12 Days Private Explore Vietnam Culture & Heritage North to South

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Hanoi (Welcome to Hanoi, enjoy a walking tour in the old quarter)
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
2
Hoan Kiem Walking Street
Continue the day, tour guide will escort you walking around the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake to the Opera House, stopping at the statue of King Ly Thai To and Vietnamese Government Guest House, Sofitel Metropole Hanoi. Walk back to the Old town, visit some main streets before returning to your hotel. Option: If your flight arrives late or you are jet lag after long flight, the walking tour will be moved to the city tour day.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Hanoi (Visiting the city's highlights, French Quarter, Ho Chi Minh complex, leisurely walk by the West Lake)
6 stops
3
Temple of Literature & National University
9:00 AM: The Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city’s symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "stone steles” which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
4
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Follow it with a visit to one of the city’s museums (choose among the National history museum, Hoa Lo, Museum of Ethnology and Fine art museum) before having a break for lunch or some drink (by your own budget).
2 hours • Admission ticket included
5
The French Quarter – it is a “little Paris” in Hanoi with tree-lined boulevards, government head offices and a big square. Visit (outside) Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum before having a leisurely walk in the botanical gardens to visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he used to live and work. Towards the unique One – pillar pagoda which is one of the city’s symbols. It takes us from 1 to 2 hours to explore this complex, depending on the number of traveler.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
6
The Quan Thanh temple, one of the four most important temples in the city, dated back to the 11th century under Ly Thai To King, worshipping the Tran Vu gods, the principal deities in Taoism.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
7
Chua Tran Quoc
Take a leisurely walk on a romantic road crossing the West Lake with beautiful city views. Stop at the Tran Quoc pagoda which dates back to the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De Dynasty.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
8
Thang Long Water Puppet
Enjoying the water puppet shows 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. The show usually integrates a traditional music performance as well.
50 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hanoi (A full day to explore Ninh Binh at Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Bich Dong)
3 stops
9
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
8:00 AM: Meet your tour guide and driver at hotel then transfer to Ninh Binh, the awesome site is enriched with historical, cultural, religion and geographic wonders. On the journey passing the Red River delta, stop as you wish for pictures. Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam from the 10 to the 11 century. The citadel is surrounded by limestone mountains and rivers naturally protecting it and making for an amazing picturesque setting. On arrival at Hoa Lu, you will visit the temples dedicated toEmperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009) who played a vital role in gaining the country’s independence after it was ruled by China for a thousand years. Both temples were built in the 17th symbolizing a deep respect to the King’s contributions.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
10
Bich Dong Pagoda
Bich Dong pagoda, a typical pagoda in the countryside of the Red River Delta, built in the 15th century. On arrival, you will cross a stone bridge to Chua Ha, from which over 100 steps lead to Chua Trung – the cave pagoda with unique clay statues. You will then hike up to Chua Thuong. You not only have the chance to learn about Buddhism but also get to experience incredible countryside views.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
11
Tam Cốc-Bich Dộng
Tam Coc which has been well-known as the “Halong Bay on land” and appeared in famous French movie “Indochina”. On arrival at the pier, you will take a private sampan boat for a ninety-minute cruise along Ngo Dong River. Pass through three caves and witness a stunning landscape interleaved by small communities, rice fields, cemetery and temples.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Hanoi - Halong Bay (Amazing sailing route, Pearl farm excursion, swimming and hiking at Sung Sot Cave, panoramic views)
2 stops
12
Tuan Chau Island
8:00 AM: If transport is included, our driver will pick you up from your hotel in the heart of Hanoi. From there, we’ll begin our journey to Halong City, enjoying a scenic drive through the picturesque Red River Delta. The trip takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with a convenient stop along the way for restrooms if needed. 11:00: Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina and check in at the waiting lounge. 12:00: Board the cruise ship, enjoy welcome drinks, and receive a short briefing. Check into your room and prepare for lunch. 12:30: Indulge in a Vietnamese and international lunch while taking in the scenic beauty of the bay, passing by iconic landmarks such as the Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, and Three Coconuts Island.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
13
Sung Sot Cave
14:30: Explore Halong Bay further by visiting the Pearl Farm. This is an ideal opportunity for kayaking and experiencing the timeless beauty of Ha Long Bay up close. 16:00: Explore Sung Sot Cave, also known as the Grotte des Surprising, the largest limestone cave in the area. Marvel at the stunning stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. (Proper footwear is highly recommended, especially in wet conditions.) 17:45: Return to the boat and enjoy the bar’s Happy Hour (buy 2, get 1 free). (Option: Massage service available. Please book directly with the Cruise Manager.) 19:30: Delight in a deluxe dinner featuring traditional and fusion dishes prepared by our talented chefs. 21:00: After dinner, unwind at the bar and spa, participate in squid fishing, watch a movie in your cabin, play cards or chess, or simply relax on the sundeck. 23:00: Overnight on board.
