10-Day Vietnam Beaches & Mountains Escape — Beaches, Highlands & Culture for a Group of 6

Hanoi · Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Arrival in Hanoi & Easy Orientation

Morning:

Arrive at Nội Bài International Airport and transfer to your central Hanoi hotel in the Old Quarter — drop bags, freshen up, and enjoy a gentle first stroll past the French-colonial facades on Trần Nhật Duật and the tree-lined Hồ Hoàn Kiếm. Stop for a welcome bowl of phở at the historic Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn or a strong cà phê trứng at Giang Café to shake off jet lag while watching the city come to life.

Afternoon:

After lunch, take a relaxed guided orientation walk through the Old Quarter’s labyrinthine streets to get your bearings — browse silk shops on Hàng Gai, see traditional lantern makers on Hàng Mã, and visit the tranquil Ngọc Sơn Temple on Hoàn Kiếm Lake. If the group prefers a bit more culture, pop into the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum or the Hoa Lo Prison Museum for accessible historical context without overdoing the pace.

Evening:

As twilight falls, enjoy a welcome dinner at a riverside restaurant in the French Quarter, sampling northern specialties like bún chả or chả cá Lã Vọng, followed by a leisurely stroll around the lake to watch locals practice tai chi. Finish with a short, lively water puppet show at Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre — a charming introduction to Vietnamese folk performance before an early night to rest for tomorrow’s full day of sightseeing.

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Hanoi · Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Hanoi Highlights — Old Quarter & Cultural Sights

Morning:

Start the day with breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café, then join a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter to dive deeper into Hanoi’s street life — explore historic Hàng Bạc and Hàng Đào, watch artisans at work, and stop for bánh cuốn or a cà phê sữa đá at a beloved local stall. Continue to the nearby Hoàn Kiếm Lake and visit Ngọc Sơn Temple, then head to the Temple of Literature to see Vietnam’s first university and its peaceful courtyards, a great contrast to the bustle you experienced yesterday.

Afternoon:

After a leisurely lunch of bún chả in the Old Quarter, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex to view the exterior and stroll the Presidential Palace gardens, pausing at the One Pillar Pagoda for photos. Spend the later afternoon at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or the Fine Arts Museum (your choice depending on energy levels) to gain cultural context and admire traditional costumes and artifacts before returning to the hotel for a short rest.

Evening:

As evening falls, take a cyclo or short taxi ride to the French Quarter for dinner at a riverside or colonial-style restaurant sampling northern specialties like chả cá Lã Vọng or cơm gà, followed by a performance at the Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre if you missed it last night, or head to a jazz bar such as Binh Minh’s Jazz Club for relaxed live music to round out your full day of Hanoi highlights.

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Sapa (Lao Cai Province) · Thursday, December 11, 2025

Transfer to Sapa — Mountain Gateway

Morning:

After an early breakfast in Hanoi, board the private van or comfortable morning train/bus to Lào Cai — the scenic drive along winding mountain roads offers your first glimpses of northern Vietnam’s terraced hills and limestone outcrops. Arrive in the Lào Cai / Sapa area mid- to late-morning and check in to your Sapa hotel or a cozy mountain homestay, then take a short orientation walk around Sapa town visiting the flower market (if operating) and the cathedral on the main square to stretch your legs and acclimatize.

Afternoon:

After lunch at a local restaurant sampling rustic mountain dishes like cá suối (stream fish) or thang co if adventurous, set out on a gentle guided walk toward Cat Cat village or the Silver Waterfall (Thác Bạc) for classic valley views and an introduction to Hmong and Dao village life. Your guide will point out rice-terrace systems, traditional stilt houses, and local handicrafts — a relaxed trek that balances scenery with cultural encounters and photography stops.

