Essential Vietnam 11 Days

Welcome to Vietnam!. 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 Ten 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.

You are scheduled to be picked up from your hotel by our tour guide within the hours of 8:00 - 8:30 am. This marks the inception of a wonderful Hanoi city tour. Our itinerary practically directs us towards the Ho Chi Minh complex, which is the resting place of the Vietnamese great father known as Uncle Ho. There is an adventurous thriller which allows you to take a peek at the embalmed body of the great man as it is practically there on display. This also affords you a walk around a couple of houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969.

The next destination is none other than the Pillar Pagoda, the worship center of the goddess of mercy. This pagoda comes off as the most unique in the world. A binding fact about this visit is that you must make sure to be in your best dressing in terms of modesty. These involve covering up most parts of your body, especially from the shoulders to the knees.

Before moving to our next destination which is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, you need to understand certain things about it. The mausoleum is usually closed on Mondays and Fridays, however, tourists are allowed to explore the outer part and take pictures. Two (2) months (15th June to 15th August) are usually set aside annually for maintenance purposes, within which time the mausoleum remains closed.

On this trip also, we’ll make a journey through the Vietnamese Ethnology Museum, where you can learn a lot about the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam as a whole. After this, lunch is imminent ! A very special Vietnamese cuisine will be readily available for your consumption, coupled with vegan foods specially made to take care of all vegetarians on board.

At around 2:30 pm, you get to see the temple of literature. This temple of literature is said to be the first Vietnamese University (1070 AD) to ever exist, and one of the most attractive tourist centers in Northern Vietnam.

Our next destination is the Hoa Lo prison. Sometimes, it is very imperative to have a look at a country’s criminal and legal system. It enables you to have an insight into how things are really done in the system. It also shows you what to embrace, as well as what to avoid. As you step into the prison grounds, you start to learn a lot about the long standing prison history amongst other things. The prison was built by the French between 1886 to 1901, when Vietnam was still part of French Indochina. The French called the prison Maison Centrale. The place was widely known as “Hell on Earth” and now it is like a practically motivated war museum, especially for those who want to understand and know more about the war against France by the Vietnamese people.

At exactly 4:30 pm, the bus takes off from the final destination, right back to your hotel. This marks the end of the trip.

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 Hue.

Upon arrival in Hue, your tour guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel in Hue. Hue is one of the most charming towns in the Central Vietnam and has a long and illustrious history as it used to be one of the main royal capitals of the country.

Hue was once upon a time, the imperial capital of Vietnam and is now sorted as a global heritage site. At the banks of the serene perfume river sits amazing citadels,captivating places and royally inclined tombs. Most of these sites are normally accessible through rivers, and this paves way for a beautifully carved city tour.

Experience a very captivating and adventurous Dragon boat trip within the early hours of the day (8 - 8:30 am) down to the Thien Mu Pagoda. This pagoda is said to be the oldest pagoda in Hue City. Our team of tour guides will be at your beck and call, as they lead you through the moments you can ever imagine.

The next phase of the journey locks you into an enchanting moment through the state of the art  building known as the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. This building encompasses an arrangement of ring-like sections, which makes the building an architectural wonder.

The Dong Ba Market is another sight to behold, as it brings to life the true nature of the peoples’ everyday life, and will give you a thousand and one reasons to stay, relate and experience the true nature and way of life of the local people. The market, although not too different from most markets in Vietnam, surely possesses the power to dazzle you through beautiful moments.

A trip to a new domain begins with a refreshing meal, as lunch awaits you. This readily paves your way into a superfluous journey into the world of tombs. A visit to the Khai Dinh king’s tomb must find its way to your itinerary as a tourist. This tomb has a spectacular blend of western and European architecture. The structure is said to have been built to the latter by the Emperor Khai Dinh himself, before his death.

You are sure to be wowed by the majestic symmetry and accurate construction of Emperor Tuc Duc’s tomb. The tomb gives you a contrary flavor to that of Khai Dinh, it is pure magic.

Our final destination right before you’re taken back to your hotel at 4:00 pm, is the conical hat village. It is that the best is always reserved for last. Unless you can afford to pass on a wonderful, yet educational adventure. The conical hat village is a “stop” for the best artistic arts made with love which also gives you a deeper connection to the rich culture of the local people. 

