Tour Across Vietnam: A Round of Vietnam from South to North 11 Days

Upon arrival at TAN SAN NHAT airport, you will be greeted and transported to your hotel in the city center. Enjoy some leisure time to either explore the city or unwind.

Rest overnight at your hotel in Saigon.

Following breakfast, embark on a journey through the historic sites of Ho Chi Minh City alongside locals, immersing yourself in the city’s pre-war ambiance.

• Begin your exploration at the War Remnants Museum, inaugurated in September 1975, showcasing a collection of military artifacts and relics from the Vietnam War era.

• Continue your tour with a visit to the Reunification Palace, once the official residence of the Indochina Governor General and later the President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam, until the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975.

• Wander towards the Notre Dame Cathedral and the General Post Office, exemplifying the exquisite French colonial architectural style.

Indulge in a delectable lunch at Pho Hoa Pasteur, renowned for its authentic Vietnamese noodle soup, Pho. Generations of the same family have maintained this restaurant, infusing your meal with a sense of heritage. The secret broth recipe adds an air of mystery to the flavors, complemented by a side of deep-fried bread.

Return to your hotel for a moment of relaxation.

In the late afternoon, reconvene with your guide in the hotel lobby for a street food expedition via traditional cyclo, a three-wheel bicycle. Vietnamese cuisine tantalizes the taste buds with its harmonious blend of heat, sweetness, sourness, and fish-sauciness, incorporating a myriad of flavors and textures.

Delight in the diverse array of Vietnamese delicacies, experiencing the unique mouth feel of each dish. Saigon’s bustling streets come alive as you leisurely pedal through local markets, uncovering hidden gems of street food culture.

Sample an assortment of savory delights while gaining insight into the cultural significance of each culinary creation, and discover why Saigon’s street food scene has captivated enthusiasts in recent years.

Retire for the night in Ho Chi Minh City, reminiscing about the day’s culinary adventures.

Following breakfast, we’ll arrange for your transportation from the hotel to Ham Luong Pier. Embark on a scenic boat journey along the Ben Tre River, passing by lush mangrove trees lining the water’s edge.

Pause at a traditional brickwork site before continuing to visit a coconut workshop and a coconut candy workshop, where you can sample various sweets, savor fresh fruits, and immerse yourself in local music. Disembark and take a leisurely stroll to meet a skilled farmer who crafts sleep mats.

Hop aboard a tuk-tuk to traverse through the picturesque coconut groves, making occasional stops to admire the surroundings. Indulge in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before resuming your exploration, rowing along serene palm-tree-lined canals.

Conclude your excursion with a visit to the local market or An Thanh Pier before returning to Saigon by car.

Following breakfast, you’ll catch a flight to Da Nang City.

Upon your arrival, our local guide will be there to greet you at the airport and facilitate your transfer to Hoi An. Once checked in, embark on a captivating walking tour of the enchanting ancient town. Witness the mesmerizing casting net show and gain insights into the art of casting a net from local fishermen.

Next, venture to the idyllic Cam Thanh Water Coconut Village, where you’ll navigate through the water coconut river on a traditional basket boat. Learn the technique of crab catching from skilled fishermen before proceeding to Tra Que. Here, you’ll explore the village, meander through the lush gardens, and partake in farming activities alongside local farmers. Indulge in a sumptuous lunch featuring a variety of local delicacies.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the agricultural practices of Tra Que as you learn to harvest and wrap vegetables. Returning to Hoi An, stroll through the narrow, winding streets of the ancient town, marveling at landmarks such as Ong Pagoda, Chinese assembly halls, the 200-year-old Tan Ky ancestral house, and the iconic Japanese Bridge.

Settle in for the night in the charming surroundings of Hoi An, reflecting on the day’s enriching experiences.

After breakfast, embark on a journey to the timeless and romantic city of Hoi An, passing through the picturesque Cloud Path, which offers breathtaking views of the bay, and Danang. Along the way to Hoi An, we make a stop at the sacred My Son holy land. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, My Son showcases ancient Cham architecture and culture.

Following our visit to My Son, we continue our journey to Hue. If your culinary adventures have left you uninspired, indulge in a “royal meal” to reignite your appetite. This dining experience promises to be a highlight for any gastronome, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of imperial Vietnamese cuisine.

Retire for the night at your hotel, savoring the memories of the day’s travels.

Commence your day with a captivating exploration of the Hue Imperial City. Following this, embark on a serene boat trip along the poetic Perfume River, pausing to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of Hue City since its construction in 1601.

Cruise further along the river to reach Thuy Bieu eco-village, a tranquil hamlet nestled along the banks of the Perfume River renowned for its verdant tea and fruit orchards. Upon arrival, engage in a delightful cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare Hue’s signature dishes.