Evening:

Return to Sapa town for a warm dinner of hotpot or local specialties at a riverside or hilltop restaurant, then enjoy free time to browse the night market for woven textiles and hill-tribe souvenirs. Rest early or gather the group for a relaxed drink at a cozy café overlooking the misty valleys — perfect preparation for tomorrow’s longer village trek into the highlands.

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Sapa · Friday, December 12, 2025

Trekking Villages & Rice-Terrace Views

Morning:

Set out after an early mountain breakfast with your guide for a rewarding full-day trek from Sapa toward Lao Chai and Ta Van villages, descending through emerald rice terraces and past traditional Hmong stilt houses — stop at scenic viewpoints above the Muong Hoa Valley for sweeping photos and to learn about seasonal terrace farming. Along the way visit a local Hmong family for tea and a brief homestay-style introduction to weaving techniques and hill-tribe life, keeping the pace relaxed to acclimatize and savor the landscape.

Afternoon:

Continue the walk through bamboo groves and narrow paths to the peaceful Zay (Giay) village of Ta Van, where you can meet artisans who dye textiles and enjoy a riverside picnic lunch of grilled mountain fish and fresh vegetables prepared by your guides. After lunch, opt for a short transfer to the Silver Waterfall (Thác Bạc) or take the valley route back toward Cat Cat for additional terrace panoramas and a chance to photograph farmers tending the plots as the light softens.

Evening:

Return to Sapa town mid-late afternoon to rest at your hotel and warm up with a bowl of local hotpot or thang co at a nearby restaurant, then browse the lively night market for embroidered scarves and handicrafts collected from the day’s villages. Gather the group for a relaxed dinner at a hilltop restaurant overlooking the misty valley, share photos from the trek, and prepare for tomorrow’s transfer back to Hanoi and onward to central Vietnam.

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Hoi An (via Da Nang) · Saturday, December 13, 2025

Return to Hanoi then Fly to Da Nang — Head to Hoi An

Morning:

After an early breakfast in Sapa, transfer back to Lào Cai for your mid-morning domestic flight (or fast train/bus connection) to Nội Bài Airport; enjoy last glimpses of terraced hills from the road and a light snack of local bánh ngọt before departure. On arrival in Hanoi, clear transfers will bring you to the airport lounge for your short flight to Da Nang, where the coastal mountains and Marble Mountains come into view as you descend.

Afternoon:

Land in Da Nang and collect your luggage before a 45-60 minute private transfer to Hoi An, taking the scenic coastal route past Non Nuoc Beach and the Marble Mountains — stop for photos at the Hai Van Pass viewpoint if time allows. Check in to your Hoi An hotel, unpack, then stroll or cycle to An Hội or the rice-field edge for a relaxed lunch of cao lầu and fresh seafood, followed by a gentle orientation walk through Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.

Evening:

As dusk falls, enjoy a riverside dinner at one of Hoi An’s acclaimed restaurants such as Morning Glory or Cargo Club to sample central Vietnamese specialties and bánh xèo, then float paper lanterns on the Thu Bồn River as a group for a memorable welcome to town. Finish the night with a leisurely coffee at a riverside café or an optional visit to a tailors’ atelier to discuss any custom garments you might want made during your stay.

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Hoi An / An Bang Beach · Sunday, December 14, 2025

Hoi An Beach Day & Ancient Town Evening

Morning:

After a relaxed hotel breakfast, cycle or take a short private transfer to An Bang Beach for a gentle morning of sun and sea; reserve loungers at The DeckHouse or Soul Kitchen where the group can swim, try stand-up paddleboarding, or enjoy fresh seafood and coconut water right on the sand. Pause mid-morning for a light seaside snack of grilled squid and bánh mì Hội An at a beachside café before returning to your hotel to freshen up for the afternoon.

Afternoon:

Head back into Hoi An for a late lunch of cao lầu at the historic Ba Lễ or Mango Mango, then join a guided walking tour of the Ancient Town — visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Fujian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien), and a traditional tailor’s workshop where the group can view fittings or pick up bespoke orders. Spend some free time browsing lantern and silk shops on Hàng Đào and Hàng Bạc, or take a short boat ride on the Thu Bồn River to see the town from the water as afternoon light softens.

