10 DAY IN VIETNAM
TOUR ITINERARY
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey through Vietnam, exploring vibrant cities, ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Starting in the bustling capital of Hanoi, you will travel to the stunning Halong Bay, the historical city of Hue, the charming town of Hoi An, and the dynamic metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way, experience unique local traditions, visit iconic landmarks, enjoy delicious regional cuisine, and immerse yourself in the diverse cultures that make Vietnam a fascinating destination.
Highlights
- Hanoi: Visit significant sites such as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and take a walking tour through the historic Old Quarter.
- Halong Bay: Cruise through the stunning karst formations and islands, experiencing the beauty of one of Vietnam’s most iconic locations.
- Hue: Explore the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda and Emperor Tu Duc's Mausoleum.
- Hoi An: Discover the charm of this well-preserved fishing port, visit ancient temples, and participate in a lantern-making workshop.
- Mekong Delta: Enjoy a boat cruise through the lush landscape of the Mekong River, including visits to local farms and markets.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Experience the vibrant pulse of Vietnam’s largest city, including visits to historical landmarks such as the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum.
Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam
- Arrive at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
- Rest and relax for the remainder of the day.
Day 2: Hanoi (B)
- Pick up at your hotel in Hanoi and spend the day touring the capital.
- Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (outside visit) and his personal residence, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Tran Quoc Pagoda.
- End the morning with your choice of visiting the Museum of Ethnology—an insightful museum focusing on the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam—OR the Hoa Lo Hilton, commonly referred to as the Hanoi Hilton by US prisoners of war (based on personal preference).
- In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, the first university for the sons of mandarins.
- Follow this with a walking tour through the old quarter of the city, visiting a local house to meet the hosts and learn about their family life and history.
- Enjoy a leisurely ride on a cyclo around Hoan Kiem Lake, followed by a water puppet show in the early evening. If time permits, visit a local coffee shop to try Hanoi’s specialty—Egg Coffee.
- Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong (B – L – D)
- After breakfast, depart for the stunning Halong Bay (3.5-hour drive), located in the Gulf of Tonkin, a must-see in Vietnam with over 1,600 islands and islets, most of which are uninhabited.
- Arrive at Halong City, check in, and board a junk boat. Lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay.
- In the afternoon, enjoy visits and activities, or take time to relax on board (swimming in the bay possible, weather permitting). Dinner is served on board.
- Overnight on Halong Bay.
Day 4: Halong – Hanoi – Hue (B – Brunch)
- Have breakfast on board and enjoy the fresh morning in the bay. The cruise ends around 11:00 AM. Disembark and drive back to Hanoi airport. On the way, visit Tho Ha or Phu Lang village.
- Arrive at Noi Bai airport in the late afternoon and take a flight to Hue. You will be welcomed upon arrival at Hue airport and transferred to your hotel.
- Overnight in Hue.
Day 5: Hue (B)
- After breakfast, take a short boat cruise on the Huong River.
- Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, located on the riverbank, which is an iconic seven-story pagoda and considered the unofficial symbol of the city.
- Continue to visit the Imperial Citadel, the center of the Complex of Hue Monuments inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enter through the towering main gate and appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens as your guide explains the history of the former royal court. While some sections were heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, many well-preserved areas are being carefully restored.
- End the morning with a leisurely walk around Dong Ba Market, where you can find everything from fabric and gold to fake watches, fresh flowers, and street food.
- In the afternoon, visit Emperor Tu Duc's Mausoleum, built according to mystical geomancy principles. Transfer back to your hotel and relax for the rest of the day.
- Overnight in Hue.
Day 6: Hue – Danang – Hoi An (B)
- After breakfast, drive to Danang via the spectacular Hai Van Pass.
- Visit the Cham Museum, renowned for its collection of artifacts from the ancient kingdom of Champa.
- Continue to the charming old town of Hoi An, a remarkably well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port, active from the 15th to the 19th century. The entire town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour in the old town. The Old Quarter boasts 850 magnificent structures that still line the streets, including ancient shop houses, shady pagodas, and colorful communal halls. Visit Phuc Kien Pagoda and the Japanese Wooden Bridge.
- End the day with a fun lantern-making activity with local artisans, gaining a deeper understanding of Hoi An’s history and culture through its art and traditional crafts.
- Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 7: Hoi An (B)
- After breakfast, take a half-day trip to visit My Son, the capital and religious center of the former Champa Kingdom, located to the southwest of Hoi An (about a 1-hour drive). In a lush green valley, explore dozens of red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from the 7th to the 13th centuries.
- In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat excursion on the Thu Bon River and take the rest of the day at your leisure.
- Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 8: Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh City (B)
- After breakfast, transfer to Danang Airport for a morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, proceed to your hotel and check in.
- After that, enjoy a full day exploring the city. Visit the former Presidential Palace, now known as the Reunification Palace.
- Then head to the historical heart of the city to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral (outside visit only due to renovations). The cathedral's red bricks were originally from Paris, France.
- A short walk takes you to the old Central Post Office, followed by a visit to the best-preserved buildings from the colonial era, including the Opera House and the Hotel de Ville, now home to Saigon’s municipal authorities.
- Continue to the Catinat Building, built in 1927 in an Art Deco style, which has once again become a hub for fashion-conscious Saigonese, housing many designer boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and cafés.
- In the afternoon, visit the War Remnants Museum to gain insight into different perspectives on the Vietnam War.
- End the day with a visit to Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, and its bustling Binh Tay Market. Transfer back to your hotel.
- Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City (B - L)
- After breakfast, depart from Ho Chi Minh City and drive to My Tho in the Mekong Delta.
- Upon arrival, enjoy a boat cruise on the Mekong River, navigating through the Long, Lan, Qui, and Phung Islands.
- Stop to visit a fish farm and continue cruising through the Xep Canal. Disembark to see a traditional local house made of coconut wood and leaves and enjoy delicious fresh local fruit with traditional live music.
- In the afternoon, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.
- Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City (B)
- After breakfast, enjoy your morning at your leisure until departure to Tan Son Nhat Airport.
TOUR SUMARY
Our prices include:
- Accommodation at selected hotels.
- Transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle.
- English speaking guides for tours.
- Entry fees for sightseeing.
- Private cabin on sharing Junk in Halong bay
- Private boat for trips in Hue and Mekong Delta
- Meals as mentioned: (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, (D) for dinner.
- Taxes: V.A.T.
Our prices do not include:
- Visa for Vietnam.
- Flights Hanoi – Hue/Danang - Ho Chi Minh City.
- International flights and airport taxes.
- Drinks, tips, personal expenses and all services not note specifically mentioned in the program.