INTRODUCE:
Embark on a comprehensive 12-day journey across Vietnam, discovering the highlights of the North, Central, and South regions. Begin in Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital, where centuries-old architecture, bustling markets, and cultural landmarks create an immersive city experience. Cruise through UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, sailing among emerald waters and towering limestone islands, for a truly unforgettable adventure.
Travel south to the scenic city of Da Nang and the legendary Ba Na Hills, crossing the iconic Golden Bridge high above the mountains. Explore the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, and soak in the charming riverside atmosphere. Continue to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling economic hub of Vietnam, and explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels and the vast Mekong Delta, experiencing local life and tropical landscapes.
This 12-day itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking a thorough exploration of Vietnam’s culture, history, and natural beauty from North to South.
Tour Highlights
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Hanoi: Explore the vibrant Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show
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Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay: Overnight cruise with kayaking, cave visits, sunset views, and optional squid fishing
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Da Nang & Ba Na Hills: Ride the cable car to Golden Bridge, explore French Village, Flower Garden, Fantasy Park
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Hoi An: Walk through lantern-lit Ancient Town, Japanese Covered Bridge, Ancient Houses, local markets
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Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle: Experience basket boat ride and traditional rural life
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Marble Mountains: Visit pagodas, caves, and viewpoints
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Ho Chi Minh City: Explore Cu Chi Tunnels, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market
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Mekong Delta: Boat trip through rivers and canals, visit fruit orchards and local workshops
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Comfortable Accommodation & Local Cuisine: 9 nights in well-rated hotels, daily breakfast, selected lunches/dinners
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Professional English-speaking Guides & Transfers: Smooth travel with domestic flights and air-conditioned vehicles
ITINERARY:
DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL – WELCOME TO VIETNAM
Anytime: Meet & greet at Noi Bai International Airport by a professional driver/guide
→ Transfer to hotel in Hanoi city center
14:00: Standard check-in (early check-in subject to availability)
Free time suggestions:
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Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and see the iconic Turtle Tower
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Try traditional Hanoi street food: Pho, Bun Cha, Egg Coffee
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Explore the bustling Old Quarter with 36 streets selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and local delicacies
Overnight: Hanoi
DAY 2: HANOI CITY TOUR – CULTURE, HISTORY & LOCAL LIFE
08:00: Pick-up from hotel
08:30: Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Presidential Palace – learn about Vietnam’s revolutionary leader
09:30: Explore One Pillar Pagoda, an architectural symbol of Hano
10:00: Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda – the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi
11:00: Discover Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university
12:30: Lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant
14:00: Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, The Huc Bridge, Ngoc Son Temple
15:30: Optional: Water Puppet Show or guided Old Quarter walking tour
17:00: Return to hotel
Evening: Free time to explore local cafés or night markets
Overnight: Hanoi
DAY 3: HANOI → HA LONG BAY – OVERNIGHT CRUISE
08:00: Pick-up & drive to Ha Long Bay (≈2.5–3 hours via expressway)
11:30: Arrive at cruise lounge, enjoy welcome drink and briefing
12:30: Board the cruise & enjoy a deluxe lunch while sailing among limestone islands
14:00: Visit Surprise Cave (Sung Sot Cave) – the largest and most stunning grotto in the bay
15:30: Stop at Titop Island:
16:45: Relax onboard & admire the sunset during the return cruise
17:30–20:30: Shuttle bus back to Hanoi
Overnight: Hanoi
DAY 4: HA LONG BAY → HANOI
07:30: Breakfast at hotel
08:30: Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for flight to Da Nang
10:30–12:00: Flight to Da Nang (subject to airline schedule)
12:30: Meet local guide & transfer to hotel
13:30: Lunch at a local restaurant (own expense)
14:30: Visit Hoi An Coconut Forest (Bay Mau Village):
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Traditional basket boat ride
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Observe fishing techniques & river life
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Optional photo opportunities with local fishermen
16:30: Transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town
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Walking tour of Ancient Houses, Japanese Covered Bridge
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Explore boutique shops and riverside cafés
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Optional: Lantern floating ceremony on Thu Bon River (own expense)
20:00: Return to hotel in Da Nang
Overnight: Da Nang
DAY 5: HANOI → DA NANG
Transfer to Noi Bai airport and flight to Da Nang
Overnight: Da Nang
DAY 6: BA NA HILLS – GOLDEN BRIDGE & FRENCH VILLAGE
08:00: Pick-up from hotel
09:00: Transfer to Ba Na Hills
09:30: Cable car to summit
10:00: Visit Golden Bridge
10:30: Explore Le Jardin d’Amour & Wine Cellar
12:00: Buffet lunch
13:00: Explore French Village & Linh Ung Pagoda
14:30: Free time at Fantasy Park
16:30: Cable car down
17:00: Return to hotel
Overnight in Da Nang
DAY 7: MARBLE MOUNTAINS – COCONUT JUNGLE – HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN
08:00: Pick-up from hotel
08:30: Explore Marble Mountains & Linh Ung Pagoda
10:30: Transfer to Cam Thanh Coconut Village
12:30: Lunch at a local restaurant
14:00: Transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town
14:30: Walking tour: Japanese Covered Bridge, Ancient Houses
16:30: Free time or optional lantern boat ride
Overnight: Da Nang
Day 8: DA NANG → HUE CITY – IMPERIAL CITADEL & PERFUME RIVER
08:00: Depart for Hue (~3 hours)
11:30: Visit Imperial Citadel & Forbidden Purple City
13:00: Lunch at local restaurant
14:30: Visit Thien Mu Pagoda & enjoy Perfume River cruise
16:30: Return Da Nang
Overnight in Da Nang
DAY 9: DA NANG FLIGHT TO HO CHI MINH
12:00: Check-Out & Transfer to Airport
14:00–16:00: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
16:30: Transfer to hotel
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
DAY 10: CU CHI TUNNELS HALF DAY
07:30: Depart for Cu Chi Tunnels (~1.5 hours)
09:00: Explore underground tunnels and learn about wartime history
11:30: Return to Ho Chi Minh City
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
DAY 11: MELKONG DELTA FULL DAY
07:30: Depart for Mekong Delta (~2 hours)
09:00: Boat trip along rivers, visit fruit orchards, local workshops
12:30: Lunch at local restaurant
14:30: Explore traditional villages & handicraft villages
16:30: Return to Ho Chi Minh City
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
DAY 12: HO CHI MINH CITY FREE DAY / OPTIONAL TOURS
Morning: Free time and departure
End of 12-Day Vietnam Explorer Tour
TOUR INCLUDED:
• Meals: Selected lunches and dinners
• Transportation: Air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing
• Cruise: 2D1N Ha Long / Lan Ha Bay cruise with meals and onboard activities
• Entrance Fees: All tickets to attractions listed in the itinerary
• Guides: Professional English-speaking local guides
• Activities: Kayaking, rowing boat, cave visits, sunset experience on Ha Long Bay
• Ba Na Hills: Ticket including Golden Bridge and round-trip cable car
• Hoi An: Ancient Town sightseeing ticket
• City Tours: Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City
• Travel Insurance: Basic local insurance during the tour
• Bottled Water: 1 bottle per person per day
• Taxes & Service Charges: Included
TOUR EXCLUDED:
• Accommodation
• Drinks during meals
• International & domestic air tickets
• Vietnam visa & visa stamping fees
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff
• Personal expenses: laundry, phone calls, shopping, etc.
• Meals not mentioned in the program
• Any services not clearly stated in Price Includes
• Peak season surcharges, compulsory gala dinners at hotels/resorts during Christmas, New Year & Tet Holidays