Essential Vietnam Tour 10 Days - Culture & History

Overview

Experience the essential beauty and vibrant culture of Vietnam in this comprehensive 10-day journey. From the ancient charm of Hanoi and the mystical limestone karsts of Halong Bay (an overnight cruise experience), to the heritage lanterns of Hoi An and the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), this tour covers the nation's must-see highlights. Explore historical sites, UNESCO landscapes, and savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

Highlight:

Hanoi's Culture Hub: Discover the historical significance of the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex and enjoy the bustling, vibrant atmosphere of the Hanoi Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.
Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise: Sleep under the stars on a luxury junk boat, explore the massive Sung Sot Cave, and kayak through the emerald waters surrounding towering limestone karsts—a UNESCO World Heritage Site must-do!
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex: Experience the 'Ha Long Bay on Land' with a traditional boat trip through stunning rice paddies, impressive caves, and the ancient temples of Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh.
Golden Bridge & Ba Na Hills Magic: Walk the iconic Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands and explore the whimsical French Village and Fantasy Park via Southeast Asia's most modern cable car system.
Hoi An Ancient Town Charm: Step back in time in the 16th-century trading port, visit the historic Japanese Covered Bridge, and take a unique basket boat ride through the Cam Thanh Coconut Village.
Cu Chi Tunnels Immersion: Gain deep insight into Vietnam's history by crawling through the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, sampling wartime cuisine, and even trying your hand at shooting real bullets (optional).
Mekong Delta River Life: Cruise the Tien River to visit fruit orchards, sample fresh tropical treats, learn the craft of making coconut candy, and enjoy a serene ride in a traditional rowing boat through the narrow canals.

Tour Schedule:

Day	Itinerary	Overnight
Day 1	Hanoi Arrival – Hanoi City Tour Full Day - Hanoi hotel	Hanoi
Day 2	Hanoi – Ninh Binh city tour - Hanoi	Hanoi
Day 3	Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise - Overnight on cruise	Halong
Day 4	Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi airport	Halong
Day 5	Danang hotel - Cam Thanh Coconut Village – Hoian Ancient Town – Danang hotel	Danang
Day 6	Danang – Ba Na Hills – Da Nang	Danang
Day 7	Da Nang Departure – Fly to Ho Chi Minh – Ho Chi Minh City Tour	Danang
Day 8	Ho Chi Minh hotel - Cu Chi Tunnels 6 hours – Ho Chi Minh hotel	Ho Chi Minh
Day 9	Ho Chi Minh hotel - Mekong Delta Excursion (My Tho – Ben Tre) – Ho Chi Minh hotel	Ho Chi Minh
Day 10	Ho Chi Minh Departure

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival – Hanoi City Tour Full Day - Hanoi hotel

08:00 am: The driver will pick you up at the Hanoi hotel

Visit Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex and Ba Dinh Square. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which contains the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh (closed Mondays, Fridays and from 15 June to 15 August), and Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days in 1969. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows.

Continue to the miniature 11th-century One Pillar Pagoda, which was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Visit Train Street (may view from outside), next stop is Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Free for shopping in the Hanoi Old Quarter.

17:00 am: The driver drops you off at the hotel

Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh city tour - Hanoi

08:00 am: The driver will pick you up at the Hanoi hotel, enjoying the rural scenery along the road.

10:30 am: We spend one hour visiting the Dinh and Le sanctuaries. These are the two remaining temples of the ancient citadel of Hoa Lu. The first is dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang (also known as Dinh Bo Linh), an Emperor from the Dinh Dynasty.

The second commemorates the rulers of the Le Dynasty. Dinh Bo Linh successfully conquered Vietnam’s first independent rulers, the Ngo Dynasty. On his death in 980, General Le Hoan wisely married Dinh’s widow and established the Le Dynasty and enlarged the citadel.

Next stop is the Trang An complex. Get on a boat trip that leads you through some of Vietnam’s most stunning scenery, including towering limestone karst peaks, impressive caves, and magnificent temples. Located in Ninh Binh province, the Trang An Landscape Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its spectacular landscape.

17:00 am: The driver drops you off at the hotel

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise - Overnight on cruise

08:00 – 08:30 am: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in the Old Quarter (A short break on route for refreshments, about 20 minutes)

11:30 – 11:45 am: Arrive at Halong International Harbor

12:15 pm: Embark on the cruise by tender. Check in, enjoy welcome drinks, and cruise briefing

13:00 pm: Enjoy lunch while cruising to magnificent Ha Long Bay, and admire the fascinating formations on the way

14:45 pm: Luon cave - Kayak or Bamboo boat, Luon cave excursion on a bamboo rowing boat by locals or a kayak. This is one of the must-do activities in the bay.

16:00 pm: Titop Island – Climbing, Beach & Swimming

Your next stop is Titop Island with its famous crescent moon-shaped beach and tranquil, beautiful blue waters. Viewing Halong Bay from the peak of Titop Island is another not-to-be-missed activity.

