Exclusive Vietnam Package Tour 21 Days – The Complete North-to-South
- 21 Days
- Hanoi
- Vietnam
- 4.9
- English
Overview
Most visitors to Vietnam have to choose: the misty highlands or the limestone bay, the imperial citadels or the beach, the floating markets of the Mekong or the mountain terraces of the north. Our Vietnam package tour 21 days was built for travelers who refuse to choose. Over three unhurried weeks you will trek through rice terraces carved into the hillsides of Sapa, sleep aboard a cruise beneath Halong Bay’s karsts, ride night trains through the spine of the country, crawl through wartime tunnels outside Saigon, and watch the sun set over the red dunes of Mui Ne — a single, continuous journey from the mountains near the Chinese border to the Gulf of Thailand.
This is not a highlight-reel tour. It is a complete Vietnam tour package for travelers, retirees, and slow-travel enthusiasts who want the time to actually arrive somewhere before moving on — two to five nights in most regions, never a rushed overnight stop just to say you passed through. Every train ticket, cruise cabin, domestic flight, and private transfer across this 21 days Vietnam itinerary is arranged in advance, so your only task each day is deciding how deep you want to go.
Ready to plan the ultimate three-week journey? Check Available Dates →
Quick Facts
| Duration | 21 Days / 20 Nights |
| Route | Hanoi – Sapa – Halong Bay – Ninh Binh – Phong Nha – Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Tay Ninh – Mekong Delta – Mui Ne Beach |
| Tour Type | Private, fully customizable |
| Pace | Slow travel — 2 to 5 nights per region, minimal one-night stops |
| Best For | Retirees, long-stay travelers, couples, and anyone wanting Vietnam in full rather than a highlights version |
Highlights
- Trek the Terraces of Sapa — Walk the Muong Hoa Valley from Y Linh Ho to Lao Chai and Ta Van, through rice terraces and Black Hmong and Dzay villages, with lunch alongside a local family.
- Meet the “Duck Leader” of Phong Nha — A genuinely funny, only-in-Bong-Lai-Valley experience: shake a food container and watch a hundred ducks chase you across a field.
- Descend into the Longest Dry Cave in Asia — Paradise Cave’s illuminated stalactites, followed by a 400-meter zipline into Dark Cave and a natural mineral mud bath.
- Sleep Aboard a Halong Bay Cruise — A night among nearly 2,000 limestone islets, with kayaking, cave exploration, and a sunset cooking class on the sundeck.
- Wander Hoi An’s Lantern-Lit Streets — A UNESCO ancient town glowing gold each evening, best photographed between 5:30 and 6:30 PM.
- Stand on the Golden Bridge — Ba Na Hills’ iconic bridge, held aloft by two giant stone hands rising from the clouds.
- Ride the Cable Car to Southern Vietnam’s Highest Peak — Nui Ba Den in Tay Ninh, beneath the 72-meter bronze Goddess of Mercy statue, followed by the extraordinary Cao Dai Great Temple.
- Watch Sunset Over Mui Ne’s Red Dunes — A coastal desert landscape, complete with the barefoot red-clay canyon walk of Fairy Stream, found nowhere else in Vietnam.
Places You'll See








What's Included?
- 10 nights in carefully selected 4-star or 5-star hotels, twin/double sharing, with daily breakfast
- 1 night aboard a luxury 5-star Halong Bay cruise
- 2 nights in soft-sleeper night-train cabins (Hanoi–Hue and Da Nang–Ho Chi Minh City), plus all private air-conditioned train station and inter-city transfers
- All sightseeing tickets, private boat trips in Trang An, Hue, and the Mekong Delta, plus a cyclo tour in Hanoi
- Professional, English-speaking local guides during all transfers and excursions
- Meals as specified in the itinerary (daily breakfasts, lunches on tours/cruise, dinner on the cruise)
What's Excluded?
- International flights to and from Vietnam
- Domestic flights, if selected as an alternative to the Hanoi–Hue or Da Nang–Ho Chi Minh City night trains
- Vietnam visa / e-visa arrangement fees
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone, shopping)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers (recommended, not mandatory)
- Travel insurance
- Surcharges during public holidays (Tet, National Day, etc.)
- VAT and bank service fees, where applicable
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the “Tour Included” section
What to Expect?
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival – Welcome to Vietnam 🇻🇳
- Touch down at Noi Bai International Airport, where your private chauffeur awaits to escort you directly into the historic heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
- Complete your hotel check-in (subject to availability) and unwind from your flight before embarking on a leisurely stroll around the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake or browsing the vibrant stalls of Dong Xuan Market.
