Northern & Southern Vietnam Highlights: Hà Nội, Hạ Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh - 9 Days

Day by day

1. Day 1

   Hà Nội Arrival + Hà Nội City Half Day Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Museum

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   HotelDOLCE BY WYNDHAM HANOI GOLDEN LAKE 5★ — Golden Deluxe or similar

   Upon arrival to Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport you will be welcomed by our representative holding a sign with your name on it. After you collect your luggage , please go to 11 Pillar Our driver will wait you there will lead the way to your awaiting vehicle. The distance is about 35km far from Hanoi city centre and it’s approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour for transfer. Arrival hotel and check in. (Check in hotel 14:00, early check in available upon availability with an additional charge). Meet your guide at hotel lobby and start to visit today. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which contains a rich collection of audio-visual documentation and more than 15,000 artifacts including life-size traditional houses depicting all aspects of life, culture, customs and belief of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. Continue to the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam built in 1070 by the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius, sages and outstanding Vietnamese scholars. Move on to one of the following museums of choice namely Hoa Lo museum, which is the leftover of the French Central Prison built in 1896 to detain Vietnamese political prisoners. End the trip, drop off at hotel. Special Note: we will visit Women Museum instead of Ethnology Museum closed on Mondays

   What's included

   • ✓Transportation by air-conditioned bus
   • ✓English-speaking tour guide
   • ✓Mineral water (1 bottle per person)
   • ✓Entrance fee

2. Day 2

   Special Full Day City

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   HotelDOLCE BY WYNDHAM HANOI GOLDEN LAKE 5★ — Golden Deluxe or similar

   7.30 : Get picked up by our guide from the hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter / Opera House then start for 1,5 hour drive journey to the craft villages 9.30 : Visit Quang Phu Cau village, which has been producing incense for more than 100 years. Take a walk to the center of the village and see how locals make incense at an artisanal, family scale . Learn the process how incense is made from scratch and more about the lives of manual workers. Meet a family who specializes in dyeing incense sticks and admire the outdoor showroom with a thousands of the colorful bundles of incense. Here, our guide will taken the best photos for you 10.15 : Leave for Chuong Village that has been well-known for the craft of conical hat-making for over 300 years. Meet the local artisans and observe how conical hats are made. You will have a chance to draw by your own on hats then take home for souvenir 12.45 : Rest time to have lunch by your own 13.30-13.45 : Continue to visit Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11 century 15.00:Leave for Hoa Lo Prison Museum which originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the ""Hanoi Hilton 16.00 -16.30: Tour finishes. Back to hotel or you can get off at Train Street

   What's included

   • ✓Private AC car
   • ✓Experienced Tour guide
   • ✓2 bottle/pax/full day tour
   • ✓Entrance tickets

   Not included

   • —Tips for tour guide & driver
   • —Personal expenses or any thing not mentioned above

3. Day 3

   Hà Nội - Hạ Long - Ambassador Luxury Day Cruise

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   HotelDOLCE BY WYNDHAM HANOI GOLDEN LAKE 5★ — Golden Deluxe or similar

   ✓ Lunch

   5:30 Pick up by car at hotel lobby 8:00 Check-in & Transfer to Ambassador Day Cruise Ambassador’s Lounge (1st Floor, Terminal – Halong International Cruise Port, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City). 9:00 Light Breakfast Enjoy a light breakfast onboard while the Ambassador Cruise passes by thousands of majestic limestone islets in Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. 10:30 - Visit Sung Sot Cave The largest cave in the bay featuring marvelous stalactites in a variety of unique forms. 11:30 Visit Titov Island Immerse yourself in the turquoise water and climb to the top of the Island beholding breathtaking views of the bay. 12:00 Lunch Buffet at the Restaurant Savor a premium lunch while Ambassador Cruise passes by famous beautiful landscapes in Halong Bay. 13:30 Visit Luon Cave *Discover Luon Cave - one of the most unique caves in Halong Bay featuring the self-contained lake inside a closed arch-shaped mountain, where you can experience sitting on a bamboo boat* rowed by a local or Kayaking*. 14:30 Cooking Class & Live Band Indulge in the enchanting live music performed by international band on the sundeck (except on Mondays) or you can opt to participate in a cooking class at the 4th-floor restaurant. 16:00 Disembarkation Disembark at Halong International Cruise Port. Transfer by car back Hanoi city. 19:00 Hanoi arrivel. End the trip. Overnight in Hanoi city.

