Vietnam highlights: 13 days of culture, history & adventure

This 13-day guided tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City will lead you through Vietnam’s most captivating destinations, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Begin your journey in the charming, colonial-era streets of Hanoi, before venturing to the serene landscapes of Lan Ha Bay and the stunning caves of Quang Binh. Explore the ancient capital of Hue, relax on the golden beaches of Hoi An, and discover the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta. Finally, experience the vibrant energy of Saigon. This immersive Vietnam Revealed tour is designed to give you a rich understanding of the country’s diverse heritage and breathtaking landscapes.

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Arrival: Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital! Upon arrival, your driver and guide will meet you at Noi Bai International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city center.
Evening: Spend your evening at leisure. Consider taking a peaceful stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword), where you can enjoy the local atmosphere and watch the vibrant city life. On weekends, the area around the lake is closed to traffic, transforming into a pedestrian zone. Here, you can watch street performers, enjoy the community vibe, and savor some delicious street food.
Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

Morning: After breakfast, embark on a full day tour of Hanoi. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Mausoleum and Stilt House), One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, Temple of Literature, Quan Thanh Temple, and Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake.
Afternoon: Choose to explore either the Vietnam History Museum or the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, each offering insight into Vietnam’s rich culture and history.
Evening: End your day with a traditional Water Puppet Performance, a unique Vietnamese art form that tells stories from the wet-rice culture.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi – Hai Phong – Overnight Cruise on Halong Bay

Morning: After breakfast, transfer to Hai Phong for a short drive to the port, where you will board a scenic overnight cruise through Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Afternoon: Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink and a cruise briefing before checking into your cabin. The itinerary includes exploring Trung Trang Cave in Cat Ba National Park, swimming in emerald waters, and taking part in a Vietnamese cooking class.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: On Cruise

Day 4: Hai Phong – Ninh Binh

Morning: After breakfast and a brief Tai Chi session, continue your cruise through striking rock formations, passing the Dark & Bright Caves. Disembark after brunch and head to Hai Phong for a city tour. Visit the Opera Theatre, Le Chan Statue, and Du Hang Pagoda, then drive through scenic countryside to Ninh Binh.
Meals: Brunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh

Day 5: Ninh Binh Discovery – Night Train to Quang Binh

Morning: Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam, with impressive bronze statues and serene views.
Afternoon: Take a scenic cruise through Trang An, a peaceful natural reserve with limestone hills and caves. Afterward, transfer back to your hotel for a short rest.
Evening: Transfer to the train station for an overnight train journey to Dong Hoi, Quang Binh.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Soft Sleeper Cabin with A/C

Day 6: Quang Binh Discovery

Morning: Upon arrival, check in to your hotel, then head to Paradise Cave in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore this vast cave, descend 524 stairs, and walk through a stunning 1-km-long wooden walkway.
Afternoon: Visit the Chay River and Nuoc Mooc Spring, known for their striking blue waters. After lunch at a lakeside restaurant, take a short drive along the Ho Chi Minh Trail to learn about the historical significance of the region.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Quang Binh

Day 7: Quang Binh – Hue

Morning: Travel south to Hue, passing through the DMZ. Stop at the Vinh Moc Tunnels, where entire villages lived underground during the Vietnam War.
Afternoon: Visit the Ben Hai River and Hien Luong Bridge, which mark the division between North and South Vietnam. After lunch, continue to Hue and check into your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 8: Hue City Tour

Morning: Cruise along the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of Hue. Explore the Imperial Citadel, including Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden Purple City.
Afternoon: Visit Khai Dinh Tomb, a unique blend of Chinese and Western architecture. Then, explore Thuy Xuan Incense Village, known for its traditional craftsmanship.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 9: Hue – Danang – Hoian

Morning: Drive to Hoian, stopping at Lang Co Bay for photos of its beautiful beaches. Cross the Hai Van Pass, offering spectacular views of the sea and mountains.
Afternoon: Visit Cham Museum and handicraft villages in Danang, then continue to Hoian.
Evening: Explore the ancient town of Hoian, famous for its Japanese Covered Bridge and traditional houses.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

Day 10: Hoian Eco Tour

Morning: Experience local life with a unique Eco Tour. Ride a trained buffalo through the fields, then head to a nearby fishing village for a basket boat ride on the river. Learn the techniques for navigating these round boats and enjoy a fun performance by local fishermen.
Afternoon: Return to your hotel for a leisurely afternoon at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

Day 11: Hoian – Danang – Fly to Saigon

Morning: After breakfast, transfer to the Danang airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Afternoon: After checking in, enjoy a guided city tour, visiting the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Ben Thanh Market.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 12: Saigon – Mekong Delta (Ben Tre) – Saigon

Morning: Drive to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda before boarding a private boat to explore the delta.
Afternoon: Visit fruit orchards, coconut groves, and brick workshops, then enjoy a relaxing sampan ride along the narrow canals. After lunch, return to Saigon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 13: Saigon Departure

Morning: After breakfast, enjoy free time before your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A

Highlights