10-Day Vietnam Highlights Tour from North to South

Start your day with a fascinating journey through Hanoi’s history and cultural heritage, one of the highlights of any Vietnam tour itinerary.

In the morning, visit the historic Hoa Lo Prison, one of the most significant landmarks in Hanoi. Originally built during the French colonial period, the prison offers deep insight into Vietnam’s history and its role during the Vietnam War.

Continue your exploration at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, one of the best museums in Vietnam. Here, you will discover the rich diversity of the country’s 54 ethnic groups through authentic exhibits, traditional houses, and cultural displays.

Next, visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, beautifully located on a small island in West Lake. This peaceful spiritual site is one of the most iconic Buddhist landmarks in Hanoi, offering scenic views and a glimpse into Vietnam’s religious heritage.

Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, where you can sample some of Hanoi’s most iconic dishes.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Hanoi Old Quarter, one of the best places to visit in Hanoi and a must-see in any Vietnam itinerary. Begin your walking tour at Dong Xuan Market, the largest market in Hanoi, before wandering through the famous “36 streets.”

Stroll along notable streets such as:

Hang Ma Street – known for its colorful decorations

Luong Van Can Street – rich in local commerce and history

Lan Ong Street – famous for traditional Vietnamese medicine

Make a stop at the iconic Hanoi Train Street, a unique attraction and popular highlight of any Hanoi travel experience. Then, enjoy a relaxing break at a local café and discover the city’s famous Hanoi coffee culture.

Continue your walk to the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, the symbolic heart of Hanoi, where you can relax and observe local daily life.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique cultural performance and an essential experience in any Hanoi city tour.

Dinner is at your own leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, depart from Hanoi for a scenic journey to Halong Bay, one of the most spectacular highlights of any Vietnam tour itinerary and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travel through the Red River Delta on a comfortable drive (approximately 3.5 hours), passing picturesque countryside landscapes, rice fields, and traditional villages along the way.

Upon arrival, board your luxury Halong Bay overnight cruise and begin your unforgettable journey through the emerald waters of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, renowned for their thousands of limestone karsts and islets.

Enjoy a delicious welcome lunch on board as the cruise sails past breathtaking seascapes—one of the most iconic natural wonders in Vietnam.

In the afternoon, take part in optional activities such as kayaking, swimming, or relaxing on the sundeck while admiring the stunning scenery (depending on the cruise program). This is a highlight of the Halong Bay cruise experience.

As the sun sets, enjoy panoramic views across the bay—one of the most memorable moments of your Vietnam highlights tour.

In the evening, savor a delightful dinner on board, featuring fresh seafood and local specialties, while anchored in a peaceful area of the bay.

Overnight Stay Aboard a Cruise in Halong Bay.

Wake up early to enjoy a peaceful morning on Halong Bay, one of the most memorable highlights of any Vietnam highlights tour.

Start your day with a rejuvenating Tai Chi session on the sundeck, as the sunrise illuminates the limestone karsts and emerald waters of Halong Bay, Vietnam. This tranquil experience is a perfect way to connect with nature.

Afterward, enjoy a light breakfast with coffee, tea, and fresh pastries while the cruise continues its journey through the bay.

The boat then sails toward Tra Bau fishing village, a quiet and less-visited area of Lan Ha Bay. Here, you can enjoy kayaking through hidden lagoons, getting closer to the dramatic limestone formations—one of the highlights of any Halong Bay cruise itinerary.

Return to the cruise and enjoy a delicious brunch on board as the vessel heads back to the pier, offering your final views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Disembark and begin your return journey to Hanoi by private transfer.

Upon arrival, continue your journey with a domestic flight from Hanoi to Da Nang, a key gateway to Central Vietnam travel. After landing at Da Nang International Airport, transfer to your hotel in Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed town famous for its ancient architecture and lantern-lit streets.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Experience the best Hoi An full day tour combining countryside charm, cultural immersion, and historic exploration. This journey is ideal for travelers looking for the top things to do in Hoi An, including a scenic cycling tour, basket boat ride in Bay Mau Coconut Forest, and a guided visit to the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town.

