Embark on an epic 10-day journey to discover the essential highlights of Vietnam! Traveling from north to south, this thoughtfully designed itinerary combines must-see attractions with comfortable hotels and a luxurious cruise. Explore Hanoi's iconic landmarks and the famous Train Street, relax on a boutique luxury cruise through the stunning Halong Bay, stroll through the historic town of Hoi An, and uncover the rich history of the Cu Chi Tunnels. Get ready for a trip filled with culture, flavors, and unforgettable memories!
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our guide and driver at the pickup lobby. You’ll then enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi, passing over the Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city’s unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic.
9:00 AM: Get pick up by tour guide to the Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city’s symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "stone steles” which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.
Continue to Hoa Lo prison museum. Spend an hour to learn about the Vietnamese War. Hoa Lo was one of the largest prisons in Indochina, built by the French colonists in 1896 for Vietnamese political prisoners. Later, it was better known as the Hanoi Hilton since it imprisoned American pilots.
In the afternoon, you visit the French Quarter – it is a “little Paris” in Hanoi with tree-lined boulevards, government head offices and a big square. Visit (outside) Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum before having a leisurely walk in the botanical gardens to visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he used to live and work. Towards the unique One – pillar pagoda which is one of the city’s symbols. It takes us from 1 to 2 hours to explore this complex, depending on the number of traveler.
Hanoi Train Street is a one-of-a-kind, vibrant alley in the heart of Hanoi, where a railway track runs just inches away from residential homes. It offers a fascinating glimpse into local life combined with the excitement of trains passing up close. If you're lucky, you might witness a train passing right in front of you—a thrilling and unforgettable experience. While you're there, relax with a local drink at one of the cozy trackside cafes and soak in the unique atmosphere.
Exploring the Hanoi Old Quarter which was built in the 15th century as a trading center in the capital city with 36 streets of different products. Despite the changes, the Old Quarter is always considered a live city museum. The unique tube houses, small alleys, temples, open door markets and street vendor foods come together in a beautiful harmony. Discovering the town by walking is the best way to stimulate all your senses.
Finally, enjoying the water puppet shows that is the unique performances, first appeared in the 11th century. In these shows, the daily life, culture and belief of Vietnamese people are described by puppets on water. The show usually integrates a traditional music performance as well.
Come back to hotel. End of the day
11:30 – 12:00: Upon arrival at Emperor Cruises, located at No.28B of Tuan Chau Harbor, our team will welcome you in our lounge before boarding. Our Cruise Director will assist you with boarding to start cruising in Halong Bay.
13:15 – 14:00: Enjoy a set lunch menu at our Panorama Restaurant on the 3rd deck, savoring delicious Vietnamese food while admiring the grace of the bay.
14:45 – 15:30: The cruise approaches Nha Lat Area. This is the time for guests to visit Me Cung Cave (Cave of Maze) – a spectacular destination with significant historical and archaeological values dating back 10,000 years. Guests will be charmed by the magnificent complex structure with stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes, showcasing the most diverse ecological system in Halong Bay.
15:45 – 16:30: The tender takes the guests to Tung Sau Area for free time to paddle on colorful kayaks and explore further the stunning landscape of Halong Bay.
17:00 – 18:30: Attend the Afternoon tea with music and Canapes on the Sundeck. Join in the cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking in a truly stunning setting.
19:30 – 21:00: Enjoy our A La Carte course menu for dinner at the Royal Palace Restaurant on board while experiencing the charm of Halong Bay at night.
21:00 – 22:00: Try your luck with the interesting night activity – Squid fishing.
06:15 – 06:30: Enjoy a Vovinam exercise in the sunshine morning on the sundeck.
08:00 – 08:30: Breakfast is served at Can Chanh Palace Restaurant.
09:00 – 13:30: Transfer to a day boat to visit Viet Hai Village. Take a bicycle ride or an electric car through a rainforest tunnel leading to a rice-field vista. Visit a traditional house, where you can observe the lifestyle of the local people and enjoy lunch in the village/on the dayboat. Return to the dayboat to visit Lan Ha Bay.
