Vietnam Northbound Journey - 10 Days

Explore Vietnam from South to North within the 10-day itinerary to get a taste of diverse landscapes, long-standing cultures and intriguing history in the S-shaped country. From the French-style architecture in Saigon, the ruins of Champa Kingdom in My Son Holy Land to the mouthwatering street foods in Hanoi capital, this tour truly connects the remarkable wonders in Vietnam.

Duration: 10 Days/ 9 Nights
Start/ End: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)/ Hanoi
Tour Route: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Danang - Hoi An - Hue - Hanoi - Halong Bay
Tour Type: Explore and Experience
Tour Category: Small Group Tours

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City - Danang - Hoi An
Day 4: Hoi An Ancient Town
Day 5: Hoi An - Danang - Hue
Day 6: Hue - Night Train to Hanoi
Day 7: Hanoi City Tour
Day 8: Hanoi - Halong Bay
Day 9: Halong Bay - Hanoi
Day 10: Hanoi Departure

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh Arrival

Upon Saigon arrival, you will be welcomed by Viet Vision Travel’s tour guide and driver then transfer to hotel for check-in and repose. In case of early arrival, you have an option for today.

Option: Cu Chi Tunnels Half-day

After breakfast, depart to Cu Chi Tunnels located 50 km far from the city center. An immense network of underground tunnels which is used to the location of military campaigns during the Vietnam War is showcased at this historical relics. Upon arrival, watch a short video introducing the foundation, structure, and activities of Cu Chi tunnels and people lived here during the war. Later, crawl all the safe parts of the tunnel system; enjoy some special cassava and tea then go to the shooting range where you have a chance to fire real bullets or purchase some souvenirs. Return to Saigon for an overnight

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Ben Tre (B, L)

In the morning, transfer to Tien Giang of Mekong Delta. Then join in a boat trip to 4 islands named 4 scared animals in Vietnamese culture Dragon, Lion, Turtle, and Phoenix. Next visit the local village which is famous for making coconut jams.

Sit on a tuk-tuk traveling around the villages and coconut garden to witness rural rustic life. Afterward, continue visiting Thoi Son island where you will see the honey making places and taste the original honey as well as local fruits right in orchards. Then get back to the private boat to cruise the Delta's major waterways to Ben Tre boat pier. After that, return to Saigon for the second overnight

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City - Fly to Danang - Hoi An (B)

Today, take a short flight to Danang. Upon arrival, you will be picked you up and transferred to hotel in Hoi An.

Day 4: Hoi An (B)

Option 1: Hoi An Walking Tour & Street Food Tour

After breakfast, start the walking tour around the ancient town to visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, 200-year-old Tan Ky house, the Chinese Assembly Hall, and handicraft making. Then reach Hoi An center market with lots of mouthwatering street foods such as banh mi and Quang noodle. At the end of the tour, try 15-minute foot massage which is extremely for your feet after long walking. Overnight in Hoi An

Option 2: Hoi An – My Son Holy Land (L)

In the morning, travel to the ancient Cham ruins of My Son Sanctuary which is recognized as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Upon arrival, visit the Tra Kieu capital which was the former administration center of Champa Kingdom. Next, discover the majestic ancient ruins at My Son Holy Land including ancient towers which were built from the 4^th century. In the afternoon, return to our hotel in Hoi An for an overnight

Option 3: Hoi An Walking Tour & Cooking Class (L)

Today, participate in the fantastic cooking class at Red Bridge restaurant. The first activity is to visit Hoi An market to purchase some of the ingredients used in the cooking lesson later. Next, board a boat for a leisurely cruise along the River to the Red Bridge Cooking School.

During two hours of cooking class, the dishes and Vietnam food carving are demonstrated by the Red Bridge chef's, before preparing the same dish yourselves. The dishes you cook are your lunch today.

After lunch, do the walking tour in Hoi An town, the World Culture Heritage Site by UNESCO. You will see a lot of ancient constructions influenced by Asian cultures and reflecting the vibrant trading center in the past.

