Colorful Vietnam
Saigon – Mekong (Can Tho) – Danang/Hoian – Hue - Hanoi – Mai Chau – Ninh Binh - Halong Bay
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Colorful Vietnam is a journey through the country’s vibrant contrasts—from lively cities and lantern-lit towns to quiet valleys and iconic bays. Over twenty days, you’ll taste regional dishes, explore cultural landmarks, and meet the people who bring each place to life. Each stop offers something different—cycling in the countryside, drifting along rivers, learning local crafts, or sharing meals in family homes. With stays ranging from city hotels to mountain lodges and cruises, every night feels new.
Booking My Tour
In the first day of this Colorful Vietnam tour, we will welcome you to Saigon, Vietnam’s bustling southern hub filled with colour, energy, and history. Meet your guide, transfer to your hotel, and take time to rest after your long flight. In the evening, gather for a
Welcome Dinner featuring authentic southern flavours—a relaxed beginning to your journey
Do You Know? Saigon is the "Culinary Crossroads" of Asia, where you can travel across the entire country (and the world) without ever leaving the city limits! Because Saigon is a melting pot of migrants from every corner of Vietnam, it has become a living museum of flavors. In a single morning, you can enjoy a delicate Northern Pho, a spicy Central Bun Bo Hue, and a sweet Southern Hu Tieu—all on the same street.
But it doesn't stop there. Saigon is also where East meets West in the most creative ways. It’s a city where you’ll find a hidden "Japan Town", a vibrant "Chinatown" (Cho Lon), and Michelin-starred French villas tucked away in quiet alleys. Whether you are sitting on a tiny plastic stool eating $1 street snails or dining in a sky-high luxury restaurant, Saigon’s food scene is a 24/7 celebration of diversity. In this city, the question is never "What is there to eat?" but rather "How can we possibly try it all?"
Stay: 4 star-Hotel
Once known as the "Pearl of the Far East", Saigon is a vibrant, youthful metropolis that pulses with energy.
Today, during your Colorful Vietnam tour, you will explore two deeply significant historical landmarks: the Independence Palace, a symbol of the city's political past, and the War Remnants Museum, which offers a poignant look at the realities of the conflict.
To conclude the morning, we will visit a truly special hidden gem of the Colorful Vietnam. Here, you can enjoy a classic Vietnamese coffee at a historic site that conceals a secret underground bunker. Once used by the Viet Cong (Vietnamese patriotic revolutionary soldiers), this hidden cellar served as a strategic cache for ammunition and medical supplies during the resistance. It is a remarkable opportunity to touch a piece of clandestine history tucked away beneath the bustling streets of modern Saigon.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel for a short break. After dark, hop on a vintage Vespa for a spirited night ride with street food scents, neon lights, and the city’s youthful rhythm, making this experience unforgettable.
Do You Know? The Independence Palace in Saigon holds a secret marked by two red circles on its roof. In April 1975, a South Vietnamese pilot named Nguyen Thanh Trung—who was actually a secret agent for the North—was ordered to fly a mission. Instead, he broke formation, turned his F-5E fighter jet around, and bombed the very palace he was supposed to protect!
After the daring strike, he flew his jet straight to a jungle airstrip in the North. But the story doesn't end there. After the war, he became one of the most respected figures in Vietnamese aviation. He eventually became the Chief Pilot and Vice President of Vietnam Airlines. He even flew the very first Boeing 777 back to Vietnam! When you stand on the palace roof today, you can still see the exact spots where his bombs hit—a powerful reminder of how complex and surprising the history of this city truly is.
Stay: 4 star-Hotel
Travel south to the Mekong Delta, where waterways replace highways and life moves with the river. Upon arrival in Can Tho, check in and unwind by relaxing by the pool, enjoying a cool drink, or strolling along the riverbank as boats glide quietly past.
Do You Know? In the Mekong Delta, the river isn't just a view—it is the "Superhighway of Life". For centuries, the locals have lived by the rule: "Why walk when you can row?" The region is crisscrossed by a massive network of over 28,000 miles (45,000 km) of waterways.
In many parts of the Delta, your "front door" is a wooden pier, and your "car" is a sampan boat. This water-centric life led to the creation of the famous Floating Markets, where commerce happens entirely on the waves. To see what a boat is selling, you don't look at a sign; you look at the "Beo Tree"—a long bamboo pole at the bow of the boat where the vendor hangs a sample of their goods (like a pineapple or a cabbage) high in the air so you can spot your "grocery store" from a mile away!
