- 4.9/5 847 Latest reviews
- Destination: Vietnam
- Duration: 7 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
Experience the very best of Vietnam on this 7-day Vietnam Highlights Tour. Begin in Hanoi, a city filled with ancient temples, flavorful street food, and the energy of the Old Quarter. Sail through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, surrounded by dramatic limestone islands. Then fly south to lively Ho Chi Minh City, where history, culture, and Mekong river life unfold before you.
This itinerary is perfect for first-time travelers looking to discover Vietnam’s iconic landscapes, rich culture, and friendly local life.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 2
Hanoi
Cyclo ride in Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Complex & Water Puppet Show
3 - 4
Halong Bay
Scenic Cruise, Karst Caves & Optional Kayaking
5 - 7
Ho Chi Minh City
Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta Cruise & Colonial Landmarks
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi – Welcome to Vietnam
Your Vietnam Highlights Tour begins as you arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, where your private guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the center of Hanoi. After checking in, take some time to relax or explore the vibrant local surroundings on your own. You may enjoy a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake or sample delicious street food such as Pho or Bun Cha, giving you your first taste of Vietnam’s culture and flavors.
- Hanoi
- Day 2: Hanoi City Tour – Culture, Heritage & Local Life
After breakfast, your full-day city tour starts with visits to significant landmarks including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the historical House on Stilts where President Ho Chi Minh once lived. Continue to the ancient Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam, offering insight into the country’s rich educational and cultural past. After lunch, discover Vietnam’s diverse ethnic traditions at the Museum of Ethnology.
In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional cyclo ride through the bustling Old Quarter, passing through narrow streets lined with colonial architecture and lively shops. End the day with a beautiful Water Puppet Show by Hoan Kiem Lake, a unique performance that highlights traditional Vietnamese folklore.
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- Hanoi
- Day 3: Scenic Road Journey to Halong Bay – Overnight Cruise
This morning, depart Hanoi for a scenic drive to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and dramatic limestone islands. Upon arrival, board your comfortable cruise and savor a delicious seafood lunch while sailing past towering karst formations. Throughout the afternoon, enjoy optional activities such as kayaking, swimming, or exploring hidden lagoons.
As the sun sets, relax on the deck with fresh sea breezes or join an onboard cooking demonstration. Later in the evening, try your hand at squid fishing under the night sky, making your first night in Halong Bay a truly memorable experience.
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- Halong Bay
- Day 4: Halong Bay Exploration & Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Start your morning with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast as the cruise continues through beautiful seascapes. Later, step into one of the bay’s impressive karst caves to admire stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Enjoy a delicious brunch as you sail back toward the pier. Your private guide will then accompany you back to Hanoi Airport for your flight south to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax for the evening in this exciting metropolis.
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- Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 5: Cu Chi Tunnels & Old Saigon City Highlights
After breakfast, journey outside the city to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used by Vietnamese soldiers during the war. Learn about the incredible wartime ingenuity and, if you wish, crawl through a section of the tunnel to experience it firsthand. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon to visit the bustling Ben Thanh Market, followed by important historical sites such as the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace.
Drive past the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral and visit the Saigon Central Post Office, an iconic example of French colonial architecture. In the evening, take a relaxing walk along Dong Khoi Street, filled with boutique shops, cafes, and charming atmosphere.
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- Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 6: Authentic Mekong Delta Experience in Ben Tre
Today you will travel to the Mekong Delta, a region famous for its vast waterways and fertile landscapes. Begin your adventure with a scenic boat trip along coconut palm-lined canals, observing daily life on the river. Switch to a rowing boat for a peaceful glide through narrow waterways and stop in a local village to interact with friendly residents. Visit small family-run workshops where coconut candy and handicrafts are made, and taste fresh tropical fruits. Later, join a local family for a hands-on cooking experience and enjoy a delicious traditional lunch. After this cultural encounter, return to Ho Chi Minh City full of unforgettable memories of rural Vietnam.
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- Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 7: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before your private guide and driver escort you to the airport for your return flight. Your remarkable Vietnam Highlights Tour comes to an end, leaving you with treasured memories and stories to share.
Trip Highlights
Saigon Army Jeep Tour
Explore Saigon’s iconic landmarks in a vintage army jeep with expert guidance.
Hanoi Street Food Tour
Taste local favorites in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and finish with iconic Vietnamese coffee.
Hoi An Cooking Class
Shop fresh ingredients at the market, then cook authentic Vietnamese dishes with a local chef.
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.
Hanoi 2 Nights
- 5.0
Top Choice
InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
Address: 5 Tu Hoa street Tay Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam
- 4.0
La Siesta Premium Hang Be
Address: No 27 Hang Be St, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam
- 4.0
The Lapis Hotel
Address: 21 Tran Hung Dao Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam
- 5.0
The Oriental Jade Hotel
Address: 92 & 94 Hang Trong street, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam
Halong Bay 1 Night
- 5.0
Top Choice
Orchid Trendy Cruise
Address: 32, Anh Dao St, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
- 4.0
Athena Luxury Cruise
Address: 49 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hon Gai Wharf, Halong City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
- 4.0
Athena Royal Cruise
Address: 49 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hon Gai Wharf, Halong city, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
- 5.0
Paradise Elegance
Address: Tuan Chau Island, Halong, Quang Ninh, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City 3 Nights
- 5.0
Top Choice
Lotte Hotel Saigon
Address: 2A - 4A Ton Duc Thang St, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam
- 4.0
Harmony Saigon Hotel & Spa
Address: 32A-34 Bui Thi Xuan St- Ben Thanh Ward, Dist.1, HCMC, Vietnam
- 4.0
Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel
Address: 17 Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1, TP.HCMC, Vietnam
- 5.0
Sofitel Saigon Plaza
Address: 17 Le Duan Boulevard, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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