Vietnam's Essence: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh Highlights  09 Days  

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Hanoi - Hoan Kiem Lake
Hanoi - Ngoc Son Temple
Tam Coc
Tam Coc
landscape
Dora Cruise Lan Ha
Hoi An - Lantern Market
Saigon - Independence Palace
Cu Chi Tunnels
Overview
hanoi-temple-of-litterature.webp
  • Start/End: Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
  • Route: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Lan Ha Bay - Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - Ben Tre
  • Duration: 09 Days
  • Theme: Most popular, Culture and Heritage
  • Tour type: Private tour
  • Tour schedule: Daily departure
  • Tour guide in: English
Highlight

Explore the best of Vietnam on this 9-day private tour, from the cultural heart of Hanoi to the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Discover breathtaking landscapes in Ninh Binh and Lan Ha Bay, soak in the charm of Hoi An, and experience the lively markets of the Mekong Delta. With a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, this journey offers a perfect balance for travelers seeking to uncover Vietnam's essence.

Notes
Hotel check-in: From 2:00 PM. Hotel check-out: Before 12:00 PM. Early check-in or late check-out is subject to availability and may incur additional charges.
Itinerary
Day by day itinerary Expand All
  • Arrival in Hanoi, airport pickup, discover Hanoi's travel highlights, and watch a water puppet show.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Leisure: Water puppet
    Palago Boutique Hotel(Executive Room)
    10 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Visiting Hoa Lu ancient capital, hiking to Bich Dong pagoda & boat trip in Tam Coc

    8:00 AM: Meet your tour guide and driver at hotel then transfer to Ninh Binh, the awesome site is enriched with historical, cultural, religion and geographic wonders. On the journey passing the Red River delta, stop as you wish for pictures.

    Travel to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam from the 10 to the 11 century. The citadel is surrounded by limestone mountains and rivers naturally protecting it and making for an amazing picturesque setting.

    On arrival at Hoa Lu, you will visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009) who played a vital role in gaining the country’s independence after it was ruled by China for a thousand years. Both temples were built in the 17th symbolizing a deep respect to the King’s contributions.

    Keep your tour to the Bich Dong, a typical pagoda in the countryside of the Red River Delta, built in the 15th century. On arrival, you will cross a stone bridge to Chua Ha, from which over 100 steps lead to Chua Trung – the cave pagoda with unique clay statues. You will then hike up to Chua Thuong. You not only have the chance to learn about Buddhism but also get to experience incredible countryside views.

    Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant befor transfer to Tam Coc which has been well-known as the “Halong Bay on land” and appeared in famous French movie “Indochina”. On arrival at the pier, you will take a private sampan boat for a ninety-minute cruise along Ngo Dong River. Pass through three caves and witness a stunning landscape interleaved by small communities, rice fields, cemetery and temples.

    Drive back to Hanoi and arrive at your hotel around 6:00 PM

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Boat: Tam Coc
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Palago Boutique Hotel(Executive Room)
    10 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Travel to Halong, embark at Tuan Chau port, cruise through Halong bay to Lan Ha bay.

    8:00 – 8:30 AM: If transport is included, our driver will pick you up from your hotel in the heart of Hanoi. From there, we’ll begin our journey to Halong City, enjoying a scenic drive through the picturesque Red River Delta. The trip takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with a convenient stop along the way for restrooms if needed.

    12:00 – 12:15: Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor.

    12:30 – 13:15: Transfer by boat to Dora Cruise. Enjoy a welcome drink, meet the captain and crew, and receive a brief introduction to the cruise and safety guidelines. Check in to your cabin.

    13:15 – 13:30: Savor a Vietnamese seafood and vegetarian lunch while cruising through the magnificent Halong Bay, admiring the fascinating rock formations.

    Continue cruising past Con Vit Islet (Duck Islet), Thumb Islet, and Gia Luan Harbor, which belong to the Cat Ba area.

    Discover the natural lagoon area of Lan Ha Bay. Drop anchor for swimming or simply sunbathe on the cruise deck.

    Head back toward the sleeping area.

    Enjoy kayaking and swimming at Ba Trai Dao Islet or the Tra Bau area.

    17:30: Return to Dora Cruise and join the sunset party with fruit, cake, and wine. Take photos and relax.

    18:00 – 18:15: Participate in a cooking class guided directly by the chef of Dora Halong Cruise. You’ll have the chance to practice making traditional Vietnamese dishes such as spring rolls and other famous Vietnamese cuisine.

    19:15: Enjoy a special seafood dinner and other typical Vietnamese dishes on the cruise.

    21:00: Evening entertainment: play games such as cards and chess, listen to music, go squid fishing, or simply relax and unwind. Overnight on the Dora Cruise.

    Included:
    Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Tuan Chau
    English speaking guide (on board)
    Meal: B, L, D
    Entrance fees
    Leisure: Squid fishing
    Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration
    Dora Cruise - 2D1N(Junior Suite Cabin)
    2 Chuong Duong Do, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Discover Dark & Bright cave, cruise back to Tuan Chau port, disembark, and return to Hanoi.

    06:00: Early risers can enjoy a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck.

    07:15: Admire the morning view of the bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee, followed by breakfast.

    08:15: Meet at the reception to visit the Dark & Bright Cave by tender (transfer boat). You will have the opportunity to explore the cave on a local bamboo boat rowed by the locals.

    09:30 – 10:15: Return to Dora Cruise, check out of your private cabin, and enjoy a scenic cruise on the bay.

    10:30: Enjoy an early lunch on board before disembarking.