In the afternoon, leisurely stroll through the serene village, visiting communal houses, ancient temples, and experiencing the unique charm of the garden house, a hallmark of Hue’s architecture. Rejuvenate your tired feet with a medicinal herb water soak followed by an invigorating blind massage, offering a refreshing respite after a day of exploration.

Conclude your day with a visit to the Tu Duc Tomb, a testament to the grandeur of imperial Hue. Return to your hotel, relishing the memories of your enriching experiences.

Retire for the night in Hue, enveloped in the tranquility of this historic city.

Following breakfast, catch a flight to Hanoi. Upon your arrival, our guide and car will be waiting to escort you to the city. Check-in at your accommodation and take some time to unwind and refresh.

In the afternoon, embark on an immersive exploration of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This unique experience is designed to offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals, providing insights into various aspects of their culture and traditions.

Delve into the heart of Hanoi’s culinary scene, discovering the art of cooking and enjoying pho, the quintessential Vietnamese noodle soup, in diverse and authentic ways. As you’ve already savored traditional pho, our goal is to introduce you to the myriad of delightful variations found in the capital of pho.

Throughout the tour, our knowledgeable local guide will share captivating stories and insights into the history and significance of pho, offering a deeper understanding of this beloved dish. Indulge in a selection of pho varieties and other delectable dishes, some of which may be new and undiscovered by many foreigners.

Conclude the evening with a mesmerizing traditional water puppet show, a cultural treasure of Vietnam.

Retire for the night at your hotel, reflecting on the day’s culinary adventures and cultural discoveries.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a comprehensive day of exploring Hanoi. Our first stop is at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, an imposing structure crafted from marble and granite, where he proclaimed Vietnam’s independence in 1945. While we can admire the monument from the outside, it also houses the embalmed body of “Uncle Ho.” Adjacent to the Mausoleum is his “house on stilts,” nestled within the grounds of the Presidential Palace.

Continuing our journey, a brief stroll brings us to the One Pillar Pagoda, a remarkable 11th-century wooden temple resting atop a single stone pillar emerging from the water. Its architectural design mimics a lotus bloom, and a prayer here is believed to bestow fertility and good health.

Next, we’ll visit the Temple of Literature, originally built in 1070 to honor Confucius and later serving as Vietnam’s first Royal National University, established in 1076. This temple complex, adorned with lush gardens, offers insights into the centuries-old tradition of Mandarin education that has profoundly influenced Vietnamese culture.

In the afternoon, we’ll meander through the charming alleys of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, taking in the sights around Hoan Kiem Lake and visiting the serene Ngoc Son Temple or the revered Jade Mountain Temple nestled in the heart of the city. Our day concludes with a delightful water puppet show, a cherished cultural tradition of Vietnam.

Retire for the night at the hotel, reflecting on the enriching experiences of the day in the vibrant city of Hanoi.

Following breakfast, embark on a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site renowned for its mesmerizing landscape of limestone islands emerging from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.

Upon arrival, receive a warm welcome aboard your junk boat. Indulge in a refreshing welcome drink before settling into your cabin. As the junk navigates through the breathtaking scenery of rocky islets, caves, floating villages, and pristine beaches, savor a delectable lunch featuring fresh seafood served on board.

After lunch, unwind on the sundeck, soaking in the panoramic views and basking in the tranquil ambiance. Later in the day, the junk boat will anchor in a secluded area for an overnight stay. Delight in a dinner showcasing authentic Vietnamese cuisine served on board, offering a taste of local flavors and culinary delights.

Retire for the night on board the junk boat, lulled to sleep by the gentle sway of the sea, anticipating further adventures amidst the enchanting beauty of Ha Long Bay.

As the boat glides through the enchanting waters of Ha Long Bay, you’ll be treated to picturesque views of numerous islets, each named for their distinctive shapes, including Dog, Incense Urn, Fighting Cock, and Finger. Enjoy a delightful breakfast or brunch onboard as the cruise progresses towards the wharf.

Upon disembarkation, return to Hanoi. Check into your hotel and take the opportunity to unwind and relax at your leisure.

Settle in for the night at the hotel, reflecting on the memorable experiences of the day amidst the natural splendor of Ha Long Bay.

You’ll have some free time for any last-minute shopping or exploration of Hanoi’s vibrant streets, soaking in the bustling atmosphere and perhaps picking up some souvenirs or keepsakes to commemorate your journey.

Later, we’ll arrange for your transfer to the international airport for your departure flight, ensuring a seamless and stress-free conclusion to your trip.

Safe travels, and we hope you cherish the memories of your time in Vietnam