Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our friendly guide will be waiting at the baggage claim area with a sign displaying the distinctive Vietnam Marvel Travel and your name. Your comfort and seamless experience are our top priorities. Once you’ve collected your luggage, we’ll escort you to your hotel while providing an engaging introduction to the city during the journey. The remainder of your first day is yours to settle in, relax, and begin discovering Hanoi at your own pace.

Home to seven million residents, Hanoi stands as Vietnam’s captivating capital—a city that masterfully blends ancient traditions with modern sophistication. The cityscape features elegant French colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards, tranquil lakes, and the bustling Old Quarter. Here, you’ll witness the timeless rhythm of daily life: locals practicing Tai Chi beside peaceful lakes, animated street barbers at work, and vendors serving aromatic street food from every corner.

Discover Hanoi: A Journey Through Vietnam’s Captivating Capital

Hanoi is an irresistible destination with its picturesque pagodas, ancient temples, enchanting French colonial quarter, and rich cultural institutions. Just as rewarding, however, is wandering down its winding lanes and discovering your own favorite hidden corners. Hanoi’s labyrinthine streets are full of surprises—from quiet cafés to vibrant local markets overflowing with fresh fruit. Exploring these hidden gems provides visitors with a deeper, more meaningful connection to the city and creates truly memorable experiences.

Your Hanoi Adventure Begins

After a satisfying breakfast at your hotel, our local tour guide will pick you up to embark on an exploration of Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital city. This historically rich metropolis offers captivating cultural and historical sites that tell the story of Vietnam’s remarkable journey.

Morning: Ho Chi Minh Complex & Sacred Sites

Your itinerary begins with a visit to the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” rests. You’ll explore his modest House on Stilts to observe how he lived and learn about his remarkable life as one of modern history’s most influential figures.

Your tour guide will then take you to experience the delicate beauty of the One Pillar Pagoda and Tran Quoc Temple. These sacred places of worship serve as spiritual and cultural symbols of Hanoi. The One Pillar Pagoda, dating back to 1049, brims with spiritual significance and architectural wonder. Meanwhile, Tran Quoc Temple, with its unique structural features and deep historical traditions, provides a profound cultural experience that deepens your understanding of Hanoi’s rich heritage.

Afternoon: Ancient Learning & Sobering History

After lunch, continue your journey with a visit to the millennia-old Temple of Literature. This ancient Confucian temple once served as Vietnam’s first university and played a crucial role in the country’s educational development, providing learning to Vietnamese scholars for generations.

Next, you’ll visit Hoa Lo Prison, a somber historical site that once housed political prisoners under French colonial rule and later served as a detention facility for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam conflict. Walking through the site, you’ll encounter exhibits and artifacts that tell the poignant stories of the prisoners’ experiences.

Evening: Old Quarter Immersion

To cap off your day, enjoy a one-hour cycling tour through the bustling and lively Old Quarter, immersing yourself in the vibrant marketplace atmosphere. Sample delicious local dishes like Nom Du Du (green papaya salad) and Banh Mi Pa Te (a sandwich that perfectly reflects Vietnam’s diverse culinary heritage).

Halong Bay Cruise Experience

Your journey begins in Hanoi, where we’ll pick you up for a scenic drive through the verdant landscapes of the Red River Delta to our destination: the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage sites of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Here, you’ll embark on a luxurious overnight cruise through this enchanting seascape.

As you relax on board, you’ll be captivated by breathtaking limestone karsts that majestically emerge from azure waters, surrounded by thousands of jungle-clad islands seemingly suspended on gentle waves. The turquoise waters of the Gulf of Tonkin conceal hidden grottoes and ancient caves, creating a timeless and mesmerizing world.

Savor a delicious seafood lunch while taking in breathtaking views, accompanied by refreshing drinks. Next, we’ll visit a charming fishing village where locals have ingeniously transformed their boats into a floating community. Meet local fishermen, explore a stunning lagoon by kayak or rowboat, and unwind on deck as the sun sets over this magical landscape.

