Essence Of Vietnam: 10-Day Highlights Experience

Overview

  • Duration:10 days 9 nights
  • Tour Type:Adventure & Nature
  • Language:English, French, German, Italian
  • Start from:$549 / Person
A journey ignites in Ho Chi Minh City, where neon lights blaze against colonial facades and the city pulses with unstoppable energy. Dive into its turbulent past, then descend into the shadowy depths of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a maze of resilience carved beneath the earth. Drift onward to the Mekong Delta, where life unfolds on shimmering waterways and the air hums with river magic. Fly north to lantern‑draped Hoi An, glide through coconut forests, then continue to Hanoi, a city of legends and poetry. Finally, sail into the otherworldly grandeur of Ha Long Bay, where limestone giants rise like ancient guardians and the adventure reaches its breathtaking crescendo.

Highlights

  • Half-day Ho Chi Minh City tour with key colonial landmarks
  • Cu Chi Tunnels visit with underground network exploration
  • Tien River boat trip to Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islets
  • Coconut candy workshop and hand-rowed sampan through canal routes
  • Coconut jungle basket boat in Cam Thanh Village
  • UNESCO Hoi An Ancient Town with Japanese Covered Bridge
  • Hanoi cultural day: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and more
  • Hoa Lo Prison visit and a traditional water puppet show
  • Overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay
  • Cave visit and hidden lagoons by kayak or bamboo boat
  • Tai Chi and sunrise views on the cruise sundeck

Itinerary

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Day 01: Ho Chi Minh Arrival – Free time

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, complete all arrival formalities and proceed to the exit gate where your driver will be waiting with a signboard bearing your name. Transfer to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for check-in.
The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax after your journey or begin exploring the vibrant city on your own. You may take a stroll around central landmarks such as Ben Thanh Market or visit nearby attractions like Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
In the evening, consider sampling local cuisine or enjoying the city’s lively atmosphere.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 02: Ho Chi Minh Half Day City Tour – Cu Chi Tunnels (B/L)

After breakfast at the hotel, start your morning with a city tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, an important historical landmark designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue to admire French colonial-era architecture at the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon and the elegant Saigon Central Post Office. Afterwards, explore the War Remnants Museum, which presents powerful exhibits from Vietnam’s wartime history.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, depart for the Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 90 minutes from the city. Upon arrival, watch a brief introduction and documentary explaining the construction and historical significance of the tunnel system. Then explore the extensive underground network, including living quarters, kitchens, storage areas, field hospitals, and command centers, as well as hidden entrances and defensive traps used during the war. End the visit with traditional tea and cassava, a wartime staple food.
Return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 03: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta Discovery (B/L)

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and driver and depart for a scenic drive of about 1.5 hours along National Highway 1, passing through peaceful rice fields en route to the Mekong Delta region.
Upon arrival in My Tho, enjoy a relaxing boat trip along the Tien River to explore the famous four islets known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise.
Continue with a visit to a local coconut candy workshop before taking a traditional hand-rowed sampan ride through narrow canals shaded by water coconut palms. Along the way, enjoy seasonal fruits and honey tea while listening to live performances of traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music.
After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 04: Ho Chi Minh – Fly to Da Nang – Coconut Jungle Basket Boat – Hoi An Ancient Town (B/L)

Enjoy breakfast at hotel, then transfer to the airport to take a domestic flight to Da Nang.
Upon arrival, meet our driver holding you name on the signboard at the exit lobby and transfer to Hoi An. Meet the local tour guide at hotel, and have lunch before the afternoon tour.

Transfer to Cam Thanh Village for a unique basket boat experience. Discover the local fishing lifestyle as you navigate through the lush water coconut forest, a historic site once used during wartime. Learn how to balance and paddle the traditional round boat with guidance from local rowers, and enjoy a lively basket boat performance on the river.

Continue to explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through its charming streets and visit highlights such as local markets, traditional ancient houses, the Fujian Assembly Hall, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.

You may also have the opportunity to learn about Hoi An’s silk production tradition.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 05: Hoi An – Free time (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is free at your own pace to relax or explore Hoi An Ancient Town.
You may choose to visit nearby beaches such as An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach, or simply enjoy shopping at tailor shops and exploring the town’s charming streets.
Food lovers can sample local specialties like Cao Lau noodles, Mi Quang, Hoi An chicken rice, and refreshing herbal drinks.
In the evening, optional activities include visiting the lively Hoi An Night Market, enjoying traditional performances, or taking a peaceful boat ride along the Thu Bon River to admire lantern-lit views of the old town.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 06: Hoi An – Da Nang – Fly Hanoi (B)

Have breakfast at hotel.
Then transfer to Da Nang International Airport to take a domestic flight to Hanoi.
Upon arrival, meet our driver holding you name on board at exit lobby and transfer to hotel for checkin (Check in time is 14.00, Early check-in is NOT included and subject to hotel’s availability).

