Vietnam Classic Tour 11 Days / 10 Nights

In the morning, explore the Ho Chi Minh complex: take a look at the former leader’s Mausoleum and the house on stilts where he lived. Visit the unique One Pillar Pagoda and proceed to the Temple of Literature, a tranquil sanctuary that was the first university of Vietnam. Admire the architecture and the gardens of this cultural treasure.

In the afternoon, visit the renowned Museum of Ethnology and learn about the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam, then enjoy a cyclo tour around the lively Old Quarter. Experience the diverse lifestyles and shopping opportunities in this area. Finish your day with with a spectacular Water Puppet Show, a unique art form that showcases the culture and folklore of Northern Vietnam.

Overnight in Hanoi

In the morning, travel southward (about 90 km from Hanoi) to explore the historical site of Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam for more than four decades in the 10th and 11th centuries. Now it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trang An Complex.

The highlight of this tour is the boat journey through a winding stream with a visit to Tam Coc (the Three Caves). Tam Coc is also known as “Halong on Dry Land” because of its spectacular scenery of limestone crags and rice fields. Then visit the Mua (Dancing) Cave, the most beautiful place in Ninh Binh, where you will be stunned by the panoramic view of Tam Coc and the limestone massifs. Time permitting, visit Bich Dong pagoda, a complex of three ancient Buddhist temples built into the mountain.

Return to Hanoi and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi

At 8am drive to Halong bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning natural beauty. Its name means “The Descending Dragons” in Vietnamese. The bay features more than a thousand islands of limestone that jut out of the sea, and some of them have incredible caves within. 

Arrive at the pier, board the cruise and start exploring this amazing bay. Enjoy a wonderful journey among the surreal islands in the calm emerald green waters. 

At night, you will anchor on the bay and savor a delicious seafood dinner on board.

Overnight on board

Note: the Halong itinerary may vary depending on the latest cruise itinerary updates

Start your day early in the morning with coffee and tea on the sundeck, along with a Tai Chi class. After breakfast, keep exploring the bay and some of its many caves. 

Lunch is served on board as you head back to the docks. 

After disembarkation, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Danang. 

Upon arrival and pickup by your tour guide and driver, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An

Spend a full day exploring the ancient town of Hoi An, a former trading hub on the Thu Bon River. Hoi An has a rich history of cultural exchange and commerce, dating back to the Cham civilization from the 2nd to the 10th century. Later, it became a popular destination for merchants and missionaries from various countries, such as India, China, Japan, Portugal, France, and more. They left their mark on the architecture and culture of Hoi An, creating a unique blend of influences. Today, Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a charming place to explore. 

Start with the Japanese covered bridge, a symbol of Hoi An that was built in the 16th century by the Japanese community to connect with the Chinese quarter. Then, visit the Phuc Kien assembly hall, a beautiful temple that was founded by the Fujian Chinese in the 17th century to worship their ancestors and gods. Proceed to the Phung Hung old mansion, a typical example of Hoi An’s architecture that combines Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese elements. The house is over 200 years old and has been preserved by eight generations of the same family. Later, learn more about Hoi An’s history, culture, and art by visiting one of the Hoi An museums (either the Sa Huynh Culture Museum or the Ceramics Trade Museum).

In the afternoon, stroll leisurely in the old town, soak up the atmosphere, learn more about its unique culture, shop for tailor-made clothing, shoes, lanterns, and food, or just relax on the beach.

Overnight in Hoi An

To start off the day, visit one of the first museums in Vietnam, the Danang Museum of Cham Sculpture built by the French in 1915. It has a main building that looks like the Champa temples – towers in Central Vietnam. It also has some aspects of French colonial architecture from the early 1900s. Proceed to the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five marble and limestone peaks located about seven kilometres away from downtown Danang. 

Then, drive along the magnificent Hai Van (Ocean Clouds) Pass, a 21-km-long road that winds through the mountains between Danang and Hue. It is one of the most picturesque roads in Vietnam, offering panoramic views of the sea and the sky from 500 metres above sea level.

On arrival in Hue, explore the Royal Complex, the former residence of the Nguyen Dynasty, who ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. Discover the historic and majestic walled Citadel, which houses the former Imperial Palace and the Forbidden Purple City.

Later, enjoy some free time to wander around the busy Dong Ba market along the north bank of the Huong (Perfume) River, where you can haggle for anything from souvenirs and bronze goods, to Hue specialty sesame sweets and iconic conical hats. 

Overnight in Hue

Keep exploring Hue in the morning and see the magnificent tombs of King Minh Mang and Tu Duc, two of the most famous emperors of the Nguyen dynasty.

Later, transfer to the airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, also known and often referred to by its traditional name Saigon, where, upon arrival and airport transfer, check in at the hotel and relax.

Overnight in Saigon

In the morning, visit some of the historical and cultural sites of the southern metropolis, such as the War Remnants Museum, which displays the history and consequences of the wars in Vietnam. The museum is a member of the International Network of Museums for Peace and was established on September 4, 1975. Next, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office, two iconic examples of French colonial architecture. The Post Office was built between 1877 and 1883 by Gustave Eiffel, the renowned designer of the tower in Paris that proudly bears his name. Proceed to the historic Ben Thanh Market, the largest and most lively market in Saigon. You can find a variety of goods here, such as food, clothing, shoes, household items, accessories, and souvenirs. The market is divided into different sections according to the type of products, and most of the vendors can speak English. 

In the afternoon, travel to Cu Chi, 70 kilometers northwest of the city. There you will explore the underground tunnels that were built by the Viet Minh to fight against the French in 1948 and later expanded by the Viet Cong to resist the Americans in the 1960s and 1970s. The tunnels were a complex network of living areas, kitchens, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers, and more. They could accommodate up to 10,000 people who lived underground for years, getting married and giving birth. The Cu Chi area was heavily bombed by the Americans and declared a free fire zone. Since 1988, two sections of the tunnels have been open for visitors. You can even crawl through some of them yourself.

Overnight in Saigon

In the morning, drive to the Mekong Delta, the fertile region that produces most of Vietnam’s rice. Enjoy the rural scenery along the way until you reach My Tho, a quiet town on the Mekong River. 

Visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist temple. Then take a boat trip around small islands and tropical fruit gardens along the Vam Xep canal. On a small island walk along shady paths with palm trees and see the local villages and their peaceful way of life. Visit a bee farm, talk to a local family, and see how honey is collected. A horse-drawn cart will take you to a village where you can see local crafts. Visit a coconut candy factory and learn how traditional coconut sweets are made. Sample some of the exotic fruits that are grown in the area and hear some live music that reflects the culture and heritage of the Mekong Delta. Later take a rowing boat through the narrow tree-lined canals before going back to My Tho by motorized boat. Have lunch before returning to the city. 

Arrive in Saigon, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy the city at your own pace.

Overnight in Saigon

Enjoy some free time until airport transfer for your outbound flight.