Day 1 : DAY 1: Start of tour in Hanoi
Welcome to Vietnam! Arrive and check into the hotel. If time allows, why not take the opportunity to start exploring? The capital city’s streets are lined with markets, coffee shops and unique attractions. Top sights to see include the Temple of Literature, the National Museum of Vietnamese History and Hoan Kiem Lake. Alternatively, simply wander the bustling streets and discover some hidden gems. Later, meet your fellow travellers and tour leader at the hotel - the tour is officially underway!
Day 2 : DAY 2: Hanoi City Tour
Good morning, Vietnam! After breakfast, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Hanoi. Start with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the resting place of Ho Chi Minh, known as the father of modern-day Vietnam. Discover the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Presidential Palace and the unusual Stilt House. The next stop is the Temple of Literature. Constructed in 1070 in honour of Confucius, it served as the country's first university. Then it's onto the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Here, gain perspective on the lifestyles and customs of the 54 official ethnic groups that call Vietnam home. The scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and the island-bound Ngoc Son Temple will be the last stop for the day.
Day 3 : DAY 3: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay
Embark on a cruise to Ha Long Bay this morning! This UNESCO World Heritage area is a true highlight of Vietnam tours. Enjoy a traditional lunch on board while cruising through the beautiful canals. The first stop is Sung Sot Cave, famous for being illuminated by bright lights. Enjoy happy hour at sunset on board and learn more about Vietnamese cuisine during a live cooking demonstration! Dinner is served aboard the ship, after which there will be free time to relax on the top deck, try your hand at squid fishing or watch an Indochina movie before turning in for the night.
Please note: Cruise itineraries and schedules are subject to change without pre-notice depending on the weather and operating conditions.
Day 4 : DAY 4: Cat Ba Island - Hanoi - Flight to Hue
Wake up to gorgeous views all around on the Ha Long Bay cruise. Start the day with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck. Known for its many health benefits, Tai Chi is an ancient martial art that is sure to have you feeling relaxed and refreshed. After breakfast, hop onto a bamboo boat with a local guide and explore Luon Cave. Prepare to get up close with some of Ha Long Bay’s most beautiful scenery! Enjoy lunch on board before travelling back to Hanoi. Arrive and catch a flight to Hue.
Day 5 : DAY 5: Hue City Tour
Get ready for a full day city tour of Hue! This imperial city served as the centre of politics, culture and religion of unified Vietnam up until 1945. The famous 80 km-long Perfume River winds its way through the city centre. Cruise this iconic river on a traditional dragon boat and see the city's main sights from the water! Stop and visit the well-preserved religious sight of Thien Mu Pagoda as well as the Imperial Citadel and the Royal Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. The rest of the day is free to explore Dong Ba Market at your leisure. This is the perfect time to try some regional cuisine and shop for souvenirs!
Day 6 : DAY 6: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An
Hop aboard the coach for a scenic drive along the coast from Hue to Hoi An. Stop along the way to drink in the beauty of the Marble Mountains topped with striking pagodas on each summit. Arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore this lovely coastal city at your leisure. Wander around the charming ancient town or relax in one of the many coffee shops or restaurants and watch as local life goes by. Hoi An is also well-known for its tailors and boutique stores.
Day 7 : DAY 7: Hoi An Ancient Town
Today, look forward to a tour of Hoi An’s ancient town which boasts many historic sites. Encounter the Japanese Covered Bridge Pagoda. Constructed in the late-1500s, this is a true icon of the city. Visit the Sa Huynh Culture Museum to learn more about the innovative civilization that established the port. See the Tran Family ancestral worship chapel and admire its unique 19th-century architecture which blends the Chinese and Japanese styles popular at the time. Learn about lantern-making at a workshop and visit Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, which honours the Goddess of the Sea. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore even more!
Day 8 : DAY 8: Hoi An - Da Nang - Flight to Can Tho
After breakfast, enjoy a free morning to visit the beach or do the last bit of wandering around Hoi An before heading to Da Nang Airport. Board a flight to Can Tho, in the Mekong Delta region. The city is home to vast canal networks and floating markets. This afternoon is free to explore Can Tho at your own pace. A visit to the iconic Binh Thuy Ancient House is highly recommended. The century-old home features in many films set in Vietnam and boasts some marvellous architectural idiosyncrasies.
Day 9 : DAY 9: Cai Rang Floating Market - Ho Chi Minh/Saigon
This morning, head to the Ninh Kieu boat station. Cruise along the busy Can Tho waterway to the Cai Rang floating market. This is the ideal place to shop for keepsakes and get some excellent photos. Watch as locals shop for local produce including fish, fresh vegetables and even coffee! Back on land, explore the lively An Binh indoor market. Then, enjoy a walking tour of the Rau Ram canal and visit a rice noodle workshop to see how this staple is made. Afterwards, visit a Ba Cong tropical fruit garden where a local family will teach the group about cultivation methods. Finally, hop back on the coach and travel towards Ho Chi Minh for the night.
Day 10 : DAY 10: Cu Chi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh/Saigon City Tour
The Vietnam/American War was largely significant for shaping Vietnam as it is known today. Learn more about the tumultuous war of Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) and pay homage to Vietnamese history by visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels. These narrow tunnels acted as the refuge of guerilla fighters during the war. Then, it's time to explore Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City on a city tour. Discover top sights including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Post Office and the Presidential Palace. Later, wander the Ben Thanh Market and seek out souvenirs as dusk descends. This is a popular place to pick áo dài, a traditional Vietnamese silk tunic worn at the start of the New Year.
Day 11 : DAY 11: End of Tour in Ho Chi Minh/Saigon
This adventure-packed Vietnamese tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Exchange contact details with your fellow travellers and enjoy this last day in Ho Chi Minh City before heading to the airport to catch your flight. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onwards!