- Savor your inaugural taste of local culture with a legendary egg coffee at the century-old Café Giảng (39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street), followed by an introductory street-food sampling of pho or bun cha in the bustling alleyways (at your own expense).
Evening at Leisure:
- Experience the electrifying pulse of Ta Hien Beer Street, a lively hub for socializing and soaking in the vibrant nocturnal atmosphere.
- Explore the bustling Old Quarter Night Market (operational weekends across Hang Dao, Hang Ngang, and Hang Duong streets).
- Overnight: Hanoi.
Inclusions: Private airport transfer, central hotel accommodation.
Day 2: Hanoi Cultural & Heritage Highlights ☕
Morning:
- Begin your exploration at the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, followed by the architectural grace of the iconic One Pillar Pagoda.
- Proceed to the historic Temple of Literature, venerated as Vietnam’s premier national university established in the 11th century.
- Pause for an authentic Vietnamese lunch at a local culinary establishment.
Afternoon:
- Gain historical perspective with a guided visit to Hoa Lo Prison, historically dubbed the “Hilton Hanoi” during the American War.
- Board a traditional cyclo for a nostalgic, unhurried journey winding through the legendary 36 commercial streets of the Old Quarter.
Evening:
- Delight in a captivating water puppet performance, a celebrated theatrical art form originating in the flooded paddy fields of the Red River Delta.
- Venture into the vibrant culinary lanes of Hang Buom, Tong Duy Tan, or Hang Bo to sample local delicacies like savory pork rib porridge or chicken noodle soup (your expense).
- Overnight: Hanoi.
Inclusions: Private guided city tour, all entrance fees, water puppet show tickets, expert English-speaking guide, accommodation.
Day 3: Hanoi – Sapa Highlands (Terraced Valleys) – Cat Cat Village 🚐
Morning:
- Depart Hanoi aboard a comfortable private vehicle, journeying northwest along the modern expressway into the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range (approx. 5.5–6 hours), complete with scenic panoramic stops overlooking deep valleys.
- Arrive in Sapa Town by midday, complete hotel check-in, and enjoy free time to acclimate to the crisp mountain air.
Afternoon:
- Descend into Cat Cat Village, a picturesque traditional settlement inhabited by the Black Hmong ethnic minority.
- Marvel at the cascading waterfall and historical remnants of a French-built hydroelectric station from the colonial era.
- Embark on a scenic 3-kilometer trek toward Sin Chai village, nestled directly at the foot of Fansipan Mountain—widely recognized as the “Roof of Indochina.”
Evening at Leisure:
- Experience Sapa’s vibrant evening ambiance in the central square, admiring the illuminated stone architecture of the Sapa Ancient Stone Church.
- Explore the Sapa Night Market to sample regional specialties such as sizzling grilled skewers, hearty salmon hot pot, or aromatic smoked buffalo meat (your expense).
- Overnight: Sapa.
Inclusions: Private transfer, guided excursion to Cat Cat Village, English-speaking guide, accommodation.
Day 4: Sapa Trekking Expedition – Muong Hoa Valley 🥾
Morning:
- Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before setting off on a comprehensive, full-day guided trek traversing the breathtaking, UNESCO-caliber terraced rice fields of the Muong Hoa Valley.
- Walk along mountain trails passing Y Linh Ho and following the meandering Muong Hoa Stream directly into the Black Hmong community of Lao Chai.
Afternoon:
- Enjoy a home-cooked lunch shared with a local ethnic family along the route.
- Continue your trek through rustling bamboo groves and suspension bridges toward Ta Van village, home to the Dzay minority people.
- Rendezvous with your private transport at Ta Van Bridge for a smooth return drive to Sapa town (total trekking distance approx. 12 km over 4.5 hours).
Evening at Leisure:
- Unwind completely after your trek by experiencing a traditional Red Dao herbal bath, renowned for soothing tired muscles with medicinal forest botanicals.
- Dine independently at a cozy local restaurant in town (your expense).
- Overnight: Sapa.
Inclusions: Guided trekking tour, local family-hosted lunch, English-speaking guide, accommodation.
Day 5: Sapa – Fansipan Peak Cable Car – Return to Hanoi ☁️
Morning:
- Following breakfast, embark on an unforgettable ascent to the summit of Fansipan Peak.
- Board the state-of-the-art Fansipan Cable Car, soaring 3,143 meters above sea level while enjoying sweeping, bird’s-eye views of the sprawling Muong Hoa Valley and rugged mountain ranges.
