Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, and transfer to your hotel. Begin exploring the city with a walk around the Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets, local markets, and traditional shops. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful spot in the heart of the city, and see Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the lake. In the evening, enjoy your first Vietnamese meal and experience the lively street food culture.
Day 2: Discover Hanoi
Spend the day exploring Hanoi’s cultural landmarks. Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university and one of the city’s most historic sites. Explore local markets and museums to learn more about the city’s history and traditions. In the evening, join a street food tour where you can try famous Vietnamese dishes such as pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls.
Day 3: Travel to Ha Long Bay
Travel from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s most famous natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Board a cruise boat that will take you through the bay’s stunning limestone islands and emerald waters. Spend the afternoon kayaking through quiet lagoons and exploring caves within the limestone cliffs. Enjoy dinner on board while watching the sunset over the bay.
Day 4: Explore Ha Long Bay
Wake up to sunrise over the water and continue exploring Ha Long Bay. Visit floating fishing villages where local communities live on the water. Take part in activities such as kayaking, swimming, or short hikes to scenic viewpoints. Later in the day, return to Hanoi or travel onward to your next destination.
Day 5: Ninh Binh Countryside
Travel to Ninh Binh, a region often called “Ha Long Bay on land.” Take a peaceful boat ride through Trang An where rivers wind through limestone mountains and caves. Visit Tam Coc to see scenic rice fields surrounded by dramatic karst landscapes. Spend time exploring ancient temples and rural villages before returning to Hanoi.
Day 6: Travel to Hoi An
Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang and transfer to the nearby town of Hoi An. Explore the lantern-lit Old Town, known for its preserved historic buildings and charming streets. Walk along the riverside and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this historic trading port.
Day 7: Explore Hoi An
Spend the day discovering more of Hoi An. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and explore local markets and tailor shops where you can have custom clothing made. In the afternoon, relax at a nearby beach such as An Bang Beach. In the evening, see the town illuminated by colorful lanterns.
Day 8: Visit Hue
Travel to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Visit the Imperial City, a vast complex of palaces, temples, and historic gates. Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda located along the Perfume River. Later, take a boat ride along the river to admire the surrounding scenery.
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam’s largest and most energetic city. Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the country’s history. See landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Spend time exploring Ben Thanh Market where you can shop for souvenirs and local food.
Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels and Departure
Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used during the Vietnam War. Learn about how the tunnels were built and used by Vietnamese soldiers. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon and transfer to the airport for your departure.