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Vietnam Sightseeing TourImmerse yourself in Vietnam's fascinating culture and history on this awe-inspiring journey! Begin your adventure by exploring Ho Chi Minh City, the historic southern capital. Discover the ancient pagodas and rice fields of Hoi An, along with the imperial treasures of Hue. Continue to the bustling city of Hanoi and experience the mystical waters of Ha Long Bay on an unforgettable cruise. The Vietnam guided sightseeing tour is perfect for multi-generational families, couples and small groups Day 1 Arrival at your US departure airport ready to check-in for an overnight flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Night on board. *If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day. Day 2 - Ho Chi Minh Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport and after completing all customs and immigration procedures, please make your way to the exit gate where your guide will be waiting for you, holding a welcome sign with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel by private vehicle. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh city. Day 3 - Ho Chi Minh City Breakfast at the hotel. Early this morning, set off with your guide on a half-day excursion to discover some of the city's most iconic landmarks. Begin with a visit to the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, or the Central Post Office, designed by the renowned French architect Gustave Eiffel. Stroll along Dong Khoi Street, browsing its charming shops, and round off your tour at the bustling Ben Thanh Market. Embark on a journey from Ho Chi Minh City to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, just 1.5 hours away. Explore this extraordinary underground network, once used by the Viet Cong as communication routes, hiding places, storage areas, and living quarters during the war. Gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s turbulent history and the remarkable ingenuity that helped shape its resilience. Next, visit a local farmer’s home, surrounded by lush orchards and silent war remnants. Stroll through the orchard as your host shares stories rooted in family tradition. Learn how to grow mushrooms the traditional way, roll up your sleeves to harvest, and help prepare a simple yet flavorful local dish. The experience culminates in an intimate conversation with a war veteran, whose memories bridge the past and present — a moving testimony of endurance, hope, and renewal. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City. Day 4 - Ho Chi Minh City Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will embark on a day tour to the Mekong Delta*, where you can experience the region's relaxed vibe and immerse yourself in the local culture. Discover the beauty of the Mekong Delta, known as “the rice bowl of Vietnam.” Depart from Ho Chi Minh City for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Ben Tre and embark on a peaceful river journey aboard the charming Apricot Boat. Admire the lush landscapes, tropical orchards, and tranquil waterways. Visit a fruit orchard, taste sun-ripened coconuts, and learn how to make traditional rice papers. Continue to a family-run coconut workshop to discover local crafts and flavors. Enjoy bicycle and tuk tuk rides through flower-lined village paths, where you’ll feel the gentle rhythm of rural life. Glide through narrow canals on a small rowing sampan, surrounded by water coconut trees, and end the day with a delicious Mekong lunch at the Apricot Riverside Restaurant. Relax in a hammock and enjoy the breeze before returning to Ho Chi Minh City Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh city. Day 5 - Ho Chi Minh - Hue Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hue, the former Imperial capital. A charming and peaceful city, Hue is renowned for its stunning architecture, including the citadel, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas, and temples, all built during the Nguyen dynasty along the picturesque Perfume River. Upon arrival at Hue Airport, proceed to the exit gate where your guide will be waiting for you, holding a welcome sign with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel by private vehicle. Explore the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire its stunning architecture and gardens while learning about the royal court's history. Despite extensive damage during the Vietnam War, much of the citadel remains well-preserved. Next, visit the Royal Tu Duc Tomb, a tranquil resting place surrounded by pine woods and a lakeside pavilion. This was once a retreat for the emperor, who enjoyed fishing, music, and poetry here. On the way back to downtown Hue, stop at a family-run workshop to see how incense sticks are made. Overnight stay in Hue Day 6 - Hue to Hoi An Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, check out and head to Hoi An, enjoying a scenic drive along the coastline. Pass over the Hai Van Pass, offering breathtaking views of lush mountains, clear blue skies, and the beautiful Lang Co Beach. From the mountain top, Lang Co appears as a picturesque scene, framed by green trees, crystal-clear waters, and the misty mountains above. Once a thriving trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries, the