Stay: 4/5 star-Resort
On this day of your Vietnam tour, cycle through winding village paths shaded by coconut palms and fruit orchards. Stop at a Cao Dai temple, visit a farmer’s home for tea, and learn how to make a traditional banana cake.
The day’s highlight is a hosted Southern-style lunch with a local family with fresh ingredients, warm hospitality, and stories shared over home-cooked dishes.
Return to your hotel with a deeper appreciation of the Colorful Vietnam culture!
Stay: 4/5 star-Resort
Rise early to experience the Cai Rang Floating Market, a vibrant and living snapshot of life on the Mekong River. As the sun begins to peek over the horizon, you will find yourself in the heart of a bustling waterborne city where local traders sell fresh produce directly from boat to boat.
Keep an eye out for the "Beo" poles—tall bamboo stalks used by vendors to hang samples of their goods (like pineapples, pumpkins, or turnips) so buyers can see what is for sale from a distance. It is a brilliant, traditional form of "floating advertising." Don't miss the chance to try a "floating breakfast"; enjoy a steaming bowl of noodle soup handed to you directly from a vendor's boat, or grab a coffee from a passing "mobile cafe" boat as you navigate the lively chaos.
After soaking in the sights and sounds of the river, return to your resort for breakfast. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at a leisurely pace, whether you choose to lounge by the pool or explore the hidden corners of Can Tho town on your own.
Do You Know? In the Mekong Delta, a boat isn't just a vehicle—it’s a house, a shop, and a social club all in one. For the families living on the floating markets, their entire lives happen on the water. They cook their meals over small clay stoves on the deck, sleep in hammocks lulled by the rhythm of the current, and raise their children (and often their pet dogs!) right on board.
These "floating citizens" are masters of balance; they can cook a bowl of noodle soup while standing on the edge of a moving boat and exchange heavy bags of fruit between vessels with the precision of a professional athlete. For them, the river isn't something they visit—it is their permanent address. If you see laundry drying on a line across a boat's roof, you know you’re not looking at a merchant, but at someone's living room!
Stay: 4/5 star-Resort
Fly to Danang and transfer to the enchanting town of Hoi An, you’ll be enchanted by the iconic mustard-yellow walls, weathered timber-frame houses, and the shimmering Thu Bon River that reflects the town’s golden glow. At night, the town transforms into a fairytale landscape, illuminated by thousands of colorful silk lanterns that cast a magical light over the moss-covered rooftops and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge.
Beyond its architectural beauty, Hoi An is a culinary paradise and a hub of craftsmanship. Whether you are savoring an authentic dish in a hidden alleyway, getting a suit tailor-made within hours, or watching local artisans create delicate pottery, the town exudes a quiet, sophisticated charm. It is a place where every corner tells a story, offering a profound sense of peace and a nostalgic glimpse into Vietnam’s rich multicultural heart.
Do You Know? Have you ever wondered why almost every heritage house in Hoi An is painted in a vibrant, golden yellow? There are two fascinating reasons for this "Sun-Kissed" look. First, in Asian culture, yellow symbolizes royalty, luck, and prosperity—it’s a way of inviting good fortune into the home.
Second, from a practical standpoint, the yellow pigment absorbs less heat from the intense tropical sun and is incredibly durable against the humid weather. Because the color is so consistent throughout the town, the light in Hoi An has a magical, warm glow at sunset that makes every photo look like a masterpiece. It’s not just a city; it’s a living, golden painting!
Stay: 4/5 star-Beach/Riverside Resort
Begin your culinary adventure with a leisurely bicycle ride through the serene countryside, breathing in the morning air as you head toward a bustling local market. Guided by our expert chef, you will weave through the vibrant stalls to hand-pick the freshest seasonal herbs and organic produce, learning how to identify the essential aromatics that define Vietnamese cuisine.
The journey continues as you pedal to a lush, traditional herb village, renowned for its centuries-old cultivation methods. Here, you will step into the shoes of a local farmer, getting your hands in the earth to learn traditional planting and watering techniques using twin watering cans—a skill passed down through generations.
