DISCOVER VIETNAM IN 10 DAYS 9 NIGHTS: HANOI – HA LONG BAY – HUE – DA NANG – HOI AN – HO CHI MINH CITY – MEKONG DELTA

DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL – WELCOME DINNER

Meals: Dinner

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital and the starting point of your journey from North to South.

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, your local guide and driver will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in central Hanoi. Along the way, you will have your first glimpse of the capital, with its tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and charming Old Quarter.

After check-in, enjoy some free time to relax.

In the evening, join a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you can taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine and get your first introduction to the country’s rich culinary culture.

After dinner, you are free to explore Hanoi at night or return to the hotel for a relaxing evening.

🛌 Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi according to the selected category.

DAY 2: HANOI – HA LONG BAY – OVERNIGHT CRUISE

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, our vehicle will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi and depart for Ha Long Bay.

Upon arrival at the harbor, complete the boarding procedures and step aboard your cruise. You will be welcomed with a signature drink while the cruise manager introduces the itinerary and safety regulations.

Enjoy lunch at the onboard restaurant as the cruise slowly sails among the spectacular limestone islands of Ha Long Bay.

In the afternoon, explore some of the bay’s most impressive attractions. Depending on the cruise itinerary, you may visit Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest and most impressive caves in Ha Long Bay.

Continue to Titov Island, where you can relax on the beach, go swimming, or climb to the island’s summit for a panoramic view of Ha Long Bay.

Return to the cruise in the late afternoon and enjoy some relaxing time while watching the sunset over the bay.

Join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and learn how to prepare some traditional Vietnamese dishes.

In the evening, enjoy dinner onboard. After dinner, you may take part in evening activities such as squid fishing, enjoying drinks, watching a movie, or simply relaxing in the peaceful atmosphere of the bay.

🛌 Overnight on the cruise in Ha Long Bay.

DAY 3: HA LONG BAY – HANOI – CYCLO RIDE & WATER PUPPET SHOW

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over Ha Long Bay and join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck.

After breakfast, continue cruising to Luon Cave, one of the bay’s most scenic areas, surrounded by limestone cliffs and beautiful natural landscapes.

You can choose between kayaking or a traditional bamboo boat ride rowed by local people to explore the peaceful waters around the cave.

Return to the cruise, collect your luggage, and complete the check-out procedures.

Enjoy lunch onboard while the cruise sails back toward the harbor. Upon arrival, our vehicle will transfer you back to Hanoi.

In the afternoon, continue exploring Hanoi with a visit to The Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, Vietnam’s first national university and an important symbol of the country’s long tradition of education.

Then, enjoy approximately one hour of cyclo riding around Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Sit back and take in the charming narrow streets, local shops, historic buildings, and lively atmosphere of the capital.

Continue to Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can visit Ngoc Son Temple and take memorable photos of The Huc Bridge, one of Hanoi’s most recognizable landmarks.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a unique art form featuring colorful puppets performing traditional stories accompanied by Vietnamese music.

After the show, return to the hotel and relax.

🛌 Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 4: HANOI – FLY TO HUE – EXPLORE THE IMPERIAL CITY

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.

Upon arrival in Hue, your guide and driver will welcome you at the airport.

Begin your journey with a relaxing dragon boat ride along the Perfume River, the iconic river of Hue. Cruise along the peaceful waters while enjoying views of the city and surrounding countryside.

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most famous landmarks. Located on the banks of the Perfume River, the pagoda is renowned for its historic architecture and tranquil atmosphere.

Continue to Khai Dinh Tomb, one of the most distinctive royal tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty. The complex features an impressive combination of traditional Vietnamese architecture and European influences.

In the afternoon, explore the Imperial Citadel of Hue, the political and cultural center of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. Discover the history of the royal family, traditional imperial architecture, and stories surrounding Vietnam’s last dynasty.

Continue to the Museum of Royal Antiquities, home to a valuable collection of artifacts associated with the Nguyen Dynasty and the imperial court.

End the day with a visit to Dong Ba Market, Hue’s famous traditional market. Explore local products, specialties, handicrafts, and experience the everyday life of local residents.

The evening is free to enjoy Hue’s renowned cuisine at your own pace.

🛌 Overnight in Hue.

🍜 Hue specialties to try: Bun Bo Hue, Banh Beo, Banh Nam, Banh Loc, Nem Lui, Banh Khoai, and traditional Hue sweet soups.

DAY 5: HUE – DA NANG – HOI AN – ANCIENT TOWN WALKING TOUR

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Around 9:00 AM, depart from Hue for Hoi An.

Along the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Central Vietnam, including the spectacular coastal landscapes around Lang Co Bay.

Continue to Da Nang, a vibrant coastal city famous for its beautiful beaches and modern atmosphere.

Visit Son Tra Peninsula, an area known for its rich natural ecosystem and spectacular views over Da Nang and the sea.

Continue to Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the famous Lady Buddha statue facing the sea. From here, enjoy panoramic views of Da Nang’s coastline and surrounding mountains.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Hoi An.

In the afternoon, begin a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore Japanese Covered Bridge, the Museum of Trade Ceramics, Tan Ky Ancient House, traditional assembly halls, the old streets, and historic buildings reflecting the cultural influences of Vietnam, China, and Japan.

