The Best of Vietnam 12 Days

Welcome to Vietnam! As you step off your plane at Noi Bai International Airport, our friendly guide will be waiting for you at the baggage claim area. Look for the sign adorned with our distinctive Halonghub logo. Your comfort and ease are our top priorities. Once you're ready, we'll escort you to your hotel, providing a brief introduction to the city along the way. The remainder of the day is yours to settle in, unwind, and begin exploring Hanoi.

Hanoi, with its Ten million inhabitants, serves as the capital of Vietnam. This city gracefully combines tradition and refinement, boasting French colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards, serene lakes, and a vibrant Old Quarter. Here, you can observe locals practicing Tai Chi by the lake, and witness the lively activities of barbers and street food vendors.

You are scheduled to be picked up from your hotel by our tour guide within the hours of 8:00 - 8:30 am. This marks the inception of a wonderful Hanoi city tour. Our itinerary practically directs us towards the Ho Chi Minh complex, which is the resting place of the Vietnamese great father known as Uncle Ho. There is an adventurous thriller which allows you to take a peek at the embalmed body of the great man as it is practically there on display. This also affords you a walk around a couple of houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969.

The next destination is none other than the Pillar Pagoda, the worship center of the goddess of mercy. This pagoda comes off as the most unique in the world. A binding fact about this visit is that you must make sure to be in your best dressing in terms of modesty. These involve covering up most parts of your body, especially from the shoulders to the knees.

Before moving to our next destination which is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, you need to understand certain things about it. The mausoleum is usually closed on Mondays and Fridays, however, tourists are allowed to explore the outer part and take pictures. Two (2) months (15th June to 15th August) are usually set aside annually for maintenance purposes, within which time the mausoleum remains closed.

On this trip also, we’ll make a journey through the Vietnamese Ethnology Museum, where you can learn a lot about the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam as a whole. After this, lunch is imminent ! A very special Vietnamese cuisine will be readily available for your consumption, coupled with vegan foods specially made to take care of all vegetarians on board.

At around 2:30 pm, you get to see the temple of literature. This temple of literature is said to be the first Vietnamese University (1070 AD) to ever exist, and one of the most attractive tourist centers in Northern Vietnam. Our next destination is the Hoa Lo prison. Sometimes, it is very imperative to have a look at a country’s criminal and legal system. It enables you to have an insight into how things are really done in the system. It also shows you what to embrace, as well as what to avoid. As you step into the prison grounds, you start to learn a lot about the long standing prison history amongst other things. The prison was built by the French between 1886 to 1901, when Vietnam was still part of French Indochina. The French called the prison Maison Centrale. The place was widely known as “Hell on Earth” and now it is like a practically motivated war museum, especially for those who want to understand and know more about the war against France by the Vietnamese people.

At exactly 4:30 pm, the bus takes off from the final destination, right back to your hotel. This marks the end of the trip.

Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.

Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun. 

At 7:30, we will whisk you away from Hanoi towards Sapa. As you journey along the new highway, be captivated by the picturesque views of rural countryside, mountains, and the Red River.

Arrive in Sapa around 13:10-13:20 and transfer to your hotel. After lunch, venture to Cat Cat village, nestled at the foot of Fansipan Peak and home to the Black H’mong ethnic group. Explore their daily life activities and trek down to the valley bottom to admire the waterfall, a relic of the French hydroelectric power station. Capture memorable photos with the bridge and waterfall before returning to your hotel in Sapa. Enjoy free time to explore Sapa by night. At 9:00 AM, embark on a short transfer to Y Linh Ho village, inhabited by the Black Hmong tribe and secluded from tourists. Immerse yourself in raw Sapa culture by visiting native houses and observing handicraft-making from natural materials. Continue your trek downhill along the Muong Hoa River, where you can rest or swim before ascending to Lao Chai village for a picnic lunch.

Afterward, visit the Day and Red Dzao tribes of Tavan village, nestled amidst the breathtaking rice terraced fields of Muong Hoa valley. Conclude your trekking adventure with a transfer back to Sapa.

Commence your day with a 9:30 am departure from the hotel, taking a short road transfer out of Sapa town to the walking path. Embark on a two-hour uphill walk along a broad path, ascending the Den Thang range. Enjoy breathtaking views of Fansipan Peak and the Muong Hoa Valley as the trek leads to Hang Da Village of the H’mong, perched at a 1,800m hilltop, overlooking the Muong Hoa Valley.

Explore the village, break for lunch, and continue the trek downhill through H’mong hamlets of the Hau Thao Commune. Marvel at the process of making fiber from hemp in these hamlets, including spinning and weaving. The trek concludes at the Red Dzao Village of Giang Ta Chai, where our driver will transport you back to Sapa. Dinner is on your own. At 6:30 PM, our driver will take you to Lao Cai for your night train to Hanoi.

A cycling journey which takes you into a world of your own and cuts open the multiple tints and shades of nature. As our tour guide picks you up from your hotel, we set ablaze a desire that intertwines all hearts together on a journey to see the Hoa Lu ancient capital. This engulfs you into learning why and when the then capital Hoa Lu was moved to Hanoi. Get ready for a much astonishing and structurally amazing architecture and designs of the most talked about temples of king Dinh and king Le, the first and second emperors of Vietnam, built in the 17th century that will blow you out of the water.

We continue our jolly ride on a 45 minutes cycling spree around the village to interact and socialize with the local people.

