- 4.9/5 343 Latest reviews
- Destination: Vietnam, The Philippines
- Duration: 18 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
This Vietnam Philippines Tour is an expertly designed 18-day private journey that showcases the very best of Southeast Asia, combining rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and tropical island escapes. In Vietnam, explore the cultural highlights of Hanoi, sail through the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay on an overnight cruise, wander the ancient streets of Hoi An, and uncover wartime history at the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, along with an immersive experience in the lush Mekong Delta.
The journey continues in the Philippines, starting with heritage exploration in Manila, including historic churches and colonial landmarks. Travel onward to Palawan to discover the world-famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, before ending your adventure in El Nido, known for its crystal-clear waters, limestone cliffs, and idyllic island scenery. With private transfers, knowledgeable guides, and a relaxed pace, this Vietnam Philippines Tour delivers a seamless balance of culture, nature, and leisure across two of Asia’s most captivating destinations.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 8
Vietnam
Hanoi: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Old Quarter
Halong Bay: 2-Day Cruise with Thien Canh Son Cave Visit
Hoi An: Ancient Town Highlights, Fisherman Eco tour
Ho Chi Minh City: Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta
9 - 18
The Philippines
Manila: San Agustin Church, Fort Santiago, Rizal Shrine
Puerto Princesa: City Tour, Palawan Wildlife Rescue
El Nido: 3-Day Free Time
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi – Gateway to Vietnam
Arrive in Hanoi, the historic capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival, enjoy a smooth private transfer to your hotel. After check-in, spend the rest of the day at leisure to relax or take your first stroll through the lively streets. This gentle start sets the tone for your immersive Vietnam Philippines Tour.
Highlights: Private airport transfer, First impressions of Hanoi
- Hanoi
- Day 2: Hanoi City Tour – Culture, Heritage & Old Quarter
Discover Hanoi’s rich heritage with visits to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Explore the Hoa Lo Prison, then visit the Museum of Ethnology for deeper cultural insight. Ride a traditional rickshaw through the Old Quarter, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple, and end the day with a captivating water puppet show.
Highlights: Hanoi landmarks, Old Quarter rickshaw ride, Water puppet show
- B , L
- Hanoi
- Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay – UNESCO Cruise Experience
Travel to UNESCO-listed Halong Bay and board your overnight cruise. Sail among dramatic limestone karsts, enjoy lunch onboard, and take part in activities such as kayaking to a floating fishing village, a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, and evening squid fishing. Relax on deck and soak in the magical seascape.
Highlights: Halong Bay cruise, Kayaking, Limestone karsts
- B , L ,D
- Halong Bay
- Day 4: Halong Bay – Cave Exploration & Fly to Hoi An
Begin the day with Tai Chi on deck, followed by a visit to Thien Canh Son Cave, known for its stunning stalactites. After brunch, disembark and transfer to Hanoi airport for your flight to Da Nang, then continue to Hoi An. Check in and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Highlights: Thien Canh Son Cave, Scenic cruise finale, Flight to Central Vietnam
- B , L
- Hoi An
- Day 5: Hoi An – Fisherman Eco Tour & Ancient Town
Experience rural life on a Hoi An Fisherman Eco Tour, learning traditional fishing techniques and daily village life. Later, explore Hoi An Ancient Town, including the Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese temples, and historic merchant houses. The lantern-lit evening is free to enjoy at your own pace.
Highlights: Eco tour, Hoi An heritage walk, Cultural immersion
- B , L
- Hoi An
- Day 6: Hoi An – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City | From Ancient Town to Southern Metropolis
After breakfast, transfer to Da Nang International Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic city. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore nearby cafés, colonial boulevards, or simply relax after your flight, preparing for the historical discoveries ahead.
Highlights: Domestic flight, Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, Leisure evening
- B
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels & Historic Landmarks
Today, delve deep into Vietnam’s wartime history with a guided visit to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary underground network used during the Vietnam War. Crawl through preserved tunnel sections and learn about guerrilla life before returning to the city. Continue with visits to Ben Thanh Market, the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and iconic colonial landmarks including the Saigon Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral area. Enjoy time along Dong Khoi Street, ideal for shopping and local street food.
