The grand Vietnam panorama is an invitation to explore every facet of the country through a rich and perfectly balanced 14-day itinerary. Traveling from North to South, this journey unveils the deep culture and heritage of Vietnam, taking you from historic capitals and traditional villages to prestigious UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Along the way, the breathtaking natural landscapes of Vietnam reveal themselves: lush rice paddies, towering karst mountains, mythical bays, and the winding waterways of the Mekong Delta. Every stage of the grand Vietnam panorama is thoughtfully designed to offer an authentic experience that is fluid and unhurried. This is the ideal circuit for travelers seeking to discover the true depth of Vietnam in a single, unforgettable journey.
Day 01: Welcome to Hanoi – The thousand-year-old capital
Day 02: Discovering the capital’s charms
Day 03: Hanoi – The scenic Mai Chau valley
Day 04: Mai Chau – Pu Luong nature reserve
Day 05: Pu Luong – Tam Coc, the “Inland Halong Bay”
Day 06: Cruise and overnight stay in Halong Bay
Day 07: Halong Bay – Return to Hanoi – Night train to Hue
Day 08: Exploring Hue – Vietnam’s ancient imperial capital
Day 09: Hue – Hoi An via the scenic mandarin road
Day 10: Hoi An Eco-Tour – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre (Mekong Delta)
Day 12: Ben Tre – Can Tho
Day 13: Can Tho – Cai Lay – Ho Chi Minh city
Day 14: Final moments in Ho Chi Minh city – Departure
Upon arrival at Hanoi airport, you will be greeted by your guide and driver for a private transfer to the city center. This first step of the grand Vietnam panorama marks the beginning of a 14-day Vietnam itinerary rich in discovery.
Formerly known as Thang Long, the “City of the Rising Dragon,” Hanoi captivates visitors with its balance of ancestral traditions and modern energy. Situated in the heart of the Red River Delta, the capital perfectly embodies Vietnam’s culture and heritage while offering a vibrant, authentic atmosphere. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore the city’s unique charm—a prelude to the stunning Vietnam’s natural landscapes and cultural experiences ahead.
Today is dedicated to an in-depth exploration of Hanoi, the nation’s historical heart. Your journey through the grand Vietnam panorama begins at the Museum of Ethnology (closed Mondays), an essential institution showcasing the diversity of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through traditional costumes and tribal houses.
We continue to the Temple of Literature, a cornerstone of Vietnam’s culture and heritage, followed by the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in the city. In the afternoon, visit Ngoc Son Temple on the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake, followed by a walking tour through the Old Quarter. We will stop at the famous “Train Street” for a coffee (at your own expense) to watch the train pass just inches from the doorsteps. The day concludes with a traditional Water Puppet show, a living symbol of Northern Vietnamese folk art.
Depart this morning for the Mai Chau valley, the gateway to the Northwest and a highlight of this 14-day Vietnam itinerary. This journey highlights Vietnam’s natural landscapes as you traverse mountain passes and meet the Thai, Muong, Dzao, and Hmong people.
Upon arrival, the sight of terraced rice fields and traditional stilt houses offers a classic image of the Vietnamese countryside. After lunch with Mr. Cuong’s family, enjoy a bicycle ride through the villages of Chieng Sai, Cha Long, and Tong Dau. This leisurely pace allows you to immerse yourself in local life, passing vegetable gardens and bamboo forests. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Thai musical performance and a tasting of local “Can” rice wine.
After breakfast, we head toward the Pu Luong nature reserve. We stop at Co Luong to visit a traditional bamboo chopstick factory, followed by a walk through the villages of Duom and Eo Ken to meet the Thai and Muong communities. The afternoon is spent walking through the heart of the reserve, a true masterpiece among Vietnam’s natural landscapes, featuring lush terraces and vegetable gardens.
Leaving the reserve, we travel to Tam Coc, an iconic stop on the grand Vietnam panorama. The route follows a portion of the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail, passing through spectacular limestone “sugar loaf” mountains.
Upon arrival, we cycle to the Bich Dong pagoda, nestled into the hillside. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional sampan boat ride through the Thung Nham region, gliding between limestone peaks and through three natural caves—a serene experience in the heart of nature.
Today we travel to the legendary Halong Bay, a jewel of Vietnam’s natural landscapes and a centerpiece of the grand Vietnam panorama. Upon arrival, board a traditional wooden junk for a cruise through this UNESCO World Heritage site, a symbol of Vietnam’s culture and heritage.