A significantly exciting aspect pops up as lunch time approaches. There will be lots of local foods to be chosen from…ranging from goat meat, fried rice etc. You’re not left out if you are a vegetarian, as vegan foods will also be available. We then take a solemn trip to Tam Coc via a bamboo boat. The serene movement of the boat puts you in a rather pensive mood which helps calm your nerves. During the trip, you are greeted with refreshing moments that stem from the paddy fields, river, the gorgeous skies, as well as exhilarating caves. These natural scenes are collectively referred to by the Vietnamese people as “Halong Bay on Land”. The Mua cave becomes your final tourist destination, as it has the tendency of leaving you in awe of what magnificence nature possesses. It has up to 500 steps, leading you to the most breathtaking and panoramic view of Tam Coc from the pinnacle.

Quite around the hours of 19:00, our team then drops you off at the hotel after the trip has ended.

Our journey embarks from Hanoi where we'll pick you up for a scenic drive through the verdant landscapes of the Red River Delta. Our destination: the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay. Here, you'll embark on a luxurious cruise for an enchanting overnight cruise.

As you relax on board, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking limestone karsts that majestically emerge from the azure waters, surrounded by thousands of jungle-clad islands seemingly suspended on the gentle waves. The turquoise waters of the Gulf of Tonkin conceal hidden grottoes and ancient caves, creating a timeless and mesmerizing world. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch with breathtaking views and a refreshing drink. Our next destination is a charming fishing village, where locals have ingeniously turned their boats into a floating community. Meet fishermen, explore a stunning lagoon by kayak or rowboat, and unwind on deck as the sun sets. Spend a delightful overnight stay on board!

Kickstart your day with Tai Chi on the top deck or savor the sunrise over the bay. Sip on morning coffee or tea before setting out to explore nearby islands via rowboat.

Upon returning to the junk, witness a fruit carving demonstration and participate in a cooking class, learning to create traditional Vietnamese cuisine from scratch. Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch on board as you cruise back to Halong City. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting at the dock to take you to Noi Bai Airport for your short flight to Danang.

Upon arrival in Danang, your tour guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An - a destination that seamlessly blends old-world charm with pristine beaches and luxurious resorts.

Your tour guide guide will rendezvous with you at our hotel in the heart of Hoi An, commencing an exquisite half-day exploration. Begin at the vibrant Hoi An Market, an immersive shopping haven teeming with sights, sounds, and aromatic sensations. Adjacent to the market, the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall beckons with its vibrant blend of ornate gates, dragon statues, and intricate rooftops. Delve into ancestral worship, observing devotees' rituals at the family altar.

Marvel at the enduring beauty of well-preserved historic houses such as the Phung Hung Ancient House and Tan Ky Ancient House, resiliently standing against the test of two centuries. Unearth tales of prosperous merchants who once inhabited these dwellings, engaging in global trade. A visit to the Museum of Folk Culture unfolds within a 150-year-old Chinese merchant house, showcasing artifacts portraying ancient local life. Culminate the journey with art performances at the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House.

Pause to appreciate the Japanese Bridge, an architectural marvel bridging communities over 400 years old, adorned with intricate carvings and paintings depicting rich symbolism and cultural significance. Venture into renowned handicraft shops and art galleries, exploring intimate laneways and local neighborhoods to truly grasp Hoi An's enduring allure.

Conclude the day at 6:30 pm with a serene boat ride, releasing a flower lantern to wish for fortune for you and your family. Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of the lantern-lit streets, marking the end of your captivating Hoi An city tour.

Have a leisure time until take the flight from Da Nang to Sai Gon. Upon Sai Gon arrival, you will be picked up by our driver then transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Pick up at your hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. The trip to Cu Chi will take you an approximately one and a half-hour bus drive. Before exploring the tunnels, you will watch an introductory video about how the tunnels were made and how Vietnamese people survived in the harsh conditions of the wartime.

Then, spend your time exploring the remaining areas and tunnel system which include special living areas with kitchens and bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs.

Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for the security purpose during the war. Afterwards, special tea and cassava (guerrillas’ food during the war) will be served. Break time.

Have lunch at the local restaurant.

Continue to visit My Tho city. With boat trip on Tien River, you will be excited by the light breeze from the river and the natural beauty of four beautiful islands such as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise along the riverside.

Cruise through the small canal by sampan, treating yourself to the beauty of the countryside, and taking a short cycling around the village which will certainly be an unforgettable experience when participating in the Mekong Delta tour. Visit the coconut candy workshop, and enjoy seasonal delicious fruits & honey tea. Get a chance to listen to the Southern Vietnamese folk music which is performed by local people.

Escape the urban hustle of Ho Chi Minh City as you embark on a journey to My Tho, a serene town nestled on the left bank of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, explore the historic Vinh Trang Pagoda, dating back to the late 19th century. Board a sampan and cruise along the Mekong, discovering the enchanting Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands.

Pause at Unicorn Island to stroll along country lanes, marvel at orchards, and relish tropical fruits amid the melodies of local folk songs. Explore a fruit plantation before gliding through Thoi Son canal on a hand-rowed sampan, immersing yourself in the countryside's beauty. Visit a family business, a honey-bee farm, and a coconut candy workshop. Lunch at a local restaurant precedes a leisurely break.

In the afternoon, pedal through Tan Thach village, engaging with local villagers to glimpse everyday life in the Mekong Delta. Alternatively, unwind in a hammock, savoring the cool breeze for those opting out of the cycling excursion. Round off your day with a return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Today, your time is your own until your private car and driver (without a guide) arrive to transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. As your unforgettable Vietnam Tour with Halonghub draws to a close, we bid you farewell and look forward to welcoming you again in the future.

Should the provided itinerary not fully align with your preferences, please know that Halonghub is prepared to create additional customized trips tailored to your unique expectations. Safe travels, and until we meet again!