This journey by 365Aplus Travel will take you to touch all the must see places along Vietnam, from the north to the center and end in the south. Let’s explore in your own way and our sale team of 365AplusTravel will be more than happy to work on this until it fits you perfectly.
Brief Itinerary:
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi - City tour
Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh Tour
Day 4: Hanoi – Leisure
Day 5: Hanoi - Halong Bay, overnight on cruise
Day 6: Halong Bay – Train to Hue
Day 7: Hue city tour
Day 8: Coastal Drive to Hoi An - beach leisure
Day 9: Hoi An Leisure Time
Day 10: Hoi An - Beach Leisure
Day 11 : Hoi An - Danang - Fly to Ho Chi Minh city
Day 12 : Ho Chi Minh City tour – Cu Chi tunnel
Day 13 : Mekong delta – one day
Day 14 : Ho Chi Minh City – Leisure
Day 15 : Ho Chi Minh – Depart
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (Dinner)
Xin chào! Welcome to Hanoi! Vietnam's capital is a mix of the old and the new—a metropolis defined by the endearing contradictions of a rapidly developing yet deeply traditional society. Here glimmering modern buildings sit alongside the French Colonial Old Quarter in the historic heart of the city. Rarely at rest, the kinetic energy of Hanoi's motorbike-packed streets spills over into the outdoor markets, Hang Gai silk shops, curbside bun cha/banh mi vendors, and an eclectic nightlife scene.
You needn't worry about navigating Hanoi's chaotic streets, though, because upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport a private driver and a private english speaking guide will be waiting to whisk you off to your hotel in the city center. After check-in, you'll have the rest of the day free to unwind and relax after your long flight. Maybe stretch your legs with a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake or the alleyways of the Old Quarter where you can browse local shops.
Tonight, you have a welcome dinner by 365Aplustravel at nice restaurant.
Day 2: Hanoi - City tour (Breakfast, Lunch)
In the morning, you'll embark on a guided walking tour of Hanoi, first stopping at Hang Be Market. Nestled in the heart of the Old Quarter, this municipal market has been open for over 100 years. It offers a wide variety of items, from fresh produce, meat, and fish to dry goods, flowers, and clothing. More than a center of commerce, Hang Be is a meeting point for locals from all walks of life, and spending time here is a great way to get to know the people of the city.
Afterward, your guide will lead you north to West Lake (Hồ Tây) and the Trấn Quốc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi. Dating to the 6th century, it was built during the reign of Emperor Lý Nam Đế during his dynasty of 544-548 ACE. This 11-story, 49-foot (15-meter) Buddhist shrine has undergone several changes and renovations over the years, but it is still home to Buddhist monks who pray every day at various shrines on the temple grounds.
After touring the pagoda, you'll veer south and visit the Temple of Literature, which was built in the 11th century and is dedicated to Confucius. This temple was the first university in Vietnam, and it's still a place where students burn incense and pray at the altars for academic success.
Next, you'll head to Ba Dinh Square and visit the outside of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the dominating structure that serves as the final resting place for the revolutionary leader. You'll cap this full-day tour with a stop at the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, one of the most iconic Buddhist temples in the city. Your tour of Hanoi ends as the sun goes down. Spend overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh Tour (Breakfast, Lunch)
Depart from Hanoi about 90 km to the South of Hanoi, and you will arrive at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century. In Hoa Lu, you will visit the temples of King Dinh, and King Le, and know more about the heroic history in defense of nation-building. A lunch with Vietnamese dishes served at a local restaurant
After lunch, Boarding a small sampan to visit Tam Coc (“Three caves”), the boat of 1,5 hours to enjoy majestic limestone cliffs and mysterious caves, as well as countryside landscape like peaceful streams, rice paddies and deserted green fields, Tam Coc really has it all. You will feel the fresh air and peaceful moments, a very good opportunity for photo lovers, to freeze the special moments and scenery. The boat also takes you to Tam Coc, Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. During harvest time, visitors will have a chance to see colorful golden rice mats. Leisure cycling on rural roads alongside the extensive canal network and through small villages with a backdrop of a maze of limestone mountains. We return Hanoi around evening.
Day 4: Hanoi – Leisure (Breakfast)
Today is your free time to explore how you want, what you like such as stroll the small streets of Hanoi Old Quater, drink the egg coffee...
Day 5: Hanoi - Halong Bay, overnight on cruise (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Have breakfast at hotel. Today, You'll then hop in a shuttle bus that will depart Hanoi for the coastal retreat and fishing community of Hạ Long Bay, arriving around noon.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the true natural wonders of the world. In this sweet spot where the land meets the Gulf of Tonkin, over 1,000 karst islets rise above emerald waters. Legend has it that these islands originated as precious jewels that were sprayed into the water by a great dragon who was doing battle with invaders in Hạ Long Bay centuries ago. Mythology aside, you can't deny the otherworldly beauty of the seascape here.
Upon arrival, you'll board a cruiser that will depart from the port for an unforgettable tour of the bay. Not only will you enjoy fresh seafood for lunch and dinner, but you'll overnight aboard the ship as well. This will give you an opportunity to see the sunset over the water.
Day 6: Halong Bay – Train to Hue (Breakfast, Lunch)
Wake up early and enjoy one of Hạ Long Bay's famously beautiful sunrises. After breakfast, the boat will cruise amid the emerald islets on its way back to the harbor. From here you'll hop on a shuttle bus for the 2-3-hour trip back to Hanoi.
Upon arrival, you'll be dropped off at hotel nearby train station, you will have a shower and short relax before getting on the overnight train to Hue.
