Embark on an unforgettable 12-day journey through Vietnam with the ‘Memory of Vietnam – Saigon to Hanoi Highlights Tour’ by Paradise Travel. This meticulously curated itinerary offers a unique exploration of the country’s most iconic destinations, blending rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Your adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), where you’ll delve into the city’s dynamic energy, visiting landmarks like the Reunification Palace and the bustling Ben Thanh Market. From there, cruise the intricate waterways of the Mekong Delta, experiencing the vibrant floating markets and lush countryside.
Continuing north, you’ll explore the ancient town of Hoi An, renowned for its well-preserved architecture and lantern-lit streets. In Hue, the former imperial capital, discover the grandeur of the Imperial Citadel and the serenity of the Perfume River. The journey culminates in Hanoi, Vietnam’s charming capital, where you’ll wander through the historic Old Quarter and enjoy a traditional water puppet show. A highlight of the tour is a luxurious cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, with its emerald waters and towering limestone islands.
Throughout the tour, you’ll stay in handpicked hotel accommodations, ensuring comfort and elegance. Expert guides will enrich your experience with insightful commentary, making this journey not just a vacation, but a deep dive into Vietnam’s soul.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore more, this tour offers a comprehensive and luxurious way to experience the diverse beauty of Vietnam.
Touch down in the dynamic heart of southern Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh City. A warm welcome from Paradise Travel awaits you at the airport, followed by a smooth transfer to your hotel downtown.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a leisurely stroll through nearby tree-lined boulevards or settle into your hotel to recover from the journey. The city’s electric blend of colonial elegance, buzzing street life and emerging skyscrapers hints at the adventure ahead.
A corner of Ho Chi Minh City
Fuel up with breakfast, then set off to explore Saigon’s fascinating duality – its turbulent history and modern vibrancy.
Start at the imposing Reunification Palace, once the seat of South Vietnam’s government. Nearby, admire the red-brick Notre-Dame Cathedral and French-style Central Post Office. At the War Remnants Museum, uncover sobering stories of resilience and sacrifice.
After lunch, delve into spiritual heritage at Xa Loi Pagoda, then wrap up your day with colorful local life at Ben Thanh Market and bustling Chinatown (Cho Lon).
Back to hotel and have dinner yourselves
Optional activities in the evening in Ho Chi Minh City:
– Enjoy soft drinks at nearby café/ pub/ bar
– Wandering around night walking street area (Bui Vien, De Tham streets)
– Take an evening motorbike or scooter tour
Saigon – Notre Dame Cathedral
Today offers a shift in pace as you journey into the lush, water-laced world of the Mekong Delta. Arrive in My Tho and board a boat gliding along coconut-shaded canals.
Visit Turtle Island, sample tropical fruits and enjoy a delicious local lunch amidst an orchard. Experience rural life up close as you cruise through the Tan Thach Canal and row a sampan through peaceful creeks of Thoi Son Island.
After your river adventure, continue to Can Tho, the delta’s largest city and check in for the night.
Mekong River
Floating Market Wonders – Return to Saigon and Fly to Nha Trang
Rise early to witness the buzzing energy of Cai Rang Floating Market, where traders on boats hawk fresh produce in a lively, floating economy. Navigate quiet backwaters to see traditional rice noodle workshops and Vietnam’s iconic “monkey bridges”.
Return to Saigon for your afternoon flight to the beachside haven of Nha Trang.
Upon landing, you’re transferred to your hotel near the coast, ready for sun and sea.
Cai Rang Floating Market – Mekong River
Discover the dual charm of Nha Trang, where golden sands meet ancient spirituality.
Begin with a visit to the ancient Po Nagar Cham Towers, remnants of the Hindu Champa Kingdom. Continue to Long Son Pagoda, famed for its colossal white Buddha.
After lunch, hop on a boat for an island-hopping tour. Cruise across the bay to Mun Island or Tam Island, where you can swim, snorkel, or simply soak up the beauty of the turquoise waters before returning to your hotel.
Nha Trang beach
From Coastline to Culture – Nha Trang to Da Nang and Hoi An
After breakfast, catch a short flight to Da Nang, where you’re greeted and driven to the charming town of Hoi An. En route, stop at the Cham Museum, which houses relics of a lost civilization and explore the caves and pagodas of the Marble Mountains.
Arrive in Hoi An, an atmospheric town adorned with lanterns, wooden houses and riverside cafes. Settle into your hotel and have lunch at restaurant.
Colorful lanterns, flowers, and culture light up Hoi An streets.
In the afternoon, we take a walking tour of the ancient town center and visit historic merchants’ homes, the 400 year-old Japanese covered bridge and the colorful, bustling market.
