Traverse North and South Holiday | Vietnam Authentic Tour – 11 Days

Welcome to Hanoi, enjoy a walking tour in the old quarter

Landing at the Noi Bai airport, you are welcomed by professional tour guide and driver at the pickup lobby. Enjoy 45-minute driving to the city center (Hanoi Old Quarter) with city's briefing information about the most visited spots, culture, traffic and cuisine....Arrive in your hotel, check in and have a rest.

Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

Continue your day by a nice walking tour. Start with a small pagoda named Ba Da quietly located in a small alley - only few steps from the Hanoi Great Cathedral, built by French colonialism since the 19th century. Your tour guide also takes you to typical streets of Hanoi such as Lan Ong Street selling traditional medicine, Lo Ren Street where metal items are produced ... Stop to visit the Dong Xuan central market - the largest in Hanoi. Continue walking to the famous area for night activities and street food - Ta Hien street, where you can see the vibrant streets with a lot of the amazing local foods and drinks. Trying to taste some for an unforgettable experience.

Note: If your flight arrival late or you are jet leg after long flight, the walking tour will be moved to the city tour day.

Included:
English speaking guide
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
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: Begin your day by meeting your local guide at the hotel and setting off for the Temple of Literature, a historic site built in the 11th century during the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius and educate the royal family. Stroll through its peaceful gardens and admire the Khue Van Cac Pavilion, a symbol of learning and culture. Explore the ancient stone steles, which record the names of outstanding scholars, and visit the Quoc Tu Giam, Vietnam’s first national university.

Next, head to the Ethnology Museum (closed on Mondays), where you can immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture through exhibits of traditional clothing, tools, musical instruments, and the architectural styles of various ethnic groups. Plan to spend around two hours to fully explore this enlightening museum.

In the early afternoon, discover the French Quarter, an area reminiscent of "Little Paris" with its charming tree-lined streets, grand colonial buildings, and prominent squares. Take a moment to view the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from the outside, and then enjoy a leisurely walk through the surrounding gardens to see the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, his former residence and workplace.

Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic landmark of Hanoi known for its unique design. Spend 1 to 2 hours exploring this historic site, depending on the number of visitors.

Finish your day with a traditional water puppet show, an ancient Vietnamese performance art that dates back to the 11th century. Watch as puppets dance on water, bringing to life stories of daily life, folklore, and cultural traditions, all set to live traditional music.

Return to your hotel to unwind after a full day of cultural and historical exploration.

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: Set off from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, driving through the charming countryside of the Red River Delta, filled with picturesque rice and vegetable fields.

Arrive and choose between a 15km bike ride or a walk through local villages. Following the dyke, you'll be treated to beautiful views of rice fields, a river, and limestone peaks. There will be several stops for photo opportunities and local interactions, culminating in a visit to the 11th-century Thung La Temple. Here, you’ll meet Mr. Tuong, the temple's guardian, and enjoy a 20-minute traditional drum performance.

Continue with a sampan boat ride through Van Long Nature Reserve, where you can admire the serene landscape and perhaps spot white monkeys and egrets on the cliffs. Afterward, visit a local embroidery village for a hands-on workshop with Mrs. Lam, a skilled craftswoman who will teach you traditional embroidery techniques.

Conclude the day with a transfer back to your hotel in Hanoi.

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 from Halong to Lan Ha bay, swimming & kayaking, cooking class

9:00 AM: Pickup from your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel for a scenic drive of about two and a half hours to Lan Ha Bay via National Highway No. 5B. This journey takes you through picturesque villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta, with a stop for drinks and restroom breaks along the way. Arrive at the harbor around noon for a warm welcome at the cruise reception.

12:00 PM: Meet the Peony Cruises crew at Tuan Chau Port in Quang Ninh province.

12:30 PM: Transfer from the dock to the Peony Cruises vessel, where you will be given an itinerary briefing.

1:00 PM: Enjoy a warm welcome aboard with fresh drinks and towels. A special lunch will be served featuring fresh and delectable dishes. Set sail for Lan Ha Bay, renowned for its breathtaking beauty.

3:30 PM: Visit the serene Tra Bau area, celebrated for its natural beauty and scenic vistas. Kayak to fully experience the stunning limestone islands or unwind in the Jacuzzi pool on Peony Cruises.

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Attend a cooking demonstration and discover how to make classic Vietnamese spring rolls. Alternatively, visit the top deck to enjoy the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. The bar offers a Happy Hour special - BUY ONE GET ONE FREE. It’s a great chance to capture beautiful sunset photos over Lan Ha Bay.