Evening:

Return to the riverfront as lanterns begin to glow and enjoy a riverside dinner at Morning Glory or Cargo Club, sampling central Vietnamese specialties and local seafood while watching boats drift by. After dinner, float paper lanterns on the Thu Bồn River together, then wander the atmospheric night market for handcrafted souvenirs or stop for a post-dinner drink at Q Bar or a riverside café before a peaceful night’s rest.

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Nha Trang · Monday, December 15, 2025

Drive to Nha Trang — Coastal Transfer

Morning:

After breakfast in Hoi An, board your private van for the scenic road transfer toward Da Nang and onward along the coastal highway to Nha Trang — enjoy sweeping sea views and a comfort stop at the Marble Mountains or Lang Co Bay for photos and a short beach stretch. Stretch legs with a seaside coffee at a café in Quy Nhon or Tam Ky (depending on the chosen route) and savor fresh seafood snacks before continuing the drive, with commentary from your driver/guide about central Vietnam’s shifting coastline and fishing villages.

Afternoon:

Arrive in Nha Trang after the coastal drive and check in to your beachfront hotel, then head straight for a late lunch of grilled scallops and bánh xèo at the lively Sailing Club or Lanterns on Tran Phu promenade. Spend the afternoon unwinding on Nha Trang Beach or take a short boat trip to nearby Monkey Island (Hon Tre) or the less-crowded Hon Tam for snorkeling, kayaking, or lounging at an island club while the group reacquaints itself with salt air and sunshine.

Evening:

As the sun sets, enjoy a seafood dinner at a waterfront restaurant such as Lanterns or Louisiane Brewhouse, sampling local specialties like cá nướng and bánh căn while watching fishing boats glide by. Finish the night with a stroll along the illuminated Tran Phu promenade, stop for cocktails at a rooftop bar overlooking Nha Trang Bay, or visit the night market for fresh fruit, local snacks, and woven souvenirs to remember the day’s coastal journey.

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Nha Trang Archipelago · Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Island Hopping & Beaches in Nha Trang

Morning:

Board a private boat from Cau Da Harbor after breakfast for a full-morning island hop through the Nha Trang archipelago — head first to Hon Mun Marine Protected Area for snorkeling among vibrant corals and tropical fish, and your guide will point out the best shallow reefs for swimmers of all levels. Pause at Hon Mot for a beachside swim and relax on white sand while sipping fresh coconut water and sampling grilled seafood snacks prepared by the crew.

Afternoon:

After a beach picnic lunch on Hon Tam or at an island beach club, choose between kayaking in calm lagoons, a short guided reef dive for certified divers, or a leisurely walk through the island’s shady trails to the viewpoint for panoramic bay photos. Later in the afternoon, stop at Vinpearl’s quieter beaches on Hon Tre or the peaceful Bai Truong (Long Beach) for a final swim and time to rinse and rest before returning to the mainland.

Evening:

Back in Nha Trang, freshen up at your beachfront hotel before dinner at Lanterns or Sailing Club on Tran Phu, enjoying a seafood feast of grilled scallops, calamari and local fish while watching the harbor lights. Finish the day with a relaxed stroll along the illuminated promenade or visit the night market for tropical fruit, dried seafood souvenirs and a glass of sugarcane juice to round out a sun-soaked day on the water.

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Phu Quoc · Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Travel to Phu Quoc — Tropical Beach Time

Morning:

After an early breakfast in Nha Trang, transfer to Cam Ranh Airport for your mid-morning flight to Phu Quoc (or connect via Ho Chi Minh City depending on schedules); enjoy coastal views as you depart and arrive at Phu Quoc International Airport where a private transfer will take the group to your beachfront resort in Duong Dong or Long Beach. Settle in, drop your bags, and head straight for a refreshing swim or a shady lounger at Sao Beach or Long Beach to feel the island breeze and crystal-clear water right away.

