Highlights
- Let a guide show you Hanoi's local neighborhoods in a vintage army Jeep
- Float across the dramatic landscape of Ha Long Bay on an overnight cruise
- Make lanterns, ride in a basket boat, and join a mini cooking class in Hoi An
- Boat through the Mekong Delta and visit traditional villages near Ben Tre
- Spend two relaxing days on the beach at Mui Ne, east of Ho Chi Minh City
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Hanoi, Explore at Your Own Pace | Hanoi |
| Day 2 | Hanoi City Walking & Vintage Jeep Tour | Hanoi |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Board Overnight Cruise | Ha Long Bay |
| Day 4 | Disembark Cruise, Fly to Danang, Transfer to Hoi An | Hoi An |
| Day 5 | Best of Hoi An Tour: Lantern Making, Cooking & Basket Boat Ride | Hoi An |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Da Nang, Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Sightseeing Tour | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 7 | Day Trip to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Mui Ne, Beach Time | Mui Ne |
| Day 9 | Free Day in Mui Ne | Mui Ne |
| Day 10 | Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, Explore at Your Own Pace
Xin chào! Welcome to Vietnam! You've landed in Hanoi, Vietnam's exciting capital. On arrival, a private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Drop your bags and refresh before venturing out to the lively streets. Wander tree-shaded avenues lined with a mix of centuries-old architecture, from ancient temples to French colonial buildings. While there are newer parts of Hanoi, most visitors are drawn to the charms of the Old Quarter, where you can stop for a Vietnamese coffee and watch roving local vendors go about their day.
This is also where you'll find plenty of fantastic street food, so stop for your first bahn mi sandwich, go shopping in the labyrinth of streets, and then take a relaxing walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. Use your afternoon to glimpse at Hanoi's unique lifestyle and feel the rhythm of its people. It's a great way kick off your adventure.
Day 2: Hanoi City Walking & Vintage Jeep Tour
Today you'll delve deeper into Hanoi by visiting its top sights. First, you'll venture to the Museum of Ethnology, where you can discover the country’s 54 ethnic groups, including colourful and intricate hill tribe costumes. Then you'll see the beautiful Temple of Literature, which was built in the 11th century and is dedicated to Confucius. This temple was the first university in Vietnam, and it's still a place where students burn incense and pray at the altars for academic success. After, take a guided stroll to the famous train street and taste the sweet and moreish "egg coffee."
In the afternoon, you'll jump into a vintage army jeep for a half-day tour. Step into the historic vehicle and enjoy the ride as your driver and guide weaves through a maze of backstreets and alleyways, showing you a local side to the city. Then you'll see why Hanoi is called "Little Paris" and see beautiful French-style architecture and green boulevards as you pass by the embassy area, Hanoi Opera House, Long Bien Bridge, and other landmarks. Finally see Westlake, Hanoi's largest lake, then visit little villages within the city and see the contrasts of skyscrapers and the 21st-century side of Hanoi.
Day 3: Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Board Overnight Cruise
It's time to venture toward the coast! This morning a transfer will take you 3.5 hours east where you'll board a cruise on Ha Long Bay. Here you'll float among thousands of spectacular limestone islands that make up this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site. This special place is where the land meets the Gulf of Tonkin and more than 1,000 karst islets rise above emerald waters. Part of it resembles the spine of a giant reptile, gaining it the name Ha Long, which means "descending dragon".
You'll drive through peaceful countryside typical of the Red River Delta with endless rice fields and winding rivers. After arriving at Ha Long’s tourist wharf around noon, you'll board the cruise. Relax and tuck into a lunch of fresh, local seafood while cruising past numerous islands and limestone structures rising from sea. This afternoon you'll choose from either kayaking or jumping in a bamboo rowboat to visit a cave. Return to relax on deck until it's time for dinner. Sit down to a delicious meat at sunset then settle into your private cabin for the night.
Day 4: Disembark Cruise, Fly to Danang, Transfer to Hoi An
Wake early to enjoy the cool morning air of Ha Long Bay at sunrise. Enjoy breakfast on board, then squeeze in one last swim. This morning you'll cruise around the bay, exploring more secluded areas before returning to the port. A transfer will take you 3.5 hours to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. Here you'll catch a 90-minute flight to Da Nang in Central Vietnam. Here another driver will take you to Hoi An, a former trading port with a notable historic center.
