VIBRANT VIETNAM
Get the full Vietnamese experience – culture, cuisine, and natural scenery – in just 10 days from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi.
Starts at
Ho Chi Minh City
Ends at
Hanoi
Duration
Group Size
Maximum 16
Physical Rating
Light
Style
Discovery
About Your Trip
Vietnam is as vast geographically as it is rich in history, which is why we’ve put together this extensive itinerary, taking you from the southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City to the northern capital, Hanoi. Two domestic flights are included in the price, allowing us to explore the country’s three most noteworthy cities fully. Moreover, you will meet rural farmers, discover secret tunnels in the countryside, and enjoy a full day and night cruising along the serene waters of Halong Bay.
Trip Highlights
- Guided tours in Vietnam’s three most awe-inspiring cities: Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An, and Hanoi.
- Spend an entire day and night cruising on Halong Bay.
- Enjoy a private musical performance with a local hero in Ho Chi Minh.
- Explore the fascinating Ky Anh Tunnels, providing insight into wartime Vietnam.
- Sample traditional Sampan rum at a local distillery.
- Visit a rural village and participate in an authentic cooking class.
- Experience profound historical narratives at the “Hanoi Hilton,” a former prison.
Your Itinerary
Your adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh, the most populous city in Vietnam, home to approximately 10 million people. You will be picked up at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) and transferred to the first hotel of our journey. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome meeting and dinner, an ideal opportunity to connect.
Accommodation: Northern Charm (or similar)
Activities Included:
- Welcome meeting and dinner
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of the vibrant city. This metropolis is rich with iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Start by visiting the park to observe the morning routines of locals, then proceed to a lively flower market. Recharge with traditional Vietnamese coffee at a beloved local café before visiting a striking Buddhist temple. Next, delve into the culinary scene with lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon, enjoy a special private concert with local legend Mr. Duc Dau, a passionate musician who embodies Vietnamese culture.
Accommodation: Northern Charm (or similar)
Activities Included:
- Ho Chi Minh city tour
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Music experience with Mr. Dau
The vastness of Vietnam makes exploring the culturally rich northern regions challenging from Ho Chi Minh, so we’ll take a flight to Danang before heading to Hoi An. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of one of Vietnam’s most picturesque cities, known for its well-preserved old town. Marvel at cultural influences at the 16th-century Japanese Bridge and visit a historic home that has sheltered 14 generations.
Accommodation: EMM Hotel (or similar)
Activities Included:
- Flight from Ho Chi Minh to Danang
- Hoi An city tour
This morning, explore the Ky Anh Tunnels, a crucial wartime site. A tour with war veteran Mr. Ta will provide a profound insight into village life during challenging times. Following this, visit the Distillerie d’Indochine, where you can taste delicious Sampan rum and enjoy a mojito.
Accommodation: EMM Hotel (or similar)
Activities Included:
- Ky Anh Tunnels tour
- Distillerie d’Indochine visit and tasting
Today’s journey leads to the charming farming village of Tra Que. First, enjoy an iced coffee at a local café before exploring a bustling market. After this, embark on a scenic boat trip to Tra Que. Upon arrival, enjoy an organic beverage and participate in local farming activities or relax with a massage. Conclude the day with a cooking class, where you’ll prepare a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Accommodation: EMM Hotel (or similar)
Activities Included:
- Morning coffee and market visit
- Tra Que village experience
- Lunchtime cooking class
Next, fly from Danang to Hanoi. After settling in, visit Hỏa Lò Prison for a poignant glimpse into Vietnam’s complex history. Later, explore the bustling Old Quarter on a cyclo and enjoy a delightful traditional water puppet show.
Accommodation: Le Jardin Haute (or similar)
Activities Included:
- Flight from Danang to Hanoi
- Hoa Lo Prison visit
- Hanoi Old Quarter cyclo tour
- Water Puppet Show
- Dinner at local restaurant
This morning, discover the heart of Vietnamese heritage with a tour of the Ho Chi Minh Complex and the historic Temple of Literature. These sites celebrate Vietnam’s path to independence and its academic traditions. Following the tours, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Accommodation: Le Jardin Haute (or similar)
Activities Included:
- Half-day Hanoi tour
- Lunch at local restaurant
No visit to Vietnam is complete without experiencing Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Board a boat, revel in stunning views of limestone karsts, and enjoy local delicacies. Afternoon options include swimming or hiking for panoramic vistas. In the evening, delight in onboard activities and a delectable dinner.
Accommodation: Emeraude Classic Cruise
Activities Included:
- Halong Bay cruise
- Lunch onboard
- Dinner onboard
Awake to serene views of Halong Bay. After a morning yoga session, explore the geological wonders of Sung Sot Cave. Enjoy a relaxing brunch before heading back to Hanoi, where you’ll have a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Le Jardin Haute (or similar)
Activities Included:
- Morning Halong Bay Cruise
- Brunch/lunch onboard
- Farewell dinner in Hanoi
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Nội Bài International Airport (HAN) for your departure. Reflect on the vibrant cities and scenic wonders Vietnam offers.
What’s Included
- 8 nights hotel accommodation
- 1 night cruise accommodation
- 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- Local Insider
- Local transport
- Transfers to and from airport
- Welcome meeting
- Domestic flight from Ho Chi Minh to Danang
- Domestic flight from Danang to Hanoi
- Ho Chi Minh city tour
- Music experience with Mr. Dau
- Hoi An city tour
- Ky Anh Tunnels tour
- Distillerie d’Indochine visit and tasting
- Tra Que village experience
- Cooking class
- Hoa Lo Prison visit
- Hanoi Old Quarter cyclo tour
- Water Puppet Show
- Half-day Hanoi tour
- Halong Bay overnight cruise
What’s Not Included
- International Flights
- Visas
- Travel insurance
Customer Reviews
Average Customer Rating:
4.6/5
Independent Service Rating based on 154 verified reviews.
Accommodation
Northern Charm, Ho Chi Minh (or similar)
This sleek, luxurious hotel in Ho Chi Minh City provides an oasis of tranquility amidst the bustling streets. Enjoy coffee in the spacious lobby, and savor dinner with a view from the stylish restaurant or the rooftop bar, complete with a pool.
EMM Hotel, Hoi An (or similar)
This charming hotel in Hoi An enhances the beautiful atmosphere with landscaped gardens and a pool area. Inside, you’ll find bright room designs, excellent dining options, a bar, a library, and a spa.
Le Jardin Haute, Hanoi (or similar)
Near West Lake, this luxurious skyscraper hotel offers a regal experience, with golden trimmings and grand chandeliers in the lobby. Enjoy dining at the in-house restaurants, pampering at the luxurious spa, or sipping drinks at the stunning rooftop bar.
Emeraude Classic Cruise, Halong Bay
This vintage cruise ship offers a unique experience on Halong Bay, featuring splendid views, kayaking opportunities, dining, and onboard activities, creating lasting memories.
Covid Safety
The safety and wellbeing of all travelers is paramount. Please check entry requirements for your destination. Our travel experts are available to assist you with this information.
Important Info
- You must be aged 25 years or over to join this trip.
- Ensure you check if a visa is required for entry into Vietnam.
- Notify our team of any pre-existing medical conditions or accessibility needs.
- No extra charges for solo travelers; you’ll share a twin room with another traveler of the same gender.
- Travel insurance is compulsory for all travelers.
- Itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change; changes may occur due to circumstances beyond our control.
- Images are illustrative and may not perfectly reflect your itinerary.
Lifelong Memories
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