7:30 PM: Savor a delectable dinner featuring local dishes, meticulously prepared by our talented chef, in a romantic dining setting.

9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Relax with exotic cocktails and drinks at the sky bar (surcharge applies). You can also enjoy a spa service (optional) or simply unwind on the top deck under the night sky. For a fun activity, try your hand at squid fishing on the main deck.

Included:
Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Tuan Chau
English speaking guide (on board)
Meal: B, L, D
Entrance fees
Kayak: Halong
Leisure: Squid fishing,Swimming
Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Peony Cruise - 2D1N(Deluxe Balcony Cabin)
5/33B Pham Ngu Lao street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Exploring Trung Trang Cave, visiting Cat Ba National park, Transferring back to Hanoi for a flight to Ho Chi Minh city

6:00 AM: Start your day with an invigorating Tai Chi session while basking in the morning sun as it rises over the horizon.

6:45 AM - 7:15 AM: Enjoy breakfast aboard the boat as it heads back to Gia Luan jetty. (Please note, breakfast times may be adjusted according to the actual itinerary).

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Embark on a tour of the Cat Ba World Biosphere. It will take about 30 minutes to travel from Gia Luan to Trung Trang Cave, a stunning limestone cave known for its impressive stalactites and geological significance.

9:30 AM: Return to the main boat, check out of your cabin, and place your luggage outside.

Lunch will be served early at the restaurant. Settle any bar tabs at the restaurant’s desk (if applicable).

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Disembark from the Peony Cruises and transfer back to Tuan Chau Port.

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Arrive at Tuan Chau Port, ready for your next journey.

A driver will greet you at the port for a 2.5-hour drive back to Hanoi via the new No5B highway, passing through the Red River Delta and local villages. You will be dropped off at your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter.

A private driver will then pick you up from your hotel lobby and take you to Noi Bai Airport (either international or domestic, as requested). Ensure you arrive at the airport 3 hours before an international flight or 2 hours before a domestic flight.

Upon landing at Tan Son Nhat Airport, a professional tour guide and driver will meet you at the arrival lobby. During the 30-minute drive to the city center, the guide will provide insights into the city's highlights and share tips on local dining, drinking, traffic, and culture.

Finally, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Leisure: Morning Tai Chi
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Flight :VN265 (HAN - SGN) - (Direct) / 20:30 - 22:30 - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 06 tickets
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: Travel from your hotel to explore the Independence Palace, once the presidential residence of South Vietnam. Here, you’ll see the iconic North Vietnamese tank that famously breached the palace gates in 1975, ending the Vietnam War. Tour the five-story building, meticulously preserved in its 1960s and 1970s decor, including the intriguing bunker and war rooms.
Afterward, take a relaxing walk to the Notre Dame Cathedral, a magnificent example of French colonial architecture built between 1863 and 1880. The cathedral stands as a beautiful reminder of the city's colonial past.

Continue your journey with a visit to Nguyen Hue Walking Street, a vibrant area full of shops and cafes, and a popular spot for both locals and tourists. From there, head to the Saigon Central Post Office, a stunning structure designed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel. Take in the impressive interior and its continued role as a functional post office.

Next, drive to Binh Tay Market in Chinatown, the largest market in Ho Chi Minh City. This bustling market is a focal point for local shopping, from clothing and souvenirs to a diverse array of street foods in its vibrant food court.

Following your market visit, stop by Quan Am Pagoda, one of the city’s oldest pagodas, dedicated to the goddess Guan Yin. This site offers a glimpse into local Taoist practices and the veneration of traditional deities.

Wrap up your day with a visit to the FITO Museum, where you can explore a fascinating collection of traditional Vietnamese medicinal herbs, ancient recipes, and unique artifacts related to herbal medicine.

Return to your hotel in the evening, reflecting on a day filled with cultural landmarks, historical insights, 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

Special excursion to Cu Chi tunnels and then visiting Cao Dai temple.

8:00 AM: Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary underground network integral to Vietnam War history. This vast labyrinth, spanning over 250 kilometers, was meticulously carved out by the Viet Cong using only basic tools over two decades. Experience the ingenuity and resilience of those who used these tunnels for concealment and warfare, and venture into some of the tunnels yourself to grasp the scale and complexity of this subterranean city.

Next, make your way to the Ben Duoc Memorial Temple, a poignant site built in 1993 to commemorate the Vietnamese who perished during the Cu Chi conflict. This less-visited memorial offers a quiet and reflective space to honor those who sacrificed their lives.