- Ride the modern mountain funicular railway through alpine floral displays and dramatic ridge landscapes.
Afternoon:
- Enjoy free time browsing Sapa’s mountainside artisan markets for unique handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Sip a hot beverage at a cliffside café while watching alpine clouds drift across the valley before your private transfer back to Hanoi.
Evening:
- Return to Hanoi, check into your hotel, and enjoy a restful evening.
- Overnight: Hanoi.
Inclusions: Fansipan cable car and funicular tickets, private transfers, English-speaking guide, accommodation.
Day 6: Hanoi – Halong Bay Luxury Cruise ⛴️
Morning:
- Enjoy an early breakfast and check out of your hotel (leaving primary luggage securely stored), prior to your morning pickup for a scenic drive via the modern expressway to Halong Bay.
Afternoon:
- Arrive at the coastal harbor, board an elite 5-star overnight cruise, and settle into your luxury cabin while savoring a welcome drink.
- Indulge in a gourmet seafood lunch as the vessel glides deeper into the emerald waters amidst thousands of dramatic limestone karsts and islets.
- Participate in signature activities, including kayaking through hidden sea caves or swimming at an isolated sandy beach.
- Witness a magnificent sunset over the gulf, complemented by an interactive cooking demonstration on the sundeck.
Evening:
- Dine on a sophisticated multi-course dinner served beneath a canopy of stars, followed by a tranquil evening relaxing on deck.
- Overnight: Aboard the Halong Bay luxury cruise.
Inclusions: Private transfer, luxury cabin accommodation, all onboard meals, scheduled excursions and activities, English-speaking cruise guide.
Day 7: Halong Bay Sunrise – Ninh Binh – Buffalo & Duck Farm 🌅
Morning:
- Greet the dawn with a rejuvenating Tai Chi session on the sun deck, followed by breakfast.
- Explore a magnificent stalactite cavern before returning to the vessel for check-out procedures.
- Savor an early brunch on board as the ship navigates back toward the main harbor.
Afternoon:
- Disembark and transfer southward by private vehicle to Ninh Binh province, affectionately celebrated as “Halong Bay on Land.”
- Check into your hotel upon arrival and unwind.
- Experience “Duck Leader” and “Duck Massage” with Buffalo Ride at the Farm in Tam Coc.
Evening at Leisure:
- Relax in the serene countryside or venture out independently to sample Ninh Binh’s renowned local specialty: savory mountain goat meat dishes.
- End of Week 1.
- Overnight: Ninh Binh.
Inclusions: Private transfer, bicycle use (optional), English-speaking guide, accommodation.
Day 8: Ninh Binh (Trang An & Mua Cave) – Night Train South 🚣
Morning:
- Enjoy breakfast amidst the tranquil, green landscapes of rural Ninh Binh.
- Embark on a traditional sampan boat tour through the Trang An Landscape Complex (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Local oarsmen gently guide you through crystal-clear waters and low-hanging subterranean water passages such as Dia Linh and Ba Giot caves.
- Visit historical spiritual landmarks including Trinh Temple, Tran Temple, and Vu Lam Royal Palace, nestled under ancient banyan trees.
Afternoon:
- Conquer the 500 stone steps leading to the summit of Ngoa Long Mountain at Mua Cave.
- Marvel at the panoramic vista overlooking the winding Ngo Dong River and the sprawling, emerald-to-gold rice paddies of Tam Coc.
- Return to your hotel to freshen up before your private evening transfer to Ninh Binh railway station.
Evening:
- Board the comfortable southbound overnight express train bound for Dong Hoi (Phong Nha-Kega Bang region).
- Overnight: Aboard the southbound night train (private sleeper cabin).
Inclusions: Trang An boat excursion, Mua Cave entry fees, private transfers, English-speaking guide, night train tickets.
Day 9: Dong Hoi – Phong Nha Cave & The Fun "Duck Stop" 🕳️
Morning:
- Arrive early at Dong Hoi railway station, where your private guide meets you for the transfer to Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, the dramatic gateway to Asia’s most spectacular karst cave systems.
- Board a traditional motorized boat to cruise down the Son River directly into the mouth of Phong Nha Cave, gliding through underground rivers framed by monumental stalactites.
Afternoon:
- Check into your local riverside accommodation before heading out for an unforgettable, lighthearted cultural experience at The Duck Stop in Bong Lai Valley.
- Step into the shoes of a certified “Duck Leader,” holding feed and guiding a massive flock of enthusiastic ducks across the farmyard.
- Experience a whimsical “duck foot massage” and take a relaxing stroll through agricultural fields atop a friendly water buffalo.
