Vietnam Local Tour – 12 Days Authentic Experience

About This Trip

This Vietnam Local Tour is designed for travelers who want to explore beyond the typical tourist paths and experience Vietnam through the eyes of its people. From bustling cities and lush rice fields to charming heritage towns and dramatic coastlines — every moment connects you with the real local life of Vietnam.

Enjoy food adventures in Saigon, cruise through palm-shaded canals in the Mekong Delta, discover imperial heritage in Hue, join a cooking class and farming experience in Hoi An, and take in the iconic scenery of Halong Bay with a luxury overnight cruise. With private guides, flexible schedules, and handpicked accommodations, this journey offers authenticity, comfort, and unforgettable memories.

Summary

DAY

PLACE

HIGHLIGHTS

1 - 2

Ho Chi Minh City

Cu Chi Tunnels & Vespa foodie night tour

3–4

My Tho – Can Tho

Mekong Delta villages & Cai Rang Floating Market

5–6

Hue

Imperial Citadel, pagodas & river cruise

7–8

Hoi An

Cooking class & Tra Que village

9

Hanoi

Old Quarter cyclo ride

10–11

Halong Bay

Overnight cruise & kayaking

12

Hanoi

Departure

Itinerary

Welcome to Vietnam! Your Vietnam Local Tour begins as you arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, where you are greeted by your private guide and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy time to relax before stepping into the city’s vibrant nightlife or wandering past French colonial boulevards and lively street food stalls right outside your door.

  •  Ho Chi Minh City

Journey into history with a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, once a hidden underground world of military operations. Crawl through preserved sections and learn incredible survival stories of wartime Vietnam. In the afternoon, explore Saigon’s icons — Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, the Opera House, and Ben Thanh Market — connecting you deeper with modern local life.

  •  B , L
  •  Ho Chi Minh City

Travel to the lush Mekong Delta, known as Vietnam’s “rice bowl.” Cruise through peaceful coconut-lined canals, visit a family workshop crafting traditional candies, taste seasonal fruits in local orchards, and ride a sampan boat through small waterways. A local home-hosted lunch completes a truly authentic cultural experience.

  •  B , L 
  • Can Tho

Fly north to Da Nang and continue to the UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An. Wander lantern-lit streets, admire traditional shophouses, and discover riverside markets bursting with handmade silk, tailoring shops, and street cuisine unique to Central Vietnam.

  •  B , L
  • Hue

This morning, cycle to a tranquil farming village where friendly farmers teach you how to grow fragrant herbs and organic vegetables. Sail a charming basket boat along scenic coconut water channels, then join a hands-on cooking class to prepare delicious Hoi An dishes before enjoying what you’ve made.

  •  B , L
  • Hue

Ride the world-record cable car up to Ba Na Hills for panoramic mountain views. Walk on the famous Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands, explore European-themed villages, and enjoy fun attractions. Return to Hoi An for a relaxing evening beside the Thu Bon River.

  •  B , L
  • Hoi An

Travel along the spectacular Hai Van Pass, one of Asia’s most scenic coastal routes. Stop at Lang Co Beach for photos before arriving in the historic capital of Hue — known for royal cuisine, imperial heritage, and peaceful riverside landscapes.

  •  B , L 
  • Hoi An

Uncover Vietnam’s last royal kingdom with a private tour of the Imperial Citadel, Emperor Minh Mang’s peaceful tomb, and Thien Mu Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River. Witness unique traditions that preserve Vietnam’s royal cultural identity.

  •  B 
  • Hoi An

Fly to Hanoi, where charming Old Quarter streets buzz with local shops, ancient temples, and steaming bowls of pho. In the evening, experience Hanoi’s vibrant coffee culture or enjoy a traditional water puppet performance if time allows.

  •  B , L
  • Hanoi

Drive into the countryside for a breathtaking journey through limestone mountains and emerald rice fields. Enjoy a peaceful sampan boat ride in Tam Coc and visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, learning about heroic kings of the past.

  •  B , L , D
  • Halong Bay

Sail into the natural wonders of Halong Bay, where thousands of limestone karsts rise dramatically from emerald waters. Enjoy gourmet meals, kayaking or cave exploration, sunset cocktails on deck, and a magical night under the stars aboard a luxury cruise.

  •  B 
  • Hanoi

Start your day with sunrise Tai Chi before cruising back to shore. Return to Hanoi for your departure — ending your Vietnam Local Tour filled with unforgettable cultural encounters, scenic marvels, and real local connections.

  •  B 

Trip Highlights

Hoi An Cooking Class

Shop fresh ingredients at the market, then cook authentic Vietnamese dishes with a local chef.

Hoi An Sunset Lantern Boat

Cruise rivers at twilight, release lanterns, and admire Hoi An’s magical evening glow.

Water Puppetry Experience

Visit a local puppeteer’s home and learn the art of Vietnam’s traditional water puppetry.

Accommodation Options

The hotels listed below have been carefully selected based on customer feedback. You can either choose the ones you'd like to stay in or allow our travel experts to recommend options tailored to your specific requirements.

Ho Chi Minh City 2 Nights

Top Choice

Lotte Hotel Saigon

Address: 2A - 4A Ton Duc Thang St, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam

Harmony Saigon Hotel & Spa

Address: 32A-34 Bui Thi Xuan St- Ben Thanh Ward, Dist.1, HCMC, Vietnam

Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel

Address: 17 Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1, TP.HCMC, Vietnam

Sofitel Saigon Plaza

Address: 17 Le Duan Boulevard, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Top Choice

Victoria Can Tho Resort

Address: Cai Khe Ward, Cai Khe, Can Tho, Vietnam

Top Choice

Indochine Palace

Address: 105A Hung Vuong St., Hue City, Vietnam

Eldora Hotel Hue

Address: 60 Ben Nghe Street, Hue City, Vietnam

Hotel Saigon Morin

Address: 30 Le Loi St., Hue City, Vietnam

Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel

Address: 02 Le Loi Street, Hue City, Vietnam

Top Choice

Lasenta Boutique Hotel Hoi An

Address: 57 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam

Allegro Hoi An – Little Luxury Hotel & Spa

Address: 86 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoi An, Quang Nam, Vietnam

Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel & Spa

Address: 91 Hung Vuong Street, Hoi An, Vietnam

Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa

Address: Lac Long Quan Street, Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam

Top Choice

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

Address: 5 Tu Hoa street Tay Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam

The Lapis Hotel

Address: 21 Tran Hung Dao Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam

La Siesta Premium Hang Be

Address: No 27 Hang Be St, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam

The Oriental Jade Hotel

Address: 92 & 94 Hang Trong street, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam

Top Choice

Orchid Trendy Cruise

Address: 32, Anh Dao St, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam

Athena Luxury Cruise

Address: 49 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hon Gai Wharf, Halong City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam

Athena Royal Cruise

Address: 49 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hon Gai Wharf, Halong city, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam

Paradise Elegance

Address: Tuan Chau Island, Halong, Quang Ninh, Vietnam

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