12 days 11 nights

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Tour Overview

A 12-day journey through Vietnam from north to south, combining iconic destinations with hands-on local experiences.

Highlights include Hanoi and Ninh Binh, an overnight cruise in Halong Bay, time in Hoi An with a Vietnamese cooking class, and exploration of southern Vietnam with Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and Cu Chi Tunnels.

Well-paced and easy to follow, this tour is ideal for first-time visitors seeking a classic Vietnam experience with meaningful local touches.

Tour Highlights

  • A 12-day north-to-south Vietnam journey covering culture, nature, and local life
  • Explore Hanoi & Ninh Binh, followed by an overnight cruise in Halong Bay / Lan Ha Bay
  • Enjoy central Vietnam with Ba Na Hills, free time in Hoi An, and a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class
  • Discover southern Vietnam with Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and historic Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Well-paced itinerary with a balance of sightseeing, experiences, and relaxation
  • Suitable for first-time visitors, couples, and families

Where to visit?

Hanoi -> Ninh Binh -> Halong Bay -> Bana Hills -> Hoi An -> Saigon

DETAILED ITINERARY

Welcome to your holiday with Your Vietnam Travel

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, either Domestic or International arrival, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting at the lobby, holding the Your Vietnam Travel's signboard with your name on it. 

Meals :Breakfast

After breakfast, our guide pick up at hotel at 8.00AM. Sightseeing today includes explore Vietnam’s charming capital. With its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and ancient oriental pagodas, start a Hanoi’s key sites: the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and stilt house), the Presidential Palace, the nearby One Pillar Pagoda; the Temple of Literature; West Lake including the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda; and one of the city’s museums (a choice between the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum). End the day’s explorations; watch a traditional puppet show on water that shows off an ancient art form.

Meals :Breakfast, Lunch

07.00 – 07.30: Our guide will meet you at your hotel and start 110km modern Bus-journey through verdant landscape of country side. Short-brake en route.

10.45: Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel with Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple dating back to the 17th Century.

12.00: Enjoy the lunch at our restaurant with the great local cuisines.

13.30: Leave for the Trang An Grottoes, an out-standing natural beauty of majestic limestone massif at 20 square kilometer rise dramatically out from rice paddy fields. Deep into the linked chains of towering mountain are pristine places of mystical valleys, numerous fresh water ponds, and jungle.

Embark on a traditional sampan gently roweddown the exquisite river through numerous  caves: Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Dai Cave, Thanh Truot Cave,...and Cao Sơn Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, Vu Lam Temple…

15.30: Arrive Mua Cave and start an amazing trek up to the top of Ngoa Long mountain for watching the spectacular rice valley with specious view of the nature.

17.15: Return to our bus and then come back to Ha Noi

19.30: Drop you off at your hotel.

Meals :Breakfast, Lunch

Our guide and shuttle bus will pick you up at lobby of hotel at 8.00 - 8.20AM and start journey east to Halong Bay, through picturesque rice-farming villages of the Red River Delta, where we see every day Vietnamese village life. On arrival, we board a beautiful traditional junk and spend a full day and night cruising the bay’s 3000 magnificent limestone islets. In the evening when the boat is anchored in the middle of the stunning lagoon, we enjoy a wonderful seafood meal and later there is opportunity for an evening swim from the side of the boat. Spend the night on our luxurious boat

Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for breakfast then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of Halong. Have brunch on board the boat before returning to Halong pier to get back Hanoi for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for check in. Overnight in Da Nang

Meals :Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy breakfast at hotel.

After your breakfats, the guide and car will pick you up from your hotel and tranfer to Ba Na Hills, you will visit the Golden Bridge that has recently gone viral, Le Jardin D’amour (consists of 9 gardens) and Linh Ung pagoda.

Then visit the French Village Campanile, Nine Floor Goddess Shrine, Tombstone Temple, Linh Phong Monastery, Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple & Tru Vu Tea Shop. Watch Carnival Performance Show, Square Du Dome... Challenge the most popular adventure ride - Alpine Coaster (free ride).

