9-Day Vietnam Highlights Tour from Hanoi

What you'll experience

Highlights

9 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Hanoi Arrival - Hanoi City Tour - 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.
   Note: 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. (Note: 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

   

   One Pillar Pagoda

   

   Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

   

   Vietnam Museum Of Ethnology

   

   Văn Miếu Quốc Tử Giám

   

   Hoa Lo Prison Memorial

   Meals: B: Excluded, 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
2. 2

   Day 2 — Hanoi - Halong - Overnight on Cruise - Shuttle Bus

   After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Halong, one of the earliest World Heritages Sited designated by UNESCO for Vietnam in 1994. Check-in our boat and enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood while the boat goes about unusual seascape with thousands picturesque rocks and islets, beaches and hollow islands. We can stop to visit some karsts grottoes or just go swimming, or stop at a beach and enjoy the sunset on the sea. (Lunch and dinner on board). Overnight on the boat in Halong Bay.
   Please note the program may be little varied upon the cruise you choose. No Indian food available on the boat so pork-free menu will be served.

   

   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
3. 3

   Day 3 — Halong - Hanoi - Danang - Evening Flight

   You should wake up early to enjoy the dawn on the sea in the early morning. The Vietnamese call the "East Sea" by a point-oriented name "Eastern Sea", so you may guess how miraculous seeing the sunrise over the islets of the Bay. After breakfast our boat will continue to cruise in marvelous areas, where almost each islet has its own name, adopting its shape or reminiscent like Sail Island, Fisherman's head rock, Butterfly rock or Turtle islet etc. Take our car back to Hanoi International Airport for a short flight to Danang. Welcome at the airport then transfer along the coast to reach Danang city.
   O/N in Danang
   Note: Your flight must be after 18:00pm.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: 3 star hotel: Soho Boutique Superior , 4 star hotel: Grand Citiview Superior, 4 star hotel: Rosamia Hotel Deluxe City
4. 4

   Day 4 — Hoi An - Coconut Forest with Basket Boat - Lantern Release - SIC Tour

   About 12:30pm:
   - Our guide will meet you at our hotel in Hoi An City Center and start the Hoi An City Tour.
   - Firstly, you'll visit Hoi An Market which is always bustling. It offers an unmissable shopping experience. This market is full of sights, colors, sounds and smells. Next to Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, a colorful mélange of bright gates, dragon statues and elaborate rooftops. Get an introduction to ancestor worship while visiting the family altar and watching local devotees making offerings. You will see remarkably well-preserved old houses: Phung Hung Ancient House or Tan Ky Ancient House - That have withstood 200 years of weather and war. Learn about the prosperous merchants who used to live in these homes, trading with buyers from all around the world. After that, going to Museum of Folk Culture in Hoi An - A display of artifacts depicts ancient local daily life in a 150-year-old Chinese merchant house. Especially, you will enjoy art shows at Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House. 
   - Make a stop at the Japanese Bridge. The bridge spans a small waterway and was constructed more than 400 years ago to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese who lived on the other side of the water. Admire the carvings and paintings inside the bridge, learning about their symbolism and cultural significance.
   - Additionally, visit some of Hoi An's well-known handicraft shops and artwork galleries. Discover smaller laneways and local neighborhoods gaining a better appreciation of Hoi An's endless charm.
   - Enjoy your time with the boat ride and release the flower lantern to pray for the lucks to you and your family. You will immerse yourself in the fanciful space of the lantern street.
   18:30pm: Finish Hoi An city tour.
   Note: Dinner is one-cusine meal as local street food (noodles, bread).
              Your flight must arrive before 10:00am.

   

   Phuc Kien Assembly Hall

   

   Japanese Covered Bridge

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: 3 star hotel: Soho Boutique Superior, 4 star hotel: Grand Citiview Superior, 5 star hotel: Rosamia Hotel Deluxe City
5. 5

   Day 5 — Danang - Full Day Hue Imperial City -SIC Tour

   07:30am: Pick up guest at hotels and depart to Hue city, World Cultural Heritage.
   10:30am: Arrive at Hue city. Visit the Tomb of Tu Duc king or Khai Dinh king - Romance, lyrical reflects the life of the king of talented but situation in the country intricate.
   11:40am: Have lunch at restaurant with local foods.
   12:30pm: Visit the Imperial Citadel, (the Palace of 13 Nguyen's Kings, the last feudal dynasty of Viet Nam: Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, The Temple, Hien Lam pavilion, Nine Urns), having experiences with virtual 3D scanning concept "Finding the lost palace".
   15:00pm: Visit Thien Mu pagoda ancient, was built in the early of XVII Century. Shopping at Dong Ba Market. (optional)
   16:00pm: Leave Hue for Da Nang city. Shopping Local Specialities. Tour ends.

   

   Thien Mu Pagoda

   

   Royal Tomb of Khai Dinh King

   

   Hue Imperial Citadel

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: 3 star hotel: Soho Boutique Superior, 4 star hotel: Grand Citiview Superior, 5 star hotel: Rosamia Hotel Deluxe City
6. 6

   Day 6 — Danang - Saigon

   Relax till transfer to Danang Airport to take the flight to Saigon. You will be welcomed at the Tan Son Nhat airport and transfer to the hotel to check-in.

   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 — Meking Delta - My Tho Tour -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 Saigon 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 Saigon. 

   

   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
8. 8

   Day 8 — Saigon - City Cu Chi Tunnel Tour - SIC

   Breakfast at the hotel. You will be picked up from pick-up point in District 1 at 07:30am-08:00am. Take the morning city tour to visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, a witness to the fierce Vietnam War that ended in 1975. The grand building today is a Museum and Hall for official receptions. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral (view from outside only) built between 1877 and 1883, the historic Central Post Office - one of the city's major landmarks. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum, one of the most famous historical attractions in Ho Chi Minh. Coming to the War Remnants Museum, you can learn a part of how Vietnamese struggled and fought for their independence, freedom, and peace of the nation, as well as the locals' perspective of the Vietnam War. Have lunch with Vietnamese food at local restaurant. 
   Afternoon drive to Cu Chi Tunnels: the network of over 200 km of tunnels became legendary when they played a vital role in the war. In their heyday, the tunnels were functioning underground cities, including numerous trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. After a short introduction video showing how the tunnels were constructed, you will have a chance to crawl into a short section of the tunnels to feel the oppressive narrowness and heat inside. Experience the thrill of firing an M15, AK-47, and carbine rifle  (at guests own extra cost). 
   Return to Ho Chi Minh later in the day. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.  

   

   Independence Palace

   

   Reunification Palace

   

   Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

   

   Saigon Central Post Office

   

   Cu Chi Tunnels

   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
9. 9

   Day 9 — Saigon - Departure

   Breakfast at the hotel. If your flight is in the  afternoon, you will have a half day more for the sightseeing and shopping before the departure till check out time and transfer to the airport for the departure flight back to your sweet home. End of our services.

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

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

Tour operator