A Full-Day Tour of the Hanoi City

On day two of your 10-day Vietnam itinerary, you'll have a full-day tour of Hanoi. The day will be filled with visits to iconic landmarks such as Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Tran Quoc Pagoda. You'll also have the option to visit the Museum of Ethnology or the Hoa Lo Hilton, depending on your preference. In the afternoon, you'll explore the Temple of Literature and the charming old quarter of the city. You'll have the opportunity to visit a local house and learn about their family's life and history. To cap off the day, you'll take a leisurely ride on a cyclo around Hoan Kiem Lake and watch a traditional water puppet show in the evening.

Visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Tran Quoc Pagoda

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

This is where Ho Chi Minh, the leader who helped Vietnam gain independence from France, is buried. The mausoleum is a big building made of granite that holds Ho Chi Minh's preserved body.

One Pillar Pagoda

This temple has been in Hanoi since the 11th century and is considered an old landmark. It blends Buddhist and Vietnamese architecture and sits on one pillar in the centre of a lotus pond.

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Situated on an islet in West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi and is a key landmark of the city. The pagoda has a beautiful garden and several towers with intricate carvings.

Option to visit the Museum of Ethnology or the Hoa Lo Hilton

Museum of Ethnology

The museum showcases the diverse ethnic groups that live in Vietnam and provides an excellent insight into their customs, traditions, and way of life. It has an extensive collection of artefacts, photographs, and exhibits highlighting the country's rich cultural heritage. 

Hoa Lo Hilton

The French colonialists used this notorious prison to imprison Vietnamese political prisoners during the struggle for independence. In the Vietnam War, the prison was used to detain American prisoners of war, making it a haunting symbol of the terrible acts that occurred during the conflict.

Visit the Temple of Literature and the Old Quarter

Temple of Literature

The temple dates back to the 11th century and was built to honour Confucius and the scholars of the country. It was Vietnam's first university and was the centre of education for several centuries.

Old Quarter

This bustling part of Hanoi is a vibrant mix of commerce, culture, and tradition. It is home to many street vendors, food stalls, and shops selling everything from souvenirs to silk clothes. The narrow streets are a maze of ancient buildings, pagodas, and historic temples.

Cyclo ride and Water Puppet Show

A cyclo is a traditional Vietnamese rickshaw, and a ride around Hoan Kiem Lake provides a relaxing way to explore the city's streets. In the evening, you'll be treated to a water puppet show, a traditional Vietnamese art form that originated in the Red River Delta centuries ago.

Cruising the Beauty of Halong Bay and Relaxing in Hue

On day three, you'll travel to Halong Bay, board a junk and spend the day cruising around the stunning landscape. You'll have the chance to swim in the bay and participate in various activities before spending the night on the junk. On day four, you'll have brunch on the junk before returning to Hanoi airport to catch a flight to Hue. Once you arrive in Hue, you'll have the day to relax at your hotel.

Halong Bay Overview

After breakfast on day 3, you'll depart for Halong Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin and famous for its scenic beauty. You'll take a 3.5-hour drive to reach Halong City, where you'll check in and board a junk to begin your Halong Bay adventure.

Junk Boarding and Check-In

Once you board the junk, you'll have the opportunity to settle in and get comfortable. You'll check in and receive information about the ship's itinerary and schedule. Afterwards, you'll have lunch on board while cruising towards Halong Bay.

Lunch and Afternoon Activities

After lunch, you can participate in various visits and activities, such as exploring caves, kayaking, or swimming in the bay (if weather permits). Alternatively, you can relax on board and take in the stunning scenery of Halong Bay.

Dinner and Overnight on Halong Bay

In the evening, you'll return to the junk to have dinner, which will be served on board. Afterwards, you'll spend the night on the junk, surrounded by the serene beauty of Halong Bay.

Relaxing in Hue's Tranquil Setting

On day four, you'll have brunch on the junk before returning to Hanoi airport to catch a flight to Hue. Once you arrive in Hue, you'll have the day to relax at your hotel.

Brunch on the Junk

On day four, you'll enjoy a leisurely brunch on the junk before departing for Hanoi airport. As you savour the delicious food and take in the stunning scenery of Halong Bay, you can reflect on your unforgettable experiences in this natural wonder.

Flight to Hue

After bidding farewell to the junk and the bay, you'll board a short flight to Hue, a city known for its rich history and culture. As you fly over Vietnam's lush landscapes, you can anticipate the adventures in this fascinating destination.

Relax at Hotel

Once you arrive in Hue and check into your hotel, you'll have the rest of the day to relax and recharge. Whether you dip in the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or lounge in your comfortable room, you can enjoy some well-deserved downtime before your next exciting excursion.

River Cruise and Historical Sites in Hue

On day five, you'll take a boat cruise on the Huong River and visit Thien Mu Pagoda and the Imperial Citadel. Before returning to your hotel, you'll visit Emperor Tu Duc's Mausoleum in the afternoon.

