Your Vietnamese adventure begins in the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, a friendly local guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel in the heart of the city. After check-in, take some time to relax and refresh after your flight.
In the afternoon, dive into the city’s rich colonial past. Stroll through the broad boulevards to admire the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a striking red-brick structure built entirely with materials imported from France. Nearby, the Central Post Office – designed by Gustave Eiffel – offers an exquisite display of colonial architecture. A visit to the War Remnants Museum provides a moving, informative perspective on Vietnam’s recent history.
Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral
As the sun sets, walk along Nguyen Hue Boulevard, where modern cafes and street performers blend with historic buildings. The city’s lively energy will instantly pull you in. End your day with a delicious Vietnamese dinner, perhaps sampling pho or fresh spring rolls.
This morning, leave the city behind as you journey south toward Ben Tre, a peaceful province in the heart of the Mekong Delta. This fertile region is known as Vietnam’s “rice bowl,” where life revolves around a vast network of rivers and canals. Board a private boat to explore the intricate waterways and witness how locals live in harmony with the river.
Float past lush coconut groves and stop at small family-run workshops. You’ll learn how coconut candy is made, watch traditional brick kilns in action, and see how locals weave sleeping mats from reeds – a practice passed down through generations. These intimate encounters provide a window into Vietnam’s vibrant rural traditions.
Mekong Floating Market
Hop on a Xe Loi (a traditional motorized cart) for a charming ride through quiet country lanes lined with banana trees and stilt houses. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch at a riverside family home, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients.
In the late afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City with a newfound appreciation for the simple, yet resilient lifestyle of the delta people.
Overnight in HCMC.
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
After breakfast, take a short flight to Da Nang, then drive onward to the enchanting town of Hoi An. Once a thriving trading port, Hoi An is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its well-preserved architecture, atmospheric streets, and rich cultural blend of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese influences.
Japanese Covered Bridge – Hoi An Ancient Town
Your afternoon walking tour begins at the Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of the town’s international past. Wander through narrow lanes adorned with lanterns, exploring ancient merchant houses, assembly halls, and bustling markets. You’ll discover artisans selling handmade silk, paper lanterns, and tailored clothing – a Hoi An specialty.
As night falls, the streets of the old town glow with soft lantern light, casting a magical spell. You may choose to enjoy a boat ride along the Thu Bon River, releasing a floating candle for luck.
The evening is yours to enjoy: indulge in fusion cuisine, sip on a cocktail by the river, or simply soak in the quiet charm of this timeless place.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Begin your day with a gentle bicycle ride to Tra Que Village, known for its fragrant herbs and traditional farming techniques. Here, you’ll be welcomed by local farmers who will guide you through their gardens, showing you how to plant, water, and harvest using centuries-old organic methods.
Next, dive into Vietnam’s vibrant food culture with a cooking class led by a local chef. Using fresh ingredients from the garden, you’ll learn to prepare popular dishes such as banh xeo (crispy pancakes) and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls). It’s an immersive experience that deepens your connection with Vietnamese cuisine and its close ties to the land.
Hoi An ancient street with lanterns
In the afternoon, relax at the nearby An Bang Beach, where golden sands and calm waters invite you to unwind. Whether you’re sipping a fresh coconut at a beachside café or taking a dip in the sea, it’s a tranquil counterpoint to your cultural immersion.
Return to town for more evening exploration, perhaps browsing artisan shops or enjoying live music at a riverside bar.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Today’s journey takes you north along the Hai Van Pass, one of the most scenic coastal roads in Vietnam. With misty peaks on one side and the sparkling Vietnam East Sea on the other, the drive offers ample photo opportunities. Along the way, stop to explore the Marble Mountains and Cham Museum, home to ancient sculptures from the once-powerful Champa civilization.
