Discover Vietnam beyond the highlights on this thoughtfully paced 10-day journey, blending the country’s must-see landmarks with authentic local experiences. Beginning in dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, travel north through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the imperial heritage of Hue, before continuing to the cultural heart of Hanoi and the serene waters of Bai Tu Long Bay. Along the way, daily life unfolds through quiet neighborhoods, traditional crafts, and meaningful encounters with local communities. Carefully balanced and rich in character, this itinerary offers a deeper, more personal connection to Vietnam’s landscapes, culture, and people.
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.
The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. You may choose to enjoy a relaxing spa massage, take a stroll at Ben Thanh Market, browse local shops for souvenirs, or join a jeep adventure.
Lunch and dinner are at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
7:30:8:30: Our local driver and guide will pick you up from your hotel in central Ho Chi Minh City. From there, we’ll head to Ben Tre, in the heart of the Mekong Delta.
Upon arrival, board a boat at Phong Nam pier (near Phong Nam Bridge) and begin cruising along the Chet Say River, a scenic branch of the Mekong. Along the way, enjoy views of daily life on the river—fishing, cargo transport, and local activity. Stop at a traditional brick factory where bricks are still handmade using age-old techniques. Refresh with a glass of fresh coconut juice.
Visit a local workshop that produces coconut shell charcoal and learn how coconut shells are transformed into eco-friendly charcoal.
Continue the boat trip to a coconut processing workshop where you’ll discover how coconut candy is made. Taste the delicious coconut treats, enjoy tropical fruits, and sip honey tea.
Take a short walk to visit a family-run mat weaving workshop. Then, hop on a motor cart or bicycle for a peaceful ride through quiet village lanes, giving you a closer look at local farmers’ daily lives.
Enjoy lunch at a local riverside restaurant.
After lunch, transfer by motor cart back to the pier. Then take a traditional rowing boat ride to return to Nha Viec Bridge.
14:50: Our driver will be waiting to pick you up for the return journey to Ho Chi Minh City.
Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
8:30: In the morning, we begin our exploration of Ho Chi Minh City’s key landmarks with the Independence Palace, once the residence and workplace of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Here, you’ll see the North Vietnamese tank that famously broke through the palace gates in 1975, signaling the end of the Vietnam War.
We then continue to the War Remnants Museum, where thought-provoking exhibits present different perspectives on the Vietnam War - often revealing stories and angles that may be new to you.
Later, we take a leisurely stroll through Binh Tay Market. With hundreds of stalls, it’s one of the city’s busiest trading hubs, offering everything from clothing and souvenirs to daily essentials. The market also features a small food court where you can sample local specialties and classic street-food flavors.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your flight.
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.
Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hoi An.
8:30: Today, we take a leisurely bike ride to discover the peaceful rural villages around Hoi An. Depart from your hotel and pedal toward Kim Bong village, a community long celebrated for its traditional woodcarving. Local artisans first inherited their techniques from northern Vietnam, then refined their craft through exchanges with Chinese and Japanese masters, gradually shaping a distinctive style of their own.
Continue cycling along quiet trails lined with rice paddies, bamboo bridges and river views before reaching Tra Nhieu village. This is a wonderful immersion into Central Vietnam’s countryside. Along the way, you meet local families such as Ms. Duoc, who weaves sedge mats; Mr. Kha, known for his round bamboo basket boats; and Mr. Huynh Ri, who maintains a small traditional shipyard. The scenery of nipa palms, rice fields, grazing buffaloes and farmers at work accompanies your ride.
From Tra Nhieu, board a boat along the Thu Bon River to Cam Thanh village. The journey flows through tranquil landscapes of fishing farms and lush water palms. On arrival, step into a small round bamboo basket boat and try your hand at catching crabs in the palm-water channels.
Afterward, relax at the home of a local fisherman, Mr. Phong, where you enjoy green tea and a soothing herbal foot massage using plants grown in his garden. Then, with fresh vegetables and herbs, take part in a hands-on cooking session to prepare typical Hoi An dishes such as crispy pancakes (with meat, shrimp and bean sprouts) and fresh spring rolls — and then savor the dishes you’ve created.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, discover the timeless charm of Hoi An Ancient Town on a guided walking tour.
Begin at the Museum of Antiquities, home to a compact yet insightful collection of Cham artefacts and ceramics, offering a deeper understanding of Hoi An’s layered cultural heritage.
Continue on foot to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a 17th-century wooden structure and enduring symbol of the town’s historic role as an international trading port.
Your walk concludes at Quan Thang Ancient House, one of Hoi An’s best-preserved merchant residences, admired for its elegant architecture and refined wood carvings that reflect the prosperity and aesthetic sensibilities of a bygone era.
Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hoi An.