riverside town of Hoi An still retains many traces of its prosperous past, seen in its lively market, numerous souvenir shops, and tailor establishments. What makes Hoi An so remarkable is the preservation of its Old Quarter. The streets are lined with traditional tile-roofed shop houses, shaded pagodas, and colourful communal halls, contributing to its UNESCO World Heritage status. This afternoon, enjoy a half-day guided walking tour of Hoi An ancient town, known for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-friendly streets, and local cuisine. Stroll through the historic merchant houses, ancient pagodas, and places of worship, all reflecting influences from Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese cultures. Begin with a visit to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, over 400 years old, originally built by the Japanese community in the 1590s to connect with the Chinese quarter across the water. Then, head to the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation, where you can admire the intricate wood carvings on the beams, walls, and altar, while your guide shares untold stories of the Chinese community's time in Hoi An. Continue exploring the town’s backstreets, where the gentle hum of sewing machines fills the air. Hoi An is famous for its tailor shops, and while the origins remain a mystery, you can stop at a tailor shop to have clothes made to order. Overnight stay in Hoi An. Day 7 - Hoi An Breakfast at your hotel. Spend the day at your leisure exploring the charming town of Hoi An, or consider visiting the scenic Ba Na Hills and the iconic Golden Bridge*. Today, drive for about 1.5 hours from Hoi An to Ba Na Hills, a scenic mountain area with cool temperatures year-round. Take a ride on the modern cable car for stunning views of the landscape, then walk on the Golden Bridge, supported by giant hands emerging from the mountain. Enjoy free time to explore the area, with options to visit European-style villas, indoor games, flower gardens, pagodas, and the French Wine Cellar (extra cost). Overnight stay in Hoi An. Day 8 - Hoi An - Hanoi Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, check out of your hotel in Hoi An and transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, your guide will be waiting at the exit gate, holding a welcome sign with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel by private vehicle. Explore Ha Noi's Old Quarter, or 36 Streets, a historic area with unique architecture and vibrant local life. Once a centre for specialised trades, it now offers a fascinating glimpse into daily life. Wander through narrow alleys, visit Dong Xuan Market for local goods, and experience life along the train tracks, where trains pass through residential streets. End with a stop at a vintage coffee shop to watch the trains pass by, blending the old and modern vibes of Hanoi. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi Day 9 – Hanoi - Ha Long Bay Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you will meet your driver in the hotel lobby and depart by shuttle bus (an escorted guide from Hanoi is provided for groups of 10 or more) for the journey to Halong Bay (or Lan Ha Bay, a part of Halong), a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, renowned for its thousands of breathtaking limestone islets and grottoes rising from the clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink on board before checking in to the Halong Bay Cruise. Lunch will be served as the boat, a traditional junk, cruises past numerous stone islets, floating villages, and small beaches. Visit a floating fishing village and unwind on the sundeck. Dinner will be served as the boat anchors in a tranquil, designated overnight area. Night on board. Important: The cruise operator will follow only one itinerary to either Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay. Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions or local administration regulations. There will be no guide on board. Day 10 - Ha Long Bay - Hanoi This morning, wake up early to witness the sunrise over the bay with a cup of tea or coffee in hand on the sundeck. Afterwards, enjoy a gentle Tai Chi session. Savour brunch in the fresh air of the bay while the boat cruises through some of the most serene and scenic areas. Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room, taking in the stunning views as the boat makes its way back to the wharf. The vehicle will be ready to transfer you back to Hanoi as soon as you disembark. Overnight stay in Hanoi. Day 11 - Hanoi - Night on board Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board. Land Tour includes the following elements Eight nights hotel accommodations One night on Ha Long Bay Cruise Internal flights with Vietnam Eight breakfasts One brunch Two Lunches Nine Dinners Ground transportation Bilingual guide in Vietnamese and in English Sightseeing activities Note: International airfare is NOT included in the price Vietnam visa is NOT included in the price US & CA passport holders are required to get an entry visa before departure. You are able to apply for the e-visa to visit Vietnam through the website: https://evisa.gov.vn/ Tipping is not included in the price Please budget $4 per day for the guides |