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17-Day Wonderful Vietnam Trip

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Overview

This complete Vietnam travel itinerary will cover the best of the north, centre and south of Vietnam. You'll work your way from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi seeing some of the most astounding parts of the country. From the limestone karsts of Ninh Binh and Halong Bay to the charming Hoi An and Hue, and river life of Mekong Delta: the country's variety of landscape and experiences will seduce you with its rustic ambience.

You'll start in Ho Chi Minh City, visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels to know more about the Vietnam War and visiting some famous sights in the city. Then, visit the Mekong Delta to cycle around the countryside and floating markets. After that, take an overnight train go to Hoi An for seeing the ancient town with My Son Sanctuary and also enjoy some free time in the ancient town.

Continue the journey with a fantastic drive via Hai Van Pass to Hue Imperial Citadel. Spend a day to learn about the dynasties of Vietnam and take another overnight train to Hanoi to discover the city of 1000 years and enjoy a hands-on cooking class guided by an experienced chef.

You'll finish with two versions of the iconic Halong Bay: Ninh Binh, known as the Halong Bay on land before heading to the Wonder of the World itself.
Sightseeing
Culture & Arts
Food & Drink
Outdoors & Nature
Cruising
Adventure
Cycling
Wellness

Itinerary

Day 1

Begin Your Vietnam Travel Itinerary in Ho Chi Minh!

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Begin Your Vietnam Travel Itinerary in Ho Chi Minh!

Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport, your tour guide and driver will greet and escort you to your hotel and help with your check-in. The rest of day is for your relax or take part in the optional activities.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Acnos Hotel3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Ho Chi Minh City

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Lê Duy Hotel

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ho Chi Minh

Day 2

Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai Temple

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Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai Temple

In the morning, drive outside of Ho Chi Minh city to visit the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels. An underground labyrinth of passageways used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, these tunnels are iconic in the south. Then, continue to Cao Dai Great Temple: a mixture of Asian and European architectures, the temple represents a fusion of the best of Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Islam. Visitors are welcomed inside the temple to observe the colourful service at midday.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Acnos Hotel3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cu Chi Tunnels

    Cao Dai Temple

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Ho Chi Minh City to Củ Chi

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ho Chi Minh

    Tây Ninh Province

Day 3

Ho Chi Minh City tour and Ben Thanh Market

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Ho Chi Minh City tour and Ben Thanh Market

Today enjoy a tour of the Reunification Palace, the former presidential palace this is now preserved as a museum, before continuing to the 19th century Notre-Dame cathedral, the beautiful Central Post Office; both fine examples of classical French colonial architecture. In the afternoon, visit the War Remnants Museum and the bustling Ben Thanh Market for some shopping and to eat some local food.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Acnos Hotel3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Independence Palace

    Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

    Saigon Central Post Office

    War Remnants Museum

    Ben Thanh Market

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ho Chi Minh

Day 4

Boat Ride on the Mekong Delta

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Boat Ride on the Mekong Delta

Today you will have an excursion to explore the Mekong Delta. Your day will begin with a scenic boat ride along the river. You'll stop on the way to visit Cai Be Floating Market before taking a cycling tour through the small villages to meet locals and take the opportunity to visit a local family before enjoying a traditional local lunch in an ancient house.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Dong Ha Fortuneland Hotel3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Ben Tre Boat Ride

    Ben Tre Cycling

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver

    Private Driver

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ho Chi Minh

    Ben Tre

    Cần Thơ

Day 5

Cai Rang Floating Market and Night Train to Da Nang

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Cai Rang Floating Market and Night Train to Da Nang

In the morning, you'll take a boat to the Cai Rang floating market, truly one of the highlights of any Vietnam tour, where you will enjoy the beautiful scenery and see the daily activities of the locals who live along the Mekong canals. Then, continue to visit a tropical fruit orchard. Having lunch on the way, you'll head back to Ho Chi Minh. In the evening, take an overnight train to Danang.

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cai Rang Floating Market

    Ba Cong Fruit Orchard

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City

    Train from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cần Thơ

Day 6

Arrive and Drive to Hoi An

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Arrive and Drive to Hoi An

Upon your arrival at Da Nang railway station, your tour guide and driver will pick you up then transfer to check-in to your hotel in Hoi An which will take around 45 minutes. In the afternoon, take part in the optional tours or just relax and discover Hoi An Town on your own, visiting the ancient town, beach and strolling through rice paddies.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Belle Maison Hadana Hoi An Resort & Spa4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time in Hoi AnOptional Activity: AU$ 93 per person

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Train from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang

    Private Driver from Da Nang Station to Hội An

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Hội An

Day 7

My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An

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My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An

After breakfast, take a visit to My Son, once the spiritual capital of Champa Kingdom that dominated Vietnam for nearly a thousand years and occupied most of the central parts of Vietnam from 2nd century to 16th century. In the afternoon, drive back to Hoi An with a visit to the former merchants' homes, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Pagoda and the colourful riverside market.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Belle Maison Hadana Hoi An Resort & Spa4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    My Son Sanctuary

    Hoi An Ancient Town

    Phuc Kien Assembly Hall

    Japanese Covered Bridge

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Hội An

    Quang Nam Province

Day 8

Hoi An Free Day

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Hoi An Free Day

You'll have the day free to cycle through rice paddies in the countryside of Hoi An ancient town, shop for souvenirs among the antique shops and art galleries, or just sit at sidewalk cafes and soak up the atmosphere of this quaint town. If the sun is out, you can relax on the white sandy beach of the famous Cua Dai Beach.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Belle Maison Hadana Hoi An Resort & Spa4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time in Hoi An