Navigate between spectacular karst formations, observe local fishermen, and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on deck. We stop at Cap La island for a swim in turquoise waters before spending a magical night anchored in the heart of the bay.
Wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the bay. Join a Tai Chi session on the deck, followed by a visit to the Thien Canh Son cave. After a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and an early lunch on board, we disembark and transfer back to Hanoi.
This evening marks a new chapter in your 14-day Vietnam itinerary as you transition from the North to the Center. Enjoy free time in the Old Quarter before boarding the overnight train to Hue. The air-conditioned four-berth cabin offers an authentic way to experience local travel.
The train arrives in Hue around 8:30 AM, where you will be met by your local guide and driver for breakfast. This central chapter of the Grand Vietnam Panorama focuses heavily on Vietnam’s culture and heritage.
We begin with a boat trip on the Perfume River to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda. Afterward, we head to Thuy Bieu village for a leisurely bicycle ride to discover rural life and vanishing traditional crafts, such as incense making and votive paper arts. After a relaxing herbal foot bath and massage, participate in a rural cooking class before enjoying lunch in a garden setting. The afternoon is dedicated to the Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a majestic symbol of the country’s royal history.
We depart for Hoi An via the legendary Mandarin Road, crossing the spectacular Hai Van Pass (Pass of the Clouds). This route offers some of the most breathtaking coastal views of Vietnam’s natural landscapes. In Da Nang, we stop at the Cham Museum to view a precious collection reflecting the ancient side of Vietnam’s culture and heritage.
Upon arrival in Hoi An—a centerpiece of this 14-day Vietnam itinerary—we spend the afternoon exploring the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town. Highlights include the Museum of Trade Ceramics, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and the Phung Hung Ancient House. The day ends with a stroll through the bustling local port and colorful markets.
Enjoy a morning bike ride to the vegetable village of Tra Que. Famous for its aromatic herbs, this village offers a peaceful look at the rural side of Vietnam’s culture and heritage. You’ll meet local farmers and learn their traditional gardening techniques.
The adventure continues with a brief buffalo ride and a traditional bamboo basket boat trip through the Cam Thanh coconut forest. Here, you can try your hand at traditional crab fishing with the locals. After lunch, we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh city.
Spend the morning exploring Ho Chi Minh City, still fondly called Saigon. This stage of the Grand Vietnam Panorama reveals a city defined by its French colonial architecture and modern energy. We visit the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Thien Hau Temple in Cholon (Chinatown).
In the afternoon, we head toward Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. The scenery shifts to the lush Vietnam’s natural landscapes of rice paddies and fruit orchards. We conclude the day with an authentic immersion at the Coconut Homestay.
Board a local boat to navigate the narrow canals of the Mekong, observing daily life along the riverbanks. As a key highlight of this 14-day Vietnam itinerary, you will visit a coconut candy workshop and a traditional brick kiln.
Experience the countryside via a “tuk-tuk” (motorized cart) ride through green villages, followed by a serene rowing boat trip through water-palm arroyos. After a rustic lunch, we drive to Can Tho, stopping to visit the Binh Thuy ancient house—the famous filming location for The Lover.
At dawn, board a local boat to witness the Cai Rang floating market, the most vibrant scene in the Mekong Delta. This lively waterborne market is a quintessential part of Vietnam’s natural landscapes.
We then drive back toward Ho Chi Minh city, wander through gardens of rambutan, mango, and bonsai—a testament to Vietnam’s culture and heritage in the rural South. After a farewell lunch with the locals, we return to the city in the late afternoon.
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy your final moments in the city. Whether you choose to shop on the bustling Dong Khoi and Le Loi streets or simply relax at a local café, this marks the end of your grand Vietnam panorama. Your driver will provide a private transfer to the airport for your departure flight, concluding an unforgettable journey through the heritage and nature of Vietnam.
From $ 1260 USD/person
To help you fully enjoy the grand Vietnam panorama, a journey that reveals the country’s most iconic landscapes—from the tranquil mountains of Northern Vietnam to the vibrant waterways of the Mekong Delta—here are some essential tips to help you prepare.
The grand Vietnam panorama itinerary spans Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam, each region offering distinct climate conditions. For a 10–14 day journey, the most recommended travel period is from September to May, providing the best balance of pleasant weather, cultural discovery, and scenic beauty.
September to November
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Ready to start your Northern Vietnam journey? Contact QASIA TRAVEL today for a personalized quote or to tailor-make your perfect family holiday.
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