13:30 – 15:00: Explore the Cat Ba Archipelago, cruise through Cai Beo floating village, and then head to the Ba Trai Dao beach. Here, you can visit a secret cave and beaches enclosed by vertical cliffs (if the weather and tide permit) or simply indulge in swimming and kayaking in the Tra Bau area.
16:00 – 17:00: Enjoy a massage service or join a special tour about Pham Luc’s paintings or Emperor Bao Dai’s palaces.
17:30 – 18:30: Attend the Afternoon tea with music and Canapes on the Sundeck. Join in the cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking in a truly stunning setting.
19:30 – 21:00: Relish our A La Carte course menu for dinner at the Royal Palace Restaurant on board while experiencing the charm of Halong Bay at night.
21:00 – 22:00: Try your luck with the interesting night activity – Squid fishing.
06:00 – 06:30: Enjoy a Vovinam exercise in the sunny morning on the sundeck.
06:45 – 07:15: Delight in a light breakfast, including tea, coffee, pastries, cookies, and fresh juices, at our restaurant.
07:15 – 08:30: Visit Luon Cave. Sitting on a bamboo boat rowed by a local, you can see a variety of plants such as ferns, cycads, Benjamin’s fig trees, and many beautiful orchids.
08:30 – 09:15: Finish packing all luggage and check out.
09:30 – 10:30: Enjoy a brunch A La Carte in CAN CHANH restaurant on the 1st floor while cruising back to the mainland.
11:00: Return to Tuan Chau Port and disembark.
Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Noi Bai Airport. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes, whether you're heading to the international or domestic terminal, depending on your needs.
Upon your arrival at Da Nang airport, our local driver will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation in Hoi An, a journey of approximately 1 hour. Once you reach your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy at your leisure.
Hoi An used to be one of the most typical South-East Asian trading ports dating from the 15th to the 19th century and the Old Town is still well-preserved. The exchanged cultures is displayed on many historic buildings, religion, daily business and enriched by the authentic lifestyle of local inhabitants.
Firstly, visit the Hoi An city’s symbol - the Chua Cau or the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 17th century to allow the Japanese quarter to be accessible from the Chinese neighborhoods. The bridge’s original style has been carefully preserved for the last 400 years.
Continue visit a special ancient house. Located in the center of Hoian, 18th century built, Phung Hung house is the evidence of culture exchanged in the splendid time of the town and has been used as home for more than eight generations. Meet local guide, also family member, follow she to discover the values of the house.
After visit, enjoy a walk to Hoian museum of history and culture. The display of the Sa Huynh Culture (before the 2nd centuries AD), Champa culture (the 2nd-15th centuries AD) and Dai Viet, Dai Nam Culture (the 16th-19th centuries) artifacts, with some huge bells, historic photos, old scales and weights alongside plenty of ceramics. It is enriched by the interesting things about the oldest street, the folk meaning and conception of the “eyes” on the doors of ancient houses and of the spiral carved patterns “De leaf” “Yin and Yang”, and many others.
Finally, you have an excursion to Hoian center market where is the best place to see the local daily life. Situated on the riverside, the large market is packed with stalls where you easily find a huge variety of food at extremely cheap prices. There is also a great fresh vegetable, meat and fish market which is worth visiting.
Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hoi An and transfer you to Da Nang Airport.
Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, our local guide and driver will warmly welcome you at the pickup area. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel in the city, a journey of approximately 45 - 60 minutes. Once you arrive, proceed with check-in* and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure—whether you choose to relax or begin exploring on your own.
8:00 AM: Leave from your hotel to visit the most striking place in the history of the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Cu Chi is a real underground city made up of a large network of tunnels covering an area of over 250km long where the Viet Cong conducted the war of resistance against American troops. All of the tunnels were dug over a period of twenty years using only pickaxes and shovels. The tour includes special entering some part of tunnels.
Our driver will pick you up from your hotel lobby in Ho Chi Minh City and take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport. The drive typically takes 45 to 60 minutes, whether you're heading to the international or domestic terminal.
Please note that for domestic flights, you should arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure, and for international flights, at least 3 hours in advance. During rush hours (7:00–8:30 AM and 4:30–6:30 PM), the drive from downtown Ho Chi Minh City to Tan Son Nhat Airport can take more time. Plan accordingly to ensure a stress-free journey.