Lunch at the buffet restaurant.  

You can join in the game at Fantasy Park before take the Cable Car to leave Ba Na Hills at 15.30. 

Meet our guide at the meeting point the get on car transfer back to Da Nang to visit local Han Market and browse the stalls of this sprawling compound, seeing fresh produce and dried goods unique to the area. This is also a great place to get a glimpse of local life, watching the shoppers and vendors as they negotiate deals.

After the tour, transfer to Hoi An for check in and overnight at hotel.

 

Meals :Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, after having breakfast at the hotel, you will have free time to relax or visit An Bang Beach, Cua Dai Beach by yourseslf.
*In the evening, Hoi An offers a charming atmosphere with various attractions to explore. Here are my recommendations for places to visit in the evening:
1. Hoi An Ancient Town: Take a leisurely stroll through the beautifully lit streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the lantern-filled alleys, ancient buildings, and vibrant riverside. Don't miss the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and the bustling Night Market.
2. Riverside Restaurants: Enjoy a delightful dining experience at one of the many riverside restaurants. Indulge in delicious Vietnamese cuisine while enjoying the scenic views of the Thu Bon River. The riverside area becomes even more magical in the evening with lanterns reflecting on the water.
3. Night Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Hoi An Night Market. Browse through a wide range of stalls selling handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, and local street food. It's a great place to shop for unique gifts and immerse yourself in the local culture.
4. Traditional Cultural Performances (Ky Uc Hoi An): Catch a traditional performance at one of the cultural centers in Hoi An. Experience captivating shows featuring traditional music, dance, and storytelling that showcase the rich heritage of the region.
5. Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River: Embark on a relaxing boat ride along the Thu Bon River. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and admire the illuminated lanterns along the riverbanks. It's a wonderful way to take in the beauty of Hoi An at night.
Enjoy your evening exploration of Hoi An!

OPTIONAL 1: Hoi An - Cam Thanh Farmer - Buffalo Experience
08:30 – Meet your expert guide at your hotel and cycle along quiet countryside roads to the local fishing village of Cam Thanh. Along the way, stop at rice paddies and fish and shrimp farms.
Meet local farmers working in the fields and join them in traditional farming activities, including ploughing, preparing the soil, and planting young rice seedlings. You will also have the opportunity to ride a water buffalo and help feed it — a truly memorable experience.
Continue to a local fisherman’s home to taste homemade coconut jam and tea while meeting members of the family.
Explore the water coconut palm forest and learn about traditional fishing techniques. Share hands-on experiences with local fishermen as you catch fish and purple crabs using unique fishing nets, and paddle a traditional bamboo basket boat.
Learn more about the Vietnam–American War through interesting and authentic stories shared by locals.
Enjoy lunch at a local home, where you will learn how to make fresh rice milk and cook the traditional Hoi An pancake (Bánh Xèo).
13:00 – Return to your hotel and end of the program. Thank you for choosing our company.
Optional departure:
Guests may also choose an afternoon departure, starting at 14:00 and finishing at approximately 18:30.

OPTIONAL 2: Countryside & Handicraft Villages by Bike and Boat – Half-Day Tour
Morning Tour: 07:30 – 11:30 or Afternoon Tour: 13:30 – 17:30
Start with a bike ride through rice paddies and quiet villages, heading to the harbor. From here, embark on a boat trip along the Thu Bon River to discover Hoi An’s traditional handicraft villages.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Visit this famous village known for its centuries-old pottery traditions. Explore the temple, museum, and join a hands-on pottery-making workshop.
Kim Bong Carpentry Village: Hear the rhythmic sounds of chiseling and drilling as you walk through this community where woodworking skills have been passed down for generations.
Tra Nhieu Mat-Weaving Village: Learn how locals weave traditional sleeping mats and listen to stories about village life, fishing traditions, and resilience during wartime.
Stop at a local restaurant for lunch (or early dinner for afternoon tours), where you’ll enjoy authentic countryside flavors.
Cycle back to your hotel. Tour ends.