Under the warm and patient guidance of our chefs, you will then move to the kitchen to master the art of preparing classic Vietnamese dishes. From the delicate balance of sweet and sour to the perfect crunch of a spring roll, you will discover the secrets behind the flavors you love. Finally, sit down to savor the feast you have created—a meal that is not only simple and fragrant but one that carries a deep, personal connection to the land and the people of Hoi An.
Stay: 4/5 star-Beach/Riverside Resort
Enjoy two days of complete freedom. Wander Old Town’s boutique shops and cafés, relax by the pool, enjoy the beach, or book a spa treatment. You may also choose to have clothing tailored—Hoi An is famous for quick, high-quality craftsmanship.
Stay: 4/5 star-Beach/Riverside Resort
Leave Hoi An and drive into the mountains toward Ba Na Hills, once a cool retreat for the French. Board the world’s longest cable car and glide above forests and cloud-wrapped valleys—an uplifting journey that feels like rising into another world.
At the summit, walk to the Golden Bridge, a stunning mountaintop walkway supported by two giant stone hands. The fresh air and sweeping views toward the distant coastline create a rare, almost surreal moment.
Continue to Hue, stopping for lunch in Lang Co Town, famed for its lagoon and coastal scenery.
Arrive in Hue in the afternoon, check in, and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Do You Know? The name of the stunning Lang Co Bay has a charming, feathered origin. Originally, the locals called this area "Làng Cò", which literally translates to "Stork Village", because thousands of white storks used to gather and nest along these pristine shores. When the French arrived and began mapping the region, they struggled with the Vietnamese tones and mispronounced it as "Lang Co." The name stuck and eventually became the official title. Even today, as you drive over the Hai Van Pass and look down at the turquoise water, it’s easy to imagine why those storks chose this specific spot as their favorite paradise!
Stay: 4 star-Hotel
Today, you will experience the soul of Hue from a unique perspective: on the back of a motorbike. Rest assured, you will be paired with a skilled private driver who prioritizes safety and care, allowing you to simply sit back, relax, and soak in the atmosphere.
By traveling on two wheels, you will glide through hidden alleys and narrow backstreets that are completely inaccessible to tour buses. This provides an intimate glimpse into local life that most tourists never get to see. Your journey includes visits to two iconic landmarks of Vietnam's final dynasty—the majestic Imperial City and one of the poetic Royal Tombs—alongside stops at traditional craft workshops to witness the artistry of local makers.
The morning concludes with a light and delightful local lunch, leaving the entire afternoon free for you to relax or explore further according to your own plans.
Do You Know? In Vietnam, "Honda" isn't just a brand name; it’s a verb and a noun for every motorcycle on the road. When the legendary Honda Super Cub was introduced in the 1960s, it was so reliable and life-changing that it became the gold standard for transportation. In many regions, especially the South, if someone says, "I’m going to go buy a Honda," they might actually come home with a Suzuki! Even the local "motorbike taxis" are universally called "Xe Ôm" (literally: "hug the driver"), but you'll still hear elders refer to the act of riding any bike simply as "riding a Honda." It is the ultimate tribute to a machine that put an entire nation on wheels!
Stay: 4 star-Hotel
Fly from Hue to Hanoi, Vietnam’s elegant northern capital where tree-lined boulevards, lakes, and French colonial mansions create an atmosphere unlike any other city in the country.
After checking in to your hotel and taking a short rest, set out on a leisurely cyclo ride—a charming, slow-paced way to discover Hanoi’s Old Quarter without effort.
Do You Know? Traditional Hanoian hospitality is an art form rooted in subtlety and "deep" etiquette. When a Hanoian invites you into their home, the centerpiece is always a pot of hot green tea. But pay attention to the details: a truly refined host will never fill your cup to the brim (as that is considered impolite), but rather to about two-thirds, symbolizing that there is always room for more conversation.
In the old days, Hanoians were known for "thanh lịch" (elegance); they would never offer a gift or a meal too boisterously. Instead, they offer with both hands and a slight bow. Even if they have prepared a massive feast, a traditional host might modestly say, "Please excuse this simple, humble meal"—this is not a lack of confidence, but a sign of high respect and traditional modesty. To a Hanoian, the quality of the guest's company is always more valuable than the food on the table!
