Best of Vietnam Tour 13 Days

As you step off the plane at Noi Bai International Airport, our warm-hearted guide will be there to greet you at the baggage claim area. Look for the sign adorned with our distinctive Asia Tour Advisor logo and your name. We'll take care of your comfortable transfer to your hotel while providing an introduction to the city en route. The remainder of the day is yours to settle in, unwind, and explore at your leisure.

Hanoi, Vietnam's capital city, is a haven for seven million people. Immerse yourself in its traditional elegance, featuring French colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards, picturesque lakes, and the vibrant Old Quarter. Observe locals practicing Tai Chi by the lake, and savor the sights and sounds of barbers and food vendors conducting their sidewalk trade.

Delve deeper into Vietnam's past with a day visit to picturesque Ninh Binh. Explore ancient sites as well as a relaxing sampan cruise through 'Halong Bay on Land'. 

Begin your day with a delectable breakfast at the hotel. We'll depart from Hanoi to Hoa Lu - Tam Coc, where you'll be treated to captivating rural scenery along the way. 

Join the guide for an in-depth exploration of the ruins of Vietnam’s first capital. Learn about the Dinh (968-980) and Le (980-1009) Dynasties and about the history of the site. See ancient tombs and the ruins of the once-imposing Citadel. 

For those feeling adventurous and fit, there's an option to embark on a half-hour trek up one of the nearby limestone karst hills, providing a rewarding panoramic view. Afterward, we'll journey to Tam Coc, located about 10 kilometers from Hoa Lu, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Following lunch, you'll experience the enchanting Tam Coc by boarding a bamboo boat rowed by local experts along the Hoang Long River. Explore the mystical "Three Caves," which provide a refreshing break from the sun. The journey takes approximately two hours, offering glimpses of local fishermen, riverside village life, and the iconic limestone karst formations.

For the more adventurous, you can climb to Bich Dong Pagoda, nestled on Ngu Nhac Mountain and dating back to 1428. Comprising three structures (Ha, Trung, and Thuong Pagodas), the pagoda's ascent offers breathtaking views. Return by sampan to Tam Coc town before heading back to Hanoi, where you'll arrive in the late afternoon.

It is unmissable in terms of its pretty pagodas, ancient temples, enchanting French colonial quarter and cultural institutions. Just as fun, however, is darting down its winding lanes and discovering your own favourite hidden corners.

After a satisfying breakfast at your hotel, our local tour guide will pick you up to embark on an exploration of Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi. With over a thousand years of history, this city is rich with captivating cultural and historical sites. Your itinerary includes visits to the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, home to the preserved body of "Uncle Ho."  and his House on Stilts to observe how he lived and how his life unfolded to become one of modern history’s greatest names. 

You'll also experience the delicate beauty of the One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Temple are a spiritual and cultural symbol of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. With special features in its structure along with historical values, the temple will surely be a real eye-opener for tourists.

After lunch, continue to visit the millennia-old Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a Confucius temple. Next is Hoa Lo , a prison used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. Prisoners of War.

To cap off your day, enjoy a one-hour cyclo tour through the bustling and lively Old Quarter, immersing yourself in the vibrant marketplace atmosphere.  Sample delicious dishes like Nom Du Du (green papaya salad), Banh Mi Pa Te (a sandwich that reflects Vietnam’s culinary heritage)

Our journey embarks from Hanoi where we'll pick you up for a scenic drive through the verdant landscapes of the Red River Delta. Our destination: the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay. Here, you'll embark on a luxurious cruise for an enchanting overnight cruise.

As you relax on board, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking limestone karsts that majestically emerge from the azure waters, surrounded by thousands of jungle-clad islands seemingly suspended on the gentle waves. The turquoise waters of the Gulf of Tonkin conceal hidden grottoes and ancient caves, creating a timeless and mesmerizing world.

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch with breathtaking views and a refreshing drink. Our next destination is a charming fishing village, where locals have ingeniously turned their boats into a floating community. Meet fishermen, explore a stunning lagoon by kayak or rowboat, and unwind on deck as the sun sets. Spend a delightful overnight stay on board!

Kickstart your day with Tai Chi on the top deck or savor the sunrise over the bay. Sip on morning coffee or tea before setting out to explore nearby islands via rowboat.

Upon returning to the junk, witness a fruit carving demonstration and participate in a cooking class, learning to create traditional Vietnamese cuisine from scratch. Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch on board as you cruise back to Halong City. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting at the dock to take you to Noi Bai Airport for your short flight to Danang.

Upon arrival in Danang, your tour guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An—a destination that seamlessly blends old-world charm with pristine beaches and luxurious resorts.

Discover the vibrant tapestry of Vietnamese daily life and rural heritage on this distinctive Hoi An excursion. 

Begin your day with a morning market tour, sourcing fresh ingredients for your upcoming cooking class. Accompanied by your guide and driver, you'll embark on a journey to the bustling Hoi An local market, where a myriad of sights, sounds, and aromas await. Take a leisurely stroll through the market's vibrant aisles, engaging with local vendors and selecting the finest produce for your culinary adventure.

Following the market escapade, head to Cam Thanh village, making a pitstop at the enchanting Bay Mau Water Palm forest. Enjoy a brief riverside walk in this quaint fishing hamlet, then hop onto a traditional Coracle bamboo boat for a scenic cruise along a charming canal with local fishermen. 