Your delightful overnight stay aboard the cruise completes this unforgettable experience!

Kickstart your day with Tai Chi on the top deck or savor the sunrise over the bay. Sip morning coffee or tea before setting out to explore nearby islands via rowboat.

Upon returning to the junk, witness a fruit carving demonstration and participate in a cooking class, learning to create traditional Vietnamese cuisine from scratch. Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch on board as you cruise back to Halong City. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting at the dock to take you to Noi Bai Airport for your short flight to Hue.

Upon arrival in Hue, your tour guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel. Hue is one of Central Vietnam’s most charming towns, with a long and illustrious history as a former royal capital of the country.

Hue is one of Central Vietnam’s most charming towns, boasting a long and illustrious history as one of the country’s main royal capitals.

Today’s exploration will take you through the royal city of Hue, which once served as the imperial capital to the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty that reigned from the 17th to the 19th century. This historic city overflows with cultural treasures that reflect its royal past. As you travel throughout the city, you’ll have the chance to explore splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas, and the remains of the citadel. Despite the passage of time, Hue retains its royal charm.

After breakfast, a private guide accompanied by a driver will pick you up to start an exciting day of exploration. Your adventure begins with a visit to the atmospheric Imperial Citadel, a vast complex containing the remains of the former Imperial Palace and Forbidden Purple City, where the emperor and his family once lived. The historic site is surrounded by landscaped gardens, adding to its beauty. During the two-hour walking tour, you’ll see the magnificent architecture and gardens. As you stroll through the ancient palace, your guide will describe the events and intrigue of the former royal court.

From the Imperial City, your guide will escort you to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s most famous religious site, with origins dating back to 1601. Here you’ll explore the pagoda’s landscaped gardens decorated with bonsai trees, flowering trees, and ponds. You’ll also be able to survey the seven-tiered octagonal tower and observe the monks as they perform their daily rituals and chants.

Hue is famous for its royal cuisine, which combines delicious flavors with elegant presentation. The Nguyen emperors’ banquets were legendary, with some feasts rumored to have included 300 rare dishes served in more than a thousand different bowls. Today your guide will take you to the fine-dining Ancient Hue restaurant, where you’ll be treated to your own royal lunch. This traditional-style meal provides a boutique and unique experience that recreates the sophistication of imperial dining.

After lunch, you’ll explore the tomb of the longest-reigning Emperor Tu Duc. Located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds, the tomb is a masterpiece inspired by Chinese Confucianism. The harmonious design of balance and symmetry creates a peaceful and restful environment for the emperor’s resting place.

Continue your journey through Hue with a visit to the tomb of King Khai Dinh. This remarkable structure was designed in traditional Vietnamese style with a European touch, making it unique among the other tombs in Hue.

Following your immersive day exploring Hue’s cultural treasures, the evening is yours to enjoy. You may choose to unwind with a quiet evening or venture out to explore the city’s nightlife—Hue’s atmosphere promises a memorable night for all.

Journey to Hoi An

After breakfast and hotel check-out, meet your private guide and driver for a scenic three-hour drive to Hoi An via the stunning Hai Van Pass. Known as the “Cloudy Pass,” this dramatic mountain road winds through breathtaking landscapes, offering panoramic views of lush countryside, golden sandy beaches, the azure waters of the South China Sea, and the vibrant coastal city of Da Nang.

En Route Discoveries

Your journey includes a fascinating stop in Da Nang to explore two cultural treasures:

• Marble Mountain: Discover beautiful sacred caves and Buddhist sanctuaries carved into limestone cliffs
• Museum of Cham Sculpture: Admire an extraordinary collection of artifacts spanning over 1,300 years, dating back to the seventh century

Arrival in Hoi An

Upon reaching Hoi An, you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely afternoon unwinding on the pristine shores of Cua Dai Beach.

