Best Cultural & Heritage Vietnam 12 Days

As you step off your plane at Noi Bai International Airport, our friendly guide will be waiting for you at the baggage claim area. Look for the sign adorned with our distinctive Asia Tour Advisor logo and your name. Your comfort and ease are our top priorities. Once you're ready, we'll escort you to your hotel, providing a brief introduction to the city along the way. The remainder of the day is yours to settle in, unwind, and begin exploring Hanoi.

Hanoi, with its seven million inhabitants, serves as the capital of Vietnam. This city gracefully combines tradition and refinement, boasting French colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards, serene lakes, and a vibrant Old Quarter. Here, you can observe locals practicing Tai Chi by the lake, and witness the lively activities of barbers and street food vendors.

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." You'll also experience the delicate beauty of the One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Temple, and Quan Thanh Pagoda.

Following a delicious lunch, you'll venture to the Temple of Literature, a treasure trove of ancient Vietnamese relics. 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. Your day culminates with a unique water puppet show, showcasing the cultural richness of northern Vietnam.

Your day begins with an 8:00 AM pickup in Hanoi as we journey through the lush Red River Delta to reach the renowned UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay. Here, you'll board a luxurious junk ship for an overnight cruise, allowing you to relax while marveling at the breathtaking limestone karsts that emerge from the sea. The bay boasts thousands of jungle-covered islands that appear to float on the azure waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, creating a truly enchanting and timeless setting.

While onboard, you'll be treated to a delectable seafood lunch, savoring the remarkable view with a drink in hand. A visit to a traditional fishing village, where locals have established their entire town on boat decks, offers an insightful glimpse into their unique way of life. Explore the Tien Ong Cave before returning to the cruise for cocktails, canapés, and a mesmerizing sunset. Your day concludes with a romantic candlelit dinner.

Commence the day with a Tai Chi class on deck, set against the backdrop of the early morning mist or simply revel in the beauty of the sun rising over the azure waters. You have the option of embarking on an excursion to a secluded island with a sandy beach for swimming or joining the ship's chef for a cooking demonstration to deepen your knowledge of Vietnamese cuisine. Enjoy a leisurely brunch while cruising through Halong Bay, passing by charming islets and intriguing caves before returning to the dock.

Upon disembarking, your driver will meet you, and you'll be transferred to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, our team will be there to greet you and transport you to your hotel.

Hue served as the imperial capital of the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty that reigned from the 17th to the 19th century. Despite the heavy bombing during the Vietnam-American War, numerous historic monuments from this era remain, preserving the city's royal past. Hue is a city that bears the unmistakable marks of its imperial history, with its emperor's tombs, ancient pagodas, and the remnants of the Citadel.

our day in Hue kicks off with a visit to the ruins of the Imperial Citadel, which served as the Nguyen Dynasty's capital from 1802 to 1945. Afterward, embark on a bicycle tour through the Old City to Tinh Tam Lake, once the private gardens of emperors.

In the afternoon, make your way to the Mu Pagoda, which overlooks the emerald Perfume River. Your final destination is Khai Dinh's Tomb, a traditional Vietnamese temple with a European influence, rendering it a uniquely distinct tomb among Hue's historic ruins. The evening allows for your exploration of the city and its vibrant markets at your own pace.

Following a satisfying breakfast at your hotel, you'll have some free time for shopping, exploration, or relaxation. In the afternoon, our guides will pick you up for your journey to Hoi An. En route, you'll stop at Lang Co Beach, a picturesque fishing village. As you continue your drive through the Pass of Ocean Clouds, be prepared to be captivated by the stunning panoramic views of the mountains and sea. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Cham Museum.

Upon arriving in Hoi An, you'll check in to your hotel and have the rest of the afternoon to unwind on the sandy shores of Cua Dai Beach.

