From Saigon to Hanoi: A Taste of Vietnam | Authentic Tour – 14 Days

Ho Chi Minh City arrival, welcome and transfer to hotel

As you land at Tan Son Nhat Airport, you’ll be greeted by an experienced tour guide and driver at the arrival lobby. On the 30-minute journey to downtown, your guide will share information about the city's main highlights and offer tips on local food, traffic, and cultural practices.

You’ll then be taken to your hotel upon arrival in the city.

Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

Included:
English speaking guide
Private transportation
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Discovering Saigon city with the best highlights: Independence palace, Binh Tay market, China town, Quan Am pagoda and Fito Museum of traditional medicine

9:00 AM: Begin your day with a pickup from your hotel and journey to the Independence Palace. Discover the historical significance of this grand building, from its role as the residence and office of South Vietnamese presidents to the dramatic North Vietnamese tank assault of 1975. Explore its five stories of vintage decor and a secret bunker beneath.

Later, take a leisurely walk to the Notre Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of French colonial architecture built between 1863 and 1880. Its picturesque charm offers a peaceful interlude in your day.

Stroll towards Nguyen Hue Walking Street and marvel at the Saigon Central Post Office, designed by the renowned Gustave Eiffel. Its stunning interior remains a functional post office and a testament to elegant design.

Next, enjoy a short drive to Binh Tay Market in Chinatown. Wander through its bustling stalls filled with diverse goods, and don’t miss the food court where you can taste an array of local street foods and specialties.

Continue your exploration with a visit to the Quan Am Pagoda, one of Saigon’s most ancient temples, dedicated to Guan Yin, the revered “Queen of Heaven” in Taoism. Absorb the spiritual atmosphere and historical significance of this sacred site.

Finish your day at the FITO Museum, where you’ll explore the world of traditional medicine through its fascinating collection of ancient remedies and medical artifacts.

Return to your hotel, concluding a day rich with history, culture, and local experiences.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

From Saigon to Mekong delta, visiting Cai Be, boat trip, biking, back to Saigon in the afternoon.

8:00 AM: Meet your driver and tour guide at your hotel for a journey to Ben Tre, a region renowned for its coconut candy production. Arrive at Hung Vuong dock and set off on a boat tour along the Ben Tre River. Observe the unique daily life of the local communities as you cruise.

Proceed to Nhon Thanh Village by boat along scenic canals. Delight in sampling fresh, tropical fruits as you explore this vibrant area.

For a deeper immersion, take a bike ride or Tuk Tuk along winding village paths. Discover vegetable gardens, rice paddies, and lush coconut plantations. Enjoy a local lunch featuring the celebrated elephant ear fish, then explore the village further on foot.

End your Mekong adventure with a peaceful boat ride through a narrow, palm-fringed canal, capturing the essence of the delta’s natural beauty.

Return to Saigon in the late afternoon, enriched by the day’s experiences.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Ben Tre
Private transportation
Bike: Ben Tre
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Special excursion to Cu Chi tunnels and then visiting Cao Dai temple, enjoying the vespa tour and craft beer discovery

8:00 AM: Depart from your hotel and set off for the Cu Chi Tunnels, an iconic historical site from the Vietnam War. Navigate through the expansive underground network that stretches over 250 kilometers, built by the Viet Cong with only basic tools. Visit the Ben Duoc Memorial Temple, a tribute erected in 1993 to honor the Vietnamese soldiers of Cu Chi.

Continue to the Cao Dai Temple, a fascinating spiritual site that combines Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Roman Catholicism. Attend the midday mass and witness the colorful and unique ceremonies of this syncretic religion.

After a delicious local lunch, return to your hotel to relax and recharge.

6:00 PM: In the evening, a local guide will pick you up from your hotel for an exhilarating Vespa adventure. Hop onto one of our classic Vespas and explore Saigon’s vibrant craft beer scene. Visit four distinct venues where innovative brewers are infusing local Vietnamese elements into their beers.

Each stop on your Vespa tour will introduce you to meticulously crafted beers, each selected with care by master brewers. Gain insights into the brewing process, the history of the local craft beer movement, and the unique ingredients that contribute to the diverse flavors.

Indulge in a variety of beer samples paired with gourmet tapas and Vietnamese-inspired snacks, showcasing the rich fusion of local cuisine and craft brewing.

Conclude your evening with a return ride to your hotel, reflecting on an exciting day of historical discovery and flavorful experiences.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

From Saigon to Danang by flight. Hoi An walking tour

A private driver will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Tan Son Nhat Airport in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re departing on an international or domestic flight, we appreciate your visit to our city.

