Vietnam 9-Day Itinerary: Hidden Charms & Epic Adventure

Arrival in Hanoi – Welcome to Vietnam!

As you arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, our friendly guide will be waiting to greet you at the baggage claim area. Look for a sign bearing your name and our distinctive Asia Tour Advisor logo. From the moment you land, your comfort and convenience are our top priorities.

Once you’re ready, we’ll escort you to your hotel in Hanoi. During the drive, enjoy a brief introduction to the city and its rich cultural heritage. The rest of the day is yours to relax, settle in, and start soaking up the charm of Vietnam’s capital at your own pace.

Hanoi, home to over seven million people, is a city where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Discover French colonial architecture, leafy boulevards, tranquil lakes, and the energetic rhythm of the Old Quarter. Take in scenes of daily life—from locals practicing Tai Chi by Hoan Kiem Lake to bustling sidewalk barbers and sizzling street food stalls. It’s a vibrant, authentic welcome to Vietnam.

Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay Cruise – A Journey into Natural Wonder

Your journey begins in Hanoi, where we’ll pick you up for a scenic drive through the lush countryside of the Red River Delta. Our destination is the world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage site—Halong Bay and the tranquil Lan Ha Bay.

Upon arrival, you’ll board a luxurious cruise ship for an unforgettable overnight voyage. As you settle in, prepare to be enchanted by the breathtaking landscape: dramatic limestone karsts rising majestically from emerald waters, and thousands of jungle-draped islets scattered like emeralds across the bay. Hidden grottoes and ancient caves lie tucked within the Gulf of Tonkin, creating a magical, almost otherworldly seascape.

Savor a freshly prepared seafood lunch as you soak in the panoramic views from the deck with a refreshing drink in hand. In the afternoon, we’ll visit a peaceful floating fishing village, where locals have transformed their boats into homes, creating a unique waterborne community. Engage with the friendly villagers, explore a serene lagoon by kayak or traditional rowboat, and experience the rhythms of life on the water.

As the sun begins to dip behind the karsts, relax on deck and enjoy the golden hues reflecting on the bay. Spend the night aboard your elegant cruise ship, lulled by the gentle waves under a starlit sky.

Morning Serenity in Halong Bay – Return to Hanoi

Begin your day with a revitalizing Tai Chi session on the sun deck, set against the ethereal beauty of morning mist drifting over the bay. Alternatively, savor a quiet moment as the golden sun rises over the tranquil, emerald waters.

After breakfast, choose between a visit to a secluded island with a pristine sandy beach—perfect for a refreshing swim—or take part in an engaging cooking demonstration with our onboard chef, where you’ll uncover the secrets of authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

As your cruise glides gently back toward the harbor, enjoy a leisurely brunch while taking in the final views of Halong Bay’s dramatic limestone islets and hidden caves.

Upon arrival at the port, we’ll transfer you back to Hanoi. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace—whether that means exploring more of the city or relaxing at your hotel.

Discover Hanoi: A Journey Through Culture, History, and Hidden Charms

Hanoi is an irresistible destination, known for its picturesque pagodas, ancient temples, enchanting French colonial architecture, and vibrant cultural institutions. Yet, some of the city’s most memorable experiences come from simply wandering down its maze of winding streets—where you’ll stumble upon quiet cafés, bustling local markets, and charming corners brimming with life. Exploring these hidden gems allows travelers to form a deeper, more meaningful connection with the city.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at your hotel, our local guide will meet you for a full-day exploration of Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital. Hanoi is steeped in history, and today’s journey reveals its most iconic cultural and historical landmarks.

Your first stop is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” lies in state. Then, visit his nearby House on Stilts to get a glimpse into the simple yet profound lifestyle of one of modern history’s most influential leaders.

Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, a small yet spiritually significant structure dating back to 1049. You’ll also visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temples, beautifully set beside West Lake. These sacred sites offer both architectural beauty and a deep insight into Hanoi’s spiritual traditions.

After lunch, your journey continues with a visit to the Temple of Literature—Vietnam’s first university, originally built in 1070 to honor Confucius. This peaceful sanctuary once educated the country’s elite and remains a powerful symbol of Vietnam’s respect for knowledge and learning.

Next, explore the haunting yet historically important Hoa Lo Prison, known to many as the “Hanoi Hilton.” Originally built by the French to detain Vietnamese revolutionaries, it later housed American POWs during the Vietnam War. The exhibits here shed light on the complex and poignant chapters of Vietnam’s modern history.

To conclude your day, take a one-hour cyclo tour through the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This iconic neighborhood is alive with activity—vendors selling everything from steaming street food to handcrafted souvenirs. Indulge in local favorites like Nom Du Du (green papaya salad) and Banh Mi Pa Te, a quintessential Vietnamese sandwich that blends French and local culinary influences.

After your Old Quarter adventure, your driver will transfer you to Noi Bai Airport for your onward flight to Danang. Upon arrival, our local team will greet you and escort you to your hotel in Hoi An, where you’ll have the evening free to relax or begin exploring this UNESCO-listed town at your own pace.

Begin your day with a vibrant morning market tour, where you’ll handpick fresh local ingredients for an immersive cooking class later in the afternoon. Accompanied by your guide and driver, you’ll head to Hoi An’s bustling local market—a lively hub brimming with color, aromas, and authentic Vietnamese life. Stroll through the maze of stalls, interact with friendly vendors, and select the freshest produce for your upcoming culinary adventure. While the market can feel a bit overwhelming to first-timers, it’s the best place to find high-quality, affordable ingredients—and it remains one of my personal favorite spots to visit. The sheer variety ensures you’ll find everything you need and more.

