Vietnam 12-Day Tour – Cultural & Adventure Itinerary

Overnight in Hanoi
Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your private driver at the arrival gate. From there, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel located in the heart of Hanoi. After check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to relax and recover from your journey or explore the city at your own pace.

Optional suggestion: If your arrival is early, we recommend a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake or a visit to the Old Quarter for your first taste of Hanoi’s charm.

• Meal: Not included

• Accommodation: 4-star or 5-star hotel in Hanoi (based on your package)

Overnight in Hanoi

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will meet you in the lobby between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM to begin a full-day cultural exploration of Vietnam’s vibrant capital city.

🏯 Highlights of the Day:

• 08:30 AM – Tran Quoc Pagoda
  Visit the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century. Nestled by the serene West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is a symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism and architecture.

• 09:00 AM – Ho Chi Minh Complex
  Explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (viewing Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body – subject to availability), then stroll through the peaceful gardens to see the traditional stilt house and Presidential Palace where he lived and worked.
  End the visit at the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 and known for its unique lotus-inspired structure, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.

• 11:00 AM – Museum Visit (choose one, depending on day of the week)

  • Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays): Learn about the daily life, traditions, and artifacts of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.

  • Vietnamese Women’s Museum (alternative option): Discover the important roles of women in Vietnamese history, culture, and war.

• 12:30 PM – Lunch
  Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, featuring a set menu with 8 authentic dishes showcasing the flavors of northern Vietnam.

• 1:30 PM – Temple of Literature
  Visit Vietnam’s first national university, founded in the 11th century. This peaceful compound reflects traditional Vietnamese architecture and Confucian values.

• 3:45 PM – Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
  Explore the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and cross the iconic red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao, a revered military leader from the 13th century.

• 4:15 PM – Return to Hotel
  The tour concludes, and you’ll be transferred back to your hotel to relax or enjoy the evening at your leisure.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Accommodation: 4-star or 5-star hotel in Hanoi (based on your package)

Overnight in Ninh Binh
After breakfast, prepare for a full-day adventure to Ninh Binh, often referred to as the “Halong Bay on land” for its dramatic karst landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

🚌 Morning Departure:

• 07:00 – 07:30 – Our tour guide will meet you at your hotel. Begin a comfortable 110 km journey to Ninh Binh in a modern, air-conditioned bus, passing through the scenic countryside of northern Vietnam. A short rest stop will be made along the way.

🏯 Hoa Lu Ancient Capital:

• 10:45 – Arrive at Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital in the 10th century. Visit the ancient temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, set against a dramatic mountain backdrop. Learn about the dynasties that shaped early Vietnamese history.

🍽️ Vietnamese Lunch:

• 12:00 – Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, featuring Ninh Binh’s famous goat meat dishes and other regional specialties.

🚣‍♂️ Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex (UNESCO Site):

• 13:30 – Head to Trang An Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its mystical landscape of towering limestone peaks, lush valleys, and crystal-clear rivers.
  Board a traditional sampan boat, gently rowed by a local, and drift through a series of caves including Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Dai Cave, and Thanh Truot Cave. Along the way, pass ancient temples such as Cao Sơn Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, and Vu Lam Temple surrounded by untouched nature.

🏞️ Mua Cave & Ngoa Long Mountain:

• 15:30 – Arrive at Mua Cave, and begin an exhilarating trek up nearly 500 stone steps to the peak of Ngoa Long Mountain. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view over Tam Coc’s rice fields and limestone mountains—a perfect photo opportunity.

🌿 Evening Relaxation:

After the trek, transfer to a local bungalow accommodation in Ninh Binh. The rest of the evening is free to relax. Enjoy a home-style dinner with your host, experiencing warm Vietnamese hospitality.

Overnight on Cruise

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before departing Ninh Binh for the iconic Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands.

🚍 Morning Transfer & Embarkation:

You will be transferred by comfortable vehicle from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay (approximate travel time: 4 hours). Upon arrival at the harbor, board your traditional wooden junk for an unforgettable cruise through the bay’s spectacular seascape.

🚤 Cruise Highlights:

As the junk sails gently through limestone karsts, caves, and grottoes, enjoy panoramic views of the breathtaking natural formations and floating fishing villages.
Relish a delicious seafood lunch on board, featuring freshly caught specialties prepared by the cruise chef.

🌊 Afternoon Activities:

Weather permitting, the cruise will anchor for optional activities including:

• Exploring mysterious caves and grottoes

• Swimming in the calm bay waters

• Kayaking through quiet lagoons and hidden caves

🎣 Evening Entertainment:

In the evening, relax on deck and try your hand at night squid fishing (weather permitting), a fun and unique local pastime.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Accommodation: Comfortable cabin on board the cruise

Overnight in Danang

🌅 Morning Cruise & Brunch:

Begin your day with a leisurely morning cruise around Halong Bay, soaking in the stunning limestone karsts and tranquil waters as the sun rises. Before disembarking, enjoy a delicious brunch on board featuring fresh local specialties.

