Vietnam Essential 10 days 9 nights

After breakfast in the hotel, leave Hanoi for a more than 2-hour drive to Ninh Binh, a province in the south of Hanoi that is famous for its stunning rural scenery and karst landscapes. Visit Hoa Lu ancient capital and temples dedicated to Kings of the Dinh dynasty (968 -980) and the Early Le Dynasty (980 – 1009).
Proceed to Tam Coc through stunning country landscapes of mountains, rice fields and villages. After lunch, in the afternoon board a small sampan and gently glide on the water along rice paddies, natural tunnels and spectacular mountain landscapes of Tam Coc or Thung Nang. This area, dubbed as the Halong on land, surely gives you a great impression of the natural beauty and authentic local life.
Continue with a visit to Bich Dong Pagoda dating to 1428 and comprising three structures on the mountain cliff. This place was described as the second most beautiful place under the Viet sky by the Lord Trinh Sam in 1770.
Back to Hanoi in the late afternoon and free at your leisure to explore Hanoi at your own pace.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch

After breakfast in the hotel, depart from Hanoi for a 2 ½ hour drive through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta to Halong Bay. Dubbed as one of the most beautiful places on Earth, the natural wonder Halong Bay is a huge body of emerald water dotted with thousands of limestone islands of special shapes that formed by winds and waves through millions of years. The place was twice recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site for its exceptional natural and cultural values.
Board the cruise and enjoy sumptuous fresh seafood lunch as you wind your way through the spectacular bay of dramatic islands, floating villages and mirror-like water. Visit a huge limestone cave full of stalactites and stalagmites and enjoy the rest of the day swimming and paddle kayak or just simply relax on the top desk in spectacular sunset.
Dinner and overnight in great comfort under romantic stars live sky.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Get up early if you want to have a spectacular view of the bay at sunrise with a cup of coffee or tea. The boat will then set sail for another part of Halong Bay whilst you enjoy your breakfast. Discover more spectacular landscapes and enjoy lunch before you disembark the boat at Halong harbour at early noon. There your driver will meet you for the transfer to Noi Bai Airport for the flight to Danang, gateway to Hoi An. En route visit to ceramic village in Dong Trieu.
After a short flight to Da Nang, transfer 30 minutes to Hoi An. This charming little city by the bank of Thu Bon River used to be a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle changed little over the years.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Brunch

Explore the Tranquil Countryside of Hoi An: A Day of Farming and Culture.
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by an exploration of the peaceful countryside around Hoi An. Hop on a bicycle and head to Tra Que Herb Village, where you’ll immerse yourself in local farming activities. The guide will share the village’s history as you explore Tra Que Herb Village and discover the riparian ecosystem of the local community. Activities include collecting seaweed for vegetable fertilizer, visiting ponds, observing fish, and encountering buffalo, chickens, and ducks.
Next, participate in planting vegetables alongside local farmers. Learn how to use seaweed for fertilizer, dig the soil, create raised beds, transplant vegetables, and water the crops. Afterward, enjoy a unique buffalo ride and row a bamboo basket boat. Your morning adventure concludes with a relaxing Head-Shoulder-Foot massage before lunch.
At 1:00 PM, return to the charming town of Hoi An to explore its beauty and rich culture. Take a leisurely stroll through the Old Quarter, visiting the Kwan and Phuc Kien Temples. Continue your journey by exploring two historic homes: Tan Ky Ancient House and Phung Hung House. Don’t miss the iconic Japanese Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An, and explore the town’s cultural showcases.
As the day winds down, savor a cup of coffee at a rooftop café while admiring the sunset. Feel free to relax and chat with your tour guide at your own pace. The trip concludes, leaving you free to either have custom shoes made, shop for dresses and suits, or simply unwind with a good book.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch

Embark on a scenic drive through lush green landscapes, pristine beaches, spectacular lagoons, and verdant mountains as you make your way to Hue. Along the way, enjoy stops at the Marble Mountains and the optional Cham Museum. Don’t miss the panoramic view from the top of Hai Van Pass.
Hue, located in central Vietnam, holds the legacy of being the old imperial capital—a treasure trove of the country’s royal history. It is renowned for both its historical significance and its stunning natural beauty. In the afternoon, delve into the heart of Hue’s heritage by visiting the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden City. Constructed between 1804 and 1833, the citadel served as the administrative headquarters of the country from 1802 to 1884, and nominally until 1945. Enclosed by massive brick walls and protected by a moat system, this fortress-like citadel spans three courts, covering 6 kilometers. As you explore, you’ll witness the grandeur of dynastic rulers alongside the scars of ancient and modern turmoil (note that the Royal Citadel suffered significant damage during the latter stages of the war). Yet, even today, it exudes a sense of grace and majesty.
Consider enhancing your experience with an optional royal dinner this evening—a fitting way to immerse yourself in the former imperial city’s ambiance.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch”