Highlights: Cu Chi Tunnels, War history, Colonial architecture
- B
- El Nido
- Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta Cultural Experience
Travel to Ben Tre in the heart of the Mekong Delta, a region known for its lush waterways and rural traditions. Cruise along coconut-lined canals, glide through narrow waterways by traditional rowboat, and walk through peaceful villages. Visit local families producing coconut candy and handicrafts, sample tropical fruits, and enjoy a home-style Mekong lunch before returning to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.
Highlights: Mekong Delta cruise, Village life, Local cuisine
- B , L
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City – Manila | Welcome to the Philippines
Enjoy free time before your transfer to the airport for your flight to Manila, the capital of the Philippines. On arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or enjoy your first taste of Filipino hospitality.
Highlights: International flight, Arrival in Manila
- B
- Manila
- Day 10: Manila City Tour – Heritage, Culture & Modern Life
Explore Manila’s rich history with a guided tour of Intramuros, including Casa Manila, San Agustin Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago, and the Rizal Shrine. Visit the fascinating Chinese Cemetery before exploring Quiapo and Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown. Conclude the day in Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC), showcasing Manila’s modern lifestyle, dining, and shopping scene.
Highlights: Intramuros tour, UNESCO heritage, Cultural contrasts
- B
- Manila
- Day 11: Manila – Puerto Princesa | Gateway to Palawan
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital and gateway to the island’s natural wonders. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax and enjoy the peaceful island atmosphere.
Highlights: Flight to Palawan, Island arrival
- B
- Puerto Princesa
- Day 12: Puerto Princesa City Tour – Culture & Conservation
Discover Puerto Princesa’s cultural and ecological attractions. Visit Plaza Cuartel, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Palawan Museum, and the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center. Explore the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, a unique open-air correctional facility. In the evening, opt for a magical firefly-watching tour along the river.
Highlights: City tour, Wildlife conservation, Optional firefly tour
- B , L
- Puerto Princesa
- Day 13: Puerto Princesa – Underground River Adventure
Journey to Sabang to explore the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Paddle through spectacular limestone caves illuminated by your guide’s headlamp, marveling at dramatic rock formations before returning to your hotel for a relaxed afternoon.
Highlights: Underground river, UNESCO site, Cave exploration
- B , L
- Puerto Princesa
- Day 14: Puerto Princesa – El Nido | Scenic Palawan Journey
After breakfast, travel through Palawan’s scenic landscapes on a drive to El Nido. Upon arrival, take a boat transfer to your island resort. Check in, enjoy lunch, and spend the afternoon at leisure, surrounded by turquoise waters and dramatic limestone cliffs.
Highlights: Scenic drive, Island boat transfer, Resort stay
- B
- El Nido
- Day 15: El Nido – Island Hopping & Beach Leisure
Enjoy a full day at leisure in El Nido, world-famous for its lagoons and islands. Optional island-hopping tours take you to hidden beaches, secret lagoons, snorkeling spots, and remote islands. Alternatively, relax at your resort and soak in the tropical scenery.
Highlights: Island hopping, Lagoons, Snorkeling
- B
- El Nido
- Day 16: El Nido – Tropical Escape & Relaxation
Spend another free day enjoying El Nido at your own pace. Choose from kayaking, diving, hiking viewpoints, or simply unwind on pristine beaches and enjoy the laid-back island lifestyle.
Highlights: Free day, Beach relaxation, Island activities
- B
- El Nido
- Day 17: El Nido – Manila | Return to the Capital
After free time in the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Manila. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed final evening, perfect for last-minute shopping or dining.
Highlights: Return flight, Final Manila stay
- B
- Manila
- Day 18: Manila – Departure
Enjoy free time until your private transfer to the airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your unforgettable Vietnam Philippines Tour.
Highlights: Smooth departure, Tour conclusion
- B
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