After breakfast and check out of your hotel, meet your private guide and driver for a three-hour drive to Hoi An via the stunningly Hai Van Pass. Also known as the “Cloudy Pass,” this winding mountain road overlooks the lush countryside, sandy beaches, the blue waters of the South China Sea, and the coastal city of Da Nang.

En route, you will pause in Danang to visit the Marble Mountain with its beautiful caves of worship and the Museum of Cham Sculpture’s collection of artifacts dating back to the seventh century.

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. 

Your tour guide guide will rendezvous with you at our hotel in the heart of Hoi An, commencing an exquisite half-day exploration. Begin at the vibrant Hoi An Market, an immersive shopping haven teeming with sights, sounds, and aromatic sensations. Adjacent to the market, the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall beckons with its vibrant blend of ornate gates, dragon statues, and intricate rooftops. Delve into ancestral worship, observing devotees' rituals at the family altar.

Marvel at the enduring beauty of well-preserved historic houses such as the Phung Hung Ancient House and Tan Ky Ancient House, resiliently standing against the test of two centuries. Unearth tales of prosperous merchants who once inhabited these dwellings, engaging in global trade. A visit to the Museum of Folk Culture unfolds within a 150-year-old Chinese merchant house, showcasing artifacts portraying ancient local life. Culminate the journey with art performances at the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House.

Pause to appreciate the Japanese Bridge, an architectural marvel bridging communities over 400 years old, adorned with intricate carvings and paintings depicting rich symbolism and cultural significance. Venture into renowned handicraft shops and art galleries, exploring intimate laneways and local neighborhoods to truly grasp Hoi An's enduring allure.

Conclude the day at 6:30 pm with a serene boat ride, releasing a flower lantern to wish for fortune for you and your family. Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of the lantern-lit streets, marking the end of your captivating Hoi An city tour.

Have a leisure time until take the flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh. Upon Ho Chi Minh arrival, you will be picked up by our driver then transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Pick up at your hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. The trip to Cu Chi will take you an approximately one and a half-hour bus drive. Before exploring the tunnels, you will watch an introductory video about how the tunnels were made and how Vietnamese people survived in the harsh conditions of the wartime. 

Then, spend your time exploring the remaining areas and tunnel system which include special living areas with kitchens and bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs.

Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for the security purpose during the war. Afterwards, special tea and cassava (guerrillas’ food during the war) will be served. Break time. Have lunch at the local restaurant. 

Continue to visit My Tho city. With boat trip on Tien River, you will be excited by the light breeze from the river and the natural beauty of four beautiful islands such as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise along the riverside. 

Cruise through the small canal by sampan, treating yourself to the beauty of the countryside, and taking a short cycling around the village which will certainly be an unforgettable experience when participating in the Mekong Delta tour. Visit the coconut candy workshop, and enjoy seasonal delicious fruits & honey tea. Get a chance to listen to the Southern Vietnamese folk music which is performed by local people. 

Escape the urban hustle of Ho Chi Minh City as you embark on a journey to My Tho, a serene town nestled on the left bank of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, explore the historic Vinh Trang Pagoda, dating back to the late 19th century. Board a sampan and cruise along the Mekong, discovering the enchanting Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands.

Pause at Unicorn Island to stroll along country lanes, marvel at orchards, and relish tropical fruits amid the melodies of local folk songs. Explore a fruit plantation before gliding through Thoi Son canal on a hand-rowed sampan, immersing yourself in the countryside's beauty. Visit a family business, a honey-bee farm, and a coconut candy workshop. Lunch at a local restaurant precedes a leisurely break.

In the afternoon, pedal through Tan Thach village, engaging with local villagers to glimpse everyday life in the Mekong Delta. Alternatively, unwind in a hammock, savoring the cool breeze for those opting out of the cycling excursion. Round off your day with a return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Today, your time is your own until your private car and driver (without a guide) arrive to transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. As your unforgettable Vietnam Tour with Asia Tour Advisor draws to a close, we bid you farewell and look forward to welcoming you again in the future.

Should the provided itinerary not fully align with your preferences, please know that Asia Tour Advisor is prepared to create additional customized trips tailored to your unique expectations. Safe travels, and until we meet again!