Evening at Leisure:
- Enjoy a peaceful evening dining along the riverbanks of Phong Nha town.
- Overnight: Phong Nha.
Inclusions: Duck Stop and buffalo experience fees, river boat trip, English-speaking guide, accommodation.
Day 10: Paradise Cave Exploration – Train to Hue Imperial City 🏯
Morning:
- Set out to explore Paradise Cave (Thien Duong), renowned as one of the longest dry cave systems on the Asian continent.
- Trek along the illuminated wooden walkways beneath towering limestone vaults, gazing upon surreal, giant formations such as the Heavenly Pillar and cascading crystal stalagmites.
Afternoon:
- Experience an adrenaline rush with a 400-meter zipline flight across the turquoise waters of the Chay River directly to the entrance of Dark Cave (Hang Toi).
- Venture deep into the cavern using headlamps to experience a mineral-rich therapeutic mud bath deep inside the earth, followed by kayaking on the river.
- Conclude your afternoon with a private transfer south toward Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam (approx. 3 hours).
Evening:
- Arrive in Hue, check into your hotel, and spend the evening relaxing or independently exploring local culinary gems along the Perfume River.
- Overnight: Hue.
Inclusions: Private transfer, night train connection, guided adventure tour, cave and eco-park entrance fees, English speaking guide, accommodation.
Day 11: Hue Imperial Citadel – Hai Van Pass – Da Nang 🏍️
Morning:
- Discover the imperial grandeur of the Hue Citadel, exploring the historic Ngo Mon Gate, the majestic Thai Hoa Palace, and the solemn ruins of the Forbidden Purple City belonging to the Nguyen Dynasty emperors.
Afternoon:
- Embark on a relaxing dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River to visit the iconic seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda, followed by a tour of the ornate Khai Dinh Royal Tomb.
- Journey southward across the legendary Hai Van Pass—haunted by coastal mountain mists and celebrated as one of the most stunning ocean-bordering roadways in the world.
Evening:
- Arrive in the vibrant coastal metropolis of Da Nang, check into your hotel, and stroll along pristine My Khe Beach.
- Catch the iconic weekend fire-breathing performance at the Dragon Bridge or take a relaxing evening stroll along the Han River.
- Overnight: Da Nang.
Inclusions: Perfume River cruise, imperial monument entrance fees, guided city tour, English speaking guide, private transfer, accommodation.
Day 12: Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge – Hoi An Ancient Town ☁️
Morning:
- Depart from Da Nang for a scenic morning excursion to the renowned Ba Na Hills resort complex.
- Ascend via a world-class cable car system to walk across the architectural marvel of the Golden Bridge, uniquely cradled by two giant stone hands high above the mountain canopy.
- Enjoy a lavish buffet lunch served at a peak-altitude restaurant.
Afternoon:
- Explore the European-inspired French Village, experience indoor thrills at Fantasy Park, and wander through the fragrant Le Jardin D’Amour flower gardens alongside the historic Debay Wine Cellar.
- Descend the mountain and enjoy a short private transfer into the enchanting lantern-lit streets of Hoi An Ancient Town.
Evening at Leisure:
- Check into your hotel and take your inaugural evening walk through the UNESCO-listed Old Quarter, glowing warmly under thousands of colorful silk lanterns.
- Sample local street delicacies such as Cao Lau noodles or world-famous Banh Mi Phuong at the vibrant night market.
- Overnight: Hoi An.
Inclusions: Guided tour with cable car tickets, buffet lunch, entrance fees, private transfer, English speaking guide, accommodation.
Day 13: Hoi An Cultural Heritage & Culinary Immersion 🏮
Morning:
- Participate in a comprehensive walking tour of Hoi An’s remarkably preserved trading port, visiting the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the ornate Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and centuries-old merchant family residences.
Afternoon:
- Engage in an interactive, hands-on Vietnamese cooking class starting with a guided herb-market tour, or opt for a relaxing bicycle ride through rural rice paddies.
- Optionally, take a traditional bamboo basket boat ride through the lush Bay Mau water coconut forest.
Evening:
- Experience an unforgettable evening boat ride along the Thu Bon River, releasing a glowing paper flower lantern onto the water to invite good fortune and peace.
- Wander through the pedestrianized Old Quarter or attend the spectacular live theatrical production, Memories of Hoi An (optional, own expense).
- Overnight: Hoi An.
Inclusions: Guided cultural tour, entrance fees, cooking class experience, English speaking guide, accommodation.
