Essential Vietnam 10 Day Private Tour at Your Own Pace

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Hanoi (Arrival in Hanoi, airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel)
2 stops
1
Noi Bai International Airport
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our guide and driver at the pickup lobby. You’ll then enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi, passing over the Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city’s unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
2
Old Quarter
The rest of the day is free at your leisure. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense. Overnight stay in Hanoi. Note: Hotel check-in time is from 2:00 PM. Early check-in is subject to availability and may incur an additional charge.
5 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Hanoi (Free day to explore Hanoi at your own pace)
5 stops
3
Temple of Literature & National University
Wander through the peaceful gardens, admire Khue Van Cac, and explore Vietnam’s first national university with its UNESCO-recognized stone steles.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
4
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays): A fascinating look into the country’s diverse ethnic cultures, featuring traditional houses, costumes, and daily-life artifacts.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
5
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
(Outside only): Stroll through tree-lined boulevards, see the Mausoleum from the outside, then continue to the Presidential Palace area, Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
6
Old Quarter
Relax in a traditional café and enjoy this creamy Hanoi specialty born in the colonial era. Explore the 36 historic streets, bustling markets, temples and iconic tube houses. Walking is the best way to feel the district’s vibrant rhythm.
3 hours • Admission ticket not included
7
Thang Long Water Puppet
Water puppet show: In the evening, you can enjoy the water puppet show that is the unique performances, first appeared in the 11th century. In these shows, the daily life, culture and belief of Vietnamese people are described by puppets on water. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hanoi.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
Day 3
Hanoi - Lan Ha Bay (Transfer to Ha Long, cruise Lan Ha Bay, explore Dark & Bright Cave, and swim)
5 stops
8
Hạ Long Bay
8:00 - 8:30: The driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi, and from there, we’ll begin our journey to Halong City with a scenic drive through the Red River Delta. The trip takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, with an optional stop along the way for a short break.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
9
Tuan Chau Island
11:30 – 12:00: Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor. 12:00 – 12:30: Board a tender to transfer to the main vessel. Welcome aboard Sena Cruise! Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink as our Cruise Manager gives a safety briefing and a short introduction to the cruise program. Afterward, check into your cabin and settle in.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
10
Lan Ha Bay
13:15 – 13:45: Lunch is served while Sena Cruise begins its journey into the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay—an extension of Ha Long Bay, known for its tranquility and fewer visitors. Along the way, admire iconic formations such as Finger Islet and Candle Islet, as well as countless limestone karsts and islands.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
11
Dark and Bright Cave
15:00: Explore the serene Dark and Bright Cave, renowned for its untouched natural beauty and poetic landscape. Take stunning photos of this romantic area or enjoy a relaxing bamboo boat ride. You may also swim in the calm, emerald waters—a perfect way to experience the hidden charm of Lan Ha Bay.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
12
Lan Ha Bay
17:00: Return to the cruise. Join a sunset party on the deck—an ideal moment for photographers to capture the golden hour over the bay. Participate in a Vietnamese cooking class and learn how to make traditional spring rolls. Our captain will anchor the boat in a peaceful area for the night. 19:00: Enjoy a delicious dinner in the onboard restaurant. Afterward, unwind with your choice of activities: Chat at the bar or enjoy a movie in the restaurant; Treat yourself to a spa session (*); Sip cocktails at the panoramic bar (*); Try your hand at squid fishing with our prepared rods and lighting. Overnight onboard in Lan Ha Bay. (*) Additional charges apply for some services—please book with the cruise team directly.
5 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Lan Ha Bay - Hoi An (Start with Tai Chi, explore Tra Bau, return to Hanoi, then fly to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An)
5 stops
13
Lan Ha Bay
06:00: Start your day early with a sunrise photo opportunity and join our Tai Chi session on the sundeck to rejuvenate your body and mind. 07:00: The Sena Cruise sails through more majestic karst formations. Enjoy tea, coffee, and a light breakfast in the fresh morning air.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
14
Lang chai Tra Bau
08:15: Experience kayaking and swimming in the peaceful waters of Tra Bau, one of the filming locations for Kong: Skull Island (2018). Discover hidden corners and soak up the serene atmosphere. 09:30: Return to the boat and check out of your cabin.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
15
Lan Ha Bay
10:00: While enjoying a set-menu early light lunch, Sena Cruise gently sails back toward the harbor, passing by a panorama of limestone cliffs. 11:30 – 11:45: Arrive at the harbor, disembark, and farewell to the crew.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
16
Noi Bai International Airport
The cruise shuttle bus driver meets you at the Cruise Waiting Lounge and transfers you back to Hanoi. You are dropped off in the Old Quarter, where your private driver picks you up for the onward transfer to Noi Bai Airport.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
17
Danang International Airport
Take a short flight to Da Nang City. Upon your arrival at Da Nang airport, our local driver will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation in Hoi An, a journey of approximately 1 hour. Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hoi An.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Hoi An (Free day to explore Hoi An at your own pace. Below are suggested activities if you’d like some inspiration)
3 stops
18
Cam Thanh
Basket Boat Experience: Visit to Cam Thanh village, known for its peaceful waterways and centuries-old nipa palm forests. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing ride in a traditional bamboo basket boat and try simple crab fishing — a light, fun activity close to nature.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
19
Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town: Wander the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town at your own pace. You may visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, old merchant houses, temples, and the vibrant local market.
