This itinerary is designed for people who would like to experience Vietnam at their own pace. It includes all the main attractions of the country and also the less touristy areas with some local life experiences.
From the attractive capital city, Hanoi, to the picturesque Halong Bay and the classic wonders of Mai Chau, and from historic Hue and Hoi An to vibrant Ho Chi Minh City and the delightful Mekong Delta, you will have the opportunity to discover the authentic Vietnam with its beautiful landscapes, spellbinding historical treasures, and welcoming locals.
Highlights
- Hop on a local cyclo and catch a glimpse of city life by passing through the famed Old Quarter in Hanoi.
- Unveil the hill tribe culture with a cycling and walking tour in the valley of Mai Chau.
- Take a relaxing boat trip in the picturesque Halong Bay and appreciate the stunning karst landscape.
- Discover the grand Citadel in the former imperial capital of Hue.
- Walk through the bustling streets and quiet alleys in Hoi An Ancient Town.
- Explore Cai Rang Floating Market in the Mekong Delta, which provides a glimpse into a unique commercial culture.
Journey route

China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.


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Easy process.
We have been working with Albee to book our trip to SE Asia and she has been very responsive and accommodating. We have modified a basic itinerary to allow us to visit where we want and to do what we want. Her responses have been prompt and we spoke at one time via whatsapp. We have confidence in her and the booking of our trip. More
customer,
Aug 2023
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We would highly recommend Asia…
We would highly recommend Asia Highlights to anyone who is interested in traveling to Asia. Alisa was incredibly gracious and took care of all of the changes and created the absolute perfect trip for our family. More
Vivana,
Jul 2023
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More than 5 stars if I could!!
Sharon has been so amazing from the very start! The planning process, the communication while on the trip, the attentiveness. Everything has been top notch and we couldn't be more pleased with the trip! More
Kathi,
Jul 2023
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Will be booking again next time!
It was easy to book and they made the whole process smooth! It was no worries for us travelers! Albee did a great booking and we loved our tour guides Oahn in Vietnam, Yong on the Orchid Cruise, Charity in Cambodia, and Tamee. They made everything seem less! More
Jen B,
Jul 2023
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My impression the trip with Asia Highlights
We just finished the trip we planned with Asia Highlights to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. It has been a wonderful experience and we would like to recognize the very professional and positive planning that we have received from this agency. The guide and the driver was so nice ,Thank you all the work . More
Tara,
Jul 2023
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Monica is wonderful!!!
Monica has be wonderful! She has been very helpful in putting together an awesome itinerary for our Vietnam trip in 2024! Not only has she put together a wonderful trip, she had patience and willingness to customize our trip! More
Karla,
Jul 2023
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Easy to book!
We have booked a trip with the assistance of Monica. She has been most helpful and attentive during this process. She responds quickly to our inquiries and questions. Monica has been polite, pleasant and very helpful! More
Carole Cavanaugh,
Jul 2023
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21 days in SE Asia with help of Yeliz
Just put my deposit down for a 21 day trip to Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore. Yeliz is a pleasure to work with. She is timely with her responses and has made some wonderful choices, but is always happy to implement my suggestions and more than willing to tweak the itinerary based on our preferences. I look forward to the finish line and what should be a trip of a lifetime. Thank you Yeliz! More
Steven Berke,
May 2023
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We had one of the best trips ever
We had one of the best trips ever, to Vietnam and Cambodia. With the help of Cathy Chen and Asia Highlight our trip was a very enjoyable and unforgettable experience. From the planning to the last day, Cathy kept in touch and made sure everything was to our satisfaction. The trip with a number of hotels, plane trips, and guides, functioned like a Swiss clock. Not a single lateness or other issue occurred. The guides were all professional, courteous, on time, and knowledgeable, All were very pleasant. We learned a great deal, saw very interesting places, met local residents, and saw the beautiful countryside. The trip was perfect. Thanks, Cathy and Asian Highlights. More
Michael Koenigstein,
May 2023
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Extremely impressed with Alisa Liu and the assistance planning my dream trip
I've been so impressed by the response and expertise I've received from Alisa Liu. I haven't taken my trip yet and just submitted an inquiry and Alisa responded almost immediately and has put together what looks to be an amazing three week itinerary in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Bali. She's been patient with me for making numerous changes from my initial plans. I even added in several extra days and going to Bali because I felt confident that I should take advantage of her expertise and make the most out of this trip. My trip is still several months out so I'll report back after it's completed. But so far I am beyond satisfied with what has been planned and the assistance provided from Alisa. More
Kim Samaha,
Apr 2023
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Albee Ning from Asia Highlights is the most professional and accommodating trip organizer..
