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13-Day Vietnam City, Cruise and Culture

Customisable Itinerary
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Trip Overview

Combine the most beautiful elements of Vietnam on this 13-day tour from north to south!

Beginning in Hanoi, you'll explore the city, its ancient buildings and its surrounding ceramic villages before heading to Halong Bay to enjoy the beautiful karst scenery on a two-day cruise.

Moving on, you'll head south to Hue, where you'll embark on a leisurely bicycle ride around Kim Long village to immerse yourself in the local culture. A trip down the Hai Van Pass will bring you to Hoi An, the beautiful yellow ancient town.

Next up, you'll fly to the southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as it's also known, to explore its many landmarks and take a trip to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels that were used during the Vietnam War.

Your last few days of this jam-packed trip will be spent soaking up the sun in Ho Tram fishing village where seafood restaurants, sandy beaches and beautiful waters galore await!
Culture & Arts
Sightseeing
Cruising

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Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Hanoi!

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Welcome to Hanoi!

Your guide and driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. With a millennium-long history, Hanoi is a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks dotted with French-style buildings and historical monuments. The city centre is an architectural museum piece, retaining the air of a quaint and peaceful provincial town, contrary to the fast-paced atmosphere of Saigon.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Anise3 star

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Gia Lam Airport to Hanoi

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Hanoi

Day 2

Bat Trang Ceramic Village & Tour of Hanoi

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Bat Trang Ceramic Village & Tour of Hanoi

Escorted by a local potter guide, you will thrill to the sights and sounds of the kilns, explore pottery techniques handed down from generation to generation and become familiar with the potters’ daily life in Bat Trang. You can also try glazing some small pottery pieces which will be delivered to you within 48 hours. In the afternoon, you will go on a cultural tour of Hanoi visiting the Temple of Literature, Hỏa Lò Prison, Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Old Quarter and finish with a water puppet show.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Anise3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Bat Trang Ceramic Village

    Temple of Literature

    Hoa Lo Prison

    Tran Quoc Pagoda

    Hanoi Old Quarter

    Water Puppet Show

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Hanoi

Day 3

Duong Lam Village & Tay Phuong Pagoda

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Duong Lam Village & Tay Phuong Pagoda

This excursion takes you to Mong Phu village in Duong Lam - graced by ancient houses made of red laterite and rammed soil - and Tay Phuong Pagoda, famous for its 79 wooden lacquer statues with the idyllic surroundings of quaint old villages in the Red River Delta. For full enjoyment, you should try to schedule this tour to coincide with the monthly full-moon rites at the pagoda where devout pilgrims gather for prayer. You'll arrive back in Hanoi in the late afternoon.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Anise3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Duong Lam Ancient Village

    Tây Phương Pagoda

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Hanoi

    Sơn Tây

Day 4

Travel to Halong Bay & Begin Two-Day Cruise

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Travel to Halong Bay & Begin Two-Day Cruise

Today, you will transfer to Halong Bay where a wonderful two-day, one-night cruise awaits you. Halong Bay is a picturesque bay with almost 2,000 islets rising from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. You'll check-in and begin your two-day cruise in the tranquillity of Halong Bay. You'll enjoy the scenery as you cruise from destination to destination enjoying wonderful meals onboard.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Halong Phoenix Cruiser4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Halong Bay Cruise

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hanoi to Hạ Long Bay

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Hanoi

    Quảng Ninh Province

Day 5

Halong Bay Cruising, Travel Back to Hanoi & Fly to Dong Hoi

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Halong Bay Cruising, Travel Back to Hanoi & Fly to Dong Hoi

You can enjoy the morning view of the beautiful landscape with a cup of coffee or tea and have breakfast in the fresh air. You will visit the impressive Cave of Halong Bay – Surprising Cave (Sửng Sốt) with your tour guide, a truly awesome and amazing cave to experience. You'll then check out of your cabin and settle your bill as the boat begins cruising back to the harbour. Back on land, you'll jump in the car and make your way to the airport for your flight to Dong Hoi where you'll overnight.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Cherish Hotel4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Halong Phoenix Cruise Day Two

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hạ Long Bay to Gia Lam Airport

    Plane from Hanoi to Sân Bay Đồng Hới

    Private Driver from Sân Bay Đồng Hới to Chày Lập Farmstay

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Quảng Ninh Province

    Thua Thien Hue

Day 6

Explore Hue Like a Local

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Explore Hue Like a Local

Embark on a leisurely bicycle ride around Kim Long village to immerse yourself into the so-called “Garden City.” Travel to an ancient Garden House of a three-generation family who will not only share their lifestyle with you, they will also invite you to cook and enjoy an authentic meal. Indulge yourself with a relaxing herbal foot bath before returning to Hue by boat. In the afternoon, you will embark on a tour visiting the Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Cherish Hotel4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Mandarins and Family Life - Morning Cycling Tour of Hue

