Vietnam’s Greatest Hits: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi

12 - days tour
Deal: US$1612
Typically: US$1850
You save: US$238

Overview

Day 1 – 4: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Learn about the history of Cu Chi Tunnels. See HCMC’s most renowned landmarks. Explore Mekong Delta.
Day 5 – 8: Hoi An - Danang -Hue
Take the flight from HCMC to Danang.
Discover the lovely streets of Hoi An on a walking tour. Tour the Royal City of Hue.
Day 9 – 12: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Travel to Hanoi and visit its top attractions.
Travel to Halong Bay. Cruise around the extraordinary limestone karsts and tropical islets. Join a Taichi session.
Return to Hanoi. Board the flight to your destination.

Customizable itinerary

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Embark on a mesmerizing journey through Vietnam's diverse landscapes and rich history. Cruise amidst the enchanting limestone karsts on a classic junk boat, and wander through the historic streets of imperial cities. Starting in the lively city of Hanoi and continuing through the breathtaking Halong Bay, the atmospheric capital of Huế, the alluring town of Hoi An, and the bustling modern life of Saigon, you will immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Vietnam over the course of 12 unforgettable days. This tour promises to reveal the heart and soul of this extraordinary country.

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Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

Xin Chao! Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

On our first day, you will arrive at the airport at your preferred time as the only scheduled activity for the day is the airport pickup. A friendly driver from Open Asia Travel will be waiting to greet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel.
We understand that travelling to a new country can be stressful, so we have included airport transfers in the itinerary to make your trip hassle-free. You can sit back, relax, any enjoy the ride knowing that your transportation has been taken care of.

After checking-in, you will have time to relax and adjust to the pace of HCM City, still called Saigon by the locals or explore the city on your own to get a feel for the local culture and attractions.

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh and get ready for an exciting adventure. With a vibrant atmosphere, rich history and delicious food, Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect starting point for your Vietnam trip.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh's Sightseeing Tour (B/L/_)

Our tour guide and driver pick you up from your hotel at 08:30 to start the tour.

Start your day visiting two iconic architectural landmarks the Notre Dame Cathedral and the nearby Saigon Central Post Office built between 1877 and 1883 by renowned designer Gustav Eiffel. The cathedral still remains an active church with services each day and is favored backdrop for Vietnamese wedding photographs.

From the cathedral, take a short stroll along Dong Khoi Street to the Opera House. From a bomb shelter to housing the parliamentary Lower House, the Opera House has had an interesting history. Restored in 1995 the Opera House has returned to its roots and is once again a theatre.
Next, visit the Reunification Palace, once a symbol of the South Vietnamese Government. It was here on 30 April 1975, that the war ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates. See the war room, the banquet hall and the presidential office with the unusual gifts which have been received. In the afternoon continue on to the War Remnants Museum. Here, your guide will tell the story of the city’s darkest and most tragic hours during the Vietnam War. The museum contains displays of military aircraft, weaponry and many photographs – some that are quite graphic in nature.
Have lunch try all famous local cuisines/food and all of MUST-TRY dishes in Ho Chi Minh.

Head to Cho Lon – the city’s Chinatown and Thien Hau Pagoda which is dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. With intricate friezes, carved tableaus and impressive incense coils make for some great photos. Then observe street life through the narrow streets to Binh Tay market that sells everything from hats to dried squid!
Trip ends around 16:30

After the tour, back to your hotel and free to relax. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh(B/L/_)

8:00 Pick up in the hotel lobby and transfer to Mekong Delta.
Enjoy the scenic journey along the National Highway bordered by green rice fields.
On arrival at My Tho, visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, take a leisurely boat ride along the river, and view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages along the river bank.
Have lunch in an orchard garden.
Then a boat ride to An Khanh – a less touristy attraction in Ben Tre, enjoy cruising on a hand-rowed sampan under the shadow of the water coconut trees along natural canals, then enjoy seasonal fruit & honey tea to the sound of “Southern Vietnamese folk music” performed by locals.
Visit a family business which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste the delicious coconut candy & observe the pastoral life as you roam through the fruit plantation and village.

15:30 Get on car to return to Ho Chi Minh

17:30 Arrive in Ho Chi Minh

This trip provides a fascinating insight into daily life in the Mekong Delta and you are guaranteed to take home your own private collection of beautiful memories.