Our first experience with Asia highlights was in 2017 when Albee arranged a 3-weeks China trip for my husband and I. We had a delightful trip and reached out to Albee to help with Vietnam & Combodia trip in 2019. This time we were going to travel with our 2 kids. Albee put together a kids-friendly family-oriented itinerary with amazing accommodations. The trip was to happen in early 2020, when Covid pandemic hit. Everything was refunded to us and Albee never mentioned anything about the work and effort she put in to organize the trip. Finally, 3 years later, we were able to make the trip. Albee is the most patient and accommodating trip advisor I've ever known. She polished our prior itinerary, made adjustments and added new suggestions. We had to make a number of changes in the dates and the nature of the trip as we had some unexpected circumstances in the family. Albee was able to make changes within very short period of time, always with a friendly welcoming attitude and as it was no big deal. She made the whole trip arranging experience a breeze for us, taking care of everything. The trip was amazing. We had a great time. Albee was available 24/7 to answer all our questions and accommodate any requests while on the trip. Next time we are planning a trip to Asia, I would definitely reach out to Albee again. More
Raisa Knobel,
Apr 2023
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We meet again Asia Highlights
I’m glad to taking another great trip with Asia highlights. This time my advisor is Albee. She been amazing and extremely patient overall, I have made several changes to the itinerary at least 8 times. I plan to head to travel to Vietnam for 9 nights as a Solo Traveller. More
Simone,
Apr 2023
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3 weeks 3 countries Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Perfectly planned, perfectly executed and perfectly satisfied!
We were so fortunate to work with Monica at Southeast Asia Highlights. She listened to our likes and dislikes and tailored a beautiful trip perfectly suited to our desires! Every step of the way we had beautiful accommodations, amazing sites to visit and fun knowledgeable guides to take us everywhere. I’m so impressed how each day was perfectly planned and executed, no drama worry free travel. I highly recommend this expertise and will travel through them for new destinations. More
Jeanette,
Feb 2023
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First time traveling to Vietnam
Just finished our trip as of yesterday and I have to say, everything went great. Sharon was very helpful from the beginning, from the initial planning, booking everything, checking in throughout the trip, also correcting some issues, all the way to the end. More
Len S,
Feb 2023
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Perfect Vietnam & Cambodia Experience
The organization was perfect.Albee was very knowledgeable, proactive and responsive. Everything worked very smoothly as promised.The design of the trip was perfect. More
Juergen Heilmann,
Jan 2023
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Ask For Bella And/Or Nguyen at Asia Highlights
Bella and Nguyen jointly handled the situation very professional, they were very supportive even getting out of their way to advise me and finally the approval came in on time. More
Beatrice Njau,
Nov 2022
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Siem Reap , Cambodia Vacation
Tola Lon, our guide in Siem Reap, Cambodia was excellent. Very knowledgeable about the sites on the tour. Very attentive to our questions.Always enquiring about our comfort level on the tour as it was very hot. More
Marie Motilall,
Oct 2022
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Excellent Customer Service
Monica Mo was so helpful, kind, and professional when I enquired about an Approval Letter Issue. She directed me to a less expensive alternative that I could accomplish by myself without charge. More
SHARON K,
Sep 2022
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We have had the most amazing trip to…
Albee did a great job with the planning and was always available during the trip. We are looking forward to using Asian Highlights soon. More
Gabriella Franco,
Sep 2022
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Very good and professional staff
Even though, I cancelled the trip and then went on a delayed trip, the staff was very cooperative. Albee was excellent and the rest of the crew matched her. Good organization and I will recommend the company. More
Bmk,
Aug 2022
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Itinerary in Detail
Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will greet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel.
Take the rest of the day to adjust to the jet lag or explore the city on your own
You will explore the charming city of Hanoi with its top attractions: the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the unique One Pillar Pagoda, the iconic Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, the picturesque Temple of Literature,and the fascinating Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
Head back to central Hanoi and hop on a local cyclo (a rickshaw) and catch a glimpse of city life by traveling around the bustling streets and quiet alleys, passing through the famed Old Quarter.
Conclude the day by watching an entertaining water puppet performance. Colorful wooden puppets depict scenes of rural life and episodes of national history set to music.

Depart for Hanoi on a scenic 4-hour drive southwest to Mai Chau, which is in the province of Hoa Binh.
The impressive evergreen mountains and valleys surrounded by a lush landscape and stilt houses are home to the White Thai ethnic group.
Check in at Mai Chau Ecolodge upon arrival. Head to Lac Hamlet and enjoy your lunch of homemade cuisine. Take a relaxing cycling journey (7 kilometers) through beautiful valleys and seize the chance to chat with a hill tribe, unveiling their lifestyle and traditions.
Special note: a gentle walking trip is available if you don't like cycling.

After a 45-minute drive, Xa Linh greets you with its cool mountain breeze.
Enjoy a 2-hour walk as you meander along scenic mountain trails and arrive at the homeland of a H'mong hill tribe. You will get an insight into their culture and traditions.
Return to Mai Chau Ecolodge for lunch before being driven back to Hanoi.