On the 45-minute drive, look out for the Marble Mountains, a cluster of marble and limestone hills named after the five elements of earth, fire, water, metal and wood. Finally, arrive in Hoi An where you'll check into your accommodation and have free time to explore this charming town that's famous for its many tailor shops. Wander through the local market, then head down to the river after dark and watch the town light up with silk lanterns.
Day 5: Best of Hoi An Tour: Lantern Making, Cooking & Basket Boat Ride
Today you'll experience the best of Hoi An with a local guide. Start with a bicycle ride from your hotel to a lantern-making workshop, where you'll learn about this traditional craft and make your own. Then, pedal over to Thanh Dong organic farm, a massive garden that supports 11 local families. Tour the garden where you'll sow seeds, water the vegetables, or pick herbs. Next, jump in basket boat for a ride along the Do River, passing coconut palms, lush scenery, and rice fields. Return to the bikes and pedal over to a local restaurant for a short cooking class with lunch.
In the afternoon, return to central Hoi An and explore the Ancient Town with your guide. This well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage site was an active trading port for the Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese, and Chinese people in the 17th and 18th centuries. The streets, houses and architecture remain untouched, despite Vietnam's turbulent history. You'll see the Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple, Tan Ky ancient house, and the Hoi An Market.
Day 6: Transfer to Da Nang, Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Sightseeing Tour
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Rise early to stroll through the historic center during the more quiet hours, and sit down for a bowl of steaming pho at breakfast time (just like the locals). Soon it will be time to take a 50-minute private transfer to Da Nang for your 80-minute flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City might not be the capital but it is the most populated city in Vietnam, with around 10 million people calling it home. It's also a place of contrasts, where streets vendors can be found alongside glitzy modern bars.
On arrival, a tour guide and driver will collect you for a short sightseeing tour, showing you both sides of Vietnam's largest city. Start at the Reunification Palace, where the "American War" officially ended as a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through the gates of the former residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. After, pass by the Notre Dame Cathedral then enter the General Post Office, the finest examples of French colonial architecture in the city. End the fun at bustling Ben Thanh Market, where you can barter for goods before checking into your hotel.
Day 7: Day Trip to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta
This morning a guide will drive you out two hours to Ben Tre, a peaceful part of the Mekong Delta known for its lush coconut groves. Arrive at Hung Vuong Pier where you'll board a cruise on the Ben Tre River, one of the tributaries of the Mekong River. The boat will cruise along the Ham Luong River (a branch of the Mekong), stopping off at various workshops to show you how the local economy works.
You'll first stop at a coconut processing workshop, where you can sample fresh coconut and see how every single part of this versatile nut is turned into food and other products. Next, see a mat weaving house, where straw mats are woven using a hand loom. For lunch, the boat will drop you off at a quiet village where you can explore on foot and see traditional village life. After eating at a local restaurant, you can jump in a row boat and explore canals. Finally, return to the car and make the two-hour drive back to Ho Chi Minh City for dinner.
Day 8: Transfer to Mui Ne, Beach Time
Day 9: Free Day in Mui Ne
Wake up to the sound of the ocean and have a slow breakfast at your hotel, overlooking the sea. Today is yours to simply kick back and enjoy being by the coast. After breakfast, you could rent a bicycle and explore the charming fishing villages of Mui Ne. Pedal along the coastal road, admiring the traditional fishing boats as they bob in the waves. If you're feeling adventurous, climb the nearby sand dunes and try sandboarding. Otherwise, find a beachfront café and savor a Vietnamese coffee and morning tea snack.
In the afternoon, treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment at one of the beachfront resorts. It's your final day on vacation, and last chance to truly relax, so a traditional Vietnamese massage or a rejuvenating facial will turn the holiday feeling up a notch. After, stretch out with a leisurely stroll along the beach, collecting seashells and enjoying the gentle breeze. Then, as the sun begins to set, sit down at a beachfront restaurant for a final delicious Vietnamese dinner. By the coast it's all about seafood, so try grilled fish or squid.
Day 10: Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City, Depart
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