Vietnam Insider – 12 days

DAY 1: START OF VIETNAM INSIDER TOUR: HANOI – ARRIVAL (Dinner)

You are landing in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital with a history spanning over a millennium. Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, a Vietnam Insider guide will warmly welcome you and accompany you to your hotel. Enjoy a delightful welcome dinner at one of Hanoi’s top-rated culinary gems, hosted by the renowned Madam Anh Tuyet.

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 2: HANOI INSIGHT CITY TOUR (Breakfast, Lunch)

Good morning Ha Noi for early risers: If you have seen how busy & chaotic Ha Noi old quarter during the day time, let get up early for different looks of Ha Noi in the very early morning when most of the things are still asleep.

See empty streets gradually wake up with dog, cat, cleaners, morning food shops, and people doing morning exercise. Meanwhile, at the other side of the city, at Long Bien night market and morning dye flower market, you will see life is very busy even before dawn.

Near Hoan Kiem Lake, you’ll observe locals engaging in various morning exercises, and you’re welcome to participate with guidance from Vietnam Insider. Afterward, savor a classic breakfast featuring beef or chicken noodle soup, paired with a cup of coffee at authentic local spots. This experience is sure to captivate early-rising photographers and enthusiasts of local cuisine.

Following breakfast, wander with Vietnam Insider to a bustling fresh and wet market, where an array of daily-traded goods showcases a vital aspect of Vietnamese culture. Next, explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which highlights Vietnam’s identity as a multi-ethnic nation and champions its socio-cultural diversity. Then, head to the Temple of Literature in the city center, built in 1070 during Ly Thanh Tong’s reign to honor Confucius, and now a tribute to Vietnam’s distinguished scholars and doctorates. Wrap up with lunch at KOTO (standing for Know One Teach One), a meaningful stop that supports Vietnam’s street and underprivileged youth.

In the afternoon, stroll across the iconic Long Bien Bridge with Vietnam Insider tour, as our guide shares why this structure fills Hanoians with pride and stands as a symbol of the capital’s resilience through years of war. Next, unwind with a refreshing local draught beer at a sidewalk shop—feeling adventurous?—before embarking on a street food tasting adventure. Dive deeper into vibrant markets, chat with food artisans and street vendors, and savor authentic Vietnamese dishes and drinks. This experience offers a unique glimpse into the hidden corners of Hanoi that most visitors miss.

Back to your hotel in the late afternoon and overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 3: HANOI – HA LONG BAY (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

The two- day-one- night cruise to Ha Long bay is ideal to discover both natural beauty and local life. Embark on a 4 hour drive to Halong with a quick rest stop en route at a souvenir shopping center (since the toilet is clean and best available along the way to Halong Bay).

Your heavenly journey across Halong Bay starts around at the marina at the doorstep of Vietnam’s most fascinating wonder.

Spend the afternoon uncovering the wonders scattered throughout the Bay of the Descending Dragon with Vietnam Insider: enchanting caves, untouched beaches, charming floating villages, and stunning rock formations emerging from emerald-green waters.

While aboard, relax with Vietnam Insider and enjoy optional Spa, Beauty, and Massage services (for an additional fee) amidst a breathtaking, ever-changing backdrop. You’ll also join our chef for a cooking demonstration, where you can test your skills in mastering the craft of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Defined to be one of the highlights of your stay, a highly refined, innovative and varied cuisine will be presented for Lunch and Dinner in the elegant dining-room.

DAY 4: HA LONG – HANOI – KY SON MOON GARDEN VILLAGE (Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner)

Early birds can attend a Tai Chi demonstration on the sundeck at the break of dawn. Start the day enjoying some delights with a colourful buffet breakfast. Continue exploring Halong Bay sailing across its 2000 islets and visiting some of its major highlights.

Check-out of the boat and you are transferred direct to Ky Son Moon Garden village via Hanoi.

At Moon Garden House in Ky Son, Vietnam Insider presents a rare chance to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s rural lifestyle, virtually unchanged for over a hundred years. The architect, an expert in reviving historic structures, has infused the design with authentic furniture and antiques that enhance the rooms’ charm. Your stay includes authentic local experiences, curated to enrich your visit.

DAY 5: EXPLORE DUONG LAM ANCIENT VILLAGE –  FLY TO HUE VIA HANOI (Breakfast, Lunch)

For those who love early mornings, join locals in invigorating exercises with Vietnam Insider before enjoying breakfast. Take a leisurely ride through scenic countryside paths to the historic Duong Lam ancient village, then return to Ky Son Moon Garden for a relaxing lunch before heading to the airport for your flight to Hue.

