Explore Northern, Central, Southern Vietnem in 9 Days
Duration
9 days, 1 country
Destination
Vietnam
Travel Type
Private | Customizable
Places You’ll Visit
Tour Overview
This 9-day Southeast Asia tour to Vietnam starts in the northern capital of Hanoi. The local guide will lead you to explore the city’s historic treasures, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Old Quarter, and One Pillar Pagoda. Then, embark on a cruise on the emerald waters of Halong Bay, visiting a fishing village and limestone caves.
After that, fly to central Vietnam of Hoi An, where you will cycle through rice fields, row bamboo boats, and discover ancient town highlights. In nearby Da Nang, explore the stunning Ba Na Hills, with its Golden Bridge and lush gardens.
Last, travel to southern Vietnam to Ho Chi Minh City – the most prosperous city – to witness the Cu Chi Tunnels and Saigon Central Post Office. Finally, delve into the natural wonders of Mekong Delta before saying goodbye to this incredible Vietnam tour package.
Highlights of This Tour
- Explore rich history at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature in Hanoi.
- Cruise through the beautiful Halong Bay to see limestone karsts and fishing villages.
- Row a bamboo basket boat and learn traditional fishing skills.
- Admire the Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An Ancient Town.
- Marvel at the landmark of Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills.
- Discover the historic Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Embark on a Mekong Delta adventure on a boat and cycle through local villages.
Itinerary
Welcome to Hanoi for this 9-day tour in Vietnam from North to South! Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, your guide and driver will pick you up and then transfer to your hotel in the heart of Hanoi.
Check in at the hotel and have a good rest after your long journey. The rest of the day is free for you. Explore the old streets of Hanoi on your own pace. Feel free to ask your private guide for some recommendations.
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: in Hanoi
After breakfast, the classic Vietnam trip in the North starts after meeting your local tour guide. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the first stop. Located in the middle of Ba Dinh Square, it was built to commemorate the great Ho Chi Minh. Next is the One Pillar Pagoda, named after a large stone pillar built in the middle of a pool. The original temple was built in 1049 and was blown up in 1954 when France withdrew its troops, leaving only the stone pillar. What we see now was rebuilt on the same site in 1955 in its original form.
Continue your tour to explore the Temple of Literature, once a place where the sons and daughters of the royal relatives of the Li Dynasty (1009-1225) studied. The temple, which houses a statue of Confucius, with the Chinese architectural style and has five courtyards. Then, visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which is divided into two parts: indoor and outdoor. The indoor section has two floors and introduces all the ethnic groups in Vietnam. Outside, there are many aboriginal houses, burial chambers and bungalows. After the tour, enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, feel the lively atmosphere when taking a local rickshaw through Hanoi Old Quarter. In the evening, be guided to watch the water puppet performance, a traditional Vietnamese art form. A stage is set up over a pool and puppets are manipulated by actors hidden in the background using long strings or bamboo poles.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Hanoi
Today, embark on a Halong Bay cruise. Halong Bay, known as “Guilin on the Sea”, is a typical limestone karst bay. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Upon arrival, follow the guidance of the staff to check into your cabin. Appreciate the beautiful emerald green waters standing limestone karst peaks while having your buffet lunch. After the meal, hike to catch a panoramic view of the bay’s landscape from a nearby summit.
Return to the cruise ship to spend some relaxing time on the sundeck. Besides, you can swim in a secluded bay.
Later in the afternoon, you will be guided to visit a local fishing village. Seize the opportunity to get a glimpse of the unique life way of the villagers. After the visit, go back to the ship to enjoy amazing sunset views over Halong Bay.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: On Board
Wake up early to take a Tai Chi class on the deck. Tai Chi is a traditional martial arts program. People can exercise their bodies and hearts through slow, continuous movements and breathing exercises. After that, enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee.
Your cruise continues with a visit to Sung Sot Cave, one of the most remarkable caves of Halong Bay. Aka Surprise Cave, this attraction shows you impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations. Afterwards, go back to your ship for a hearty brunch and sail back to the Halong Bay port.
Then, you will be escorted back to Hanoi for your flight to Da Nang. Upon landing, a local driver will transfer you to the World Heritage Site of Hoi An for the night.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Hoi An
After breakfast, your 9-day Vietnam tour continues to Hoi An, which takes you to visit the lively Hoi An Market. Strolling through the stalls, see local vendors selling spices, fresh produce, and handmade goods. Next, hop on a cycling tour (about half-hour) through the rice fields and lovely villages nearby.
