Vietnam Authentic 12 Days

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival – Free at Leisure (-/-/D)

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International airport, you will be picked up by our driver and then transfer to hotel in central city of Hanoi (capital of Vietnam), a blend of the modern with the mystery and charm of past centuries, Hanoi offers an air of elegance and harmony with nature. Upon arrival, check in hotel (Rooms are available from 14:00 and if you want an early-check-in, an extra charge will be charged) and take your free time to explore Hanoi on your own way.

Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour – Train Street – Water Puppet Show (B/L/D)

After breakfast, depart to the West Lake to visit Tran Quoc temples which is a Taoist temple in Hanoi, Vietnam dated to the 11th century, the temple was dedicated to Xuan Wu, or Tran Vu in Vietnamese, one of the principal deities in Taoism. This is the oldest pagoda in the city giving it an age of more than 1,450 years. Then visit Van Mieu (Temple of Literature), which dates back to 1070 and is dedicated to the cult of Confucius. Later visit to Ba Dinh Square to see Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (outside only) - the museum to his life and the simple cottage where he lived and worked. Next, stop at the train streethidden among the busy streets of Hanoi Old Quarter lies an exclusive street offering an incredibly surreal experience (train schedule is subject to change without prior notice. 

Then, drive to the Old Quarter where you will commence our walk through the crisscrossing streets and see Hanoi life at its purest: the busy trading scenes, the colorful wet markets, the quiet corner where people sit all day for good coffee and good talk. Visit St. Joseph's Cathedral which is the oldest one in Hanoi. The church is a late 19th-century Gothic Revival church that serves as the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hanoi to nearly 4 million Catholics in the country. Afterwards, participate in the water puppet show which is the traditional art of Vietnam remaining hundred years. Drive back to hotel and overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh (Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave) - Hanoi (B/L/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will meet you and depart from Hanoi for a comfortable journey to Ninh Binh, passing through scenic countryside with lush green fields and peaceful villages. A short break will be made along the way.

Upon arrival, visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the former capital of Vietnam in the 10th–11th century. Explore the historic temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, and gain insight into the early foundations of Vietnamese history and culture.

Continue to Tam Coc for buffet lunch at a local restaurant, offering a variety of dishes including vegetarian options.

In the afternoon, embark on a peaceful sampan boat ride along the Ngo Dong River. As you glide through the tranquil waters, admire the spectacular limestone mountains, lush rice fields, and pass through a series of natural caves adorned with impressive stalactites and stalagmites—creating a truly immersive landscape often compared to “Halong Bay on land.”

After the boat trip, enjoy a cycling experience through nearby villages and rice paddies, offering a closer look at local life in the countryside. Later, transfer to Mua Cave, where you will hike up Ngoa Long Mountain. From the summit, take in breathtaking panoramic views over the Tam Coc valley—one of the most iconic vistas in Northern Vietnam.

At the end of the day, return to Hanoi. Dinner will be arranged at a local restaurant. After the tour, return to the hotel and overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Overnight Cruise (B/L/D)

Depart for Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, via the new and beautiful road through stretches of rice fields of the Red River. Arrive in Halong around noon. Immediate boarding for a cruise aboard a collective junk, to discover one of the most sumptuous bays in the world. 

Then, have lunch on board, while your junk sails further into the bay, amidst the extraordinary karst landscapes.

In the afternoon, you can go kayaking or rowing boating. Then, return to the ship and free time while the cruise continues to the anchorage point for the night.

Dinner on board. (Several activities are offered in the evening depending on the weather) Overnight on board the junk.

Note: We reserve the right to change the itinerary and schedule of cruises depending on weather conditions and safety instructions.

Day 5: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Da Nang – Hoi An (B/L/D)

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. Then, visit the Great Surprise Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in Halong. 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.

Disembarkation, then drive back to Hanoi. Arrival and free time before transfer to Hanoi airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, be welcomed and picked up by our driver then head out to Hoi An which was recognized by UNESCO as being World Cultural Heritage in 1999. Hoi An used to serve as an active port of trade with the Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Chinese people during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.

Day 6: Hoi An – Ba Na Hills – Golden Bridge – Hoi An (B/L/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Ba Na Hills, one of the most famous mountain resorts in Central Vietnam, known for its cool climate and spectacular scenery.

Upon arrival, experience the world-class cable car system—one of the longest and most impressive in the world—offering breathtaking panoramic views of forests, mountains, and waterfalls. Your first highlight is the iconic Golden Bridge, an architectural masterpiece held by giant stone hands, where you can enjoy stunning views and take memorable photos.

