About This Trip
This 9-day journey traversing Vietnam from north to south is thoughtfully designed with a variety of activities, allowing you uncover the country from different sides.
Wake up to the lively charm of Hanoi's century-old Old Quarter and hop on a rickshaw, then cruise through Halong Bay's emerald waters and dramatic karst islands. In Da Nang, stroll across the Golden Bridge held aloft by giant hands and find yourself in a dreamscape above the clouds. In Hoi An, journey from the market to the kitchen and discover the essence of Vietnamese flavor through a hands-on cooking class. On the Mekong River, hop into a traditional basket boat and drift through the maze-like palm forests.
Itinerary Summary
| DAY | PLACE | HIGHLIGHTS |
| 1 - 2 | Hanoi |
Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, Old Quarter by Cyclo |
| 3 - 4 | Halong Bay Cruise | Karsts Seascape, Tai Chi Class, Cave Exploration |
| 5 - 6 | Da Nang & Hoi An | Hands Bridge, Hoi An with Basket Boat Fishing, Cooking Class |
| 7 - 9 | Ho Chi Minh City | Independence Palace, Mekong Delta |
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport in Vietnam's capital of Hanoi, your tour guide will welcome you outside the customs area holding a sign with your name on it. Your private guide and driver will accompany you to the hotel for check-in.
The rest of the day is free to relax after your flight. You might try a cup of strong Vietnamese coffee at a local café or take a leisurely walk to get your first feel of the city's energy and charm.
- Hanoi
After breakfast, start your journey from the city's historic landmarks, pass by Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, then visit Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, One Pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature - the first university of Vietnam.
Later in the afternoon, head to the Museum of Ethnology, a place to learn deeper about Vietnamese 54 ethic groups' culture and customs with colorful exhibits. Then you'll embrace the authentic moments of riding a cyclo to explore the hustle and bustle of the Old Quarter, as the ringing bells and lively chatter of the city surround you. Before the day ends, unwind with a leisurely walk around the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake.
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- Hanoi
This morning, you'll be accompanied by your guide and driver to Halong Bay, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the drive takes around 2.5 - 3 hours.
Board your cruise and enjoy lunch in the cozy restaurant as the cruise departs and limestone scenery unfolds through the windows. In the afternoon, explore a magnificent cave with massive chambers of impressive rock formations, then visit a scenic island where you can swim, relax on the beach, or climb to the peak for breathtaking panoramic views.
Return to the cruise as it moves to the overnight spot. Join the sunset party on deck with fresh snacks and drinks, watching the sun paint the limestone karsts in golden light. Before dinner, the chef demonstrates traditional Vietnamese dishes in a cooking class, then you'll enjoy a fusion set menu. The evening is yours: try squid fishing under the stars, watch films, or indulge in a massage.
Tips: Since you'll be traveling with all your luggage, keep the items you'll need on the cruise within easy reach. This will save time when repacking later.
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- Halong Bay
Start your day with a tai chi exercise on deck if you wake up early. After a light breakfast, you'll venture out to explore a scenic cave, one of Halong Bay's natural gems with lush vegetation. You can choose to discover it by kayaking for free or take a traditional bamboo boat rowed by a local boatman at your own expense.
Return to your cruise and enjoy a leisurely brunch buffet as the boat heads back to the pier.
After disembarkation, your private driver and guide will meet you for the journey to Hanoi airport, then you'll fly to Da Nang. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel with the evening free to relax.
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- Da Nang
Today, escape the heat and step into a surreal mountain retreat - Ba Na Hills. After breakfast, transfer to the hill station with your private guide. You'll start with a world-record cable car climbing above the clouds, overlooking the forests beneath your feet. Your first stop upon ascending the mountain is the renowned Golden Bridge, where a pair of giant stone hands appear to support a graceful, winding walkway against the backdrop of the hills. At a mountaintop restaurant, enjoy your lunch with a view of the rolling mountain ranges through the windows.
In the afternoon, continue your journey to the serene Linh Ung Pagoda and the grand White Jade Buddha statue, where a sense of peace far from the bustling world embraces you. You'll also visit the ancient wine cellar, which is a flavorful finale to a day woven with nature, wonder, and local culture.
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- Da Nang
Discover the authentic charm of Hoi An on this captivating one-day tour. Start with a visit to the vibrant local market, selecting fresh ingredients for your upcoming cooking class. Afterward, hop on a traditional bamboo basket boat and venture into the peaceful nipa palm forest for a fun-filled crab-fishing experience.
By midday, head to the coconut village for a hands-on cooking class with a skilled chef, learning to prepare classic Vietnamese dishes. Your lunch? Exactly what you just made!
This afternoon, take a leisurely walk through the quaint streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, exploring its historic landmarks, including the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Tan Ki House, Phung Hung Ancient House, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.
Today comes to a close with a transfer back to your hotel in Da Nang.
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- Da Nang
This morning, take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. You'll then explore the city's major historic sites, including the War Remnants Museum and the former Presidential Palace, two powerful reminders of Vietnam's complex past. From there, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, and Dong Khoi Street are all within walking distance, ideal for a leisurely walk. As you wander, you'll experience Saigon's remarkable transformation from its colonial past and wartime years to the vibrant modern metropolis it is today.
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- Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel and depart for Ben Tre, a province in the Mekong Delta known for its coconut palms and tranquil river scenery. The drive takes around 2 hours, and you'll then start with a visit to the local market to observe daily trading activities. Board a boat for a 40-minute cruise along palm-lined canals, where you'll switch to a small rowboat to glide through tranquil, shaded waterways.
Continue your journey with a walk through a village, visit a typical farmer's house to enjoy fresh tropical juice and learn how locals make hand brooms from coconut leaves. A tuk-tuk ride will take you to another workshop to watch the process of making coconut candy and taste sweet treats made from local ingredients. Finally, join a local family for a hands-on cooking experience, preparing "homemade" Mekong dishes for lunch. Afterward, return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.
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- Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy this morning at leisure and check out the hotel before noon. Take a private transfer to the airport in time for your flight, either home or to your next destination.
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Optional Activities
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Day Trip to Ninh Binh from HanoiDrive to Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital from 968-980 AD. Then it's on to Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam. Then hop on bikes to Trang An Grottoes. The following boat trip through the Grottoes features creating towering cliffs, long cave systems, and emerald-green pools.
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Hoi An Boat Ride at Sunset (with Water Lantern Release)Board a private boat cruising slowly along the Mekong-like arroyos and the Thu Bon River. As twilight ignites the waters, the sky is awash in a painter's palette of gold and rose. Immerse yourself in a lantern-lit scene unfolding - markets bustling with life beating the cultural heart of this ancient town.
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Saigon Foodie Tour After Dark by VespaExperience Saigon's lively nightlife to the fullest! Your driver will zoom through the busy streets and you'll feel like a local while feasting on fresh seafood served street-side and trying traditional Vietnamese pancake. Hop back on the Vespa, hit a laid-back café bathed in soft light, then rock out at a bar stuffed with fashionable young Vietnamese.
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