Overview

The 10-Day Classic Vietnam Tour is designed for people who wish to form an impression of the entire country within the span of a few days. You will travel from the southern to the northern edge of Vietnam, and observe and experience all the natural, historical and cultural features that make this country truly unique. Your tour starts from Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. The city has been known historically for its importance as a trading centre and continues to be one of the leadingeconomic hubs of Vietnam. Learn about the history of the city by visiting some of the significant sites, and tour the surrounding Mekong Delta on an enchanting river cruise. Visit the picturesque city of Dalat and enjoy its beautiful natural landscape. Enjoy a journey along the river by Nha Trang that is home to excellent examples of Cham architecture. Continue to learn more about the Cham dynasty as you take a tour of the museums and cultural landmarks of Danang City. Visit the ancient city of Hoi An on a day trip and observe its streets and buildings that represent Chinese and Vietnamese cultures. Reach Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam for more memorable experiences. Tour the city like a local on the back of a scooter, and try the local street food. Visit the neighbouring NinhBinh and cycle around the Van Long Wetland Reserve. Finish your tour in style with a 3-day cruise to the Halong Bay. 

9 Nights 10 Days Available on request Phu Bai Airport
Inclusions/Exclusions
What we'll give. What we won't

What is included in the tour

  • All meals and beverages as specified in the itinerary
  • All local transport and domestic air transfers
  • All local permits and day tickets
  • Local guides who speak English
  • Other services specified in the itinerary 