   What's included

   • ✓Morden transfer to highway, 2 bottles of water per person . New cruise with air-conditioner on summer
   • ✓English speaking guide
   • ✓Entrance fees
   • ✓Lunch with buffet
   • ✓Kayak/Bambo boat
   • ✓Travel insurance, tax

   Not included

   • —Beverages
   • —Tips for tour guide and personal expenses

   Depending on cruising conditions, itineraries may change without prior notice. Wi-Fi is available at the restaurant/Piano Lounge areas, however, Internet connectivity may be intermittently interrupted due to the geographical condition of the bay. Thank you for your understanding. * Additional charges

4. Day 4

   Hà Nội-Bái Đính-Tràng An-Múa Cave

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   HotelDOLCE BY WYNDHAM HANOI GOLDEN LAKE 5★ — Golden Deluxe or similar

   07:15 – 08:00: Our bus and tour guide will pick you up from hotels in the Old Quarter area and at the Hanoi Opera House for departure to Ninh Binh. 09:15: Short break for about 20 minutes. 10:15 – 10:30: Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda – the largest and most famous pagoda complex in Southeast Asia, holding several remarkable records such as 500 stone Arhat statues, a 36-ton bronze bell, and a 100-ton Buddha statue, among many others. 13:00 – 13:30: Visit Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized in 2014. Here you will spend about 1.5–2 hours on a boat ride to explore the breathtaking landscape, featuring a spectacular tunnel cave system. This location was also featured in the 2016 film Kong: Skull Island. 16:00: Continue by bus to Mua Cave. Climb nearly 500 stone steps to reach the top of Ngoa Long Mountain, where you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Tam Coc. 17:00 – 17:30: Board the bus for the return journey to Hanoi. 19:00 – 19:30: Arrive in Hanoi. Our bus and tour guide will drop you off at your hotel. End of the trip.

   What's included

   • ✓Transportation by air-conditioned bus
   • ✓English-speaking tour guide
   • ✓Mineral water (02 bottle/ pax/ full day tour)
   • ✓Entrance fee

   Not included

   • —Personal Expenses: Any purchases, tips, or additional costs outside the official itinerary.

5. Day 5

   Hà Nội Departure + Ho Chi Minh Arrival

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   HotelGRAND HOTEL DU LAC BOUTIQUE SAIGON 5★ — du LAC Junior Suite or similar

   Free time and relaxing until private transfer pick up at hotel and transfer to airport. Take flight to next destination. Arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, welcome by our representative and proceed to your hotel. Check in and take a rest. (Check in hotel 15:00, early check-in available upon availability with an additional charge)

6. Day 6

   Ho Chi Minh City Full Day

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   HotelGRAND HOTEL DU LAC BOUTIQUE SAIGON 5★ — du LAC Junior Suite or similar

   Meet our guide at your hotel and take a full city tour. Start with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, which features an extensive collection of exhibits including weaponry, photos and documentation on Vietnam’s wars with the French and Americans. Continue to Reunification Palace, which was formerly the South Vietnam President’s residence and symbol of the Southern Administration’s reign until end of April 1975. Afternoon, continue the tour to visit Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, a neo-Roman cathedral built over 130 years ago by the colonial French with materials entirely imported from Marseilles. Call in Saigon Central Post Office, a fine colonial building which was designed and built in the early 20th Century by the famous French architect Gustave Eiffel. Move on to Cho Lon or the city’s China Town where you will visit the Jade Emperor Temple (Phuoc Hai), a rare Taoist structure in Vietnam built in 1909 in dedication to the Lord of Heaven. End the trip, drop off at your hotel.

   What's included

   • ✓Tour guide: English speaking guide during the tour (different guide in different city)
   • ✓All transfers by air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary
   • ✓Entry and sightseeing fees for all visits if any: Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum
   • ✓All taxes and service charges
   • ✓Mineral Water during day tour (02 bottle /pax/full day tour)

   Not included

   • —International / Domestic flight ticket & airport tax (if have).
   • —Meals which not mentioned in detail itinerary
   • —Tip & gratitude for guides & drivers

7. Day 7

   Củ Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta

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   HotelGRAND HOTEL DU LAC BOUTIQUE SAIGON 5★ — du LAC Junior Suite or similar

