10-Day Classic Vietnam Itinerary

Day dedicated to discovering the most remarkable cultural sites and historical monuments of Hanoi:

• The Temple of Literature - the symbol of feudal education and one of the emblems of Hanoi.
• The Museum of Ethnography - a collection of 25,000 ancient and contemporary objects from the ethnic groups of Vietnam that will allow you to familiarize yourself with their ways of life (this museum is closed every Monday).
• Discover Train Street, renowned for its unique proximity to the railway tracks, offering visitors the chance to experience the passing of a train up close while enjoying a hot drink. It's a memorable moment that allows you to connect with the authenticity and vitality of urban life in Vietnam.
• The water puppet show - a specialty of Vietnamese culture, registered as an intangible heritage of UNESCO.

Overnight at the hotel.

Departure to Ninh Binh - land of limestone rocks, sugar loaves and rice paddies flooded by rivers and lakes, all year round (having similar features to Halong Bay, Ninh Binh has been dubbed "Halong Bay on land" by travelers).  

Arrival in Ninh Xuan, visit Mount Mua which was in the past, a place known for its dancing shows for the TRAN kings. Climb a white staircase of 486 stone steps to the summit. This bell-shaped mountain will offer you a panoramic view of the Tam Coc region, a place renowned for offering the most beautiful landscapes of the terrestrial Halong Bay: lush sugar loaves, rice fields, boats sailing on the peaceful rivers of the villages Visit the Mua cave which is located under the mountain.

Then transfer to Tam Coc, a relaxing bike ride to discover this fabulous region. You will pass through villages and sugar loaves to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that reigns in this rural region. 

Afternoon, enjoy a boat trip on the Ngo Dong River to discover Tam Coc. This long river winds through rice paddies and sugar loaves, passing beneath three caves at the foot of limestone peaks. Your boat glides gently through the water, guided by local rowers, who will take you through magical landscapes. 

Free time for relaxation. Overnight in Ninh Binh. 

Departure for Ha Long, Vietnam's most beautiful bay and one of Asia's most enchanting landscapes. Located 180 km east of Hanoi, near the Chinese border, the bay covers approximately 1,500 km². Thousands of limestone peaks of varying shapes emerge from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, sheltering grottoes and caverns sculpted by the wind and sea over the centuries – a breathtaking setting.

Upon arrival, board a traditional junk. Welcome by the crew and then departure for an unforgettable cruise, with the discovery of Bai Tu Long Bay (northern part of Ha Long Bay):

• Admiration of the picturesque islands and islets with various shapes (sail, dog, rooster, incense...). 
• Visit the splendid caves of Halong Bay, including Thien Canh Son, which houses stalagmites and stalactites dating back thousands of years.  
• Continuation of the cruise to Cap La, kayaking and swimming in the sublime waters of the bay (weather permitting)
• Late afternoon, relaxing on the upper deck of the junk.
• Participation in a cooking demonstration on board, preparation of spring rolls or nems
• Tasty seafood lunch and dinner.

Free evening for your personal rest and relaxation: card games, night fishing... Night on board.

Up at dawn to enjoy a moment of unique splendor: the first rays of sunlight emerging from the thousands of sugar loaves of the bay and participation in a Tai Chi session on the terrace.

Boat or kayak trip to discover the fishing village of Vung Vieng, possible meeting with local inhabitants.  

Disembark and return to Hanoi, transfer directly to the airport and flight to Danang. Welcome by the guide upon arrival and drive to Hoi An. 

Overnight in Hoi An.