Note: Arrive at the airport 3 hours before your international flight and 2 hours before your domestic flight.

During peak traffic hours (07:00 – 08:30 AM and 16:30 – 18:30 PM), the trip to the airport can take up to 1 hour.

At Da Nang Airport, a professional guide and driver will be waiting for you. The drive to your hotel will take around 30 to 45 minutes, during which you’ll receive a briefing on the city’s attractions, dining options, traffic, and cultural insights.

After you’ve checked into your hotel and had some time to relax, start your afternoon with a walking tour of Hoi An. Visit Cam Pho, one of the oldest communal houses, shaped like a Chinese character for "country," which played a crucial role in worship and trade with Chinese and Japanese traders.

Stroll to Chua Cau, or the Japanese Covered Bridge, a 17th-century bridge linking the Japanese quarter with the Chinese neighborhoods. The bridge has been preserved in its original state for over 400 years.

Proceed to Quan Thang Ancient House, famous for its authentic design and detailed carvings by Kim Bong craftsmen. This house provides an insight into traditional Hoi An family life.

Conclude your tour at Phuc Kien Assembly Hall (Fujian Assembly Hall), established in the 17th century for Fujianese residents and traders. It also serves as a religious site for the deity Thien Hau. Admire the colorful fountains, ornate gates, and intricately carved dragons.

After the tour, you can either return to your hotel or explore Hoi An on your own at night.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Flight :VN118 (SGN - DAD) - (Direct) / 09:00 - 10:30 - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 06 tickets
Delicacy Hotel & Spa(Deluxe City View Room)
116 Hung Vuong, Hoi An, Quang Nam , Vietnam

Farming experiences, exploring a local market, traditional cuisine cooking, boat trip on the river

Welcome to Hai Café at 98 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi An! Your adventure starts here, and you'll need to arrange your own transportation from the hotel. Begin with a scenic cycle to the charming village of Tra Que. Dive into the heart of local life by visiting the village’s traditional vegetable farms, where you can hand-pick fresh mint and coriander to infuse your dishes with authentic flavors.

Next, journey to a nearby market where you'll gather a curated selection of spices, including cardamom, star anise, and regional specialties like sesame rice cakes and banana blossoms. Once your market quest is complete, return to Red Bridge Restaurant.

Take a moment to unwind before the cooking class begins. Under the expert guidance of Red Bridge's chefs, you'll master the art of preparing four iconic Vietnamese dishes, including the beloved pho, using the freshest local ingredients. Savor the fruits of your labor by tasting the dishes you've crafted yourself.

Conclude your culinary journey with a serene thirty-minute boat ride along the Thu Bon River, heading back to the heart of Hoi An. Your day's activities will wrap up around 2:30 PM. Enjoy your flavorful adventure!

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Thu Bon river
Bike: Hoi An
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Delicacy Hotel & Spa(Deluxe City View Room)
116 Hung Vuong, Hoi An, Quang Nam , Vietnam

Travelling to Hue, visiting Cham sculpture museum, Hai Van Pass, Thien Mu Pagoda and Hue citadel

8:00 AM: Set off from your hotel and journey along the scenic coastline to Hue, passing through Da Nang. Your first stop is the Cham Museum in Da Nang, renowned for its extensive collection of Cham artifacts—some of the most significant in the world. After exploring the museum, take a leisurely walk to My Khe Beach to admire the impressive Mercy of Goodness sculptures at Linh Ung Pagoda. Capture the essence of local life with some photos of fishermen along the shore before continuing your coastal drive to the ancient capital of Hue.

En route, pause at the summit of Hai Van Pass to marvel at the stunning ocean views that stretch before you.

Upon arrival in Hue, enjoy a delightful lunch before heading to Thien Mu Pagoda. This historic site, established in 1601, is one of the oldest and most revered pagodas in Hue, famed for its towering octagonal structure and panoramic views of the Perfume River.

Continue your exploration by visiting the Hue Citadel, the grand remnant of Vietnam’s former imperial capital. Inspired by Vauban’s fortifications, the Citadel is divided into three distinct zones: the Forbidden City (Cam Thanh), the Imperial City (Hoang Thanh), and the Capital City (Kinh Thanh). Within these areas, you’ll find notable sites such as the Flag Tower, South Gate, Palace of Supreme Harmony, Dynasty Temple Complex, and the residential quarters—each offering a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Hue.

