Barrio antiguo de Hoi An

Complete Vietnam

Travel from the impressive north to the vibrant south in this 10-day complete tour of Vietnam, starting in the capital of Hanoi and winding through UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Halong Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, and Hue before ending in buzzing Ho Chi Minh City and the vibrant the Mekong River Delta.

Guide language

English

Destinations

Hanoi Halong Bay Hoi An Hue Ho Chi Minh City Mekong Delta
Days 10
Type of tour Private
Hotel

Destinations

Itinerary

Day 1 : Welcome to Hanoi

Welcome to the land of dragons, Vietnam. Upon arrival to Noi Bai Airport, our driver will greet you and transfer you to the city center to the Pan Pacific. Set between the charming Truc Bach and West Lakes to offer you a respite from the chaos, the atmosphere of the Old Quarter is just minutes away, transporting you to a place somewhere between ‪‎Hanoi’s glamourous past and new modernity.

Enjoy the day free at leisure to acquaint yourself with the capital, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of your surrounding area. The Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda and Quan Thanh Taoist Temple are just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, while the Summit rooftop bar on the Pan Pacific’s 20th floor offers some of the best sunset views in the entire city.

Meals: No meals

Accommodation: Pan Pacific Hanoi

Day 2 : Explore the long-standing history of Hanoi

Dive into the history of Hanoi by visiting the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, designed to resemble a blooming lotus flower, commissioned by the legendary King Ly Thai To in 1049. Just a stone’s throw away lies the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a monument and tribute to Ho Chi Minh, the “uncle” of modern Vietnam, as well as his preserved stilt house and a small museum dedicated to his life. The mausoleum is closed every October and November, as well as every Monday and Friday throughout the year.

Pass by Vietnam’s first university, Quoc Tu Giam, otherwise known as the Temple of Literature. The grounds offer a quiet oasis in the center of Hanoi and will show you an interesting glimpse into the cultural elite’s past, dating back from 1076.

After lunch, brave the labyrinth of streets dubbed the “Old Quarter”, famous to international guests and locals alike due to its chaotic but photogenic and charming nature. Visit the 36 streets by cyclo as you meander past bamboo, silver, silk, gold, and fruit sellers. Pause at the heart of it all, the magical Hoan Kiem Lake, to visit Ngọc Sơn Temple and admire views of the “Turtle Tower”.

The rest of the afternoon and evening is free to discover Hanoi on your own.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Pan Pacific Hanoi

Day 3 : Arrive to Hai Phong and board your luxury cruise

Drive 2-hours east this morning to Gat Pier in Hai Phong and check-in to your cabin on the luxurious Orchid Cruise to experience Lan Ha Bay (a different region of Halong Bay) in all her glory. Activities include hiking in Cat Ba National Park, exploring Trung Trang Cave, and swimming in Tra Bau. 

At the end of the day, the boat will anchor while guests enjoy a beautiful 5-course dinner. Try your hand at squid fishing in the evening, watch a film in the colonial dining room, or stargaze from the sundeck before retiring to your cabin for a restful sleep.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Orchid Cruise

Day 4 : Start your new day in Halong Bay and catch a flight to charming Hoi An

Good Morning Vietnam from the middle of Halong Bay! Start the morning with some tai chi on the sundeck as the sun rises, and munch on a light breakfast before kayaking in the Ao Ech area. 

Return to the ship for brunch and a tea ceremony before disembarkation. Then drive to Noi Bai Airport for a short 80-minute flight to the charming city of Hoi An.

Check into your hotel and enjoy a free evening as the city comes alive with glowing lanterns while children offer tourists paper lanterns to set into the river to make a wish for $1. The smell of street food wafting along the alleys will tempt you to try every central province dish that is on display, particularly Banh Bao Vac, a type of secret recipe dumpling, or the delicious Vietnamese wontons.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Lasenta Boutique Hotel Hoi An

Day 5 : Have a walking tour through the ancient town, Hoi An

After breakfast, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An Ancient Town. Hoi An is a very cute and well-preserved town, known for its importance in Vietnam’s history as a major port city from the 15th to 19th century. Take a walking tour through the ancient town, admiring the diverse architecture styles, ranging from wooden Chinese shops to grand French colonial houses, traditional Vietnamese “tube” houses and the iconic Japanese covered bridge. The city is also famous for its many brightly colored and delicately painted lanterns which hang in droves on many different shop walls and doors.

The afternoon is free for you to explore. Check out the wide variety of tailors available throughout the city, shop for ready-made clothing, shoes, bags, quilts, accessories and souvenirs, or sip tea in charming tea houses.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Lasenta Boutique Hotel Hoi An

Day 6 : Admire the impressive views in the holy pagodas in Hue

Drive up the sundrenched coastline of Vietnam along one of the country’s most famous roads, the Hải Vân – Ocean Cloud Pass to the ancient imperial capital of Hue, stopping along the way at Linh Ung Pagoda to admire the impressive panoramic views of cliffs, beaches, lagoons, and the sea.

Upon arrival to Hue, visiting the Thien Mu Pagoda, significant for it  holds the car used by the Buddhist Monk Thich Quang Duc in 1963 to protest against the southern regime in Saigon. The arresting photograph of his self-immolation is one of the world’s most well-known images of the war.