Depart for Hue, stopping in Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum, home to one of the world’s most significant collections of Cham sculpture and cultural artefacts. Continue your journey along the scenic coastline toward Hue, pausing at the top of the Hai Van Pass to take in sweeping ocean views and the dramatic landscapes that frame this historic mountain route.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Begin with a visit to the Khai Dinh Tomb, the most distinctive of Hue’s imperial tombs. Unlike the others, it blends traditional Vietnamese design with strong Western influences. A climb of around one hundred stone steps leads to the main worship hall at the summit, where visitors admire an extraordinary interior adorned with intricate mosaics made from porcelain and glass fragments. Highlights include the impressive ceiling mural depicting a soaring dragon and a small exhibition displaying royal artifacts connected to Emperor Khai Dinh.
Continue to the serene Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest and most revered pagodas in Hue, founded in 1601. Set on the banks of the Perfume River, this spiritual landmark is instantly recognizable by its elegant octagonal tower. The peaceful surroundings and river views make Thien Mu Pagoda a symbolic and contemplative highlight of the former imperial capital.
Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hue.
8:30: After breakfast, transfer to the Huong River (or Perfume River) to embark a Royal boat trip to the villages in the East of the city. This is an opportunity to discover the local life on the both sides of this poetic river. Upon arrival in Tien Non village, disembark for a bike ride in the countryside through three villages: Tien Non, Thanh Tien and Sinh village. During the trip, you will be immersed into the daily rhythm of life in the villages.
In Tien Non village, meet the villagers working on the fields and vegetable gardens. Then, visit a family worship house in the village. Next, reach Thanh Tien village, an artificial paper flower village dating back 400 years. Besides the rural works, they make paper flowers for the New Year festival to offer their ancestors the best wishes. Visit Mr. Hieu’s family, one of the well-known artisans in the village to learn how to make paper flowers under his instruction. Keep going to Sinh village, a cradle of 400 year folklore prints in Hue. Meet Mr. Phuoc who will explain the techniques of traditional prints. You will find beautiful souvenirs on this trip.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we'll explore the Imperial Citadel, the last remaining symbol of what was once Vietnam’s imperial capital. Inspired by Vauban-style fortifications, the complex is divided into three distinct sections: Kinh Thanh (the Capital City), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial City), and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). Within these walls lie many of Hue’s most remarkable landmarks, including the Flag Tower, the imposing South Gate, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the temples dedicated to past dynasties, and the former royal residential quarters.
Before the day comes to a close, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Dong Ba Market. As you wander its lively aisles, you’ll encounter colourful produce stalls, aromatic spice vendors, traditional conical hats, and local snacks prepared fresh before your eyes. It’s an ideal place to meet friendly shopkeepers, observe the rhythm of everyday commerce, and gain an authentic insight into daily life in Hue.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, then transfer to Hue railway station to board the overnight train to Hanoi. Overnight on board the train.
Upon arrival at Hanoi train station, you are met by our guide and driver and transferred to your hotel.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
First, discover the Temple of Literature, founded in the 11th century under the Ly dynasty to honor Confucius and educate royal scholars. Stroll through its peaceful courtyards and gardens until you reach Khue Van Cac, the iconic pavilion symbolizing Hanoi. Continue to the UNESCO-recognized stone steles, which record the names of Vietnam’s most outstanding graduates, before exploring Quoc Tu Giam, regarded as the country’s first national university.
Next, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), an engaging institution offering deep insight into the cultures of Vietnam’s many ethnic groups. Its rich collection includes traditional costumes, agricultural tools, musical instruments, and life-size replicas of ethnic minority houses. A complete visit typically takes around two hours.
Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hanoi.
8:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter). Enjoy three hour drive from Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay. Your journey will pass the series of villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta. Have a stop for drink and restroom. Continue your driving, arrive at the harbor around noon, get warmly welcomed at cruise reception.
12:45: Enjoy welcome drink and spend a couple minutes to briefing about safety on boat and activities included then we check in our cabin.
13:30: Delicious Vietnamese set menu will be served while leisurely cruising further into Bai Tu Long Bay.
15:00: Arrive in kayaking area – that is Cap La Island. Enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature, swimming and relaxing.
17:30: Get back to the boat and enjoys our Sunset party while our cruise sailing to the overnight anchorage.
19:00: Sumptuous set-dinner onboard.
20:30: Free time to challenge yourself in Vietnamese puzzle games, or gathers your group/family for a board game; try your luck with squid fishing or simply has a cocktail and enjoy the quiet night on the bay.
06:00: Start your day with a Tai Chi routine on sundeck or catch a morning view of the stunning bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.
07:00: Breakfast will be served in Western style, familiar to you to fulfill your strength and ready for another exploring day.
08:00: Explore the well hidden Thien Canh Son Cave.
09:00: Upon return to the boat you will have about 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing.
