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.

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. On arrival in Ninh Binh province, your guide will escort you to the historical city of Hoa Lu. Here, you'll explore the temples dedicated to Dinh and Le kings, learning about their heroic tales from the 10th century during the Chinese Wars.

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.

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.

Depart from Hanoi at 07:30 – 08:00 am as our shuttle bus collects you from your central hotel. Our journey offers panoramic views of the picturesque Red River Delta landscape. During the drive, we'll pause at Hai Duong province for a brief 30-minute refreshment break. Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Island, you'll be warmly welcomed at Halong Cruise Lounge, where you can take a moment to relax and enjoy a welcome drink.

We'll then transfer you to Halong Cruise, where you'll receive a cruise briefing and safety instructions before check-in. Embark on your Halong Bay adventure, exploring the stunning natural wonder of limestone karsts jutting out of the emerald waters.

Indulge in a buffet lunch featuring a selection of Vietnamese dishes as you cruise past captivating landscapes, including Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Soi Sim Beach, and Coconut Three Island. Visit Luon Cave by bamboo boat, marveling at the seamless blend of limestone mountains and jade-green sea.

Following your exploration, you can relax on Ti Top Beach, renowned for its pristine atmosphere, clear waters, and fine white sand. For a panoramic view of Halong Bay, consider a hike to the top of Ti Top Beach. As the sun begins to set, return to the cruise for a cocktail, canapés, and a mesmerizing sunset. Your day culminates with a romantic candlelit dinner.

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.

Prepare for a comprehensive walking tour of Hoi An's captivating Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has preserved its timeless charm through the centuries. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to Hoi An Town.

Discover Hoi An on foot, immersing yourself in its unique atmosphere, which combines elements of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese culture. Marvel at the architectural wonders of Ancient Houses, Assembly Halls influenced by Chinese traditions, craft manufacturing workshops, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Stroll through silk markets, savor local Vietnamese cuisine at food stalls, and be entertained by talented street performers.

After your guided tour, spend the afternoon exploring the town at your own pace or relax on Cua Dai Beach.

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at your Hoi An hotel. Then, embark on a bicycle tour through the picturesque Hoi An countryside. The journey commences with a ride to Tra Que, a village renowned for its vegetable and herb cultivation. As you cycle, you'll pass through scenic rice paddies and rural landscapes.

In Tra Que, you'll explore local workplaces, witnessing age-old techniques used to create crafts such as activated charcoal, dried coconut products, and traditional coir (coconut fiber) creations. You'll have the chance to pick fresh vegetables and herbs for an upcoming cooking lesson. Visit a local village market to shop for the ingredients you'll need.

The next destination is a family home in Tra Que, where you'll participate in a cooking class led by a family chef. Learn the traditional methods of preparing and cooking Vietnamese cuisine from scratch, using the freshest ingredients and traditional utensils. After the class, savor the dishes you've created.

In the afternoon, bid farewell to your host family and embark on a biking adventure to a fishing village and the water coconut forest in Cam Thanh. During your visit to Cam Thanh, you'll board bamboo basket boats rowed by local fishermen to explore the mangrove forests and canals. Discover traditional fishing techniques and return to your hotel by bicycle.

Enjoy breakfast at your Hoi An hotel before being picked up for your transfer to Hue. As you drive through the scenic Pass of Ocean Clouds, you'll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains and sea. Upon arrival in Hue, embark on a tour of the Imperial City located within the Citadel—a complex constructed in the early 19th century, modeled after Beijing's Forbidden City.

Explore the Thai Hoa Palace, an expansive hall featuring an ornate roof supported by 80 elaborately carved and lacquered columns. Visit the Halls of the Mandarins, view the Nine Dynastic Urns, and see the site where the Forbidden Purple City once stood. Conclude your tour with a visit to Dong Ba Market. In the afternoon, embark on a boat trip along the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda and the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. This tomb, built in 1840, is celebrated for its magnificent architecture and intricate decorations, making it one of Hue's most beautiful pagodas. Spend the night in Hue City.

Set off for an adventure on two wheels as you depart from the city center, cycling to Thuy Bieu village via the southern bank of the Perfume River. The initial part of the journey may be bustling, but the rewards become evident as you reach the village. Explore the Tiger Fighting Arena, a historical site where elephants and tigers once engaged in combat for the amusement of the Emperor, the royal family, and the mandarins.

Continue your journey to the Elephant Temple, a royal temple where the King's war elephants were honored and laid to rest. Enjoy the rural surroundings and lush paths in Thuy Bieu village as you cycle, taking in the serene ambiance.

Visit a local residence in Thuy Bieu and witness the art of silk painting by local artisans. Enjoy a relaxing foot massage and soak your tired feet in warm herbal water, a local treatment, before your cooking class. Collaborate with the family chef to learn the traditional techniques of preparing and cooking Vietnamese dishes from scratch.

After your cooking class, you'll have the opportunity to taste your own culinary creations. Bid farewell to your host family and return by boat to Toa Kham Boat Dock in the city center. From there, explore the nearby area at your leisure.

In the evening, transfer to the airport for your departure flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will take you to your hotel in the city center for check-in. Spend the evening exploring the vibrant and bustling city on your own.

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.

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.