Imperial Citadel, Hue
Arriving in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, you’ll check into your hotel before heading out for a taste of royal life. In the evening, enjoy a Royal Dinner featuring traditional Hue cuisine, once reserved for emperors, accompanied by court music performances in traditional costumes – a graceful blend of culture and cuisine.This city, steeped in heritage and elegance, sets the stage for a deeper dive into Vietnam’s imperial past tomorrow.
Overnight in Hue.
Begin your exploration with a visit to the Imperial City, a vast walled fortress and palace complex built during the Nguyen Dynasty. Walk through ornate gates into a world of royal pavilions, throne halls, and lush gardens, hearing stories of emperors, concubines, and court rituals that once defined Vietnamese aristocracy.
Continue on to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, a seven-story tower standing sentinel over the Perfume River. Here, you’ll see monks at prayer and hear the gentle ringing of ceremonial bells echoing through the trees. Your cultural journey deepens with a visit to the Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, whose elaborate architecture reflects a fusion of Eastern and Western design influences.
After a leisurely lunch of Hue specialties – like ‘bun bo Hue’ – board a boat for a scenic cruise down the Perfume River. Along the banks, lush forests and ancient monuments reveal a city where past and present coexist in poetic harmony.
Overnight in Hue
Truong Tien Bridge, Perfume River
This morning, fly to Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital that blends old-world charm with modern vitality. After settling in, begin exploring the city’s many layers of history and tradition. Discover Hoan Kiem Lake, the spiritual heart of Hanoi. Legend tells of a magical sword and a mythical turtle, adding a sense of mystery to this picturesque setting. Continue into the Old Quarter, where narrow streets are named after centuries-old trades. Smell the scent of sizzling street food, hear the bell of bicycle vendors, and watch daily life unfold as it has for generations.
In the evening, attend a captivating Water Puppet Show, an art form dating back to the 11th century. The puppets glide across water to the rhythm of traditional music, reenacting folk tales and rural scenes in a way that’s both delightful and uniquely Vietnamese.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Hanoi Old Quarter.
The colonial capital city Hanoi is a unique Asian city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes, pagodas and temples.
This full day tour takes you around Hanoi’s most interesting sights, including the Ho Chi Minh Complex: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his Stilt House, Presidential Palace and the One Pillar Pagoda nearby, and the Old Quarter also known for its 36 streets and former craft guilds.
Also on the tour – the Lake of the Restored Sword and Ngoc Son Temple, the Temple of Literature, peaceful West Lake with lovers’ street Thanh Nien, the peaceful Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple and one of the city’s museums, either the History Museum or the Ethnology Museum.
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
In the morning you will drive to Ha Long City, approximately 3.5 hours away. Once at Ha Long City you are welcome on board for a four-hour cruise on the stunning bay, stopping along the way to visit one of the limestone caves in the area.
As you are cruising, the boat crew will serve you a sumptuous local seafood lunch. After 4 hour navigation you sail back to harbor and rejoin car back to your hotel in Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for one last bowl of pho or a quick walk around the lake before your transfer to Noi Bai International Airport.
Your guide will ensure a smooth departure and assist with any last-minute arrangements.
HOME SWEET HOME!
As your journey ends, reflect on the stunning landscapes, ancient cities, and unforgettable people that shaped your experience. This curated experience offers more than a vacation – it’s a deeply immersive Vietnam tour. For anyone seeking to travel to Vietnam in search of culture, beauty, and authenticity, this itinerary delivers a truly meaningful connection. For other options for Vietnam tour in 10 days, please explore our suggestion at 10 days in Vietnam tour itineraries
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 | 1,287 | 1,113 | 991 | 922 | 883 | 250 |
| 4 Star | 1,599 | 1,423 | 1,299 | 1,229 | 1,187 | 500 |
| 5 Star | 2,189 | 2,009 | 1,881 | 1,807 | 1,760 | 990 |
– 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.
Yours sincerely.
Are you interested in this tour or would you like to customize your own trip?
Call our local experts: +84 98 939 1076