What is NOT included in the tour

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance (if any)
  • Meals and beverages not provided in the itinerary
  • Charges to visit sites not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Additional services not specified in the itinerary
Highlights
What makes this tour special
  • Explore the historical sites of Ho Chi Minh City
  • Experience the Mekong Delta on a boat trip to Cai Be
  • Visit the Truc Lam Pagoda and the Dalanta Waterfall in Dalat
  • Enjoy a sunset cruise at Danang
  • Explore Halong Bay on a 3-day river cruise 
Itinerary
Day 1 (Saigon City Highlights, Cu Chi Tunnels, Cao Dai Church) (-, L, D)
  • Arrive at Ho Chi Minh City, the thriving trade and industrial centre of Southern Vietnam. Formerly known as Saigon, the city served as an important trading port since ancient times, and was admired by traders from both Asian and Western countries. Visit the old Chinese quarters of the city (also known as Cholon) and observe the ancient ThienHau Pagoda dedicated to the Chinese goddess Mazu. Explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market in District 1, one of the earliest surviving buildings in the city. Look through the products such as local handicrafts, fabrics, and souvenirs. You might also want to taste a local snack in the market. Go on to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a beautiful example of French architecture during the colonial era. Another significant historical building is the Reunification Palace, or the Independence Palace, former home to the erstwhile president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The structure is symbolic of the Fall of Saigon in 1975. Visit the War Remnants Museum for further insights into the war history of Vietnam. For the next hour, tour the streets of Saigon in a cycle-rickshaw, one of the conventional modes of transport in the country. This ride will unravel the everyday goings-on in the city. Enjoy an authentic Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, and afterwards go on an adventurous trip to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels near the city. The tunnels are an extensive network of underground tunnels with a central axis running for about 200 kilometres. These web of tunnels were used as hideouts and shelters during the Vietnam War. Gain some great insight into the wartime conditions of the Viet Cong soldiers as you crawl through some of the tunnels. Your last stop for the day is the Cao Dai Church known as TayNinh. The Cao Dai religionwas founded in 1926. Itis inspired by the doctrines of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity, and propagates the feeling of peace and harmony among all. Admire the astonishingly beautiful decorations in the inner chamber and the tranquil worshippers in their long white tunics. You can stop at a cup of coffee at a café, or directly return to your hotel for an early dinner.
Day 2 (Cai Be Princess Cruise, Arrival at Dalat) (B, L, D)
  • Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Mekong River in the morning. Start early from your hotel to reach the harbour of Cai Be, where an elegant Vietnamese sampan called the ‘Cai Be Princess’ is waiting to welcome you aboard. Your first stop will be at the fascinating Cai Be floating market, where you will find animated buyers and sellers with their boats laden with fresh produce. Visit Le Longanier, a beautiful Indochinese villa in a tropical garden along the river bank, and enjoy your lunch there. Continue your riverine journey as your sampan passes by islands with beautiful fruit orchards and approaches the Dong HoaPhu canal. You can choose to visit either the An Binh Church or the Tam Ho Bonsai Garden before you head back to the city. After a brief rest at your hotel, it will be time for you to leave for Dalat. You will reach your hotel in Dalat at night, where dinner will be waiting for you.
Day 3 (Tour of Truc Lam Pagoda and the Datanla Falls, Arrival at ) (B, L, D)
  • Experience the spectacular natural landscapes of Dalat. You will be taken to the cable car station where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Board the ropeway and enjoy a thrilling ride to the hilltop; sooth your eyes with the lush green pine forests that stretch over the hills. The Truc Lam Pagoda is situated at the top of the Phuong Hoang Mountain. It is renowned as the largest mediation institute in Vietnam. Marvel at the beautiful building by the Tuyen Lam Lake, surrounded by pine forests. The pagoda is divided into three zones for monks, nuns and visitors. After visiting the pagoda, you can enjoy the scenic view more fully by taking a boat trip on the lake. Built in the 1980s, it is one of the largest human-made lakes in this region. 
  • Your next stop is the Dalanta Waterfalls, only 5 kilometres away from the city. Experience a memorable roller coaster ride that will take you through the pine forests and then plunge 200 meters alongside the fall. Don’t worry if you are not a hard-core adventurer; there are handbrakes available for passengers so that you can decide the speed at which you want to go! After the ride, you can climb up to the top again by the coaster, or you can choose to take the stairs that will enable you to stop and admire the beautiful view.
  • After lunch at your hotel, board your car for a leisurely ride to Nha Trang.
Day 4 (Nha Trang Island and City Tour, Arrival at Danang) (B, L, D)
  • Enjoy Nha Trang to the fullest by taking a tour of the city and the surrounding islands. Beginyour journey by visiting the ancient Po Nagar Temples built during the reign of the Cham Dynasty. Admire the surrounding scenery as you climb up the Mount Cu Lao either by the walking route or the elevator. You will enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city, the bay and the countryside once you reach the top. The Cham towers are a spectacular sight. This complex of Hindu temples dates back to the 2nd Century AD and is still a pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Continue your journey by driving to the local pier and embark on a boat cruise to visit some of the neighboring islands. Visit a local fishing village to learn more about their livelihood. In the afternoon, you will take a flight to the city of Danang. Relax at your hotel for the evening; you can choose from an array of services provided at your hotel.
