About This Trip
Unlike typical itineraries, this 10-day journey traversing Vietnam from north to south is thoughtfully designed with a variety of activities, allowing you uncover the country from different sides.
Wake up to the lively charm of Hanoi's century-old Old Quarter, then board a unique sleeper train and ride the rhythm of the rails along Vietnam's stunning coastline. In Da Nang, stroll across the Golden Bridge held aloft by giant hands and find yourself in a dreamscape above the clouds. In Hoi An, journey from the market to the kitchen and discover the essence of Vietnamese flavor through a hands-on cooking class. On the Mekong River, hop into a traditional basket boat and drift through the maze-like palm forests.
Itinerary Summary
-
DAYPLACE
-
1 - 2Hanoi
-
3Halong Bay Cruise
-
4Hanoi
-
5 - 7Da Nang & Hoi An
-
8 - 10Ho Chi Minh City
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport in Vietnam's capital of Hanoi, your tour guide will welcome you outside the customs area holding a sign with your name on it. Your private guide and driver will accompany you to the hotel for check-in.
The rest of the day is on your own to relax after a long-haul flight or go outside for urban exploration.
- Hanoi
After breakfast, start your journey from the city's historic landmarks, pass by Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, then visit Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, One Pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature - the first university of Vietnam.
Later in the afternoon, head to the Museum of Ethnology, a place to learn deeper about Vietnamese 54 ethic groups' culture and customs with colorful exhibits. Then you'll embrace the authentic moments of riding a cyclo to explore the hustle and bustle of the Old Quarter, as the ringing bells and lively chatter of the city surround you. Before the day ends, unwind with a leisurely walk around the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake.
- B L
- Hanoi
This morning, a shuttle bus will wait for you at your hotel for a 2.5 - 3 hours drive to Halong Bay, the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After embarking, enjoy your cruise through a spectacular view of emerald green waters and dramatic karst islands rising from the bay. On board, you can simply relax by sunbathing, and there are also fun activities for you to choose, such as kayak into the local floating village, join in squid fishing. What's more, you'll uncover the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine at a cooking demonstration.
Tips: Since you'll be traveling with all your luggage, keep the items you'll need on the cruise within easy reach. This will save time when repacking later.
- B L D
- Halong Bay
Arise early to take a refreshing Tai Chi exercise before having a light breakfast. Continue your cruise over the spectacular Halong Bay, along with an exploration into a karst cave strewn with stalactites and stalagmites. After brunch, disembark and take a shuttle bus back to Hanoi.
This afternoon, take a walking food tour through Hanoi's Old Quarter. Stroll through lively streets and bustling markets, sample local delicacies, and discover the unique ingredients that define Vietnamese cuisine.
Then you will be transferred to the railway station for your overnight train to the coastal Da Nang in central Vietnam.
- B
- On Train
Meet your guide at the Da Nang railway station at midday for a private transfer to your hotel. Da Nang boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, so, relaxing on the beach at sunset is highly recommended for your free time today.
- Da Nang
Today, escape the heat and step into a surreal mountain retreat - Ba Na Hills. After breakfast, transfer to the hill station with your private guide. You'll start with a world-record cable car climbing above the clouds, overlooking the forests beneath your feet. Your first stop upon ascending the mountain is the renowned Golden Bridge, where a pair of giant stone hands appear to support a graceful, winding walkway against the backdrop of the hills. At a mountaintop restaurant, enjoy your lunch with a view of the rolling mountain ranges through the windows.
In the afternoon, continue your journey to the serene Linh Ung Pagoda and the grand White Jade Buddha statue, where a sense of peace far from the bustling world embraces you. You'll also visit the ancient wine cellar, which is a flavorful finale to a day woven with nature, wonder, and local culture.
- B L
- Da Nang
Discover the authentic charm of Hoi An on this captivating one-day tour. Start with a visit to the vibrant local market, selecting fresh ingredients for your upcoming cooking class. Afterward, hop on a traditional bamboo basket boat and venture into the peaceful nipa palm forest for a fun-filled crab-fishing experience.
By midday, head to the coconut village for a hands-on cooking class with a skilled chef, learning to prepare classic Vietnamese dishes. Your lunch? Exactly what you just made!
This afternoon, take a leisurely walk through the quaint streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, exploring its historic landmarks, including the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Tan Ki House, Phung Hung Ancient House, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.
Today comes to a close with a transfer back to your hotel in Da Nang.
- B L
- Da Nang
This morning, take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. You'll then be shown around the city's major historic and architectural sites, including the War Remnants Museum, the Independence Palace, Old Saigon Post Office, and end your half-day sightseeing with a stroll on Dong Khoi Street, experience Saigon's remarkable transformation from its colonial past and wartime years to the modern metropolis it is today.
- B
- Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel and depart for Ben Tre, a province in the Mekong Delta known for its coconut palms and tranquil river scenery. The drive takes around 2 hours, and you'll then start with a visit to the local market to observe daily trading activities. Board a boat for a 40-minute cruise along palm-lined canals, where you'll switch to a small rowboat to glide through tranquil, shaded waterways.
Continue your journey with a walk through a village, visit a typical farmer's house to enjoy fresh tropical juice and learn how locals make hand brooms from coconut leaves. A tuk-tuk ride will take you to another workshop to watch the process of making coconut candy and taste sweet treats made from local ingredients. Finally, join a local family for a hands-on cooking experience, preparing "homemade" Mekong dishes for lunch. Afterward, return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.
- B L
- Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy this morning at leisure and check out the hotel before noon. Take a private transfer to the airport in time for your flight, either home or to your next destination.
- B
Optional Activities
-
Day Trip to Ninh Binh from HanoiDrive to Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital from 968-980 AD. Then it's on to Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam. Then hop on bikes to Trang An Grottoes. The following boat trip through the Grottoes features creating towering cliffs, long cave systems, and emerald-green pools.
-
Hoi An Boat Ride at Sunset (with Water Lantern Release)Board a private boat cruising slowly along the Mekong-like arroyos and the Thu Bon River. As twilight ignites the waters, the sky is awash in a painter's palette of gold and rose. Immerse yourself in a lantern-lit scene unfolding - markets bustling with life beating the cultural heart of this ancient town.
-
Saigon Foodie Tour After Dark by VespaExperience Saigon's lively nightlife to the fullest! Your driver will zoom through the busy streets and you'll feel like a local while feasting on fresh seafood served street-side and trying traditional Vietnamese pancake. Hop back on the Vespa, hit a laid-back café bathed in soft light, then rock out at a bar stuffed with fashionable young Vietnamese.
Accommodation Options
The hotels listed below have been carefully selected based on customer feedback. You can either choose the ones you'd like to stay in or allow our travel experts to recommend options tailored to your specific requirements.
What Our Clients Say
Explore the latest verified reviews of Odynovo's travel services on Tripadvisor, Google, Trustpilot, Product Review and more trusted platforms.
How It Works
-
Tell us your tour ideas Complete our inquiry form
-
Discuss with a travel specialist Customize your itinerary
-
Securely book your tour Confirm when you're satisfied
Quick Question