    Hue Imperial City

    Thien Mu Pagoda

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Thua Thien Hue

Day 7

Travel from Hue to Hoi An on the Hai Van Pass & Afternoon Tour of Hoi An

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Travel from Hue to Hoi An on the Hai Van Pass & Afternoon Tour of Hoi An

Today, you'll travel to Da Nang and Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass. The Hai Van Pass is located along the Hai Van mountain side, between Thua Thien-Hue and Da Nang city. It is the highest and the most beautiful pass in Vietnam (about 500 metres above sea level) with stunning views. Upon arrival in Hoi An, you'll embark on an afternoon tour of the city visiting the must-see landmarks and learning about this pretty ancient town.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Kiman Hoi An Hotel & Spa3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Afternoon Walking Tour of Hoi An

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Cherish hotel to Da Nang

    Private Driver from Da Nang to Hội An

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Thua Thien Hue

    Hội An

    Quang Nam Province

Day 8

Fly from Da Nang to Saigon & Afternoon City Tour

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Fly from Da Nang to Saigon & Afternoon City Tour

In the morning, you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Saigon. Once you arrive in Saigon, you'll enjoy a tour through the busiest city of Vietnam. You will learn its history and culture with stops at the War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral (from outside). Then, you'll visit the Vinh Nghiem Pagoda and Ben Thanh Market. You'll finish the day at a well-known lacquerware workshop to gain knowledge of an art form passed down many generations. Then, you'll transfer to the hotel.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sanouva Hotel3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    War Remnants Museum

    Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

    Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda

    Ben Thanh Market

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from KIMAN HOTEL - Hoian Hotel Khách sạn tại Hội an to Da Nang Airport

    Plane from Da Nang Airport to Tan Son Nhat Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Quang Nam Province

    Ho Chi Minh

Day 9

Temple of Tay Ninh & Cu Chi Tunnels

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Temple of Tay Ninh & Cu Chi Tunnels

This morning, you'll transfer to Tây Ninh city where the main temple of the Cao Dai religious community is located. You'll arrive in time for the prayer ceremony, which takes place every day. After the ceremony, you'll proceed to Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels. They were used by Vietcong soldiers as hiding spots during combat with the American forces, as well as hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sanouva Hotel3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tây Ninh Holy See (Cao Đài Temple)

    Cu Chi Tunnels

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Sanouva Saigon Hotel to Tây Ninh

    Private Driver from Cu Chi Tunnel to Ho Chi Minh City

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ho Chi Minh

    Tây Ninh Province

Day 10

Local Life in Ben Tre

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Local Life in Ben Tre

Today, you'll head to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta and take a bike or motor cart to Mr Sau Khanh’s house – a passionate local who has collected a lot of ancient ceramics. You'll continue your insight into local life with a ride through villages by cart or bike. You'll then board a boat to explore canals and stop at a riverside coconut processing family-run workshop. You'll continue boating to the last stop, a brick factory where old kiln techniques are still used, before returning to Saigon.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sanouva Hotel3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Ben Tre Mekong Delta Tour

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Ho Chi Minh City to Bến Tre

    Private Driver from Bến Tre to Ho Chi Minh City

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ho Chi Minh

    Bến Tre

Day 11

Travel to Ho Tram & Free Time

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Travel to Ho Tram & Free Time

Today, you will be transferred to Ho Tram. Found in the Vung Tau Province, a popular beach escape for those living in South Vietnam, Ho Tram boasts ten kilometres of uninterrupted waters, sandy beaches and palm trees. Complete with expansive views, beautiful thatched seafood restaurants and beach activities, Ho Tram is the perfect beach escape. You'll have the rest of the day free to spend as you wish here.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Ho Tram Beach Boutique Resort3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time in Ho Tram

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Sanouva Saigon Hotel to Hồ Tràm

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ho Chi Minh

    Hồ Tràm

    Ba Ria - Vung Tau

Day 12

Another Free Day in Ho Tram

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Another Free Day in Ho Tram

Today, you'll have yet another day free to spend as you wish in Ho Tram. With its abundance of beautiful waters and sandy beaches, you may want to spend the day relaxing under a swaying palm tree. If you're looking to explore, you can head out to the mud baths or find the perfect seafood restaurant to enjoy a lunch of locally caught seafood!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Ho Tram Beach Boutique Resort3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time in Ho Tram

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ba Ria - Vung Tau

    Hồ Tràm

Day 13

Transfer to Saigon for Departure

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Transfer to Saigon for Departure

This morning, after breakfast, you'll transfer to Saigon for your onward flight.

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Ho Tram Beach Boutique Resort to Tan Son Nhat Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ba Ria - Vung Tau

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What’s included?

  • 12 nights accommodation
  • 20 activities
  • 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 1 dinner
  • Airport transfer
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

What’s not included?

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits