10-Day Vietnam Tour: An Immersive Journey

A 10-day Vietnam tour offers an immersive journey through the country’s historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, imperial heritage, authentic Vietnamese cuisine and vibrant riverside life.

Upon arrival at Hanoi – Noi Bai airport, you meet with your driver for a 45-min private transfer, with no guide, to your hotel in the center. Hanoi is Vietnam’s modern-day capital. Classic, colonial architecture, distinctive cuisine, and a millennium of history and culture give Hanoi her elegance.

Meals:                            None

Accommodation:          La Siesta Classic Ma May Hanoi, Deluxe Room (01 DBL & 01 TWN). Bed & Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel. Today is free at your own exploration.

Optional excursion: Hanoi Highlights (8 hours)

Visit Ba Dinh Square where silent sentries guard the marble mausoleum in which Ho Chi Minh lies in state. Subject to opening hours, the interior of the mausoleum may be visited (closed Monday & Friday weekly and all afternoons). Continue to the modest stilted wooden bungalow where Uncle Ho lived and worked, before visiting Ho Chi Minh Museum. Dedicated to the father of the country, the museum chronicles the evolution of Vietnamese independence. Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda with a history steeped in folklore. Continue to explore one of the city’s many interesting museums- choose from Vietnamese Women Museum or Hoa Lo Prison or Fine Arts Museum, depending on your personal interests (please discuss with your tour guide at destination). Lunch is at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, stroll through Temple of Literature, a serene retreat from the busy streets outside. Built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, it became Vietnam’s first university. Cap off the trip with a walk through the labyrinthine alleyways of the Old Quarters. This oldest continuously developed area of Hanoi was once an important centre of commerce where goods were sold on the street name of a particular guild. Stop at a roadside coffee shop, mingle with the locals and enjoy the daily life passing while tasting coffee.

Meals:                            Breakfast

Accommodation:          La Siesta Classic Ma May Hanoi, Deluxe Room (01 DBL & 01 TWN). Bed & Breakfast

 Leaving Hanoi at 09:00 am this morning, you will be met by a local guide and driven in 2.5-hour drive to Tuan Chau jetty for your Halong Overnight trip. Enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage site with a dense concentration of limestone islands, caves and grottos, and magnificent scenery.

Ha Long Bay takes its name from legend as the place where dragons descended to protect the Vietnamese people from invasion. Thousands of limestone islands scattered across the emerald sea, covered in thick forest conceal hidden caves, and provide shelter for colourful floating fishing communities. This breathtaking geographical and cultural jewel, steeped in folklore is Vietnam’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival at the jetty, proceed with check-in formalities around noon before being welcomed aboard. You will be served lunch while cruising the tranquil waters and will have plenty of time to take in the magnificent seascape of Ha Long Bay. Depending on your cruise itinerary, you will be able to enjoy activities either this afternoon or the following morning to explore caves and grottos, visit pearl farms, or take in picturesque island beaches. Some cruises also include kayaking. After sunset, enjoy a Vietnamese cooking demonstration before enjoying a delicious dinner. At the end of the day set anchor for the night among the karst formations.

Meals:                            Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:          Bhaya Classic Cruise, Deluxe Cabin (01 DBL & 01 TWN). Full board.

Awaken your senses early this morning with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck or simply relax on board and take in the magnificent surroundings. Breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while you enjoy cruising back through the bay. Disembark and bid farewell to the friendly crew. Meet with your guide again and transfer in private vehicle to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi for your flight to Hue.

Upon arrival at Danang airport, you meet with your driver for a 45-min private transfer, with no guide, to the hotel in Hue. The former imperial capital of Hue presents an insight into historic Vietnam. Filled with relics of a fascinating past, the ancient architecture is a sight to behold.

Meals:                            Brunch

Accommodation:          White Lotus Hue, Deluxe River View (1 DBL & 1 TWN). Bed & Breakfast.

Breakfast at hotel. Today is free at your own exploration.

Optional excursion: Explore Royal Kingdom (8 hours)

Hue is a city steeped in rich history, particularly during the Nguyen Dynasty. This excursion commences with an interesting boat ride along the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda with octagon shape with 7 floors. Seven is a sacred number according to Vietnam Buddhism. Take a leisurely walk to a private museum housed in a beautiful ancestral temple filled with pieces collected by a Vietnamese born German professor who teaches East-West comparative philosophy at in Munich. After more than 50 years of living abroad, she followed her heart and returned to her hometown of Hue to set up the firstmuseum dedicated to ancient artifacts fished out of the Perfume River. Next, visit the Imperial Citadel. Built between 1804 and 1833, this heavily fortified structure remains the heart of modern-day Hue, despite its tumultuous history.

After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the tombs of emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. These tombs were not only designed as the final resting place of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors but also as a recreational spot for fishing, hunting, and the company of concubines. Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb is considered the most magnificent, reflecting his life of excess with grand architecture, majestic walkways, and ornate pavilions. On the other hand, Emperor Khai Dinh’s tomb shows an eclectic mix of European and Vietnamese styles influenced by the ruling French colonialists. (Remarks: advanced notice is required to visit the private museum)

Meals:                            Breakfast

Accommodation:          White Lotus Hue, Deluxe River View (1 DBL & 1 TWN). Bed & Breakfast.

Breakfast at your hotel.

Pick-up time 11.00 am and embark a 3-hour drive private transfer, with no guide, from Hue, via Hai Van Pass, the hotel in Hoi An, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of the ancient port. This sublime riverside town is a feast for the eyes.