17:00 – 18:30 pm: Enjoy the best moments of the day at the sundeck as the sun hits the water between the dramatic limestone peaks and emerald-green coves, enjoying drinks and a cooking demonstration.

19:15 pm: Savour a delicious dinner

21:00: Night-time squid fishing

22:30: Free of mind with sweet dreams

Day 4: Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi airport

06:15 am: Enjoy sunrise on the Bay. Morning Tai Chi session on sundeck

06:30 am: Light breakfast. Coffee, tea and pastries served in the restaurant

07:20 am: Sung Sot cave excursion. Explore Sung Sot Cave – the biggest and most stunning cave in Halong Bay

09:15 am: Check-out of cabins & bill settlement. Start cruising back to the port

09:30 am: Buffet brunch served at the restaurant

10:45 – 11:00 am: Back to the port. Farewell and disembark

11:15 – 11:30 am: Get back to Hanoi. Arrive at Hanoi airport approximately 16:00 pm

19:00 pm: the driver and car pick you up at Danang airport and take you to the Danang hotel

Day 5: Danang hotel - Cam Thanh Coconut Village – Hoian Ancient Town – Danang hotel

9:00 am: The driver will pick you up at the Danang hotel. Start the Hoi An city tour for 9 hours

Upon arrival in Cam Thanh Coconut Forest, you will get in a basket boat to explore the coconut forest. Sightseeing by basket boat: Sitting in a basket boat, weaving through the green coconut groves and enjoying the fresh air is a unique experience, loved by many people. Bay Mau Coconut Forest tourist area has two types of basket boats, the small one can carry 2 guests and the large one can carry 4 guests.

During the journey to walk around and sightsee, you will hear interesting stories about the coconut forest and in the distance, you will hear the familiar melody of a Quang folk song. Then the car takes you to Hoi An ancient town. It was one of the major trading centers in Southeast Asia during the 16th century, during the early Western trading period.

Visit Chinese Communal House, Tan Ky Merchants’ Houses, Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An market,..and learn about the daily life of Hoi An local people

Phung Hung Ancient House: The house of the richest merchant in Hoi An at that time was known as the largest and tallest house in the area. The house was built entirely of good ironwood, a precious wood, with traditional architecture and showing a prosperous life.
Tan Ky Ancient House: This ancient house is very famous in Hoi An, attracting tourists to stop and check in. After a century, even through the historic flood in 1964, the house is still intact. Tan Ky Ancient House is a combination of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese architectural styles in every pattern. Every detail in the house is built meticulously and delicately, making this place a tourist destination in Hoi An that attracts many visitors.
When traveling to Hoi An ancient town, you must definitely stop at the Japanese Covered Bridge - a unique check-in location here. The Japanese Covered Bridge stands out with its wooden pillars, painted red, meticulously carved and most especially, built on a stone bridge with a soft arch.

18:00 pm: Arrive at your hotel.

Day 6: Danang – Ba Na Hills – Da Nang

08:00 am: Car & tour guide pick you up at the hotel or pick-up point in the center of Da Nang City. Depart to visit Ba Na - Nui Chua tourist area.

08:45 am: Together enjoy the view of Ba Na from above by the most modern cable car system in Southeast Asia. Especially the Debay Wine Cellar, the wine cellar was built by the French in 1923. After nearly a century, the wine cellar still retains its wild, mysterious beauty, is the only French construction remaining quite intact in Ba Na.

10:00 am: Exploring the romantic Le Jardin D'Amour flower garden is something that visitors cannot miss when coming to Ba Na Hills tourist area with thousands of blooming flowers.

Visit Linh Ung Ba Na Pagoda to admire the 27m high Buddha statue and immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of the Zen monastery. Visit Loc Uyen Garden, Quan Am Cac - Take a walk to visit and take pictures of the famous Golden Bridge.

11:00 am: Tour guide takes the group to visit Fantasy Park - the largest indoor entertainment area in Vietnam.

12:00 pm: Lunch and rest at the restaurant, buffet at Ba Na

13:00 pm: Conquer the top of Nui Chua - the roof of the city, visit Linh Chua Linh Tu located at an altitude of 1487m, admire the panoramic view of Da Nang city and Da Nang bay appearing and disappearing under a sea of white clouds.

15:00 pm: The group gathers to get off the cable car and return to Da Nang to visit, enjoy and shop for Da Nang specialties.

17:00 pm: End of program. Our driver takes you back to the hotel

Day 7: Da Nang Departure – Fly to Ho Chi Minh – Ho Chi Minh City Tour

08:00 pm: Our driver picks you up at the Danang hotel, heads to Danang airport

12:00 - 13:00 pm: The driver will pick you up at Tan Son Nhat, Terminal 2 Have Lunch.