Morning: Hoi An Countryside Cycling Tour to Bay Mau Coconut Forest

Start your morning with a relaxing Hoi An countryside cycling tour, riding through green rice fields, peaceful villages, and local farms. This route offers an authentic look into rural Vietnamese life.

Continue to Van Lang Fisherman Village and the famous Bay Mau Coconut Forest, one of the most unique eco-tourism areas in Hoi An known for its wartime history and traditional fishing culture.

Along the way, enjoy meaningful local interactions at markets, schools, and rice paddies.

Upon arrival, be warmly welcomed by Mr. Lam’s family with traditional green tea. Then enjoy one of the most popular activities in Hoi An:

Take a Traditional Basket Boat Ride in Bay Mau Coconut Forest

Discover Traditional Vietnamese Fishing Methods

Cruise Through Scenic Coconut Palm Waterways

Return to the house and relax with a traditional herbal foot bath.

Lunch: Hoi An Local Cooking Experience

Take part in a hands-on cooking session and enjoy a homemade Vietnamese lunch featuring:

Tam Huu (Hoi An spring rolls)

Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancakes)

Fresh, authentic local dishes

This is a highlight for travelers seeking a true Hoi An local experience.

Afternoon: Discover Hoi An Ancient Town Highlights

In the afternoon, explore the Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited cultural destinations in Vietnam.

Don’t miss famous attractions including:

Quan Cong Temple – rich in cultural and spiritual significance

Japanese Covered Bridge – a defining symbol of the ancient town

Tan Ky Ancient House – a beautifully preserved merchant home

Enjoy a walking tour through lantern-lit streets, traditional houses, and vibrant local shops — a must for anyone exploring things to do in Hoi An.

Evening: Return to Hotel

Conclude your Hoi An full-day tour with a comfortable return to your hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An

Discover one of the most popular attractions in Central Vietnam with this Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge full-day tour from Da Nang. Experience the world-renowned Ba Na Hills cable car, walk across the iconic Golden Bridge (Cầu Vàng), explore the picturesque French Village, and enjoy family-friendly entertainment at Fantasy Park.

This Da Nang day tour is perfect for travelers seeking breathtaking mountain scenery, cultural landmarks, and unforgettable experiences in Vietnam.

08:00 – Your guide will pick you up at your Da Nang hotel

Begin your Ba Na Hills day trip with a convenient hotel pickup in Da Nang. Meet your experienced guide and travel comfortably to Ba Na Hills, located about 30 km from the city center.

08:30 – Ba Na Hills Cable Car Experience

Take the Ba Na Hills cable car, one of the longest cable car systems in the world. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of mountains, waterfalls, and dense forests along the way.

Top Attractions at Ba Na Hills

Explore the most famous highlights of Ba Na Hills:

Golden Bridge Vietnam – The iconic bridge supported by giant stone hands

Le Jardin D’Amour Gardens – A collection of beautifully themed flower gardens

Debay Wine Cellar – A historic French wine cellar from the colonial era

Linh Ung Pagoda – A sacred Buddhist site with stunning views

French Village Ba Na Hills – European-style architecture, cafés, and shops

Chua Mountain (Nui Chua) – The highest point of Ba Na Hills

Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple – A tranquil spiritual destination

Tru Vu Tea House – Traditional Vietnamese tea experience

Carnival Shows – Vibrant performances and entertainment

12:30 – Buffet Lunch at Ba Na Hills

Enjoy a buffet lunch in Ba Na Hills with a wide selection of Vietnamese and international cuisine.