🚌 Transfer to Hanoi:

Around 11:30 – 12:00 PM, you will be picked up and transferred back to Halong pier. From there, continue your comfortable journey back to Hanoi by private vehicle.

✈️ Flight to Danang:

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be transferred to Noi Bai International Airport to catch your domestic flight to Danang. The flight typically takes about 1.5 hours.

🚗 Arrival in Danang & Transfer to Hotel:

Once you land in Danang, your guide and driver will warmly welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore this vibrant coastal city.

• Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

• Accommodation: 4-star or 5-star hotel in Danang (based on your package)

Overnight in Hoi An

🌅 Morning at Leisure in Danang:

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel before spending the morning at Danang’s beautiful beach, famous for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. This is the perfect opportunity for swimming, sunbathing, or trying out exciting water sports in a peaceful coastal setting.

🕛 Midday Check-out:

At 12:00 PM, check out from your Danang hotel and prepare for your afternoon cultural tour.

🏞️ Afternoon Tour – Marble Mountains & Hoi An:

Your tour guide will meet you at the hotel between 3:30 PM and 3:50 PM to begin your exploration of the region’s highlights.

• Five Marble Mountains:
  Visit this cluster of five limestone and marble hills, each named after the five elements (metal, water, fire, wood, and earth). Explore the caves, pagodas, and panoramic viewpoints that offer stunning vistas over Danang and the coastline.

• Hoi An Ancient Town:
  Continue to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant history.
  Take a leisurely walking tour through the narrow, lantern-lit streets of the Ancient Quarter. Visit iconic landmarks such as:

  • Chua Ong Pagoda – a historic temple dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess

  • Chinese Assembly Halls – beautifully ornate communal houses built by early Chinese settlers

  • Tam Ky Ancient House – a 200-year-old traditional merchant’s home showcasing local heritage

  • Japanese Covered Bridge – a charming 18th-century bridge symbolizing Hoi An

Afterward, enjoy some free time to wander the quaint streets, shop for souvenirs, or relax by the nearby beach.

🍽️ Dinner & Overnight:

Savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in Hoi An featuring traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Afterward, transfer to your hotel in Hoi An for an overnight stay.

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An (4-star or 5-star depending on your package)

Overnight in Hoi An

🌅 Early Breakfast & Departure:

Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel between 6:45 AM and 7:15 AM. At 7:30 AM, your guide and driver will pick you up to begin your exciting day trip to Ba Na Hills, a spectacular mountain resort located about 30 km from Hoi An.

🚡 Cable Car & Scenic Exploration:

Take the award-winning Ba Na Hills cable car, recognized by the Guinness World Records for its length and height, offering breathtaking panoramic views of lush mountains and forests as you ascend.

• By Night Station:
  Your first stop will be at By Night station, where you’ll visit Vong Nguyet Hills, the serene Linh Ung Pagoda, and the charming Old French Villas, showcasing colonial architecture amid beautiful landscapes.

• Nui Chua Mountain (Top of Ba Na Range):
  Continue your ascent to the summit of the Ba Na Hills, visiting key highlights including:

  • Nginh Phong Peak, known for its sweeping views

  • Le Nim Villas – French-inspired villas nestled in lush gardens

  • Orchid Garden, home to vibrant and exotic orchids

  • Le Jardin d’Amour, a romantic flower garden with themed sections

Experience the hill climbing train, Vietnam’s first and only funicular railway, for a unique ride up the mountainside. Visit the Debay Ancient Wine Cellar (entrance fee not included), a historic French wine cellar dating back over a century.

🌉 Golden Bridge:

Don’t miss the highlight of Ba Na Hills—the iconic Golden Bridge, a stunning pedestrian bridge supported by giant stone hands that seem to lift it into the sky. It’s a perfect photo opportunity and a must-see attraction.

🍽️ Buffet Lunch:

Enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch at one of the mountain’s restaurants, featuring a wide selection of local and international dishes.

🎢 Afternoon Fun at Fantasy Park:

Spend your afternoon at Fantasy Park, Vietnam’s third-largest indoor amusement park, featuring an exciting array of games and attractions:

• 4D & 5D cinemas

• Go-kart racing

• Virtual reality experiences like The Death Race

• Dinosaur-themed zones and more
  Spend around 2 hours enjoying the rides and entertainment.

🚗 Return to Hoi An:

At 3:30 PM, transfer back to your hotel in Hoi An. The rest of the evening is free for leisure or exploring the town at your own pace.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An (4-star or 5-star based on your package)

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

🌅 Morning at Leisure:

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Hoi An. Spend the morning at your own pace—whether that’s relaxing by the pool, shopping for souvenirs in the Ancient Town, or taking a final stroll along the river.

🚗 Transfer to Danang Airport:

When it’s time, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Danang International Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

✈️ Flight to Ho Chi Minh City:

Board your domestic flight to Vietnam’s bustling southern metropolis. Flight duration is approximately 1.5 hours.