   Pick up at your hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. The trip to Cu Chi will take you an approximately one and a half-hour bus drive. Before exploring the tunnels, you will watch an introductory video about how the tunnels were made and how Vietnamese people survived in the harsh conditions of the wartime. Then, spend your time exploring the remaining areas and tunnel system which include special living areas with kitchens and bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for the security purpose during the war. Afterwards, special tea and cassava (guerrillas’ food during the war) will be served. Break time. Continue to visit My Tho city. With boat trip on Tien River, you will be excited by the light breeze from the river and the natural beauty of four beautiful islands such as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise along the riverside. CON THAI SON + HORSE CAR (Duration 2 hours 30 minutes) - Pick up guests at My Tho Tourist Pier: No. 8, Street 30/4, Ward 1, My Tho City. Cruise on the Tien River, see the raft fish farming village on the river and the four sacred islands: Long, Lan, Qui, Phung. - Boat to Thoi Son Island, enjoy honey tea with cakes and jams at the local people's house, walk on the village road to visit the specialty coconut candy factory, enjoy seasonal fruits and listen to amateur music Southern. - Take a rowing boat on a small canal under two rows of cool green water coconut trees. - Ride a horse-drawn carriage or tram on village roads. - Have lunch at the restaurant (If available). - Return to My Tho Tourist wharf. Goodbye guests. See you again. Cruise through the small canal by sampan, treating yourself to the beauty of the countryside, and taking a short cycling around the village which will certainly be an unforgettable experience when participating in the Mekong Delta tour. Visit the coconut candy workshop, and enjoy seasonal delicious fruits & honey tea. Get a chance to listen to the Southern Vietnamese folk music which is performed by local people. Return to Ho Chi Minh City. Trip ends.

   What's included

   • ✓Tour guide: English speaking guide during the tour (different guide in different city)
   • ✓All transfers by air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary
   • ✓Entry and sightseeing fees for all visits if any: Cu Chi Tunnel
   • ✓All taxes and service charges
   • ✓Mineral Water during day tour (02 bottle /pax/full day tour)

   Not included

   • —International / Domestic flight ticket & airport tax (if have).
   • —Meals which not mentioned in detail itinerary
   • —Tip & gratitude for guides & drivers

8. Day 8

   Cai Be – Tan Phong Island Full Day

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   HotelGRAND HOTEL DU LAC BOUTIQUE SAIGON 5★ — du LAC Junior Suite or similar

   07:30 AM – Ho Chi Minh City → Cai Be Pick up at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Depart for Cai Be by private car/van via Trung Luong Expressway. Travel time: approximately 2–2.5 hours. Cai Be – Mekong Delta Experience Upon arrival in Cai Be, start the journey with a boat ride along the Tien River. Visit the former Cai Be Floating Market area and learn about the traditional trading activities and daily life of local people in the Mekong Delta. Walk through the peaceful village paths and visit Ba Kiet Ancient House to discover the local architecture and culture. Visit a local family business and learn how traditional products such as coconut candy and crispy rice popcorn are made. Enjoy fresh tropical fruits and experience traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music (Don Ca Tai Tu). Tan Phong Island Continue by sampan/rowing boat through small canals, surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful countryside scenery. Arrive at Tan Phong Island and explore the tranquil orchard gardens and local way of life. Enjoy a cycling tour through village paths and fruit orchards, meeting local residents and experiencing their daily life. Discover the peaceful rural surroundings of the Mekong Delta. Return to Cai Be – Ho Chi Minh City Take a private boat back to Cai Be. Meet the private vehicle and transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City. End of the tour at the hotel.

   What's included

   • ✓Tour guide: English speaking guide during the tour (different guide in different city)
   • ✓All transfers by air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary
   • ✓Entry and sightseeing fees for all visits if any: Private boat Cai Be → Tan Phong → Cai Be, Bicycle Rental, Traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music
   • ✓All taxes and service charges
   • ✓Mineral Water during day tour (02 bottle /pax/full day tour)

   Not included

   • —International / Domestic flight ticket & airport tax (if have).
   • —Meals which not mentioned in detail itinerary
   • —Tip & gratitude for guides & drivers

9. Day 9

   Ho Chi Minh Departure

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   Free time and take a rest until driver pick up and transfer you to airport. Take flight to next destination.

The hotels and cruises named in this itinerary are the ones we book first. If a property is fully booked on your travel dates, we will replace it with another one of the same standard (or better) in the same area, and confirm the change with you before you pay — the tour price stays as quoted.

The route

4 stops · 9-day trip

1. 1Hà NộiThe capital — old quarter and street food
2. 2Hạ Long BayLimestone islands, overnight cruises
3. 3Hồ Chí Minh CityThe south's restless capital
4. 4The Mekong DeltaFloating markets and river life

Price per person

The larger the group, the less each person pays.

Per-person reference prices — a specialist confirms the final quote by email.