Ride to a wharf and hop on a traditional Vietnamese boat. Here you will have the opportunity to experience the daily life of local fishermen. Experience casting fishing nets and driving a unique basket boat.
In the afternoon, go back to Hoi An to explore the Hoi An Ancient Town. Follow your tour guide to visit some historical landmarks such as the Tan Ky House, where generations of the same family have lived for centuries, and the Japanese Covered Bridge, a 400-year-old landmark.
Later, be transferred to Chua Ong Pagoda, established in 1653 and enshrines the famous Chinese military commander Guan Yu. He is a symbol of loyalty, courage, integrity, and justice.
After the visit, return to your Hoi An Hotel.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Hoi An
Today, you will spend the whole day at Ba Na Hills. Located 40 kilometers west of Da Nang, it is a mountain resort at an altitude of 1,487 meters. Nowadays, it has become a comprehensive entertainment attraction integrating high-end hotels, aerial cable cars, and theme parks.
After arrival, take a cable car from the foot of the mountain to the top. The cable car in Ba Na Hill holds the world record for single track length, with a length of 5,801 meters. When you ascend, you can enjoy the panoramic view below.
One of the highlights of today’s itinerary is the famous Golden Bridge, also known as the Buddha’s Hand Bridge. This is a architectural miracle supported by two huge stone hands.
Continue your explorations of the Le Jardin D’Amour Gardens, a romantic and beautifully landscaped area. Next, visit the Linh Ung Pagoda, located halfway up the Bana Mountain, where you can see a massive statue of the goddess Guan Yin.
Enjoy your lunch in a restaurant within the scenic spot. In the late afternoon, be escorted back to your hotel in Hoi An.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
Check out from your hotel and drive to Da Nang for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon. Your Ho Chi Minh City tour of Vietnam begins with the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, the largest Vietnam underground tunnels. They are remnants from the Vietnam War when they once served as a base for Viet Cong soldiers, provided shelter, transportation routes, and strategic advantages that made great contributions to the war efforts.
Then go back for city sightseeing of some landmarks. Built in the late 19th century as a product of the French colonial period, Notre Dame Cathedral is also known as the Red Church because it was built using red bricks. Adjacent to it is the Central Post Office, which at first glance looks like an imposing station. In fact it is a well-preserved building with a strong French flavor.
Continue your tour to the Reunification Palace, also known as the Independence Palace, which was once the office of the French Governor General of Vietnam and was destroyed during the Vietnam War. It was later rebuilt and became the official residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.
Afterwards, taste a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee at a nearby café before ending today’s visit.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Ho Chi Minh City
Today’s Vietnam tour in the South will take you to the Mekong Delta. Departing from Ho Chi Minh City, head towards My Tho, the mouth of the Mekong River, renowned for its abundance of fruits such as longan and mango.
Upon arrival, your first stop is Vinh Trang Pagoda, which was built in the early 19th century and has a history of over 100 years. The architectural style of the temple follows the traditional cultural characteristics of Hindu temples. You can see 60 precious wooden carvings.
Next, we will board Sampan and sail along the Mekong River to explore the four small islands of My Tho – Dragon Island, Unicorn Island, Phoenix Island, and Turtle Island. Unicorn Island is a highlight where you will explore lush orchards, taste tropical fruits, and listen to the songs played by locals.
Continue your journey in the Mekong Delta to a local bee farm. Understand the production of honey and enjoy a refreshing cup of honey tea. Afterwards, learn about the production of coconut sugar in a workshop.
In the afternoon, leisurely cycling around Tan Thach Village to get up close and glimpse the local way of life. After the visit, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City for the night.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Ho Chi Minh City
On your final day in Vietnam, enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel. Your driver will escort you to the airport for your onward flight to your next destination or back home.
This is the end of your 9 days Vietnam tour tour from North to South. Thank you for choosing Joy Asia Tour. Safe travels!
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
What’s Included
Dates & Availability
Tuesday
15 Sep,2024
Wednesday
24 Sep,2024
Total price
$1,049
Tuesday
15 Sep,2024
Wednesday
24 Sep,2024
Total price
$1,049