Upon arrival, a Vietnam Insider local guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

Situated along the Song Huong—Perfume River—Hue, the capital of Thua Thien Hue province in Central Vietnam, lies 700 km south of Hanoi, 1100 km north of Ho Chi Minh City, and just a short distance from the coast. Once Vietnam’s national capital until 1945, Hue served as the political, cultural, and religious heart under the Nguyen Dynasty. Celebrated for its rich history, Hue has earned its place as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, a testament to its enduring legacy explored with Vietnam Insider.

Overnight in Hue.

DAY 6: HUE FULL DAY WITH HOME VISIT, IMPERIAL CITADEL & TOMBS (Breakfast, Lunch)

There’s nothing more enriching than stepping into a local home in Hue with Vietnam Insider, where traditional values from the feudal era under the Nguyen Emperors are beautifully preserved. We’ve carefully arranged a visit to a local family, giving you a few hours to engage in their daily activities, share a meal, and build connections through cultural exchange—an experience that celebrates Vietnam’s enduring heritage.

At 9:30 AM, kick off your day with Vietnam Insider as we drive from your hotel to your host’s home, with an optional stop at a lively nearby market to join your hosts in picking fresh ingredients for lunch. At their house, explore the garden, chat with your hosts about age-old customs, and take a short walk to their ancestral temple to uncover the traditions of ancestor worship. Back at the house, watch a cooking demo of classic dishes, pitch in to prepare the meal if you’d like, and enjoy a warm family lunch before returning to your hotel.

In the afternoon, continue your Hue adventure with Vietnam Insider, visiting the grand Imperial Citadel and the striking tomb of King Khai Dinh, the 12th Nguyen ruler. His elaborate resting place, perched on Chau Chu Mountain just outside Hue, blends Eastern and Western styles and took 11 years to complete, finishing in 1931—a testament to his legacy.

Next, embark on a scenic boat ride along the Huong River, famously called The Perfume River, with Vietnam Insider. The journey ends at the serene Thien Mu Pagoda, a historic site from 1601 that’s also a training ground for young aspiring monks. After soaking in its rich history and tranquil beauty, head back to your hotel to unwind.

Overnight in Hue.

DAY 7: HUE INSIGHTS & LAND TRIP TO HOI AN (Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast, embark on a scenic countryside drive from Hue with Vietnam Insider. Stop at a traditional handicraft village, where you’ll join your host in daily tasks. Discover the art of crafting rice crackers, from preparation to drying, then relax with tea and your freshly made crackers while chatting with your host about their customs and everyday life.

Next, your Vietnam Insider driver will whisk you away to a serene historic pagoda tucked in a peaceful village just outside Hue. This site stands out due to the noble mission of its caretakers. Meet the master nun who oversees the pagoda, a sanctuary for homeless elderly and orphans, and engage in a heartfelt conversation about her work.

Spend time with the underprivileged children, teaching them simple English words, building friendships, or helping feed them, guided by Vietnam Insider’s thoughtful approach.

Join the community—nuns, children, and elderly—in prayer, then settle in for a wholesome vegetarian meal crafted by the nuns, an experience curated by Vietnam Insider.

Bid farewell to your newfound friends and set off with Vietnam Insider toward Hoi An, traveling over the breathtaking Hai Van Pass with stops to soak in stunning vistas. Arrive in the charming Hoi An Ancient Town by early evening.

DAY 8: COUNTRYSIDE LIFE & HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN (Breakfast, Lunch)

Your morning adventure with Vietnam Insider unveils the rural charm just beyond Hoi An Ancient Town. Begin with a scenic bike ride through enchanting villages, past rice paddies, water buffaloes, and lush water coconut groves, followed by warm conversations with local villagers you encounter. The excitement continues as you row a basket boat along the water coconut river, mastering the art of crab-catching. Afterward, enjoy a boat ride on a breathtaking river, observing local fishermen at work, before arriving at Tra Que organic village for a hands-on mini cooking class and a delicious lunch crafted with your host.

In the midafternoon, join Vietnam Insider for a guided walking tour through the timeless streets of Hoi An Ancient Town. Explore landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Chinese Assembly Hall, and the bustling local market. Along the way, discover a variety of art galleries, souvenir stores, and tailor shops offering quick, custom-made clothing for those interested.