AM: Drive from Hoi An to Hue across the famous Hai Van pass and stopping to visit Lang Co beach. Have lunch after checking in hotel in Hue.
PM: Visit the Hue Royal Citadel constructed by Emperor Gia Long after the style of French military architect Vauban in the first decades of the 19th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Imperial Museum that houses many valuable artefacts related to the Imperial city before leaving to see the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh.
Forbidden Purple City – Hue Citadel
AM: Enjoy a boat trip along the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda, Emperor Minh Mang’s tomb and Hue’s famous Dong Ba market.
Lunch at local restaurant.
PM: Take afternoon flight to Hanoi.
Upon arrival, you will be met and taken to your hotel for a relaxing free evening.
Hoan Kiem Lake at night
AM: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Ho Chi Minh Museum and the One-pillar pagoda near historic Ba Dinh Square, then move on to the Temple of Literature – UNESCO World Heritage site, the first University in Vietnam established in 1076.
Have lunch in one of Hanoi’s famous restaurants then visit the Museum of Ethnology and take a cyclo ride around the Old Quarter, visiting Dong Xuan market.
Enjoy the fascinating and uniquely Vietnamese art of Water Puppetry later in the afternoon.
Overnight in Hanoi
Invitations from Paradise Travel:
– Try local coffee
– Try local beer (Hanoi fresh beer)
– Visit Paradise Travel office and have dinner with us
Optional activities in the evening in Hanoi:
– Enjoy drinks at nearby café/ bar/ pub
– Wandering around Hanoi down town area (Weekend walking streets from Friday night until Sunday around Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter area)
– Take an evening motorbike/ scooter/ walking tour
Beautiful One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi
Have breakfast at hotel and check out.
Our car will be ready by 08.30AM for a transfer for an overnight trip to the famous World Heritage Site – Ha Long Bay.
We arrive Ha Long Bay at noon and check in your cruise room.
Each cruise has its own itinerary and they all cover highlights of the Bay:
Lunch and dinner will be served on boat. Overnight at your room on the cruise
Beautiful Ha Long Bay
Travelers are advised the day before to wake up early around 5.00 or 6.00 AM for sunrise or swimming if weather permits.
Breakfast/ Brunch is served from around 7h30AM then the cruise continues its itinerary to Heaven Palace Cave or Surprising Cave if it was not planned on the 1st day.
After the visit, the boat cruises back to its wharf. Our vehicle is ready at noon on shore for driving back Hanoi.
Arrive Hanoi around 4.00PM, re-check in at the hotel and have the evening free.
A corner of Ha Long Bay, view from Surprising Cave
After breakfast, enjoy some final moments in Hanoi – perhaps a quiet stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake or a last bowl of pho – before transferring to the airport for your outbound flight.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Your enriching Vietnam discovery tour concludes, leaving you with lasting memories of ancient temples, floating markets, imperial cities and breathtaking seascapes. For first-timers and seasoned travelers alike, few Vietnam tours offer this much cultural depth, natural beauty and warmth. This is truly the essence of travel to Vietnam.
Here is a range of 12-day Vietnam tour itineraries crafted to suit a variety of travel preferences and interests.
Prices are in USD, per person.
This tour can be customized to fit your own demands. Best price and value guaranteed!
| Hotel / Group | 2 guests | 3~4 guests | 5~6 guests | 7~8 guests | 9~12 guests | Single surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Star | 1,704 | 1,470 | 1,310 | 1,218 | 1,166 | 375 |
| 4 Star | 2,094 | 1,859 | 1,697 | 1,602 | 1,547 | 690 |
| 5 Star | 2,723 | 2,484 | 2,318 | 2,219 | 2,159 | 1,215 |
– There may be cancellation fees charged by suppliers (hotels, airlines…) once these bookings are made and paid. These fee shall by paid by travelers.
– These are maximum cancellation fees to be flexible applied:
For the first time, we used this agency to organize our trip with our 7-year-old son to Vietnam. From the beginning, when contacting via email, we are delighted with the responsibilities and dedication of our travel consultant, Ms Trang Doan. The recommendations we were given, the choices of sites, hotels, and guides were perfect.
Thanks to Trang Doan, we were able to discover Vietnam in all its aspects. The guides in Saigon ("Luck") and Hue ("Son") were fascinating and passionate. They are knowledgeable about history and culture and we gained a lot about your culinary arts. Their French were also outstanding and they were very attentive to our son.
Do not hesitate to call this agency! We will contact them again as soon as we have an opportunity to travel to Asia.
Are you interested in this tour or would you like to customize your own trip?
Call our local experts: +84 98 939 1076