    11:30: Dora Cruise lands near Tuan Chau Harbor. Transfer to Tuan Chau, bid farewell to Halong Bay, and conclude the cruise.

    Our driver will greet you at the Cruise Waiting Lounge and transfer you to Hanoi. The journey takes approximately 2.5-3 hours, with a restroom stop available along the way (optional).

    Included:
    Shuttle bus: Tuan Chau - Hanoi
    English speaking guide (on board)
    Meal: B, L
    Boat: Halong bamboo boat
    Entrance fees
    Palago Boutique Hotel(Executive Room)
    10 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Take a flight to Da Nang, explore Hoi An ancient town.

    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.

    Upon your arrival at Da Nang Airport, our local driver will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation in Da Nang, a journey of approximately 30 minutes. Once you reach your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy at your leisure.

    Enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, visiting iconic landmarks such as the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Museum of Trade Ceramics, and Tan Ky or Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. You’ll also have free time to explore Hoi An Market, known for its vibrant atmosphere and local delicacies.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Flight :Flight (HAN - DAD) - (Direct) / - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 02 tickets
    Belle Maison Parosand Danang Hotel(Deluxe Room)
    216 Vo Nguyen Giap street, Da Nang , Vietnam
  • The world’s impressive cable car, French colonist style complex, Golden Bridge, Fantasy Park

    8:00 AM: Start from your hotel to have a full day visit to Ba Na hill complex. Located at 1478m high above the sea level and 25 km to the west of Da Nang, Ba Na Hill has a year round cool climate which makes it an ideal resort since French colonist time. On arrival, take 20 minutes of the world’s impressive cable car in order to reach the peak of Ba Na hill and observe the beautiful scenery.

    Arrive at the station, take a visit to pagoda with giant Buddha statue, green gardens of multiple kinds of flora and flower interleaved by French architecture buildings and wine storages. Leisurely walk on the World’s top ten impressive architecture bridges – Golden Bridge. Immerse into the stunning views of national park, waterfall, ocean and city in remote distance which can hardly found in other regions.

    Enjoy the entertainments in Fantasy Park – the third biggest indoor games zone in Vietnam with series of interesting games before getting transfer back to city.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Cable car: Ba Na Hills
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Belle Maison Parosand Danang Hotel(Deluxe Room)
    216 Vo Nguyen Giap street, Da Nang , Vietnam
  • Take a morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City and explore its highlights.

    Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Da Nang City and take you to Da Nang 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 Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, our local driver will greet you at the pickup area and transfer you to your hotel in the city.

    We'll visit the Independence Palace, once used as the home - office of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Our visit includes the North Vietnamese tank which effectively attacked the palace in 1975 to bring the controversial Vietnam War to an end and the five-story palace with its rooms have been preserved in their late 1960s, 1970s style and a bunker basement.

    Take a stroll through the most famous market in the city, Ben Thanh Market, which has been opened since 1870. The market not only supplies the daily needs of local people but also excellent place to pick up inexpensive souvenirs and enjoy Vietnam’s local street foods.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Flight :Flight (DAD - SGN) - (Direct) / - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 02 tickets
    Sanouva Hotel(Premium Deluxe Double Room)
    177 Ly Tu Trong street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
  • Boat trip & biking in Ben Tre, interacting with local people, garden tour, Mekong Delta lifestyle experience

    8:00 AM: Tour guide and driver welcome you at your hotel for your transfer to Ben Tre, a beautiful region in the Mekong Delta River, famous for making coconut candy. Arrive at Hung Vuong pier, take a boat trip on Ben Tre River to discover the daily local life. Continue your boat trip on a canal to Nhon Thanh Village. This will be an opportunity to taste the fresh fruits.

    Take a bike ride (or Tuk tuk) on a small path through the villages and enjoy views of the coconut ranges, rice fields and vegetable gardens. A lunch of elephant ear fish is served in the village. A short walk will help you to discover the local life in depth. This is followed by a boat ride on the small canal shaded by the wild palm trees.

    Transfer back to Saigon in the late afternoon.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Boat: Ben Tre
    Transportation
    Bike: Ben Tre
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Sanouva Hotel(Premium Deluxe Double Room)
    177 Ly Tu Trong street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
  • Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels and take a flight home.

    We'll discover 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. 

    Option:

    At the Cu Chi shooting range, guests can enhance their experience by trying real gun firing. This service allows visitors to test their aim with a variety of firearms under supervision. It’s a thrilling option for those seeking a bit of adventure. This is an optional service not included in the tour price, and guests will need to pay on the spot.

    Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your flight.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
Inclusions
  • English speaking tour guide following itinerary
  • All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary
  • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
  • Cruise: Dora Cruise - 2D1N
  • Boat: Tam Coc, Halong bamboo boat, Ben Tre
  • Transportation
  • Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Tuan Chau, Tuan Chau - Hanoi
  • Flight Tickets: Flight HAN - DAD (Vietnam Airlines - Economy) , Flight DAD - SGN (Vietnam Airlines - Economy)
  • Meal: Breakfast: 08, Lunch: 07, Dinner: 01
  • Bike: Ben Tre
  • Leisure: Water puppet, Squid fishing
  • Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration
  • Cable car: Ba Na Hills
  • Service charges and Taxes
Exclusions
  • International flight from/to your country
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tipping and Gratuities
  • Other not mentioned in the program
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Price per person in US$

Prices are for a private tour and depend on the size of your group.

  • Adult in sharing Twin/double room$1,407
  • Adult in single room $1,791

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