Embark on a captivating 8-day journey through Vietnam, traversing from the historic charm of the North to the dynamic energy of the South. This meticulously designed "Vietnam Highlights" itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience the soul of the country without feeling rushed.
Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City 
Departure:
Available All Year Round 
Category:
Vietnam Tours 
Theme:
Culture, History, Nature 
Suitable:
Families, Couples, Solo Adventurers, and Seniors
Private TourWelcome to Vietnam! Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), your private guide and driver will be waiting to warmly welcome you at the arrival hall. Enjoy a seamless transfer to your downtown hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax or take a preliminary stroll through the charming streets of the Old Quarter, catching your first glimpse of Hanoi's vibrant atmosphere.
Accommodation: Selected Hotel in Hanoi
Meals: On your own
Travel Expert's Tips:
To start your journey smoothly, we recommend exchanging some local currency (VND) at the airport for small purchases. If you're eager to explore, the Old Quarter is best discovered on foot, but do remember to walk at a steady, slow pace when crossing the street to let the motorbikes navigate around you. Don't miss your first chance to try a legendary Hanoi Egg Coffee by Hoan Kiem Lake to soak in the local vibe.
In the morning, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel to begin your immersion into Hanoi's rich heritage. Start at the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city, perched beautifully on the shores of West Lake. Next, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, a site of deep reverence, where you can explore the humble Stilt House of President Ho Chi Minh and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, an architectural marvel designed to resemble a lotus blossom. Your morning concludes at the Temple of Literature, a stunning 11th-century complex that served as Vietnam's first national university.
In the afternoon, tailor your experience by choosing between the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (focused on the country's 54 ethnic groups) or the National Museum of History. End the day with a relaxing cyclo tour through the bustling 36 streets of the Old Quarter, followed by a peaceful stroll around the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake.
Accommodation: Selected Hotel in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Travel Expert's Tips:
When visiting the mausoleums and pagodas, please remember to dress respectfully by covering your shoulders and knees. For the cyclo tour, keep your camera or phone secure while snapping photos of the vibrant street life. If you have any energy left in the evening, we highly recommend catching a traditional Water Puppet Show near the lake—it's a unique art form that originated in the rice paddies of Northern Vietnam!
After breakfast, depart Hanoi for a scenic drive to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Upon arrival at the pier, you will be warmly welcomed aboard your cruise ship and check into your private cabin. As the vessel sets sail, enjoy a delicious lunch while gliding past thousands of towering limestone karsts.
In the afternoon, discover the hidden treasures of the "Bay of Descending Dragon." Explore ancient caves with fascinating stalactites, visit tranquil floating villages, or relax on pristine beaches. For those seeking adventure, you can participate in optional activities such as kayaking, swimming in the emerald waters, or joining a traditional cooking class on the sundeck as the sun sets over the bay.
Accommodation: Overnight on Cruise in Halong Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel Expert's Tips:
To make the most of your cruise, we recommend packing a small overnight bag with essentials (sunscreen, swimwear, and a light jacket) to leave your heavy luggage securely stored. While most cruises offer Wi-Fi, the signal can be intermittent due to the limestone mountains—it's the perfect excuse to unplug and fully immerse yourself in the majestic scenery. Don't forget to head to the deck for "Happy Hour" to enjoy the sunset with a cocktail in hand!
Start your morning with the tranquil practice of Tai Chi on the sundeck as the sun rises over the emerald bay—a truly rejuvenating experience. Enjoy a light breakfast and continue cruising through the stunning rock formations until you disembark at the pier around noon. After a final lunch on board or at a local restaurant, your driver will transfer you back to Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Danang.
Upon landing in Danang, your local guide and driver will be waiting to meet you for the scenic 45-minute drive to the charming ancient town of Hoi An. Check into your hotel and enjoy your first evening in this lantern-lit riverside paradise.
Accommodation: Selected Hotel in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast & Brunch/Lunch
Travel Expert's Tips:
Since this day involves a domestic flight, we recommend keeping your passport and flight itinerary easily accessible in your carry-on bag. If you arrive in Hoi An early enough, it's the perfect time to drop off any clothes at a local tailor shop—Hoi An is world-famous for high-quality, 24-hour custom tailoring, and having your first fitting early ensures a perfect result before you depart!
In the morning, travel into the lush valley of My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the religious center of the ancient Champa Kingdom. Wander through the atmospheric red-brick ruins surrounded by jungle, offering serene views and a glimpse into Vietnam’s spiritual past.
In the afternoon, return to the enchanting Hoi An Ancient Town. Explore its signature landmarks on foot, including the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the ornate Chinese Assembly Halls, and the vibrant local market filled with exotic colors and scents. Your exploration continues with a peaceful boat trip on the Thu Bon River. Stop at Cam Kim Island to witness the incredible skill of traditional woodworkers and boat-builders, and visit the Thanh Ha Pottery Village to see artisans crafting ceramics using centuries-old techniques. At the end of the day, transfer back to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Accommodation: Selected Hotel in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
Travel Expert's Tips:
My Son is best visited early to avoid the midday heat, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen. In the evening, Hoi An transforms into a magical wonderland of silk lanterns; we highly recommend taking a walk after dinner to see the town reflected in the river. It's also the best time to sample local delicacies like "Cao Lau" or "White Rose" dumplings at a riverside eatery.