Continue exploring the charming French Village, designed to resemble a classical European town with cobblestone streets, churches, and elegant buildings—perfect for a leisurely stroll and photography.

Enjoy an Indian buffet lunch at a restaurant in Ba Na Hills.

In the afternoon, visit Fantasy Park, an indoor amusement center offering a wide range of games and entertainment activities suitable for all ages. Afterward, take the cable car back down and return to the city. 

Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in Da Nang.

Day 7: Hoi An – Free At Leisure (B/-/-)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today, you have a full day to explore the enchanting Hoi An Ancient Town at your own pace. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An is a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century.

Some suggested activities for your free day:

• Wander the Ancient Streets: Take a leisurely walk through the yellow-walled alleys, visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, old merchant houses, and colorful assembly halls.
• Tailoring Experience: Hoi An is world-famous for its high-quality, fast-turnaround tailoring. You can get a custom-made suit or dress in just 24 hours.
• Relax at the Beach: Take a short bike ride or taxi to An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach to enjoy the sun and the refreshing sea breeze.
• Culinary Delights: Don't miss out on local specialties such as Cao Lau, Banh Mi (the world’s best sandwich), and White Rose dumplings at the bustling local market or riverside cafes.
• Lantern Magic: As the sun sets, watch the town transform into a fairytale land lit by thousands of colorful silk lanterns. You might enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the Hoai River to release flower lanterns for good luck.

Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

Day 8: Hoi An – Free At Leisure - Saigon By Flight – City Tour (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel, enjoy free time until your transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Saigon. After approximately 1h30m, arrive in Saigon, greeted by our driver and guide, then transferred to your hotel.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, explore Saigon’s colonial and historical landmarks, including the Central Post Office, built based on Gustave Eiffel’s designs and by the French postal administration during the French Indochina period; the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Headquarters; and the former Central Town Hall, the most beautiful colonial building in the city. Then visit Ben Thanh Market, one of the city’s symbols and a major commercial center in the south.

Return to the hotel, dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Saigon – My Tho – Ben Tre - Saigon (B/L/D) 

Breakfast at the hotel, then, depart from Ho Chi Minh City for a scenic drive to My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta.

Upon arrival, embark on a boat cruise along the mighty Tien River. Along the way, observe daily river life and pass by floating fish farms near Dragon Island. Continue crossing the river to Ben Tre, famously known as the “land of coconuts.” Cruise through the peaceful Xep Canal, where you will witness local life up close. Visit a traditional workshop to see how locals process coconuts and craft handmade products from coconut shells and trunks. Enjoy fresh seasonal fruits while listening to traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music.

Continue your journey by local motor cart (xe loi) along village paths, stopping at a local orchard to taste honey tea (or honey wine) and learn about beekeeping under longan trees. Next, take a relaxing hand-rowed sampan ride through narrow canals shaded by water coconut palms—one of the most iconic experiences in the Mekong Delta.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant on one of the islets (if conditions permit), featuring regional specialties.

In the afternoon, visit a coconut candy workshop to observe the traditional production process and sample this well-known local delicacy. Return by boat to My Tho, then transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Dinner at a local restaurant and Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 10: Saigon – Phu Quoc - Freeday (B/-/-)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy your last moments in the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. You may take a final walk through the city's bustling streets or do some last-minute souvenir shopping at local markets.

At the scheduled time, our driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Tan Son Nhat s checking in, the rest of the day is yours to unwind. You can start exploring the resort’s facilities, take your first dip in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, or simply enjoy a cocktail while watching the breathtaking sunset over the Gulf of Thailand.

Overnight at resort in Phu Quoc.

Day 11: Phu Quoc – Freeday (B/-/-)

Phu Quoc travel activities are abundant ranging from land, ocean and aerial tours to hiking, scuba diving, fishing, bird watching, trekking and snorkeling. On Phu Quoc Island you will find a large amusement park, safari zoo, and world class golf courses.

Shopping is plentiful and there are limitless options to enjoy the finest cuisines from around Vietnam and the world. Visit Vietnam’s most beautiful beach, tour historic prisons, discover sacred temples, trek through a National Park, or simply enjoy the ocean sunset. With its beauty and tranquility, Phu Quoc is undeniably one of the most attractive destinations in Vietnam if not the world.

Day 12: Phu Quoc – Freeday - Departure (B/-/-)

Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy your time in Phu Quoc before transferring to the airport in Phu Quoc for your departure flight. 

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