In the morning, you will be transferred from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Board the boat from your selected cruise at noon.
The first destination is Trinh Nu Cave, one of the finest sunlight-filled caves in Halong Bay, covering an area of 2,000 square meters with a stunning assortment of stalactites and stalagmites.
Swim in the "love story" area of Halong Bay. Taste exquisite drinks from a vast selection in an open bar on board while enjoying the panoramic view of Halong Bay. Join in with interesting activities on board, such as squid fishing like a local.

In the morning, visit Halong Bay's largest and most famous cave, Sung Sot Cave, which consists of two major chambers.
After brunch, your cruise will come to an end and you will be transferred to your hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy a free half-day and wander around your hotel.

In the morning, your private guide and driver will transfer you to the airport in Hanoi for your onward flight to Hue. Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will greet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel.
As one of the most significant cultural and historic centers, Hue was the Vietnamese capital during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945). You will discover its essence: the Imperial Citadel, the Imperial City, the royal tombs, the Perfume River, and Thien Mu Pagoda.
The Imperial Citadel was built in the 19th century and modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing, holding many palaces and temples inside its giant walls. Spend some time wandering around the Imperial Citadel then continue to the surrounding countryside to see the final resting place of the emperors at two of the most impressive royal tombs: the Tomb of Khai Dinh and the tomb of Tu Duc.
Take a boat trip along the romantically named Perfume River to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda,which was built in 1601 and is Hue's best-preserved religious monument.

When you visit Central Vietnam, one site you can't miss is the Hai Van Pass. It is one of the most scenic vantage points in the country. On your 3-hour drive between Hue and Da Nang, the Hai Van Pass is surrounded by rolling hills and green valleys and offers the most spectacular views. You can stop along the way to take pictures of the main attractions.
Upon arrival in Hoi An, check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, take your time and meander through Hoi An's narrow lanes to uncover its highlights: the historic Japanese Covered Bridge,the memorable Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation, and the colorful local specialties market, which has stalls brimming with goods.

Drive to the nearby Tra Que Vegetable Village to observe local farmers working in the organic fields using traditional methods that date back hundreds of years. The rich soil from this village produces some of the most flavorsome vegetables and herbs in Hoi An.
Pick fresh sawtooth coriander and Vietnamese mint for your cooking lesson later in the day. Transfer to Red Bridge Cooking School and freshen up before beginning your private class. Follow the demonstrations given by the chef who will teach you the traditional methods of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food from scratch.
Use fresh ingredients with traditional Vietnamese utensils to prepare four popular dishes, including Vietnam's national dish of pho (noodle soup). After the class, enjoy the dishes you have prepared. Board a local boat for a short cruise along the Thu Bon River back to central Hoi An.

Your private guide and driver will transfer you from Hoi An to Da Nang for your onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will greet you at the airport and then transfer you to your hotel.
You will take in Ho Chi Minh City's highlights at a slow and easy pace.
You will discover Ho Chi Minh City's turbulent history by visiting the most historic landmarks: Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Saigon Central Post Office, and Reunification Palace.
Continue your trip with a visit to the informative War Remnants Museum where you will learn about the American War from the perspective of the Vietnamese.
Have an insight into the Saigonese lifestyle and culture by tasting a cup of coffee at a famed street café like the locals. You will also learn some simple local language from your guide.
In the afternoon, you will head to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, which reflect the hardships and resilience of the Vietnamese in history. The complex of tunnels, which are deeply hidden underground, protected the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps.

Depart in the morning on a 2-hour drive to Vinh Long, which is located in the Mekong Delta. A visit to the vibrant Vinh Long Market gives you an insight into the locals' lifestyle and the Mekong Delta's bounties: river fish, rice-field rats, fruits, and vegetables.
Board a local boat and cruise to a home restaurant for lunch on An Binh Island. Experience the local lifestyle and culture during your stay in the fertile Mekong Delta by rowing through narrow water lanes.
You will be transferred to Can Tho and stay overnight there.

Jump on a motorboat and begin your adventure to the morning market of Cai Rang where dozens of boats are laden with fruits, vegetables, and fish from all over the Mekong Delta, jostling for trade. To catch the attention of buyers, the vendors tie sample products to long poles.
Return to shore for a city tour of Can Tho and visit Can Tho Museum where numerousvaluable objects are exhibited. You will have an overview of the Mekong Delta's culture and learn about the peaceful coexistence of different ethnic groups in this region.
Afterward, you will be driven back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Hand-Picked Hotels
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Our Service Includes:
- Private transfers and English-speaking tour guide
- All guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
- Hotel accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
- Flights between cities mentioned in the itinerary
- Breakfasts at hotels and lunches for every guided day
- Governmental taxes
Tour code: ah-vn-1
Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day. Over 50% of our clients complete their bookings within 10 days of submitting their inquiry.
Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)
- Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
- Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.
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