mekong

Discover Vietnam 10 Days


Saigon - Mekong Delta - Hue - Hanoi - Ha Long - Hanoi

Trip Overview

Discover the best of Vietnam on this 10-day journey from vibrant southern cities to breathtaking northern landscapes. Begin in Ho Chi Minh City with cultural highlights, the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, and a scenic Mekong Delta cruise through My Tho and Ben Tre. Continue to Central Vietnam to explore charming Hoi An, enjoy a basket boat ride and cooking class in Cam Thanh Coconut Village, and discover imperial Hue. In the north, experience the cultural treasures of Hanoi, the limestone landscapes of Ninh Binh, and conclude with an unforgettable overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City (-)

Day 2: Saigon – My Tho – Ben Tre - Saigon (B.L.D)

Day 3: Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnel – Danang - Hoian (B.L.D)

Day 4: Hoian – Cam Thanh – Hoi An (B.L.D)

Day 5: Hoian – Danang - Hue (B,L.D)

Day 6: Hue - Hanoi (B.L.D)

Day 7: Hanoi (B.L.D)

Day 8: Hanoi – Ninh Binh (B.L.D)

Day 9: Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay – Overnight on boat (B.L.D)

Day 10: Ha Long - Hanoi - Depart (B.L)

 

Detailed Program

Day 1: Arrival Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City (D)

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our driver and transferred to your hotel in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s dynamic economic hub known for its vibrant energy, fascinating history, and unique blend of colonial heritage and modern skyscrapers. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel (Rooms are available from 14:00 and if you want an early-check-in, an extra charge will be charged)

In the afternoon, begin your exploration of vibrant Ho Chi Minh City with a visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon (outside visit), a striking French colonial landmark known for its red-brick façade. Continue to the nearby Saigon Central Post Office, famous for its elegant colonial architecture. Next, visit Independence Palace, an important historical site linked to the end of the Vietnam War. Later, head to Chinatown (Cho Lon) to experience the bustling local atmosphere, with stops at Thien Hau Temple and Binh Tay Market.

After the tour, transfer to your hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

 

saigon

 

Day 2: Saigon – My Tho – Ben Tre - Saigon (B.L.D)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta, where life revolves around winding rivers, lush orchards, and traditional villages. Upon arrival, embark on a scenic boat trip along the Mekong River, visiting a local farmer’s house and tropical fruit garden to experience the peaceful countryside lifestyle.

Continue to Phoenix Island for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit a bee farm to enjoy honey tea and learn about local honey production, then stop at a traditional coconut candy workshop in Ben Tre, known as the “land of coconuts.” Later, enjoy a relaxing boat ride through narrow canals and visit a local family to listen to Don Ca Tai Tu, a traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music performance.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

 

mekong-ben-tre

 

Day 3: Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnel – Danang - Hoian (B.L.D)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network stretching over 200 kilometers that played a vital role during the Vietnam War. Explore the tunnels, hidden bunkers, secret entrances, and learn more about the resilience and daily life of Vietnamese soldiers during wartime.

After the visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our local guide and transferred to Hoi An, a charming UNESCO-listed ancient town once known as a bustling international trading port.

Enjoy free time to explore the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An at your own pace. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Hoi An.

 

Cu-Chi

 

Day 4: Hoian – Cam Thanh – Hoi An (B.L.D)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Cam Thanh Coconut Village, a peaceful area famous for its water coconut palm forests and traditional fishing culture. Here, enjoy a fun basket boat ride through the narrow canals, try crab fishing, and experience the daily life of local fishermen.

Continue to a local family where you will join a hands-on cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes such as Banh Xeo (Vietnamese savory pancakes) and other local specialties. Enjoy lunch featuring the dishes you have prepared.

In the afternoon, return to Hoi An for a walking tour of the ancient town. Visit highlights such as the iconic Japanese Covered BridgeTan Ky Old HouseFujian Assembly Hall, and Hoi An Museum while discovering the town’s rich trading history and timeless charm.

Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Hoi An.

 

hoian

 

Day 5: Hoian – Danang - Hue (B.L.D)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy free time at leisure to further explore Hoi An at your own pace—wander through its charming lantern-lined streets, browse local boutiques, or relax at a riverside café.

Later, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before departing for Hue via the scenic coastal route known as the Mandarin Road. Along the way, stop at Hai Van Pass (Ocean Cloud Pass), one of Vietnam’s most spectacular mountain passes, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. Continue to Lang Co Beach, a beautiful stretch of white sand and turquoise water, where you can relax and take photos.

Upon arrival in Hue, check in at your hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Hue.

 

hai-van-pass-mountain-road

 

Day 6: Hue - Hanoi (B.L.D)

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your exploration of Hue with a relaxing boat trip along the romantic Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, the city’s most iconic pagoda overlooking the river. Continue to Tomb of Tu Duc, a beautifully preserved royal tomb surrounded by peaceful gardens and lakes, reflecting the poetic life of Emperor Tu Duc. Afterwards, visit Thuy Xuan Incense Village, where you can learn about traditional incense-making and conical hat craftsmanship.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the historic Imperial City of Hue, the former royal palace of the Nguyen Dynasty, followed by free time at Dong Ba Market for local shopping. Later, transfer to Phu Bai International Airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.

Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Hanoi.