In the morning, enjoy a final breakfast in the peaceful surroundings of Hoi An before your private transfer to Danang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon). As you descend into Vietnam's largest metropolis, you'll feel the pulse of a city where modern skyscrapers stand side-by-side with French colonial architecture and bustling traditional markets.
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), your local tour guide and driver will meet you and provide a smooth transfer to your downtown hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to begin exploring this dynamic city at your own pace.
Accommodation: Selected Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast
Travel Expert's Tips:
Ho Chi Minh City is a paradise for coffee lovers and street food explorers. For your first evening, we suggest visiting a rooftop bar to enjoy a panoramic view of the city's sparkling skyline. If you're feeling adventurous, try a "Motorbike Food Tour"—it's the most authentic (and thrilling) way to navigate the city's energy and discover hidden culinary gems that most tourists never find!
In the morning, travel through the scenic countryside to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense underground network that served as a strategic base during the Vietnam War. You will have the unique opportunity to explore this sophisticated system, which includes specially constructed living quarters, hidden kitchens, storage facilities, and command centers that allowed the guerrillas to survive and operate entirely underground.
In the afternoon, return to the city to discover its historic landmarks. Visit the War Remnants Museum for a poignant look at history, followed by the Reunification Palace, a symbol of the end of the war. You will also admire the French colonial elegance of the Old Saigon Post Office and take a stroll down Dong Khoi Street, the city's most upscale thoroughfare. Finally, immerse yourself in the local energy of Ben Thanh Market, the perfect spot for some final souvenir shopping.
Accommodation: Selected Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Travel Expert's Tips:
The Cu Chi Tunnels can be narrow and humid, so we recommend wearing lightweight, breathable clothing and sturdy sneakers that you don't mind getting a bit of dust on. At the War Remnants Museum, some exhibits are very emotionally intense; feel free to move at your own pace. If you're looking for a special souvenir at Ben Thanh Market, remember that friendly bargaining is part of the experience—start at about half the quoted price and have fun with it!
Savor your final breakfast in the heart of the city and enjoy some last-minute sightseeing or shopping at your leisure. At the scheduled time, your driver will meet you at your hotel and provide a private transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) for your onward flight. Your 8-day journey through the highlights of Vietnam concludes here, leaving you with unforgettable memories of its stunning landscapes and warm hospitality.
Accommodation: On your own
Meals: Breakfast
Travel Expert's Tips:
To ensure a stress-free departure, we generally schedule your airport transfer at least 3 to 4 hours before an international flight, as traffic in Ho Chi Minh City can be quite heavy during peak hours. Before leaving the hotel, do a final sweep of your room for chargers and travel documents. If you have any leftover Vietnamese Dong, the airport has plenty of shops where you can pick up some last-minute local coffee or crafts to take home!
1. Flexibility: Itineraries and schedules may be adjusted based on local conditions to ensure the best possible experience. We appreciate your understanding. In the event of force majeure or sudden policy adjustments—such as ticket unavailability at certain attractions—our agency will either issue a full refund for the admission tickets or arrange an alternative attraction of equal value.
2. Special Dietary Needs: Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary preferences (e.g., vegetarian, vegan) or food allergies. We will coordinate with our restaurants and guides to cater to your needs.
3. Hotel Hours: Standard check-in is after 14:00, and check-out is before 12:00. Early check-in or late check-out can be arranged upon request, subject to availability and an additional surcharge.
4. Price Inclusions: Our comprehensive tour package includes hand-picked hotel stays as specified in the itinerary, alongside private transfers in a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle with a dedicated professional driver. Throughout your journey, expert, English-speaking local guides will provide insightful commentary, and all admission tickets for scheduled sightseeing spots and activities are fully covered. Additionally, the price encompasses daily breakfasts at your hotels, specially arranged lunches on all guided touring days, and all applicable local governmental taxes and service charges.
5. Price Exclusions: Please note that the tour price excludes international airfare, unmentioned domestic flights, visa processing fees, stamping fees, and related embassy charges. It also does not cover personal travel insurance, laundry, telephone calls, or other expenses of a personal nature, as well as any meals, snacks, beverages, activities, or services not explicitly stated in the tour program. Gratuities for local guides, drivers, hotel porters, and restaurant staff are left to your discretion. Furthermore, tour prices are based on twin-sharing occupancy; if you are traveling solo, we will arrange for you to share a twin room with another traveler of the same sex in most cases, but should you prefer a private room, a Single Room Supplement will apply based on your specific travel dates.
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