Stay: 4 star-Boutique Hotel
Hanoi offers a wealth of fascinating sites to explore, ranging from cultural landmarks like the Temple of Literature, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, the Old Quarter, and the Fine Arts Museum, to the Ethnology Museum and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. For those interested in history and wartime legacy, you can visit the National Museum of History, the B-52 Victory Museum, the infamous Hoa Lo Prison (the "Hanoi Hilton"), or Huu Tiep Lake, where the wreckage of a B-52 bomber still rests.
Please let your guide know your specific interests, and they will tailor the perfect route for you. Within a half-day tour, you can typically visit three different locations comfortably. Your guide will handle all the logistics to ensure you make the most of your time in the capital.
After lunch, enjoy a leisurely rest of your day
Stay: 4 star-Boutique Hotel
Drive through rural landscapes and mountains to reach Mai Chau, a peaceful valley home to the Thai ethnic community. Check into your lodge and enjoy fresh air, rice terraces, and village life at a gentle pace.
Do You Know? While the majority Kinh people were historically influenced by Confucianism—which often placed a heavy emphasis on male heirs to carry on the family lineage—the Thai ethnic people of Vietnam’s mountains have a beautifully different perspective. In Thai culture, there is a deep sense of gender equality: "A child is a child, regardless of gender". Traditionally, Thai families don't pressure themselves to have a son at all costs. In fact, in many Thai communities, a groom must live with his wife’s family for several years (a custom called "Ở rể") to "pay" for the upbringing of the daughter he is marrying. This creates a society where daughters are highly valued and respected as the "pillars" of the home. When you visit the highlands, you’ll notice this balanced spirit in their graceful dances and the way everyone shares the work in the fields!
Stay: 4 star-Ecolodge
Choose between cycling through rice fields and villages or hiking in Pu Luong National Park, where terraced hills and forested paths offer stunning scenery.
Enjoy a hosted lunch with a local family—stories, customs, and food served with genuine warmth.
Stay: 4 star-Ecolodge
Relax fully-read, nap, swim, or take another gentle walk. Mai Chau’s quiet rhythm and mountain air make it a favourite place to unwind.
Stay: 4 star-Ecolodge
Depart Mai Chau this morning and travel through peaceful rural scenery toward Ninh Binh, where rivers weave through rice fields and limestone mountains rise abruptly from the earth.
After the lunch, board a traditional rowboat and let a local boatwoman guide you along tranquil waterways. As you drift between towering karst formations, the landscape opens like a natural cathedral—green valleys, lotus ponds, and timeless pagodas hidden at the base of ancient cliffs. The gentle rhythm of the oars and the silence of the countryside create a sense of calm that feels worlds away from city life. Take your time to savour the views and the fresh breeze as you sail past scenes unchanged for centuries.
Check in at your hotel in Ninh Binh and enjoy the evening at leisure, surrounded by the quiet majesty of Vietnam’s inland Halong Bay.
Do You Know? Ninh Binh was the "First Capital" of a liberated Vietnam. In the 10th century, the heroic King Dinh Bo Linh chose Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) because its jagged limestone mountains acted as a "natural fortress" against invaders. However, when King Ly Thai To took the throne in 1010, he realized that for the country to truly prosper, the capital couldn't stay hidden in the mountains—it needed to be in the open, fertile plains of the Red River Delta. Legend has it that he saw a golden dragon rising from the river, which he took as a sign to move the capital to Thang Long (modern-day Hanoi). Today, we call Ninh Binh "Halong Bay on Land," but for the Vietnamese, it remains the sacred birthplace of the nation's independence!
Stay: 4/5 star-Resort
Drive to Halong Bay and embark on your overnight cruise. Enjoy lunch as the ship glides among dramatic limestone formations. Optional afternoon activities include kayaking, swimming, or cave exploration.
Stay: 4/5 star-Cruise
Sail into Lan Ha Bay, a quieter, more secluded part of the Halong archipelago. Spend the day relaxing or joining activities. This evening, gather for a Farewell Dinner on deck—an unforgettable night surrounded by limestone silhouettes and calm waters.
Do You Know? While everyone knows Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is the region’s "best-kept secret." Geologically, it is an extension of Halong, but it has a completely different "vibe." Unlike Halong, which is mostly limestone towers, Lan Ha Bay features over 130 small, secluded sandy beaches tucked between the mountains.
