Vietnam Experiences – 11 Days

Welcome to Hanoi! Enjoy Street Food Tour with a local guide

After arrival at Noi Bai airport, you will be greeted at the pickup lobby by a professional driver. Enjoy a 45-minute drive to the city center (Hanoi Old Quarter) …. Be escorted to your hotel, check in, and relax.

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

At 18.00 will start the street food  tour (3 hours) to experience delicious food of Vietnam. Finish up at your hotel.

• Meal: NA
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

9:00 AM: Tour guide will pick you up and take you to the Temple of Literature, which was established in the 11th century during the Ly dynasty to honor Confucius and teach Royal children. Take a stroll through the garden to the city’s icon, Khue Van Cac. Then you’ll see the World Heritage “stone steles” that display the names of excellent students. Continue your exploration of the Quoc Tu Giam, Vietnam’s first national university.

After that, go to one of the city’s museums (select from the National History Museum, Hoa Lo, Museum of Ethnology, or Fine Art Museum) before stopping for lunch or a drink (on your own budget).

In the afternoon, you visit the French Quarter, Hanoi’s “little Paris” with tree-lined boulevards, government headquarters, and a large square. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (outside) before taking a leisurely stroll through the botanical gardens to the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s mansion on stilts where he used to live and work. One of the city’s icons is the one-of-a-kind one-pillar pagoda. Depending on the amount of travelers, we spend 1 to 2 hours exploring this complex.

Continue to the Quan Thanh temple, one of the city’s four most prominent temples, dating back to the 11th century under Ly Thai To King and worshiping the Tran Vu gods, the city’s main deities.

Come back to your hotel. Have a rest of your day!

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

Morning:

Start your day by enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel around 07:30. Soon after, you will be picked up for the transfer to Ninh Binh. Along the way, take a short break amidst the vast rice fields, allowing you to relish the refreshing air.

Upon arriving in Tam Coc, known as the ” Halong Bay on land ” embark on a memorable boat ride along the Ngo Dong River. With a local rowing the boat, you will spend approximately 2 hours admiring the breathtaking scenery of limestone mountains, rice fields, and temples that line the river. If you visit during the harvest season, you may even witness the stunning golden rice carpet along the river banks.

Afterward, return to the mainland for a delightful lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon:

Following lunch and a short break, at 13:30, hop on a bicycle and explore the beautiful villages, immersing yourself in the tranquil rural atmosphere and enjoying the fresh air.

Next, venture to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, which served as the capital city of Vietnam a thousand years ago. Delve into Vietnamese history and gain fascinating insights into the past.

Return to your hotel. Rest of your day!

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

Morning:

After having your breakfast. Arround 08:00 – 08:30 to pick you up for an exciting journey to Halong Bay. Located in North Vietnam, Halong Bay is renowned as one of the world’s seven natural wonders. Brace yourself for a mesmerizing experience amidst thousands of limestone islands, enchanting caves, and captivating emerald waters.

Upon arrival, complete the check-in procedures and board the cruise ship. Around 12:00, the friendly crew members will warmly welcome you with a refreshing welcome drink.

Indulge in a scrumptious lunch featuring fresh seafood from Halong Bay as the boat leisurely cruises through the bay. Take some time to relax in your comfortable cabin and enjoy the freedom of leisure until the afternoon.

Afternoon:

The afternoon brings a variety of water activities to enhance your experience, including cave visits, kayaking, or simply swimming in the sea, depending on the specific itinerary of your Halong Bay cruise.

Afterwards, feel free to unwind and enjoy a delectable dinner onboard the cruise ship.

Note: While our tour guide will not accompany you onboard the cruise in Halong Bay, there will be an English-speaking guide available onboard to assist you.

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

Morning

On this last morning, you can choose to set up early to join a Tai Chi lesson or just relax on the sundeck and witness the amazing sunrise on the bay. After breakfast, you will begin your last excursion to one of the famous attractions in Halong Bay.

Brunch will be served on the way back to the main dock at around 11:00 – 11:30.

Our driver will pick you up to transfer you directly to the airport to catch a flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival, The driver pick you up to transfer to Hoi An for your stay.

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

Admiring the Hai Van Pass, excursion to the Hue ancient capital, Khai Dinh tomb, Hue Citadel

8:00 AM: Hotel pickup and travel to the North of Da Nang to Sea Cloud or Hai Van Pass. Enjoy the scenic road that winds through green hills, offering stunning views of the sea and pristine beaches. Upon reaching the peak, visit Hai Van Quan, a historic border gate between Vietnam and the Kingdom of Champa, and a significant strategic point during the American war. Take a break and marvel at the breathtaking views that even impressed King Le Thanh Tong during his 15th-century visit.

Continue the journey to Hue. Visit Khai Dinh King’s tomb, located on Chau Tru hill and built over 11 years (1920-1931). This tomb stands out with its unique blend of oriental and western architectural styles. Climb a hundred steps to reach the worship palace at the top, adorned with exquisite porcelain fragments, a grand ceiling painting, and a small museum showcasing royal artifacts. As you descend, enjoy a panoramic view of the tomb and its surroundings.