FYI: The railway length from Hanoi station to Hue station is about 688 Kilometers. There are 6 trains including SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7, SE19 and SE23 (which belong to Reunification Express train) on this route. They daily take about over 13 to 14.5 hours (From Hanoi to Hue). The seat types include the hard seat, the soft seat, hard berth (6 berths in a cabin) and the sort berth (4 berths in cabin) - From Soft Seat type to Soft Berth type, all carriages and cabins are air-conditioned with the comfortable seats/berths. Your group will have a private cabin of 04 berths)
Day 7: Hue city tour (Breakfast, Lunch)
Have breakfast at hotel. Today, you start with a visit to the Imperial Citadel. Built in 1804 and located along the Perfume River, the fortress is composed of three parts: the Capital City (Kinh Thanh), the Imperial City (Hoang Thanh), and the Forbidden City (Cam Thanh). Although it suffered severe damage during the Vietnam War in 1968, many recent endowments are used to restore and revive this heritage site.
Have lunch at local restaurant.
Afterward, you'll embark on a scenic boat ride down the beautiful Perfume River, stopping at the Thien Mu Pagoda, then we visit Khai Dinh royal tomb before rerturning hotel.
Day 8: Coastal Drive to Hoi An - beach leisure (Breakfast)
After breakfast today, you'll be picked up for a four-hour scenic transfer to Hoi An. With fabulous sightseeing en route, there will be plenty of time to make stops at Lang Co Beach, Hai Van Pass, Cham Museum, and the Marble Mountains before reaching Hoi An in the late afternoon.
This small city of just over 100,000 people sits on the banks of the Thu Bon River, with a historic center so ancient it's been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. Its heyday was from the seventh to 10th centuries when its strategic locale made it a major player in the spice trade with Indonesia. By the 17th century, it was a thriving international port and you can see remnants of this today in its Chinese temples, Japanese merchant homes, and covered bridges.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to relax. As darkness falls, head out for an evening stroll along the romantic waterfront, where colored lanterns and floating candles illuminate the night sky.
Day 9: Hoi An Leisure Time (Breakfast)
Today is yours to enjoy Hoi An however you like. Enjoy a leisurely walk or rent a bicycle and ride along the quiet streets (motorized vehicles are banned in the city). Later, perhaps get measured for a custom-made outfit (Hoi An is famous for its expert tailors), or head to one of the city's nearby white-sand beaches. For dinner, try local dishes such as com hen (sauteed clams), nem lui (ground pork), and cao lau (pork and greens).
You should save some time to see the historic landmarks in Hoi An's Ancient Town. There are a number of architectural gems here, like the arched Japanese Covered Bridge and the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation. You can also browse local markets selling colorful souvenirs and fine silk textiles.
Day 10: Hoi An - Beach Leisure (Breakfast)
Today is your beach leisure time.
Day 11: Hoi An - Danang - Fly to Ho Chi Minh city (Breakfast)
After breakfast at your hotel, check out, your driver picks you up for a transfer to the airport in Da Nang, where you'll catch a 1.5-hour morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Once upon a time, this metropolis in southern Vietnam was known as Saigon. Despite a communist revolution and devastating war, the city has retained much of its unique cultural mix of Asian and western traditions. In fact, many of its French colonial landmarks still stand today.
Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed at the airport by a local guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City tour – Cu Chi tunnel (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, you'll leave Ho Chi Minh in a private car for the short drive north to Củ Chi. This area is home to a massive tunnel network made famous during the Vietnam War as the Viet Cong's base of operations, particularly during the Tết Offensive of 1968.
This 155-mile (250-km) tunnel network once sheltered over 16,000 Vietcong guerrillas. First constructed in 1948 to guard against French air and ground sweeps, the tunnels then served as supply routes, storage facilities, hospitals, and living quarters for Vietnamese fighters throughout the American war. Here you'll have the option to go into the tunnels and get a glimpse of the harsh conditions faced by Vietcong guerrillas who lived here, plus see the innovative booby traps they left for unlucky enemy soldiers.
Later in the afternoon, you'll discover the highlights of this former capital of French Indochina on a tour. Historic sights include the 19th-century Gothic/Renaissance Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral (built in the late 19th century with materials imported from France), and the Opera House, which was built in 1897.
You'll also visit the Reunification Palace, also known as Independence Palace. This is the former home of the president of South Vietnam, which was taken over when Saigon fell in 1975. You'll end the tour with a visit to the Buddhist Thien Hau Temple and the Ben Thanh Market for some souvenir shopping. After the tour, you'll return to your hotel.
Day 13: Mekong delta – one day (Breakfast, Lunch)
At 8 am a driver will pick you up from your hotel for a trip outside of Ho Chi Minh City to one of the most famous regions in the country: the Mekong Delta. You'll drive south for about 2.5 hours to the heart of the delta region and the town of Cai Be, which sits on the Mekong River. During the drive, you'll be treated to scenes of traditional countryside life.
Upon arrival in Cai Be, you'll visit its famous floating market. We can walk around this orchard & enjoy some fruits when listening to the traditional music at local garden. Then, the rowing boat will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals to enjoy the peaceful time.
Back to our boat to go across one of the longest rivers in the world, Mekong River, to come to An Bình Island. Travel on a handmade canal to Ut Trinh home & have an optional lunch. After lunch, we can walk in the local village to visit the local workshop to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, pop-rice... Enjoy some sweets with a cup of hot tea.
Optional biking can be made for a leisure! It will be so amazing to bike on village paths to see the local daily life: orchard, school, church, pagoda, traditional houses...
Visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. The cruise will end at Vinh Long city. Later, you'll return to the car for the ride back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City – Leisure (Breakfast)
Today is your leisure, explore this city in your own.
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh – Depart (Breakfast)
In the morning, enjoy a bit more of Ho Chi Minh City and do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Then, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!
Let's contact with our sales team of 365APLUSTRAVEL as info@365aplustravel.com