Highlight of Vietnam

Duration: 8 days
Travel style:

Culinary

Culture & History

Adventure

This eight-day journey shows the heart of Vietnam from north to south. Walk through Hanoi’s lively streets, sail among the limestone peaks of Halong Bay, and discover the charm of Hoi An. Cross the Hai Van Pass into Hue, then feel the energy of Ho Chi Minh City and the peaceful rhythm of the Mekong Delta. Each day brings a mix of history, landscapes, and authentic flavors.

Tour highlights

  • Discover Hanoi’s highlights and watch the Water Puppet show
  • Cruise Halong Bay with limestone caves and a fresh seafood lunch
  • Walking tour in Hoi An’s ancient town and river boat trip
  • Hue sightseeing, including Vietnam’s ancient capital city, pagodas, and the royal tomb
  • Experience Saigon’s landmarks and the floating market of the Mekong Delta

Day 1:

Hanoi arrival

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling colonial capital. Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, the driver and guide meet the guests outside the airport and transfer them to a hotel in the city center.

In the afternoon, they begin with an orientation walk that includes some of the city’s highlights. The walk passes the elegant Hanoi Opera House, the lively Old Quarter with its narrow streets and small shops, and the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake with the iconic Ngoc Son Temple. 

In the evening, savor a welcome dinner of authentic Vietnamese food at one of Hanoi’s finest restaurants.

Meals: Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 2:

Hanoi city tour – Halong

The morning begins with a half-day tour of Hanoi. Guests visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes the Mausoleum and the stilt house, as well as the nearby One Pillar Pagoda. They continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, before exploring the Fine Arts Museum. 

In the afternoon, leave the bustle of the big city and drive to Ha Long. The drive of three to four hours passes through the Red River Delta with the scenic view of rice paddies and rural villages.

Overnight in Ha Long.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Halong.

Day 3:

Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi – Fly to Danang – Hoian

After breakfast, guests transfer to Ha Long harbor to board a private junk for a half-day cruise on Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and natural wonderland composed of jutting limestone islands and sparkling turquoise waters, located in the Gulf of Tonkin

The itinerary includes Dau Go Cave – “Grotto of the Wooden Stakes”, where, in 1288, one of Vietnam’s most famous generals, Tran Hung Dao, stored hundreds of stakes before battling the invading Mongolian army. A short walk away, visit the newly discovered Thien Cung Cave (“Grotto of the Heavenly Palace”), famous for its stalagmites and stalactites. 

A fresh seafood lunch is served on board before returning to the pier. In the afternoon, the driver takes the guests back to Hanoi for a flight to Danang. Upon arrival, they transfer to a hotel in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodations: Hotel in Hoian.

Day 4:

Hoian

Immerse yourself in the tranquility and charm of the riverside town, Hoi An. 

*From the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoian was a thriving international port frequented by Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese, and Arab traders, who came to trade in the high-quality silk still produced in the region. Today, Hoi An is a relaxing resort popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, skilled tailors, and numerous cafes.*

Take a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the ancient town, visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200-year-old Tan Ky ancestral house, and the famous Japanese Bridge. After lunch, take a short boat trip to a nearby island and visit a traditional handicraft village specializing in ceramics. 

Then, return to the hotel in the late afternoon, and the evening is free for relaxation or exploration at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.

Day 5:

Hoian – Danang – Hue

In the morning, the guests enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then leave Hoi An and drive toward Hue. Stop at Hai Van Pass to admire the spectacular views, and relax at the fishing village of Lang Co for a drink. 

Spend the afternoon on a leisurely walking tour through Vietnam’s ancient capital city, visiting the Royal Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Mausoleum of King Tu Duc (a replica of the king’s palace built for the next reincarnation of the king), before exploring the Imperial Museum and Dong Ba Market.

The evening is free for relaxation or exploration at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue.

Day 6:

Hue – Fly to Saigon

After breakfast, transfer to Phu Bai Airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive in the late morning and enjoy an orientation tour through Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling streets en route to the hotel. Have lunch at a downtown restaurant of their choosing, then set out on a guided city tour. 

In the afternoon, visit the War Remnants Museum, learn about Vietnam’s recent history at Reunification Palace. Then, visit the nearby neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, and the City’s Centre Post Office before passing by the ornate Opera Theatre and the City Hall. Finally, end up at the Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon.

Day 7:

Saigon – Mekong Delta

Today, guests spend a day trip to explore the rich culture and lush fluvial landscape of the Mekong Delta.

After breakfast, the guide & driver will meet them at the hotel and take them to Cai Be. Start your tour with a visit to Cai Be’s colorful floating market, cruising among the local barges stuffed full of fruits and vegetables. Visit a local workshop, then enjoy a delicious lunch served at a local house in the cool shade of An Binh Island’s orchards.  

In the afternoon, take a traditional rowboat and venture deeper into the countryside, floating through narrow canals to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.  Stop at a nursery garden to discover how farmers along the delta produce their world-famous fruits and vegetables. The tour finishes in Vinh Long around mid-afternoon, where the driver awaits to transfer them back to Saigon.

Meals: Breakfast. Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon.

Day 8:

Saigon departure

The final morning is free for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Later, the driver transfers guests to Tan Son Nhat Airport for their departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: N/A.

 

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