About Hoi An

From the 16th to 19th centuries, Hoi An flourished as one of Southeast Asia’s most important trading ports, welcoming merchants from China, Japan, India, Indonesia, and Europe. This rich commercial heritage created the unique cultural fusion that defines the city today.

The UNESCO World Heritage Old Quarter serves as a living museum, where ornate pagodas, antique trading houses, and historic tile-roofed shops have been lovingly preserved and transformed into charming art galleries, boutique restaurants, atmospheric bars, and cozy cafes.

Hoi An’s distinctive architecture beautifully blends Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and European influences, creating an enchanting cultural tapestry. Beyond the historic quarter, the surrounding countryside offers glimpses of traditional farming and fishing communities, while nearby sandy beaches feature modern seaside resorts for those seeking relaxation by the sea.

Hoi An Cultural & Culinary Discovery

Begin your day with a guided morning tour of a bustling local market in Hoi An, where you’ll source a variety of fresh ingredients for your hands-on cooking class later in the day. Accompanied by your guide and driver, you’ll weave through vibrant market aisles alive with the sights, sounds, and aromas of daily Vietnamese life. Interact with friendly local vendors as you handpick herbs, spices, and produce for your upcoming culinary adventure. While the market’s energy can feel overwhelming to some, it’s a favorite spot for those seeking authentic ingredients at the best prices—and the sheer variety ensures you’ll find everything you need.

After your market experience, journey to Cam Thanh Village, pausing at the tranquil Bay Mau Water Palm Forest. Take a scenic riverside walk through this charming fishing community before boarding a traditional coracle bamboo boat for a gentle cruise along palm-lined canals with local fishermen—an authentic glimpse into life on the waterways.

Next, make your way to the serene Tra Que Herb and Vegetable Village, where a local farming family welcomes you. Don traditional farming attire and try your hand at organic gardening with age-old tools, gaining insight into local agricultural methods. Then, step into a village kitchen for an engaging cooking class. Learn how to prepare beloved Vietnamese dishes using the fresh ingredients you selected earlier. After enjoying your self-made lunch, unwind with a herbal foot soak and traditional foot massage, a soothing reward after your active morning.

In the afternoon, continue your journey with a guided tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its beautifully preserved architecture and timeless atmosphere. Stroll through lantern-lined streets and visit historic highlights including the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Sino-Vietnamese merchant house, a Chinese Assembly Hall, Hoi An Central Market, and the Hoi An Culture Museum.

Conclude this enriching day of cultural immersion, culinary exploration, and historical discovery with a relaxing return to your hotel.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, our team will greet you and provide a smooth transfer to your hotel, where you can settle in and prepare to experience the vibrant energy of Saigon.

Ho Chi Minh City, known as the city that never sleeps, bursts with life and offers an incredible range of dining and entertainment options. From flavorful street food stalls tucked along bustling alleys to upscale rooftop bars like the iconic Rex Hotel—once a hub for international war correspondents—you’ll find something to suit every taste and mood.

Whether you’re craving authentic Vietnamese cuisine, craft cocktails, or live music, the city caters to every traveler’s preference. Feel free to ask your guide for insider tips and personalized recommendations to help you make the most of your evening in Saigon.

Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh City Landmarks

After breakfast, your private guide will meet you for a scenic drive to Cu Chi, a quiet rural district located about 60 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Cu Chi is world-renowned for its extraordinary network of underground tunnels, a strategic base for the Viet Cong during the later years of the Vietnam War.

Upon arrival, you’ll watch a short documentary that sets the historical context of the tunnels. Then, prepare to explore this incredible underground world—one of the most iconic battlegrounds of the war. The Cu Chi Tunnels stretch for hundreds of kilometers and include living quarters, storage areas, field hospitals, command centers, and hidden entrances. While some sections have been preserved in their original narrow form, others have been widened to allow visitors a deeper look into the ingenuity and endurance of the Vietnamese fighters. You’ll have the opportunity to venture through a portion of this remarkable labyrinth for a firsthand experience.