Upon arrival in Hoi An, check-in the hotel and enjoy the remainder of day free at leisure.

Meals:                            Breakfast.

Accommodation:          Little Residence, Junior Suites (01 DBL & 01 TWN). Bed & Breakfast.

 Breakfast at hotel.

Optional excursion: Interactive Cooking Experience (Join-in, 5.5 hours)

Start your day by exploring Hoian’s lively central market. Learn about the different fresh noodles, fish, spices, herbs, and rice, and taste exotic fruits. Next, head to Vy’s Market Restaurant, an interactive dining venue where you can engage all of your senses by trying samples from over 10 different food counters, including dumplings, banh mi, pickles, and more. You’ll even see food rationing items that were used in Vietnam for 45 years. After the market, it’s time for the join-in cooking lesson with other food enthusiasts. First, watch the chef demonstrates each dish, and then prepare them yourself. Finally, enjoy your creations while sipping on refreshing Vietnamese drinks and indulging in sweet treats. Before you leave, you will receive a copy of the recipes and a Vietnamese cooking utensil to take home.

Optional excursion: Timeless Charm of Hoi An (4 hours)

The afternoon excursion commences with a transfer to the sublime riverside town of Hoi An, a feast for the eyes. Without most forms of motorized transport, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of this ancient port is perfect for exploring on foot. Explore beautifully preserved old merchant houses, atmospheric temples, and lively markets as you stroll through the back streets of this enchanting destination. You’ll visit the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Bridge and the busy waterfront, where colourful fishing boats bob up and down on the Thu Bon River. During the walk, make a stop at a market to taste well-known local green leaf cakes in Hoi An. Optional take a brief local boat ride along the Thu Bon River to see the ancient trading port from a different perspective. Wrap up the tour by visiting a Tea House that supports disadvantaged youth. The majority of the staff are hearing impaired, making for a unique experience as you communicate your order or tea or coffee or home-made cookies by writing it down or using wooden blocks with words.

Meals:                            Breakfast

Accommodation:          Little Residence, Junior Suites (01 DBL & 01 TWN). Bed & Breakfast.

 Upon scheduled pickup time, take a private transfer, with no guide, to Danang Airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh.

Upon arrival at Saigon – Tan Son Nhat airport, you meet with your driver for a 30-min private transfer, with no guide, to your hotel in the centre. Saigon is the largest city, business and financial hub of Vietnam. It has a prominent history going back hundreds of years and still has classic colonial architecture.

Optional excursion: Half Day Saigon City Expedition (4 hours)

Starting the city tour with a visit to the historic former Presidential Palace. This landmark gained its place in history as the first North Vietnamese tanks passed by, signifying the end of the Vietnam War. Take a walk along Book Street, passing by the Notre Dame Cathedral, and stop by one of the local stands to purchase Saigon postcards. Then visit the colonial-era Post Office, featuring classic Gothic, Renaissance, and French colonial designs. Take the opportunity to admire the stunning architecture of a bygone era and send a postcard to your family back home. (Remarks: Stamp and postcard are included). Next, either walk or drive to the War Remnants Museum, primarily focuses on the Vietnam War but also showcases exhibits dating back to the French colonialist period and the first Indochina War. For those who are not interested in war relics, the Fine Arts Museum boasts an impressive collection of ancient and modern art and sculptures. After the museum visit, return to the hotel or choose to be dropped off at Ben Thanh market for personal exploration and souvenir hunting.

Meals:                            Breakfast

Accommodation:          The Odys Boutique, Deluxe (01 DBL & 01 TWN). Bed & Breakfast.

Optional excursion: The Charm of Ben Tre (9 hours)

Around 7.30 am, meet with your tour guide for a 2.5-hour drive to Ben Tre to experience the lush countryside of the Mekong area with tranquil river landscapes, and the warmth of its people. The riverside promenade and the narrow lanes on both sides of the river are ideal for two-wheeled exploration if you are a cycling lover. Upon arrival, hop on a local bike for a leisurely 5-7km ride (otherwise motor-tricycle) through quiet village lanes surrounded by vegetable gardens, coconut trees and rivers. You might want to challenge yourself to cross over the monkey bridge, which is a handmade bamboo walkway built across canals and gullies. Ride further to the village communal house originally built in the 19^th century where the farmers usually come to pray for their wishes. Wind your way to a brick kiln factory where the baking methods have not changed for centuries. It is the last brick kiln factory left in the area, it might get busy sometimes but if you are interested in the traditional cottage industry.

Ben Tre owns the largest coconut-growing area in the country, if you’re lucky, you may witness the fascinating process of coconut peeling. Then get on Lan Thanh’s motorized boat for a cruise along the main river for an insight into agriculture-river life. Enjoy a motor-tricycle ride onward to a rustic local restaurant for lunch with Mekong Delta specialties. The lunch will feature local specialties such as elephant-ear fish and river shrimp. After lunch, a tranquil rowing sampan will pick you up directly from the restaurant pier, taking you on a serene ride through picturesque canals that are adorned with lush, shady water coconut groves. Return to your vehicle for a transfer back to Saigon.

Meals:                            Breakfast

Accommodation:          The Odys Boutique, Deluxe (01 DBL & 01 TWN). Bed & Breakfast.

 Upon scheduled pickup time, meet your guide at hotel’s lobby for private transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.

Meals:                            Breakfast.