Proceed to the Cao Dai Temple, a fascinating place of worship for Cao Daiism—a uniquely Vietnamese religion that incorporates elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Roman Catholicism. If timing allows, you can witness the midday mass, a vibrant and eclectic ceremony that showcases the temple's colorful traditions and spiritual practices.

Enjoy lunch at a nearby local eatery, sampling regional flavors, before returning to your hotel in the early afternoon to relax or continue exploring the city at your leisure.

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 Mekong discovery: Boat trip & biking in Ben Tre, visiting typical craft village, interact local people, garden tour, overnight in a homestay

8:00 AM: Begin your day with an early rise at your accommodation as you prepare to embark on an adventure to Ben Tre, a charming district nestled in the Mekong Delta. Known for its delightful coconut candy, Ben Tre is a gateway to experiencing local life on the water.

Start your journey at Hung Vuong Wharf and set sail on a boat along the Ben Tre River, immersing yourself in the daily rhythms of the local community. Continue your boat journey along a serene canal to Nhon Thanh Town, where you’ll have the chance to sample fresh, tropical fruits straight from the source.

As you explore the surrounding countryside by bike or tuk-tuk, take in the picturesque landscapes of rice paddies, vegetable gardens, and lush coconut groves. Enjoy a traditional lunch featuring elephant ear fish, a local specialty, and gain insights into the area’s rich cultural heritage with a leisurely walk through the town.

Your adventure continues with a tranquil boat ride along a narrow, palm-fringed canal, offering a serene escape into nature.

Arrive in Cai Lay after an hour’s drive and receive a warm welcome from your homestay host. Engage in a hands-on culinary experience as you join your host in preparing Banh Xeo Nam Bo, a regional delicacy. Savor your meal and spend the night in the welcoming ambiance of Cai Lay.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L, D
Boat: Ben Tre
Private transportation
Tuk Tuk: Ben Tre
Cooking class: Ben Tre homestay
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Hai My's Homestay(Standard Room)
864 Provincial street, Dong Hoa hamlet, Tam Binh village, Cai Lay district, Tien Giang , Vietnam

Mekong discovery: Enjoying fruit garden tour, Kien An Cung pagoda, Huynh Thuy Le's house

After enjoying a delicious meal at your homestay, set off on a leisurely bicycle ride (1-90 minutes) from Dong Hoa to Hat Binh. As you pedal through this scenic route, you'll pass through vibrant durian orchards, sapota nurseries, and longan gardens. This immersive experience will give you a unique glimpse into the local agricultural life. Engage with the friendly locals and explore the bustling town market.

Return to your homestay for some well-deserved refreshments. For an added adventure, take a one-hour stroll with a local guide before cycling to Ngu Hiep Island. Here, you'll discover a verdant haven shaped by the Mekong River’s alluvial deposits, offering a rare and authentic glimpse into the region’s lush landscapes. If cycling isn’t your preference, you can always request a motorbike ride from your guide.

Next, journey to Long Xuyen via Sa Dec. In Sa Dec, visit the Kien A Cung Pagoda and the historic home of Huynh Thuy Le, the inspiration behind Marguerite Duras's novel L'Amant (The Lover). Explore Sa Dec’s vibrant market, known for its fresh produce, vegetables, and seafood.

On your way to Long Xuyen, make stops at a Cao Dai temple and a crocodile farm for a diverse cultural experience. Conclude your day with an overnight stay at a comfortable hotel in Long Xuyen.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Bike: Ben Tre
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Hoa Binh 1 Hotel(Standard Room)
130 Tran Hung Dao street, Long Xuyen city, An Giang , Vietnam

Mekong discovery: Long Xuyen floating village, Cu Lao Ong Ho island. Back to Ho Chi Minh City

In the morning, transfer to the floating market and floating village in Long Xuyen which are animated and authentic on a small tributary of the Mekong River. Discover the daily activities of people living by the river. Enjoy a boat trip to Cu Lao Ong Ho where there is a small museum about our famous president Ton Duc Thang. Take a bike ride on the island and enjoy the beauty of the peaceful landscapes.

Take the road back to Saigon and check in your hotel in late afternoon.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Long Xuyen
Private transportation
Bike: Long Xuyen
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

Transferring to airport for flights to next destinations

Private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby for about 30 minutes to Tan Son Nhat 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.

In the rush hour (07:00 – 08:30 AM and 16:30 – 18:30 PM), it takes around 1 hour from city center to Tan Son Nhat airport.

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