Classic Vietnam – 10 Days

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam!

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be transferred directly to your hotel in Hanoi. Take some time to rest and recharge after your long flight, preparing for the exciting journey ahead.

Note: Please keep in mind that check-in begins at 14h00.

The remainder of the day is yours to explore the charming Hanoi Capital. 

• Meals: NA
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Begin your morning with a dive into Hanoi’s history at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Explore the serene grounds that offer a glimpse into the cultural elite’s past since 1076.

Next, visit the renowned One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a tribute to Ho Chi Minh, the revered figure of modern Vietnam. Note that the mausoleum is closed during October, November, and on Mondays and Fridays throughout the year.

After lunch, take a leisurely stroll between West Lake and Truc Bach Lake, visiting the Taoist temple of Quan Thanh and Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda. Then, make a stop at The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where exhibits are clearly labeled in English, French, and Vietnamese. Guides are available at the main entrance for in-depth information. (Closed on Mondays)

Finally, return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

After breakfast, embark on a 2.5-hour journey eastward to reach the breathtaking Halong Bay. This natural wonder was established as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 and has recently been nominated as one of the new 7 natural wonders of the world. Prepare to be amazed by the surreal atmosphere, emerald green waters, sandy beaches, and the countless towering limestone karst islands.

Upon arrival, check into your cabin on the overnight cruise, allowing you to fully experience the beauty of the bay. The cruise offers various activities depending on the boat’s itinerary and weather conditions, including cooking demonstrations, visits to floating fishing villages, kayaking, and swimming.

As the day comes to an end, the boat will anchor, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a cocktail during the happy hour and indulge in a delicious seafood dinner. You can try your hand at squid fishing in the evening or choose to relax by watching a film or stargazing before retiring to your cabin for a restful sleep.

• Meals: B, L, D
• Accommodation: Overnight on cruise

Good Morning Vietnam” in the heart of Halong Bay! Start your day with a tai chi session on the sundeck, basking in the sunrise, and enjoy a light breakfast. Then, embark on a cave visit to explore the wonders of the bay.

After the cave tour, indulge in a delicious brunch while admiring the magnificent rock formations as the boat gracefully sails towards the dock.

Next, transfer to Noi Bai Airport for a short 80-minute flight to the charming city of Hoi An.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and embrace the lively atmosphere of the city. In the evening, immerse yourself in the enchanting glow of lanterns as children offer paper lanterns for you to set afloat in the river and make a wish for a small fee. The tantalizing aroma of street food will tempt you to sample various dishes, including the renowned Banh Bao Vac, a secret recipe dumpling, or the delightful Vietnamese wontons.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

After enjoying breakfast, embark on a captivating exploration of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This well-preserved town holds great historical significance as a prominent port city in Vietnam from the 15th to the 19th century. Join a walking tour through the ancient streets, marveling at the diverse architectural styles that encompass wooden Chinese shops, grand French colonial houses, traditional Vietnamese “tube” houses, and the iconic Japanese covered bridge. Hoi An is also renowned for its vibrant lanterns, beautifully adorning the walls and doors of numerous shops throughout the city.

Following a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, you have the afternoon at your leisure to continue your exploration. Discover the wide array of tailors available in the city, offering custom-made clothing, shoes, bags, quilts, accessories, and souvenirs. Alternatively, relax in charming tea houses and savor a cup of tea.

• Meal: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Embark on a scenic drive along the sun-kissed coastline of Vietnam, following the renowned Hai Van – Ocean Cloud Pass, towards the ancient imperial capital of Hue. Along the way, make a stop at Linh Ung Pagoda to soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of cliffs, beaches, lagoons, and the vast sea.

Upon reaching Hue, indulge in a delicious lunch and proceed to check into your hotel. Then, visit the magnificent Thien Mu Pagoda and the tomb of Emperor Ming Mang, showcasing remarkable architecture inspired by Chinese design. These sites are nestled within picturesque landscapes adorned with lakes, gardens, flowers, and trees.

• Meal: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Immerse yourself deeper into Vietnam’s rich history with a visit to the ancient citadel and two additional tombs of emperors from the Nguyen Dynasty, the last ruling family before French colonial rule. Although the Vietnamese-American War caused significant damage to the ancient citadel, you can still catch glimpses of its former glory in the Forbidden Purple City, offering a window into the past.

Witness the contrasting styles of Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb, constructed between 1864 and 1867, featuring a serene landscape with a large lake and rustic architecture. Then, explore the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, a fusion of European and Vietnamese aesthetics, showcasing a unique blend of beauty standards.

In the late afternoon, transfer to Hue Airport for a short 1 hour and 30-minute flight to the modern and cosmopolitan city of Ho Chi Minh City.

• Meal: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Embark on a 1.5-hour drive north of Ho Chi Minh City to immerse yourself in one of the city’s most significant symbols, the Cu Chi Tunnels. These tunnels stand as a powerful testament to the city’s recent history. Explore the extensive underground network built by the Viet Cong, which served as a strategic stronghold against the better-equipped American and South Vietnamese forces. Reflect on the tragedy of war in Vietnam and the hardships endured by the local population during that time.

After a satisfying lunch, visit the thought-provoking exhibits of the War Remnants Museum and catch a glimpse of the former Presidential Palace, which is viewable from the outside on specific days.

Conclude the day with a visit to colonial Saigon, where you can admire iconic landmarks such as the picturesque Old Saigon Post Office, the bustling Ben Thanh Market, the historic Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), the elegant Continental House, City Hall, and the majestic Opera House.

• Meal: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Embark on a comfortable 2-hour car ride this morning to the charming town of Ben Tre. Here, we will embark on a delightful day-cruise to explore the mesmerizing Mekong River Delta, often referred to as the rice bowl of Asia. Marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of fertile fields, showcasing Vietnam’s natural riches, as you sail along the river. Capture stunning photos of the vibrant green rice paddies, while the boat navigates through the intricate maze of rivers, mangroves, islands, and swamps.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself further in the beauty of the Mekong tributaries as you embark on a mini-trip aboard a traditional sampan, a smaller rowing boat, to navigate the narrow waterways.

As the excursion comes to an end in the late afternoon, the driver will transfer you back to Saigon.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Enjoy a delicious breakfast and take your time exploring the city at your own pace until it’s time for your scheduled transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your onward transportation.

• Meals: B