Because it’s further away from the main tourist hubs, the water here is famously clearer and the atmosphere much quieter. It’s often called the "Kayaking Paradise" because the bay is home to many "hidden lagoons" accessible only by paddling through low-ceiling caves at low tide. If you see a playful primate swinging from the cliffs, look closely—Lan Ha is the only place on Earth where you can find the Cat Ba Langur, one of the rarest monkeys in the world!
Stay: 4/5 star-Cruise
Awaken to soft morning light over the bay. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey, carrying home a tapestry of landscapes, flavours, and experiences that reveal Vietnam’s rich and colourful soul.
Many guests choose to extend their journey by 03 – 05 nights — Vietnam has a way of making departure feel too soon. Vietnam is home to some of Asia’s most captivating coastlines—golden sands that stretch for miles, calm turquoise waters, and a laid-back rhythm of life where the only agenda is sunrise, sea breeze, and serenity. Staying a few extra days by the ocean allows you to slow your pace, savour the tropical warmth, and let each moment drift as gently as the tides.
For travellers seeking quiet elegance and comfort, Ho Tram offers secluded beaches framed by casuarina forests—ideal for those who enjoy nature, wellness, and peaceful days far from crowds. If you prefer an island escape, Phu Quoc welcomes you with crystal-clear waters, luxury beachfront resorts, and unforgettable sunsets painted in shades of orange and gold. Meanwhile, Nha Trang combines pristine beaches with a lively promenade, island-hopping adventures, and soothing mineral hot springs, perfect for travellers who enjoy both relaxation and discovery.
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Accommodations: Selected hotels, eco-lodges, and cruise ships
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Food & Drinks: Authentic local dishes, Western-style breakfasts, and special dietary requirements catered to upon request.
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Guides: Professional, knowledgeable, flexible, and honest local guides
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Experiences: A wide variety of activities, from cultural visits and sightseeing to gentle outdoor adventures.
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Transportation: Modern buses, bicycles, motorbikes, and domestic flights.
Inclusions:
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Accommodation: twin-shared room as indicated in the itinerary
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Transportation: bus, vespa, cyclo, bicycle, motorbike
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English Speaking Guide
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Meals as indicated in program: L (Lunch); D (Dinner); Breakfast included at hotels/cruise
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Drinks on bus: bottled water
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Domestic flight (economy class): Saigon/Can Tho - Danang; Hue - Hanoi
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Entrance fees
Exclusions:
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Tips for guide/drivers
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Meals not mentioned.
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International flights
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Personal expenses, drinks
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Travel insurance
Remarks:
- Guests should be healthy and in good physical condition
- Weather conditions may impose changes in the program or the cancellation of certain activities
- Guests need to bring a copy of their passport, visa page with a stamp
- AVT Travel reserves the right to adjust our prices if any changes in tax & gasoline prices increase in All Destinations.
- No reservations are made yet.
Payment Policy:
- Pre-payment 100% (after services confirmed, arrival 30 days in advance).
- Deposit 30% (after services are reserved to guarantee the booking).
- Payment can be made by Bank Draft or SWIFT transfer payable to our Bank A/C.
- All Bank service charges will be borne by the payee.
- If payment is by credit card, an additional 3 or 4% will be added to our tariff rates.
- American Express / Visa and Mastercard are accepted.
- Bank draft or cashier’s cheque to be mailed to
- Company cheques or personal cheques are NOT acceptable.
Refunds or Cancellation:
- Tour and transfer deposits are fully refundable if the amendment/cancellation is received more than 20 days in advance. Hotel deposits will be refunded according to the individual hotel's cancellation policy.
- No refund for all flight fares after tour confirmation
- Cancellation fees will be levied according to the time cancellation is made.
- No refund or reduction will be made to any member of GROUP/F.I.T. who breaks the journey from the scheduled itinerary.
Disclaimer:
AVT acts as an intermediary between transportation and airline companies, hotels, tourist offices, and all other contractors providing services for tourists. Additional expenses incurred due to delays, accidents, natural disasters, political action, and unrest must be borne by the clients. Programs and tour prices are based on the situation at the time of printing this proposal and could be subject to change due to local conditions.
Participation in our tour programs implies the client’s agreement to the above. We reserve the right to amend or alter any of the conditions herein without notice from time to time and at our sole discretion.