Vietnam Bucket List in 11 Days

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to the exit gate and look for your driver, who will be waiting in the lobby, holding the signboard with your name on it, if you cannot locate your driver, please go to the Airport information counter situated in the middle of Domestic and International arrival lobby (inside the terminal) and call the emergency numbers provided by your travel advisor for assistance. Your driver will come to meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in, free of charge.

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Ninh Binh is well known for its magical landscapes of limestone mountains rising from the paddies, fascinating history, and tranquil atmosphere. 

The tour guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby between 7:30 and 8:00 am (we will send you the exact time the day before the tour). Then hop on the shuttle bus and enjoy the 100 km drive to Hoa Lu, which used to be the ancient capital of Vietnam. Immerse yourself in the history while listening to your guide and admire the remaining temples honoring the first emperors of Vietnam: King Dinh and King Le, built in the 17th century.

Around 11:30 am, you will arrive at your next stop in Tam Coc, where you will enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch before getting on the rowing boat trip along the river. Explore the beauty of Tam Coc and Bich Dong. Within 1.5 hour's trip, you will visit three Tam Coc caves: Hang Ca (the first grotto), Hang Hai (the second grotto), and Hang Ba (the third grotto). Feel the special magic atmosphere while you are floating through the cave.

Now it is time for a cycling trip around the idyllic village to explore more beautiful sceneries. If you wish, we also can cycle to the Thai Vi temple, located nearby the Tam Coc wharf.

Around 16:00, hop on the shuttle bus and return to Hanoi. The approximate arrival time is 18:30.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Halong Bay is a natural wonder of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and once you arrive there, you will understand why. Get ready to be amazed by the world's most breathtaking views, and have a relaxing time on the cruise, enjoying the exciting activities we have prepared for you.

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After breakfast, check out of the hotel and leave Hanoi for Halong Bay.

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The cruise team will meet you at the hotel lobby between 8:00-9:00 am (we will confirm the exact time the day before the tour).

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Arrive at the jetty around noon and take a boat to the cruise. After a welcome onboard and check-in, lunch will be served while the cruise is making its way through the hundreds of islets.

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In the afternoon, enjoy some activities such as swimming and kayaking or visiting caves (depending on each boat’s itinerary), or just spend relaxing time on board.

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Towards the end of the day, the boat sets anchor for the night in a beautiful place, so don't miss the sunset before having dinner.

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Overnight on board

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Note:

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In case of bad weather, the itinerary might be changed or canceled if the boats will be not allowed to leave the port. Your travel consultant will plan other arrangements for you in this case.

The sun rises on Halong in the morning, and breakfast is served while the vessel cruises slowly back toward the port. Enjoy an early lunch before arriving at the port and disembarking. You will be transferred to the airport in Hanoi to take your flight to Hue.

Upon arrival, your driver will meet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free time.

Overnight in Hue

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hue used to be the capital of Vietnam during the imperial time and still keeps the royal vibes. Step back in time and explore the most remarkable cultural and historical sites of this wonderful town. Your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby between 8:00-8:30 am (we will confirm the exact time the day before the tour).

Start your day with a cruise down the Perfume river on the dragon boat and enjoy the fresh breeze coming from the river. Arrive at your first stop - Thien Mu Pagoda, which is one of the most famous landmarks of Hue built in the 17th century.

Then head to Hue Imperial Citadel, which used to be the home of Vietnam’s last royal family. Visit the Royal Antiques Museum, where you will find a collection of ornaments from the Nguyen Dynasty.

After we will take you to the busiest market in the town Dong Ba Market, where you can find all kinds of food and goods. Enjoy the shopping if you wish and have lunch with local delicacies.

In the afternoon, we will head out of the town to explore Khai Dinh King’s Tomb, which is considered to be the most elegant for its blend of Western and Eastern architecture. Then explore the most majestic royal tomb - Minh Mang King’s Tomb. Admire how its architecture harmoniously blends into its natural surroundings and enjoy the calm and peaceful atmosphere.

On the way back, stop at the Conical hat village and incense stick village (where you can see how these goods are produced. Arrive back at your hotel around 16:00-17:00.

Overnight in Hue

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel and check out, meet your driver, who will take you for 3.5 hours scenic drive to Hoi An along a coastal route passing mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. Upon arrival in Hoi An, check in at the hotel and enjoy your free time.

Overnight in Hoi An

Departure: 09:00 am

Meals: Breakfast

Discover the authentic lifestyle of the locals in Hoi An's countryside and spend an amazing time in the idyllic villages. 

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Meet your guide around 8:30 am (we will confirm the exact time the day before the tour) and head to the local food market to experience shopping like a local and buy the ingredients for your lunch. Then head to the Cam Thanh eco-village and immerse in the beauty of nature while you are wandering around. Then hop on the unique Vietnamese basket boat and cruise down the river through the palm forest to your next venue for fishing. After the fishing experience, get back to the village and learn how to cook Vietnamese meals, which you will have for lunch. 

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Have some rest after lunch and get back to your hotel around 13:00. 

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Overnight in Hoi An

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You will be picked up at your hotel lobby and transferred to Danang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel for check-in and free time.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Meals: Breakfast

Cu Chi, located 70 km out of Ho Chi Minh, was known as the “area of steel” in wartime. It has a system of tunnels over 200km, which was considered the unbreakable underground village in the Vietnam-American war. Today you will have a chance to touch the history and learn more about people's lives during the war.

Get up early in the morning and meet the guide between 7:30-8:00 am (we will confirm the exact time the day before the tour). Hop on the shuttle bus and head for 1.5 hour journey to Cu Chi.

Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will watch the introduction video showing how the tunnels were constructed and how the people were surviving the harsh conditions of wartime. Then, spend your time exploring the remaining area and tunnel systems and see the specially constructed living areas with kitchens, and bedrooms side by side with weapon warehouses, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels used for security purposes. Afterward, enjoy a cup of a special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) and have some rest before returning to Ho Chi Minh. The approximate arrival time is 15:00.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Meals: Breakfast

Mekong Delta is one of the most important regions of Vietnam, which supplies rice and fruits for the entire country. This is why Mekong Delta is also called the "rice bowl" o Vietnam. Exploring the maze of mangrove-lined riverways and visiting the local workshops and gardens will be a highlight of your holiday and will show you the countryside life of Southern Vietnam.

Have breakfast at the hotel and get ready for the pick-up between 7:30-8:00 am (we will confirm the exact time the day before the tour). Hop on the shuttle bus and take your way to My Tho. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda, which dated back to the late 19th century. Then board the sampan and cruise down the river around beautiful river islands. 

Have a stop on one of the islands to have a walk and explore the country lines and visit the orchards, where you can taste the tropical fruits while enjoying the folk music performance. 

Get back to the sampan to cruise through the Thoi Son canal and soak in the beauty of the countryside. Stop at another village to visit the local workshop to see how the coconut candies are made and see the honeybee farm. Treat yourself to honey tea and candies and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. 

Have lunch in the local restaurant and have some rest. In the afternoon, its a time for a cycling trip around Tan Thanh village to observe the local lifestyle. If you are not keen to cycle, you can relax in the hammock or just walk around the village. Then return to Ho Chi Minh, the approximate arrival time is 17:30. 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy some free time in the morning before transferring to the airport for your onward flight back home.

Meals: Breakfast