Completely free day to explore the old town of Hoi An independently, described as "the most charming town in Vietnam." Opportunity to explore the town center, which is full of sites to visit:

• The Fujian shrine dedicated to the protective goddess of fishermen and sailors;  
• Phuc Thanh Pagoda, the oldest in Hoi An (1454);
• The Japanese Bridge built in 1593, connecting two Chinese and Japanese quarters; 
• Old alleys, museums and old wooden houses dating back hundreds of years. 
• The "Precious Heritage" museum of Réhahn, a famous French photographer living in Vietnam: you are immersed in the ethnic culture of the country: 200 photographs, 60 traditional customs, rare artifacts from ethnic groups in the north, center and south of Vietnam, presented in 5 spaces.
• Silk and lantern shops and workshops. Tailor-made clothing can be had in the silk shops.  
• Relax on the beautiful beaches of the Eastern Sea (Cua Dai, An Bang...) which are located near Hoi An or walk towards the surrounding countryside where there are several traditional villages (vegetables, carpentry...).

Overnight at the hotel. 

After breakfast, transfer to Danang to visit Ba Na Hill, a destination famous for its cable car and the Golden Bridge with its giant hands. 

Upon arrival, you'll take the cable car, one of the longest in the world, to enjoy panoramic views of the mountain and valley. Upon arrival, you'll visit the Golden Bridge, famous for its giant hands and breathtaking scenery.

Then you will explore the magnificent gardens and Linh Ung Temple with its imposing statue of the Goddess of Mercy. 

After lunch at a restaurant at the summit, you will have free time to explore the amusement park. Finally, you will descend by cable car and be transferred to Hue.

Night in Hue.

Departure to discover the last imperial capital of Vietnam (1802–1945).

• Visit the Imperial City, residence and workplace of the 13 Nguyen kings for 143 years: the South Gate, the Forbidden Purple City, the Peace Palace, the Royal Reading Pavilion, the temples of the Nguyen dynasty and the traditional theater.
• Discovery of the mausoleum of Minh Mang, the emperor famous for his impressive descendants – 142 children with 43 concubines.
• Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, the most emblematic and most visited in Hue, or the peaceful Tu Hieu Pagoda, which houses the tombs of the eunuchs of the Nguyen Dynasty. Depending on the schedule, you may be able to attend the monks' prayers.
• Stroll through Dong Ba Market, the oldest and largest in Hue, renowned for its local specialties such as conical hats and traditional tunics.
• Transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Meet your local guide and check into your hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Departure for the Mekong Delta, a territory half land, half water in the far south of the country (rising from the high plateau of Tibet on the Himalayan ranges, the Mekong is one of the longest rivers in the world and crosses several countries in Southeast Asia before dividing into two large branches and flowing into the sea in Vietnamese territory). 

Arrival in Ben Tre, the large town located in the heart of the northern branches of the river. Boat trip on the rivers to reach Nhon Thanh, a small rural region still not very touristy, well known for its coconut trade and the manufacture of coconut products: coconut, coconut thread, coconut activated carbon... Stop at the brickyards to discover the stages of brick making. Tasting of local fruits and honey tea in the garden. 

Bike ride or Xe loi (motorized cycle) on the verdant island abundantly covered with coconut plantations. The route takes you along small paths, under the shade of coconut trees, which offer a particularly poetic landscape. Stop at farms to observe the production of coconut candy and mats.

Continue with a ride in a small rowboat through the arroyos surrounded by water palms, to immerse yourself in the daily life of the delta.

Return to Ho Chi Minh, overnight at the hotel.

Service included: Private car, English-speaking guide, entrance fees & accommodation. Meals: Breakfast & lunch.

After breakfast, departure for an orientation tour in the city center - "colonial Saigon"

• Ben Thanh Market - symbol of the city. 
• The Headquarters of the People's Committee of HCM City - the former Central Town Hall, the most beautiful colonial building in the city. 
• Afternoon, visit of “traditional Saigon” with its must-sees:
• The Museum of Traditional Medicine of Vietnam - a treasure trove of documents, objects, and instruments of a wide variety related to local medicine. Discover traditional Vietnamese medicine, more than 3,000 years old.
• Cho Lon Chinatown with the Temple of the Celestial Lady Thien Hau 

Transfer to the airport for the departure flight.