Afternoon:

For lunch, savor freshly caught seafood at a local beachfront spot such as Ham Ninh fishing village’s crab houses or the popular Rory’s Beach Bar, sampling grilled lobster, coconut curries and the island’s peppered fish. Spend the afternoon exploring: take a short drive to Vinpearl Safari & VinWonders if the group wants activities, or choose a relaxed coastal excursion to the pristine Sao Beach (Bai Sao) for snorkeling, paddleboarding, or a beach picnic beneath casuarina trees.

Evening:

As the sun lowers, return to Duong Dong for a sunset stroll along Long Beach and then wander the bustling Phu Quoc Night Market to taste street-food favorites—grilled scallops, sea urchin, and sugarcane juice—while shopping for black pepper and fish sauce souvenirs. Finish with a seaside dinner at a restaurant like Crab House or Sunset Sanato, enjoying fresh seafood and live music as the island night settles in and you prepare for a full beach day tomorrow.

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Phu Quoc / Departure · Thursday, December 18, 2025

Relaxed Beach Day & Departure Prep

Morning:

Sleep in a little and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your resort on Long Beach, then take a final morning swim or stroll along the sand at Sao Beach (Bãi Sao) to soak up the island’s turquoise waters one last time. For a low-key local experience, visit Ham Ninh fishing village to watch fishermen bring in their catch and sample a morning plate of grilled scallop or fresh fruit from a seaside stall.

Afternoon:

Return to Duong Dong for a relaxed lunch at Rory’s Beach Bar or Crab House, sampling leftover island specialties like pepper-crusted fish or coconut curry while the group swaps photos from the trip; afterward, pop into a local pepper farm or the Phu Quoc Pearl Farm for quick souvenir shopping and a short guided visit. Spend the late afternoon back at the hotel packing, enjoying the spa for a pre-flight massage or lounging by the pool with a drink before your onward transfer.

Evening:

Depending on your flight time, take one last sunset walk along Long Beach and grab early dinner at Sunset Sanato or a beachside restaurant near the airport to savor fresh seafood; your private transfer will collect the group in good time for check-in at Phu Quoc International Airport. If flights are late, enjoy a final nightcap at the resort bar or a quiet moment on the terrace reflecting on the beaches, mountains and cultural highlights of your 10-day escape.

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Estimated Costs (per person)