 

 

Day 7: Hanoi (B.L.D)

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your discovery of Hanoi with a visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside), one of the country’s most important historical landmarks. Then drive to West Lake, the largest lake in Hanoi, to discover Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the city, and Quan Thanh Temple, a historic Taoist temple dedicated to Tran Vu.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant

In the afternoon, visit the fascinating Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed every Monday), showcasing the diverse cultures and traditions of Vietnam’s ethnic groups. In case your visit falls on a Monday, the program can alternatively include the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, offering meaningful insights into the role of women in Vietnamese history and society. Afterwards, explore Temple of Literature (Quoc Tu Giam), Vietnam’s first university and a symbol of the country’s long-standing academic tradition. End the day with a traditional water puppet show, a unique art form originating from Northern Vietnam’s rice fields.

Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Hanoi.

 

 

Day 8: Hanoi – Ninh Binh (B.L.D)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Ninh Binh, often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land” thanks to its dramatic limestone mountains and peaceful countryside landscapes. Upon arrival, visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and explore the historic temples dedicated to King Dinh Bo Linh and King Le Hoan, learning about Vietnam’s early dynastic history.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before embarking on a relaxing sampan boat ride through Tam Coc, where you will glide along peaceful waterways surrounded by rice fields and limestone cliffs while passing through natural caves. Continue to Bich Dong Pagoda, a serene ancient pagoda built into the mountainside. Later, visit Van Lam Embroidery Village to discover traditional handicrafts before checking in at your hotel.

Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Ninh Binh.

 

 

Day 9: Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay – Overnight on boat (B.L.D)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its emerald waters and thousands of dramatic limestone islands. Upon arrival around noon, board your overnight cruise and begin your journey through one of Southeast Asia’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on board as the cruise sails deeper into the bay, passing spectacular karst formations and scenic islets. In the afternoon, visit Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave), one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay. Continue to Titov Island, where you can relax on the beach or enjoy a swim. Later, experience kayaking through the peaceful waters before returning to the cruise as it anchors overnight in a quiet area of the bay.

Dinner will be served on board. Overnight on cruise.

 

 

Day 10: Ha Long - Hanoi - Depart (B.L)

We recommend waking up at dawn to enjoy the calm and magical atmosphere of Ha Long Bay. Weather permitting, your effort will be well rewarded with a beautiful sunrise.

Introduction to tai chi before breakfast on board.

Continue the cruise to discover the most beautiful and quiet corners of Ha Long Bay. Back on board for a demonstration of Vietnamese cuisine. You will have the opportunity to learn how to make some typical Vietnamese dishes such as Nem Cuon or challenge yourself to cut fruits and vegetables.

Lunch on board while the junk makes its way to the pier.

After disembarkation, transfer back to Hanoi. Upon arrival, enjoy free time at leisure before being transferred to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight.

 

Inclusions

  • Welcome gift from Vietnam Original Travel 
  • Round trip airport pick up and transfer for the first and last day of tour
  • Private and confortable transportation during the whole trip instead of Ha Long
  • Private boat trip in Mekong delta to visit islands, canals and coconut candy production 
  • Excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels 
  • Exursion to Cam Thanh village 
  • Private boat trip in Perfums river to visit Thien Mu pagoda 
  • 1-hour rickshaw to discover Hanoi old quarter 
  • Water puppet show for first class 
  • Boat trip to discover amazing Tam Coc grotto and Bich Dong pagoda in Ninh Binh
  • Hotel accommodation as specified or similar, base on twin sharing or double 
  • All entrance fees 
  • 2 days and 01 night amazing cruise on a luxury junk with full board seafoods and local foods
  • Local English/French speaking guide. Other languages can be arranged upon request at surcharge
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

 

 

Not included

  • Drinks during meals
  • Visas and Immigration fees on arrival
  • International and domestic airfares
  • Compulsory Tipping for Guide and Driver:
    • Group of 6 – 10 pax: $2 - $3 / pax / day
    • Group of 10 – 30 pax: $1 - $2 / pax / day
  • Travel and/or Medical Insurance
  • Services not mentioned in the program

Remarks

  • Peak Season Surcharge: Rates may be subject to adjustment during Christmas, Western New Year, and Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet Holiday – usually between late January and early February) due to compulsory hotel surcharges for accommodation and meals.
  • Flight Changes: Flight schedules and airfares are subject to change without prior notice by the airlines.
  • Hotel Check-in / Check-out Policy:
    • Standard check-in time: from 14:00
    • Early check-in before 14:00: 100% room surcharge
    • Late check-out until 16:00: 50% room surcharge
    • Late check-out after 18:00: 100% room surcharge
  • Airport Transfers: When the itinerary mentions “airport pick-up and transfer to hotel”, this does not include early check-in unless clearly stated in the Price Includes section. Early room access will be subject to hotel availability.
  • Itinerary Flexibility: Sightseeing tours, activities, and the order of visits may be modified, rearranged, or adjusted depending on weather conditions, local circumstances, logistical constraints, or operational requirements.
  • FOC Policy: One complimentary twin/double room is offered for every 15 paying rooms, with a maximum of 2 complimentary rooms per group for groups with at least 30 paying rooms. This policy does not apply to 4★/5★ hotels or domestic/international flights.
  • Cruise Policy: Cruise operators reserve the right to adjust the itinerary, activities, or schedule based on weather conditions and safety regulations.

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