The tour will end with a visit to the first of three imperial tombs we will visit during our stay in Hue. This first tomb belongs to Emperor Ming Mang and was constructed from 1840 to 1843. Ming Mang’s tomb is the one most closely resembling that of Chinese architecture and sports impressive garden landscapes of lakes, flowers and trees.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Pilgrimage Village

Day 7 : Time-travel to the last dynasty of Vietnam in the ancient capital of Hue

Dive further into the history of Vietnam by visiting the ancient citadel plus two addition tombs of emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last family to rule Vietnam before the French colonial takeover. Walk through the ancient citadel to view the grandeur and regality of the long history of Vietnam’s dynastic rulers. Although the ancient citadel was badly damaged by the Vietnamese-American War, it is still possible to catch a glimpse of what used to exist here hundreds of years ago in the Forbidden Purple City.

Compare and contrast the tombs of Emperor Tu Duc and Emperor Khai Dinh, one constructed from 1864-1867 with a landscape dominated by a large lake and rustic architecture while the other designed as a hybrid of European and Vietnamese beauty standards.

Transfer to Hue Airport for a short evening flight of 1 hour and 30 minutes to the modern, cosmopolitan city of Ho Chi Minh City

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel

Day 8 : Experience the powerful symbols and the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh City

Drive 1.5 hours north of Ho Chi Minh City to experience one of the most powerful symbols of the city and its recent history, the Cu Chi Tunnels. Squeeze through this extensive network of underground tunnels built by the Viet Cong to combat the better-supplied American and South Vietnamese forces, remembering the recent tragedy of war in Vietnam and the hardships many locals faced in this time period.

Browse the exhibits of the War Remnants Museum and view the former Presidential Palace, which can be viewed from the outside only on certain days.

End the day by visiting colonial Saigon with stops at the photogenic Old Saigon Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, Dong Khoi Street (formerly known as Rue Catinat), the Continental House, City Hall, and of course, the Opera House.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel

Day 9 : Journey through the Mekong Delta on a day-cruise

Settle in for a 2-hour car ride this morning to the small town of Ben Tre where we will board our day-cruise to explore the Mekong River Delta, the rice bowl of Asia. Enjoy the landscapes of fertile fields showcasing Vietnam’s natural riches and resources of lush, bright green rice paddies on board the boat while snapping photos of the maze of rivers, mangroves, islands, and swamps.

The final activity of the day will involve a mini-trip on a sampan, a smaller traditional rowing boat, to better explore the narrow waterways of the Mekong tributaries.

The excursion will conclude in the late afternoon, dropping you off at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel

Day 10 : Time to say good-bye

Discover the city at leisure until your transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your onward booked transportation.

Meals: Breakfast

Best price guarantee

When you travel with Mundo Asia through any of our destinations, we're confident you'll return with memories that truly last a lifetime. That's why we are proud to promise you a best price guarantee with unbeatable prices for the highest quality and value. If you are able to find our exact program and product for a lower price on another website, we will refund you the price difference (terms and conditions apply).

Why book this tour

  • Boutique properties and cruises with charm and high-quality customer reviews
  • Guide-assisted flexible meal plans to ensure you can taste local flavours
  • Hit all the highlights and main experiences in Vietnam
  • Art and culture lovers can dive deep into the history and heritage of the region
  • Premium value at an affordable price

Information

General information

Hotel

Important notes

Services Included

  • Accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast
  • Domestic flights (economy class) as mentioned
  • Tours as per itinerary with local English speaking guide
  • All transfers and transportation with air-conditioned vehicles
  • All boat trips as program
  • All entrance fees as program
  • Meals as indicated in the program

Services Excluded

  • Airfares (international) and airport taxes
  • Early check-in or late check-out
  • Personal expenses & tips
  • Meals other than mentioned in the program
  • Visa fees, travel insurances
  • Additional transfer required due to emergency situation
  • All services which are not mentioned in “services included"

Optional Services 

  • Domestic flights: Hanoi - Danang, Hue - Ho Chi Minh
General information

Services Included

  • Accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast
  • Domestic flights (economy class) as mentioned
  • Tours as per itinerary with local English speaking guide
  • All transfers and transportation with air-conditioned vehicles
  • All boat trips as program
  • All entrance fees as program
  • Meals as indicated in the program

Services Excluded

  • Airfares (international) and airport taxes
  • Early check-in or late check-out
  • Personal expenses & tips
  • Meals other than mentioned in the program
  • Visa fees, travel insurances
  • Additional transfer required due to emergency situation
  • All services which are not mentioned in “services included"

Optional Services 

  • Domestic flights: Hanoi - Danang, Hue - Ho Chi Minh
Hotel
Important notes

About this tour

  • This itinerary hits most of Vietnam’s major attractions in just 10 days
  • An airport arrival and departure transfer is included. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum of 15 days prior to travel
  • Please ensure your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining at the time of your departure and that the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets
  • This package requires a visa to Vietnam
  • All overnight Halong Bay cruises must have permission to operate from the Management Board of Halong Bay. If your cruise is suddenly affected by poor weather conditions (monsoon, storms, high winds), Mundo Asia takes responsibility to change to an alternative option
  • Remember to pack a variety of clothes for your stay as mountainous areas can get quite chilly at night while the humidity lasts year-round in areas south of Da Nang
  • Consider adding a beach extension to Con Dao or Phu Quoc on day 10 to enjoy the beautiful island beaches of southern Vietnam

 

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Easy payment

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Flexible cancellation policy

Worried about cancellation fees? The only payment required is a 30% deposit of the total fees once all services are confirmed after the planning stages. In addition, Mundo Asia has a flexible cancellation policy which you can learn more about in our booking terms and conditions for more information.