This 11-day private tour takes you on a journey through Vietnam’s most iconic destinations, offering a perfect mix of bustling cities, tranquil landscapes, and cultural landmarks. Begin in the vibrant metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll explore bustling markets and historical sites. Then, unwind on the serene beaches of Mui Ne and discover the cool, picturesque Da Lat, known as the “City of Eternal Spring.”
Cruise through the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta, visit the colorful floating markets of Cai Be, and immerse yourself in Vietnam’s rich history and culture in Hanoi. Finally, end your journey with a magical overnight cruise through the stunning limestone karsts of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This tour is the perfect way to experience Vietnam’s diverse landscapes, rich heritage, and vibrant local life in just 11 days.
Day 1: Arrival in Saigon
Welcome to Vietnam’s dynamic metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)! Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, your guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Enjoy the rest of the day to relax and recover from jet lag or explore the vibrant streets of Saigon at your own pace.
Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
Day 2: Saigon City Tour
Start your full day exploring Saigon’s fascinating blend of history and modernity. Begin with a visit to Chinatown, then dive into traditional Vietnamese medicine at the FITO Museum. Continue your city tour at Ben Thanh Market, a bustling spot for local goods. After lunch, visit the War Remnants Museum and the Presidential Palace. Finish the day with a look at the city’s stunning French colonial architecture, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
Day 3: Saigon – Mekong Delta Day Trip (Cai Be)
Today, head to the heart of the Mekong Delta. Your guide will take you to Cai Be for a day of exploration, starting with a visit to the Cai Be Floating Market, where local barges overflow with fruits and vegetables. Explore local workshops and enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local house. In the afternoon, cruise through narrow canals by traditional rowboat and visit a local nursery garden to learn about the famous fruits and vegetables of the Delta. Return to Saigon in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
Day 4: Saigon – Drive to Mui Ne
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Mui Ne, a coastal town known for its vast sand dunes, beautiful beaches, and fishing villages. The 200 km journey takes you through the scenic countryside, past the town of Phan Thiet – Vietnam’s largest fish sauce production center. After checking into your hotel, spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Mui Ne
Day 5: Mui Ne – Free Day at Leisure
Enjoy a free day to relax or explore Mui Ne at your own pace. Consider visiting the Fairy Spring Falls, walking on the sand dunes, or trying sand sledding. For a more active adventure, rent a bike to explore the local countryside. Ask the hotel receptionist for more information on optional activities.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Mui Ne
Day 6: Mui Ne – Drive to Dalat
After breakfast, head to Dalat, a mountain town known as the “City of Eternal Spring”. The drive takes you through beautiful landscapes, including Dai Ninh Pass and Spring Pass. Upon arrival, explore the town’s charming attractions, including the Bao Dai Palace, old Dalat Railway Station, Central Market, and the famous XQ Embroidery Workshop. In the evening, take a stroll around Xuan Huong Lake.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Dalat
Day 7: Dalat Countryside Tour
Today, embark on a countryside tour of Dalat’s surroundings. Visit Tanung Village to learn about local farming, flower plantations, coffee production, and silk weaving. Stop at the Elephant Waterfall and the Linh An Pagoda, home to a giant Buddha statue. After lunch, take the Cable Car down to Tuyen Lam Lake and visit the Truc Lam Meditation Pagoda. End the day with a visit to the whimsical Crazy House before returning to your hotel for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Dalat
Day 8: Dalat – Fly to Hanoi
Enjoy a relaxing morning in Dalat before transferring to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital. Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, your guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Spend the rest of the day exploring on your own or relaxing at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 9: Hanoi City Tour
Today, immerse yourself in Hanoi’s rich culture and history. Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and then choose between the History Museum or the Ethnology Museum for a deeper understanding of the country’s heritage. After lunch, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and explore the One Pillar Pagoda and Presidential Palace. Later, enjoy a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter, followed by a visit to the O Quan Chuong Gate and the lively Thanh Ha Market. End your day with a Water Puppet Show, a unique Vietnamese art form.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 10: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight Cruise
After breakfast, drive 2.5 hours to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon arrival, board a traditional junk boat and begin your overnight cruise on the bay, famous for its towering limestone islands and emerald waters. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch onboard, and spend the afternoon exploring caves, swimming at secluded beaches, or simply relaxing on the deck. The evening will be spent on the boat, where you can enjoy a peaceful night under the stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: On the Cruise
Day 11: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Departure
Wake early to enjoy a Tai Chi session on deck as you watch the sunrise over Halong Bay’s dramatic landscape. After breakfast, explore nearby islands by rowboat and return to the junk for a light brunch. Disembark at the Halong pier, where your driver will transfer you back to Hanoi for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
Highlights
- Experience countryside life in the Mekong Delta: Cruise through the lush waterways, explore floating markets, and discover the local way of life in southern Vietnam.
- Relax on Mui Ne’s Pristine Beaches: Enjoy the sun, sand, and serene landscapes of this coastal retreat, famous for its stunning sand dunes and relaxed atmosphere.
- Discover the city of eternal spring – Da Lat: Explore the charming mountain town, known for its cool climate, beautiful lakes, and historical French architecture.
- Immerse yourself in Hanoi’s rich history: Visit iconic landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and the Old Quarter to learn about Vietnam’s cultural heritage.
- Set sail through Halong Bay on a traditional junk boat: Cruise through the stunning karsts of Halong Bay, visit remote fishing villages by bamboo boat, explore caves, and enjoy activities like kayaking and swimming in the tranquil waters.
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