10:00: Attend in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration. You can quickly learn a simple but delicious Vietnamese dish that Gordon Ramsey (a 2 Michelin Star Chef) used to guide – Nem Cuon or challenge yourself in fruit and vegetables carving.
11:00: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch on boat.
12:00: Back to the harbor.
The shuttle bus driver from the cruise picks you up at the cruise’s reception hall and transfers you back to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you are dropped off in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore Hanoi at your own pace. You may choose to enjoy a relaxing spa massage, browse local shops for souvenirs, or join an exciting Jeep adventure around the city. Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hanoi.
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.
Traveling with more than 8 people? You can select a different group size in the next step.
Group Size 9+Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival in Vietnam and contain a minimum of two blank pages.
French citizens, as well as nationals of 12 other countries (including Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain), may enter Vietnam without a visa for stays of up to 45 days. If you plan to stay longer, or if your nationality is not eligible for this exemption, please check with the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or feel free to contact us for further information.
International flights are not included in the price of our tours. You are free to choose and book the flights that best suit your needs and schedule. If you wish, our travel consultants can assist you in finding the best available options.
Valid travel insurance is mandatory to participate in the tour. It must cover the following:
Before departure, please provide us with the following information:
Please check whether your credit card already provides coverage and consider purchasing additional insurance if necessary.
Spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are the most pleasant seasons to visit Vietnam, with mild weather and limited rainfall. However, the country stretches over more than 1,600 km, and weather conditions vary significantly. Vietnam can be visited year-round:
Please pack clothing suitable for each region according to your itinerary.
Vietnam operates on GMT+7 year-round. There is no seasonal time change.
The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). US dollars and euros are sometimes accepted in hotels, but this is not guaranteed.
Tip: Avoid using old, damaged, or torn banknotes, as they are often refused for payment.
If your tour includes domestic flights, the exact schedules, flight numbers, and relevant details will be provided in your travel documents.
Please arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure, bringing your passport and electronic ticket (or booking reference).
Baggage: Checked baggage allowance generally ranges between 20 kg and 23 kg, depending on the airline. Cabin baggage is usually limited to 7 kg.
Attention: Additional fees may apply if you exceed the permitted limits. We recommend checking the specific conditions of each airline (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, etc.) before your flight.
Flight schedules are subject to change by the airline. We will keep you informed in case of any updates.
If you have a connecting domestic flight in Vietnam, please follow these steps upon arrival:
Airport staff are generally available to assist you if needed. Do not hesitate to ask for help.
Recommended connection time: minimum 2 hours 30 minutes
This allows sufficient time for possible flight delays, queues at immigration and customs, and transfers between terminals.
Practical tip: At major airports such as Hanoi (Noi Bai) or Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), domestic and international terminals are not always located in the same building. Please allow ample time and follow the signs upon arrival.
No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Vietnam.
However, health authorities recommend the following vaccinations, especially for long stays or travel in rural areas:
If you are undergoing regular medical treatment, please ensure you bring a sufficient supply of medication for the entire duration of your stay.
Do not forget to carry your prescription, preferably in English, to facilitate any checks or medical consultations on site.
The risk of malaria is very low in Vietnam’s main tourist areas, including Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and the tourist areas of the Mekong Delta. No malaria prophylaxis is generally recommended for these regions.
However, if you plan to travel to remote rural, forested, or mountainous areas (for example, Muong Te in Lai Chau, certain border or isolated areas of the northern highlands, or deep areas of the Mekong), you should consult a doctor or a travel medicine clinic to assess the need for preventive treatment.
Tips to protect yourself from mosquito bites
Upon your arrival in Vietnam, our driver will be waiting for you at the airport exit, holding a sign displaying: “IZITOUR – [Your name]”.
Please take a moment to carefully check the signs at the arrival exit. If you have any difficulty locating our driver, do not hesitate to contact our assistance team, available 24/7, at the following number:
+84 382 536 266 (direct call or WhatsApp available).
Practical tip: Make sure your phone is activated for international calls or internet access upon arrival to facilitate communication if needed.
Note: At some airports, several drivers may be waiting at the exit. If you do not immediately find our representative, please remain in the meeting area and contact us — we will assist you promptly.
Our small-group tours generally bring together between 4 and 7 participants. You will travel alongside people from diverse backgrounds, with different nationalities, cultures, and ages. This is a great opportunity to share experiences, exchange perspectives, and build meaningful connections throughout the journey.
To ensure that all planned activities run smoothly, punctuality is essential. Please respect the schedules communicated by your local guide to guarantee an enjoyable and seamless experience for the entire group.
For group tours, room allocation is based on the gender indicated on your passport. By default, you will share a twin room with a traveler of the same gender.
You will be accommodated in a single room in the following cases:
In both cases, a single supplement applies. Please contact your travel consultant to check availability and the exact supplement amount.
Note: This supplement does not apply to train cabins, which include four berths per compartment.