3 hours • Admission ticket not included
20
Hoi An
Tailor-made clothing: Hoi An is also one of the best places in Vietnam for tailor-made clothing, with skilled tailors offering high-quality garments often completed within 24 hours. Lunch: You may like to try Cao lau — a regional specialty with thick noodles, pork slices, crispy croutons, and fresh herbs found only in Hoi An — or Mi Quang, turmeric noodles topped with pork, shrimp, herbs, and a light, fragrant broth. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hoi An.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Hoi An - Hue (Transfer to Hue and enjoy the afternoon at your own pace)
3 stops
21
Hue
8:30: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in the heart of Hoi An. From there, we’ll head to Hue, passing through Da Nang. The journey takes about 3-4 hours, taking you along some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in central Vietnam, including My Khe Beach, fishing villages, the Hai Van Pass, and Lang Co Lagoon. Upon arrival in Hue, you are dropped off at your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at your own pace.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
22
Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
The Imperial Citadel: Discover Hue’s former imperial capital, designed with Vauban-style defensive architecture. Key highlights include the Flag Tower, the South Gate, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, ancestral temples, and the surviving halls of the Forbidden City.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
23
Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba Market: Stroll through bustling aisles filled with fresh produce, local snacks, conical hats, and traditional handicrafts - a lively window into everyday life in Hue. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hue.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Hue - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) (Enjoy the morning at your own pace and take a flight to Ho Chi Minh city)
4 stops
24
Thien Mu Pagoda
One of Hue’s oldest spiritual landmarks, founded in 1601. Its distinctive octagonal tower and sweeping views over the Perfume River make it an inspiring place to understand the spiritual heritage of the former capital.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
25
Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang
An architectural masterpiece that harmoniously blends imperial design with serene natural landscapes. Initiated during Emperor Minh Mang’s reign (1820–1840) and completed by Emperor Thieu Tri, the complex showcases the refined craftsmanship of thousands of artisans of the Nguyen era.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
26
A peaceful riverside village known for its fragrant pomelo gardens. You can opt for an easy bicycle ride through shaded lanes, stopping at ancestral temples, century-old garden houses, and small vegetable plots tended by local families.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
27
Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, our local driver will greet you at the pickup area and transfer you to your hotel in the city. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 8
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) (Enjoy a free day to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace)
4 stops
28
The Independence Palace
Former residence and workplace of the South Vietnamese presidents, featuring preserved 1960s–1970s interiors and the iconic tank that marked the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
29
War Remnants Museum
A powerful museum offering a comprehensive perspective on the Vietnam War through photographs, documents, and thematic exhibitions. Lunch: Popular options include banh xeo, com tam, or a Southern-style seafood meal — all excellent introductions to Saigon’s vibrant food culture.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
30
Quan Am Pagoda
One of the city’s oldest pagodas, dedicated to Guan Yin and influenced by Taoist traditions. A peaceful stop rich in spiritual atmosphere.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
31
Binh Tay Market
Located in the heart of Chinatown, this bustling wholesale market offers clothing, souvenirs, spices, snacks, and a lively food court where you can sample authentic local dishes. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - Ben Tre - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) (Cruise Ben Tre & meet Mekong locals)
3 stops
32
Ben Tre
8:00: Tour guide and driver welcome you at your hotel for your transfer to Ben Tre, a beautiful region in the Mekong Delta River, famous for making coconut candy. Arrive at Hung Vuong pier, take a boat trip on Ben Tre River to discover the daily local life.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
33
Nhon Thanh
Continue your boat trip on a canal to Nhon Thanh Village. This will be an opportunity to taste the fresh fruits. Take a bike ride (or Tuk tuk) on a small path through the villages and enjoy views of the coconut ranges, rice fields and vegetable gardens. A lunch of elephant ear fish is served in the village. A short walk will help you to discover the local life in depth. This is followed by a boat ride on the small canal shaded by the wild palm trees.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
34
Ho Chi Minh City
Transfer back to Saigon in the late afternoon. Dinner is on your own expense (not included). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) (Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your departure flight)
1 stop
35
Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport. Note: Hotel check-out time is before 12:00 PM. Late check-out is subject to availability and may incur an additional charge.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Tags