Begin your day by boarding a traditional dragon boat and gliding along the Perfume River. Your destination: the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hue. Its 7-story Phuoc Duyen tower stands as a symbol of the city. Within its walls lies a fascinating history—a massive bell from the early 18th century whose resonant sound can be heard for miles, and an Austin car that once belonged to Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc. It was this very monk who, in 1963, self-immolated in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) to protest the discriminatory policies against Buddhism imposed by the Ngo Dinh Diem regime.
Next, continue your exploration with a visit to one of the Emperor Tombs—a testament to special architectural design. These tombs are part of the Royal City, nestled within a beautiful natural setting.
After a morning of discovery, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant. Then, it’s time to transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city and a bustling commercial hub of Vietnam. Here, life unfolds in a whirlwind of sights and sounds—from early morning until midnight. The city seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern dynamism, creating a captivating fusion of East and West. And don’t miss out on the local cuisine—it’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen.
Your overnight stay awaits at a hotel in Saigon.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch

Start your day by leaving the bustling city behind. Our guide will pick you up from your hotel, and together, we’ll embark on a 2-hour drive to the stunning countryside. About 70 kilometers northwest of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), we’ll find ourselves in a lush green landscape adorned with fruit gardens, rice paddies, and plantations: the Cu Chi Tunnels. These tunnels stretch over 200 kilometers, connecting half-covered and fully concealed hideouts, shelters, fighting bunkers, hospitals, schools, and even living quarters. Remarkably, they were all built and used by fighters during the French and American wars in Vietnam. As we explore, you’ll have a chance to sample some of the simple cuisine that sustained these local fighters. Venture into the tunnels themselves—feel the cramped spaces, imagine the conditions people endured, and marvel at the ingenious solutions that kept life going underground. And if you’re up for it, you can even try your hand at firing a Russian Carbine rifle, the iconic AK-47.
After an eventful morning, we’ll recharge with lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to the city center.
In the afternoon, our journey continues. First stop: the Independence Palace, formerly the Presidential Palace of South Vietnam. This historic building witnessed pivotal moments in Vietnam’s history. Explore its grand halls and corridors and let the echoes of the past guide you.
Next, we’ll visit the Central Post Office, an architectural gem designed by Gustave Eiffel himself. As we ride through Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), you’ll step into the pages of Graham Greene’s bestselling book, The Quiet American. The street’s rich history comes alive, blending old-world charm with modern energy. And no visit to Saigon is complete without a stroll through the Ben Thanh Market. This bustling market is a treasure trove of local products—colorful textiles, aromatic spices, handicrafts, and more. Take your time to explore, haggle, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Our day concludes back at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch

Kick off your day with an 8:00 AM departure from your hotel, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of Saigon. Our destination? The enchanting Mekong Delta, specifically My Tho and Ben Tre. This upper part of the delta boasts fertile soil, abundant water, and a lush landscape—a true kingdom of evergreen vegetation and beautiful tropical fruits. Get ready to immerse yourself in local life along the banks of the world’s 12th-longest river.
Upon arriving in My Tho city, we’ll hop on a boat cruise along the mighty Mekong River. Our first stop: an island adorned with lush tropical gardens. Here, we’ll sample freshly picked tropical fruits straight from the trees. But that’s not all—our journey continues to local cottage industries. Watch skilled artisans create beautiful handicrafts and delightful sweets from coconut and rice. Then, hop on a motor cart for a scenic ride around the islands of Ben Tre province. Along the way, we’ll make stops at farms and local homes, giving you a glimpse into traditional lifestyles.
Lunchtime arrives in a fresh garden, where local specialties await. But the adventure isn’t over yet! Climb aboard a sampan—a traditional wooden boat—for a captivating rowing trip through the Mekong Delta’s mangroves. The meandering canals reveal hidden wonders, and the tranquility is unmatched. Finally, we’ll board a larger boat, returning to My Tho harbor. From there, it’s back to Ho Chi Minh City, where you’re free to explore at your leisure and indulge in some shopping.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch

Today is departure day. Enjoy some free time for last purchases or simply relax before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travel!