🏙️ Arrival & Transfer:

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center.

🌇 Free Time in Ho Chi Minh City:

The rest of the day is free for you to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your leisure. You might want to visit nearby attractions, enjoy a coffee at a local café, or simply rest and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

• Meals: Breakfast

• Accommodation: 4-star or 5-star hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (based on your package)

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

🕗 Morning Historical City Tour:

At 8:00 AM, begin your day with a fascinating tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic landmarks.

• Independence Palace (Reunification Palace):
  Visit the historic palace, famously known as the site where the Vietnam War ended in 1975. Designed by renowned architect Ngo Viet Thu, this landmark stands on the site of the former Norodom Palace and offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s modern history.

• Notre Dame Cathedral:
  Admire the striking French Colonial architecture of this red brick cathedral, a symbol of the city’s colonial past.

• Central Post Office:
  Step inside the beautifully preserved Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, featuring stunning interiors and historic maps.

• War Remnants Museum:
  Explore this poignant museum that displays extensive exhibits related to the Indochina Wars, offering a sobering insight into the country’s turbulent past.

🍽️ Lunch Break:

At 12:00 PM, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Vietnamese flavors.

🚗 Afternoon Visit to Cu Chi Tunnels:

After lunch, travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 70 km northwest of the city. This vast underground network was used by Vietnamese guerrillas during the war.

• Watch an informative documentary that explains the tunnels’ historical significance.

• See the ingenious self-made weapons and bamboo traps used by the Viet Cong.

• Learn how the guerrillas lived, fought, and survived in these narrow tunnels under extreme conditions.

• Experience crawling through a safe section of the tunnels (optional).

• Discover traditional local crafts, including rice paper making and rice wine production.

• For those interested, try firing an AK-47 at the shooting range (fee approximately 600,000 VND per bullet).

• Sample steamed cassava, a local specialty.

🕕 Return to Ho Chi Minh City:

At around 6:00 PM, leave Cu Chi and transfer back to your hotel in the city center. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (4-star or 5-star based on your package)

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

🚍 Morning Departure & Scenic Drive:

Depart early from Ho Chi Minh City towards Cai Be, traveling through the lush, flat rice fields that define the fertile Mekong Delta region. Stop briefly in Tan An town for photos and to soak in the peaceful rural landscape.

🚤 Cai Be Floating Market & Village Exploration:

Arriving in Cai Be, embark on a motorized boat tour to experience the vibrant Cai Be Floating Market, where locals trade fruits, vegetables, and various goods directly from their boats. Witness the lively barter culture that thrives on the river.

Continue cruising through narrow canals into charming rural villages. Visit fruit orchards and plantations, where seasonal fruits are grown in abundance.

🍬 Handicraft Workshops & Local Treats:

Discover traditional family-run businesses, including:

• Coconut candy mills where you can see how this local delicacy is made

• Crispy rice popcorn workshops showcasing regional specialties

🌿 Vinh Long & Binh Hoa Phuoc Village:

Cruise onward to Vinh Long, traveling through serene canals that reveal the peaceful beauty of the Upper Mekong Delta. Visit Binh Hoa Phuoc village, known as the “green pearl” of Vinh Long, where nature lovers can enjoy lush surroundings and tranquil gardens.

Here, indulge in the melodies of southern Vietnamese traditional folk music, an enchanting cultural experience. Take a leisurely walk through the bonsai garden, appreciating the meticulous art and peaceful atmosphere.

🚌 Return to Ho Chi Minh City:

After a fulfilling day of sightseeing and cultural immersion, return to Ho Chi Minh City for your overnight stay.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (4-star or 5-star based on your package)

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

🌅 Morning:

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel.

🏙️ Day at Leisure:

Today is your free day to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. Whether you want to:

• Wander through the bustling Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and local delicacies

• Visit the Saigon Opera House or enjoy a coffee at a charming café in District 1

• Explore Pham Ngu Lao Street for vibrant street life and international vibes

• Take an optional guided tour to sites like the Saigon Notre Dame Basilica or the Jade Emperor Pagoda

• Pamper yourself with a spa day or shop at upscale malls like Saigon Centre

The city offers a rich blend of culture, history, and modern entertainment — the choice is yours!

🌙 Evening:

Your evening is also free for dining at one of the city’s excellent restaurants or experiencing the nightlife.

• Meals: Breakfast

• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (4-star or 5-star based on your package)

🌅 Morning:

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel, taking in the last moments of your memorable Vietnam journey.

🕒 Leisure Time:

Spend your remaining time at leisure—whether relaxing at the hotel, doing some last-minute shopping, or taking a final stroll through nearby streets to soak up the city atmosphere.

✈️ Transfer to Airport:

At the appropriate time, your private driver will transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.

🏡 Farewell Vietnam:

As you board your flight, cherish the unforgettable memories and experiences from your Vietnam adventure. Home sweet home awaits!

• Meals: Breakfast

• Accommodation: N/A (Departure Day)