Option 4: Hoi An Farming & Fishing (L)

Start this morning early to reach Farming & Fishing Life Eco Tour. At Tra Que Village, try a working day of farmers when you have a chance to fertilize, water, harvest fresh vegetable. Then get on a bicycle and ride it through immense rice fields where peasants are working with friendly buffalos. Later, sit on a traditional Vietnam basket boat for an interesting race and see the fishermen do the traditional net fishing. After lunch, you have some free time to wander around Hoi An town center before heading back to the hotel for overnight.

Day 5: Hoi An - Danang - Hue (B)

Today, transfer to Hue via Danang and have a brief visit at Cham Museum – the houses of priceless Cham Artifacts; China Beach – the stunning beach in Central Vietnam. Reach Son Tra Peninsular then to visit the central zone of ecological, is like mushrooms sprouting sea views over the city. Travel to Linh Ung Pagoda and enjoy the peaceful feeling in the mountains as well as admire the spectacular panoramic view to the ocean from the height from Linh Ung Pagoda.

On the way, conquer the beautiful Hai Van Pass – the perfect mix of clouds, mountains, and sea. Overnight in Hue.

Day 6: Hue City Tour - Night Train to Hanoi (B, L)

In the morning, board the Dragon Boat on the romantic Perfume River heading to the charming Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda) which is considered the symbol of Hue, and of Buddhism in Vietnam. Next, visit King Khai Dinh's Tomb or King Tu Duc's Tomb, two emperors the last feudatory dynasty in Vietnam.

In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel, the capital of Nguyen Dynasty ruling Vietnam between 1802 and 1945 with magnificent palaces and breathtaking architecture. Then depart to the Hue Royal Fine Art Museum, which is home to the former Dien Long An Royal Palace. Finish this day with exploration to the local Dong Ba Market to see the daily life of local people. In the evening, move to the station in Hue to catch the night train to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 7: Hanoi (B)

Option 1: Hanoi Half-day City Tour

After breakfast, travel to the Ho Chi Minh complex and spend time exploring Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, his stilt-house, the French-style Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh Museum and One Pillar Pagoda. After that, visit the Temple of Literature, which was originally the first national university and built as a temple to Confucius.

After that, visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison Museum, the ‘’Hanoi Hilton’’ and the hell on Earth in French colonial area. Later, move to the hidden Tran Phu train track to feel the steady lifestyle of local people here which differ with the bustle streets outside. Sip a cup of coffee on the tracks for a unique experience. Overnight in Hanoi

Option 2: Street Food Walking Tour

Nothing is more wonderful than do a street food walking tour around the Old Quarter to try some typical street foods. Consider some recommendations below or tell us other Hanoi dishes you wish to try

• Chicken/Beef noodle
• Banh Mi - Vietnamese Sandwich
• Pillow cake
• Spring Roll
• Sweet bean soup
• Egg coffee
• Mixed fruits

Day 8: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B, L, D)

In the morning, you will be picked up at the hotel for a departure to Halong Bay for 3.5 hours. Upon arrival to Tuan Chau harbor, check-in the cruise ship and enjoy a welcome drink. Next, taste Vietnamese seafood and vegetarian lunch while the ship is cruising in the magnificent Halong Bay among the fascinating rock formations.

In the afternoon, visit a Pearl Farm village in Halong Bay to learn from the locals how to make the gorgeous pearls. Then you are free to swim and kayak to explore the hidden corners of Halong Bay. In the late afternoon, come back to the cruise ship for relaxing and enjoying sunset party with fruits and juices. After dinner, join in evening entertainments such as card games, chess, karaoke, squid fishing. Overnight on the cruise.

Day 9: Halong Bay – Hanoi (B, L)

Wake up at early morning at the sunrise and do Tai Chi exercise on the sundeck with the master. Then enjoy dinner among the morning view of bay’s landscape with a cup of tea.

Next, travel to the Cave of Surprises and explore the mysteries of Mother Nature’s masterpiece. Return to the ship then join a cooking class guided directly by Chef of the cruise. You will have a chance to make Vietnamese traditional dishes such as spring rolls and their special dipping sauce. After lunch, farewell the sailors and ship’s crew and wait for the ship to land at Halong Bay harbor. Return to Hanoi by shuttle bus. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 10: Hanoi Departure (B)

After breakfast, you will be free until your driver arrives to take you to Noi Bai airport for your departure flight. Tour ends. See you again in the next Vietnam tour packages.