Day 5 (Danang and Hoi An Experience, Sunset Cruise at Danang) (B, L, D)
  • Visit the Cham Museum in Danang to view some beautiful ancient artefacts, including seventh-century Champa sculptures. Go on to enjoy a cycle-rickshaw tour along the Han River. Stop at a local market where you will find some attractive souvenirs to take home. Your next stop is the Marble Mountains, a beautiful hill-range with exotic natural scenery, as well as ancient temples and pagodas. You can reach there by either climbing up the staircase or by elevator for a nominal charge. After you admire a panoramic view of the city from the top and observe the representations of Cham architecture, climb down and enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant. Drive to the ancient city of Hoi An, and explore its streets and neighbourhoods by taking a walking tour through the heart of the town. Your last stop for the day is a boat builder’s yard where you will reach by a short cruise. Learn about the craft of boat-making as you observe the artisans engrossed in work. Before you return, take a quick tour of a neighbouring village that is known for pottery and brick-making.
  • Relax and enjoy the spectacular coastal life in Danang as you embark on a sunset cruise. Drive to the local pier and board the ship that will take you on a river cruise to Cua Dai. Observe the picturesque boat fleet that is set to venture out into the sea. You will interact with some of these fishers and learn about the ancient technique of casting nets. Stop at a fishing village to learn to row a bamboo basket boat; a tricky affair, but you will learn after a few trials! Return to your boat to enjoy the view of the setting sun from the deck with a refreshing drink in hand.
Day 6 (Arrival at Hanoi, Vespa Tour and Street Food Trail) (B, L, D)
  • Arrive at Hanoi, at the vibrant capital city of Hanoi, where there is no dearth of adventures. Check in at your hotel and enjoy your lunch before you set out to explore the city. Today, you will get to see a different side of Vietnam. In the evening, embark on a Vespa tour to experience the nightlife of Hanoi. Explore the streets of the city with your local guide on the back of the scooter, and stop to eat at various roadside stalls. You will be surprised by the variety of local Vietnamese cuisine that usually remains unknown to tourists. Conclude your tour by visiting a Jazz Club and enjoying live music and drinks.
Day 7 (Cycle Tour, Visit to Van Long Wetland Reserve) (B, L, D)
  • Visit the Van long Wetland Reserve to get a glimpse of Vietnam’s rich biodiversity. The reserve serves as a habitat for a variety of seasonal migratory birds and many endemic species, including the endangered Delacour’s langur. Your tour starts with a drive to NinhBinh. Arrive at the Van Long Stilt House and embark on a cycling tour through the local hamlets. You will come across many temples, pagodas and markets along the way. Visit the CauVang Hamlet and interact with the local farmers to understand more about their cultivating practices. You can also take part in some of their daily activities like sowing, planting, or fishing. Prepare a Vietnamese lunch at a local home. A chef from the Stilt House will assist you. After lunch, cycle up to the Van Long Wetland Reserve. Enjoy the fascinating landscape by touring the reserve on a sampan, and spot some of the exotic animals or birds if you are fortunate! Reach the Van Long pier in the evening to return to Hanoi. 
Day 8(Cruise to Halong Bay, Visit to the Sung Sot Cave) (B, L, D)
  • The enchanting Halong Bay is renowned for its sparkling green waters and its surrounding limestone islands. Tourists find it an ideal place for taking a boat or kayaking trip, as well as scuba diving and rock climbing. Embark on a three-day river cruise to experience the beauty of Halong Bay. Reach the pier after breakfast where the V’Spirit Classic cruise ship is waiting for you. After a quick briefing, you will set out on your journey. Enjoy the view of the limestone islands as you have lunch on the deck. Visit the famous Sung Sot Cave and explore the impressive interiors adorned with stalactites. You can take part in a cooking class on the sun deck, and enjoy the sunset party in the evening. Feast on a decadent seafood dinner as you interact with other guests.
Day 9 (Visit to Dong Ho Tien Cave, Cua Van Floating Village)(B, L, D)
  • Begin your day on a refreshing note by joining a Tai Chi session on the deck. After breakfast, set out on a boat trip to the Dong Ho Tien cave. The cave is also known as the Fairy Lake Cave, and you will agree that such a name is entirely appropriate for a place as enchanting as this. A narrow entrance gives way to a large spacious chamber with sparkling stalactites of various shapes and sizes hanging from the ceiling. Go on to explore the Cua Van floating village on a kayak, and learn about their lives and livelihood. You will also visit another floating hamlet that specialises in making pearls. Observe some of their techniques before returning to the V’Spirit.  After dinner, you can try your hand at squid fishing from the deck!
Day 10 (Visit to Titov Island, Return to Hanoi, Departure) (B, L, -)
  • On the last day of the cruise, visit the beautiful beaches of the Titov Island. You can enjoy a refreshing swim. Reach the highest point of the island to enjoy a scenic view of the Halong Bay. On its way back to Hanoi, the cruise will take you along the Ba Hang fishing village at the Dog Islet. Observe a fruit carving demonstration on board before lunch is served. You will reach the harbour at noon, where your car will pick you up and take you to the airport. Heading back home, you are sure to heave a sigh of contentment as you think of the fantastic memories you have made of the beautiful country Vietnam. 
Pickup point
Directions.
Phu Bai Airport, Cầu Phú Bài, tt. Phú Bài, Hương Thủy, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam View on Map