OPTIONAL 3: Tra Que Village – Bay Mau Coconut Forest
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Distance (cycling): ~ 4.5 - 5km | Duration: Full day
08:30 AM – Cycle (~15–20 mins) from your hotel to Tra Que Village. Visit herb gardens, meet local farmers, and join light gardening activities using organic methods.
10:00 AM – Ride through rice fields and quiet roads to Van Lang Fisherman Village & Bay Mau Coconut Forest. Visit a local family, enjoy green tea, and row a basket boat through the palm-lined waterways. Learn traditional fishing techniques.
1:00 PM – Herbal foot soak, then join a hands-on cooking class with the host. Enjoy lunch with local dishes: Tam Huu, Banh Xeo, grilled fish, and more.
2:30 PM – Relax before returning to your hotel by ~4:00 PM.
Note: Non-cyclists can join by car/electric buggy (extra charge).

OPTIONAL 4: Coconut Forest - Hoi An Walking Tour - Tailor Streets
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
8:30 AM – Pick-up from your hotel. Transfer to Bay Mau Coconut Forest (Cam Thanh Village), known for its peaceful canals and lush nipa palm groves.
Enjoy a basket boat ride through the waterways, guided by local fishermen. Learn traditional fishing techniques and have fun with basket boat "spinning" performances.
10:00 AM – Head to Hoi An Ancient Town. Begin your walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Old Quarter:

- Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge
- Explore the Fujian Assembly Hall
- Wander through narrow alleys, tailor shops, art galleries & local markets

12:30 PM – Lunch at a local restaurant, featuring Hoi An specialties: Cao Lau, Mi Quang, Banh Mi, etc.

Afternoon & Evening: Free at Leisure
Suggested activities:
- Walk along the lantern-lit streets of the Ancient Town
- Take a Thu Bon River boat ride at sunset
- Visit the vibrant Night Market
- Dine at a riverside restaurant
- Watch a traditional show like Ký Ức Hội An

OPTIONAL 5: Lantern Making & Be a Farmer at Tra Que Village – Half-Day Tour from Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast 
Distance: ~3 km (~10-15mins by cycling)
08:00 – 08:30 (Flexible for private tour): Your guide will meet you at your hotel and provide bicycles for the trip. Begin cycling through rice paddies and shrimp farms on the way to Tra Que.

Tra Que Vegetable Village
Arrive at the peaceful Tra Que vegetable village. Stroll through the lush gardens and experience daily farming life. Join the locals in traditional activities such as digging, sowing, planting, and harvesting with centuries-old tools. Refresh yourself with E Water, a Tra Que specialty made from medicinal herbs, and enjoy becoming a farmer for the morning.
Lantern Making Workshop
Continue cycling past rice fields and quiet villages to reach a local lantern-making workshop. Skilled craftsmen will demonstrate how to create colorful lanterns, and under their guidance you will craft your own lantern — a perfect souvenir to bring home.
Return to Hoi An
After the workshop, cycle back to your hotel. The tour ends around 13:30.

OPTIONAL 6: Countryside & Handicraft Villages by Bike and Boat – Half-Day Tour
Morning Tour: 07:30 – 11:30 or Afternoon Tour: 13:30 – 17:30
Start with a bike ride through rice paddies and quiet villages, heading to the harbor. From here, embark on a boat trip along the Thu Bon River to discover Hoi An’s traditional handicraft villages.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Visit this famous village known for its centuries-old pottery traditions. Explore the temple, museum, and join a hands-on pottery-making workshop.
Kim Bong Carpentry Village: Hear the rhythmic sounds of chiseling and drilling as you walk through this community where woodworking skills have been passed down for generations.
Tra Nhieu Mat-Weaving Village: Learn how locals weave traditional sleeping mats and listen to stories about village life, fishing traditions, and resilience during wartime.
Stop at a local restaurant for lunch (or early dinner for afternoon tours), where you’ll enjoy authentic countryside flavors.
Cycle back to your hotel. Tour ends.