10 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Halong Bay - Hoi An (Exploring Titov Island then leisurely sailing, transfering back to Hanoi for a flight to Danang)
2 stops
14
Ti Top Island
06:15: Start your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck to awaken your senses, followed by breakfast in the restaurant. 06:30: Enjoy breakfast with coffee, tea, and pastries. 07:30: Visit Titov Island, known for its stunning sandy beaches and panoramic views of the bay from the top of the limestone island. (Proper footwear is recommended, especially when wet.) 09:30: Return to the cruise ship. Check out and settle your bill at the reception. 10:00: Enjoy brunch while cruising back to Tuan Chau Marina. Relax on the sundeck or in the restaurant. 11:30: Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina and bid farewell to the crew.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
15
Hanoi
Our driver will greet you at the Cruise Waiting Lounge and transfer you to Hanoi. The journey takes approximately 2.5-3 hours, with a restroom stop available along the way (optional). Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Noi Bai Airport. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes. Upon your arrival at Da Nang Airport, our local guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation in Da Nang, a journey of approximately 30 minutes. Once you reach your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy at your leisure.
Admission ticket free
Day 6
Hoi An (Full day to visit Hoi An city tour)
5 stops
16
9:00 AM:Hoi An used to be one of the most typical South-East Asian trading ports dating from the 15th to the 19th century and the Old Town is still well-preserved. The exchanged cultures is displayed on many historic buildings, religion, daily business and enriched by the authentic lifestyle of local inhabitants. Cam Pho - one of the oldest communal houses in Hoi An. It was built in the shape of Chinese character means the country for worshipping and trading business and cultural exchange between locality and Chinese, Japanese traders.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
17
Japanese Covered Bridge
The Hoi An city’s symbol - the Chua Cau or the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 17th century to allow the Japanese quarter to be accessible from the Chinese neighborhoods. The bridge’s original style has been carefully preserved for the last 400 years.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
18
Quan Thang ancient house - one of the most authentic old houses in Hoi An with the lively and fine architecture and sculptures were made by craftsmen of famous Kim Bong carpentry village in the oriental style. The house offers a good look of Hoi An family's daily life.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
19
Phuc Kien or Fujian Assembly Hall, built since 17th century, is the gathering place for residents, traders and visitors from a specific area in China called Fujian. It is also a religious site to honor the deity Thien Hau. Spend a visit, you will admire the colorful fountains in the courtyard, the ornate gates surrounding the property and the beautiful carved dragons in the main room.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
20
Tra Que Vegetable Village
Tra Que farming village is famous for its aromatic herbs, mint and basil. Their leaves are smaller than normal ones and have a special flavor. Enjoy an interesting introduction to the village’s history, the vegetable cultivation and the usage of vegetables as traditional Vietnamese medicine. It is also a good opportunity to meet and take pictures with local people.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 7
Hoi An - Hue (Travelling to Hue, visiting Cham sculpture museum, Hai Van Pass, Thien Mu Pagoda and Hue citadel)
5 stops
21
Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture
8:00 AM: Travel to Hue by passing Da Nang along the sea road. Once you arrive in Da Nang, stop to visit the Cham Museum which preserves the most important Cham culture collections in the world.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
22
My Khe Beach
Then, walk to My Khe beach where you can enjoy the view of giant Goodness of Mercy statues in the Linh Ung Pagoda. Take photos of fishermen by the beach then continue driving along the coastline to Hue ancient capital.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
23
Hai Van Pass
Make a stop at top of the Hai Van pass to enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
24
Thien Mu Pagoda
Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Hue, dating back to 1601. This is the spiritual highlight of the city and well known for its majestic octagon tower and beautiful view of the Perfume River.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
25
Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
Visit the most important sites in city - Hue Citadel, the only vestige symbol for what was once the imperial city of Vietnam. It is inspired by the fortification of Vauban. The city is composed of three parts: Kinh Thanh (the Capital city), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial city) and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). The most beautiful sites in Hue are concentrated in this area including the flag tower, the South gate, the palace of supreme Harmony, the Dynasty temple area and the settlement area.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 8
Hue - HCM City (Full day Hue, Boat trip Huong river, Ming Mang's tomb, Thuy Bieu village, flying to Ho Chi Minh city.)
