Vietnam Highlights 8 Days


Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay - Danang - Hoi An - Saigon

Trip Overview

Experience the best of Vietnam on this exciting 8-day journey through the country’s most iconic destinations, blending cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modern city experiences. Begin in Hanoi, Vietnam’s charming capital, where you’ll discover historical landmarks such as Tran Quoc Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Ba Dinh Square, Train Street, Hanoi Old Quarter, and enjoy a traditional water puppet show.

Continue to Ninh Binh, often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” where you’ll explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, enjoy a scenic sampan boat ride through Tam Coc’s limestone landscapes, cycle through peaceful countryside villages, and hike to the top of Mua Cave for breathtaking panoramic views. Your adventure continues with an unforgettable overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its emerald waters and dramatic limestone islands. Enjoy kayaking, cave exploration, sunrise Tai Chi sessions, and onboard culinary experiences while cruising through one of the world’s most spectacular seascapes.

Fly to Central Vietnam and explore the enchanting town of Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed destination known for its lantern-lit streets and rich trading history. Visit the famous Ba Na Hills, ride one of the world’s longest cable cars, walk on the iconic Golden Bridge, and explore the charming French Village and Fantasy Park. End your journey in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), where colonial architecture, bustling markets, and modern city energy create a fascinating contrast to the country’s cultural destinations. This itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking a well-balanced Vietnam experience filled with history, scenic landscapes, cultural highlights, and unforgettable memories.

Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 7: Hoi An – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City – City Tour (B/L/D)

Day 8: Saigon – Departure (B/-/-)

Detailed Program

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 (current 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 and take your free time to explore Hanoi on your own way.

Dinner will be arranged at a local restaurant. After dinner, return to your hotel and overnight 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. 

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Next, stop at the train street hidden 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. 

Dinner will be arranged at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel and overnight in Hanoi.

 

Day 3: Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Mua Caves - Cycling (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)

Breakfast at the hotel.

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: Halong – 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(Sung Sot 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 a local restaurant and overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.

 

Day 6: Hoi An – Ba Na Hills – Golden Bridge (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 Hoi An.

 

Day 7: Hoi An – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City – 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 8: Saigon – Departure (B/-/-)

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your free time in Saigon until being transferred to the airport for the departure flight to next destinations.

 

………...END OF SERVICE……….


 

Inclusions

  • Private air-conditioned vehicles tailored to the group size for the whole trip with experienced and dedicated drivers.
  • Accommodation at the listed 3-star hotel or equivalent based on the availability (Check-in: 14.00 / Check-out:12.00)
  • Private competent, knowledgeable and inspired local English-speaking guides 
  • 02 day trip on a beautiful and luxury 4-star cruise in Halong Bay/Lan Ha Bay with all meals on board 
  • Breakfast at hotels and Indian-style dinners at main cities (Hanoi, Danang, Saigon). Local meals will be served in other areas where Indian restaurants are unavailable. (B=Breakfast / L=Lunch / D=Dinner).
  • All entrance fees at mentioned destinations
  • Water puppet show in Hanoi
  • Ninh Binh: Tam Coc Boat Ride, Mua Cave, Bicycle
  • Ba Na Hill Tour: Includes round-trip cable car, entrance fee, access to Le Jardin D’Amour and most games at Fantasy Park. Also includes Indian buffet lunch with reserved seating and e-ticket redemption.
  • FOC (Free of Charge) for 01 Tour Leader (Twin/Double sharing) applied for groups of 14 pax and above.
  • Customer service 24h/7 (Ms./Huong Giang - +84 936 37 46 76)

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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