Vietnam Highlights - 10 Days North to South
The ultimate Vietnam journey from Hanoi to Saigon, experiencing ancient culture, UNESCO heritage, stunning landscapes, and world-famous cuisine.
Overview
Experience the very best of Vietnam in 10 unforgettable days. Journey from the historic streets of Hanoi through the mystical Ha Long Bay, along the beautiful coast to ancient Hoi An, and end in dynamic Ho Chi Minh City. This perfectly balanced itinerary showcases Vietnam's incredible diversity.
Day by Day Itinerary
Arrival in Hanoi
Welcome to Vietnam! Transfer to your hotel in the heart of the Old Quarter. Afternoon walking tour through the ancient 36 streets, each named after traditional trades. Evening cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Hotel check-in
Boutique hotel in Old Quarter
- Old Quarter Walking Tour
Explore the historic 36 streets with local guide
- Cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake
Traditional pedicab experience at sunset
- Welcome dinner
Traditional Vietnamese cuisine in restored French villa
Hanoi - Heritage & Culture
Full day exploring Hanoi's most significant landmarks. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, Temple of Literature, and the fascinating Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Evening water puppet show - a unique Vietnamese art form.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda
- Temple of Literature
Vietnam's first national university
- Museum of Ethnology
Learn about Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups
- Water Puppet Show
Traditional Vietnamese performing art
Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site Ha Long Bay. Board your luxury junk boat and begin cruising among thousands of limestone karsts. Visit Sung Sot Cave, kayak through hidden lagoons, and enjoy a seafood feast on board.
- Depart Hanoi
Scenic drive through Red River Delta
- Board cruise ship
Check into cabin, lunch while cruising
- Sung Sot Cave
One of the bay's largest and most beautiful caves
- Kayaking
Explore hidden lagoons and floating villages
Ha Long Bay to Hanoi to Da Nang
Wake to sunrise over the bay. Tai chi session on deck followed by brunch while cruising back. Return to Hanoi and fly to Da Nang. Transfer to Hoi An and settle into your riverside resort.
- Tai Chi on deck
Optional morning exercise
- Brunch and check-out
Final cruise through the bay
- Return to Hanoi
Scenic drive back
- Flight to Da Nang
1.5 hour flight
- Arrive Hoi An
Check into riverside resort
Hoi An Ancient Town
Full day immersed in beautiful Hoi An. Morning walking tour of the UNESCO Ancient Town, visiting the Japanese Bridge, Chinese assembly halls, and traditional houses. Afternoon at leisure for tailoring, shopping, or relaxing by the pool.
- Ancient Town Walking Tour
Japanese Bridge, Phung Hung House, assembly halls
- Lunch at Morning Glory
Famous restaurant by celebrity chef Ms. Vy
- Free time
Tailoring fittings, shopping, or resort leisure
- Lantern-lit dinner
Riverside restaurant as lanterns illuminate the town
Hoi An - Countryside & Cooking
Morning bicycle ride through rice paddies to Tra Que vegetable village. Hands-on cooking class learning Vietnamese dishes using freshly picked ingredients. Afternoon at An Bang Beach.
- Bicycle to Tra Que Village
Scenic ride through countryside
- Farming experience
Work alongside local farmers
- Cooking class
Learn to prepare Vietnamese dishes
- An Bang Beach
Relax at one of Vietnam's finest beaches
Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City
Morning at leisure for last-minute tailor pickups. Flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Afternoon orientation walk through District 1 including Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and historic Opera House.
- Final tailor fitting
Collect your custom garments
- Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
1.5 hour flight
- District 1 orientation
Cathedral, Post Office, Opera House
- Rooftop drinks
Sunset views from iconic Saigon skyscraper
Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon
Morning excursion to the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels - an underground network used during the Vietnam War. Return for lunch and visit the sobering War Remnants Museum. Evening Vespa street food tour.
- Cu Chi Tunnels
Underground tunnel system and war history
- Return to Saigon
Lunch en route
- War Remnants Museum
Powerful Vietnam War documentation
- Vespa street food tour
Explore Saigon's back alleys by motorbike
Mekong Delta Day Trip
Full day exploring the Mekong Delta - Vietnam's rice bowl. Cruise through waterways, visit floating markets, see traditional crafts, and enjoy a home-cooked lunch in a local family's orchard.
- Depart for Ben Tre
Journey to Mekong Delta
- Boat cruise
Navigate coconut-lined canals
- Traditional workshops
See coconut candy, rice paper making
- Lunch in orchard
Home-cooked meal with local family
- Sampan boat ride
Small boat through narrow waterways
Departure from Ho Chi Minh City
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final morning in Saigon. Perhaps visit Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs or enjoy one last bowl of pho. Transfer to airport for your onward journey.
- Free time
Ben Thanh Market or leisure
- Airport transfer
Private transfer based on flight time
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