7-Day Highlights of Vietnam Tour: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

What you'll experience

Highlights

7 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Hanoi Arrival - Half Day Hanoi City - SIC Tour

   Welcome to Hanoi – Vietnam!
   The driver will be welcoming you at Noi Bai airport; it takes us 35 minutes driving to the centre of Hanoi.
   Based on your arrival time, you could choose the morning or afternoon joining city tour with lunch.
   
   Morning option:
   Embark on a captivating exploration of Hanoi City as our friendly guide picks you up between 8:00am and 8:30am. Your journey begins with a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, nestled on the picturesque Golden Fish Island in West Lake. This ancient pagoda, dating back to the 6th century, is a testament to Hanoi's rich history. Next, you'll discover the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you'll have a remarkable opportunity to view the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh himself. Stroll through the lush garden, which once served as his residence and workplace from 1954 to 1969. Your next stop is the One Pillar Pagoda, an architectural marvel dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. It stands as one of the world's most unique pagodas. Please remember to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, temples, and pagodas. Keep in mind that the mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, if you travel on closing dates of this place, our guide would replace this to another attraction.
   By 11:15am, we would visit the Vietnam Ethnology Museum, where you'll gain valuable insights into the diverse cultures of the country's 54 ethnic groups. On Mondays, when the Ethnology Museum is closed, we'll take you to the Women's Museum for an equally enriching experience.
   By lunchtime, savor a Vietnamese lunch at local restaurant. Your morning half-day city tour concludes here, leaving you with a deeper understanding of Hanoi's cultural and historical treasures.
   
   Afternoon option: Starting around 12:30pm
   Your adventure begins with our friendly guide extending a warm welcome as they pick you up from your hotel. You're about to embark on an enriching afternoon exploration of Hanoi, one of Vietnam's most culturally vibrant cities.
   Your culinary and cultural journey kicks off with a visit to a local restaurant, where you'll have the pleasure of indulging in a Vietnamese lunch. The first stop on your itinerary is the esteemed Temple of Literature, known as Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam. Founded in the year 1070, this historic complex holds immense significance in Hanoi. Stroll through its picturesque gardens, marvel at the time-honored architecture, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the country's educational heritage.
   The journey continues with a visit to Hoa Lo Prison, a site that holds historical weight and was famously known as the "Hanoi Hilton." Explore its thought-provoking exhibits, each narrating stories from different chapters of the nation's past.
   As late afternoon approaches, you'll find yourself at the tranquil Ngoc Son Temple, gracefully positioned on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake. To reach this sacred sanctuary, you'll cross the iconic red bridge, adding to the experience.
   This is where your adventure through Hanoi's rich cultural and historical tapestry comes to an end and you will return back to your hotel.
   O/N in Hanoi

   

   Tran Quoc Pagoda

   

   Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

   

   Vietnam Museum Of Ethnology

   

   Văn Miếu Quốc Tử Giám

   

   Hoan Kiem Lake

   

   Hoa Lo Prison Memorial

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: 3 star hotel: Beryl Charm Hotel & Spa Superior, 4 star hotel: La Passion Classic Superior, 5 star hotel: Apricot Hotel Sketch room
2. 2

   Day 2 — Hanoi - Tam Coc - Hoa Lu - Hanoi - SIC Tour

   07:30am - 08:00am: Pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi by our friendly guide.
   09:15am: Enjoy a short 15-20 minute break to relax and refresh.
   10:30am: Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1010 AD. Learn about the fascinating history of the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties.
   11:45am: Savor a delicious buffet lunch at a local restaurant, featuring a variety of Vietnamese dishes including goat meat, fish, chicken, and fried rice. Vegetarian options are always available.
   13:00pm: Embark on a 1.5-hour scenic boat trip through Tam Coc, known as the "Ha Long Bay on Land." Marvel at the stunning scenery of rice paddies, rivers, and towering limestone formations.
   14:30pm: Enjoy a 45-minute cycling tour through the charming village, experiencing the daily life of the local people.
   15:30pm: Ascend the 500 steps to the top of Mua Cave (Dancing Cave).
   Admire breathtaking panoramic views of Tam Coc from the summit of Lying Dragon Mountain.
   16:30pm: Return to Hanoi by comfortable limousine bus.
   18:30pm Drop-off at your hotel in Hanoi.