 

Meals :Breakfast

Meeting point at (8am) with a welcome drink at Hai Café (98 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An Ancient Town) – our meeting point. Travel by minivan (10 minutes) to Tra Que Organic Village, and walk through the market gardens where local farmers work their fields using the traditional methods of hundreds of years ago - no electrical machinery here. We pick fresh saw-tooth coriander and Vietnamese mint for our cooking lesson later, before trying a special herbal drink at a local home. To the local village market and with shopping list in hand we purchase a range of local ingredients, including star anise, cardamom, sesame rice paper, water spinach and banana flower. Arriving at Red Bridge Cooking School we have a chance to freshen up before beginning our class. Working together with our Red Bridge Chef we learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food from scratch. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional Vietnamese utensils (still in use today) we cook 4 famous dishes, including the national dish ‘Pho’.
After the class we sit down and a chance to savour the dishes we have prepared.
Leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River back to central Hoi An.
Bring your swimsuit and after the cooking tour has finished relax and enjoy free use of our 20 metre swimming pool.
Recipes: - Vegetarians are provided with replacement ingredients.
1. Beef Noodle Soup (Pho)
- includes the making of fresh rice noodles
2. Clay Pot Fish with Fresh Dill (Cha Ca)
3. Lemongrass Shrimp grilled in Banana Leaves (Tom Nuong La Chuoi)
4. Grilled Chicken and Banana Flower Salad (Goi Hoa Chuoi Ga Nuong)
* Lunch includes all of the above meals
Finish at approximately 13.00pm – transfer back to central Hoi An 

 

Meals :Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner

Fly to Saigon. Visit the Presidential Palace, War Remnants Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral, The post office and Ben Thanh market.

Meals :Breakfast

Today, you travel to the Mekong River Delta on a day trip to explore the rich culture and lush fluvial landscape. After breakfast, your guide & driver will meet you at your hotel and take you to Cai Be. Start your tour with a visit to Cai Be floating market, cruising among the local barges stuffed-full of fruits and vegetables. Visit some local workshops then enjoy a delicious lunch served at a local house in the cool shade of An Binh Island’s orchards. In the afternoon, take a traditional rowboat and venture deeper into the countryside, floating through narrow canals to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Stop at a nursery garden to discover how farmers along the delta produce their world famous fruits and vegetables. The cruise ends around 15.00 and our driver will meet you at the dock and take you back to Saigon.

Meals :Breakfast, Lunch

08.00, pick up from your hotel and depart to Tay Ninh to visit the great Cao Dai Temple of the monotheistic religion of Caodaism.

Learn more about the sect and its relationship to Buddhism, Christianity and Confucianism. See the symbolic Left Eye of God and attend the noon ceremony organized by the followers of Cao Dai. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn more about the labyrinth of underground rooms used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

Explore the subterranean field hospitals, weapon factories and command centers, and try some of the main food of the Viet Cong with a cassava tasting served with tangy tea.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City around 19:00-19:30 

Meals :Breakfast, Lunch

Check out and free until we transfer you to airport for the departure flight.

Meals :Breakfast

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Why booking with us?

  • Fully Customizable Tour: The itinerary can be easily adapted to your specific requirements.
  • Flexible Payments: Deposit required with options for later final payment.
  • Best Price Guarantee: No third-party agents, book directly with the provider.
  • 24-Hour Emergency Contact: Dedicated hotlines available 24/7.
  • Comprehensive Package: Includes 5-star accommodation, domestic flights, all entrance fees, and key activities.

Dates & Availability

inclusions & exclusions

Important Notes

Inquire This Tour

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  • Private Tour: Personalized and exclusive, higher cost.
  • Join-in Tour: Shared experience with others, more affordable.

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