Wrap up your day by checking into your hotel and settling into the historic charm of Vietnam's former capital.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Rosaleen Boutique Hotel(Deluxe Double Room)
36 Chu Van An street, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam

Full day to Explore Hue, Boat trip Huong river, Ming Mang's tomb, Thuy Bieu village

Head to the magnificent Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang. This architectural gem is a stunning blend of imperial grandeur and natural beauty. Constructed during Minh Mang's reign (1820–40) with the labor of ten thousand artisans under his successor Thieu Tri, the mausoleum offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s imperial past.

Next, embark on a tranquil boat journey along the Huong River (Perfume River) to Thuy Bieu Village. As you drift along, soak in the picturesque landscapes on both banks of the river. After about an hour, you’ll arrive in Thuy Bieu, famous for its lush grapefruit orchards. Here, you can enjoy a bike ride through the shaded paths under the grapefruit trees, savoring the fragrant air and the sight of freshly harvested straw. The village exudes a peaceful charm.

Explore a traditional garden house temple, dedicated to the local guardian and dating back centuries. This visit offers a unique opportunity for stunning photographs and a chance to interact with locals tending to their vegetable fields and gardens.

Conclude your visit with a cooking class featuring local Hue specialties, followed by a delightful lunch in the village. Return to the city in the afternoon, with the tour wrapping up around 3:00 PM. Enjoy the rest of your day immersed in the historic and cultural richness of Hue.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Thuy Bieu - Minh Mang
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Bike: Thuy Bieu
Cooking class: Thuy Bieu
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Rosaleen Boutique Hotel(Deluxe Double Room)
36 Chu Van An street, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam

From Hue, taking a flight to Hanoi, street food tour

A private driver will pick you up from your Hue city center hotel and take you to Phu Bai airport, about a 30-minute drive away. Thank you for visiting Hue.
Note: For domestic flights, be at the airport 1.5 hours before your flight departure.

Upon landing at Noi Bai airport, a tour guide and driver will greet you. Enjoy a 45-minute drive to Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where your guide will provide an overview of the city’s attractions, culture, and food scene. After checking into your hotel (check-in is at 14:00) and relaxing, your tour will begin.

4:00 PM: Meet your guide for a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. Explore Bao Khanh Alley and try Banh Cuon, thin steamed rice pancakes filled with minced pork and mushrooms, served with a fish-sauce dipping sauce, crispy shallots, and fresh herbs. You’ll also have the opportunity to make your own Banh Cuon.

Next, visit Hang Manh Street for Bun Cha Dac Kim, where grilled pork and pork belly are served with fish sauce, rice vermicelli, and fresh herbs, along with deep-fried spring rolls and optional garlic and chilies.

Experience Banh Mi at Banh Mi 25, a cozy spot known for its delicious sandwiches.

Savor Pho at Pho Suong, located in a quaint alley, known for its excellent beef noodle soup.

End the evening with a visit to Hidden Gem Coffee, a unique café that creatively uses discarded materials. Enjoy local beverages such as egg coffee, honey ginger tea, lemongrass tea, or a local beer before returning to your hotel.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, D
Private transportation
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Flight :VN1540 (HUI - HAN) - (Direct) / 10:00 - 11:20 - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 06 tickets
Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Exploring the center of culture & education Van Mieu, outstanding museum of ethnology, visiting French Quarter and discovering Old town

9:00 AM: Explore the Temple of Literature, an ancient site built in the 11th century by the Ly dynasty to honor Confucius and educate royal scholars. Stroll through its serene grounds and admire Khue Van Cac, the city’s emblematic pavilion. Explore the "stone steles," World Heritage-listed inscriptions honoring distinguished students, and visit Quoc Tu Giam, Vietnam’s first national university.

Next, head to the Ethnology Museum (closed on Mondays), which offers a deep dive into Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry through exhibits on traditional homes, artifacts, clothing, and musical instruments from various ethnic groups. Plan to spend around two hours discovering the museum’s extensive collection.

After lunch, venture to Hanoi’s French Quarter, often referred to as “Little Paris” for its grand architecture, tree-lined boulevards, and historic government buildings. View Ho Chi Minh’s tomb from the outside and then meander through the botanical gardens to see the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s former residence and office. Continue to the iconic One-Pillar Pagoda, a unique architectural gem.

Explore the Ba Da Pagoda, a charming temple tucked away in a narrow lane close to the 19th-century French colonial Hanoi Cathedral. Your guide will also take you through Hanoi’s vibrant streets, such as Lan Ong Street, known for its traditional medicine shops, and Lo Ren Street, renowned for its metalwork. Don’t miss Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s largest central market, before heading to Ta Hien Street, a lively hub for street food and nightlife. Here, you can sample a variety of local treats and drinks, immersing yourself in the bustling local scene.

