculpture and bronze art, followed by sacred Wat Phnom.

Drive northwest across Cambodia's rural plains toward Siem Reap. En route, stop at Skun village, famous for exotic snacks, and admire the 12th-century laterite bridge of Spean Praptos built under King Jayavarman VII. Arrive in Siem Reap and check in to your hotel.

Driving time: approximately 5.5 hours for 315 km. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

A day dedicated to the supreme masterworks of the Khmer Empire. Enter the fortified city of Angkor Thom through its monumental South Gate flanked by stone balustrades of gods and demons. At the center stands the Bayon Temple, its 54 towers bearing more than two hundred serene smiling faces. Explore the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.

In the afternoon, explore the largest religious monument on Earth: magnificent Angkor Wat, the crowning achievement of classical Khmer architecture. Walk through concentric galleries filled with bas-reliefs depicting sacred Hindu myths, and watch the five lotus towers reflect in the water at sunset.

Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

Set out early to experience the magic of Ta Prohm Temple, deliberately preserved as 19th-century explorers found it. Gigantic roots of silk-cotton trees embrace stone galleries, collapsed shrines, and carved devatas in an awe-inspiring union of jungle and architecture. Also discover Banteay Kdei and royal Srah Srang.

Return to Siem Reap for free leisure time for last-minute shopping or relaxing. According to your flight schedule, your private driver transfers you to Siem Reap International Airport for your departure flight.

Airport transfer included. End of services by Sensations Vietnam.