Boat Cruise on Huong River

Enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Perfume River or the Huong River, and take in the scenic countryside and the city of Hue.

Visit to Thien Mu Pagoda

One of the most iconic and beautiful pagodas in Vietnam, Thien Mu Pagoda is a must-see destination in Hue. Marvel at the architecture and learn about this ancient temple's history and cultural significance.

Imperial Citadel

Visit the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the ancient architecture and stunning grounds. Learn about the Nguyen Dynasty's history and the citadel's important role in the imperial era.

Emperor Tu Duc's Mausoleum

Discover the ultimate abode of Emperor Tu Duc, an esteemed ruler of the Nguyen Dynasty whose final resting place awaits. Immerse yourself in this stunning mausoleum's exquisite gardens and architectural marvels while delving into this revered leader's fascinating history and legacy.

Return to Hotel

After a full day of sightseeing, return to your hotel to relax and unwind. Enjoy the comforts of your accommodation and prepare for your next adventure in Hue.

Explore Danang and Hoi An

On day six, you'll drive to Danang and visit the Cham Museum before continuing to the charming old town of Hoi An. In the afternoon, you'll take a walking tour of the old town and learn how to make a lantern with local artisans.

Visit to Cham Museum

The Cham Museum in Da Nang is home to one of the world's largest collections of Cham artefacts, showcasing this ancient civilisation's rich culture and artistic legacy. Visitors can admire intricate sculptures, reliefs, and architectural pieces that reflect Cham's unique Hindu and Buddhist traditions blend. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam's rich and diverse heritage.

Visit Hoi An Old Town

You'll wander through this historic town's charming and well-preserved streets during your visit to Hoi An Old Town. Marvel at the traditional architecture and soak up the traditional atmosphere as you explore. Take the chance to visit some of the town's highlights, such as the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation, and the Tan Ky Old House. You'll also learn about the town's rich history as a major trading port and cultural crossroads.

Lantern-Making Workshop

In Hoi An, participate in a lantern-making workshop to learn about the traditional art form from local artisans. With their guidance, you'll create your lantern using traditional materials and techniques. This hands-on experience allows you to enjoy the creative process and take home a beautiful and unique souvenir of your time in Hoi An.

Explore My Son and Free Time in Hoi An

Visit to My Son Top of Form

You'll visit My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the former capital of the Champa Kingdom. Here, you'll explore the ancient ruins and learn about the history and culture of the Champa people before returning to Hoi An in the afternoon.

Free Time in Hoi An

After the half-day trip to My Son, you'll have the afternoon free to explore Hoi An at your leisure. Explore the delightful streets and alleys of the town, stop by local shops and cafes, or unwind at your hotel with a stroll. Hoi An is known for its beautiful lanterns, so you can browse the shops and try to make one yourself. This is an excellent opportunity to soak up the atmosphere and taste the lifestyle in this enchanting and picturesque town.

Explore Ho Chi Minh City's Landmarks and Colonial-era Buildings

On day eight, you'll fly to Ho Chi Minh City, where you can see sites, including the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Reunification Palace. You will also visit structures from the colonial era, including the Opera House and the Hôtel de Ville.

Reunification Palace

Visit the former residence of the President of South Vietnam and learn about its significance in Vietnamese history.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Admire the stunning architecture of the French colonial-era cathedral.

Central Post Office

Visit the impressive post office designed by Gustave Eiffel and send a postcard home.

Opera House

Discover the stunning tower that used to be the residence of the Saigon Opera and is now a well-liked spot for concerts and occasions.

Hotel de Ville

Admire the historic building that was once the city hall of Saigon during the French colonial period.

Mekong Delta Tour

On day nine, you'll depart from Ho Chi Minh City and drive to My Tho in the Mekong Delta. You'll enjoy a boat cruise on the Mekong River, stopping at a fish farm and a traditional local house made of coconut wood and leaves. Before returning to Ho Chi Minh City, you'll enjoy local fruit and traditional live music.

Boat Cruise on the Mekong River

Depart from Ho Chi Minh City and head to My Tho, a city in the Mekong Delta region. You'll start a boat excursion on the Mekong River, enjoying the lovely views and discovering the river's way of life. You'll stop at a nearby fish farm to witness the local fishing customs.

Visit a Traditional Local House

You can visit a traditional local house during your trip to My Tho in the Mekong Delta. The house made of coconut wood and leaves represents the area's unique architecture and way of life. While there, you will learn about the traditional ways of living and sample local fruit and dishes. Additionally, you can enjoy live music and entertainment, providing a true taste of the local culture.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

After a fun and fulfilling day exploring the Mekong Delta, you'll return to Ho Chi Minh City. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy your last evening in Vietnam by exploring the city alone or spending time with new friends from your trip. Take the chance to soak up the city's vibrant energy before getting a good night's rest before your departure home or to your next destination.

Relaxation and Departure Day

On day ten, you'll have the morning to relax before departing for the airport.