Day 4: HCM – Cu Chi Tunnels - Flight to Danang/Hoi An (B/L/_)

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a fascinating journey to visit Cu Chi Tunnels, which are located approximately 1.5 to 2 hours driver from Ho Chi Minh City (75km).
Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network which span over 200km used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Cu Chi tunnels were functioning underground cities that included trap doors, living areas, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. You can even crawl through some of the tunnels if you’re up for it. Learn about the history and tactics used by the Viet Cong through informative exhibits and demonstrations.
Try some of the simple cuisine that local fighters survived on with a cassava tasting. After experiencing the Cu Chi Tunnels, transfer back to Ho Chi Minh city with lunch en route at Ben Nay restaurant.
After lunch, transfer to Ho Chi Minh airport to board a short flight to Danang, in Central of Vietnam.
Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by our driver and transferred to your accommodation in Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 5: Hoi An Basket Boat (B/L/_)

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel. At approximately 8:00 am, our experienced English-speaking guide will be waiting for you at the hotel to embark on an exciting cycling adventure through the picturesque countryside and river regions surrounding Hoi An. As you pedal through these beautiful landscapes, you'll have the opportunity to connect with the warm and welcoming local residents who will greet you along the way.
Following your cycling exploration, you'll board the Hoi An Eco-tour boat for a relaxing river cruise, where you'll have the chance to meet and interact with local fishermen. Get hands-on with the age-old practice of traditional net fishing, immersing yourself in an authentic cultural experience.
Afterwards, the journey continues with a paddleboat excursion in a traditional Vietnamese bamboo basket boat, allowing you to navigate the serene waterways of a coconut palm haven. Following this adventure, savor a delicious lunch to refuel and recharge.
Upon completing your memorable day of exploration and cultural immersion, we'll provide transportation back to your hotel, marking the end of this remarkable tour.
In the afternoon, you will have some free time to go shopping or explore the town at your own pace. Hoi An is known for its beautiful lanterns, tailor-made clothing, and handcrafted sourvenirs, so you might want to explore the local shops and markets.
Enjoy your overnight stay in Hoi An.

Day 6: Hoi An –Danang - Hue (B/L/_)

After having breakfast at the hotel and check out, your private tour guide and driver will pick you up and start a journey to explore Danang and transfer to Hue.
The first place we will explore today is the Marble Mountains – a masterpiece of nature presents to Da Nang, also known as the "five elements mountains" - a cluster of five marble and limestone hills named after the five elements: Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire) and Tho (earth).
Challenge yourself to climb up to over 120 steps to get to the Marble of Water (Thuy), from here, amazing and fabulous fairylands appear in front of your eyes. There are a lot of ancient and scared pagodas with great architecture, a lot of amazing Buddha statues in wonderful caves from the 4th century. Going up to the Heaven Gate to admire nature to enjoy the great panoramic views of Da Nang and Hoi An on the peak of the mount.
Because you’ll be walking a lot, be sure to wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes, and bring your sun hat and water along. Visitors are requested to wear modest clothing when touring Marble Mountains, which is an important spiritual and pilgrimage site.
On the way, we will stop to visit the famous My Khe Beach, also known as China Beach – once a popular R&R spot for US soldiers.
We keep visiting the Linh Ung Pagoda with the tallest Lady Buddha statue in Vietnam. The Linh Ung Bai But is on the Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain). It is very common to see a lot of monkeys in the trees. From this place, not only enjoy the fresh air, the 67m Lady Buddha Statue but also you can enjoy the fantastic panoramic views of the ocean and Danang.
Then we will have lunch at a very nice restaurant in Da Nang and relax

After that, continue your scenic road journey to Hue over the stunning Hai Van Pass which offers panoramic views of the coastline below.
Upon Arrival in Hue, you will check into your hotel and have some free time to explore the imperial city. There are also several great restaurants and shops in the city to explore. Overnight in Hue

Day 7: Discover Hue’s Imperial Treasures and Local Delights (B/L/_)

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, begin a charming boat excursion along the romantic Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest and most esteemed attraction in Hue. As you cruise, admire the stunning views of the river and the lush surrounding, all while gaining insights into the pagoda’s rich historical and cultural significance from your knowledgeable guide. Next, you will visit the mausoleums of Emperor Khai Dinh and Tu Duc, two of the most iconic and historic landmarks in Hue.
Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor delicious traditional Vietnamese cuisine and immerse yourself in the local dinning culture.
In the afternoon, continue your Hue sightseeing tour by visiting Hue Imperial Citadel – the palace of 13 Nguyen Kings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this exploration, we shall unveil the stories, legends and cultural treasures that have been lovingly preserved within the walls of the Hue Imperial Citadel, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of Vietnam’s rich and diverse history. Next, visit Thuy Xuan incense-making village, where you can witness the traditional process of making incense and embark on a sensory journey that takes you through the art, history and spirituality of incense-making, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the cultural tapestry of Hue.
Finally, head to Dong Ba market, the largest and most vibrant market in Hue, where you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local specialties.
After a full interesting day exploring Hue city, return to your hotel for a relaxing overnight in Hue and get ready for more exciting adventures tomorrow.