After the tour, return to your hotel to relax.

In the evening, enjoy free time to explore Hoi An, sample local specialties, shop for handicrafts, or admire the colorful lanterns illuminating the ancient town.

🛌 Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 6: HOI AN – FREE DAY

Meals: Breakfast

Today is a free day to explore Hoi An at your own pace.

You may relax at the hotel, stroll through the Ancient Town, enjoy Vietnamese coffee, shop for local handicrafts, or discover Hoi An’s famous cuisine.

For those looking for additional experiences, you may choose from the following optional activities:

OPTION 1: HOI AN COOKING CLASS

Begin with a visit to a local market, where you will discover fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine.

Continue to a cooking school, visit its herb garden, and learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes under the guidance of a professional chef.

You will have the opportunity to prepare the dishes yourself before sitting down to enjoy the meal you have created.

OPTION 2: FARMING & FISHING ECO EXPERIENCE

Explore Tra Que Vegetable Village and discover the traditional lifestyle of local farmers.

Experience traditional farming activities, cycle through peaceful countryside lanes, and continue your journey by boat.

Learn about traditional fishing techniques, experience a Vietnamese bamboo basket boat, and enjoy lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients.

OPTION 3: HOI AN COUNTRYSIDE VESPA EXPERIENCE

Leave the Ancient Town behind and explore the peaceful countryside around Hoi An by Vespa.

Ride through rice fields, quiet villages, and local markets. Visit traditional family workshops and learn about local crafts, including rice-paper making, mat weaving, and rice-wine production.

Return to Hoi An as the sun sets over the beautiful countryside.

OPTION 4: MY SON SANCTUARY AT SUNSET

In the afternoon, depart for My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the ancient Cham architectural complex and learn about the history of the Champa Kingdom while enjoying traditional Cham performances.

After the visit, take a boat along the Thu Bon River back to Hoi An, enjoying the cool breeze and beautiful sunset scenery.

🛌 Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 7: HOI AN – FLY TO HO CHI MINH CITY – CU CHI TUNNELS

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, enjoy some free time until your driver arrives to transfer you to Da Nang International Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, your guide and driver will welcome you and begin the journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Located approximately 50 km from central Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels are an extensive underground tunnel network that played an important role during the Vietnam War.

Watch an introductory video about the history and construction of the tunnel system and learn about how local people lived and worked underground during wartime.

Continue exploring selected safe sections of the tunnels and discover the ingenious methods used by people living in this underground network.

After the visit, return to central Ho Chi Minh City and check in at your hotel.

The evening is free to explore the city.

🛌 Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 8: HO CHI MINH CITY – VINH LONG – CAN THO

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, our vehicle will pick you up at the hotel and depart for Vinh Long, beginning your journey into the heart of the Mekong Delta.

Upon arrival in the Cai Be area, board a boat and begin exploring the unique river life of Southern Vietnam.

Continue to Tan Phong Island, where you can cycle or walk along peaceful village paths and observe local life, including fruit orchards, schools, pagodas, churches, and traditional houses.

Visit local families and discover how dried water hyacinth is transformed into handmade products such as baskets, bags, hats, and household items.

Continue with a traditional rowing boat ride through narrow canals, passing beneath lush water coconut trees and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside.

Cruise along the Mekong River toward An Binh Island.

Enjoy tea and tropical fruits in a local garden while learning more about the lifestyle and culture of the Mekong Delta.

Continue to several traditional workshops and discover how locals make rice paper, coconut candy, puffed rice, and other regional specialties.

You may also visit traditional brick kilns, where local craftsmen use clay to create beautiful ceramic products.

After the excursion, return to the pier and continue by road to Can Tho, the capital of the Mekong Delta.

🛌 Overnight in Can Tho.

DAY 9: CAN THO – CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET – HO CHI MINH CITY

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Wake up early for a special experience at the famous Cai Rang Floating Market.

Board a boat and travel along the river in the early morning, when the market is at its liveliest. Hundreds of boats gather on the water, selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and local products from across the Mekong Delta.

Observe how local people buy and sell goods directly from their boats, enjoy a local breakfast, and experience the unique rhythm of life on the river.

If time permits, visit Binh Thuy Ancient House, an impressive historic residence in Can Tho featuring a fascinating blend of traditional Vietnamese and Western architectural influences.

Return to the hotel for breakfast and check out.

Depart for Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way, enjoy views of rural landscapes, rice fields, waterways, and everyday life in Southern Vietnam.

Enjoy lunch along the way.

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon, check in at the hotel, and relax.

The evening is free to explore the city or enjoy local cuisine.

🛌 Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 10: HO CHI MINH CITY – DEPARTURE

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to relax, shop for souvenirs, or explore more of Ho Chi Minh City depending on your flight schedule.

If time permits, you may visit some of the city’s highlights, such as Ben Thanh Market, the Central Post Office, the Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, or Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

At the scheduled time, our driver and guide will transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.

END OF THE 10-DAY 9-NIGHT VIETNAM JOURNEY

Thank you for traveling with us, and we look forward to welcoming you again on your next adventure in Vietnam! 🇻🇳✈️