Afternoon Activities: Fantasy Park

Continue your adventure at Fantasy Park Ba Na Hills, one of Vietnam’s largest indoor amusement parks:

Featuring over 90 indoor games and attractions

Dinosaur Park

4D & 5D cinemas

Haunted house experience

Family-friendly entertainment

15:00 – Cable Car Ride Down

Return by cable car and take in the final scenic views of Ba Na Hills.

17:45 – Hotel Drop-off in Da Nang

Arrive back at your hotel. End of your Ba Na Hills full-day tour from Da Nang.

Evening at Leisure in Da Nang

Relax at My Khe Beach or Da Nang Beach

Enjoy local Vietnamese cuisine for dinner (own expense)

Overnight in Da Nang

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Da Nang International Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the vibrant economic and cultural center of southern Vietnam.

Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel in the city center. After check-in, enjoy free time at leisure to relax or explore Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling streets, historic landmarks, colonial architecture, and local markets.

In the evening, join an unforgettable Ho Chi Minh City Vespa Street Food Tour, a unique way to discover Saigon’s nightlife and street food culture. Ride through lively districts and hidden alleys on a Vespa while tasting a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes. Begin with light snacks, then continue to a local restaurant for traditional cuisine and refreshing drinks.

Continue the experience with a stop at a traditional Vietnamese coffee shop, followed by a visit to a lively bar or music venue, offering a true glimpse into Saigon’s dynamic nightlife.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for a guided Cu Chi Tunnels tour from Ho Chi Minh City, one of the most popular historical experiences in southern Vietnam. Travel from the vibrant city center to the peaceful countryside, where urban scenery gradually gives way to rural landscapes.

Upon arrival, explore the remarkable Cu Chi Tunnels network, a vast underground system used by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the war. Discover hidden entrances, underground bunkers, and wartime survival strategies. For a more immersive experience, you can crawl through selected tunnel sections and optionally try the Cu Chi shooting range experience (at your own expense).

After the Cu Chi Tunnels excursion, return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue your Ho Chi Minh City highlights tour with visits to the city’s most iconic attractions. Explore the insightful exhibits at the War Remnants Museum, then admire the French colonial architecture of the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the historic Saigon Central Post Office. End the day at the Reunification Palace, a significant landmark marking the end of the Vietnam War.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, depart from Ho Chi Minh City at around 08:30 for a full-day Mekong Delta tour from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre, one of the most authentic and less-touristy destinations in southern Vietnam. Along the way, visit the renowned Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the largest and most impressive temples in the Mekong Delta, famous for its unique blend of Asian architectural styles.

Continue to Hàm Luông Pier in Ben Tre, where you will board a boat to cruise along the scenic Ben Tre River, a branch of the Mekong River. Observe daily life along the waterways, including traditional fishing techniques and local river transport.

During the cruise, visit a traditional brick-making workshop and a coconut processing factory, two signature industries of Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. Continue with a short walk to a family-run workshop producing traditional sleeping mats. Enjoy fresh tropical fruits and tea while experiencing the warm hospitality of local villagers.

For a deeper cultural experience, explore the countryside by motor cart (xe lôi) or bicycle, passing lush rice fields, coconut groves, and vegetable farms while discovering the peaceful rural lifestyle of the Mekong Delta region.

Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local family home, featuring authentic Mekong Delta specialties.

In the afternoon, take a relaxing rowing boat ride through narrow canals, shaded by water coconut trees—one of the most iconic experiences in the Mekong Delta—before returning to the pier. Return transfer to Ho Chi Minh City, with arrival scheduled in the late afternoon.

In the evening, you may explore the lively Ben Thanh Market, a must-visit destination in Saigon for shopping and local street food.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Savor your final breakfast at the hotel before check-out. At the scheduled time, transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City for your departure flight.

This marks the end of your unforgettable Vietnam Highlights Tour from North to South, where you have explored the country’s rich culture, diverse landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine.

End of your 10-Day Vietnam Highlights Tour.

Thank you for choosing our Vietnam travel package. We look forward to welcoming you back to explore more of Vietnam’s stunning destinations.