Place / ActivityCost
Nội Bài International Airport — transfer to Old Quarter (private van/taxi)VND 350,000-700,000 (private car) or VND 50,000-200,000 (airport bus/taxi share)
Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn (welcome phở)VND 60,000-120,000 per person
Giang Café (cà phê trứng)VND 40,000-80,000 per person
Orientation walk Old Quarter (guided)VND 300,000-800,000 per group for an English-speaking local guide (or VND 100,000-200,000 per person for small groups)
Ngọc Sơn Temple (Hoàn Kiếm Lake)VND 30,000-50,000 per person
Vietnam Fine Arts MuseumVND 40,000-80,000 per person
Hoa Lo Prison MuseumVND 40,000-90,000 per person
Riverside dinner (French Quarter) e.g., bún chả / chả cá mealVND 150,000-400,000 per person (mid-range restaurant)
Thăng Long Water Puppet TheatreVND 100,000-200,000 per person
Guided Old Quarter deeper walking tour (Day 2)VND 300,000-800,000 per group or VND 150,000-300,000 per person
Temple of LiteratureVND 30,000-50,000 per person
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex (exterior & gardens)Free (small fees at some sites nearby VND 20,000-40,000)
One Pillar PagodaFree (donations optional)
Vietnam Museum of EthnologyVND 40,000-100,000 per person
Cyclo ride to French Quarter / short taxiVND 50,000-150,000 per cyclo ride per person or VND 50,000-150,000 by taxi
Bình Minh’s Jazz Club or similar entry & drinksVND 100,000-300,000 per person (cover + 1-2 drinks)
Private van or morning train/bus Hanoi → Lào Cai (to Sapa)VND 300,000-1,200,000 per person (shared sleeper bus/express) or VND 500,000-1,500,000 per person for private van; train prices vary VND 200,000-1,000,000+ depending on class
Sapa hotel / homestay check-inVND 300,000-2,000,000 per room/night (budget homestay to mid-range hotel)
Cat Cat Village short walk / Silver Waterfall visitVND 60,000-150,000 per person (entrance/transfers/guide)
Lunch — local mountain dishes (Sapa)VND 80,000-200,000 per person
Night market shopping (Sapa)Variable — VND 100,000-1,000,000 per person depending on souvenirs
Full-day trek Lao Chai → Ta Van (guided)VND 600,000-1,500,000 per person (guide, lunch, local fees; higher for private-guide/porter)
Visit Hmong family for tea / weaving demoVND 50,000-200,000 per person (small donation/refreshments)
Return Sapa dinner (hotpot / thang co)VND 120,000-350,000 per person
Transfer Lào Cai → Hanoi + domestic flight Hanoi → Da NangVND 700,000-2,000,000 per person for transfer + VND 800,000-2,500,000 per domestic flight (depends on carrier/promotions)
Private transfer Da Nang → Hoi An (45-60 minutes)VND 250,000-600,000 per car
Cao lầu lunch in Hoi AnVND 60,000-150,000 per person
Evening lantern-floating on Thu Bồn RiverVND 20,000-100,000 per person (lantern + small boat fee)
Riverside dinner in Hoi An (Morning Glory / Cargo Club mid-range)VND 150,000-400,000 per person
An Bang Beach loungers / water sports (The DeckHouse / Soul Kitchen)VND 50,000-200,000 per person for loungers/meals; paddleboard rental VND 150,000-350,000 per hour
Guided Ancient Town walking tour & tailor visitVND 200,000-600,000 per group for guide; tailor fittings variable VND 200,000-4,000,000+ per garment
Private coastal road transfer Hoi An → Nha Trang (full-day van)VND 3,000,000-7,000,000 per vehicle (split among group) or VND 600,000-1,500,000 per person if shared coach
Check-in beachfront hotel Nha TrangVND 400,000-3,000,000 per room/night
Late lunch at Sailing Club / LanternsVND 150,000-400,000 per person
Boat trip to Hon Mun / Hon Tam (island hopping)VND 300,000-1,200,000 per person (shared tour) or VND 2,000,000-6,000,000+ for private boat hire split by group
Snorkeling at Hon Mun (equipment + guide)VND 100,000-400,000 per person (equipment & park fee)
Seafood dinner Nha Trang promenadeVND 150,000-500,000 per person
Transfer Nha Trang → Cam Ranh Airport + flight to Phu Quoc (via direct or via HCM)VND 200,000-600,000 transfer + VND 900,000-3,000,000 per person flight (direct can be at upper range)
Private transfer Phu Quoc Airport → Duong Dong / Long BeachVND 150,000-400,000 per vehicle
Sao Beach / Long Beach resort day (lounger, food)VND 50,000-300,000 per person (lounger & snacks), meals VND 150,000-400,000 per person
Vinpearl Safari / VinWonders (optional)VND 400,000-1,200,000 per person (entrance + transfers)
Phu Quoc Night Market (Duong Dong)VND 50,000-300,000 per person (street food + small souvenirs)
Pepper farm / pearl farm quick visitVND 50,000-200,000 per person (donation/entry + small purchase)
Pre-flight transfer Phu Quoc → AirportVND 150,000-400,000 per vehicle
Spa pre-flight massage (resort)VND 400,000-1,500,000 per person
Estimated Total (per person)VND 18,000,000-65,000,000 per person
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