Day 14: Hoi An Free Morning – Domestic Flight to Ho Chi Minh City ✈️
Morning:
- Enjoy a completely free morning to relax on the sandy shores of An Bang Beach, shop for custom-tailored garments, or take an optional bicycle tour to Tra Que organic vegetable village.
Afternoon:
- Transfer privately to Da Nang International Airport for a quick domestic flight south to the nation’s economic powerhouse, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Evening:
- Arrive in Saigon, complete hotel check-in, and dive straight into the energetic nightlife along the vibrant pedestrian zones of Nguyen Hue and Bui Vien streets.
- End of Week 2.
- Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City.
Inclusions: Domestic flight ticket, private airport transfers, hotel accommodation.
💡 Looking for a different duration or style?
- If 21 days is too long, check out our popular 14-Day Classic Vietnam Tour Package covering Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh City.
- Explore all our Vietnam Package Tours for more options.
Additional Info
Child policy
Child policy
- Under 4 years old: Travel free of charge, sharing a bed with a parent in hotel rooms, a berth on the Halong Bay cruise, and a night-train compartment bunk. A second child under 4 traveling with the same family is charged at 75% of the adult rate.
- Ages 5 to 8: Charged 75% of the adult rate, sharing existing bedding and berths with parents.
- Ages 9 and up: Charged the full adult rate.
- Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the tour, including during the Halong Bay cruise and both overnight train journeys.
- Valid ID or passport may be requested at hotel check-in and on the cruise to confirm a child’s age.
- If a separate bed, cruise berth, or night-train bunk is required for a child, this is charged as a surcharge on top of the child rate and confirmed at the time of booking based on your selected hotel category and train class.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation policy
This Vietnam tour package 14 days involves multiple pre-purchased, limited-availability bookings — two night-train cabins, a Halong Bay cruise cabin, and block-booked hotel rooms across six cities — so cancellation terms are structured around those supplier deadlines:
- Free cancellation for notice given at least 21 days before departure.
- 50% charge of the total package value for cancellations made 16 to 20 days before departure.
- 75% charge of the total package value for cancellations made 10 to 15 days before departure.
- 100% charge (no refund) for cancellations made within 9 days of departure, or in case of no-show.
- If the Halong Bay cruise is cancelled due to severe weather or a government directive, guests are offered a rescheduled cruise date or a full refund for that portion of the package, without affecting the rest of the itinerary.
- Night-train tickets, once issued, are subject to Vietnam Railways’ own change and refund conditions in addition to the terms above.
- Any domestic flights booked as an alternative to the night trains follow the airline’s own fare rules.
Good to know
Good to know
- Pace and fitness: This itinerary involves genuine walking — the Citadel grounds in Hue, the Old Quarter in Hanoi, and 500 steps at Mua Cave. A moderate level of fitness is recommended; let your consultant know in advance if mobility is a concern so the route can be adjusted.
- Overnight trains: Cabins are air-conditioned, soft-sleeper class with 4 berths per compartment (private cabin buyouts available on request). They’re a genuinely comfortable, time-efficient way to cover long distances overnight rather than losing a full travel day.
- Climate variation: You will pass through three distinct climate zones in two weeks. Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay) can be cool and misty from November to March; the center (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An) sees its rainy season from September to December; the south (Saigon, Mekong Delta) is warm and humid year-round with a wet season from May to October.
- Currency and cash: Vietnamese dong (VND) is the primary currency; ATMs are widely available in every city on this route, but the Mekong Delta’s rural stops are best navigated with cash on hand.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi is available at all hotels and on the cruise; a local SIM or eSIM is recommended for the train legs and delta excursions where hotel Wi-Fi isn’t an option.
What to bring
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes — you’ll use them in the Citadel, the Old Quarter, and on the 500 steps to Mua Cave’s summit
- Layered clothing: the north (Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay) can be cool and misty from November to March, while the south stays warm and humid year-round
- Swimwear for Halong Bay kayaking and An Bang Beach
- A light rain jacket, particularly if traveling through the center between September and December
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for the Mekong Delta and Ba Na Hills-style midday sun
- A small overnight bag for the two night-train legs, since your main luggage is stored separately during those journeys
- Earplugs and a light sleep mask — genuinely useful for both the cruise cabin and the overnight trains
- Passport and a printed or digital copy of your e-visa for hotel and train check-ins
- Motion sickness tablets if you’re prone to seasickness on the Mekong Delta boat trips
- Cash in Vietnamese dong for markets, tailoring deposits in Hoi An, and temple offerings
Price from
799 $ Original price was: 799 $.699 $Current price is: 699 $.
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- Free Cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
- Reserve Now & Pay Later - Secure your spot while staying flexible
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