3 stops
26
Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang
The Emperor Minh Mang's tomb, an architectural masterpiece that harmoniously highlights the nature and imperial religious works. The tomb was planned during Minh Mang’s reign (1820–40) but built by his successor, Thieu Tri with the effort of ten thousand workers and artisans.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
27
Take a boat along Huong River (or Perfume River) to Thuy Bieu Village, admire the picturesque landscapes on both sides. After 1 hour, we arrive to Thuy Bieu, well-known for its divine grapefruit trees where you can take a bike around the village under the shade of the grapefruit trees and enjoy their pleasant perfume aroma and the harvested straw. The peaceful atmosphere is in every corner of the village. Then, visit a temple dedicated to the village protector, a traditional garden house built several centuries ago. This is a wonderful opportunity to stop for great photos and interact with the villagers working in the gardens and vegetable fields which should not be missed.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
28
Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, our local guide and driver will warmly welcome you at the pickup area. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel in the city.
Admission ticket free
Day 9
HCM City (Saigon City full day tour to visit Independence palace, Walking tour, War Remnant museum, Ben Thanh market)
5 stops
29
The Independence Palace
9:00 AM: The Independence Palace, once used as the home - office of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Our visit includes the North Vietnamese tank which effectively attacked the palace in 1975 to bring the controversial Vietnam War to an end and the five-story palace with its rooms have been preserved in their late 1960s, 1970s style and a bunker basement.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
30
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
The Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, originally built between 1863 and 1880, evidently reflects the French colonist influences. It’s a picturesque spot in the city.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
31
Central Post Office
The Saigon Central Post Office is a stunning building, designed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel. It is an actually working post office with beautiful indoor decorations.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
32
War Remnants Museum
The top visited in Ho Chi Minh – the War Remnant museum. The exhibits offer you all-sided views of the Vietnam War that might bring a big surprise than you are probably used to hearing and seeing.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
33
Ben Thanh Market
The most famous market in the city, Ben Thanh Market, which has been opened since 1870. The market not only supplies the daily needs of local people but also excellent place to pick up inexpensive souvenirs and enjoy Vietnam’s local street foods.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 10
HCM City - Cai Be - Can Tho (Visiting Cai Be, Boat Trip, and Biking)
3 stops
34
Meet our tour guide and driver for your transfer to Cai Be. Visit Cao Dai temple on route. On arrival, experience the rhythm of life on the legendary Mekong River by visiting the canals lined with orchards.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
35
Visiting craft workshops of rice popcorn, coconut caramel and rice cake…Go biking or walking on the village paths to discover the ancient and beautiful Phu Chau pagoda where the serenity reigns and meet the local people. Enjoy lunch in an open air restaurant where you can taste a famous local specialty, the elephant ear fish. Finally, enjoy tasting delicious fruits while rowing a small rowboat in the canals, shaded by the fruit trees.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
36
Can Tho
Continue your boat trip to Vinh Long and meet the driver at the pier for a transfer to Can Tho. Arrive in Can Tho in the late afternoon. Check in your hotel and relax. Enjoy free time on your own to discover the city located on the Mekong River side.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 11
Can Tho - HCM City (Visiting famous Cai Rang market, fruit garden tour, Binh Thuy ancient house, back to Saigon)
3 stops
37
Cai Rang Floating Market
Have breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the pier for a boat trip to visit Cai Rang floating market, the largest and most lively market in the Mekong Delta. There are so many colors and smells in the bubbling atmosphere where hundreds of sampans are filled with goods such as rice, fruits, and craft products. Everything is shown to sell from the early morning.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
38
Leave the market and continue the boat trip through the canals and visit a fruit garden. Head back to An Binh Market which is full of fish, fruits and vegetables.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
39
Binh Thuy Ancient House
Stop at Binh Thuy ancient house which contains the orchid garden where “The Lover” was filmed.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 12
HCM City (Transferring to airport for flights to next destinations)
1 stop
40
Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport.
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

Show 1 more

Tags

Rating