13:00 - 16:45 pm: Ho Chi Minh full day tour

War Remnants Museum, the first tourist destination of Ho Chi Minh city tour full day, is a site for tourists to visit and learn about the US Army invasion of Vietnam and how the Vietnamese people saved their country.
Independence Palace, with many special names, each name carries a different historical story. Built during the French colonial period, it was completed in 1868 and named Dinh Norondom.
Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City, one of the unique architectural works of Saigon, a destination for domestic and foreign tourists, and a characteristic of Vietnam tourism.
City Post Office's history began when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the late 19th century. On January 13, 1863, the post office was first opened to the local people and the post office issued its first stamp.
Ben Thanh Market still retains its historical value and is a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City. The market is not only a place for trading but also a cultural heritage, a place that reflects the vibrant and diverse life of the city.

17:00 pm: Our driver takes you back to the hotel. End of the Ho Chi Minh City Tour.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh hotel - Cu Chi Tunnels 6 hours – Ho Chi Minh hotel

09:00 am: Our driver picks you up at hotel

Cu Chi Tunnels which located at the final destination of “Ho Chi Minh Trails” in the Vietnam War, which is used to hide and set the strap to stop many military attacks from the French’ army and American allies. Inside the tunnels, Viet Cong’ soldier lived and held a lot of strategy sessions here. Besides, they had a firing post, dormitory, kitchen, ammunition dump, first aid station (power generated by bicycle)....

Things to do at Cu Chi Tunnels

Crawling through underground tunnels: One of the most interesting parts of visiting Cu Chi is walking through the actual tunnels where the Viet Cong soldiers lived and fought. These narrow passageways, some only 60-80cm wide , were vast and vital for survival and surprise attacks. Although they have been slightly expanded to accommodate tourists, they still provide a truly authentic and immersive experience.
Discover camouflaged entrances and booby traps: Test your stealth skills by sneaking into a secret tunnel entrance, just like the Viet Cong did to avoid detection. As you explore, you’ll also witness elaborate displays of booby traps, such as spike pits and rattle traps, which played a key role in guerrilla warfare. These creative defensive tactics were key to the Viet Cong holding their ground against much larger enemy forces.
Try shooting an AK-47 or M16 at the shooting range: At the Cu Chi Shooting Range, you can test your aim with real wartime guns, offering a unique opportunity to experience the firepower that shaped Vietnam’s battlefield history. You can choose from iconic guns like the AK-47, M16, M60 machine gun, or M1 Carbine, with prices based on the number of rounds fired. This hands-on experience allows you to feel the weight and power of these classic guns, immersing you in the region’s glorious history.
Watch a documentary about the history of the tunnel: Before you tour the tunnel system, watch a short film detailing how they were built and used during the war. With authentic footage and testimonials from Viet Cong veterans, this documentary provides valuable context on the strategic role the tunnel system played in Vietnam’s fight for independence.
Enjoying the wartime cuisine of the Viet Cong: Ever wondered how Viet Cong soldiers survived for months underground? Try their basic wartime diet – boiled cassava with crushed peanuts and sugar, a simple but powerful meal that kept them going throughout the battle. Served with hot green tea, the experience offers a glimpse into wartime survival.

15:00 pm: Our driver takes you back to the hotel

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh hotel - Mekong Delta Excursion (My Tho – Ben Tre) – Ho Chi Minh hotel

08:00 am: Depart from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City by private car transfer to My Tho, Tien Giang Province (approx. 1.5 - 2 hours drive).

10:00 am - 13:00 pm: Upon arrival in My Tho, head to a local pier. You'll then embark on a motorized boat trip along the Tien River. Your boat will navigate through picturesque canals, taking you to various islands.

Unicorn Island (Con Lan): This is a popular stop where you can visit a local fruit orchard, enjoy some fresh tropical fruits, and listen to traditional Vietnamese folk music.
Coconut Candy Workshop: Experience the fascinating process of making coconut candy, a local specialty. You'll see how it's made from scratch and can sample different flavors.
Honey Bee Farm: Visit a bee farm where you can learn about beekeeping and sample honey tea.
Rowing Boat Experience: A highlight of the My Tho experience is a serene ride on a single-person rowing boat through the narrow, palm-fringed canals. This offers a tranquil perspective of the delta.

The boat will take you across to Ben Tre Province, known as the 'Land of Coconuts.' Here, you might visit a local handicraft village where products are made from coconut wood or other natural materials. You'll then transfer back to My Tho pier.

17:30 pm: Our driver takes you back to the Ho Chi Minh hotel

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh Departure

Morning: The driver picks you up at the hotel

Drops you off at Ho Chi Minh airport.

Best price will be charged as below:

Journey		Vietnam Tour 10 Days
Group size	Time	1-2 pax	3-4 pax	5-6 pax	7-8 pax	9-10 pax
Tour Cost (USD)/pax	10 days	$1245US	$665US	$535US	$345US	$269US
Tour Cost (VND)/pax	10 days	32.619.000 vnd	17.425.000 vnd	14.019.000 vnd	9.040.000 vnd	7.049.000 vnd

1$USD 26.200 VND

Note: The prices do not apply to the New Year & Chinese New Year.

Fleet car

tick Included Service: new car, all fuel and driver expenses, parking and toll tolls, airport taxes, water, and a basic English speaking driver, 24/7 support.

tick Excludes Service: flights, accommodations, meals, tip, and other services, not a clear mention.

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