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Hội An

Day 9

The Hai Van Pass and Hue

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The Hai Van Pass and Hue

After check out, you'll leave Hoi An for Hue, the last imperial capital of Vietnam, well-known for magnificent architecture, pagodas and royal tombs laid in small villages and surrounding hills. En route, you'll pass the famous Da Nang Beach, visit Cham Museum and Ngu Hanh Son Marble Moutain before going up into one of the best drives in the world along the Hai Van Pass.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Asia Hotel3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cham Museum Da Nang

    Marble Mountains

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hội An to Da Nang

    Private Driver from Hội An to Hue

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Hội An

    Da Nang

    Thua Thien Hue

Day 10

Hue Imperial City

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Hue Imperial City

Start the day with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, home to the Imperial City and Forbidden Purple City – once the Emperor's private residence. The Imperial Citadel gives you a better understanding of the beauty of Vietnamese Royal architecture and culture. Then, take a dragon boat trip along Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda. In the afternoon, visit Emperor Ming Mang and Khai Dinh tombs.

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hue Imperial City

    Boat Trip on Perfume River

    Thien Mu Pagoda

    Tomb of Minh Mang

    Tomb of Khai Dinh

    Dong Ba Market

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Train from Hue to Hanoi

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Thua Thien Hue

    Hương Trà

    Hương Thủy

Day 11

Hanoi Street Food Tour

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Hanoi Street Food Tour

Upon arrival at Hanoi railway station, meet your tour guide and driver who will transfer you to your hotel for check-in. After dropping off your belongings, you'll partake in a special street food tour in Hanoi. The food tour experience starts with a first visit to one of the local markets in the city to see all different kinds of ingredients used before tasting the finished product, giving you an understanding of the life of Vietnamese people.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hanoi L'Heritage Hotel3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hanoi Street Food Tour

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Train from Hue to Hanoi

    Private Driver from Hanoi Railway Station to Hanoi L'Heritage Diamond Hotel & Spa

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Hanoi

Day 12

Hanoi Highlights

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Hanoi Highlights

After breakfast, you have a full day today to explore Vietnam’s charming capital. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his personal residence, the One Pillar and the Tran Quoc Pagoda. End the morning with a visit to the Museum of Ethnology, a fascinating insight into the tribes of Vietnam. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple and take a one-hour cyclo tour around Hanoi Old Quarter. Then, watch a traditional water puppet show.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hanoi L'Heritage Hotel3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

    One Pillar Pagoda

    Tran Quoc Pagoda

    Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

    Temple of Literature

    Ngoc Son Temple

    Old Quarter Exploring By Cyclo

    Water Puppet Show

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Hanoi

Day 13

Hanoi Cooking Class

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Hanoi Cooking Class

Your Vietnam travel itinerary continues today in Hanoi. After breakfast, you have a special hands-on cooking class to explore Vietnam traditional cuisines and challenge yourself in making the best dishes. Your course will start with a trip to the market before you begin your lesson. After, you can eat your masterpiece! Then, enjoy your free afternoon to enjoy the oldest city in Vietnam.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hanoi L'Heritage Hotel3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hanoi Cooking Class

    Hanoi Old Quarter

    My Village ShowOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Hanoi

Day 14

A Day in Ninh Binh

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A Day in Ninh Binh

After breakfast drive to Ninh Binh, well-known as the Halong Bay on land. On the way, stop at Hoa Lu, the ancient royal capital of Vietnam to visit temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le Kings. Continue your trip to the World Heritage site, Tam Coc and board a small sampan for a spectacular 2-hour trip through caves, waterways and beautiful rural landscape consisting of limestone cliffs and rice paddies.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hanoi L'Heritage Hotel3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang

    Temple of King Le Dai Hanh

    Tam Coc Boat Ride

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hanoi to Ninh Bình

    Private Driver from Ninh Bình to Hanoi

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Hanoi

    Ninh Bình Province

Day 15

Halong Bay Cruise

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Halong Bay Cruise

Start at 8 am for the 3.5-hour drive through the Red River Delta, which offers plenty of chances for taking photos of Vietnamese farmers tilling the vast green paddy fields. Arrive at the harbour and board your junk, ready for your 24 hours in Halong. Savour a gourmet lunch of fresh seafood onboard as you sail out into the mystical bay. In the afternoon, enjoy some activities in the bay, or just spend some time relaxing.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Oriental Sails3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Halong Bay Cruise

    Vung Vieng Fishing Village

    Happy Hour

    Relax on Board

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hanoi to Hạ Long Bay

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Hanoi

    Hạ Long

    Quảng Ninh Province

Day 16

Halong Bay Cruise and Drive to Hanoi

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Halong Bay Cruise and Drive to Hanoi

Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise. Have a light breakfast before setting out to explore nearby islands by rowing boat. Return to the junk, then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of Bai Tu Long Bay. You'll return to the pier to mee your driver and head back to Hanoi.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hanoi L'Heritage Hotel3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tai Chi on the Sundeck

    Thien Canh Son Cave

    Halong Bay Cruise

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hạ Long to Hanoi

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Hạ Long

    Quảng Ninh Province

    Hanoi

Day 17

Departure From Hanoi

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Departure From Hanoi

Sadly this is the end of your wonderful Vietnam travel itinerary. You'll have some free time for you to wrap up your memorable holiday until your tour guide escorts you to the airport for your departure flight. Goodbye and see you again.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Old Quarter to Noi Bai International Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Hanoi

Included in Price

  • 14 nights accommodation
  • 43 activities
  • 15 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 1 dinner
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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