After the market, travel to Cam Thanh village, where a short visit to the scenic Bay Mau Water Coconut Palm Forest awaits. Take a relaxing riverside walk through this quaint fishing hamlet before boarding a traditional round bamboo coracle boat for a leisurely cruise along the canal, guided by local fishermen.

Continue your journey to Tra Que Vegetable Village, where a local farming family will warmly welcome you. Dress in traditional farmer attire and join them in the fields, using authentic tools to gain firsthand insight into their daily work. Then, step into a local home for a hands-on cooking class. Learn to prepare beloved Vietnamese dishes with your freshly sourced ingredients, and savor the meal you’ve created. To conclude this enriching culinary experience, enjoy a soothing herbal foot soak and relaxing foot massage—a perfect way to unwind.

In the afternoon, explore the timeless charm of Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Ancient Town. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, a traditional Sino-Vietnamese merchant house, a historic Chinese temple, Hoi An Central Market, and the Culture Museum. After a full day of authentic experiences and cultural discovery, return to your hotel with unforgettable memories of Hoi An.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, our team will greet you and ensure a seamless transfer to your hotel, giving you the rest of the evening to soak in the vibrant energy of Saigon.

Ho Chi Minh City is a dynamic metropolis that truly never sleeps, brimming with a diverse array of restaurants and bars to suit every palate. Whether you’re craving authentic street food or seeking a sophisticated experience at the historic rooftop bar of the Rex Hotel—once a hub for war correspondents during the Vietnam War—you’ll find no shortage of memorable dining and nightlife options. Whatever your preferences, feel free to ask your guide for tailored suggestions to make the most of your night in the city.

After breakfast, your private guide will meet you for a drive to Cu Chi, a quiet district located about 60 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Cu Chi is best known for its vast network of underground tunnels — a strategic stronghold of the Viet Cong during the later years of the Vietnam War.

Upon arrival, you’ll watch a short documentary offering historical context before venturing into the famed Cu Chi Tunnels, widely regarded as one of the world’s most remarkable wartime battlegrounds. This hidden subterranean maze stretches for hundreds of kilometers, housing living quarters, storage rooms, makeshift hospitals, kitchens, and command centers. While many sections remain as tight and narrow as originally built, others have been slightly expanded for visitors, allowing you to explore firsthand what life was like underground.

After your exploration, return to Ho Chi Minh City for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, set off on a guided tour to discover some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Begin at the Reunification Palace, a powerful symbol of the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, now preserved as a museum and state reception hall.

Continue to the Notre Dame Cathedral and the elegant Central Post Office, two stunning examples of French colonial architecture that echo Saigon’s historic charm. Then visit the War Remnants Museum, offering a compelling and sometimes emotional look into Vietnam’s fight for independence and the impacts of the war. Exhibits include wartime photography, weapons, and personal accounts — a powerful insight into both the Vietnamese and international perspectives.

Conclude your day at the vibrant Ben Thanh Market, a bustling hub of local life and commerce. The air is alive with the sounds of bargaining, the scent of sizzling street food, and the colorful displays of local handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs. Spend some free time here to shop, explore, or simply soak up the atmosphere before returning to your hotel.

Ben Tre Day Tour: A Peaceful Journey into the Heart of the Mekong Delta

Ben Tre is one of the most captivating destinations in the Mekong Delta, offering visitors the rare feeling of being transported to a serene and untouched corner of southern Vietnam. Here, you’ll witness the gentle rhythm of daily life unfold, explore tranquil canals, and immerse yourself in traditional local crafts and culture.

After breakfast, your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. From there, your journey begins with a scenic drive along peaceful country roads toward Ben Tre Town. Known as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam, this lush region is famed for its vibrant green rice paddies, intricate waterways, and fertile land that yields an abundance of rice, tropical fruits, sugar cane, and coconuts.

Following a picturesque two-hour drive through the verdant countryside, you’ll arrive in Ben Tre and board a motorized boat to cruise along narrow canals winding through dense coconut forests. Along the way, you’ll stop to visit small, family-run cottage industries, where you can observe traditional brickmaking and mat weaving—time-honored crafts passed down through generations.

Next, take a leisurely walk along shady village paths to visit local homes. Sample fresh tropical fruits, sip fragrant honey tea, and enjoy a performance of Đờn ca tài tử—southern Vietnam’s traditional folk music, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Continue your journey to a local workshop where coconut candy is made, and discover how every part of the coconut is used to create a wide variety of handmade products. This experience offers a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people who live in this fertile delta.

You’ll then board a traditional sampan and gently glide through peaceful, palm-fringed back canals, soaking in the tranquility of this rural paradise. Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, the serenity of this moment feels worlds away from the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City.

Later, hop on a motor cart (xe lôi) for a ride through sleepy hamlets, rice fields, coconut groves, and orchards. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to stop, meet local farmers, and learn about their way of life.

After a full day of exploration, you’ll enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant, where you’ll be treated to Mekong Delta specialties made from fresh, local ingredients. Once you’ve finished your meal, return to the pier for your drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.

In the evening, you may wish to explore a local night market, where the aroma of sizzling street food and the colorful atmosphere offer one last taste of southern Vietnam’s culinary charm. You’ll spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City, with vivid memories of your peaceful journey through the Mekong Delta.

Your final day in Vietnam offers you some free time in the morning to soak in the city’s charm at your own pace. When the time comes, your private car will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.

This concludes your Flavor of Vietnam adventure with Vietnam Marvel Travel. We sincerely thank you for traveling with us and hope your journey has been filled with unforgettable memories. Farewell for now — and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

If you’re inspired to explore more of Vietnam, we invite you to browse our wide selection of tours tailored to diverse interests. And remember, Vietnam Marvel Travel is happy to customize any itinerary to meet your specific needs and travel aspirations.