Vietnam Odyssey: A 10-Day Journey from the Northern Highlands to Southern Wonders

Your day begins with a hotel pick-up in Hanoi's Old Quarter between 7:30 – 8:30 AM, followed by a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Halong Bay. En route, we’ll make a short refreshment stop in Hai Duong province.

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At around 12:00 PM, arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor, where you’ll receive a warm welcome aboard our cruise. As you enjoy a refreshing welcome drink, our crew will give you a quick safety briefing. Then, check in to your cozy cabin and get ready for the day’s adventures.

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Head to the dining area to enjoy a fresh seafood lunch (vegetarian options available), all while cruising past the dramatic limestone karsts and emerald waters that make Halong Bay a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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After lunch, explore a local Pearl Farm, where you can kayak through the peaceful floating village and immerse yourself in the bay’s culture. We’ll then head to Titop Island – a perfect spot to swim or climb to the summit for panoramic views of the bay.

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As the sun begins to set, return to the cruise to relax or join a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn to make traditional Vietnamese spring rolls with our chef. In the evening, enjoy a BBQ seafood dinner on board, followed by optional entertainment: play chess or cards, sing karaoke, or try night squid fishing.

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End your day with a peaceful overnight stay in your comfortable cabin on the cruise.

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Note: This itinerary applies to a 3-star cruise. Programs for 4 or 5-star cruises may differ slightly in schedule and services.

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Accommodation:

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Overnight on Ha long cruise

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Begin your day at dawn atop the sundeck, sipping hot tea or coffee as you watch the sun paint the bay in golden hues. Join an optional Tai Chi session to gently awaken your body and take in the fresh sea breeze.

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After breakfast, disembark to explore Sung Sot Cave, Ha Long’s largest and most spectacular cavern. Your guide will lead you through its vast chambers, unveiling impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.

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Return to the cruise for a leisurely lunch on board as we sail back toward Ha Long City pier. On the way, our shuttle stops in Hai Duong province to take a small rest.

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You’ll be back in Hanoi by approximately 4:00 – 4:30 PM, with memories of Ha Long’s magic to last a lifetime.

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Note: Itinerary can be changed upon the weather condition

Above is itinerary of 3 star cruise, itineraries of 4 or 5 star cruises will be different

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Accommodation:

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Hanoi Lakeside Premium Hotel - 3 star or similar

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Today is yours to uncover the charms of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Stroll down its narrow, lantern-lit streets, browse hidden boutiques, and savor a traditional water-puppet show—a unique window into Vietnamese folklore.

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In the early evening, board your overnight train bound for Da Nang. Settled into your comfortable sleeper cabin, watch the city lights fade as the train follows Vietnam’s stunning coastline. Capture the romantic seaside vistas as you drift off to sleep.

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Approximate schedule:

• Afternoon: Hanoi Cyclo Tour/ Hanoi Sunset Jeep Tour/ Hanoi Vespa AfterDark
• Evening: Train departure from Hanoi Station
• Overnight: Scenic coastal train journey (≈ 13 hours)

Rest well on board and wake refreshed to begin your Central Vietnam adventure in Da Nang!

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Accommodation:

Night Train

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10:30

Arrive in Da Nang station and check-in into Hotel in Da Nang 

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13:30 – 14:00

We’ll pick you up at the designated meeting point and begin our journey to Linh Ung Pagoda on the scenic Son Tra Peninsula. Marvel at the towering Lady Buddha statue and take in sweeping panoramic views of Da Nang city and the coastline—perfect for unforgettable photos.

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16:00

Our next stop is Non Nuoc Village, nestled at the foot of the majestic Marble Mountains. This centuries-old village is renowned for exquisite stone carvings and marble sculptures crafted by local artisans.

You’ll also explore sacred temples hidden among the peaks and descend into mystical caves, where serenity and mystery blend beautifully.

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17:00

After saying farewell to the Marble Mountains, we head to the magical Hoi An Ancient Town. Step back in time as you stroll through lantern-lit streets lined with ancient houses, assembly halls, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge—all preserved just as they were centuries ago.

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As the sun sets, Hoi An comes alive with glowing colorful lanterns. Don’t miss the chance to shop for unique souvenirs at the vibrant Hoi An Night Market.

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19:00

Time to taste the local culinary delights—we’ll introduce you to Hoi An’s famous specialties at a cozy dinner spot.

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20:00 – 20:30

Say goodbye to the enchanting Hoi An and begin our journey back to Da Nang.

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21:00 – 21:30

Arrive back at your hotel in Da Nang. End of the tour—thank you for joining us, and see you on your next adventure!

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Accommodation:

Greenery Hotel 3-star or similar

­Estrella Boutique Hotel 4-star or similar

Chic Land Hotel 5-star or similar

13:00

We pick you up at your hotel and depart for My Son Sanctuary – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Danang city. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of the beach and countryside.

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14:45

Arrive at My Son Sanctuary. After check-in, an electric car will transfer you to the main site.

Enjoy a 2-hour guided walking tour to explore historic and cultural structures dating from the 4th to the 14th century, taking you back to the golden era of the Champa civilization.

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Our knowledgeable tour guide will share insights into the remaining structures, their origins, and the site's historical and cultural significance.

