ESSCENCE OF VIETNAM

From Bustling Cities to Tranquil Bays

| EVT10A | 10 DAYS |

OPEN TO BE CUSTOMIZED FOR PRIVATE TOUR OR JOINNING SMALL GROUP

xperience the essence of Vietnam in just 10 days, journeying from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and the historical Cu Chi Tunnels to the serene landscapes of the Mekong Delta. Explore the ancient charm of Hoi An, the vibrant culture of Hanoi, and the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay. This thoughtfully designed itinerary offers a perfect balance of cultural immersion, historical insights, and natural wonders for travelers seeking a comprehensive introduction to Vietnam.

BRIEF ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HO CHI MINH CITY (HCMC)

DAY 2: CITY TOUR & CU CHI TUNNELS

DAY 3: MEKONG DELTA - FLY TO DANANG FOR HOI AN

DAY 4: HALF-DAY TOUR OF HOI AN'S HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 5: HOI AN - FLY TO HANOI

DAY 6: HIGHLIGHGTS OF HANOI

DAY 7: NINH BINH DAY TOUR

DAY 8: HANOI - HALONG BAY

DAY 9: HALONG BAY - HANOI

DAY 10: DEPARTURE FROM HANOI

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HO CHI MINH CITY (HCMC)

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam! Upon arrival in this vibrant metropolis, formerly known as Saigon and once the capital of South Vietnam, you'll find yourself in the country's bustling commercial hub. Known for its dynamic energy, the city blends a rich historical past with modern skyscrapers and lively markets.

After your long flight, take the rest of the day to relax and adjust to the new time zone. This is your chance to unwind and prepare for the exciting adventures ahead in one of Vietnam’s most iconic

DAY 2: CITY TOUR & CU CHI TUNNELS

Wake up feeling energized after a restful night's sleep at your luxurious hotel, and enjoy a delicious breakfast to start your day. With your private guide, embark on a full-day tour to explore the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network famously used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. This remarkable system of tunnels offers a glimpse into the wartime resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people.

In the afternoon, continue your journey by visiting Ho Chi Minh City’s top attractions, including the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Saigon Central Post Office, the thought-provoking War Remnants Museum, and the iconic Reunification Palace, once known as the Presidential Palace of South Vietnam.

As your day draws to a close, choose between two unforgettable experiences: admire a breathtaking sunset view from the top of Bitexco Tower, the tallest building in Vietnam, or immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant nightlife by joining a night tour on a vintage Vespa, discovering the bustling streets and savoring the rich flavors of Ho Chi Minh City’s culinary culture.

End the evening at your hotel, well-rested for the adventures to come.

DAY 3: MEKONG DELTA - FLY TO DANANG FOR HOI AN

Today, you will embark on a full-day adventure to explore the magnificent Mekong Delta. After a 2.5-hour car ride, you’ll arrive in Phong Nam, Ben Tre, where your exclusive motorized boat awaits. Set off on a delightful cruise along the Chet Say River, a tranquil tributary of the Mekong. Along the way, enjoy captivating stops at local establishments, including a coconut candy production site, a traditional brick-making workshop, and a straw mat weaving facility, offering you a glimpse into the region’s artisanal culture.

Next, hop on a motor cart and journey through picturesque fruit gardens, with lush greenery surrounding you at every turn. For lunch, relax and savor a meal at a tranquil garden restaurant nestled in nature. In the afternoon, drift along a peaceful canal lined with nipa palm trees, soaking in the serene beauty of the Mekong Delta before returning to your motorized boat and heading back to the dock.

After your Mekong Delta exploration, you’ll be chauffeured to the airport for a one-hour evening flight to Danang City, your gateway to Hoi An. Upon arrival at Danang Airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An. Complete the check-in process and settle in for a restful night, preparing for the adventures that await you in Hoi An.

DAY 4: HALF-DAY TOUR OF HOI AN'S HIGHLIGHTS

Spend the morning with your local guide for a delightful excursion to Hoi An! The tour starts at 8:00 AM, where you will discover the charm of this well-preserved trading port as we explore its historic buildings, cultural exchanges, and local lifestyle.

Marvel at the ancient Cam Pho communal house and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, both testaments to Hoi An’s rich history and architectural beauty. Immerse yourself in the authentic Quan Thang ancient house, where you can appreciate the traditional wooden structure and its significance in the local culture.

Next, we’ll visit the bustling central market, where you'll witness the daily life of locals and find an array of delicious food stalls offering everything from fresh produce to local delicacies.

But that's not all! As a special highlight, you'll also have the unique opportunity to learn the art of making traditional lanterns. Under the guidance of enthusiastic craftsmen, you'll experience each stage of lantern-making, from bending the frame to completing your very own colorful lantern to take home.

After this unforgettable experience, you’ll have the remainder of the day free to further explore the enchanting streets of Hoi An, shop for souvenirs, or return to your hotel to relax.

DAY 5: HOI AN - FLY TO HANOI

Savor a relaxed morning in Hoi An, where you can choose to indulge in some final shopping at the ancient town, exploring its charming streets lined with lanterns and artisanal shops, or unwind on the sandy Cua Dai Beach, soaking up the sun and the gentle sea breeze.

Check out around noon and be whisked away to the airport for a short flight to Hanoi. Upon your arrival, our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel, where you'll spend the night, allowing you to recharge for the adventures that await you in Vietnam’s vibrant capital.