Continue to Tra Que herbs and vegetables village, where a farmer's family awaits. Don traditional farmer attire, explore the nearby farming land with authentic tools, and engage in a cooking class at a local home. Relish the experience of preparing and enjoying your own meal, culminating in a soothing foot soak with local herbs and a foot massage.

Cap off the day with an afternoon exploration of Hoi An's UNESCO-recognized ancient town. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Japanese Bridge, a Sino-Vietnamese merchant house, a Chinese Temple, Hoian Central Market, and the Culture Museum. Conclude this splendid day trip back at your hotel.

Spend your full day to relax at your leisure in this UNESCO heritage town, which has some of the best food, architecture, and shopping in all of Vietnam. 

Hoi An is a place where the bold march of progress peters into a leisurely amble. In this one-time trading port, the Thu Bon River meanders past crumbling shop houses and weathered pagodas, while sampans come and go from the old ferry quay. Outside the Old Town, two-lane roads slice through waving rice fields and emerge at a frothy coastline.  

Hoi An’s architecture gives an insight into the town’s mixed heritage, with Dutch and French colonial houses squeezed between Chinese tea warehouses and Japanese temples. Local cafés, museums and open-fronted shops run alongside old canals.

Depart Hoi An, you will be driven towards Hue which is about 120km from Hoi An town. Today the journey over Hai Van Pass will be one of the most scenic ones.

In Danang, a stop will be made at Cham Museum which has an open-air collection of Cham sculptures. Many of the sandstone carvings are breathtaking. Visit the marble mountain. You also stop at the famous My Khe Beach  for some quick photos.

You will also stop for a short coffee break at Lang Co beach – one of the most beautiful beaches of Vietnam. Arrive in Hue and check into your hotel.

After a local lunch, you will visit the Imperial Citadel, a 19th-century walled fortress taken by North Vietnam during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War. Later, you’ll embark on a boat cruise along Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda and admire the sunset on the boat.

After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and continue your exploration of Hue. Visit Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb, a complex of terraces and pagodas. Then set off to discover Emperor Khai Dinh’s mausoleum — though smaller than Tu Duc’s, it is far more elaborate. Stop at Vong Canh – Bird’s eyed view point to admire the wonderful scenery of the perfume River. Stop at the local workshop to see people making joss sticks and conical hats.

After lunch, you will be transferred to Hue airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. You will be met on arrivals by your private guide and driven to your hotel on down town to check in. The evening will be at your leisure.

After enjoying your breakfast, your private guide will meet you and accompany you on a drive to Cu Chi, a quaint community located 60km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Cu Chi is renowned for its extensive network of tunnels, which served as a strategic hideout and infiltration route for the Viet Cong during the latter stages of the Vietnam War.

Upon arrival, you'll have the opportunity to watch a brief introductory video from the era before delving into the tunnels themselves, widely recognized as one of the world's most significant battlegrounds. This hidden labyrinth of Viet Cong tunnels spans "hundreds of miles" in total length, featuring living quarters, storage facilities, makeshift hospitals, kitchens, and more. While some sections of the tunnels remain narrow as originally constructed, others have been widened to accommodate tourists like yourself, offering you the chance to explore a portion of this remarkable system.

Following your exploration of the Cu Chi Tunnels, you'll be transferred back to the city, where you'll enjoy a delicious lunch at Local restaurant.

As the afternoon unfolds, you'll embark on a journey to discover some of Ho Chi Minh City's most iconic landmarks.

Your itinerary may include a visit to the Independence Palace  or the War Remnants Museum, providing you with a profound and sobering insight into Vietnam's tumultuous military history.

Next, you'll explore the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Ben Thanh Market , where vendors display an array of goods and handicrafts, offering you a deeper understanding of local life.

Afterward, you'll return to your hotel. With some time left in the day, you're free to relax and unwind, or perhaps venture out to experience the vibrant nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a journey to Ben Tre, known as the "Coconut Kingdom." Upon reaching Ham Luong Dock, board a boat to cruise along the Ham Luong River—a tributary of the Mekong River. Immerse yourself in the serene landscape, with lush tropical islands and a gentle breeze from the river.

Explore various local workshops to witness the crafting of traditional products, including activated charcoal, dried coconut products, and coir (coconut fiber) creations. Venture through village roads on a Xe Loi—a local motorized rickshaw, capturing glimpses of local life.

Next, kayak through the natural canals, offering an idyllic view of the Mekong River's peaceful beauty and rural life. Following your exploration, enjoy lunch at a local host's home.

After lunch, you'll have time to relax and then depart by car to Can Tho, where you'll check in at your hotel. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Embark on a leisurely boat trip to explore the scenic tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River). Visit Cai Rang Floating Market, known as one of the most lively markets in the region. Delight in a taste of Vietnamese vermicelli soup, a local specialty.

Stroll through a village, meet friendly locals, and experience the art of crossing a "Monkey Bridge," constructed from a single bamboo stem. Visit an orchard garden and take a moment to relax.

Lunch will be provided before you return to Ho Chi Minh City by bus. Along the way, visit a local incense stick-making workshop (an optional visit to the Mangrove Forest, which served as a Viet Cong base during the war, can be arranged upon request).

You have the morning free to relax and explore at your own pace. Later, your private car will arrive to transfer you to the airport for your departing flight. This concludes our Flavor of Vietnam tour with Asia Tour Advisor. We extend our heartfelt thanks for joining us on this remarkable journey through the wonders of Vietnam. Goodbye, and we hope to welcome you back soon. If you're interested in exploring more of our beautiful country, consider our Vietnam tour for a variety of additional options and experiences.