Take a lunch break and in the afternoon, visit the most significant site in Hue: Hue Citadel. This imperial city is the only remaining vestige of Vietnam’s past capital. Inspired by Vauban’s fortification, the citadel consists of three parts: Kinh Thanh (the Capital City), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial City), and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). Explore the beautiful landmarks within this area, including the flag tower, the South gate, the palace of supreme Harmony, the Dynasty temple area, and the settlement area.

At the end of the day, return to Da Nang and enjoy some relaxation time on your own.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Da Nang

Discover Hoi An’s ancient city on a tour. Visit Cam Pho, Chua Cau (Japanese Covered Bridge), Quan Thang ancient house, and Phuc Kien assembly hall.

8:00 AM: Hotel pickup and journey to Hoi An ancient town. Upon arrival, visit Cam Pho, one of the oldest communal houses in Hoi An, reflecting cultural exchange between locals and Chinese and Japanese traders.

Take a brief walk to the iconic Chua Cau, also known as the Japanese Covered Bridge, constructed in the 17th century to connect the Japanese and Chinese quarters. The bridge’s original design has been preserved for over 400 years.

Next, explore Quan Thang ancient house, showcasing exquisite architecture and sculptures crafted by skilled artisans from the renowned Kim Bong carpentry village. Experience a glimpse into the daily life of a Hoi An family.

Continue the tour to Phuc Kien or Fujian Assembly Hall, a religious and gathering place for residents, traders, and visitors from the Fujian region in China. Marvel at the vibrant courtyard fountains, elaborate gates, and intricately carved dragons in the main room.

Take a lunch break and enjoy free time to explore the city and go shopping. On the return journey to Da Nang, make a short detour to Tra Que organic vegetable village.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Da Nang

Experience the world’s impressive cable car, explore the French colonial-style complex, marvel at the Golden Bridge, and enjoy the thrills of Fantasy Park.

Transfer from hotel to Ba Na Hill, a mountain resort located 25 km west of Da Nang at an elevation of 1478m above sea level. Take an impressive 20-minute cable car ride to the peak, enjoying breathtaking scenery.

Explore the pagoda with a giant Buddha statue, stroll through green gardens amidst French architecture buildings and wine storages. Walk on the famous Golden Bridge, admiring stunning views of the national park, waterfalls, ocean, and distant cityscape. Have fun at Fantasy Park, the third largest indoor games zone in Vietnam, before returning to the city.

Transfer to Danang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport, the driver will greet you to escort you to the hotel.

Arrive at your hotel. Note: Hotel check-in time is at 14:00.

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

Drive 1.5 hours north of Ho Chi Minh City to experience one of the most powerful symbols of the city and its recent history, the Cu Chi Tunnels. Squeeze through this extensive network of underground tunnels built by the Viet Cong to combat the better-supplied American and South Vietnamese forces, remembering the recent tragedy of war in Vietnam and the hardships many locals faced in this time period.

Browse the exhibits of the War Remnants Museum and view the former Presidential Palace, which can be viewed from the outside only on certain days.

End the day by visiting colonial Saigon with stops at the photogenic Old Saigon Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, Dong Khoi Street (formerly known as Rue Catinat), the Continental House, City Hall, and of course, the Opera House.

• Meals: B
• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

From Saigon to Mekong delta, visiting Cai Be, boat trip, biking, overnight in Mekong Delta

Meet our tour guide and driver for a transfer to Cai Be. Visit Cao Dai temple along the way. Upon arrival, board a private boat for a mesmerizing cruise along the Mekong River branch, immersing yourself in the vibrant life of the canals adorned with orchards.

Explore craft workshops for rice popcorn, coconut caramel, and rice cakes. Discover the ancient Phu Chau pagoda on village paths, where tranquility reigns, and interact with the friendly locals. Indulge in a delicious lunch at an open-air restaurant, savoring the famous local specialty, the elephant ear fish. Conclude your day by rowing a small boat in the canals, shaded by fruit trees, while relishing the delightful flavors of seasonal fruits.

Continue your boat journey to Vinh Long and meet the driver at the pier for a transfer to Can Tho. Arrive in Can Tho in the late afternoon and check in at your hotel. Enjoy your free time to explore the city situated along the Mekong River. 

Relax and make the most of your own discoveries in this charming destination.

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

Transferring to airport for flights to next destinations

A private driver will conveniently collect you from the hotel lobby for your transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport, taking approximately 30 minutes. Please specify whether you require the international or domestic hall.

We appreciate your visit to our city and hope you had a wonderful time.

Please note that for international flights, it is recommended to be at the airport 3 hours prior to departure, while for domestic flights, 2 hours is advised.

During rush hours (07:00 – 08:30 AM and 16:30 – 18:30 PM), the travel time from the city center to Tan Son Nhat airport may extend to approximately 1 hour.

• Meals: B
• Accommodation: NA