Highlights of Vietnam – 11 Day Vietnam Tour Package

Chào bạn! Step into Hanoi, one of the world’s oldest capitals, with a history that stretches back to 300 BCE. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, giving you time to settle in before you start exploring.

Take a stroll through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, where narrow lanes are lined with traditional shops and markets. Don’t miss Hang Gai Street, famous for its beautiful silk boutiques. Treat yourself to some classic Vietnamese street food along the way — from steaming bowls of pho to crispy banh mi sandwiches or the flavourful bun cha. As the day winds down, consider heading to a rooftop bar in the trendy Tay Ho district to enjoy a sundowner with sweeping views over West Lake.

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can learn about the life and legacy of “Uncle Ho,” Vietnam’s beloved revolutionary leader. From there, head to the Temple of Literature, founded in the 11th century and home to Vietnam’s first university. Enjoy a traditional music performance before sitting down for lunch at a local restaurant — be sure to sample a steaming bowl of authentic pho.

In the afternoon, explore some of Hanoi’s fascinating museums or temples. Options include the Museum of Ethnology, the Women’s Museum, or the serene Quan Thanh Temple, dedicated to Taoist worship. For a true taste of local life, take a ride in a cyclo (three-wheeled bike taxi) around Hoan Kiem Lake and through the winding streets of the Old Quarter, where you’ll witness the city’s vibrant daily rhythms. For the more adventurous, renting a scooter is a fun way to navigate the bustling streets like a local.

The day concludes with a traditional water puppet show, an art form practiced for over a thousand years. Watch as wooden puppets dance across the water, controlled by puppeteers using hidden bamboo rods, bringing Vietnamese legends and folk tales to life. After the performance, return to your hotel to relax and reflect on a day filled with culture, history, and authentic Hanoi experiences.

Depart early for a scenic 3.5-hour drive south of Hanoi into the heart of the Red River Delta and Ninh Binh province, a region renowned for its lush green rice paddies and dramatic karst mountains. Your destination is Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s oldest national park, spanning over 12,000 acres and home to a remarkable variety of flora and fauna.

Upon arrival, visit the Primate Rescue Center, where you can meet rescued monkeys, including endangered langurs, and learn about conservation efforts in the park. After lunch, set out on a 9 km (6-mile) hike through the forest, keeping your eyes peeled for insects, reptiles, and other wildlife along the trails.

In the evening, check into your bungalow within the park and enjoy dinner on site. After dark, embark on a nocturnal nature walk, a unique opportunity to spot nocturnal creatures such as civets, owls, flying squirrels, and bats. Once the hike concludes, return to your bungalow for a peaceful night surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to relax before continuing your exploration of Cuc Phuong National Park. Visit highlights such as the botanical gardens and a forest of ancient, millennia-old trees. This is the perfect opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, from colourful birds and butterflies to small mammals and reptiles, all thriving in this lush environment.

Next, transfer to Van Long Nature Reserve, home to one of the region’s last remaining wetland ecosystems. Board a traditional bamboo boat for a leisurely ride through winding waterways and across tranquil freshwater lakes, taking in the breathtaking scenery along the way. The reserve is a haven for birdwatchers, with herons, kingfishers, and other species in abundance. Keep an eye out, too, for the endangered Delacour’s langur, which calls this pristine habitat home. After your boat ride, continue on to Ninh Binh City for your overnight stay, reflecting on a day filled with natural beauty and wildlife encounters.

After breakfast, depart Ninh Binh for a scenic four-hour drive along the coast to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the Gulf of Tonkin. This stunning bay is dotted with more than 1,000 limestone karst islands rising dramatically from emerald waters, creating a truly magical seascape.

Upon arrival, board your cruise ship and settle into your cabin before enjoying a freshly prepared lunch featuring local seafood specialties — a highlight of the onboard experience. Your cruise then continues into the quieter Bai Tu Long Bay, where you can stop for a refreshing swim or explore a mysterious limestone cave. Spend the afternoon relaxing on a secluded beach or discovering the bay’s hidden corners in a kayak, taking in the serene beauty of one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes before returning to your ship for the evening.

Early risers can enjoy the sunrise and the quiet, breathtaking beauty of Ha Long’s seascapes. Breakfast will be served around 8 am, followed by a short rowboat ride with locals around the bay. Later on, you can take one more swim and then return to the boat for lunch as you cruise back to the harbor. There, you’ll catch a shuttle back to Hanoi.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you’ll transfer to the airport and catch a 1.5-hour flight south to Da Nang. A driver will then meet you at the airport for a one-hour drive down to Hoi An. Sitting on the Thu Bon River, this historic city was a major trading port with the West from the 15th-19th centuries, attracting merchants from around the globe. Its international legacy is represented in the assortment of architectural styles in Hoi An’s Ancient Town. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your hotel and have the rest of the day to explore on your own.

Spend the day exploring Hoi An at your own pace. Begin with a self-guided walking tour through the charming Ancient Town, wandering along lantern-lit streets, browsing local handicrafts, and visiting bustling markets. Don’t miss iconic landmarks like the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation, a beautifully preserved testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage.

If you’d like a change of scenery, venture into the surrounding countryside to visit an organic farm, where you can see traditional farming techniques that locals have used for generations. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the rhythms of rural life and gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s culture and cuisine.

After breakfast, transfer to Da Nang Airport for your early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Once you’ve checked in to your hotel, embark on an exciting guided Vespa tour of the city. Cruise through the bustling streets of the Chinese district, discovering hidden Buddhist pagodas and stopping at a vibrant flower market to soak in the local sights and scents.

Along the way, admire the city’s 19th-century French colonial architecture, including the iconic Saigon Cathedral and the historic Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame. Continue with a stop at Reunification Palace, the former presidential residence, where you’ll get a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s modern history and the pivotal events leading up to the fall of Saigon in 1975.

Take a day at your own pace to discover the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City. With no set schedule, you can wander through bustling markets, enjoy a coffee at a sidewalk café, or explore hidden streets off the beaten path. History enthusiasts might visit the War Remnants Museum or the Jade Emperor Pagoda, while food lovers can sample local street food like banh xeo (crispy pancakes) or pho at a popular market stall.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, spend the afternoon strolling along Dong Khoi Street, taking in French colonial architecture, boutique shops, and art galleries. As the sun sets, consider stopping by a rooftop bar to enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline while sipping a refreshing cocktail. A free day in Ho Chi Minh City gives you the flexibility to craft your own adventure, whether you want culture, cuisine, shopping, or just soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

In the morning, enjoy a bit more of Ho Chi Minh City and do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Then, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!