After your exploration, return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant featuring authentic Southern Vietnamese cuisine.

In the afternoon, continue your journey with a guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks. Start with the Reunification Palace, a key historical site marking the fall of Saigon in 1975, now a museum and reception hall that preserves its original 1970s interiors.

Next, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the beautifully preserved Central Post Office, both fine examples of French colonial architecture. Then, gain deeper insights into the country’s turbulent past at the War Remnants Museum, which presents a powerful narrative of Vietnam’s struggle for independence through photographs, wartime relics, and personal stories. The museum also offers a Vietnamese perspective on the war, making it a thought-provoking and moving stop.

Conclude your day at the vibrant Ben Thanh Market, one of the oldest and most iconic symbols of Saigon. The market buzzes with energy—where the scent of sizzling street food mingles with the chatter of bargaining locals. Here, you’ll find everything from souvenirs and handicrafts to spices and fashion. Enjoy free time to browse, shop, or simply take in the sensory spectacle at your own pace before being transferred back to your hotel.

Ben Tre is one of the most captivating areas of the Mekong Delta. This region offers the feeling of being transported to a serene backwater, allowing tourists to explore a glimpse into untouched natural landscapes. Here you can experience the daily lives of the locals, discover beautiful canals, and traditional activities

After breakfast, your private guide and driver will pick you up in Ho Chi Minh City in a private vehicle where your journey will begin. You will travel onto winding, beautiful country roads to Ben Tre Town in the Mekong Delta. This area is renowned for its vast rice fields, numerous waterways, and breathtaking landscapes. Known to locals as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, this region produces the majority of Vietnam’s fruit, rice, sugar cane, and coconuts.

After a scenic t two-hour drive through the lush farming land, you will arrive in Ben Tre. From here you will set out on a motorized boat trip through narrow channels winding through the coconut forest. As you navigate through these waterways, you will stop at local cottage industries along the way to observe how the local people make bricks and weave sleeping mats by hand. You will have the opportunity to hear from locals and learn about their intricate processes that are handed down through generations.

Take a leisure walk along the village lanes, where you will visit the local homes to try fresh fruits, taste delicious honey tea while enjoying a local Tai Tu music show. Continue your visit with to another workshop where the local delicacy of coconut candy is produced, and a wide range of coconut husk and fiber products are skillfully handcrafted. This visit provides you with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the resourcefulness of the locals of this region.

Your journey continues with a serene sampan gliding through palm-fringed back canals, gliding peacefully along the hidden waterways surrounded by an immense variety of tropical plants. The quiet, rural setting is a welcome and restorative retreat to the frenetic buzz of HCM City which seems far, far away. Navigating these quiet canals is sure to have you immersed in the beauty of the lush greenery.

Enjoy a ride on a Motor Cart (xe lôi) as you pass through local hamlets, rice fields, coconut groves, and lush orchard farms where you will have the chance to meet and chat with locals.

After concluding your day of sightseeing your guide will take you to a riverside restaurant for lunch with local specialties. Once you have finished you will return to the pier and drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.

In the evening you can explore the night market to discover the authentic local cuisine. You will spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City providing you with the chance to reflect on your experiences at the Mekong Delt

Departure Day – Farewell Vietnam

Enjoy a leisurely morning at your own pace, soaking in the final moments of Vietnam’s vibrant charm. When it’s time, your private car will arrive to transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.

This marks the conclusion of your Flavor of Vietnam journey with Asia Tour Advisor. We sincerely thank you for allowing us to be part of your unforgettable adventure through this beautiful country. Farewell for now—we hope to welcome you back again soon.

If you’re inspired to explore more, we invite you to discover our full range of Vietnam tours, thoughtfully designed to match a variety of interests and travel styles.

Note: If this itinerary didn’t fully match your vision, Vietnam Marvel Travel is happy to create a customized trip tailored specifically to your preferences.