Day 8: Hue – Flight to Hanoi (B/_/_)

Have a hearty breakfast at your hotel. This morning, you will have some free time to explore the city at our leisure until the time our driver will come to your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, our driver will wait for you at the arrival terminal and transfer you to your hotel in Hanoi Center for check in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax.
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 9: Hanoi – Full Day City Tour & Local Food Discovery (B/L/_)

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will start our journey to explore the city’s top attractions & immerse yourself in local culture, sample Hanoi’s authentic local dishes.
Begin with a tour of Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex where the Vietnamese people honour the country’s ‘Great Father’. Here you’ll visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which contains the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh and his House on Stilts to observe how he lived and how his life unfolded to become one of modern history’s greatest names. Nearside his house is the miniature 11th-century One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple of historical and cultural significance. Please note that Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, then we will see it from outside.
From HCM Complex, you will take a leisurely walk through the small laneways toward Huu Tiep Lake. Explore the grounds of a 400-year-old temple, followed by a stroll through traditional local market streets to see the B52 crash site at the lake. This US bomber was shot down during the 1972 bombing raids of Ha Noi, a poignant reminder of Vietnam’s recent history.
Take a short drive to the outskirt of Hanoi to visit the fascinating Museum of Ethnology to learn about the culture of the 54 ethnic groups living in Vietnam. However, if your tour falls on a Monday, the museum will be closed, and you will visit the Women’s Museum instead.
Today you will have Pho for lunch, a Vietnamese Noodle shop. Some of the local people call this world-famous Noodle soup “Mac-Noodles” since it is as popular here as MacDonalds is in other parts of the world! At the restaurant, your tour guide will explain the routine during Vietnamese meal times, and also tell you which special ingredients are needed for you.
After lunch, continue to visit Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam established in the 11th century. This is a great place to learn about the education system of Vietnam in ancient times. Next is Hoa Lo (so-called Hanoi Hilton), a prison used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. Prisoners of War.
Finish the day with a walking tour around Hoan Kiem Lake and the surroundings before going back to the hotel to relax. Free at leisure and stay overnight in Hanoi.

Day 10: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Overnight on cruise (B/L/D)

speaking guide and driver will pick up and transfer to Halong Bay. On the way, take the most scenic route to reach Halong Bay, taking you across the Red River Delta with emerald green rice paddies stretching for as far as the eyes can. On arrival, we embark a beautiful traditional junk and spend a full day and night cruising the bay’s 3000 magnificent limestone islets. Experience kayaking on the gentle water and admiring crystal clear water with a thousand islands rising on the water with the diversity of flora and fauna. In the evening when the boat is anchored in the middle of the stunning lagoon and the sun gradually goes down, we enjoy a mouthwatering seafood meal and participate in some shore excursion on boat. Spend the night on the luxury boat.
Overnight on cruise

Day 11: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (B/L/_)

Wake up early in the morning to behold a beautiful sunrise and breathe in the fresh ocean air. You’ll have a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck and enjoy the breakfast while cruising through thousands of stunning landscape in Ha Long Bay.
You’ll have an amazing time exploring the stunning cave, full of stalagmites and stalactites. Lunch will be served on boat as we cruise back to the harbor and back to Hanoi around 4:00 to 4:30 pm. We’ll drop you off at your hotel, you will check in and take advantage of some free time to explore the fascinating Old Quarter of Hanoi on your own. Take the opportunity to indulge in some delicious local street food or browse the shops for souvenirs. You will spend the night in Hanoi.

Day 12: Time to Say Goodbye – Hanoi Departure (B/_/_)

Have breakfast at the hotel and relaxing time
Our driver will pick you up at your hotel and you will be transferred to Noi Bai International Airport. Then fly back to your homeland or to your next destination.

We hope that you have had an incredible time exploring Vietnam with Open Asia Travel and have made unforgettable memories.
Thank you for choosing us as your travel companion and we look forward to embarking on new adventures with you in the future. Please note that airport transfer is included in your itinerary and our team will ensure that your departure from Hanoi is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

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Useful Information
Sightseeing Highlights
  • Visit Ho Chi Minh City landmarks: War Remnant Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Reunification Palace and the Former U.S. Embassy…etc.
  • Explore the legendary network of Cu Chi Tunnels.
  • Discover the famous Mekong Delta.
  • Take a walking of Hoi An Ancient town, Get some cloth made at the local tailor shops.
  • Discover the Imperial Citadel and the Emperor Mausoleums in Hue.
  • Immerse yourself in Hanoi local life through the French Quarter, Stroll around the Old Quarter of Hanoi and Hoan Kiem Lake.
  • Spend a night onboard an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay.
Dining Experience
  • 12 hotel buffet breakfasts.
  • 1 dinners and 9 lunches at well-selected restaurants.
  • 1 Cooking demonstration on Halong Bay boat
Travel Highlights
  • Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our locally born travel specialists
  • Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and preferences
  • A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, hand-picked hotels and restaurants, private airport transfers, internal transportation, and entry visa assistance…etc
  • Around-the-clock support from your travel designer and concierge before, during and after your trip
What’s Included? Private English speaking guide, accommodation, private tours and transfer, domestic flights, A/C vehicles, some main meals, all entrance fees, tax, and service charge. What’s Not Included? Your international flights from and to Vietnam, entry visa to Vietnam, personal expense, tips to guide and driver.
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