11 Days Exploring Highlights of Vietnam from North to South

Upon arrival at the airport in Hanoi, you will be met by our guide and driver who will transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to spend at your leisure, exploring the city and its rich culture that showcases a blend of Chinese and French influences in architecture and cuisine. Meals will be at your own expense and you will spend the night at the hotel in Hanoi.

After having breakfast at your hotel, you will embark on a journey to the stunning Halong Bay – a precious gem located in the north of Vietnam. As you travel through the Red River Delta, you will be captivated by the breathtaking views of rice paddy fields and mountains. Once you reach Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will board a Junk Boat and cruise through the emerald waters, surrounded by limestone karsts. Enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh seafood on board, followed by a visit to a stunning grotto with incredible stalactites and stalagmites.

During the journey, you can take a relaxing swim in the warm waters of Halong Bay and even kayak to the floating island for a closer look at the bay and its islands. As the day draws to an end, the ship will anchor for the night, providing you with an unforgettable overnight stay on board.

We suggest packing an overnight bag to avoid carrying all your luggage with you during your trip, and you can safely store your belongings in your Hanoi hotel.

Witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the cliffs and capture some stunning shots. After a scrumptious breakfast, you can choose to either click more pictures or unwind under the sun with your favorite book. Later, post-lunch, you will be transferred back to Hanoi by bus.

Dinner is not included today and you can relish your choice of food at a restaurant of your preference. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel in Hanoi.

After having your breakfast, you can either relax or take a walk in the streets near your hotel before your transport arrives to transfer you to the airport for a short flight to Hue, the ancient Imperial City of Vietnam. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

After taking some rest, your guide will take you to explore the royal city where you will visit the famous Hue Citadel. The Citadel is located on the north bank of Perfume River and includes three walled enclosures: the Citadel, Kim Thanh Hue, the Yellow Imperial City, Hoang Thanh, and the Forbidden Purple City – Tu Cam Thanh, which is located in the center of the complex. The entire complex has been recognized as a World Heritage Site because of its ancient history and the importance of Vietnamese culture.

After the visit, return to your hotel to relax. You will have your meals on your own and overnight at the hotel.

In the morning, you will check out of your hotel and travel to Hoi An by bus. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, Lang Co Beach, with its long, white sandy beach. You will also pass through the scenic Hai Van Pass, where you can admire the breathtaking scenery of the central coastline.

Your first stop in Hoi An will be Marble Mountain, which is a group of five hills composed of limestone and marble in Da Nang. This site is not only known for its natural beauty but is also a popular pilgrimage destination featuring peaks, caves, tunnels, and temples.

Afterward, you will check into your hotel in Hoi An, with the room available from 2:00 PM. The rest of the day is yours to explore the ancient town of Hoi An or visit one of the many tailors to have a custom-made garment. Meals in your own, and you will spend the night at the hotel.

Our tour guide will collect you from your hotel and accompany you to the designated meeting point. We will then cycle through serene green rice paddies to reach the local Ba Le market, where our guide will show you the origins of the cooking ingredients and explain how the market operates. You will also have an opportunity to purchase some items for yourself. Following that, we will proceed to the restaurant where the cooking class and chef will be awaiting your arrival.

Once you arrive at the cooking school, you can enjoy a Vietnamese coffee break to relax and rejuvenate. Then, you will participate in a delightful bamboo basket boat ride through the small creeks in the water coconut fields, and even engage in the traditional folk game called “bit mat dap noi”.

After the boat ride, you will commence cooking a range of local dishes as per the menu below. Our chef and tour guide will provide instructions and assistance throughout the course. Following the cooking class, you will have the opportunity to savor your creations during lunch.

We will then return to Hoi An Ancient Town via a leisurely boat ride, where you can enjoy the scenery and witness the local fishermen’s way of life along the riverside. Finally, you will be escorted back to your hotel. Dinner is at your own expense, and you will spend the night at the hotel.

Duration: 5 – 7 hours

* Menu: (vegetarian menu available upon request)

– Fresh Spring Rolls
– Rice Pancake
– Papaya Salad with Shrimp and Pork
– Braised Chicken with Chili and Lemongrass

You have a free day to spend as you please. You can either relax on the stunning An Bang Beach and swim in the warm sea, or explore the Ancient Village of Hoi An. Meals on your own. You will spend the night at your hotel in Hoi An.

After your breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Danang to catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you’ll meet our guide and head to the hotel for check-in. You can spend the rest of the evening exploring this vibrant city that is a hub of commerce and culture in Vietnam. The streets are lined with both temples and skyscrapers. Dinner will be at your own expense, and you will spend the night at the hotel.

Our driver and guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on a 2.5-hour drive to Cai Be. Along the way, we will make stops for refreshments and restrooms.

Once we arrive in Cai Be, we will explore a flea market and then embark on a cruise along the canals and channels to enjoy beautiful views of the Mekong River. We will stop at a houseboat in the floating market to sample fresh fruits and witness how the locals conduct their business on the water.

During visits to some of the local cottage industries, you will see a coconut candy workshop, try snake wine, learn how to make pop-rice, and see the process of making rice paper.

We will then cross the Mekong River to Tan Phong, a famous island where we will visit a tropical fruit garden and listen to Vietnamese traditional music. We will also take a hand-rowing sampan to experience local life.

Lunch will be served at a local house where you will have the opportunity to learn a cooking demonstration and cook a traditional Vietnamese dish. Afterward, you can choose to take a cycling tour of about 30 minutes around the village to experience local life or take a rest at the house.

Finally, we will say goodbye to our hosts and drive back to Ho Chi Minh City where we will drop you off at your hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

You have the entire day to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. You can visit famous landmarks such as the Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, or the bustling Ben Thanh Market. You can also take a stroll around the city and enjoy the local food and culture. Meals will be on your own, and you will spend the night at your hotel.

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There are a few optional activities you can consider:

• Option 1: Join a group tour for a half-day visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
• Option 2: Take a private tour for a half-day visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
• Option 3: Join a group tour for a half-day visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels by speed boat.

The Cu Chi Tunnels are an impressive historical site located in southern Vietnam. This vast network of tunnels spans over 250 kilometers and provided shelter for Vietnamese soldiers during the wars. The system served as communication routes, storage facilities, hospitals, and living areas for Vietnamese fighters throughout the war. Descend into the tunnels to discover the remarkable infrastructure and the harsh conditions of the Vietcong guerrillas.

If you are interested, you can also try firing a round from a war-era M16 or AK47 at the nearby firing range. (Note: This is optional, and the fees for the firing range are not included.)

On the last day of your tour, you have some free time to relax and prepare for your departure flight. Your hotel room is available until noon, after which our team will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.

Thank you for choosing our tour services. We hope you had an enjoyable and memorable experience exploring Vietnam and hope to see you again in the future.