Highlights of Vietnam 10 Days

Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted just outside the baggage claim area by your guide. Look for your guide holding a welcoming sign adorned with the ASIA TOUR ADVISOR LOGO and your name. As you are transferred to the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, your guide will provide you with a captivating introduction to this vibrant metropolis.

Ho Chi Minh City, often referred to as Saigon, is a city that never sleeps. It boasts a plethora of outstanding restaurants and bars, catering to all tastes, from humble street food vendors to the iconic rooftop bar at the Rex Hotel. The Rex Hotel, once frequented by international correspondents during the Vietnam War, was home to the famous "Five O’clock Follies," the U.S. military attaché’s daily press briefings. Whatever your interests, don't hesitate to seek personalized recommendations from your guide.

After a satisfying breakfast at your hotel, your guide will pick you up and whisk you away to Ben Tre. Your journey begins at Phong Nam Pier (Phong Nam old ferry station). Here, you will board a boat and embark on a scenic voyage along the river, one of the Mekong River's picturesque tributaries. Take in the lively riverfront activities, including fishing and water transportation.

Your adventure continues with a stop at a brickwork where coconut charcoal is crafted and coconut husks are processed. Explore one of the many coconut processing workshops, where you'll have the chance to learn the art of making coconut candies, all set against the backdrop of charming canals. Traverse through the natural scissor creeks, which seem to narrow as you venture deeper into the village. A pleasant walk leads you to a family engaged in making traditional sleep mats. Subsequently, you can choose to ride on a cart powered by a motorbike or embark on a biking excursion, allowing you to explore tranquil villages and immerse yourself in the daily life and tropical culture of the local peasants.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, your adventure continues with more biking through the village, a rowing-boat journey along water palm creeks, and a boat ride to Hung Vuong Pier. From there, you will be transferred to Can Tho. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy some leisurely free time.

Begin your day with a leisurely boat trip that will take you through the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River, specifically the Bassac River. Your destination is Cai Rang floating market, one of the liveliest in the entire region. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to witness the intricate preparation of Vietnamese vermicelli soup. You can also meander through the village, interact with friendly locals, and even test your courage by crossing a "Monkey bridge," a structure ingeniously constructed using a single bamboo stem.

As your exploration continues, you'll have the chance to visit an orchard garden. After a fulfilling lunch, you'll return to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy your free time.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, followed by a visit to either the War Remnants Museum or the History Museum, depending on your personal preferences. Additionally, you'll explore the former Presidential Palace, a magnificent and historically significant building. Your day concludes with a leisurely stroll past (and perhaps into) the Old Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Dong Khoi Street, the Opera House, and City Hall. The evening is yours to savor the local atmosphere, indulge in authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and peruse the vibrant Ben Thanh Market. Later, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, you'll be picked up and transferred to Hoi An, where you can relax on the tranquil shores of Cua Dai Beach.

Begin your day with a delectable breakfast at your hotel, and then embark on a delightful bike ride to Tra Que Village. Here, you'll immerse yourself in authentic Vietnamese rural life. Learn about the village's rich history and witness the daily activities of vegetable farming. Gain insight into how these vegetables play a role in traditional Vietnamese medicine.

Participate in the daily tasks of local farmers, from collecting seaweed fertilizer and sowing to raking, watering, and harvesting. Afterward, you'll join a local family to prepare and enjoy a meal that features the produce you helped cultivate. Savor other local specialties such as Tam huu (spring rolls) and Bahn xeo (pancakes). An after-lunch nap is a delightful local tradition to experience before you return to the fields to complete the harvest.

In the mid-afternoon, bid farewell to your new friends in the village and head back to Hoi An. Along the way, make stops at Nhat tomb and Ba Le well. Enjoy your free time to relax on Cua Dai Beach.

After a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel, you'll have some free time to enjoy the beach until you are picked up for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arriving in Hanoi, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Take advantage of your free time to explore the city.

Your adventure continues as you depart from Hanoi around 8:00 am, heading through the lush Red River Delta on your way to the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay. There, you'll board a luxurious junk ship for an overnight cruise. As you relax on board, marvel at the extraordinary limestone karsts that rise dramatically from the sea, creating a captivating and timeless seascape. The Gulf of Tonkin's turquoise waters envelop hidden grottoes and ancient caves, forming a truly enchanting world.

Indulge in a delectable seafood lunch as you take in the breathtaking views with a refreshing drink in hand. Your journey continues with a visit to a traditional fishing village, where local residents have constructed an entire town on their boats. Explore the mystical Tien Ong Cave before returning to the cruise for cocktails, canapés, and a mesmerizing sunset. Conclude your day with a romantic, candlelit dinner.

Awaken on board to the magnificent vista of Halong Bay in the morning. Start your day with a Tai Chi class on the deck amidst the early morning mist or simply savor the beauty of the scenery as the sun gracefully rises over the azure waters. The boat continues its journey as you decide when it's time to greet the day. A leisurely brunch is served on board before you disembark and head back to Halong City. Along the way, take in the rural countryside before arriving in Hanoi.

Hanoi, with its rich and captivating history, is an inviting and easy-going city. Consider taking an evening stroll to prepare for your tour the following morning.

As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi boasts an extensive array of fascinating cultural and historical sites. Today's tour will take you to some of its most notable highlights. Pay a visit to the grand and solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (viewed from the outside, closed on Mondays and Fridays, and during October and November). Explore the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, the exquisite Temple of Literature, and the Tran Quoc Temple by West Lake. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to visit the captivating Ethnology Museum, explore the bustling Old Quarter, and witness an enthralling water puppet performance.