   

   Hoa Lu

   

   Tam Coc

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: 3 star hotel: Beryl Charm Hotel & Spa Superior, 4 star hotel: La Passion Classic Superior, 5 star hotel: Apricot Hotel Sketch room
3. 3

   Day 3 — Hanoi - Halong - Overnight on Board - Shuttle Bus

   From Hanoi, at 8:00am, head East for more than 3 hours to Halong Bay, the pride of the Gulf of Tonkin, a Natural World Heritage as designated by UNESCO in 1994. The road will pass by the Red River delta with green paddyfields and rural villages, where hard-work farmers are busy with their farming jobs, ploughing buffaloes or planting seedling. Upon arrival in Halong, we'll take a big boat to cruise the Bay to discover the magnificent beauty of this "Descending-dragon" bay, created by thousands odd-shaped limestone rocks and karst grottoes. After a lunch of fresh seafood on board, we can visit the Surprising Grotto, stop for swimming or kayaking, passing floating villages and approach islets to enjoy their beauty in close distance. Back to the boat for dinner late afternoon. Evening attend activities on the boat or relax at your own leisure. Overnight on the boat near Titov Beach. 

   

   Halong Bay

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: 3 star hotel: La Pandora Botique Cruise Suite Balcony, 4 star hotel: La Pandora Cruise Ocean View Suite, 5 star hotel: Mgloria Cruise Junior Suite Balcony
4. 4

   Day 4 — Halong - Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City - Evening Flight

   After breakfast, visit by boat to Luon Cave, a ring-shaped pool inside an island in Halong with absolutely tranquil landscape and emerald water. Back to the Wharf of Halong passing the most densely area with many islands that have been named like the Cock-Fighting Rock, Sail Island, Incense burner rock or Sea Dog Rock. Arrive at Halong Wharf around 11:00am. Return to Hanoi, then you'll transfer to the airport for a flight to Saigon. Welcome at the airport then transfer to hotel for checking-in. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. 

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: 3 star hotel: Liberty Parkview Saigon Deluxe, 4 star hotel: The Bay hotel Deluxe, 5 star hotel: Grand Saigon Deluxe
5. 5

   Day 5 — Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta Cruise - Ho Chi Minh City - SIC Tour

   After breakfast at hotel, picked by at hotel and drive heading to My Tho the homeland of coconut and family factories with local products like coconut candy, rice paper,… Upon arrival, embark on the boat cruising on the mighty Mekong River viewing the life to the local people live along the banks. We stop at one of 4 island in the area for sightseeing. Enjoy the fresh tropical fruits served in the heart of the garden accompanied by traditional southern Vietnamese folk music at the plantation. After that you will embark on the small boats rowed the the local people thru the small cannels with water coconut tree to visit the local factories. There you will taste the honey tea and see the local people produce the coconut candy milk and of course you also can try it or stroll in the garden where the locals feed honeybee. After that enjoy the horse-cart trip throught the tranquil road of the village. We continue getting on the big boat to visit the vast area. Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant nearby Mekong River with the Elephant Ear fish. Afternoon, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City with stop to visit Vinh Trang pagoda, a famous pogoda in the area that its architecture is a mix of Chinese, Cambodian, and French culture. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

   

   Mekong Delta

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: 3 star hotel: Liberty Parkview Saigon Deluxe, 4 star hotel: The Bay hotel Deluxe, 5 star hotel: Grand Saigon Deluxe
6. 6

   Day 6 — Ho Chi Minh City - Full Day City Cu Chi Tunnel Tour - SIC Tour

   7:30am: Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars. 
   Have lunch at local restaurant.
   Depart for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, 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 security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla's food during the war) will be served. 
   Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun. 
   Return to Ho Chi Minh City. End trip.

   

   Cu Chi Tunnels

   

   Reunification Palace

   

   Independence Palace

   

   Notre Dame Cathedral

   

   Saigon Central Post Office

   

   War Remnants Museum

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: 3 star hotel: Liberty Parkview Saigon Deluxe, 4 star hotel: The Bay hotel Deluxe, 5 star hotel: Grand Saigon Deluxe
7. 7

   Day 7 — Ho Chi Minh City Departure

   You are free until transfer to the airport for departure flight. End of service!

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

Tour operator