Spend the late afternoon at your leisure, with Vietnam Insider ensuring you have the freedom to relax or explore as you please.

Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 9: HOI AN- DA NANG – HO CHI MINH CITY BY FLIGHT (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, transfer to DA NANG airport for a jump flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Once affectionately called the diamond of the far-east, Ho Chi Minh City is now the most populated city in Vietnam with modern office skyscrapers amidst Chinese style pagodas and food stalls along the street creating a dynamic urban area. Ho Chi Minh City’s architecture and lifestyle is the reconciliation between American and Chinese influence, just as historic as it is modern.

Upon arrival, take a quick visit to the Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office and leisurely walk along the Dong Khoi street, or Rue Catinat.

Enjoy a couple of hour leisurely at your hotel before continuing with another amazing experience.

The scooter evening tour offers you a glance of Saigon’s nightlife, within 2,5 hrs we’ll drive you from the chaotic traffic of the city center to total quiet corners of other districts such as 4, 5, and 8; from bustling streets to local and hidden eateries; from popular tourist spots to the most trendy hanging-out places of the Saigonese at night. We also get into the “foodie heaven” where full of food stores and stalls as well as food carts with all kinds of street food for miles long. We make a few food stops for tasting local yet delicate treats such as stir-fried snails, rolling rice cakes and a local herbal drink “Sâm mía lau củ năng”. All will give you a lifetime experience. Seat back and enjoy your ride!

Overnight at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 10: LIFE ON THE MEKONG RIVER (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

(No tour guide from Ho Chi Minh City)

Today you will leave bustling city of Ho Chi Minh for two-day-one night sampan cruise trip to explore live life along the Mekong River.

Upon arrival at Ben Tre town, you will board your Mango Cruise and head for An Hoa canals. Upon boarding your private sampan, enjoy a refreshing coconut juice on the deck while meeting your crew members and enjoying the scenery and fresh air from the water.

The cruise will take you to Phong Nam village in Giong Trom, with a stop to visit at the coconut processing workshop where you can see how the locals utilize every bit of the coconut.

Another stop at a brick making workshop, where the locals still use centuries-old traditional methods to make the bricks by hand.  From here, you will start a Bicycle trip around Phong Nam village around 4km, enjoy a casual cycling trip that will take you to visit a local rice noodle factory which produces Hu Tieu noodles, one of the most popular dishes in the region.

After your visit take a short walk to Mrs. Huong’s house, who lives with her 3 children and grandson – they live on fishing, shrimp and fruit orchards. Enjoy fresh fruits and tea in her garden and then board a rowing sampan, taking you through a lush narrow canal, displaying the tranquil nature of the region.

Return to your boat to enjoy the lunch before continuing to cruise to Cai Be. On the way stop at local village and begin cycling, enjoying the peaceful scenery and quiet road pathways.

In the evening relax and enjoy your cruise then prepare for your cooking demonstration while enjoying your dinner.

Overnight on board on the Upper River near Cai Be.

DAY 11: MEKONG DELTA – HO CHI MINH CITY (Breakfast)

(No tour guide from Ho Chi Minh City)

Breakfast will be served onboard while cruising towards the town of Cai Be. Upon arrival you will be transferred to a smaller boat to explore the lively floating Market and its bustling township.

Enjoy the houses on stilts along the River bank and local businesses.

Breakfast will be served onboard while cruising towards the town of Cai Be. Upon arrival you will be transferred to a smaller boat to explore the lively floating market and its bustling township.

Enjoy the houses on stilts along the River bank and local businesses. After the visit, our car is ready to transfer you back Ho Chi Minh City. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

DAY 12: HO CHI MINH CITY DEPARTURE (Breakfast)

Your own leisure to explore the city further before departing to Tan Son Nhat International airport for your onward flight.

Included in the price

• Tours and transfers as mentioned by air-conditioned vehicle
• Boat trip as mentioned in the itinerary
• Accommodation is overnight in a shared twin/double room with air-conditioning (AC)
• English speaking guide
• Admission fee to indicated sights
• Meals: lunch or dinner as mentioned (foods only)
• Government tax

Excluded in the price

• Visa stamping fee
• International & domestic flights
• Travel Insurance of all kinds
• Meals: lunch or dinner where not stated
• Tip, drinks, personal expenses and others
• Surcharge for Christmas, New Year and public holiday