End your day with a captivating water puppet show, a traditional Vietnamese performance art that dates back to the 11th century. These performances, set on water, offer a colorful depiction of Vietnamese culture and daily life, often accompanied by traditional music.

Return to your hotel to wrap up a day filled with cultural exploration and vibrant experiences.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Leisure: Water puppet
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Biking to Thung La temple and then a boat trip in Van Long Nature Reserve, embroidering experience

8:00 AM: Depart from Hanoi and journey towards Ninh Binh, soaking in the picturesque landscapes of the Red River Delta, adorned with lush rice paddies and vegetable fields.

Upon arrival, embark on a 15-kilometer exploration of the local villages. You can choose to walk or bike through this charming countryside, where you'll be treated to stunning views of rice terraces, serene rivers, and dramatic limestone peaks. Pause along the dikes to capture breathtaking photographs and engage with friendly locals. Continue your journey to the Thung La Temple, an 11th-century historical site. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Mr. Tuong, the temple guardian, and enjoy a captivating 20-minute drum performance.

Next, discover the natural beauty of Van Long Nature Reserve with a tranquil sampan boat ride along the creek, surrounded by towering limestone formations. Keep your eyes peeled for egrets and rare white monkeys perched on the rocks as you glide through the reserve.

After the boat ride, visit a nearby village renowned for its embroidery. Under the guidance of Mrs. Lam, a skilled local craftswoman, you’ll learn the intricate techniques of traditional embroidery. This hands-on class offers a unique opportunity to master the art of handling fabric and creating beautiful designs, providing a true glimpse into this age-old craft.

Return to Hanoi, enriched by a day of cultural immersion and natural beauty.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Van Long
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Bike: Ninh Binh
Leisure: Thung La temple music
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Cruising in Bai Tu Long bay, exploring Cap La Island, cooking class and overnight on boat

8:00 AM: Begin with a pickup from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and take a three-hour drive to Bai Tu Long Bay. The drive offers views of charming villages and expansive rice fields in the Red River Delta. After a brief stop for drinks and restrooms, arrive at the harbor around noon where you'll receive a warm welcome at the cruise reception.

11:30 - 11:45 AM: Reach the waiting lounge at Ha Long International Cruise Port. Relax as the captain completes the registration process, then transfer by tender to your boat.

12:00 - 12:15 PM: Onboard, enjoy a welcome drink and a safety briefing before settling into your cabin. Then, enjoy a Vietnamese set menu lunch as you cruise further into Bai Tu Long Bay.

13:00: Delight in a Vietnamese lunch while cruising through Bai Tu Long Bay’s stunning landscapes.

15:00: Arrive at Cap La Island for kayaking among the dramatic karst formations and enjoy swimming and relaxation.

17:40: Return to the boat for the Sunset Party as the cruise heads to the overnight anchorage. Attend a Vietnamese cooking demonstration to learn how to prepare Nem Cuon or engage in fruit and vegetable carving.

19:00: Savor a delicious set dinner onboard.

20:30 - 22:00: Enjoy your evening with activities such as Vietnamese puzzle games, board games with family or friends, squid fishing, or simply relaxing with a cocktail while enjoying the peaceful bay at night.

Included:
Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Halong
English speaking guide (on board)
Meal: B, L, D
Entrance fees
Kayak: Halong
Leisure: Swimming
Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Swan Cruise - 2D1N(Deluxe Cabin)
3 Dang Thai Than street, Hoan Kien district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Visiting the charm of Thien Canh Son cave, stunning cruising and back to Hanoi

06:30 AM: Participate in a sunrise Tai Chi session on the sundeck or enjoy the morning view of the stunning bay's landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.

07:00: Breakfast will be served in a Western style to prepare you for another day of exploration.

07:45 AM: Explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave.

09:00 AM: Return to the boat and enjoy about 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing.

09:30 AM: Check out.

10:00 AM: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch on the boat.

10:30 AM: Return to the harbor.

11:15 - 11:30 AM: Disembark at Ha Long Cruise Port.

Welcome by driver at the harbor then enjoy travel back to Hanoi. Have a rest at the middle of the way. Drop off at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter).

Included:
English speaking guide (on board)
Meal: B, L
Entrance fees
Leisure: Morning Tai Chi
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Transferring to airport for flights to next destinations

Private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby (Hanoi Old Quarter) for about 45 minutes to Noi Bai airport (international or domestic hall according to your request). Thanks for the visit to our city.

Note: International flights require you to be at the airport 3 hours and domestic is 2 hours before departure time.

Included:
Meal: B
Private transportation
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day