10-Day Vietnam Highlights Tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Start your day with a guided discovery of Hanoi’s history, culture, and local life, exploring some of the city’s most meaningful landmarks and atmospheric streets.

In the morning, visit Hoa Lo Prison, one of Hanoi’s most important historical sites. Originally built during the French colonial period, the prison offers a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s past and its wartime history.

Continue to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, one of the best museums in Hanoi for learning about the country’s cultural diversity. Through exhibits, traditional houses, and cultural displays, you will discover the heritage of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.

If the museum is closed, an alternative cultural visit can be arranged.

Next, visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, located on a peaceful island in West Lake. This beautiful Buddhist site offers scenic lake views and a calm introduction to Vietnam’s spiritual traditions.

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

In the afternoon, explore the lively Hanoi Old Quarter on foot. Begin at Dong Xuan Market, the largest market in Hanoi, before walking through the famous “36 streets”, known for local shops, traditional trades, and everyday street life.

During the walk, visit several characterful streets, such as:

Hang Ma Street: Known for colorful decorations and festive items

Luong Van Can Street: A lively street with local shops and daily commerce

Lan Ong Street: Famous for traditional Vietnamese medicine

Make a stop at the iconic Hanoi Train Street, one of the city’s most distinctive urban sights. Then, enjoy a relaxing break at a local café and discover Hanoi’s famous coffee culture.

Continue to Hoan Kiem Lake, the symbolic heart of Hanoi, where you can enjoy the peaceful lakeside atmosphere and observe local daily life.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique Vietnamese cultural performance that brings folk stories and rural traditions to life.

Dinner is on your own expense.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, depart from Hanoi for a scenic drive to Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travel through the Red River Delta by comfortable vehicle. This route normally takes about 3 hours by car, passing countryside scenery, rice fields, and local villages along the way.

Upon arrival at the cruise port, board your overnight Halong Bay cruise and begin your journey through the emerald waters of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, known for dramatic limestone karsts, peaceful lagoons, and beautiful island scenery.

Enjoy a welcome lunch on board as the cruise sails through breathtaking seascapes. This is a relaxing way to experience one of the most famous highlights of any Vietnam 10-day itinerary.

In the afternoon, join the cruise activities such as kayaking, swimming, cave visiting, or relaxing on the sundeck while admiring the bay views. Activities may vary depending on the cruise program and weather conditions.

As the sun sets, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the bay from the sundeck. You may join the onboard sunset program or simply relax with panoramic views over the limestone islands.

In the evening, enjoy dinner on board, featuring fresh seafood and local dishes, while the cruise anchors in a quiet area of the bay.

Overnight in Halong Bay.

Wake up early and enjoy a peaceful morning on Halong Bay, surrounded by limestone karsts and calm emerald waters.

Start your day with a gentle Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the bay. This quiet moment is a relaxing way to begin the day and enjoy the natural beauty of Halong Bay.

Afterward, enjoy a light breakfast with coffee, tea, and pastries while the cruise continues through the scenic bay area.

Depending on the cruise program and weather conditions, you may visit Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island. Explore its limestone chambers, admire natural stalactites and stalagmites, and enjoy a scenic morning experience before returning to the cruise.

Return to the cruise and enjoy brunch on board as the vessel heads back to the pier, offering your final views of this beautiful UNESCO-listed seascape.

After disembarkation, meet your driver and return to Hanoi by private transfer. Upon arrival, continue to the airport for your domestic flight to Da Nang.

After landing at Da Nang International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed town known for its ancient architecture, lantern-lit streets, riverside atmosphere, and rich trading history.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Spend a full day exploring Hoi An’s countryside, local life, and UNESCO-listed Ancient Town. This well-balanced experience combines cycling through peaceful villages, a basket boat ride in the coconut forest, a hands-on cooking experience, and a guided walk through Hoi An’s historic streets.

After breakfast, start your morning with a relaxing Hoi An countryside cycling tour. Ride through green rice fields, quiet villages, and local farming areas, offering an authentic glimpse into rural life in Central Vietnam.

Continue to Van Lang Fisherman Village and Bay Mau Coconut Forest, one of Hoi An’s most distinctive eco-cultural areas, known for its water coconut palms, wartime history, and traditional fishing culture.

Along the way, you may pass local markets, schools, rice paddies, and village homes, with opportunities to observe daily life and interact with local people.

Upon arrival, be welcomed by Mr. Lam’s family with traditional green tea. Then enjoy a memorable basket boat experience in the coconut forest, where you will:

Ride a traditional round basket boat through the water coconut palm canals

Learn about local fishing techniques and river life

Cruise through peaceful waterways surrounded by lush coconut scenery

After the boat ride, return to the family house and relax with a traditional herbal foot bath.

Next, join a hands-on Hoi An cooking experience and learn how to prepare local Vietnamese dishes. Enjoy a homemade lunch featuring regional favorites such as:

Tam Huu: Hoi An-style spring rolls

Banh Xeo: Crispy Vietnamese pancakes served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce

Fresh local dishes: Seasonal ingredients prepared in authentic Vietnamese style

This experience offers a warm and personal introduction to Hoi An’s food culture and countryside hospitality.

In the afternoon, explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam’s most charming cultural destinations. Walk through narrow streets lined with old merchant houses, lanterns, temples, and local shops.

Visit some of Hoi An’s most iconic landmarks, including:

Quan Cong Temple: A historic temple with cultural and spiritual significance

Japanese Covered Bridge: An iconic heritage symbol in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town

Tan Ky Ancient House: A beautifully preserved merchant home reflecting Hoi An’s trading history

Enjoy time to take photos, browse local shops, and soak up the atmosphere of the ancient town before returning 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.