Hoi An thrived as a bustling port city from the 16th to the 19th century, conducting trade with merchants from China, Japan, India, Indonesia, and Europe. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Old Quarter of Hoi An preserves the city's past with ornate pagodas, antique trading houses, and historic tile-roofed shops. These have been transformed into art galleries, boutique restaurants, bars, and cafes. Hoi An is renowned for its architectural fusion of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and European styles, offering a rich cultural tapestry. Surrounding the city are scenic countryside landscapes with traditional farming and fishing, as well as sandy beaches featuring modern seaside resorts.

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel, after which you'll embark on a walking tour to explore the enchanting time-capsule town of Old Hoi An. This well-preserved city was a major Asian sea port from the 16th to the 19th century, fostering a fusion of styles and cultures that remain perfectly intact.

As you wander through the charming streets, you'll encounter traditional Chinese shops, opulent French homes, and the iconic Japanese Bridge. Hoi An's Old Quarter is home to silk markets, Vietnamese street food stalls, and talented street performers—all of which are sure to enchant you. Spend your afternoon continuing your exploration of the town or relaxing on the sandy shores of Cua Dai Beach.

After breakfast, we'll pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon your arrival, we'll ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel, allowing you to spend the evening immersing yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Saigon.

Ho Chi Minh City is a city that never sleeps, offering a plethora of excellent restaurants and bars catering to all tastes. From street food vendors to the rooftop bar at the Rex Hotel, where international correspondents once covered the Vietnam War, you'll find an array of dining and entertainment options. Whatever your interests, don't hesitate to ask your guide for personalized recommendations.

Beginning your day at 7:45-8:00AM, this half day tour will take you to the Ben Duoc tunnels
where you can explore the Cu Chi Tunnels with fewer visitors for a more personalized
experience. After a 90-minute car ride, watch a film about the Vietnam War and learn about how
the Viet Cong made traps and weapons. Then take a walk-through Saigon, bustling market,
flower shops and vintage Vespa mechanics before stopping for an iced coffee in a hidden café
frequented by locals. Lastly, stop by an old house with secret bunker under its floor to see
where VC commandos stored weapons for their attack on South Vietnam president back in
1968 before returning to your hotel in early evening.

Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel. Our guide will pick you up and transfer you to Ben Tre. You'll be picked up at Phong Nam Pier (Phong Nam old ferry station), where you'll embark on a boat journey along one of the tributaries of the Mekong River. As you navigate these waters, you'll witness the vibrant activities of local life, including fishing and water transportation. During your journey, you'll also stop at a brickwork site where coconut charcoal is produced and observe the coconut husking process. Here, you'll have the chance to learn about the making of coconut candies, a local specialty.

The boat will lead you to natural scissors creeks, which appear narrower as you venture deeper into the village. Take a stroll to a family that creates sleep mats and explore the tranquil village, immersing yourself in the authentic daily life and gaining insights into tropical culture. A delicious lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, enjoy a biking excursion around the village, followed by a rowing-boat ride along water palm creeks. Conclude your boat journey at Hung Vuong Pier, where a car will be waiting to transport you to Can Tho. Upon arrival in Can Tho, check in to your hotel and enjoy some leisure time.

This morning, partake in a leisurely boat trip to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River). Your voyage will lead you to the vibrant Cai Rang floating market, renowned as the liveliest in the entire region. As you navigate these waters, you'll have the opportunity to sample Vietnamese vermicelli soup, providing a taste of local culinary delights.

During your time in the village, mingle with the friendly locals and even experience crossing a "Monkey bridge," constructed using a single bamboo stem. Visit an orchard garden and enjoy a sumptuous lunch. As your boat returns to Ho Chi Minh City, soak up the scenery and take in the beauty of this unique region.

Upon arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time.

Your last day in Vietnam grants you free time in the morning, allowing you to savor the city's atmosphere until your private car arrives to transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.

This marks the end of your Flavor of Vietnam adventure with Asia Tour Advisor. We extend our heartfelt thanks for joining us on this incredible journey to explore the wonders of Vietnam. Farewell, and we hope to welcome you back soon. Should you desire more exploration of our country, consider our Vietnam tours, which offer a wide range of choices to suit your preferences.

Note: Asia Tour Advisor can also customize additional trips to meet your specific expectations if the above itinerary does not fully align with your desires.