Here’s a comprehensive 18-day classic tour of Vietnam, covering major highlights and offering a deep dive into the country’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty.

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

• Morning: Arrive in Hanoi. Transfer to your hotel and check-in.

• Afternoon: Explore the Old Quarter and visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.

• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner and watch a water puppet show.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

• Morning: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature.

• Afternoon: Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or Hoa Lo Prison.

• Evening: Free time for shopping or dining in the Old Quarter.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay

• Morning: Drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay (about 3.5 to 4 hours).

• 12:00 PM: Arrive and board your cruise (e.g., Amanda Cruise, Paradise Cruise).

• 12:30 PM: Lunch on the cruise as you set sail.

• Afternoon: Explore Halong Bay by kayaking or visiting a cave (e.g., Sung Sot Cave).

• Evening: Enjoy dinner and evening activities on the cruise.

Overnight on the cruise

Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Da Nang

• Morning: Enjoy breakfast and a final activity (e.g., visit a floating village or beach).

• 10:00 AM: Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi.

• Afternoon: Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang.

• Evening: Arrive in Da Nang, transfer to your hotel, and explore the city if time allows.

Overnight in Da Nang

Day 5: Da Nang – Hoi An

• Morning: Visit the Marble Mountains and My Khe Beach.

• Afternoon: Drive to Hoi An (about 30 minutes). Explore the Ancient Town, Japanese Covered Bridge, and local markets.

• Evening: Enjoy dinner in Hoi An and explore the town’s lantern-lit streets.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 6: Hoi An

• Morning: Free time for shopping or relaxation. Optionally visit the My Son Sanctuary.

• Afternoon: Continue exploring Hoi An or take part in a cooking class.

• Evening: Enjoy a river cruise or relax in the town.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 7: Hoi An – Hue

• Morning: Drive to Hue (about 2.5 hours).

• Afternoon: Visit the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, and Khai Dinh Tomb.

• Evening: Explore Hue’s night markets or enjoy a traditional dinner.

Overnight in Hue

Day 8: Hue – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

• Morning: Free time in Hue. Visit local markets or enjoy a boat ride on the Perfume River.

• Afternoon: Fly from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City.

• Evening: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and check in to your hotel. Explore Ben Thanh Market or Pham Ngu Lao Street.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City Tour

• Morning: Visit Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, and the War Remnants Museum.

• Afternoon: Explore the Central Post Office and Chinatown (Cholon).

• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and explore the city’s nightlife.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai Temple

• Morning: Take a day trip to the Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh.

• Afternoon: Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels.

• Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta

• Morning: Depart for a day trip to the Mekong Delta. Visit a traditional village, take a boat ride on the delta, and experience local life.

• Afternoon: Continue exploring the delta and return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City – Fly to Phu Quoc

• Morning: Free time in Ho Chi Minh City or explore additional sites.

• Afternoon: Fly to Phu Quoc Island.

• Evening: Arrive in Phu Quoc and check in to your hotel. Relax on the beach.

Overnight in Phu Quoc

Day 13: Phu Quoc

• Morning: Explore Phu Quoc’s beaches or visit the Vinpearl Safari.

• Afternoon: Visit the Dinh Cau Night Market or take part in water activities.

• Evening: Enjoy dinner and relax.

Overnight in Phu Quoc

Day 14: Phu Quoc – Fly to Hanoi

• Morning: Free time in Phu Quoc for last-minute shopping or relaxation.

• Afternoon: Fly back to Hanoi.

• Evening: Arrive in Hanoi and check in to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 15: Hanoi – Ninh Binh

• Morning: Drive to Ninh Binh (around 2 hours).

• Afternoon: Visit Trang An or Tam Coc for a boat ride among stunning limestone landscapes. Explore Bai Dinh Pagoda if time permits.

• Evening: Return to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 16: Hanoi – Mai Chau

• Morning: Drive to Mai Chau (around 3.5 hours).

• Afternoon: Explore the scenic countryside, visit local villages, and enjoy a traditional lunch.

• Evening: Experience a traditional dance performance and stay overnight in a homestay.

Overnight in Mai Chau

Day 17: Mai Chau – Hanoi

• Morning: Return to Hanoi.

• Afternoon: Free time for last-minute shopping or relaxing.

• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 18: Departure

• Morning: Transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure.

Additional Tips:

• Flights: Book internal flights in advance for convenience.

• Weather: Pack for varying weather conditions; Vietnam’s climate differs from region to region.

• Visa: Ensure your visa requirements are sorted prior to departure.

Let me know if you need further details or any adjustments!