DAY 6: HIGHLIGHGTS OF HANOI

After breakfast, kick off your day with a visit to the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Here, you’ll have the chance to pay your respects to Vietnam's beloved leader and learn about his profound impact on the nation's history. Just a short stroll away, visit Uncle Ho's house on stilts, where you'll discover more about his life and the values he instilled in the Vietnamese people.

Next, immerse yourself in the beauty of the One Pillar Pagoda, a remarkable architectural wonder built on a single stone pillar, symbolizing purity and serenity. Then, make your way to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, where you can explore its tranquil gardens and ancient halls, steeped in the country's scholarly traditions.

After a quick lunch break, it’s time to delve into the darker chapters of Vietnam's past at Hoa Lo Prison, famously known as the "Hanoi Hilton" during the Vietnam War. This visit provides a poignant insight into the struggle and resilience of the Vietnamese people during turbulent times.

Next, head to the Women’s Museum, where you’ll learn about the vital contributions of women throughout Vietnam's history and their significant roles in shaping the nation's culture.

To truly experience local life, enjoy a leisurely cyclo ride through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter. Feel the vibrant energy around you as you navigate through narrow streets filled with shops, food stalls, and the warm smiles of locals.

Your day concludes at Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can visit Ngoc Son Temple, situated on an island in the lake. Here, you'll uncover the legends that surround this iconic body of water and its significance to the people of Hanoi.

To wrap up your enriching day, experience a captivating traditional water puppet show, an enchanting art form that has entertained generations and reflects Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

DAY 7: NINH BINH DAY TOUR

8:00 AM: Get ready for an exciting day as we depart from your hotel in Hanoi and head to the charming province of Ninh Binh, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

After a 2-hour drive, we arrive in Ninh Binh and prepare for an enchanting experience at Tam Coc. Hop aboard a traditional sampan boat and let the local rowers guide you through the mesmerizing landscape. As you navigate the gentle waterways, you'll pass through three tunnel-like caves, immersing yourself in the stunning natural beauty that surrounds you.

Indulge in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of authentic Vietnamese cuisine to replenish your energy for the rest of the day's adventures.

In the afternoon, get ready for a delightful bicycling adventure along scenic back roads. Pedal your way through the countryside, immersing yourself in the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings. Along the way, we'll make a stop at the captivating Thai Vi Temple, where you can learn about its historical and cultural significance.

Continue your cycling journey to Bich Dong Pagoda, a hidden gem nestled amidst picturesque landscapes. Explore this ancient pagoda and marvel at its intricate architecture while enjoying the serene ambiance of the surroundings.

Around 4:30 PM, bid farewell to Ninh Binh and begin your drive back to Hanoi for the night, filled with unforgettable memories from your day of exploration.

DAY 8: HANOI - HALONG BAY

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi and driven to the stunning Halong Bay. Upon arrival at the pier in Halong City, you will board your cruise ship, setting sail through the mesmerizing limestone karsts and crystal-clear waters of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

As you cruise along the bay, indulge in a delicious lunch served on board, taking in the breathtaking scenery that unfolds around you. You'll have the opportunity to explore a fascinating cave, where a guided tour will reveal its impressive formations and natural beauty.

In the afternoon, choose your own adventure: swim in the refreshing waters, kayak through the enchanting landscape, or simply relax on the sun deck, soaking in the tranquility of your surroundings. As the sun begins to set, savor a delectable dinner on the boat, surrounded by the stunning views of Halong Bay.

You will spend the night on the cruise ship, fully immersed in the serene ambiance of the bay, creating unforgettable memories in this breathtaking destination.

DAY 9: HALONG BAY - HANOI

In the morning, you'll be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi for a scenic drive to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its breathtaking limestone karsts. Upon arriving at the pier in Halong City, you’ll board your cruise ship and set sail through this stunning landscape, where emerald waters meet towering limestone cliffs.

As you glide through the tranquil waters, indulge in a delicious lunch served on board, featuring authentic Vietnamese cuisine while you take in panoramic views of the bay. After your meal, prepare to explore a fascinating cave, where a guided tour will reveal impressive rock formations and the geological wonders that make this area so unique.

In the afternoon, you have the option to dive into the inviting waters for a refreshing swim, kayak through hidden lagoons, or simply unwind on the sun deck, fully absorbing the natural beauty that surrounds you.

As the sun begins to set, relish a delectable dinner on the boat, surrounded by the breathtaking views of Halong Bay. You'll spend the night on the cruise ship, enveloped in the serene ambiance of this iconic destination, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience.

DAY 10: DEPARTURE FROM HANOI

Today marks the conclusion of our incredible journey through Vietnam. Depending on your departure flight schedule, you may have a busy morning preparing for your flight or some leisurely time to unwind and do a bit of last-minute shopping.

If time permits, seize this opportunity to wander through the vibrant streets and markets one last time, picking up souvenirs and cherished mementos from your adventures. Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, savor the delightful flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, and create lasting memories in this enchanting country.

When the time arrives, our dedicated team will ensure a smooth transfer to the airport, guaranteeing you reach your departure gate punctually. As you bid farewell to Vietnam, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences, stunning landscapes, and the warm hospitality you encountered throughout your trip.

This sample itinerary is customizable to suit your travel preferences. For pricing, please inquire with details like travel dates, group size, and accommodation preferences, as costs vary by season and accommodation level.

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