You will also enjoy a traditional Champa performance (Apsara Dance), offering a deeper look into the region’s unique heritage.

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17:00

We return to the minivan and head to a local family’s home to learn the art of making traditional rice paper.

Try your hand at crafting and enjoy this authentic cultural experience.

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17:30

Enjoy a home-cooked dinner with delicious local dishes served by our host family.

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18:45

Depart and return to Hoi An Ancient Town.

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Accommodation:

Lacasa Villa Hotel 3-star or similar

Lasenta Boutique Hotel 4-star or similar

Bellerive Resort & Spa 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, take some time to relax or explore until it's time for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you'll check in at a hotel located in the bustling heart of the city’s most popular tourist area.

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Feel free to spend the rest of the day at your leisure—whether it's relaxing at a café or diving into the dynamic urban atmosphere of Vietnam’s southern capital.

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Suggested Must-See Attractions:

• Independence Palace – A historic symbol of Vietnam’s reunification (Entrance: 40,000 VND/person)
• Nguyen Hue Walking Street – A lively pedestrian boulevard perfect for evening strolls and local culture
• Ben Thanh Market – A bustling market offering everything from souvenirs to local street food
• Central Post Office – A stunning piece of colonial architecture designed by Gustave Eiffel
• Notre Dame Cathedral – An iconic landmark with French Gothic charm
• City Hall – A beautiful colonial-era building, especially stunning when lit up at night
• Municipal Theater (Opera House) – A cultural gem showcasing French architecture and live performances

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Enjoy your night in Ho Chi Minh City and get ready for the next leg of your unforgettable journey through Vietnam!

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Accommodation:

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Elios Hotel 3-star or similar

The Odys Boutique Hotel 4-star or similar

Windsor Plaza Hotel 5-star or similar

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8:00 AM – Our friendly tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for an exciting day trip to the Mekong Delta.

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After a 2-hour scenic drive, we’ll arrive at the port and begin a leisurely boat cruise along the Tien River, where you’ll explore four charming islets named after mythical animals in Asian folklore: Dragon, Kirin, Tortoise, and Phoenix.

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Visit a Local Bee Farm

Enjoy a refreshing cup of honey tea with lemon—famous for its health benefits—and sample a colorful variety of tropical fruits, a specialty of the Delta. For the adventurous, there’s even a chance to take photos with pythons!

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Discover Traditional Coconut Candy

We’ll stop by a handmade coconut candy workshop, where you’ll see how these delicious local treats are crafted and get a chance to try them fresh.

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Experience “Đờn Ca Tài Tử” – Soul of the Delta

While relaxing on the boat, you’ll enjoy a live performance of Đờn Ca Tài Tử, a traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music genre recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. It’s a unique cultural moment you won’t forget.

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Bamboo Rowboat Ride & Horse-Drawn Carriage

Continue your adventure by rowing through a picturesque mangrove palm canal. Then, step back in time with a horse-drawn carriage ride through a peaceful village, just as locals did in the 19th century.

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Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda

End your journey with a visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda—the largest and most famous Buddhist temple in Southern Vietnam. Admire its unique architecture that beautifully blends Asian and Western influences. This historical site is located in My Tho Town.

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Tour Ends – Return to Ho Chi Minh City

After an enriching day of discovery and cultural immersion, we’ll take you back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

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Accommodation:

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Elios Hotel 3-star or similar

­The Odys Boutique Hotel 4-star or similar

Windsor Plaza Hotel 5-star or similar

Pick-up & Departure

Our guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you on a scenic 60 km (approximately 1.5-hour) drive to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, a remarkable underground system used during the Vietnam War.

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Introduction Documentary

Upon arrival, you'll watch a short documentary film that provides historical context and insights into how the tunnels were built and used during wartime.

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Explore the Underground Network

Begin your adventure by exploring the carefully constructed underground areas that include kitchens, bedrooms, storage spaces, weapons workshops, field hospitals, and command centers—essential elements that supported daily life below ground.

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Discover an Underground Town

Step into a recreated underground town and witness firsthand the living conditions of the Vietnamese guerrilla fighters.

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Hidden Trapdoors and Survival Tactics

Learn about the ingenious handmade traps, secret trapdoors, and other defense mechanisms that turned this tunnel system into an impenetrable fortress during wartime.

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Visit a Rice Paper Workshop

Stop by a local rice paper workshop and observe the traditional techniques still used today to produce this essential part of Vietnamese cuisine.

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Taste the Warrior’s Meal

Enjoy a tasting of guerrilla-style wartime food: boiled tapioca and hot tea—simple but symbolic of resilience and survival.

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Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Conclude your immersive journey into history and head back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

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Accommodation:

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Elios Hotel 3-star or similar

­The Odys Boutique Hotel 4-star or similar

Windsor Plaza Hotel 5-star or similar

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, take some free time to soak in the final moments of vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you choose to explore a few more charming corners, pick up last-minute souvenirs, or simply relax and reflect on your journey, we hope every moment is meaningful.

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At the appointed time, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your international flight home or onward destination.

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Thank you for choosing Bestour as your travel companion. We are truly honored to have been a part of your adventure through Vietnam. May the memories you’ve made stay with you for a lifetime, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable experiences in the future!