The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the lively Hanoi Old Quarter at your own pace. In the evening, enjoy local street food and try the famous Vietnamese egg coffee.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 07: One Day Hanoi Exploration - Culture & History (B/L)

Start your day with breakfast before meeting your guide at the hotel for a full-day journey through Hanoi’s cultural and historical highlights.

Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the revered leader is memorialized, and explore his simple stilt house along with the surrounding Presidential grounds. A short walk away is the unique One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic symbol of the city.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s earliest center of higher learning, before heading to the peaceful Tran Quoc Pagoda, beautifully set by the lakeside.

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, spend the afternoon visiting Hoa Lo Prison, a site with a complex history from the colonial period to the Vietnam War.

Wrap up the day with a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a fascinating performance rooted in rural folklore.

Return to your hotel in the evening. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 08: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay/ Lan Ha Bay – Overnight Cruise (B/L/D)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out.
The journey begins with a transfer from Hanoi to either Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay, where you board the cruise around midday. After a welcome drink and safety briefing, lunch is served while the boat sails through stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters.

In the afternoon, you will take part in signature activities such as visiting a cave, exploring hidden lagoons by kayak or bamboo boat, and possibly swimming in calm, scenic areas. Depending on the route, the cruise may also pass floating villages or quieter, less crowded spots. As the boat anchors for the night, you can relax on the sundeck and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

In the evening, a sunset party sets a relaxing tone, followed by a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and dinner onboard. You can then unwind with optional activities like squid fishing, socializing at the bar, or simply enjoying the tranquil night views over the bay.

Day 09: Ha Long Bay/ Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi (B/L)

Start your morning early with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck or simply relax while watching the sunrise over the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee before heading out on a rowboat excursion to explore the bay’s hidden corners.
Brunch is served on board before disembarking at the pier.
Transfer back to Hanoi, check in and relax.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 10: Hanoi - Departure (B)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. The rest of the day is free at your leisure until your scheduled transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Tour ends!

Tour maps

Includes/Excludes

  • All transfer and quality air-conditioned vehicles
  • Cruise in Ha Long Bay
  • Water Puppet Show
  • Basket boat in Hoi An / Mekong Delta
  • Accommodation at 3/4/5 star Hotel/Cruise selected including daily breakfast
  • Tours with local English speaking guide
  • Meals as mentioned in the program (Breakfast: B; Lunch: L; Dinner: D)
  • Entrance fee for all destinations as Tour Itinerary indicated
  • Bottle of water available on coach (2 bottles/pax/day)
  • For 5-star options: Hanoi Apricot Hotel Sketch / Canvas Room; Ha Long Bay Doris Cruise Junior Balcony Suite; Hoi An RiverTown Hoi An Resort & Spa Grand Deluxe Pool & River Room; Ho Chi Minh Majestic Hotel Colonial Deluxe River Room
  • Domestic & International airfares
  • Drinks and other meals not indicated in the program
  • Visa to Vietnam
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (telephone, shopping...)
  • Bank/Transfer fee (deposit/balance)
  • Tipping/Gratuities
  • Single Supplement
  • Early check in & late check out
  • Any additional expenses caused by reasons beyond our control (natural calamities, flight delays/rescheduling/cancellations, accidents, medical evacuations, riots, strikes, etc.)

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam?

- Most travelers need a visa to enter Vietnam. However, citizens of some countries can enjoy visa exemptions for short stays. You can apply for an e-Visa online, which is valid for up to 90 days for single or multiple entries. For more information, please visit https://evisa.gov.vn/
- To avoid last-minute issues, we strongly recommend applying for your visa as early as possible, especially during peak travel periods or public holidays.
- For urgent cases, we can assist with urgent visa processing and fast-track airport services upon request.

What are food options?

- We cater to diverse dietary needs, such as Halal, Indian, Western, vegan, and gluten-free, provided we are notified in advance.
- Special meal requests at select restaurants may involve additional fees based on local availability. Any extra costs will be communicated to you clearly for your approval.

What should I know before travelling? (Clothing, Power Outlets, Transport, Safety, Tips)

- Bring light, breathable clothing like cotton or linen for warm climates, and pack extra layers if visiting cooler or rainy regions. Comfortable shoes and a raincoat or umbrella are recommended.
- Vietnam uses Type A, C, and D plugs, with a standard voltage of 220V. It is advisable to carry a universal adapter to ensure the safe charging of your electronic devices.
- Vietnam is safe for tourists, including solo women, but watch out for pickpockets in crowds. Use taxi apps like Grab for affordable and safer city transport.
- The currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND). We recommend you carry some cash for small purchases such as street food or souvenirs.
- Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. If you do Private Tour, tipping fee should be 3 USD/pax/day.

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